Well, as I said, @Billie Nelson , those YouTube videos about the how to do it make it seem a lot easier than it really is. Guess you'll be in that chair a lot longer than you expect, 'cause I'm having problems getting at least two of the shell 'snaps' to unlock, not to mention the ones back by the battery. I bought it used (consignment sale at the local hobby shop), and it almost seems like the former owner (they won't give me their info, but I gave them mine and asked to have the former owner get in touch with me, but no contact as of yet) tried to do the same thing, possibly broke those snaps and then just glued that portion of the shell on. Don't know that for a fact, it's just what it seems like, based on how difficult it is to get them to 'unsnap'.
OK, thanks, @Chrislaf . Regarding the IMU (once I can get the shell open).....how will I recognize it, and how will I know it's 'stuck'? Is that done visually, or does the unit have to be powered-up?
@Billie Nelson and yes, I am an A&P mechanic, but haven't done that type of work in a very long time now.
I am no expert on drone surgery but I think you have to have a working camera/gimbal attached to be able to check the IMU. You check the IMU in the DJI GO app. There is a setting in one of the screens (don't have a screen shot right now) that allows you to 'Check the IMU' or 'Calibrate the IMU'. If it passes the check IMU test then your IMU is likely fine, if not then you can try to run the Calibrate test and if it fails you likely have a stuck IMU. A few years ago, I was running a Follow mission in AutoPilot and didn't account for changes in terrain and my P3S hit a tree. Luckily it was winter and there was lots of deep snow so there was a soft landing so there was no damage to the camera or gimbal, just a broken prop and a stuck IMU. I had to remove the top cover and the cover of the IMU (it's in a plastic box) and then hit it hard with a screwdriver handle to finally get it unstuck. It has worked fine ever since.
Thanks @Chrislaf. OK, I just tried to power it up (the drone and the controller) and went into the settings on the app (DJI GO) and it wouldn't let me do a "Check IMU" or "Calibrate IMU".
FINALLY got it open - like I said the videos make it look a LOT easier than it was. Unplugged the GPS cable like the video you sent said, but that's as far as I'm comfortable going with it today.......more 'surgery' tomorrow!
Just one
@Chrislaf, No. It's broken and needs replacement.Just one
Is your camera/gimbal working properly? If not that could be causing the problems reconnecting the controller and the IMU not calibrating.
Chris
If I am not mistaken, you need a working camera/gimbal connected, at least the gimbal plate. Maybe someone else who knows more about these things will chime in.
Yeah, you can't see it in the pics, but the ribbon cable to the camera broke, in addition to the rest of the gimbal. I'm pretty sure the Logic board got 'pooched' in the process.
@Billie Nelson. well, I haven't actually "pulled off" anything......yet. I'm still learning my way around, being still a fairly new pilot/owner with drones (only got into the hobby a couple of months ago). Being an A&P seems to be helping some, but I still have to rely on advice from you guys who're more experienced than I am (in many cases, much more). Got my A&P back in 1982, but haven't had the chance to use it much over the years, so now the FAA considers me to be not 'current' (look up FAR 65.83, "Recent Experience Requirements").
I'm now having issues with the controller not staying connected to the UAV for more than about 20-30 seconds at a time before disconnecting (which means that I can't get flight information during the disconnected times); I've looked at other posts regarding this and also posted my 'dilemma' there, but no answers yet.
@Billie Nelson I haven't gotten it actually flying.....yet, but I'm getting closer, with you guys' help.
