Why do we need propeller locks?

[Yt2]

Can someone tell me the reason why we need propeller locks on the Inspire 1? I thought they were self tightening? Is this the only DJI model that requires them? Do they effect propeller balance or are they too close to the motor to effect balance?

 

[Mazz]

Hello Yt2. Some people had some issues where they were losing their props while flying and the quads would fall out of the sky. The issue was the power of the Inspire along with its long blades. They have a lot of momentum when flying and when doing some maneuvers it could cause the breaking on a motor to be so severe that the momentum of the blade would cause it to spin off when the motor would slow down. I do not think it happened too often but often enough where DJI sent the locks to EVERY customer and even re-thought the design and ultimately changed it. The prop locks are generation one of the fix. Now there are the new adapters with the new (to us) props.

 

[The Editor]

As Mazz says above, The Inspire is the first aircraft from DJI with dynamic braking, this means the motors slow down VERY quickly using what's known as reverse emf as braking power. The effect is in SOME instances is the slow down is so fast that the inertia of the props continues to spin them in the loosening direction....that could be very bad.
The dynamic braking is what makes the Inspire into the incredibly unstable platform it is.

 

[Yt2]

Dynamic braking, that will do it. Would fall from the sky like a dead duck. Does anyone have footage of this, I reckon there may be a swear word or two on the tape!...

 

[diverreb]

In very rare instances this may occur if the props are not tightened enough.... Many videos have been posted with very aggressive maneuvers being performed with no prop locks and the props stay on..... That being said, the prop locks are free and as I understand the new quick release props are being sent to all Inspire owners free of charge. I'll stick with the original Props as the new ones have to be changed out every 200 or so flights.

 

[Tech49]

In very rare instances this may occur if the props are not tightened enough.... Many videos have been posted with very aggressive maneuvers being performed with no prop locks and the props stay on..... That being said, the prop locks are free and as I understand the new quick release props are being sent to all Inspire owners free of charge. I'll stick with he original Props as the new ones have to be changed out every 200 or so flights.

How are these new props being sent...to your dealer or to the owners? I don't think I've actually registered my I1 anywhere that I'm aware of....

 

[The Editor]

How are these new props being sent...to your dealer or to the owners? I don't think I've actually registered my I1 anywhere that I'm aware of....

If you purchased direct from DJI you will (should) be sent them automatically.
If you purchased from an authorised DJI dealer they have been made aware that free props and fittings are to be supplied to existing owners but you may need to get in contact with your dealer as some are better than others
Dealers should receive the quick release prop kits before the end of April.

 

[Bren]

And if you bought from a third party as new or used, reach out to the original vendor wth your serial # and the name of the person who made the original purchase. Mine was purchased originally from fpv ninjas. They put me in as the new owner and will be sending me the props. Props to them!

 

[OnAnotherLevel]

So your propellers don't fly off duh

 

[Whodatdere]

I always wondered at that. Very informative and makes perfect sense.

 

[wheelsee]

If you purchased direct from DJI you will (should) be sent them automatically.
If you purchased from an authorised DJI dealer they have been made aware that free props and fittings are to be supplied to existing owners but you may need to get in contact with your dealer as some are better than others
Dealers should receive the quick release prop kits before the end of April.

Have you seen anything from DJI saying that? FPVNinjas.com hasnt heard about that, which is funny because @Bren contacted them.

 

[diverreb]

My dealer said they are sending them out as they receive them.....

 

[Bren]

Have you seen anything from DJI saying that? FPVNinjas.com hasnt heard about that, which is funny because @Bren contacted them.

Interesting. I have an email exchange with them... Time will tell.

 

[wheelsee]

Interesting. I have an email exchange with them... Time will tell.

What did the exchange say? Was it with Omar? Did they acknowledge they are going to send the new props?

 

[bostonlines]

What did the exchange say? Was it with Omar? Did they acknowledge they are going to send the new props?

I have emails from Sam from FPV Ninjas saying they should be sending them out mid-month.

 

[Bren]

I have emails from Sam from FPV Ninjas saying they should be sending them out mid-month.

Yep, I believe it was Sam.

 

[wheelsee]

Interesting Sam asked for where I saw this info.

 

[DJeff1]

I was thinking they were to provide security from being stolen off the bird.

 

[Yt2]

So do they throw thing out of balance? I spent a bit of time making my props balanced, will the securers undo this good work?

 

[InspiredOne]

So do they throw thing out of balance? I spent a bit of time making my props balanced, will the securers undo this good work?

I balanced my props and I cannot perceive anything being out of balance.