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Clean your quadcopter
1864 23 2016-5-13
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ProQuad
lvl.4
Flight distance : 20296870 ft
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Hello all.  The more I fly my quad-copter the dirtier it gets, bug juice, dirt and stuff like that. I normally clean it with a damp terry cloth but sometimes it's hard to get the bug juice off. I discovered if I use dry erase board cleaner, it seems to do the trick on the props as well as the body.  Obviously, I don't clean the lenses or camera, but, am I doing any potential damage by cleaning it with dry erase board cleaner? Is there another mild product that can be used to clean it that won't do any damage to the body or props?  
2016-5-13
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RedHotPoker
Captain
Flight distance : 165105 ft
Canada
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Hot water, with a drop of dish soap. For harder to remove stains, I utilize a drop of isopropanol on paper cloth.
So far, it's been great.

RedHotPoker
2016-5-13
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Geebax
First Officer
Australia
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I fly mine through the car wash, just watch out for the big brushes.
2016-5-13
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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Geebax Posted at 2016-5-13 19:07
I fly mine through the car wash, just watch out for the big brushes.

that's just wrong,   some poor sap is gonna do that!     stop filling empty heads with such bad ideas.     no one listen to him,  use your dish washer!     top rack only.    don't waste your money at a car wash
2016-5-13
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Geebax
First Officer
Australia
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-14 15:34
that's just wrong,   some poor sap is gonna do that!     stop filling empty heads with such bad id ...

(sorry... i won't do it again.... promise)

2016-5-13
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dji-p3p1
lvl.4
Flight distance : 534970 ft
Australia
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-14 13:34
that's just wrong,   some poor sap is gonna do that!     stop filling empty heads with such bad id ...

Quickpoint and Geebax. Stop it you both!!!! You will ruin your quads that way.

Just pop it in the washing machine. Whites setting, 15min quick cycle and 1200rpm spin and a 80degree drying cycle brings it out shining and dry!!!.... And cleans the lens too!!
Just remember to remove the props.. The heat of the drying cycle tends to bend them.
2016-5-14
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mjlstudios
lvl.4
Flight distance : 1540131 ft
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United States
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Drop it into the washer and set the dial to gentle and use Woolite. Do not use softener! (makes airframe too gentle). Remove before the spin cycle or you will have to perform an IMU and gimble calibration. Hang dry.
2016-5-14
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ProQuad
lvl.4
Flight distance : 20296870 ft
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mjlstudios Posted at 2016-5-14 04:15
Drop it into the washer and set the dial to gentle and use Woolite. Do not use softener! (makes airf ...

Thanks....
2016-5-14
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ProQuad
lvl.4
Flight distance : 20296870 ft
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United States
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Thanks to you all.  Very helpful tips...
2016-5-14
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talk2t_c
lvl.4

France
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I carry a packet of medi-wipes and give it rub down after flying.  It gets the guts off whilst still wet and dry with a soft kitchen roll.
2016-5-14
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Nicola90s
First Officer
Flight distance : 3060869 ft
Italy
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Hi!

I use air compressed spray to remove dust and sand from the aircraft, than with little humid napkins I clean the shield where there could be traces of bugs.
2016-5-14
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mstevens1
lvl.4
Flight distance : 1064780 ft
United Kingdom
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I use bug remover from the local motoring shop like Halfords (uk) just squirt a bit on the soft cloth and it removes bugs easy, stubborn bugs just leave the wetted cloth on the bug for a little longer to soften  
2016-5-14
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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dji-p3p1 Posted at 2016-5-14 05:51
Quickpoint and Geebax. Stop it you both!!!! You will ruin your quads that way.

Just pop it in the ...

i have a top loader my drone doesn't fit.  i did run it thru my friends front loader.    i left the props on and had it  fly in the center while it was running,  i like my props clean too!  

your dishwasher works great for cleaning quads if prepared properly.   its all about preparation!   before you run the dishwasher you need to run it thru empty with a cup/quart of dish detergent to clean it first.    you cant clean it with dish washing liquid,  need to used dish soap like dawn.   

PRO TIP    for very stubborn stains, dirt and grime you may have to pre-wash it.   get a plastic tote or old 10 gallon fish tank or something,  fill with 50/50 bleach and hot water and let copter sit over night.   if it looks really bad use bleach and ammonia mix with hot water in the tank for maximum cleaning power!   naturally you want to do this in your bathroom in the bathtub in case you get and accidental spills.  vapors and smell let you know its working.   keep doors closed while doing this to keep the cleaning power contained!  enjoy your ultra clean drone!!!!!!!!!
2016-5-14
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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mjlstudios Posted at 2016-5-14 06:15
Drop it into the washer and set the dial to gentle and use Woolite. Do not use softener! (makes airf ...

if someone does accidentally use softener its not the end of the world.   can use spray starch to stiffen it back up,  bake at 450 to make sure it sets in for 3 hours minimum.    also upgrading FIRMware with a Viagra in sd slot stiffness it up quite a bit.  
2016-5-14
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astrostar
lvl.3
United Kingdom
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-14 17:06
if someone does accidentally use softener its not the end of the world.   can use spray starch to  ...

Some of the best laughs I've had in ages.
2016-5-14
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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astrostar Posted at 2016-5-14 12:14
Some of the best laughs I've had in ages.

this isnt a laughing matter.   this is serious.   the dirt and grime cut way down on aerodynamics,  you need to seriously follow all instructions for best results.      

another helpful trick many people dont know about is rapid charging of the batteries.   p3's have 57w chargers, and the P3P has 100 as well as the p4.     easiest and fastest way to charge the batteries is in your microwave oven.  instead of using the weak 57/100W charger most microwaves are between 800-1400 watts( standard over the range is 1000)      If you have the 57 watt charger your 1000 watt microwave will charge it 17.5 times faster.   you can also charge a few batteries at the same time.   5 minutes for 1 battery, add 2 minutes per additional battery.    rapid micro charging works best with non dji batteries,   best and safest way to charge them for your drone
Ps to test your microwave is able to rapid charge you can test with your cell phone.  

2016-5-14
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ProQuad
lvl.4
Flight distance : 20296870 ft
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Wow, thanks to everyone for all the "useful" tips.  When I asked this question...I didn't realize that not only how many different ways there are to clean it, but to charge the battery's, make it more ridged by laundering and baking it, adding starch, pills, etc.  With all this said, I think I would almost pay to see someone fly there quad through a car wash...almost.  
I would agree with Astrostar...LOL.
2016-5-14
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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ProQuad Posted at 2016-5-14 12:46
Wow, thanks to everyone for all the "useful" tips.  When I asked this question...I didn't realize th ...

how much would you pay......   ill start a gofundme page and take one for a cleaning cycle if enough people want to see it.    im not too sure if i have enough confidence in my local car washes as famed first officer geebax does.   i don't think we use the same soap as they do down under!
2016-5-14
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ProQuad
lvl.4
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-14 10:55
how much would you pay......   ill start a gofundme page and take one for a cleaning cycle if enou ...

LOL, like I said...almost.
2016-5-14
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Xavious X
lvl.1

United States
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-14 11:34
this isnt a laughing matter.   this is serious.   the dirt and grime cut way down on aerodynamics,  ...

Fire department just left. They told me it wasn't smart to put a battery in the microwave.
2016-5-14
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quickpoint
lvl.4

United States
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Xavious X Posted at 2016-5-14 14:14
Fire department just left. They told me it wasn't smart to put a battery in the microwave.

i know i forgot something,   battery must be standing upright with led's pointing up.   also battery MUST be turned on to accept the charge properly.  

silly firemen should have known this,  its standard firefighter 101 lipo micro charge
2016-5-14
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Geebax
First Officer
Australia
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quickpoint Posted at 2016-5-15 04:17
i know i forgot something,   battery must be standing upright with led's pointing up.   also batte ...

Stop It!!

That silly blonde from the other thread who could not open the P4 box will read this and do it.....
2016-5-14
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RedHotPoker
Captain
Flight distance : 165105 ft
Canada
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Like you were born a redhead!? Hahaha

RedHotPoker
2016-5-14
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gtokarsk
lvl.4
Flight distance : 14869882 ft
United States
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U guys do realize that some less smart person may take your dishwasher and other great ideas to heart? Whether they deserve what they get for not being smart, that's another thing.. but come on.. let's be civil here! I only shower with my p3a about once a month, does well... Just make sure the battery is out and dry it out really well...! (damn! no, no! do not listen to me, I am SO FULL OF IT!)
2016-5-16
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