Hey everyone. My spark just arrived today. I calibrated it in a non interference area but it kept on drifting for no reason after takeoff. Has anyone else had the same issue? It had GPS too.

Hi, did you check the mode before take off? Was it GPS ready to go (atleast 8-10 gps), are you flying in a clear distinct pattern on ground (for VPS to kick in).

Please calibrate the IMU first, the Spark should be placed in a six different directions for IMU calibration.
Then please fly the drone to almost 10 meters height with fine GPS signal to see will the drone still drift. Besides, please make sure that you had upgraded the drone to the latest firmware.

DJI Thor Posted at 2017-8-7 02:59
Please calibrate the IMU first, the Spark should be placed in a six different directions for IMU calibration.
Then please fly the drone to almost 10 meters height with fine GPS signal to see will the drone still drift. Besides, please make sure that you had upgraded the drone to the latest firmware.

I did upgrade it. I was really confused because it didn't tell me to calibrate the IMU. Thanks for your help!

Indi91 Posted at 2017-8-7 01:51
Hi, did you check the mode before take off? Was it GPS ready to go (atleast 8-10 gps), are you flying in a clear distinct pattern on ground (for VPS to kick in).

It was in GPS. It had 18. I didn't get prompted to calibrate the IMU so I must do that.

Logan09870 Posted at 2017-8-7 13:04
I did upgrade it. I was really confused because it didn't tell me to calibrate the IMU. Thanks for your help!

IMU can be calibrated without prompts.  dont have to do it very often, but if the spark gets less stable with no winds like wobbly or moving up and down or drifting side to side a lot, recalibrate on a flat perfectly level surface, follow prompts exactly and slowly.  make sure you restart the aircraft right away after you complete it..

Logan09870 Posted at 2017-8-7 13:04
I did upgrade it. I was really confused because it didn't tell me to calibrate the IMU. Thanks for your help!

You can calibrate it when you find there is a drifting performance on the drone. IMU is an important part for hovering. Please try and keep us updated if the problem persists.  

DJI Thor Posted at 2017-8-9 05:28
You can calibrate it when you find there is a drifting performance on the drone. IMU is an important part for hovering. Please try and keep us updated if the problem persists.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_pfcHyHFm8&t=3s

Thanks for the help!

Today I experienced a similar issue. With full gps, spark would drift at random, ascend/descend and at one point it started to wobble. It also would yaw very slow to the right. While flying forward and letting go of sticks to hover, it continued forward as if it was in ATTI mode although it was not. I'm also going to do the IMU calibration and compass calibration tomorrow and will try again.

Is that something you recommend doing frequently ? I mean, calibrating it ...

DJI Thor Posted at 2017-8-9 05:28
You can calibrate it when you find there is a drifting performance on the drone. IMU is an important part for hovering. Please try and keep us updated if the problem persists.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_pfcHyHFm8&t=3s

Very informative video.

Thanks.

Did it work?
I have the same issue

TonyFonagerDK Posted at 2017-9-26 22:06
Is that something you recommend doing frequently ? I mean, calibrating it ...

There is no need to calibrate your compass unless prompted and even then the warning will most likely tell you to move your aircraft or calibrate. ALWAYS JUST MOVE THE AIRCRAFT.

First why did you calibrate your compass I’m assuming it was compass, your manual clearly tells you not to calibrate compass unless prompted through your app.
Where were you flying and at what time where you flying, I ask because VPS needs good light to work and get a good lock.
Was your AC in Atti mode ? your telemetry can show satellite numbers but can still be in Atti mode.

sparky1981 Posted at 2017-10-23 12:46
Did it work?
I have the same issue

When you say you have the same issue can you give some information.

sparky1981 Posted at 2017-10-23 12:46
Did it work?
I have the same issue

If you could clarify on what issues you're experiencing, it would be appreciated. In addition, what kind of areas are you flying in?

I set up my new Spark earlier today and was a bit bummed as it didn't seem to hove indoors as well as my old one that I had to return.

But then I forgot,  I never calibrated the IMU.  Once I did that, ahhhh...the feeling of stability.

Cheers..

Todd in Chicago

I’m having the same issue too.

Apparently for my case it happens on random occasion

As for now, I’ve been flying at the same spot, and prior to every flight, IMU, compass and GPS(12-15 gps logged on) were all calibrated prior to each flight and for some reason, the drifting still happens.

any suggestion guys ?

Could it be propellers? Either damaged or bad aftermarket?

Matt Wicks Posted at 2018-8-30 14:06
Could it be propellers? Either damaged or bad aftermarket?

I do have a very... VERY small crack in one of my propellers, it didnt even change the shape of the propellers