Connects but wont take off - Urgent please

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

Hi all,
Hope you all had fun over the Christmas period. I have an issue with my Inspire 1 and it is causing majir problems as I have had problems getting off the ground on my last 5 jobs.
Everything connects fine, screen shows image and gimbal can be controlled but thats it. If you choose callibrate compass it asks if sure and then does nothing and the auto takeoff does not function. I have tried shutting down all devices and app and restarting and have tried different start orders but nothing. After shutting down bird multiple times it finally comes good and I can fly but this can take 10-15 mins and I look stupid with the client waiting.
Most jobs are open acreage properties with no interference, good satelites and I have tried with ipad on normal and flightmode( normally fly in flight mode) and it makes no noticable difference. Have also swapped out all batteries (4) in case there was an issue there but again nothing consistant.
Would appreciate any ideas or responses which will help

atomicdrone · Jan 9, 2018

I assume you are using the DJI GO 4 app? Try deleting the GO 4 app and reinstalling it on your mobile device.

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

Thanks, yes latest app update which was installed on December 5th. That and trying my iphone 6+ were my next steps but it seemed strange that it works sometimes and it has been working fine up until a couple of weeks ago?
Will try and see what happens

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

Sorry I was not thinking, it is the DJI Go app and Not Go4 as this is an Inspire 1 craft, the Go4 is only Inspire 2?

Dr. Ifly Drones · Jan 9, 2018

Will it take off flying manually? 2 things you said makes me wonder a little. First, most of us who've been flying DJI stuff for a while have learned that the compass dance is not necessary and ofter complicates things. If your mod values are good no need for that constant confusion to the IMU. Second, your mention of auto takeoff. I've never used it and would never use it or auto landing function. Why would you use either?

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

I do both, but sometimes find it just as easy to use auto takeoff but always prefer to land manual. The compass dance I have been using as a check to see if it will respond, and if not I know there is no point continuing.
Yesterday had 2 jobs, both had same problems but when I took off (manually) on the second job after a few tries, it did take off but I lost connection when the craft was at about 10m and couldnt reconnect. Had to land and turn off and restart to get it going again.

Dr. Ifly Drones · Jan 9, 2018

DavoMr2 said:
I do both, but sometimes find it just as easy to use auto takeoff but always prefer to land manual. The compass dance I have been using as a check to see if it will respond, and if not I know there is no point continuing.
Yesterday had 2 jobs, both had same problems but when I took off (manually) on the second job after a few tries, it did take off but I lost connection when the craft was at about 10m and couldnt reconnect. Had to land and turn off and restart to get it going again.

OK; trying to make sure I understand this correctly. You can take off and land manually without problem right? When you say you lost the connection I assume you mean DJI GO failed but, you still had full control of the UAV via the RC right? Are you using an Android or iOS for your screen and DJI GO? I'm guessing Android since you mention thinking about trying your iPhone in the future. If I'm correct as above, I would install fresh version of DJI GO on your iPhone and try again. It sound like DJI GO is your issue and how it is or isn't running on your android device. Also, do you go into your setting and make certain that nothing is running but DJI GO before you fly?

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

Thanks, Yes to Manual Takeoff & Landing, yes retained control but lost vision on screen, No I am using an Ipad Air and thought I would try my Iphone as an alternative to rule out the Ipad. I always check nothing is running in background and also fly in aircraft mode to there is no possible interference.
I have just reinstalled the go app and will try again tomorrow. I appreciate your help

Dr. Ifly Drones · Jan 9, 2018

DavoMr2 said:
Thanks, Yes to Manual Takeoff & Landing, yes retained control but lost vision on screen, No I am using an Ipad Air and thought I would try my Iphone as an alternative to rule out the Ipad. I always check nothing is running in background and also fly in aircraft mode to there is no possible interference.
I have just reinstalled the go app and will try again tomorrow. I appreciate your help

Search the term "mod values" and learn about them if you don't already know them. In your preflight check them and if the compass is way off (like over +100) then do the compass dance and stop doing it every time you fly. It just confuses the IMU.

DavoMr2 · Jan 9, 2018

Thanks, I was told it was best to always do it but that makes sense

atomicdrone · Jan 10, 2018

Sorry, yeah it would be the DJI Go App. I would definitely delete it and reinstall it if you have not done so already...
It could be the fast mounting gimbal port cable came loose, had similar symptoms of what you are describing - Buy Inspire 1 - Fast-mounting Gimbal Port Cable

DavoMr2 · Jan 10, 2018

Thanks, I have a couple of jobs today so I will know if its the app or not. I will investigate the cable also just in case

DavoMr2 · Jan 11, 2018

Thanks for the advice, the reinstall seems to have worked so let’s hope that’s all it was

atomicdrone · Jan 11, 2018

DavoMr2 said:
Thanks for the advice, the reinstall seems to have worked so let’s hope that’s all it was

No problem, hopefully that works long term. I have had to do that several times in the past, cheapest fix ever!

CSpenceFLY · Jan 13, 2018

DavoMr2 said:
Hi all,
Hope you all had fun over the Christmas period. I have an issue with my Inspire 1 and it is causing majir problems as I have had problems getting off the ground on my last 5 jobs.
Everything connects fine, screen shows image and gimbal can be controlled but thats it. If you choose callibrate compass it asks if sure and then does nothing and the auto takeoff does not function. I have tried shutting down all devices and app and restarting and have tried different start orders but nothing. After shutting down bird multiple times it finally comes good and I can fly but this can take 10-15 mins and I look stupid with the client waiting.
Most jobs are open acreage properties with no interference, good satelites and I have tried with ipad on normal and flightmode( normally fly in flight mode) and it makes no noticable difference. Have also swapped out all batteries (4) in case there was an issue there but again nothing consistant.
Would appreciate any ideas or responses which will help

Try changing you connection cable if the problem persists.