Wandering drone

[Marcle]

Hey guys,
I have had my XSP for 3-4 months now. I got it used with only a couple of flights on it. Lately it's started to drift when hovering in place. I have never had to do a compass calibration on it since I assume it was in the 60 mile radius of the calibration the previous owner since I got it local. How often should I calibrate the compass even though I tend to fly in the same locations as practice? It's only been doing it the last couple of flights. Thanks!

 

[HiloHawaiian]

I’ve had that a couple of times. There’s drift, and there’s what the heck is it doing. LOL.
I’d start by not assuming anything the previous owner did. A compass recalibration is easy (the dance) and letting it sit for 15 min+ to find a cadre of friendly satellites isn’t too tough either. I’d try that 1st!

 

[rkyleh]

I would also check you haven't inadvertently switched it into atti mode it is easy to do I have done it and wondered what the he** is the matter with this thing. I am also old school and calibrate every time I fire mine up only takes a second and is just money in the bank.

 

[HiloHawaiian]

I would also check you haven't inadvertently switched it into atti mode it is easy to do I have done it and wondered what the he** is the matter with this thing. I am also old school and calibrate every time I fire mine up only takes a second and is just money in the bank.

Good call!

 

[Marcle]

I would also check you haven't inadvertently switched it into atti mode it is easy to do I have done it and wondered what the he** is the matter with this thing. I am also old school and calibrate every time I fire mine up only takes a second and is just money in the bank.

Yes, I did make sure that it wasn't in Atti mode, especially after going from my phone to the iPad. It's not a big drift, just a constant slow shifting of position. I have a non-GPS Syma I fly as well, that thing is usually all over the place. I really like how steady my XSP is in comparison.
I was going to go out and do a compass calibration and fly in a little historic town we have near us but my wife and daughter drug me out to shop and eat. LOL It was a little crowded today too because it's near 70 degrees, (after being -2 F on Thursday morning). Don't need the small town police force coming around checking into what I'm doing...at least until I get my Part 107. I'll let you know if the compass calibration works Hilo. Thanks guys for the suggestions.

 

[Tufargon]

ATTI mode can also be switched on, on the remote. Top left. I've done it by accident also.

 

[Marcle]

ATTI mode can also be switched on, on the remote. Top left. I've done it by accident also.

I did double check that as well...with my luck (mostly bad) I'm pretty OCD about those things. (heck I even re-read the manual last night to see if there was anything I was missing from the first go round. LOL). Thanks for the heads up Tufargon. I will double check to make sure that it's not just slightly switched over.

 

[EddieB]

Hey guys,
I have had my XSP for 3-4 months now. I got it used with only a couple of flights on it. Lately it's started to drift when hovering in place. I have never had to do a compass calibration on it since I assume it was in the 60 mile radius of the calibration the previous owner since I got it local. How often should I calibrate the compass even though I tend to fly in the same locations as practice? It's only been doing it the last couple of flights. Thanks!

Update your firmware - there is a new download available that actually eliminates compass calibration.

 

[HiloHawaiian]

Update your firmware - there is a new download available that actually eliminates compass calibration.

That was the plan anyway, but if you change locations by more than 50+ miles — many of us have found a new calibration and gps logging period solves many issues...

 

[Marcle]

Update your firmware - there is a new download available that actually eliminates compass calibration.

I did update the firmware when I first got it and I do believe I am up to date on that unless they recently updated it. I did a compass calibration on Saturday but didn't fly it much, just long enough to shoot a photo of everyone at a 50th birthday party. When it stops raining, I'll get it up for a little longer and see how it does.