Autel Evo Nano Plus - Fix Sticky Gimbal Dampers & Switch Dampers Around

[@DroneSyndrome]

Whether it fixes the sticky gimbal/jello issue or not, you still did a fantastic job showing us how to change the dampeners ourselves if need be. So kudos to you for your time and effort.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks

[@Eclipse_Central]

@@QCGUY Yeah I had to sent mine off for repair since the dampener snapped completely in half and superglue wasn't doing the job 😕

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

@@Eclipse_Central I hate waiting lol. Had companies let me repair things and keep warranty to not wait.. and fixed air 1 broken air. DJI wanted so much money too. Got new arm like $40. Took hr to replace.

[@richardwerth641]

Thank you so much Chris you’ve helped me so much I don’t know how you do it so quickly, you rock man😊

[@QCGUY]

I do it almost everyday so like anything you improve in time. Thanks 😊

[@RoyHarperLighthouseGuy]

I believe in a previous life with the steady hands you have Chris you were a world-renowned brain surgeon. All kidding aside it is obvious you enjoy repairing drones and are very good doing it. I sure do hope you’re getting this drone to a satisfactory performance level. I patiently wait for some reviews from you focusing on the Evo Lite+. Please Mother Nature, cooperate when that time comes!!!

[@QCGUY]

Thanks, I’m hoping to fly it this week 🤞 I had one more flight video on the Nano I wanted to do first.

[@WindWalkerDrones]

That's a awesome deal for you to do that for that price. Really nice for you to offer that kind of a deal.

[@Napalyz]

I got one today and checked my dampers - they are installed correctly and what's more important - rubber doesn't stick. They might say that it does matter, but they obviously changed the type of the rubber recently.

[@QCGUY]

That’s good to hear…

[@donaldmartin7109]

excellent repair. you are the man. hope autel will offer these rubbers. I live in a very hot dry climate las vegas nevada. i have the old model large fimi x8 se drone. uses the same rubber technology has really change with the cameras. THANK YOU.

[@FPVphilly]

This is one of the reasons that I am still with the mini 2… very dependable and no issues with mine.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

U got lucky. U waited for 2.. I got mini 1 and had issues.

[@Matanumi]

Eh. I had horizon tilt issues within the first month and I'm pissed I had to send it in.... It would've been faster to order an IMU module and do it myself

[@richardwerth641]

Ride on with the Manny to a solid drone. I’ll never get rid of mine neither things to Chris I still have it.

[@sprintrider100]

Very useful and clear video - following it, the tiny dampers are fiddly, but I had no problem swapping the isolation rubbers around as you showed. Comparing the way the gimbal cage moves after the swap, to me it does seem more 'centred' and not as loose as it was before. Honestly, I have not seen jello in any of my footage so far and as the weather has been rotten here in the UK recently, I have not been out to explore the V.1.1.14 changes but I'm hopeful.

[@alexpaiz1999]

Just a update on my refund, Amex refunded my full amount and I get to keep the old new one lol, I will save my money for dji mini 3 thanks for all you do. Alex

[@QCGUY]

Great news! I hope more end up with this outcome.

[@alexpaiz1999]

Thank you

[@theone2be33]

I just bought this same drone and wanted to let you know that the dampeners are now on the right way. These drones though are very cheaply made. I just noticed that one of the gimbal arms is broken in half from a 7 foot fall to the floor. So watching this video I inadvertently learned how to open it and carefully glue the arm back together. One would think that the build quality would be a little tougher. It's like the same plastic from when we used to make model cars as a kid. Thankfully I only paid $525 for this drone. I couldn't imagine paying whatever the price was when it first released whenever that was. A year ago I think. BTW, no sticky dampeners either.

[@QCGUY]

Glad you found a way to sort it out and yes this thing is built extremely cheap. There’s cutting weight involved but it obviously shows autels lack of experience here. They never had this challenge as their birds are among the heaviest in their class and what a shitshow it was when releasing this one. I enjoyed it though because it allowed me to do what I like best in calling these companies out and forcing their hand.

[@itsweb20]

I actually think the difference due to the orientation of the dampers is marginal. But if you look at the design of the plastic arms at the rear of the gimbal I think you could argue that they are made to convey force up and down rather than sideways. So, yes. The corrected orientation makes sense.

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

Yet on mine they were all 4 the same. No hanging or side to side difference.

[@DroneGraphy]

What a guy! You see, I keep saying this, these drone companies if they want the best quality quads out there, they should consult you when it comes to stuff like this. You worked on this quad effortlessly as though you designed it. Fantastic job Chris (Kitch). There are people who will be scared to open the quad to get this done and so may decide to leave it as is; and then it comes to this, for such an expensive quad, should the consumer go through all this trouble. Every single day that passes reveals that Autel did not even start their homework before coming up with this Nano quad. Great video man, love it!!!

[@QCGUY]

Thanks 😊

[@INTELMAXELL]

Maybe 3rd party props that are better balanced might come soon and help with the jello too. Thanks for the how to video.

[@QCGUY]

I would like to see something in that area as well.

[@johnirvine5514]

All very clear and helpful, Chris. Many thanks!

[@Kokomigano]

thank you for your video , i did make the change and thanks to you it did go well, very well explained. unfortunately in Montreal we are having really bad weather so ill test the Nano later. again thanks for taking the time and going thought all the trouble for making this video . cheers

[@QCGUY]

Glad it helped 👍🏻

[@jeffmelcher2908]

Did it fix the jello? I’m with Autel on the stickeyness. I don’t thinks it will ever travel in enough to get it to stick and cause a problem, but the powder won’t hurt.

[@QCGUY]

I had mine stick in flight early on soooo um yeah there’s that. When people watch all the video current or past they see these things when I show or talk about them. Helps to read the descriptions or pinned comments by me as well. Thanks

[@westcoastaerialimagery4690]

While the gimbal cover certainly pushes the mounts together, I'm yet to see anyone post a video where they've flown in strong winds and than straight after landing flipped it over to show us that its stuck together, especially since you have to physically pull the camera to unstick the mounts. I've flown in 10ms constant, gusting to 16ms and it wasnt enough to stick them together, I'll believe the claim of inflight issues once people actually post an uncut video of it from flight to gimbal examination

[@QCGUY]

@@westcoastaerialimagery4690 You’ll have to take my word for it happening on my end or simply not believe it but in my case they stuck and unstuck. Most don’t even get in depth enough to show you most things or cut that stuff out of videos so I wouldn’t hold my breath.

[@edycafe]

Thank you so much for showing how to do it! I don’t have the nano + , but I watched this video from the beginning to the end and you deserve a 👏👏! I’m sure that Autel is watching your videos as well and maybe they will tell to the nano’s owners instead of sending it back to Autel, they should send it to you to repair it. Lol 😂 you can make some 💵💰💵! Have a wonderful weekend 😎

[@QCGUY]

😂

[@thomastobin9602]

Great work on drone steady hands very informative thanks Chris haven't got the nano but maybe in the future excellent video

[@QCGUY]

Thanks 😊

[@yamahawilliams]

Triflow teflon spray works incredible to make them move so ,so smooth. Just snother idea to powder.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks

[@Lunafilms12]

Interesting. I have not flown my drone much after the update. The weather has not been to good too fly this little guy. Snow storm then high winds for two days in a row. I did fly my autel lite this weekend and that was struggling in the wind. I just inspected my gimbal dampers on the nano plus and they do not seem to be sticking but I like your fix. I don’t like that Autel is just trying to figure out what will fix this. This should of been tested way before release.

[@QCGUY]

I’m not experiencing speed issues out of the norm with my Lite Plus but totally agree Autel fell asleep during the testing faze.

[@Tomas.O.Sullivan]

great video chris .hopefully this fixes the jello issues .look forward to future videos ..thanks again for spending so much time with this drone and doing all the follow up videos .

[@QCGUY]

Thank you as well ✌️

[@charlestoast4051]

It certainly looks easier to work on than some other minis.I look forward to your teardown video, and it will be interesting to see what video processor it uses - I would guess it's the Ambarella CV2, same as used on the ZMP. Since the Nano has no thermal problems, we have to assume it's the wifi chip in the ZMP that puts out all the heat.

[@QCGUY]

I’m not sure I will do a full tear down of it. I may publish pictures up close of the boards and components but nothing detailed.

[@BlairAir]

These teardown-repairs are always really engaging. I dint even have the damn thing and I'm watching the details like my life depended on it. 😆 I'm one step short of taking notes! 📝 I would like to see more flights on the channel, but only YOU know your analytics! 😂

[@QCGUY]

Mother Nature has different plans for this channel. There would have been at least two on this channel last week if I had it my way.

[@BlairAir]

@@QCGUY Boy Have I been living in that mode... Wind today was gusts of 48 mph. Not an Evo 2 Pro day, lol! Possibly Mavic 3, but I just grounded myself!

[@ericpe2.12]

Hello . Another very surgically interesting video 😊. Precision work. 👍👍. Thank you for sharing your experience.. 👍. To be continued in flight for the result.. 😉

[@QCGUY]

Thanks 😊

[@AlexandruBauer]

At 23:40 you didn't snap the case all the way. You can see gaps towards the front leg.

[@QCGUY]

It’s fine lol…just a simple click and it’s all okay.

[@zbigniewcichowski2071]

Hi. Can you please tell us if that dampers switch helps or not. I'm not sure if this helps. Looks like the gimbal is to heavy for this dampers. I will switch them, if I know is worth it.

[@QCGUY]

No! Leave it alone unless you are having jello then it’s worth a try but my opinion matches yours on the weight versus the weak dampers used here.

[@albertlim8079]

Good morning QC

[@allthegearnotaclue]

Thanks Chris, great, interesting video, for your info I am in the UK and just received my Nano+ from a UK dealer, the dampers are the "correct" way round. I don't know about the jello as I haven't powered it up yet.

[@QCGUY]

Big question is what is the correct way? Autel said it was wrong, then changed it and then said it doesn’t matter. 😂

[@allthegearnotaclue]

@@QCGUY Exactly, That's why I put correct in quotes, I'll take may chance and leave them. Just checked and mine don't stick either. 🙂

[@nbsmusicstudio4352]

Looking forward to the video showing whether or not this works. Capitain Drone saw some jell-o during his last review after the most recent update. Don't know if his dampers have been switched, and he probably didn't apply any baby powder to them. Great video, thanks!

[@QCGUY]

I’m surprised he actually showed that in a video. Ouch that might cost him some affiliate link clicks.

[@nbsmusicstudio4352]

@@QCGUY he says he reviews drones from all the manufacturers so he really doesn't care if he hurts anyone's feelings. He said that in a review a few weeks ago. He did put an ND filter on the camera and that seemed to help.

[@bartcomo7433]

Does the EVO Lite + use the same dampening system? I have one I have one pre-ordered.... Still.

[@QCGUY]

No it uses the same style as the Evo 2. Not rubber bands.

[@gennarobastard9995]

hello brother first of all congratulations to the more than exhaustive and useful video thanks also for the clear shots I wanted to ask you a question my gimbal flat broke because a cable was hit and the drone crashed I have already repaired the rear arm but now I have discovered that I the main flat broke and if I'm not mistaken I have that this flat also reaches the front sensors but I can't see where it goes, in my opinion, under the lower shock absorbers, the ones you slide downwards first point where do I find I've seen this flat where I buy it on aliexpress but I can't see it and then could you make a video for this problem, i.e. how to change the gimbal flat I await your answers and thanks for your videos

[@QCGUY]

Can you contact me with pictures of what you are talking about exactly? [e-mail]

[@palo34]

what screw driver is required to open to case?

[@janjo15]

do you know where to get extra dampeners?

[@monkeysnark7043]

Dr Chris, it's Alive, the patient survived, phew! 😅 Reminds me of my highschool days in biology, dissecting a frog, that drone has it's legs out. Then all the girls scream "NO", which always made me want a girl as a partner, as she would not touch the frog, all mine, my dissecting precious. Btw hint, think I should warn all the fumbly, as myself, do one pair at a time in the baby powder. Saves you scratching your head, which is which. Thanks Chris, Cheers

[@QCGUY]

Funny 😄

[@mickeymch876]

I have a Nano plus, I don't have a jello issue but I have a recording issue. I always hit record before I take off, the app announces "start recording" and it records some garbage video. When I take off the video is of poor quality for a few seconds, the app announces "stop recording", the file is ended and a new file starts with good 4K video. This happens every flight with the exception of a few flights when the low quality video continued for maybe a minute or so before stopping and starting a new file. I have tried manual focus, zooming in and out, raising the gimbal so the autofocus focuses in on a distant object, etc., etc. I have a video of some of the low quality files on my YT page.

[@QCGUY]

I’m not happy for you but happy to hear it’s not just mine. Two times today mine was the exact same thing exactly as you described it.

[@dhoser9296]

Very nice Chris. I'm sure the powder works fine but what about if/when it gets damp or wet? Will it turn into a paste and stick? I would think a graphite or silicone powder/spray would perform better in high moisture/humidity environments. As you mentioned, I've seen others who have received their drones with the new gimbal orientation and they still have some jello issues...granted it doesn't seem to be as bad but it's still there from time to time. And by the way, the new 1.1.14 does NOT fix the wind issues. Flying into a wind still decreases the drones velocity by at least 40% in cat 3 winds or higher.

[@BlairAir]

It seems to be an Autel trademark, and not a good one. Evo 2 loses 20-25% against the wind and its a 2.5lb brick. May be Aero, prop design... some combination.

[@QCGUY]

That’s why I made it a point to say use whatever you want because no matter what I do there will be a nope 👎🏻 that’s not going to work or what if this or that. What you mentioned about moisture is totally possible but I’ll cross that bridge if I get there. 1.1.14 was not supposed to fix wind speed issues per say. It was to fix sport mode top speed. All Autel drones do not compensate for wind and reduce speed more then anything I own or owned which is often doable but in a smaller lighter quad it’s really bad and now having full sport mode gives more than it did before even if it’s under 10m/s. It gets home is what matters. This will always be a fair weather flyer only.

[@dhoser9296]

@@BlairAir I guess they don't test these designs in wind tunnels for the best aerodynamic form.

[@williambennon7532]

Hard to believe the orientation of those dampers makes much of a difference. Even if the stickiness doesn’t come into play when flying, the dab of talc will eliminate doubt. Autel’s handling of both jello and speed issues were self inflicted wounds to credibility. Many (but not all) of the jello demonstrations have been made in cold temperatures which certainly exaggerates the problem. The deceptive change to speed specifications was another unforced error since they have released firmware changes negating much of the issue. I suspect the degraded speed flying against the wind could be addressed in future updates. Reviewers flocking to return their drones created a “run on the bank” and will be hard to overcome and be particularly troublesome with the upcoming release of the mini 3. I hope Autel can weather the storm as they are the only company capable of providing meaningful competition to Dji. Thanks for the instructive videos!

[@BlairAir]

I'm not sure what it I'd about Autel, if it's aerodynamic, motor design, propeller type or what but the Evo 2 is also slow in heavy wind, and it's a 2.5 lb beast. I don't know if the new Enterprise with longer Carbon Fiber arms, big-ass motors (not a brand name, but should be) and massive props is better or not. Evo 2 can hover and manage huge wind, but it's slow tonreach top speed, and can be 10 mph slower against the wind than with it.

[@QCGUY]

Autel has a speed against wind and I don’t mean heavy wind problem in its DNA. All their quads drop more in speed than anything else I own and I own too many. The smaller the quad the worse it is obviously so when they pretty much just did away with sport mode that was a killer. In wind performance this quad will never match up to the mini 2 and sadly Hubsan even does it better. Autel doesn’t seem to listen well or respond well to these things either. That’s a big mistake in itself.

[@jeffmelcher2908]

@QC GUY why do you think Autel deprioritizes speed as it is a big deal to consumers? What is the cause of the poor performance? It’s not rocket science, they are talented people, it must be intentional. Aerodynamics is well understood, so are the motors and controllers, and the batteries are made with cells that every manufacturer has access to. Maybe it’s a weight constraint, as they have more sensors and had to save weight on the other components, but as you said, their larger drones perform poorly too, so that confuses me. Does the camera weigh more with the larger sensor? Do you think they used smaller motors that have reached their thermal limit to save weight? It doesn’t seem it is a financial constraint, as it is at such a high price point. It’s such a promising product, but they are missing the mark. What are your thoughts?

[@QCGUY]

@@jeffmelcher2908 🤷‍♂️ I have no clue as to their thoughts and reasons. Wish I did know though…

[@auldflyer]

Excellent presentation, thanks

[@dennydog]

Chris, any secrets getting Autel to call back on a Autel Care request, Ive been leaving messages and emails for a week so far. Id love to get to the point where I can at least send it in after a low hanging tree incident. thanks

[@QCGUY]

Email again and put attention Evan Applegate. He’s been very helpful. [e-mail]

[@RickaB]

So what have you achieved? What’s the difference pre and post?

[@QCGUY]

I achieved helping others should they decide what they want to do for themselves if they need it or not. Many are like me that like to try things out to see if it makes a difference or not and have the desire to try one way or the other. This is usually the types that have been in the hobby for a long time when the hobby involved knowing how to use a screwdriver. The difference is not the same for you, I or anyone else as we all have different experienced and expectations. My differences will be seen when I post flight videos and show what mine was doing when the gimbal damper stuck on it in flight.

[@SmokingGouda]

Doing the Lord's work there man! I really appreciate the video and instructions! So far the tiny pieces of foam I put in the back ones has stayed for me! Do you think the geometry of rotating them will dampen better based upon how the wind'll be hitting it?

[@QCGUY]

I think this way I have switched them to makes more sense mechanically but the Mini 2 is opposite and works just fine so I honestly can’t say for certain. I can say the sticky dampers is a issue and Autel along with anyone else can spread the false bullshit all they want. Most are smarter then they think. Thanks 😊

[@glfinvestments]

Great drone surgery Chris lol.... All jokes aside this video was great and informative, wish a nano was in my budget but it's not maybe I can check it out when I come back home.

[@QCGUY]

Save your money, wait for either the Mini 3 or a second approach from Autel in this market of sub 250g quads.

[@glfinvestments]

@@QCGUY good advice when you gonna do more with the lite + cause I am really thinking about that more then a mini.

[@QCGUY]

@@glfinvestments as soon as Mother Nature gives me a break to do so.

[@coalcrackerchris]

Great advice!! I think autel IS trying to confuse us so we send it back to be repaired and charge us. BTW. Whats the story on USA banning DJI? Cant get their FPV goggles in USA. This is one reason I am leaning towards autel nano + instead of DJI Mini3. Whats your oppinion?

[@QCGUY]

I think this will pass soon enough but I would wait to see what happens with a Mini 3 if that’s what interests you as well.

[@akaiphone]

Where can I ship mine to have it done by you?

[@QCGUY]

email me and I’ll give you the information [e-mail]

[@akaiphone]

@@QCGUY I just emailed you.

[@1000sofusernames]

Would these dampers affect the horizon alignment on the gimbal? I'm constantly about 2 degrees out. I've tried all the recalibrations and just do a manual realignment once up in the air now. It's only a couple of button presses but it's annoying.

[@QCGUY]

Generally they would just work or make your gimbal stiff and videos jittery. Sounds like you have something else going on there.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

I was thinking dampening grease they wouldn't go in to stick? But might make it too stiff.. just these dampeners look so soft.. GF might have powder.. damn I need to buy a nano then lol

[@marklangford2965]

I’m having this exact issue after flying problem free for 6 months. I can lightly pull on the gimbal and it will fly. I hit record and it says it’s recording but when I’m done, there’s video in the album or in my photos on my iPhone. Any suggestions?

[@QCGUY]

I’m thinking you meant no video in the album. Have you tried a different card or formatting it in the drone? A sd card has more of effect on how the camera operates than people think. It’s worth a shot…

[@raulcarrillocarlos8258]

I had a fall with the drone and the shock absorbers came off and But also the flat cable, what is that cable for? The gimbal doesn't work, the camera does

[@QCGUY]

It’s for your gimbal

[@Matanumi]

ive had this very issue on the mini 2- gotta replace that cable

[@ghettogardens1]

Who designed this thing, Hubsan?

[@QCGUY]

I think they share the same rented space now. 😂

[@rickracine9758]

Great job Chris , you might get flooded with repairs for 10 , 20 bucks LOL

[@QCGUY]

I’ll do it for $10 and 24 hour turnaround time. It’s not worth my time money wise but worth it helping others avoid Autel taking a week or two.

[@rickracine9758]

@@QCGUY great thing your doing your more help to others then Autel no dough

[@SteveNas530]

Thanks Chris!

[@Sam-dq5ke]

Hello friend, I have an evonano plus, which I bought on the internet at Aliexpress, but an accident happened with, my drone, it hit a tree and fell, the PTZ cable of the gimbal broke and I need a part like this to repair it, as I bought it, here in my country there is no spare part, it is very difficult, I can get this cable, if you help me to get this part I will be very grateful!

[@QCGUY]

Autel is among one of the worst drone companies to make many parts like these available unfortunately. If you can’t find it by using goggle then I certainly couldn’t do better. Sorry 😞

[@mikehrenak1390]

First air 2 s army out

[@joepowers3731]

Nice job.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks

[@meudrone4k369]

Chique👏🏻🤩

[@philliplow5379]

Excellent!

[@QCGUY]

Share this video in your favorite Autel group and I invite you to come join mine where there's no over controlled deleting or scolding of Admins! facebook.com/groups/1001819183742424/about

[@WindWalkerDrones]

Chris I'm still waiting for you to send me the autel. Lol

[@QCGUY]

Oh I forgot…oops

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

The rubber compound used is a Bad mixture and is dissolving, Hence the Sticky mess.

[@Pyper80]

Fantastico

[@neo57611]

Will WD 40 work? Thanks, Chris. Yup, it sounds like a cluster fuck. Interesting fix. Let us know how it goes

[@neo57611]

@RetroModern Art great, thanks. So now I'm really thinking this hard....not only position but dampers design. Maybe based on a more silicon composition? Seems like right design wrong material and density....hope they solve the equation this is definitely a fail.

[@MadMax-vy9hk]

How did you get time to do that Chris when you had some lunatic always messaging you LOL. Wouldn’t engineering masterpiece Autel must be so proud of The engineering masterpiece they have brought out to the market. “Cock heads” Good video buddy for the people who didn’t decide to send this back maybe I should’ve kept mine in the end least I may of had something to show for more money. Autel musta had some other white powder when they were designing and putting this drone together , but it must have all gone up there noses. 😂😂😂

[@mikehrenak1390]

Your time is worth $ for sure

[@curtwestergard294]

Baby powder or =

[@f13dfx]

1st Like! 👍🏼

[@pwaks]

No one should have a sticky gimbal.

[@MiltonPapa]

Wouldn't just putting talk on without changing anything achieve the same thing? I know it's 2 years later..!!!

[@QCGUY]

There’s always more than one way to do something. I prefer not getting talc in the drone or in the camera vents myself but I also show it this way so people see how to remove the dampers etc.