erratic done motion

[Swampdweller]

I have an old P3 that flies well and,comes back. It has been in storage for about 8 months. So while hovering at lower altitudes of less than 20 ft instead of hovering in place the drone makes circles of about 3 ft. Using the control stick on the S1 side of the controller I get very quick and, at times, unpredictable movements. I am not sure which way the drone will go when I activate the stick. Don't ask me how I discovered that the return to home function works very well. I think it is related to the uncertainty of what happens upon movement of the directional control stick. I have some ideas of the problem, but none for fixing it.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks for the Return Home junction and any advice.

 

[captainmilehigh]

I'd start by doing an IMU calibration on the drone using the GoApp. Be sure to have the drone level and motionless for the recalibration to be successful.

 

[Starz]

I’m not a P3 expert, but that reminds me of compass issues.

 

[Capt KO]

I'd start by doing an IMU calibration on the drone using the GoApp. Be sure to have the drone level and motionless for the recalibration to be successful.

Agree, most weird flight characteristics can be fixed with an IMU calibration. Suggest doing an rc sticks calibration at the same time since they may acting up as well. Both are done in the GO app.

 

[Starz]

The last time I saw something like what is described, it’s referred to as
“Toilet Bowl effect”. Relates to the compass having an issue.

 

[captainmilehigh]

The last time I saw something like what is described, it’s referred to as
“Toilet Bowl effect”. Relates to the compass having an issue.

Good point. Might as well do a compass calibration too for a drone that's been idle 8 months as described by the OP.

 

[RodPad]

Yea do all calibrates.!

Note, that all a lot of return home problems is a compass issue.
I also forget before you take off, look to see if the direction of the bird is the same as shown on the mobile device.

Rod ..

 

[Swampdweller]

Thanks for the helpful replies. On it and followup posts should follow.

 

[Swampdweller]

Progress report follows
In the appDJI go I got the message that IMU recalibration was not necessary...I think this is good.
Then I did the compass calibration, (I generally do this before each flight) and the "toilet bowl" effect disappeared, but later prior to a flight saw a messge that "compass is stuck" and did the compass rotations again. The issue seemed to go away. A couple of flights completed now and all seems well. Thanks to all for the support.

 

[Starz]

generally do this before each flight

Waste of time. The sensor status is visible in the app. If the compass doesn’t show it has an issue, it doesn’t need to be fiddled with.

 

[captainmilehigh]

Progress report follows
In the appDJI go I got the message that IMU recalibration was not necessary...I think this is good.
Then I did the compass calibration, (I generally do this before each flight) and the "toilet bowl" effect disappeared, but later prior to a flight saw a messge that "compass is stuck" and did the compass rotations again. The issue seemed to go away. A couple of flights completed now and all seems well. Thanks to all for the support.

Good to hear it is all sorted out. Blue skies and calm winds...

 

[RodPad]

@Starz statement is correct, calibrating a compass at bad location causes problems on return to home, same as were the home point is on GPS.

You should check these out.

DJI Phantom Compass Calibration Guide | Phantom Help

Phantom Help is a site for help with DJI Phantom drones. Find the latest fixes, how-tos, guides, accessories, modifications, and more.

www.phantomhelp.com

A short explanation of compass function, calibration and errors.

BACKGROUND The aircraft compass is often misunderstood, both in terms of function and purpose, but it is important to understand what the compass measures, why, and what happens to that information. At the most basic level the purpose of the compass is to measure the earth’s magnetic field in...

mavicpilots.com

Rod ..