Hi there,
it turns out that my Spark won't charge via USB. I have the combo pack and tried to charge there batteries on the dock (worked fine) and one via USB. Spark turns on its van, but it won't show a charging light (even after one hour). Same thing when I only use USB and no dock, or with other adapters. Anyone an idee what is wrong here??
Thanks, and keep on flyin'

Mine never turns fan on when charging on aircraft. I take it you haven't powered up spark?

Exactly, I just plug in, I don't press any buttons and the fan starts... but as mentioned, no indicator lights show up.

Obviously you're using supplied charger? Most usb ports are not up to job.
If you press batt button once, does it show discharged? ie one or two leds.

Yes, it's all supplied gear (usb cable and power adapter). And yes, the batts are discharged and would be ready to be charged.

EFPi, did you try to change a USB cable? Please change a charging port. Please notice that the charging time will be longer if you use the USB cable to charge your spark.

Tries out all alternatives. Aleays the same: van on, no lights even after one hour

eFPi Posted at 2017-10-15 00:25
Tries out all alternatives. Aleays the same: van on, no lights even after one hour

Can you shoot a video about this situation? Please try to connect your spark with DJI Assistant 2 and see if it can identify your drone. If it fails to connect with computer, there is something wrong with port of spark. Thanks for your support.

Wow, this last post is terrible!
Sorry, again: I tried out all alternatives, but it's always the same: fan on, no lights even after one hour.
I'm already anxious that I could do any harm to the Spark or the batts if I experience any longer.

Desperate now! Real outside shot, inspect contacts on spark undeside, where batt connects. See if any are compromised.
Points to spark other wise. Can you see spark 's
Sd card when connected to pc.?

Further to that, when system powered up, do you see all 3 cells healthy in on board  monitor.

I will try to make a video. I will post that later. Thanks!!

eFPi Posted at 2017-10-15 00:31
Wow, this last post is terrible!
Sorry, again: I tried out all alternatives, but it's always the same: fan on, no lights even after one hour.
I'm already anxious that I could do any harm to the Spark or the batts if I experience any longer.

EFPi, don't feel so worry. We will help you figure out the problem, please keep us updated.

Ok, Spark connects with Mac and Assistant without problems. Here the link to the video:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o8uxf65ru1x3pmh/IMG_9914.mp4?dl=0
@DJIElektra - thanks!!

I don't know that charger. Mine came with a little white one.

It might be the European Version of the Combo.

yep the combo charger.

im guessing you might have a phone charger around the house which uses the usb micro connector, try the spark with that , it may work but take a long time to charge - the spark charger will charge at 9V @ 2A.

maybe there is a fault with the usb ports on the combo charger?

you can buy a simple usb tester online :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-L ... :g:ip8AAOSwrddY8SXR

m1n1s Posted at 2017-10-18 01:13
im guessing you might have a phone charger around the house which uses the usb micro connector, try the spark with that , it may work but take a long time to charge - the spark charger will charge at 9V @ 2A.

maybe there is a fault with the usb ports on the combo charger?

Thanks, but I already tried several possibilities and none worked out.
I also plugged other USB devices into the combo charger - all worked fine with it.
It is strange...

eFPi Posted at 2017-10-18 08:19
Thanks, but I already tried several possibilities and none worked out.
I also plugged other USB devices into the combo charger - all worked fine with it.
It is strange...

Can you connect the DJI assistant to the USB port of the spark?

Maybe the USB port is broken?

m1n1s Posted at 2017-10-18 08:24
Can you connect the DJI assistant to the USB port of the spark?

Maybe the USB port is broken?

Yes, that works perfectly.

Did the other devices use the same cable?

Also, I think I mentioned, does on board  batt monitor show three health cells?

Bright Spark Posted at 2017-10-18 09:22
Also, I think I mentioned, does on board  batt monitor show three health cells?

Yes, cells are fine with all batteries!
Cable is fine with others.

Well , it looks a bit like spark issue, maybe just the usb connector. For the fan to come on is wrong I think, and might suggest the spark is incorrectly registering  hot batteries, for it will wait for them to cool if necessary before charging.
A job for DJI perhaps.

Actually just encountered the same problem - fans come on when Sparky is charged via USB. I haven't done this in some time as i usually have enough batteries but yesterday i needed more juice and couldn't get any

Tested at home and it's charging now via USB - fan still going though.

seems something in the firmware of the spark then?

i checked mine from the usb cable , charging and no fan.

Rawsome Posted at 2017-10-18 18:09
Tested at home and it's charging now via USB - fan still going though.

So, did you change anything that it charges now?

There are USB Ports and USB Ports: The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire to power connected USB devices.
A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and 150 mA in USB 3.0. A device may draw a maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) from a port in USB 2.0; 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0.

So your USB Port may not provide enough current to charge a Spark battery.

BobD Posted at 2017-10-19 02:34
There are USB Ports and USB Ports: The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire to power connected USB devices.
A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and 150 mA in USB 3.0. A device may draw a maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) from a port in USB 2.0; 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0.

How can that be, as it is the power supply of the combo pack of DJI?

eFPi Posted at 2017-10-18 08:19
Thanks, but I already tried several possibilities and none worked out.
I also plugged other USB devices into the combo charger - all worked fine with it.
It is strange...

EFPi, I think you use the wrong charger. Please use the usb connector and charge your spark.

DJI Elektra Posted at 2017-10-19 03:36
EFPi, I think you use the wrong charger. Please use the usb connector and charge your spark.

I use the charger that comes with the combo. How can it be wrong to use original DJI products with the spark? Don't get it. However, it won't work with any other charger (plug, power bank, ...).

eFPi Posted at 2017-10-19 05:40
I use the charger that comes with the combo. How can it be wrong to use original DJI products with the spark? Don't get it. However, it won't work with any other charger (plug, power bank, ...).

Could you please verify what firmware versions you're running on the Spark? For the sake of troubleshooting, could you try resetting the unit to factory defaults via the Assistant 2 if everything is up to date?

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2017-10-19 09:12
Could you please verify what firmware versions you're running on the Spark? For the sake of troubleshooting, could you try resetting the unit to factory defaults via the Assistant 2 if everything is up to date?

Newest firmware. Am now going to resetting...

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2017-10-19 09:12
Could you please verify what firmware versions you're running on the Spark? For the sake of troubleshooting, could you try resetting the unit to factory defaults via the Assistant 2 if everything is up to date?

Same issue after reset. Van turns on, bat won't charge.

Here is a screenshot of the firmware:

btw. datebase has been updated in the meanwhile

So I guess I have to live with it

The DJI Charger delivers far more current than a standard USB port.  Mine says 5 Volts at 2 Amps.