I was trying to start a flight when I noticed an unusual message "gimbal motor overload".

I had simply forgotten to remove the lens/gimbal protector. A simple mod to prevent this happening again is to attach some red ribbon "reminder" tags to the parts that must be removed before a flight. A second advantage is the Red ribbon reminds me to switch on Record before starting.

I guess for most of you dementia is not yet a cause for concern.

I've had that same message, for exactly the same reason. Got worried for a second, till I realised it was pilot error.

Simple and effective. Thanks.

Next step:

Cross check!

Great idea .. thanks for sharing

nice idea haha

That’s a lot of red ribbon you got there

Did this with mine!

Nice DIY solution.

Nice.. just like big airplanes have :-)

Nice and funny! We are getting more and more professional with our pre-flight checks and procedures :-)

I don't think of these events as dementia but a lack of sticky notes (or in this case ribbon).  I like to call it "CRS-squared" (Can't Remember Stuff).  The squared is when I did add the sticky note but now I can't read it or maybe can't remember the abbreviated word I used.

Ahhhhh .... but just think of the "wisdom" we have as we get older.  Yes more professional.  We know we should check stuff during the pre-flight check but we just can't always remember what ... that is where the ribbon and sticky notes help.  If you can't remember where you last put your Spark it is OK .... but if you can't remember you actually have a Spark .... trouble.

Uhhhhh .... what were we talking about?

Had the same thing happen to me.

BlueBox Posted at 2017-10-18 09:34
Did this with mine!

Nice wrap.  Your spark looks like it has been in combat then sold as a refurbished unit/surplus.  

It is necessary to do a pre-flight check and glad you find a way to avoid the same mistake.

Mark S Posted at 2017-10-18 12:10
I don't think of these events as dementia but a lack of sticky notes (or in this case ribbon).  I like to call it "CRS-squared" (Can't Remember Stuff).  The squared is when I did add the sticky note but now I can't read it or maybe can't remember the abbreviated word I used.

Ahhhhh .... but just think of the "wisdom" we have as we get older.  Yes more professional.  We know we should check stuff during the pre-flight check but we just can't always remember what ... that is where the ribbon and sticky notes help.  If you can't remember where you last put your Spark it is OK .... but if you can't remember you actually have a Spark .... trouble.

Like the old gag  - but on a different subject:-

"I still remember what to do .... I've just fogotten why!"

I was wondering if the gimbal protector is a good item to have, if it is really worth to spend money on that...And, what is the black thing on your Spark?

Viking-Pilot Posted at 2017-10-19 02:59
I was wondering if the gimbal protector is a good item to have, if it is really worth to spend money on that...And, what is the black thing on your Spark?

I think a gimbal gard is definately worth the money. I have a tendency, when pushing the battery in, to put my thumb over the camera for more purchase. (I have a problem with arthritis).

The "black thing" on top is a prop gard  for when transporting the spark. I am not likely to forget to remove that but I had some red ribbon left over.

MikB Posted at 2017-10-19 04:03
I think a gimbal gard is definately worth the money. I have a tendency, when pushing the battery in, to put my thumb over the camera for more purchase. (I have a problem with arthritis).

The "black thing" on top is a prop gard  for when transporting the spark. I am not likely to forget to remove that but I had some red ribbon left over.

Haha..ok  I see I might get me one of these, I have been thinking about it for a while...