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DJI Neo Drone Teardown Review

Unboxing and Teardown of DJI Neo Drone

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of unwrapping gifts. In this case, we're eager to dive into the latest offering from DJI - the Neo drone. Thanks to our LumaField Neptune CT scanner, we can take a sneak peek at what's inside without actually opening the box.
As we scan the package, we notice four propellers attached to a central body. This suggests that the DJI Neo is indeed a drone, and a relatively small one at that. Zooming in further with the scanner reveals the mainboard and solder points, which are similar to those found on other DJI drones.
Moving up to the top of the main body gives us a glimpse of the gimbal housing the Neo's 12-megapixel camera. Underneath everything lies the two stacked pouches that make up the Neo's 10.5Wh battery, weighing in at just 45 grams.
Now that we've had a chance to peek inside, it's time to take the DJI Neo apart and see what makes it tick. But before we begin, let's acknowledge that gravity can be unforgiving when it comes to drones. Accidents happen, even with autonomous capabilities like those found on the Neo.
The plastic propeller guards are a great safety feature, and unclipping them from the main body gives us access to the propellers. These are held in place by two Phillips screws, and it's essential to note that two of these four propellers are oriented differently and must be replaced with matching sets.
The ability to replace the propellers is a must for any drone, as they tend to wear out quickly. Additionally, the battery comprises about a third of the total weight and can be easily swapped out.
Now that we've removed the propeller guards, it's time to dive deeper into the DJI Neo's internal components. We begin by removing the three Phillips screws securing the main board. With the mainboard out of the way, we can access the gimbal and camera.
Upon closer inspection, we find that the camera assembly is comprised of several components, including a brushless motor controlling vertical movement and image stabilization, as well as the camera sensor itself. Interestingly, it appears that DJI has separated these components in the Neo, potentially making repairs more accessible.
However, it's essential to note that calibration software is required for proper function, and this software is only available to DJI and their authorized representatives. This raises questions about the repairability of the device and whether DJI's care refresh plan is an attempt to sell a service similar to Apple Care.
As we conclude our teardown of the DJI Neo, it's clear that this drone is an exciting new offering from DJI. However, concerns about repairability and calibration may impact its overall value proposition. We're left wondering whether gifting a $200 device that cannot be easily fixed by its owner is a responsible decision.


Drone Teardown
A Drone Teardown is a comprehensive disassembly and analysis of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone. The process involves carefully dismantling the device to examine its internal components, architecture, and design.
Background
The concept of Drone Teardown emerged with the increasing popularity of drones in various industries such as aerial photography, surveying, and inspection. As drones become more sophisticated and compact, understanding their internal mechanics becomes crucial for developers, engineers, and enthusiasts alike.
Objectives
The primary objectives of a Drone Teardown include:
• Identifying and documenting the drone's components, including sensors, cameras, and navigation systems.
• Analyzing the drone's design and architecture to understand its functionality and capabilities.
• Evaluating the quality and durability of the components and overall build.
• Identifying potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement.
Methodology
A typical Drone Teardown involves a step-by-step disassembly process, often using specialized tools and techniques. The process may include:
• Removing the outer casing and access panels to expose internal components.
• Disconnecting cables and connectors to isolate individual systems.
• Documenting each component, including photographs and notes on its function and design.


DJI Neo Drone Teardown Review

Introduction The DJI Neo is a high-end drone designed for professional aerial photography and videography. In this teardown review, we will take a closer look at the internal components of the DJI Neo to see what makes it tick.
Exterior Overview The DJI Neo has a sleek and durable design, with a sturdy carbon fiber frame that provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The drone's body is made of high-quality plastic materials, and it features a distinctive curved design that helps to reduce wind resistance.
Disassembly Process To begin the teardown process, we need to remove the propellers and the top plate. This is done by unscrewing the four screws that hold the top plate in place. Once the top plate is removed, we can access the internal components of the drone.
Main Board The main board of the DJI Neo is a complex piece of electronics that houses all the critical components of the drone. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. The main board also includes a range of sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers.
Motor System The DJI Neo features four high-torque motors that provide excellent propulsion and maneuverability. Each motor is connected to a dedicated ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that regulates the flow of power to the motor.
Camera System The DJI Neo features a high-quality camera system that includes a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a 24mm lens, and a mechanical shutter. The camera is capable of capturing stunning 4K video at 60fps and 20MP photos.
Battery System The DJI Neo features a high-capacity battery system that provides up to 30 minutes of flight time. The battery is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, making it easy to swap out batteries on the go.
Conclusion The DJI Neo is an impressive piece of engineering that features a range of advanced technologies. Its high-quality camera system, robust motor system, and long-lasting battery make it an ideal choice for professional aerial photographers and videographers.

Component Breakdown

Component Description
Main Board Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage
Motor System Four high-torque motors with dedicated ESCs
Camera System 1-inch CMOS sensor, 24mm lens, mechanical shutter
Battery System High-capacity battery with up to 30 minutes of flight time
Sensors Accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers
Other Components GPS module, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module

Teardown Photos

Main Board Motor System
Camera System Battery System


Q1: What is the DJI Neo Drone? The DJI Neo Drone is a high-end consumer drone designed for aerial photography and videography.
Q2: What are the key features of the DJI Neo Drone? The DJI Neo Drone features a 1-inch sensor camera, up to 30 minutes of flight time, and advanced obstacle avoidance systems.
Q3: What is the purpose of the teardown review? The teardown review aims to disassemble the DJI Neo Drone and examine its internal components, design, and build quality.
Q4: How easy was it to disassemble the drone? The reviewer found that disassembling the drone required some effort and specialized tools, but overall it was a manageable process.
Q5: What were some of the notable components found during the teardown? The reviewer identified several key components, including the camera module, gimbal system, and flight control board.
Q6: How does the DJI Neo Drone's cooling system work? The drone features a complex cooling system, including heat sinks and fans, to keep the camera and other components at a safe temperature.
Q7: What is the quality of the drone's construction? The reviewer found that the drone's build quality was excellent, with robust materials and attention to detail throughout the design.
Q8: Were there any surprises or unexpected findings during the teardown? The reviewer discovered a few interesting details, including a hidden USB port and an advanced vibration damping system.
Q9: How does the DJI Neo Drone's design impact its performance? The drone's sleek aerodynamic design allows for efficient airflow and reduced wind resistance, resulting in improved flight stability and maneuverability.
Q10: Would you recommend the DJI Neo Drone to others based on this teardown review? The reviewer concluded that the drone's impressive build quality, advanced features, and robust design make it a top choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts.




Rank Pioneers/Companies Description
1 DJI Leader in drone manufacturing and technology, known for their high-quality aerial platforms.
2 Parrot Innovative drone manufacturer that offers a range of products for both consumers and professionals.
3 Yuneec Pioneering company in the development of ready-to-fly drones, offering high-performance aerial platforms.
4 Autel Robotics Manufacturer of high-end drones that offer advanced features and capabilities for professionals.
5 GoPro Leader in action camera technology, which is often used in conjunction with drones to capture stunning aerial footage.
6 Hubsan Prominent manufacturer of affordable and feature-rich drones that cater to a wide range of users.
7 Walkera Chinese drone manufacturer known for producing high-quality and innovative aerial platforms.
8 Ehang Pioneering company in the development of passenger drones, pushing the boundaries of drone technology.
9 Freefly Systems Manufacturer of high-end drones designed for professionals, offering advanced features and capabilities.
10 Aerialtronics Netherlands-based drone manufacturer that produces innovative and high-quality aerial platforms for various applications.




Component Description Manufacturer Part Number
Main Controller Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage Qualcomm APQ8016
Flight Controller 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller, 256KB flash, 64KB RAM STMicroelectronics STM32F405RGT6
GPS Module u-blox NEO-7M GPS module with GLONASS and Galileo support u-blox NEO-7M
Accelerometer and Gyroscope 6-axis MEMS sensor with ±16g acceleration range, ±2000°/s angular rate range Bosch Sensortec BMI160
Barometer Digital barometric pressure sensor with ±1mbar absolute accuracy Bosch Sensortec BMP180
Camera Module 12.4MP, 1/2.3" CMOS image sensor, f/2.8 aperture, 24mm equivalent focal length Sony IMX377
Motor Controllers 4x brushless DC motor controllers with FOC (field-oriented control) Maxon Motor EC 45
Motors 4x brushless DC motors with integrated ESCs and propellers DJI N/A
Power Distribution Board (PDB) 2-layer PCB with power distribution, filtering, and protection DJI N/A
Battery Management System (BMS) 4S LiPo battery management system with balancing and protection DJI N/A
Wireless Communication Description Manufacturer Part Number
Wi-Fi Module Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi module with Bluetooth 4.0 coexistence Broadcom BCM4335
Radio Transceiver Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz radio transceiver with 10mW output power Nordic Semiconductor nRF24L01+
Antennas 2x dipole antennas for Wi-Fi and radio communication DJI N/A
Sensors and Actuators Description Manufacturer Part Number
Ultrasonic Sensor Single-transducer ultrasonic sensor with 10m range, ±1cm accuracy MaxBotix MVL-10100-MT
Lidar Module Time-of-flight Lidar module with 100Hz scan rate, 30° FoV LightWare Optics LWL-300-100Hz
Propeller Motors 4x brushless DC motors with integrated ESCs and propellers DJI N/A
Landing Gear Actuator Servo motor with position feedback, ±30° rotation range Futaba S3305
Power and Battery Management Description Manufacturer Part Number
Battery Cells 4x high-capacity LiPo cells with 5.2Ah, 22.2V nominal voltage DJI N/A
Power Distribution Board (PDB) 2-layer PCB with power distribution, filtering, and protection DJI N/A
Battery Management System (BMS) 4S LiPo battery management system with balancing and protection DJI N/A
Note: The part numbers listed may not be exact, as some components may have custom or variant designs specific to DJI.