Guys, please check this video I made to show drone starting with folded (& unfolded propellers)!

Guys, please check this video I made to show drone starting with folded (& unfolded propellers)!

wow!!!
Excellent comparison.
I never forget to unfold the propellers.
Thank you very much!

Nicely done! Pretty clear what happens when you start with them folded!

Thanks for the share. Will unfold my props in future

Very good job, aguilera_br!
It is very important for everyone to know exactly why it is strongly suggested to start the engines with the props unfolded.
Congratulations.

that spark shakes like crazy starting up with them folded..........mavic not so much

rolling56 Posted at 2017-10-30 08:36
that spark shakes like crazy starting up with them folded..........mavic not so much

I disagree, look at the Mavic’s gimbal.  They both don’t like folded props.  OP, great informative video.  

Always unfold the props .... the cynical side of me says 'DJI don't mind you starting motors when folded as it generates extra income over time'.

It's common sense really ... they are out of balance when folded or even slightly unfolded. Anyone who has flown copters for years will understand the principle behind balancing props.

Oracle Miata Posted at 2017-10-30 08:49
I disagree, look at the Mavic’s gimbal.  They both don’t like folded props.  OP, great informative video.

Maybe you read my post wrong?............the mavic not SO much!

Glad I always unfold the props...just takes a few secs. Not too much loss of flight time. Saves it from those violent gimbal shakes.

I've never understood why anyone would start with folded props, but this video is a good demonstration of why you shouldn't! The gimbal gets shaken around pretty violently with folded props.

Anyway, take the 3 extra seconds to unfold your props before start up... It's a good time to check that the props are correctly mounted to the motors!

Man, what a difference.
Thanks!

crikey I thought they was going to fall apart! I will always open my propellers

Wow, and thanks .  A lot more stress involved in starting those birds with the propellers folded.

Awesome, thanks

Wow cool comparision video i usualy mostly unfold the props tho

Thank you for stopping me from a very bad habit.

I never start up with props folded, just a habit I formed lol, looks like a lot of unnecessary stress put on the motors

Thanks for making this. Didn't realise it would have such an effect on the Spark, especially the gimbal

jksphoto Posted at 2017-11-28 06:39
Thanks for making this. Didn't realise it would have such an effect on the Spark, especially the gimbal

It vibrates more... for about 5 props rotation... and then it's the same whether your start props folded or unfolded... The manual DOES tell you to unfold them.

Very informative video. Thanks. It takes two seconds to unfold the props and I'm thinking DJI recommends they be unfolded before startup.

ggravier Posted at 2018-2-22 02:29
It vibrates more... for about 5 props rotation... and then it's the same whether your start props folded or unfolded... The manual DOES tell you to unfold them.

I always unfold them before take off.

Thank you so much for that!

Yep - you sure showed that with folded props that camera and all else get the shakes, unfolded is better for sure.  

good vid. i am glad i always unfolded :-)

I would be interested in seeing this same experiment on some other flat but not so slippery (as tiles) floor.

coll - interesting and nicely done