Since its release in September of 2024, the DJI Neo has been a drone favorite to many around the globe. Much of this has to do with its small size, sub-150g weight, multiple intelligent flight modes, and control options, all in affordable pricing options.
Because of the many flight modes packed in such a small and lightweight package, along with its removable propeller guards, the DJI Neo is perfect for those on the go whether outdoors, or even indoors.
This article will be a step-by-step tutorial showing how to remove the DJI Neo’s propeller guards and change the propellers, should the need arise. We’ll also examine why one might want to remove the propeller guards.
Benefits of the Propeller Guards
One of the great things about the DJI Neo is that it is a relatively safe drone because of its minimal effects (if any) on people or property should a crash occur. Much of this is due to the weight of the Neo, weighing in at a mere 135g.
Additionally, the propeller guards on the Neo fully encase all of the motors.
This enables the Neo to fly in tight spaces, without harming most objects, as the motors are not exposed. Of course, care should be taken when flying the Neo around branches and small limbs, as these could potentially reach the motors.
One of the more interesting benefits of having propeller guards that fully encase the motors on the Neo is that in the United States, it can be used as a category 1 drone, meaning that, Part-107 pilots can operate the Neo over people when an RID module is attached.
Why remove Propeller Guards?
With the two mentioned benefits of having propeller guards on the Neo, why would anyone consider removing them?
Weight Savings
The Neo is already an extremely lightweight drone. However, removing both propeller guards drops the overall weight a few grams, which nets the DJI Neo more flight time.
Exactly how much flight time is gained from removing the props?
According to DJI, the Neo with propeller guards attached achieves flight times of up to 17 minutes and up to 18 minutes with the guards removed.
While this might not seem like much of an increase in flight, that extra 1 minute of flight time might be the difference between the Neo force landing randomly or instead in your hand. Of course, flying any drone battery down to nearly 0% is not advised, but it might happen nonetheless.
Open Access to the Propellers
The most obvious reason to remove either propeller guard from the DJI Neo would be to have full access to the propellers.
Although the Neo’s props are fully encased and protected, there may be times when the propellers need to be changed or replaced.
With 3rd party companies making accessories for the Neo, there may come a time when aftermarket propellers, by the likes of companies such as Master Air Screw, become available. Easily accessing the current propellers will be beneficial for swapping them out.
Additionally, propellers, like any moving part, can wear out over time. Or, they might get damaged if the Neo is flown without the propeller guards attached.
In either case, the propellers will need to be changed. Removing the propeller guards ensures the props can be removed or swapped out should that time arrive.
Understanding Propellers
Here at Droneblog, we like to use an analogy when thinking about drone propellers.
Drone propellers are like tires on a vehicle. Tires are the only thing connecting a vehicle to the road. Likewise, props connect the drone with the air.
Just as you would inspect, rotate, or change tires on a vehicle before a long trip, you would want to inspect or change the propellers on your Neo periodically.
While drone manufacturers don’t specifically recommend changing props after a specific number of hours or flights, DJI support and other drone manufacturers have been known to suggest changing propellers after 200-300 flights.
When to Change Propellers
There are various things to look for to determine whether the propellers on the DJI need to be changed.
Propellers need to be changed if they are:
- Warped
- Chipped, Cracked, Dinged, or Dented
- Discolored
- Making odd noises
In short, to ensure safe flights, you should change your Neo’s propellers when they have been on for too long (resulting in discoloration), when they appear worn and/or damaged, or when they have come in contact with an object.
How to Remove the Propeller Guard(s)
One of the nice things about the propeller guards on the Neo is that, although the Neo might feel like a toy, the prop guards are affixed snuggly.
This is great for protecting the Neo in the case of contact with various solid objects.
To remove the propeller guard(s):
STEP 1: Locate the first tab on the prop guard and lift it (with either your nail or the included screwdriver).
This will disconnect the tab from the notch on the Neo’s airframe.
STEP 2: Continue working around the airframe, pulling the tabs. Once all five tabs have been removed, the propeller guard will detach from the airframe.
How to Change Propellers
Before changing the propellers it is important to use the correct propeller for its motor location. If the wrong propeller is used, the Neo will either fail to take off or fly incorrectly.
If you look at the two propeller packages your spare Neo propellers are in, the packages are color-coded by motor location.
The front right and rear left propeller packages are color-coded yellow, and the front left and rear right propeller packages are color-coded blue.
When preparing to change propellers, you’ll need the screwdriver included in the DJI Neo box and the proper spare set of propellers, either yellow or blue, for the respective motor location.
To change the propellers:
STEP 1: Remove the proper propeller from its packaging, ensuring it is the correct propeller for the right motor location.
You can also remove the spare screws and set them aside, saving them as future spares.
STEP 2: Unscrew the propeller.
STEP 3: Set aside the damaged propeller. Next, carefully screw in the new propeller or both.
Although this is fairly straightforward and simple, putting the new propellers on incorrectly or loosely may result in a crash or the loss of the Neo.
