warm-up mode + arming the motor fail

[ribjig]

Absolute non-tech newbie.
Got P4P+ yesterday.
Connected to Internet, signed up.
Following this tutorial:

My P4P+ takes ~4 minutes to self check (camera aims up & down about 12 times)
& slow flashing green lights never switch to fast flashing
yellow light warm up mode as described in video;
also when pressing both command sticks down & in the motor does not arm;

(was able to go into simulator & fly virtually)

Purchased from Adorama; is more information needed to advise...?
Any guidance-advice appreciated!!! (first post)

 

[Techcop50]

Are you indoors? Try moving outdoors and see if the motors will start.

 

[ribjig]

Thanks for response!
YES!
Will try outdoors later!
Maybe a hint: I saw magnetic interference no GPS message...?

 

[LuvMyTJ]

Welcome ribjig.

I have not yet used P4P yet but if it is like the others in the DJI lineup I would suggest a cold calibration to help with the warmup. The process works by cooling the Phantom, either outside if you live in a colder climate or I have even put mine in the refrigerator. While it is still cold, do the IMU calibration. That should allow it to reach its operating temperature faster.

Aside from that, please read up on operating it and watch lots of videos. You can never have to much knowledge.

Manual - https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/phantom_4_pro/Phantom+4+Pro+Pro+Plus+User+Manual+v1.0.pdf

 

[ribjig]

Outside.
Now it doesn't get beyond self-check.
Camera aims ahead & down, over & over, 40+ times.
As I said, am newbie. No clue as to IMU & temp. here is 70F.
Isn't P4P+ supposed to be able to fly indoors, fly at 70F,
& be ready to fly right out of box...?
Am I correct that DJI Support is by email, not phone,
& that it can take 2 or more days for response?
Thanks in advance.

 

[LuvMyTJ]

I would try to reinstall firmware on the quad.

FYI -

UNITED STATES & CANADA
+1 (818) 235 0789
Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM (PST)

 

[ribjig]

Thanks for idea.
I see DJI has (818) 235-0789 phone support...?
I'll report issue to them Monday & let them guide
me through firmware redo on Monday.
Anyone called them? Do they help-answer...?

 

[ribjig]

Success!!!
Apparently I needed to get clearly away from residence
to open sky & normal GPS signal...?
Armed motor & sounded great, no irregular noises.
But I must still not be doing something right
because self-check period is ~5 minutes long
with camera aiming down-ahead-down-ahead
20+ times. Is there some way to shorten self-check?
Or is it normally 5 min. long on P4Pro+??
I also saw a too-quick message about compass calibration.
Do I need worry about that in BeginnerMode?
(I may stay permanently in BeginMode other than more height)
And first flights will be via 4' up & down function.
Also I must get $5 amateur license in US? Online payment?
Also, if carrying P4P+ by hand, should gimbal-lens protector be on?
If left on by mistake, will controller alert?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Techcop50]

That's Beginner mode. Won't fly without GPS lock if it's in Beginner mode.
As far as the FAA registration, yes, it is required. Then post your FAA number on the bird. You can pay online.
I wouldn't transport without the gimbal clamp. They make red tags you can hang on the clamp to remind you to remove it. Search on Amazon.
If you forget to remove it, it will give you a warning "Gimbal Overload". Make sure you land it and remove the clamp ASAP, to avoid gimbal damage. Reboot RC and UAV after you remove the clamp, or you might experience a twitching in the gimbal.

As far as the gimbal behavior you mentioned, you need to be on a flat surface with no obstructions, even grass, around the gimbal. And concrete with rebar will screw with the compass. I have coro-plast landing target that I use. You may need to get with DJI if a gimbal calibration doesn't help you.

 

[ribjig]

Thanks!
Want to do very first flight today -- the up 4 ft & down again
icons on P4P+ tablet, but wind here South FL about 15mph.
Does UAV sense & adjust? I'll do on asphalt dead-end...?

 

[ribjig]

Successful first flight in wind-protected open alley!
(up 4ft, landed) x 2
And for whatever reason, the self-check
was less than 60 seconds!