Hello Mathew,
Unfortunately I live in Florida, but would be glad to help!
First:
All tests from here on out, NO PROPS!
We don't need to crash it more, now
First, are you using OEM DJI props?
And vision props, not the new props for 2213 motors! If you use higher pitch props on old style motors, they can't handle extreme loads, such as sudden decents. Next prop guards aren't much help either in high speed maneuvers more of a training tool!
Ok
The worst is over, first thing we need to do is calibrations.
What have you done so far? Hooked to assistant?
I would first
Hook Tx to ( RC ASSISTANT )
Do a full calibration, if you have a dial wheel or 7th channel mod, calibrate these as well.
( this calibrates all potentiometers in Tx ) sticks ect.
Next
Hook phantom to ( PC ASSISTANT )
Do a FULL Tx calibration here as well.
( this will calibrate the Tx to the phantom )
Now
Set your phantom on a good level ( wooden if possible ) table, make sure phantom is as level and stable as possible, while still hooked to assistant, run an ADVANCED IMU CALIBRATION. If it says mc too hot just click through it, they all did that )
This will reset your gyros, and accelerometer.
When finished, take bird out side do a fresh COMPASS calibration.
Now give all batteries a fresh charge.
Now PROPS OFF, turn on motors at idle, try to stop motors one at a time, with your hands ( fingers ) if any stop by just your touch, there is an issue ( faulty or failing esc, or bad bearings ) you can increase motor speeds a bit and restest, motors should be strong through the speeds, if not, there is a problem, also check for ( motor temps after a minute of running ) if all checks out, motors feel strong, not hot, then
Time to pin her down for props on tests.
I use dive weights, 3x 2 pounders each leg, just use something heavy enough that it cannot lift off, even under full throttle!
Then run,
Tests with props on, rev it up, see if any motors are twitching or running slow, ect? Do not do touch tests with props on, lol
But run for approx, 5 minutes at full throttle, then test motor heat with it turned off, see if any motors are excessively hot! This s is sure sign of bad bearing/s. I can give you a code for a $10 set of boca bearings! Super high quality. These are their basic set, but still 5x better than stock DJI!
Get figure.
But if all tests pass, then take her out and try to lift off, go up full throttle to about chest height, let her hover, should be good stable hover ( might drift a bit ) that is ok, just a bit though, if it going 8' one way, no good, now if when you lift off, and she is unstable, land immediately , if this EVER happens you need to land, and do a calibration or compass cal.
Let us know how it goes! I personally use a thermal heat gun to test temps, but if there is a problem, you'll feel it, trust me!
Keep me informed on your tests, and if I can be further assistance!
J Dot
Take care, Fly safe!