Why Do Quadcopter Motors Spin Up By Themselves With Props Off?

[@Joakester]

My. God. I've spent ALL DAY on this issue on my first ever build. Even gone through a lot of your tutorials in general about Betaflight, OpenTX, drones in general, etc. Could not solve the issue...until you explained why it was happening. Just tried actually flying it, hovered perfectly and promptly flew it straight into a wall :)

[@damienkinchen]

You funny mf.🤣

[@BClevs]

This video is still helping people! Thanks for all your work

[@samuel.schnepp]

@Drew Reyansh ight chic gif givhvhivhhivgihh which vivhivhvhivg high can go on hvhihic chugging igivhihivhihivi vhihgigigivigiv vic gghvhhivhigivgichiv cuhichivicicichichicicichihhigicihhihiciv gghvhhivhigivgichiv icgivghgi high can cvg chicken in my h e good hh

[@samuel.schnepp]

@Drew Reyansh you get here go HH how have how have have had hhi

[@samuel.schnepp]

@Drew Reyansh you get here go HH how have how have have had hhih

[@trotter_mac]

To this day still helping people

[@derekg3789]

Several years later and I'm very glad you made this video. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@Thisguyandhiscamera]

Just received my first quad this afternoon. I've sat here for the past two and a half hours trying to figure out what's wrong. "Why are they running up?!" Then, as always Josuah the Tennessee Rock Star gives me the answer. So glad you made this video almost three years ago, just so that I could find it tonight. Thank you Joshua

[@monkavideos]

Newbie freaking out about motor spin up on the bench and then I watched this. Thank you, I will sleep better tonight and tomorrow I will go hover. :)

[@danielmorris604]

Three or four years later your video has proven to still be a quality answer. Absolutely for me and I'm sure for many others as well.

[@baggszilla]

I absolutely love no matter what question you have about drones and you type it in to Google, Bardwell has a video on it! You sir are much appreciated.

[@crazyace63]

2 1/2 years later and it helped me. My first quad and I was freaking out trying to get the motors to stop spinning. Thank you for the video. Now off to try some flights.

[@gideoncarleton1720]

same

[@geminisduerme5266]

Same 3 years later...now I try flying it lol

[@kevinclayton1808]

i can genuinely say as someone trying to get into this hobby this video is extremely helpful! thanks for being a good person and helping the community!!!

[@Deathrattler]

I am getting back into quads after 18 months; and I had this issue. Thanks for the video Joshua!!! Like always.....your support is much appreciated.

[@mociu2000]

Nice vid, Just like my father used to say: Learn everyday, die stupid. I just put a X210 together (my first racer with a BetaFLight) and this is exactly what I was experiencing. I was ready to take it for a maiden but was worried that it might flip out due to the motors spooling up all the way to the max without my input. Thank you Joshua, my mind is at ease... I will take her to the skies!!!

[@j.finesseflights1403]

Thanks for being so patient, people sometimes.... Over think things and create problems that aren't there. We trust your expert opinion and you are awesome at what you do for us and the hobby!! Thank you bro, stay kool!!

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

7 years later and this video is still helping people! Thanks man!

[@mattreyes79]

Wow! I just bought my first quad and was testing on the bench with the battery and props off. I quickly noticed that when I would throttle up and down quickly the motors would just go crazy and not respond to the throttle at all. Maybe this was the issue the entire time. Throttling up and down quickly was driving it crazy with props off. Thanks Joshua!

[@itsDe0n]

yeah was the same with me, this was my first built.

[@gideoncarleton1720]

this is why the first place i search to troubleshoot is your channel, even if the problem isn't exactly what im looking for i learn something to help me troubleshoot or something that helps me later! keep up the good work!

[@gideoncarleton1720]

i just followed your advice and it worked! i did a few other things that helped i think because at first i had problems with the props on too.

[@MrBobdilly]

Just so you know, this vid is still doing its job. Just encountered this phenomenon for the first time, now my mind is at ease once again ;)

[@EduardoFerreiraJolo]

Four years later and this video is still helping people!

[@peepzorz]

Thank you Joshua! I haven't even run into this particular issue yet (still putting together my first quad). But I have watched many of your videos and learned a great deal as a result of your efforts. I can understand the frustration the that comes with explaining these complex topics to those less experienced, and just wanted to express my gratitude for all the knowledge you have shared on your channel. Have.a wonderful day, you deserve it.

[@deadbolt3586]

Sorry for the aggravation but without guys like you I'd never get my quad off the ground :)

[@brennanmaxwell6100]

Thanks for this. I'm new to FPV and I'm sure you're sick of it, but these silly little things are so frustrating when you don't even know what they're called. So thanks for these videos.

[@burnout.c]

Wow! This video saved me some precious sleep time! Without this one I would've kept banging my head and reaching for answers all night long. Thank you for explaining!

[@justmejohn1000]

Thank YOU! You are a sanity saver. I'm currently setting up my very first FPV quad. I have had so many questions that you have already answered with your videos. You are appreciated.

[@TbstUSA]

People like you make this hobby fun and interesting instead of frustrating. I just watched your resource mapping video and am amazed at how awesome the hardware and software engineers are and also those that can conveythe results in entertaining video. Hats off to you all!

[@MythicLionMan]

I didn't think I was a newb anymore, but I fell for this newb mistake. This is about the fourth or fifth quad I've built, but the first time that this has happened to me. I had just finished setting up my first Betaflight 4.2 quad and the motor revs would slowly creep out of control once I throttled up on the bench (only when air mode was on). I decided to try with props on, but it was late, and by the morning I was worried about a flyaway and decided to play it safe. I reverted all of my settings, thinking I'd messed something up moving from BF 3.x to 4.2, but the problem wouldn't go away. Finally found this video and then went flying :-). Thanks again.

[@ariesfpv7419]

you saved me, i bought a geprc mk2 and it arrived today and after i saw my motors spinning up like hell i found this video and i saw that this was innocuous. YOU SAVED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bryanbaker5603]

Thanks. This video still helping NOOB 4 years later. Thank you.

[@matttreerat8673]

This has just answered alot of questions on the behaviour of my first build while powered up during bench testing. When testing the motors in betaflight and calibrating in blheli suite they all work equally but didn't behave as I thought they should when just hooked up to a battery. Motor 3 spun down and stopped as well the motors twitching when I moved the quad. Thumbs up to you Joshua and keep up the good work.

[@animatedlim]

I will link this video every time I see a question on RCGroups about why my motors aren't spinning the same on the motor tabs. Thanks for doing this Joshua!!

[@EliCamacho]

It's going to hit 2018 and this video is still relevant. Saved me the headache of wondering what that was all about.

[@marcelinobatista3173]

your video cleared all my doubts today in 2024, thank you very much and continue with more videos like this

[@BrysonWooden]

4 years later and it helped me. new to FPV. Thanks for the explanation!

[@keithryant5779]

Great video... My issue is with props on. Checked everything from motors spinning correctly, correct prop orientation, gyro is lined up correctly, failsafe works. With props off I can arm my quad and slowly throttle all the way up and down, use pitch, roll and yaw and the motors act correctly (Acro). In Angle mode I get the symptoms you discuss here where the motors act more unpredictable...OK. As soon as I go for my flight test, all hell breaks lose. I give maybe 10% throttle and it takes off like a rocket, kind of like I just gave it full throttle. I try to give it less throttle to bring it back down and get no response until I'm at zero throttle and then it falls out of the sky and rolls upside down and just breaks props and covers my quad in dirt. I'm bout ready to give up on this hobby and take up soccer, just kick the thing into the air as it would fly better. Too much money for zero flight time. Cant find anything on the net with my exact issue and no hobby shops around except one and they just want to sell items and not actually help. They accused me of setting it up incorrectly and that building your own isnt worth it. I should by a DJI... wow wouldn't even take a look. They only sell not repair. I tested on the bench with props on and it does the same thing, give it just a tad bit of throttle and it wants to lift me out of my seat and fly to the moon. Props off and works normal, too bad you need props to fly. Does the exact same thing in acro, horizon and angle, just $hit's itself. Any suggestions besides buy a new DJI?

[@misinterpreted6395]

Did you end up figuring this out? I'm having the same issue

[@MakeMyJay]

WOW, this is exactly the video I needed to watch. I think I'm ready to put the props on my first ever build and go hover. Thanks Josh

[@jvtroyen]

Noticed this exact "problem" with my quad, but found this video in minutes. Eased my mind completely. Thanks for taking your time to explain this. It's completely logical (in hindsight :-))

[@DucatiSydney]

Been watching your videos, just faced this issue with my quad. Cleared the overthinking like a boss

[@automateyourhouse]

Its 2021 , and you're still helping people, ME ! :-) thank you

[@Johnellenberger1]

Spent four hours trying to figure this one out..... THANK YOU!

[@muhammadyahya8392]

I am still having this problem and with the props on :(

[@OLEHFPV]

this was so helpful I thinnk I would never finish setting up my drone without this man. Thanks so much Joshua

[@johnhinves5798]

OMG thanks for telling people to try the quadcopter with the props on finally i was able to fly my DTS Q220 racing drone for the first time. I've had the Q220 for a month now and been looking at every video and write up I could to get the thing to fly. I will say that you were the one to inspire me to go on and not loose faith. Watch listen and try. Thank you so much.

[@bastiaankorporaal9372]

Dear Joshua, thank you so much. I just started this quad stuf and love it. Your video’s help me so much and are great. I can take my own time to view and stop or test. I have this problem to, with the rotors, you explained and took away the doubt. Love it. Keep up this good work.

[@wolfspring]

Years later still helpful, Thank you!

[@whmthree]

Thanks Joshua! I the newb was in beta flight this morning and continually learning getting familiarized, this very topic happened. The main worry was that I would throttle up and then back, but the motors would continue to spin up to near max. I then hooked up another fpv and it happened there too, so I figured there had to be a connection. When I googled this was video was at the top of the results and now don't feel so worried.

[@Vladarius808]

I'll be like: I'm not gonna mount props until i solve the problem.. the problem: You don't have a props..

[@youtubepremium8920]

Lol that me

[@uzr7794]

Same

[@adrianryan1975]

this had me l perplexed also. i refrained from asking Joshua for the sake of his sanity. after checking out comments on his videos i saw a lot of ppl also were asking this n found the answer in those comments. this is my routine now b4 i ask these questions n bother a real pro. thank you Joshua

[@LineAnimation]

Hi Josh, I didn't ask but I searched your youtube channel and I found the solution to my issue. Thank you!!!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

YOU ROCK. So glad I could help.

[@jordanhyde3409]

Thank you so much for answering the question I have had for years! Lol. Never could understand why that happens then I go outside and my quad flies fine

[@eddyleehall347]

I've came to the same conclusion but my friends don't agree. Thanks for the video. I can't wait to show them this :)

[@anonnymous8636]

You have the most helpful drone videos on KZbin. Thanks so much, man.

[@martinbudden]

Hi Joshua, thanks for doing all the videos. Although your answer is correct, it is not complete. While it is true that the motors spin up because the PID controller is reacting to noise, it is not strictly speaking the PID controller, rather it is the I-part of the PID controller. Motor spin up is a form of "drift" and when you integrate noise, you get drift. You can demonstrate this by setting all your I-terms to zero - if you do this you won't get motor spinup.

[@arakashop]

wow I am looking at this in 2018 and as always it is help8full. thanks a lot man. I was having the same problem. as I am new to this hobby. I am learning so much from you.

[@N8904V]

Thank you. I had to watch your video four times before I could figure it out. You told me just keep watching it and I'll get it you were right.

[@farkhodkhikmatov4738]

YOU guys are amazing. You dedicate your time to actually solve these problems, I really appreciate what you do!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Glad it is helpful.

[@stewartdavis8618]

Thanks Joshua answers yesterdays question !!! as a 63 yr old this hobby is definitely keeping my brain active :-) One thing I did notice? I didnt think you could arm whilst Betaflight was connected ??

[@damntheman3185]

Woo I didn’t break it! Lol! I crashed into a puddle, then came in to test it after blow drying it. It was fine in angle mode but in acro, the motors spun up to infinity and beyond. Watched this video, went out to fly, and all was good. Thanks for this, yet again, JB!

[@jackcrack8776]

Damnthe Man so this always happens in Acromode? Do you have to keep it in angle mode? Mine is doing this now ..

[@damntheman3185]

Jack Crack mine only spun up like this in acro when the props were off or when I was holding it with props on.

[@jackcrack8776]

Awesome you rock!! I’m taking mine out for a beta flight tomorrow and I didn’t wanted to take off on me lol!

[@damntheman3185]

Jack Crack glad I could help! Happy flying!

[@jackcrack8776]

Thanks buddy you too

[@wangfreeman6487]

Hi Joshua, you did a lot of useful videos that many people appreciated, I have no doubt about that. I viewed this video and tried once flight and ended up drone crashed at that day untile one of the props broken. Before the flight and until now, my quadcopter has a problem, the number 2 and 3 motor run as number 1 & 4 at the beginning when the throttle is idle. As I increase the throttle a bit (not pass the middle point) then the number 2 & 3 motors spin in full speed and they won't stop even the throttle is put back to the minimum, so I have to disarm to shut it off. My drone current configuration: Betaflight 4.4 (the latest version), 5 inches freefly drone, 3S battery, readytosky 2-4S 40A Brushless ESC, 2212 920kv motors, SpeedyBee F405 V3 50A 30x30 stack, RadioLink AT10 ii transmitter, R12DS receiver I appreciated if you can give me a guidance.

[@ronnwilson2350]

I answer the same question on the Kiss FC thread all the time, not sure why it's so confusing but I guess it is for some. Good video Joshua, keep up the good work...

[@MARLIELEPPO]

I didnt fly my Quad for two weeks, was traying find where is problem! Turns out it was fine all along! Thank you man!🖖

[@Yank_fpv]

Thanks Josh from the past, this video saved my life today 🙏👍🏼

[@mrWonderphilly]

Thank you sir! This is my 4th racing quad build and first experience with this behavior on the bench... was a little scared to take a test flight based on what looks like a potential run away situation but I've checked that my failsafe works no matter what... time for some flight testing!! (thanks for clarifying!!)

[@aslamnazar8497]

Thanks Joshua for the expertise. I just finished my first build and full configuration with beta flight and Blheli, I was stuck with the problem of motor 2 and 4 spooling up with a small throttle up while props are off. And was afraid to take the first flight. Today evening I will hit the skies 😊hope nothing happens bad. Thanks again

[@53roger]

Josh, you are da man! This is my first build, on the bench 1 and 2 were spinning faster than 3 &4. Thought the FCB was bad and was ready to throw in the towel. My problem was i did not have the FC board (F3 evo) mounted level in place and as you mentioned, the copter was trying to level itself as soon as i hit the throttle making that happen.

[@valiant360420]

People wondering this are spending too much time looking at their quad and mastur... you know... And not enough time flying. I've done it too... but the solution is FLY! Just get out there and fly! Try not to overthink it, and look for problems that aren't there. Do much time in this hobby is spent theorizing and imagining. Windy day. No place good to go. Excuses. Just make yourself go and fly. That's what I aspire to do. Thanks Josh!!! Don't go crazy.

[@philipp8803]

this video is still helping me in 2022. Thanks JB :)

[@ReggieRailSystems]

I'll admit it, I am a 20,000 plus hour pro pilot of 40-years flying experience, but without a doubt a total numb-nutts ( ZERO experience) setting up my first programmable drone (A Eachine Cvatar Chinewhoop & all other needed paraphernalia my wife purchased as a gift for me through Joushua's links) Specifically, it has been a venture into maddening frustration for us from initial Programing the Radiomaster TX16S to binding the drone, to minimally grasping Betaflight to such a point I was and still am afraid to ask any one any further questions (Joshua Bardwell in particular). But single handedly this old video here certainly answers my One question of great concern of what in the world is happening when I flick the arm switch and the motors start running the running away. RECCOMENDATION if you would: I would replace this well described Video with a new one of more depth and in connection to changes to improvements to Betaflight. However, I sincerely appreciate that it is posted. Thanks Very Much. Bob Griffith, Winter Haven, FL

[@MrRager_69]

I spent the last two days searching for why I'm having this issue......Thanks xD

[@GFW229]

Just found quad was doing this.. knew I had seen something in your video list about it... watched it.. Happy :) Thank you

[@marremachine7440]

I have this problem now on my new build. Ill try your great tips, JB. Keep it up!

[@mikeoleksa]

I'll be damned! The intro to this video is a little ironic also. I'll just say this. A 3 year old video still applies today. As always, thank you, JB!

[@arbCannons3395]

6 years later, and I think this has solved my issue. Wow

[@steady747]

That happened to my first quad(it's dead now) and I wondered what it was. It never effected the flight. Thanks for the video, now I know

[@buffalojones341]

Steady *affected

[@steady747]

thank you, grammar Nazi.

[@buffalojones341]

Steady You're welcome! Just trying to help you sound smarter. Could be the difference between a job or living at home for another year ;)

[@BULLETENVY]

Thanks for all the videos you put out for us. My problem is this is happening even with props on. It idles smooth as glass and steady. But the second your give it more than half throttle or move the quad in any direction..the motors ramp up to almost full then torques and dies. Rearm. Smooth as butter. Throttle. GOING HAYWIRE! any suggestions?

[@jakestyles002]

Thank you so very much. I was like, "dang, what am I goofing up now?!? Turns out... nothing. I appreciate you.

[@donster222]

All routes lead to JB. My newb nerves and insecurities settled once again. Thank you.

[@Steve-hr2dr]

Thanks, this has answered my question exactly. I will go airborne with my first build tomorrow.

[@edgar9651]

Good video! I think it won't hurt to repeat that this is one of the reasons why people should try their quads with props off. When the props are on and spool up your quad might work like a flying blender with >1000W. I broke a finger with props at near minimum throttle and at least I won't make that mistake again. Be warned!

[@98Timothy]

Dude you literally are so right IDK if you say it in this video our your other hundreds but go over everything 10times.... I swore I checked my motor orientation and how my props were set.... Low and behold right when I was ready to say f this Imma give up I released my motors were reversed.... love u dude ur the best

[@kavic6]

Why people don't explain that in all the beginners video ??????? fuck my life... its been 2 days im searching and wondering why this frak happening to me ... its my first build and i'm lost , and no Betaflight beginner video said that ... NOT ONE ! thank you Joshua , i knew your videos were good and you saved me with this one.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Glad I could help :-)

[@starshipfpv]

I don't know why everyone freaks out over that question. I worked at a hobby store and I got that all the time

[@GxoLol]

Is it normal when you arm your drone with props the motors start up and they always spin nonstop And when you try to land the drone jumps up and down from the ground. Drone tinyhawk 2 rtf kit And when its upside down the motors go full throttle. Edit:Fixed it by disabling airmode in configuration tab Hope it helps!

[@cmtunderbird]

Thanks a lot for the precise and concise clarification !

[@andymattock397]

I could kiss you Joshua... when I finally got round to Googling 'why do my race quad motors spindle up on their own' #1 on the list Joshua Bardwell... Now I can get some sleep. Thank you

[@melaniemcconville1405]

this helped me in 2021 ; )

[@az_pit_viper4270]

Hello Joshua. First off, I enjoy your videos and you help make sense of things quadcopter related. With that being said I would like to get clarification on the subject. So, when I arm the motors and give a little throttle and then return the throttle all the way back down the motors continue to accelerate on their own if I am correct it is because of the vibrations you spoke of but once I put the propellers back on and lift off the ground it should hover and not shoot to the moon correct?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@joshuaflores7506]

Is this a setting in betaflight and would it be practical to turn it off if there is? I know it's to help fly it easier but I'd rather be in control of it rather than it speeding up on it's own.

[@mangirdaspazera3936]

Omg thank you so much for this video!!! I had nothing wrong with my drone but because of the escs going exactly like in the video after i put some throttle on i didn’t want to put the props and try it unless i sort the problem, but there is no problem omg.. was stuck here for a week, wow... thanks again!!!

[@jasonklock1034]

2020 and still helping you the man

[@Micjavier]

Still helping us. Thanks. Cheers!

[@davidklement2201]

Thanks a lot, I tried everything.... reset all setings in betaflight, upgrade betaflight to 4.0.6, create a new model in FrSky Q X7 without any template. But I am new in Quads and this video i saved me from going crazy :-D

[@robertv1273]

OMG do you know how many hours I've spent wrestling with this,why didn't I watch your videos. Ok I'm going to unplug all of these coptor plugs and watching everything you've published on line. good lord I need a helmit and a cork to put on my fork I am officially mentally handycapped…..Oh thank you Mr. Bardwell please excuse my frustration.haha

[@mikeduto]

You should add a small explanation of the Integral component of the PID loop. This is a classic case of integral windup, a common control problem - not just a FC problem.

[@seafurymike]

Dont forget about the effect of having airmode enabled. The FC will read a slight stick input and offset the throttle accordingly (all be it momentarily) which will exaggerate this effect.

[@angrykiwi6360]

Thank you Joshua! Bardwell knows all

[@AdjrianNickelodeon]

Take it outside he said... 2 broken props and 1 slashed battery later :'( As soon a I touch the throttle the motors go from zero to infinity causing the copter to tumble. ESC's calibrated Props on correctly Air mode activated Do you have a video for this one, Josh?

[@AdjrianNickelodeon]

D-shot ESC's in INAV btw. No option for HOT so I'm using standard

[@JoshuaBardwell]

+AdjrianNickelodeon search my channel for "quadcopter flips on takeoff"

[@kennymichaud5366]

Aa soon as you lose control disarm!!!!

[@sachidanandbogra6693]

Same with me

[@andytaylor3321]

mine is doing the same i am ready to give up drones man i have bought 4 and all them no luck

[@mazyarahmadi5424]

Thank you as always. Man, you are always so right on! This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@thfpv4974]

Lol this happened to me today. I was freaking out!!!🤦‍♂️ .... As always joshua thank for making vids for us💯

[@musicfreak115]

When I tell you the amount of hours I’ve wasted not knowing this lol! To be fair I’ve only just got into the hobby a week ago and have never flown yet but thanks man! I’m gonna try flying later today

[@peterreilly9740]

I have this problem with the props on and airmode off so still can't figure out y the he'll its doing this

[@adventureohio2]

Any luck?

[@naeffj]

Me too

[@andylee596]

same problem, with no arm, after plug battery, about 30 seconds later, motors start spin randomly, my copter is diatone gtr239.

[@SkyMissionsClub]

@@adventureohio2 do you solved?

[@jordanbatschi5828]

Do the motors respond to the TX throttle? (With props on, airmode off?)

[@TheM4niachicken]

Setting up my first cinewhoop atm. Had to Google why my motors kept going crazy with the props off. Here we are :D

[@elpepe64210]

Do you know how many videos I've seen about calibrating esc, min_check, min_throttle before I found this one? Ok problem solved....was no problem..... I can try hoover my build now! Thanks Joshua