DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus Troubleshooting Tip

[@peterdaprix4479]

Thank you for your very helpful tips. I was ready to do some slight adjustments to my new Phantom 2 Vision + with my sledge hammer when I found your tips. My new craft did everything right except start. Minor really but flight is always useful. So I connected up the USB from craft to laptop, fiddled with the joysticks a bit and watched the little green things go back and forth. No adjustments needed. No upgrades of firmware needed, or so I was told. I photographed the QR code on the product box with my iPhone. Had another cup of tea. Unplugged it all and tried the toggles again to start it and it started. I have no idea what I did that might have caused it to change its mind about flying, but whatever ever it was it worked. But I have to say that anyone who thinks, just because the advertising says so, that you can take the copter out of the box and start flying is fooling themselves. There are a lot of steps of pre-flight prep involved is you want your craft to come back to you in one piece and not smash itself or hurt people or property by going off on its own. I cannot stress enough that the most rigorous preflight sequences are necessary and vital. FIrst of all, the compass should be calibrated for every flight. If it isn't then the craft has not locked into at least 6 satellites and established its launch point. I find the instructions that come with the craft are either to brief or too complicated without enough clear explanation and definition of terms.

[@DaveFisher1]

Thanks for the vid. Very well done. I like your 'slow' recommendation. Just two comments: 1.) Always remove the camera lock BEFORE powering on the quad regardless of whether you are going to fly or merely do a calibration, software update, etc. If you don't you could ruin the gimbal. 2.) Never use the longer prop guard screws without the guards in place. In other words, if you decide to fly without the prop guards be sure to use the original shorter screws to secure the motors. The longer ones will go up into the motors and damage the windings and ruin the motors. (Don't ask me how I know.)

[@celenauy]

I have to thank you, I had the same problem as you with my phantom, until I came to this video. I tried what you said and I solved it! I told my mother about the problem he had with the drone, and I had found your video and had it fixed. She told me, you have to thank, so here I am! Greetings from Uruguay!

[@JayHutchG]

Good advice Elmer. Thanks for taking the time to post this video. Too bad your 1st few days with the P2V+ were a bummer. Your video should save a few others from same fate. I should get my DJI P2V+ via UPS today! Can hardly wait to set it up. I'll be sure do all the calibration and software firmware updates right away, before first flight. I'll also follow your "slow & steady" advice.

[@jacquescardon2848]

Thank you for sharing this advice to start by carefully studying the manuals and proceeding step by step for the first take-off attempts. Just one point I'd like to add: I've learned it's a lot easier to take-off smoothly from a flat and solid surface instead of from the grass. This could be because at the moment of take-off the DJI weights 0 grams, even a small blade of grass is an obstacle which can destabilize the DJI to fall on its side.

[@Christo5366]

Thank you! Glad I came across your video. I just got mine, and I am reading and watching EVERYTHING I can get my hands on - and this was glossed over and not addressed at all on a lot of first flight videos!

[@bebopsky]

Thanks for the tips sir. Just got mine today, and super glad I know in the RC world it's good to see what others are saying about their experiences, and what to avoid/look out for.

[@mcirt]

Haha... this is great. I just bought a 2 Vision Plus and wanted to look over "trouble/problem" videos before I try flying it. I stumbled upon this video, and I thought "This guy looks/sounds LDS". Then I saw the flyover of an LDS meeting house. Glad you made this video! I just want to be prepared for any potential issues. Thanks!

[@sergeantbilko7070]

So I got my Phantom 2 Vision yesterday. Right away I started charging the battery and Range Extender. I didn't bother putting the props on yet because I wanted in upgrade any new firmware that was needed, so I did that, put the props on, took it outside and connected to GPS, did the compass calibration and was ready for my first flight. It took off great. I only flew about 15 to 20 feet off the ground and did a few maneuvers, brought it back down to a safe landing. I took off and landed on a small strip of sidewalk we have in the backyard. Anyway, everything worked great. It started to rain so I didn't bother flying until this morning. Well this morning I realized I did not update any firmware on the controller yesterday so that was the first thing I did today. I also calibrated the sticks, or whatever you want to call them. Did all the pre stuff, set the Phantom down on the same sidewalk as yesterday, started the props, slightly moved the up stick and it tipped over on the back props. Now it was a bit windy today so I do not know if that was the cause or if it had something to do with my calibration or firmware update on the controller. I haven't calibrated the IMU. Do you think I should give it a try? But on the other hand, it could have been caused by the wind. Any idea's, suggestions?

[@nunoverissimo977]

You just save my day!! My first flight experience was a disaster ... Not well trimmed!!! Just slide away and crashed two times ... I'm looking forward to that calibration ... I'll try it tomorrow ... And hope a can have good news !!! Thanks

[@soriaguanajuato]

I really thank you for the time you take to give this advise, I use to have a walkera that behave just the way you say the phantom did, I was so frustrated, now I have a Phantom vision 2 plus, and I am getting as much advise and information on youtube as I can, so I can fly it with more confidence. thank you once again, and yes I am a happy noob too, enjoing live as much as I can, happy with myself, God and my life, everybody is noob in something at every moment in life.

[@stianenstrm361]

Thank you so much! Your story is just like mine. Bought a rc helicopter years ago with i had to trash, and now i had the very same problem with this one. Will try the calibration!

[@davidg.2720]

ElmertheClep....Great video by the way....Couple of things to add and or suggest. I too used prop guards only to the point where I felt comfortable enough to remove them and only after trimming all my neighbors trees and shrubs. I also noticed that my camera now doesn't have prop guards in the video frame. VERY IMPORTANT thing about prop guards to everybody.......If you tighten the longer screws that come with prop guards ever so much a bit too tight, you will ruin the motor(s). I know this because I did it. Went to fly after installing prop guards and one motor jerked back and forth. I contacted DJI and he did not even ask if I installed prop guards he already knew it. To fix I had to buy all new motors....$115. Do not over tighten the prop guards.

[@richctv]

Great advice. My Phantom 2 Vision+ didn't have as pronounced an angle take off but I also tried to compensate with the directional stick. DJI really should make a point to produce videos on the software calibration tools as well as how to properly calibrate a Phantom for flight. A lot of mishaps and crashes could be avoided.

[@milanswoboda5457]

In the majority of the cases the standard physical calibration (the dance with the phantom) suffices when you take the unit out of the box since they are precalibrated at the factory. However exposure to strong magnetic fields during transport can cause a shift in the compass calibration which then requires the more advanced software calibration procedure.

[@Jason_Shave]

Great tips. Great video editing/audio etc. Just bought a few extra batteries for mine today and have been loving the shots you can get from this unit.

[@tdg911]

Great footage and great advice on IMU calibtration. Just unboxed mine and will do that as soon as the batteries are charged.

[@neosquirrel]

What I find most confusing is conflicting instructions that came with my Phantom 2 V.20--the booklet instructions are written for an original Phantom 2 with gimbal control on the back, and tell you to point the controls to the down and inward position to start up and to cut the engines, and yet the paper wrapped around the new controller tells you to just power down the throttle by itself until it stops spinning. And yet, it tipped much like yours, started powering back up (since the right stick was telling the controller to pitch) and it turned my first couple landings into a weedwacker. Truly frightening when you're trying to get the thing to stop and it won't actually do that. Regardless, much like you I'm going to get prop guards and a second spare set of blades since I've already started to scratch up and nick away tiny pieces at the tips. Thanks for the video.

[@ivanteo1973]

Thanks for sharing. Uncontrollable was one of the things that I am worried. Guess I will do what you recommended before my first flight.

[@tomstrb]

You are spot on....don't fly fast.calibration with I up fixed my pv2 and always preform with lens guard off....also save money buy a camera gimbal guard so if you crash your ribbon won't tear and no camera separation..thank you for the video and helping others!!!

[@mewcomm]

Oh would that more You Tube "Help" or "Tutorial" Videos be so direct and clear! Nicely Done Elmer. Thank You!

[@7863348]

Thank you very much ch for taking the time to advise us about the issue you had. I'll be doing the same adjustment before I fly. I subscribed. Again. Thank you!

[@puckerupdude]

Thanks for the vid, My PV2+ only sees 4 GPS birds at my house so I was hesitant to make my first flight, but did anyway. I lifted it off the ground only a foot then tried to land and it flipped over. I stopped after that and tried again a few days later and was successful at hovering and moving around ....carefully. I was able to land it too after a few tries. I need to get those prop guards!

[@waldemarkearney1015]

I just bought a second hand one , thank you for advice 😊 I tried it today but was no fun all over the place so going to calibrate first via computer 👍

[@StuartLoria]

Now this video provides value, I like regular videos but un boxing, happy paths, or young kids explaining you why the product is cool are not the most helpful videos, troubleshooting like this one or mod videos do provide value

[@j.wtaylor4717]

Awesome Video and thanks for sharing. Am in the process of buying one within the next few days so getting all the information I can. Well done and good luck.

[@GDpix]

Great video! I also had this issue, but it would usually go away if I launched off a flat surface like the top of the case I purchased, or if I stopped the phantom a few times. Will try the software calibration for a permanent fix. Thanks!

[@terbang78]

Just bought my Phantom. Thanks for sharing, I will calibrate the IMU

[@atiwitwichi]

I got mine last week and it isn't taking off vertically. Will try the IMU thingy. Thank you so much!

[@jmalfani]

Saludos Elmer...desde México...buena informacion que explicas. Pronto podré comprar el phantom vision plus. Sin duda tiene muy buena calidad de video. Gracias.

[@HankStites]

Great job. Lots of sensible advice, and I like it coming from a guy my age who tells me NOT to gun it! Keep the sun at your back!

[@zagihk]

nice house and flying field you have around. Thanks for sharing

[@billyvanzyl]

Had a problem with declination. Now that is sorted it is very stable. We in south Africa are very off true North.

[@kuldartimmusk]

Hi! Finally I have found someone with similar problem. My first flight ended exactly the same but with huge loss. I can not prove anything to DJI because the video is broken. I removed phantom battery while it was recording. I don't know is it caused by accident but I have also bad altitude reading. Every time I turn it on it will show altitude minus 60 meters and counting down. After 5 minutes it will reach close to zero.

[@denodan]

First thing I did was check the Imu calibration before I even took my first flight and it said needed a calibration. Did so and was fine. All the rough handling during its transit to you can and does throw off the calibration.

[@zacko8730]

Funny guy, thanks for advice. I'm Trying mine out this weekend!

[@johngoodwin34]

Had exactly your problem regarding software. Over here in UK I could not connect to software to setup my transmitter. I downloaded many times onto my iMac the supposed Phantom 2 plus software which everytime downloaded Phantom 2. Rang supplier who then told me to turn on the Phantom 2 plus and the transmitter. Plug usb into Phantom not the transmitter but turn on transmitter as well. He told me that the transmitter can be configered in that setup. So did that and it worked. Next is to look for update button and check versions and if at odds then update. If evens then everything has already been updated and your ready to go.

[@StevenBagley]

Awesome advice! Your footage is beautiful by the way. Awesome place to film.

[@MrGolakechelan]

Very Helpful. Would you be willing to show us the step-by-step software checks and upgrades that you mention. There is a mini-usb on both the Quad and the Remote Control and I wonder if there are software upgrades / alignments / calibrations we need to do on both? - Thank you for you helpful video. Nice with your excellent audio/video production. You must be a videographer too? - Jerry

[@sergeantbilko7070]

Oh, I meant to comment on your video. I liked it. Thought it was very informative and enjoyed watching a "how to video" that doesn't have a bunch of scary ass music that is so loud you can't hear what the instructor is saying. Oh, I think we have the same hair stylist too. haha

[@johngoodwin34]

Good video.....Will follow your advice on IMU

[@youreasyreach2]

Great Video.Thanks for your feedback.I am about to buy one ! Regards Alex

[@mazenkanso]

thanks, actually i got mine lately and still i am getting to know it and had this experience where it tipped to the front. thanks for the advice , will try your advice

[@WeeblerZ18]

Good Vid. I have just perchased and I have had nothing but problems with software and binding unit and camera.

[@Koroschinski]

. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your advice. . Best regards from Bodo , Hamburg / Germany .

[@chatrogercadua7752]

very very good information my friend , it reflects your personality your a good heart person, Thanks

[@thetoybox9593]

Hi ElmertheClep Thanks for your review. A good heads up for me as I'm a total noob and completely agree with the bad advice part. Just a quick question. I just recieved my device PV2+ and have flown in only a couple of times. I came across something about the camera tilt that raised my concern. I noticed when I tilt the camera via the app (smartphone soft/touch buttons), it tilts quite crisply responding to every click precisely on the gimbal, however when I use the metallic looking dial on the top left hand corner on the Remote Control (just above the S2 switch), the gimbal wobbles the camera before actually tilting it up and down, sort of like a very fast nod up/down before actually tilting in the direction that I want it to go so it makes it difficult to do as smooth of a tilt or like step by step tilt as it does through the app. Almost looking like it's a bit confused before responding... Like a wobble or shake, sorry I don't know how to describe it any better.. Is this normal or is my RC dial faulty? Thanks in advance for your help. Cheers q[^_^]p

[@buryitdeep]

Thanks for the information. I'm sure this will save some of us from the same thing.

[@skylerlance7645]

I beg to differ on your takeoff advice. From my experience (200+ flight hours), a slow takeoff allows the phantom to be influenced by any wind, and the tendency is for it to tip before it gains it's legs. "balls to the wall" (an expression that originated from the balls on multi engine aircraft throttle levers) will deliver more consistent satisfactory results assuming your craft is calibrated properly.

[@vedransetka]

Saved me lot of time and money. Thank You.

[@bentthorvardarson3397]

JUST one more tip... When you calibrate your Phantom,- make sure that it is cold. The MC "master controler" needs to be cold... use a fan to cooling it of. it is inside the phantom "the block" . Spec. if u want to make the adv. cal... hope this was usefull?? You dont need to open the Phantom,- just cool it down..

[@milanswoboda5457]

Sorry, that's overkill. Calibration will work fine without cooling the Naza-M controller down. Just make sure that there is no magnetic interference in the vicinity while doing standard or advanced calibrations.

[@qbanitoproduction]

thank elmerthe because i have the same problem with the phantom 2 vision plus y will try to recalibrate thanks

[@mikedizon9798]

You were so excited and you forgot to install the assistant software and calibrate IMU and compass! You can even need to know how to use the IOC!

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Thanks for the advice, your shots look great.

[@gregorydodge6781]

had the same issue, i'm hoping you could help with a step by step for IMU calibration. I downloaded everything but my desktop doesn't recognize the RC or Phantom...help!

[@rsquinlan22]

Great advice....THANKS for posting!!!!

[@BoomerteamUAE]

Thanx for the video. I have new one of these vision plus. Everything is nearly ok. But it is not stable .it always going to the right. Can keep it in same spot or leave the stick. Why what should i do ?

[@leo2casper]

my dji 1 was low on battery and i switched to return home by mistake. how can i get control of it and not wait until it return home by itself? thank you guys.heart stopping moment..

[@DRONESVU]

my never take off until I calibrate the IMU, after calibrate the IMU it did not give me any problem.

[@mariop8161]

Thx for sharing your experience!

[@MegaDougT]

Ive lost camera visual on my Samsung 3.....how do I get the video feed back please? Anybody.

[@naybobdenod]

thanks for the tips,really appreciated.

[@GRodney777]

This was very helpful THANKS !

[@luisph87]

Good!!!!Elmer!!! Regards from Mexico as well!! I'm having my second day with the Phantom Vision 2 plus and it happened the same as you !! But I don't have the prop guards! :S Do you have a hard case now? Which one do you recommend ? Thanks!

[@frankiedoesoz]

Excellent video, appreciate the advice. So based on your experiences did you find that the over Phantom unit (with the included camera) to be pretty sturdy? One thing I was a bit wary of is flying the Phantom for the first time and damaging the camera.

[@milanswoboda5457]

The phantom itself can take a bit of abuse, the camera and gimbal assembly on the other hand is more sensitive and can easily be damaged. Worst part is that there are no spare parts for the gimbal available yet so repair means generally the purchase of a new assembly which is rather costly.

[@erikhaluzak8667]

I think I'm having a problem similar to yours although when I left stick up it doesn't even lift off the ground. Any advice?

[@ht6501]

wise words mate, thanks for the tip

[@FilipFerferiev]

very helpful video, thank you!

[@trickysyoutube]

and wait for the quick flashing for the home point .... the green flash constant for ready to fly and enough satellites ... 7 + or dont take offf

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Yes. I love the way it flies when the GPS is sufficiently locked in. I haven't tried pushing things when the GPS isn't good to go. I know some people can fly these things without GPS (and even indoors) but I'm not ready for that.

[@EvaristeWK]

323 likes, no dislike

[@steveshambaugh]

Very sound advice.

[@Discover-Ireland]

after you done this,,,did you have to calibration the remote? iv just bought one,and im just wondering do i update its software before i fly it. Or can i just fly it right out of the box. Thanks in advance

[@Grevisser]

Thanks for your post it was very usefull

[@kkkastig]

hey there i just bought a new DJIPhantom 2 and i haven't open it yet but i want to make sure that my drone will fly stable on my first flight. That's why im watching troubleshoot videos for phantom 2. I can't seem to find where you download the website where you calibrate it. Can you please show me?

[@MegaDougT]

Use the usb cable hook it to the DJI and your laptop.Should just pop up to find it there.

[@vincejk777]

Very Good advice thank you.

[@ridenhard420]

i have problem with mine in the heat on hot sunny days when i go up to 500ft or higher

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I'm too afraid of the FAA to fly more than 400 feet above the ground.

[@landonjohnson1782]

ElmertheClep Me too! I live under the traffic pattern at a local airport so not much altitude for me!

[@trickysyoutube]

right control up = forward .. left power up .....yes up off the ground ..

[@hangle1937]

good tips. thx Sir

[@WeeblerZ18]

I have not even got off the ground yet. As you say Back off and leave it alone when frustrated. I has been a week so far>>(

[@tatsapoomful]

i got the same problem.. first flight out of the box is not that easy...

[@MRTODDSHAW]

my video feed to my ipad does not always work cant figure that out

[@bentthorvardarson3397]

Just like you´r still... On top, and better be save than sorry.. I´we had my problems.. tjek my video´s.. Starting all over with my gimbal this week..

[@trickysyoutube]

allways wait for 7 or more gps

[@TheTruthisGold]

Thank you!

[@mavicprovideos1485]

Thank you

[@mavicprovideos1485]

Yes, same problem

[@mrmauricelewis]

Omg thank you so much.

[@canaldefredi]

gracias!

[@stevenelliott3444]

That's for the tips

[@djstevi5860]

how much did your phantom 2 cost you

[@MCWILL1414]

Please check out my DJI Phantom Vision 2 Plus skiing video - It was only my second time filming but got some pretty cool shots

[@icopeland10]

you were supposed to do this calibration before the first flight anyways...do your research people

[@mrsjones9312]

I bought mine 3 month ago,have not had any problems.Before I took it out of the box I watched a video from Ralph in Germany,he goes into all areas of flying..heres a link..kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5itqn5mfdBpf9k Happy flying.

[@georgetoureiro7323]

Great vid and great advise! Many thanks!!!