I drowned my P4 in a shallow river and have let it to dry for over a week. I am sure it is dry and want to test it.

What is the best way to test it without potentially causing damage?

Sorry if I am creating a new thread instead of adding to an old one I cant seem to work out how to search topics?..

Battery is probably shot for sure. Even if it flies, I would keep it close and low.  Sometimes even if it works , problems  will show up later.

If you have more than one battery - use one that wasn't dunked in the water.

Thanks. Battery is dead but have more will try new one...

Generally it is difficult to dry out a pcb (printed circuit board) due ti moisture under the components.  Moisture and voltage together creates rapid electrolysis corrosion capable of quickly eroding the copper tracks  How long was the battery left in after the drenching?

fansb5a8fce5 Posted at 2017-9-26 06:21
Generally it is difficult to dry out a pcb (printed circuit board) due ti moisture under the components.  Moisture and voltage together creates rapid electrolysis corrosion capable of quickly eroding the copper tracks  How long was the battery left in after the drenching?

I pulled the battery out immediately. So it spent about 15 seconds underwater in the drone...

Flight safety is top priority. I do not suggest to fly the drone any more as the performance can not be ensured.

DJI Susan Posted at 2017-9-26 22:55
Flight safety is top priority. I do not suggest to fly the drone any more as the performance can not be ensured.

Agreed I am simply wanting to see if it will start-up and if there are any problems before I send it in to repair specialists.
I am trying to avoid extra costs as I have spent $4000 on this drone and am not too keen on spending much more...

Pravda 45 Posted at 2017-9-27 00:49
Agreed I am simply wanting to see if it will start-up and if there are any problems before I send it in to repair specialists.
I am trying to avoid extra costs as I have spent $4000 on this drone and am not too keen on spending much more...

How about a quick flight without any propellers

Pravda 45 Posted at 2017-9-27 00:49
Agreed I am simply wanting to see if it will start-up and if there are any problems before I send it in to repair specialists.
I am trying to avoid extra costs as I have spent $4000 on this drone and am not too keen on spending much more...

Noted with thanks! BTW, for $4000, the unit is US dollars?

fansb5a8fce5 Posted at 2017-9-27 03:21
How about a quick flight without any propellers

That's gonna be a quick flight, alright.  About the time it takes for the aircraft to fly from your hand into the pavement.

You just can't make this stuff up.  That's why I love reading this forum.

'Quick flight'?

Did you mean test if the motors are functioning?

Sportbike_Pilot Posted at 2017-9-28 16:37
'Quick flight'?

Did you mean test if the motors are functioning?

Yes, the aircraft obviously cannot take off but some degree of confidence may be obtained.

fansb5a8fce5 Posted at 2017-9-28 17:42
Yes, the aircraft obviously cannot take off but some degree of confidence may be obtained.

hehe yeah $ because its a universal currency everyone knows to be precise the investment is around R50 000

Ok so basically what I am hearing is, if I am confident the drone is DRY inside, then put in a new battery and try start up on the ground and see if it goes through normal processes and says it is ready for take-off.
Nothing else to testing it myself?

No DONT DO THAT! - keep alert for this etc?

Has anyone here recovered a P4 from a waterlogged state before with success?
I see You Tube videos claiming "Flew it the same day" etc. but one does wonder if those are not fakes or just promos for the drones...
I being somewhat clumsy did not completely open the drone as shown in numerous videos for fear of doing more damage. I opened the camera housing and also took the grey cover off the body and let it dry in the Dry South African sun for two weeks tomorrow.
Repair tech said bury in rice immediately. Wish I hadn't because there are I think 3 little stubborn rice grains inside I cannot get out. Mercy.

Two of the props are smashed...
(it didn't go directly into a river, it visited another object first, but I will not embarrass myself by sharing the "I knew better but got cocky story")
...so flying is not an option, but if it starts up and no clouds of smoke emerge from inside the P4 followed by a horrible burning electrical smell or fire, and it doesn't erupt into an explosive ball of fire movie style - spare me that-  but at least starts up and shows signs of life if not starting up fully and saying all is well, then I shall take it to my repair tech and at least hope that not too much more money doesn't flyaway with this drone.

Thanks any more advice would be appreciated I am going to try vacuum the rice out and then try starting it.
Will give feedback...

"We have a Phantom 4 down, repeat we have a Phantom 4 down..."

fansb5a8fce5 Posted at 2017-9-28 17:42
Yes, the aircraft obviously cannot take off but some degree of confidence may be obtained.

Good stuff; I've done the same to test functionality of the motors.

fansb5a8fce5 Posted at 2017-9-28 17:42
Yes, the aircraft obviously cannot take off but some degree of confidence may be obtained.

BTW, like the 'Roo' avatar.