OK, I'm at a loss. No logical reason controller link issues

[Kovacs]

So, I had been experiencing wonky controller issues with my v2 for the last month (sticks constantly needing recalibration, remote constantly needing re-linking, occassional linking with camera view showing in Go4 but no stick or gimbal control). When the issues were resolved, they seemed to do so randomly but then the flight would typically go 100% fine (well, sometimes the sticks wouldn't be 100% zeroed so I might have a slight yaw hands-free, but no controller/drone connection issues.) It's an older controller and drone, ca 2019 or maybe late 18, and from research here and at DJI's forums, it seemed like it was probably some internal fault with the controller. Bought a replacement controller (thanks again Starz!), arrived yesterday. Did the C1/C2/record press, linked right away to the drone. Fired up the motors, gimbal control was fine, everything seemed to function. Great.

10 hours later I get to the job site, controller isn't linked. And won't link. I've tried force link with the C1 etc buttons, through the app, tried hard resetting the controller, nothing works. The drone's rear arms are flashing amber like it's looking for a signal.

The major thing I can see now is that when I linked the controller last night, the link button on the drone was flashing amber. Today, the link button stays green. I've tried power cycling the drone battery on and off about 30 times with the controller in link mode, and I can't get it to flash amber.

So this seems to be now a drone-side issue. With only the link button on the drone, what are my options?

I'm tempted to run to the hotel, grab the original controller and see if that now links as easily as the replacement did last night. Only thing I can think of is the drone is seeing the same signal from the controller so the link light stays green, but the digital handshake fails. Maybe a signal from a whole new controller forces the relink amber light. Don't know, but I think it's my first option to test.

And if someone can explain how a hardware/software system can just magically and for no logical reason change how it functions at random, please let me know. That's what's frustrating; there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to these errors. They show up, but until the last few days seemed to resolve themselves letting me get my job completed, but I have NO idea what changes to let the system suddenly work. Do I need to scratch a drone effigy in the dirt and spit on it while hopping on 1 foot before trying to fly? Because THAT would seem as effective as any troubleshooting hints and tips I've come across. <end frustrated rant>

Any help would be appreciated!

Jason

 

[Kovacs]

Quick update: I think I'm onto something with the drone perhaps recognizing the last controller it linked to but failing to actually connect.

Ran to hotel, got the original control. Back on site, the original controller first beeped at me about stick calibration, but I've had better success getting the controller and drone linked first, turning off drone to calibrate the sticks, then turning on the drone again. At first, I couldn't get the drone and controller to connect. Power cycled the controller, and it suddenly let me link to the drone, amber light on the drone link button. Cool. Turned off drone to calibrate stick, but calibration was weird, left/right yaw barely registering at all. Did a hard reset of the controller, and when it powered back up, the stick calibration was apparently good, I entered link mode, and was again able to connect to the drone. Spun up, hovered, and all controls 100%. Flew out that battery and completed my morning job with no issues.

Now, the real test will be the end of day flight. I'll try first with the original controller, but if that seems like it wants to fight me to connect, I'll try with the replacement controller.

Either way, it seems somewhat obvious that I have some sort of issue with the drone. Hopefully this swapping controller business works as a temporary stop-gap. Looking at a second full system as a backup, being a big fan of the Redundant Department of Departmental Redundancy.

Will update later...

Jason

 

[Capt KO]

Appears the main problem is the drone link button won't flash amber every time it's pushed. It's not a difficult unit to replace but requires opening the shell, hopefully it will self correct but doubtful. Calibrating the RC sticks shouldn't happen often, if so they probably need replacement..I've done a few already as well as sending to DJI for repair (they send back a like new replacement) at a fair price. I expect the unit from Starz will work well once the linc issue is resolved, his equipment is usually top notch.

 

[Starz]

requires opening the shell

Link button is attached to the camera unit. Shell not involved to replace the button.

 

[Capt KO]

I assumed it was a P4 v2. Link is on body next to sd slot not on camera like P3.

 

[Kovacs]

That's correct, P4P v2.

Time to find myself some breakdown schematics. Once I get a backup machine; on a construction monitor project, can't go ripping into the sick bird until I have a good bird in the air.