What is the difference between CoDrone EDU and CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.)?
Updated
by
Robolink Support
The CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition) was designed to match the functionality and core design of the standard CoDrone EDU, except some of its internal components are sourced from different manufacturers to meet the needs of changing security policies. Specifically, it was created to comply with funding and sourcing guidelines for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs, including NDAA Section 889 compliance. These components are sourced from approved vendors, with final assembly completed through our manufacturing partners in Korea, ensuring that JROTC programs can confidently use their funding to purchase and deploy the CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition).
What else has changed?
There are a few design changes implemented in CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition) worth mentioning, but none of them affect or improve its performance over CoDrone EDU.
- First, CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition) has switched over to USB-C - this includes the battery charger, drone USB port, and controller USB port. Don't worry - the devices that you use for programming don't need any USB-C ports. The other end of the cable is still a standard USB-A cable.
- Second, the controller now uses the same battery as the drone, making it lighter and allowing it to charge a drone battery as well. A new green LED indicator shows whether the battery is charging or fully charged.
Aside from these two changes, there are other minor differences that do not affect the drone's performance. These include changes such as the frame color, the number of screws in the shell, and some menu adjustments on the controller screen. However, in terms of performance, the two editions of the drone are the same. You won't have any advantage or disadvantage by having either of the drones in the Aerial Drone Competition.
Why does the CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition) cost more than the CoDrone EDU?
Sourcing parts that meet the needs of changing security policies means that some of these components are more expensive. As a result, the price of the JROTC edition ends up being higher.
Is the CoDrone EDU (JROTC edition) a better drone than the CoDrone EDU?
No, it's not a superior drone. The specifications between the two drones are identical. The only differences are in the sourcing of certain components inside of the drone for security policy reasons.
Comparison Chart
CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.) | CoDrone EDU | |
Age group | 12+ | 12+ |
Pricing | $314.99 | $214.99 |
Coding languages | Blockly, Python | Blockly, Python |
Device compatibility | Chromebook (Blockly only), macOS, Windows | Chromebook (Blockly only), macOS, Windows |
Wireless protocol | Radio 2.4 GHz | Radio 2.4 GHz |
Drone battery & charge time | 3.7V | 530mAh | 20C 7-8 min flight time 60 mins charge time | 3.7V | 530mAh | 20C 7-8 min flight time 60 mins charge time |
Controller battery | Lipo battery (same battery as drone) | 2x AA batteries (not included) |
Number of included Lipo batteries | 3 | 2 |
Sensors | Gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, optical flow, bottom range, front range, dual underside color sensor | Gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, optical flow, bottom range, front range, dual underside color sensor |
Weight & dimensions | 54.8 g / 1.93 oz 138.8 x 138.5 x 34.8 mm 5.45 x 5.45 x 1.38 in | 54.8 g / 1.93 oz 138.8 x 138.5 x 34.8 mm 5.45 x 5.45 x 1.38 in |
Made in | South Korea | China |
USB cable | USB-C to USB-A | Micro USB to USB-A |
Section 889 Compliant | Yes | Yes |
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@robolink.com. If you run into any technical issues while using CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.), please email support@robolink.com.
