Drone DIY

Below you will find some terrific d-i-y drone articles and repair videos which cover everything you need to troubleshoot, repair and upgrade your drone.

Many of the posts cover d-i-y on DJI, Parrot, Yuneec and 3DR drones with many other articles on other drone models coming later.

DJI Assistant 2 Mavic Software, Download, Guide, Mods And More

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DJI Assistant 2 Mavic

The DJI Assistant 2 software contains extra settings and utilities for all DJI equipment such as drones, gimbals and cameras.

With the DJI Assistant 2 Mavic, you have options to upload  flight data, black box information, calibrate your vision sensors and upgrade your firmware.

There is also a DJI Assistant 2 Simulator for testing flight parameters and practice flying your Mavic drone.

The DJI Assistant 2 download and install only takes a few minutes and is available for Windows and Mac computers.

This post contains all the essential information and more on the DJI Assistant 2 app for the Mavic quadcopter. Now, if you have a Phantom 4 or DJI Spark, the DJI Assistant 2 is the same version. Therefore the below Assistant 2 settings and utilities will be very similar.

Read moreDJI Assistant 2 Mavic Software, Download, Guide, Mods And More

How To Update DJI Phantom 4 Firmware For New Features And Fix Bugs

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How To Update DJI Phantom 4 Firmware

Knowing how to update the DJI Phantom 4 firmware to the latest version is important. These firmware updates contain fixes to solve software bugs, add new features to the quadcopter, gimbal, camera and remote controller.

This article has all the instructions, best practices and tips on how to successfully update the firmware on your Phantoms 4. Instructions include upgrading the Phantom 4 Remote Controller, the DJI Go and Assistant 2 apps. We also have 3 firmware update videos at the bottom.

Also, there are some important tips on what to do if the Phantom 4 firmware upgrade fails during the update process.

There are 2 ways to update the Phantom 4 quadcopter.  You can update the Phantom 4 with the DJI Assistant 2 or the DJI Go app.  It is also very easy to update the Phantom 4 Remote Controller using the recommended DJI Go app.

Read moreHow To Update DJI Phantom 4 Firmware For New Features And Fix Bugs

Calibrate The Compass On Phantom 4 Drone To Fix Flight Issues

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How To Calibrate The Compass On DJI Phantom

Knowing how to calibrate the compass on the Phantom 4 drone is very important. Also, the compass calibration is the same for both Phantom 4 and Phantom 4 Pro.

You should calibrate the Phantom 4 compass if the DJI GO 4 app or the status indicator on the Phantom 4 prompts you to calibrate.

For example, you would calibrate the Phantom 4 compass if you are flying the quadcopter in a new area. Also, if you feel the the Phantom 4 drone is not flying correctly or is not reacting to your touch as it should, then calibrating the Phantom 4 compass may fix the issues.

This article covers the steps to calibrate the Phantom 4 compass along with information on status indicator lights and what to do if the calibration fails. 

Read moreCalibrate The Compass On Phantom 4 Drone To Fix Flight Issues

Phantom 3 And Inspire 1 Waypoints And Ground Station Options

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Phantom 3 Waypoints Navigation and Ground Station Alternatives

The Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 now have DJI waypoint navigation by a firmware and Go App update and not through the Ground Station app.

Both drones are pretty impressive. However, when these drones were first released they didn’t come with waypoint navigation which was certainly a big disappointment.

Not having waypoints took most people by surprise as the Phantom 2 Vision and Vision+ had waypoint navigation from the Vision App.  Also the original Phantom 2 uses the Ground Station app as an add on for waypoints.

This post looks at the new Inspire 1 and Phantom 3 waypoints, along with other waypoint navigation and ground stations alternatives and options.

Read morePhantom 3 And Inspire 1 Waypoints And Ground Station Options

Calibrate Mavic Pro Vision Sensor And Fixing System Error

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Calibrate Mavic Pro Vison Sensor To Fix System Error

Knowing how to calibrate the Mavic Pro vision sensor is very important.  If the vision system error on your Mavic Pro appears, then calibration may fix the problem.

Also, if you are flying your Mavic Pro and the vision system error occurs, you need to fly the quadcopter back to you straight away.

Below we have instructions on the Mavic Pro vision sensor calibration process, along with notes and videos. There is also terrific information on the Mavic Pro Vision Positioning system.

Very importantly, there are some top tips on how to resolve the vision system error on the Mavic.

The Mavic Pro uses the GPS, Forward and Downward vision sensors to locate itself, automatically stabilize and navigate between obstacles.  The vision sensors feed essential data back to the flight controller which then responds by issuing automatic commands to avoid or hover in front of the obstacle.

If the Mavic Vision Positioning System isn’t working correctly or not at all, then there is a real possibility that the Mavic will crash.

Read moreCalibrate Mavic Pro Vision Sensor And Fixing System Error

How To Update 3DR Solo Firmware To Fix Issues And Add Features

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How To Update 3DR Solo Firmware

Knowing how to update your 3DR Solo firmware to the latest version is very important.  The Solo firmware upgrades will fix bugs in the software along with adding new flight features giving you a far better flying and filming experience.

Upgrading the firmware software on the Solo remote controller and quadcopter is pretty easy.

The whole process takes approximately 15 mins overall.  We will take you through the steps here with an excellent video at the end.

3DR really pack their firmware upgrades with plenty of new features for the Solo quadcopter, the GoPro camera and the remote controller.  They have added new flight control systems,  introduced extra features to the Solo App and expanded their SDK software.

Read moreHow To Update 3DR Solo Firmware To Fix Issues And Add Features

How To Replace And Repair Parrot AR Drone Parts

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videos which show how to replace AR Drone parts

To repair and replace your Parrot AR drone parts is quite easy. Fixing your AR drone will also save you time and money.  This article with AR drone repair videos show you how to inspect and replace your Parrot AR drone parts.

The below videos cover everything from checking and maintaining your AR drone, to replacing parts such as the mainboard, navigation board, central cross, bearings, gears and motors.

At the very end of this article, we also have some good information on how to fix ultrasound emergency errors on your Parrot AR drone.

Having your Parrot drone parts in great condition is essential for the best flying experience and to avoid crashes.  Inspecting your Parrot AR drone parts every couple of days will keep your quadcopter flying perfectly.

By checking parts such as cogs, shafts and blades to make sure they aren’t bent, cracked or broken, will help ensure your quadcopters operates at its best.

Read moreHow To Replace And Repair Parrot AR Drone Parts

AR Drone Mods For Longer Flying, WiFi Range And Better Views

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AR drone mods for longer flying and increased WiFi range

With a few small Parrot AR drone mods, you can double the flight time and make your AR drone stronger. The Parrot AR 2.0 drone range can also be extended and it’s a great feeling to fly higher and further.

These Parrot drone mods and upgrades will also prolong the life of the motors, gears and shafts as their will be less friction on the brushless motors and parts.

Below you will also find added videos with instructions to assist you with the modifications.  Watch the videos a couple of times and you will easily be able to carry out this modifications.

Read moreAR Drone Mods For Longer Flying, WiFi Range And Better Views