Slight Jello Effect on DJI Phantom 3 Pro Video

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

Hi everyone!

Yes, I'm very outdated running a Phantom 3 Pro. But it works for me.

I have a problem with slight "jello" effect when recording video and flying in moderate wind, or when flying in no wind at high speed.

I've checked the rubber dampeners, made sure the props are balanced and changed them out, changed the SD card, and no change.

I noticed that when the Phantom flies in wind, it seems to rather violently correct for the wind, causing the gimbal to shake unacceptably.

I also noticed that when the Phantom is flying forward at high speed in no wind, there seems to be a rattling/vibrating noise coming from the drone.

When holding one of the legs when hovering, I felt moderate, high-frequency vibration.

I know this is an old drone, but I'm hoping someone will have some idea as to what might be the cause.

Thanks in advanced - or professional.

 

[RodPad]

Short video clip of this jello?

BTW..

Search results for query: jello

phantompilots.com

Rod ..

 

[captainmilehigh]

Might want to double check the motor mount screws. If you've changed out the props as stated, the only other thing spinning are the motors.

 

[crash1sttime]

Hi everyone!

Yes, I'm very outdated running a Phantom 3 Pro. But it works for me.

Its still a very capable quad

When holding one of the legs when hovering, I felt moderate, high-frequency vibration.

Can you trace where the vibration is coming from, my guess is one of the gimbal motors may be the issue, it may be sticking and the gimbal is try to correct it

 

[Daniel NZDF]

You said it's correcting very violently for the wind. Have you tried SLIGHTLY adjusting the gains?

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

Can you trace where the vibration is coming from, my guess is one of the gimbal motors may be the issue, it may be sticking and the gimbal is try to correct it

No gimbal motors are sticking as far as I can see. The gimbal itself works fine.

The vibration is only in flight, so it's coming from the motors and/or props. I just don't know if that sort of vibration is normal or not.

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

Might want to double check the motor mount screws.

Everything's tight and firm as far as I can see.

 

[captainmilehigh]

Ok, well I gotta ask.........do you have ONLY TWO anti drop pins on the gimbal (in opposite corners), with FOUR rubber white vibration dampers, one each corner?

Some newer members feel that if 2 anti drop pins are good......4 would be better. FALSE ! That configuration creates all sorts of jello in the videos.

With the props OFF, you may be able to determine if it is indeed a motor issue by holding the leg like you described in post #1 (like a hover) both at idle and higher throttle. Remember. PROPS OFF. If the vibration or 'rattling noise' you mentioned is still there, it is not a bad prop.

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

I have only two anti-drop pins, with four rubber vibration dampeners, which have been replaced just in case.

No major vibration or rattling with props off running the motors at high or low speed.

There is no jello when walking the drone around on the ground without the props on either.

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

And all this is directing me straight towards the props being the problem.

I have 8 props, and have switched out sets multiple times. They are genuine DJI ones, but maybe they could all be slightly warped due to age?

 

[captainmilehigh]

And all this is directing me straight towards the props being the problem.

I have 8 props, and have switched out sets multiple times. They are genuine DJI ones, but maybe they could all be slightly warped due to age?

Sounds like the props to me also. Might be time for some new props for the 'ol bird.

 

[RodPad]

@captainmilehigh , you made your post while I writing this one.


Even though I don't have a answer.
Two pins on the vibration dampeners yes.
You trying different props, same problem? The shell motor mounts, maybe.
Vibration, the gimbal system should be handling it.

Rod ..

 

[captainmilehigh]

@captainmilehigh , you made your post while I writing this one.


Even though I don't have a answer.
Two pins on the vibration dampeners yes.
You trying different props, same problem? The shell motor mounts, maybe.
Vibration, the gimbal system should be handling it.

Rod ..

Yeah, no problem.

Once the obvious causes are eliminated it should be easier to figure out the 'jello effect'

As I suggested in post #11, it may be time for a fresh set of props. ....and none of the fancy aftermarket crap out there with colors, stripes, or fake carbon fiber speed props.

Just 100% DJI OEM Phantom 3 Pro propellers.

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

OK.
I have some very minor nicks at the tip, no larger than 1mm in size, would that be the cause possibly?

Also, are Phantom props known to warp over time?
Just checking before I spend money which I have little of.

 

[captainmilehigh]

OK.
I have some very minor nicks at the tip, no larger than 1mm in size, would that be the cause possibly?

Also, are Phantom props known to warp over time?
Just checking before I spend money which I have little of.

Any damage to the prop can potentially affect the balance. I've never heard of props becoming warped with age, although they might be damaged over time if stored incorrectly, possibly being twisted off pitch by being jammed into a cramped space.

Maybe recheck the balance of the props that you have. I balance all my props when new, and always after a prop-strike.

You may find someone local in your area selling unused props here on the Phantom Pilots Forum classified section also. Worth a shot anyway.

 

[RodPad]

The camera needs a stable platform, that foundation begins at the props. Any nicks or chips, for sure, I missed that info.

Rod ..

 

[Daniel NZDF]

Definitely replace the props if they have got dings in them. Even the slightest vibration will cause "jello". Only ever use genuine ones! (Experience)

 

[Echo-Tango-Juliet]

Ok, I got some good props. They're pefectly balanced, and sadly I still have jello!

I've diassembled the gimbal, mounting plates, and all. Couldn't find anything wrong there. I replaced the dampeners for the third time. No change.

A few results from some more tests:

1. On the ground with props removed and motors running there is no jello or vibration effect. Eliminates motors being the cause?

2. In the air hovering with little wind there is no jello or vibration effect.

3. Holding the legs and running full power induces jello/vibration effect.

4. Flying in any direction above about 6 MPH induces jello/vibration effect.

5. Flying in any level of wind induces jello/vibration effect.

6. No change in frame-rate, shutter speed, .mov/mp4, or similar makes any change.

More observations:

The drone has very minor high-frequency vibration felt through the legs when hovering. I touch the gimbal plate and there is none.

There is still a slight rattling sound coming from the drone during heavy maneuvering.


Any further ideas?

Could it be that the airframe is old and well used?

BTW, the vibration is or the same nature as this video someone else made:

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