Dusted off old quad - Problems!

[Binnes]

Hi, Its been a while.

Dusted off an old quad a few weeks back which I probably hadn';t used for 2 years. It seems that it no longer wants to head skyward!

When I try to get it off the ground it starts oscillates really badly, feels like it has no power and I would even go so far as to say the prop speed seems to vary despite me not touching the throttle. After this happened the first time I went through everything repeatedly and bench tested it thoroughly, no issues. As soon as I go out to the field it does the same thing...

I have had it in the air but it is very, very unstable and seemed like it was struggling for power.

I made a video of it earlier today. I didn';t get it in the air as I could tell from the oscillation on the ground that the problems had not been cured despite the extensive bench testing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlZPh9zhaV0

Anyone suggest where to start to hunt down the route cause?

Ben.

[hoverfly]

For what it';s worth I would recalibrate the system,   that at least will give you a starting point.

[Binnes]

I have recalibrated everything, at least once.

I';m thinking I might re-install the firmware and start from scratch...

[ched]

I have recalibrated everything, at least once.
I';m thinking I might re-install the firmware and start from scratch...

I know it';s really silly but start from scratch. i.e. check motors are rotating in correct direction, correct props on each motor, does the quad move in the correct directions when viewed in the FC software, does the FC software show your tx/rx are correct?
Also before flashing FW make a note of which fw you have and all pid settings so you can go back if necessary.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Gav]

that';s APM for ya - more tinkering than flying 

Looks like it wants to fly - did you check out the gain levels and play with them?  Looks as if they are cranked up too high.
Pitch and Roll all working correctly when linked to the ground station software? (HUD dials moving as you tilt it etc)?

[Jazzz]

Check you haven';t put the back left prop on upside down ...the righting should be on top..

[Binnes]

Check you haven';t put the back left prop on upside down ...the righting should be on top..

Thanks for suggestions, not had a chance to get in the man cave this week. Tomorrow hopefully!

Props defo on the right way up though, I checked that on the way past earlier...

Ben.