TableOfContents

Why does my MK not fly?

Introduction

The purpose of this page is to try and solve some of the more common problems some people have with flying their MK's. Unfortunately most problems can be put down to pilot error as the MK system is basically very stable. However notwithstanding pilot error it is sometimes very difficult to see a fault before the MK has crashed. In order to try and establish what the problem may cause we will use a series of pre-crash symptoms to root out the potential cause. It is fair to say that most problems are quite simple and usually easily solved.

Assumptions

Before we delve into establishing what the problem may be we will assume the following: BR BR

• - The MK is a MikroKopter, has the Standard Software loaded and is using the Standard Hardware BR - The frame is configured to a standard frame configuration and has 4 props and motors BR - The batteries are fully charged on the Transmitter (TX) and MK BR - The MK is being operated within the range of the TX BR - Any alterations and testing is carried out at your own risk and you do not put yourself or anyone else at risk BR - The MK is in sound condition and capable of flight BR - The props are all the same size type and the motors are all the same size and type BR - You are flying within the rules and regulations of the CAA and any local bylawsBR

When NOT to fly if trying to solve any problems

• - In the rain, heavy fog or at the risk of heavy rain or freezing conditions BR - In winds above Force 4 - 25.6kmh (16mph). Ideally only up to a Force 3 BR - Over people or built up areas BR - In poor visibility BR - Out of range of the MK and TX BR - Close to or over water BR

BR This list is by no means complete and extensive. It assumes that you will use common sense and know that the MK can be very dangerous when it is out of control. Not only can it cause serious injury or damage to property it can also prove to be very costly.

Taking Off

Props do not rotate

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - GAS not set to the correct channel BR

  • - Assign GAS stick to the correct channel in the MK tool BR

  - TX not transmitting on correct TX channel BR

  • -Rescan the TX to find the correct RX channel or change the crystal BR

  - RX not plugged in or connector reversed BR

  • - Plug the Flight controller board into RX, or reverse the RX plug BR

  - MK not switched on or battery not connectedBR

  • - Check switch and battery connections BR

  - Motors not free to rotate BR

  • - Motors should offer little resistance and spin freely. The rotation will appear to be a 'lumpy' but this is normal BR

  - Motors not connected BR

  • - Connect the motors BR

Props rotate but MK will not lift off the ground

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Motors not rotating the right way BR

  • - Swap any 2 connections to the motor to change their direction BR

  - Correct props on the correct motors BR

  • - Swap props onto correct motors - Front/Rear CW Left/Right ACW BR

  - Props loose on the motor shafts BR

  • - Tighten props on the motor shafts BR

  - Too much weight BR

  • - Reduce the payload weight or increase the power of the motors BR

  - Props too small or pitch too high BR

  • - Use greater diameter props or reduce the prop pitch BR

  - GAS channel not set correctly BR

  • - Check that the GAS channel is on the correct stick BR

  - Battery power too low BR

  • - Change battery BR

MK lifts but immediately flips over

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Flight controller board upside down BR

  • - Reassemble MK boards so the Flight Controller board has the arrow in the corner on the top BR

  - Flight Controller board not facing the right way BR

  • - Reassemble MK boards so the Flight Controller board has the arrow facing forward towards Motor 1 BR

  - Motors in the incorrect positions BR

  • - Reconnect the BL-Ctrls to the motors Front = 1 Rear = 2 Right = 3 and Left = 4 BR

  - Motor/s rotating the wrong way BR

  • - Swap any 2 connections to the motor to change their direction BR

  - Props on the wrong motors BR

  • - Swap the props over BR

  - MK trimming set too high BR

  • - Set the TX trims to zero on the TX and re-trim BR

  - POTI set to a stick channel BR

  • - Check the POTI channels and alter if necessary BR

  - Faulty wiring the motors and or BL-Ctrls BR

  • - Check wiring visually and with the MK tool. Faults with the BL-Ctrls will show on one of the pages in the centre of the screen. Also the red LED will light on the faulty BL-Ctrl BR

Hovering

MK lifts and rotates slowly

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Compass not calibrated BR

  • - Calibrate compass http://www.mikrokopter.com/ucwiki/en/Setting_Up''[[BR]]

  - YAW trim set too high BR

  • - Reset YAW to zero and retrimBR

  - POTI set to operate YAW cannel BR

  • - Check that POTI channel is not assigned to YAW (gier) channel. If so reassign to POTI to any one of channels 5 to 8BR

  - Strong magnetic field affecting compass BR

  • - Check if buzzer is close to the compass, if so relocate on frame arm. Check you are near sources of high magnetic fields, pylons, sub stations or shielded by steel clad buildingsBR

  - Props and motors not rotating the right way BR

  • - Either swap props or swap motor leads see http://www.mikrokopter.com/ucwiki/en/Setting_Up''[[BR]]

  - Faulty wiring the motors and or BL-Ctrls BR

  • - Check all wiring and rectifyBR

MK will not stay still

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following : BR

• - NICK and ROLL not trimmed BR

  • - Set trims to zero and retrimBR

  - Wind too high BR

  • - Wind strength Beaufort Force 4 and above, 14-16 mph is too strong to fly in check this website for windspeeds http://www.xcweather.co.uk/?Loc=GB''[[BR]]

  - MK too near to the ground (less then 1 metre) BR

  • - MK affected by 'Ground Effect' the downdraught of the props against the ground giving unstable lift.BR

  - Fault with motor or BL-Ctrl BR

  • - Check motors and BL-Cntrls and rectify or replaceBR

  - Overcompensation by pilot BR

  • - The MK will try to 'right' itself, and hence may appear to be 'out of control'. See this website for lessons on how to fly your MK - http://www.mikrokopter.com/ucwiki/en/FlightSchool''[[BR]]

  - PID settings not compatible with MK design BR

  • - Alter various parameter settings to suit MK weight, size and required agility see http://www.mikrokopter.com/ucwiki/en/Parameters BR

  - MK frame not substantial enough and flexing BR

  • - The frame must resist any movement of the motors in relation to one another. Hold the MK on the props and see if the frame can bend or flex. Increase the material size or quality or provide stiffeners. Remember to keep any additional weight to minimum.BR

  - Flight setting to sensitive for pilot BR - ACC not calibrated or calibrated off level BR

  • - Use the centre level to ensure that the FC board is set level, then calibrate the ACC (GAS stick to 1-2 o'clock position) While the ACC does not need to be calibrated every flight, it is important to calibrate it in the ambient temperature that the MK will be flown in. Changes in temperature will require the ACC sensor to be re-calibrated.BR

  - Gyros not calibrated in ambient conditions BR

  • - Re-calibrate the gyros (GAS stick 10-11 o'clock position) (Please note this is not the thing same as calibrating the output amplification voltages of the gyros on the FC boards 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 see below)

  - Sunlight on gyros ( This problem is still under discussion and only seems to affect FC-1.3 boards) BR

  • - Screen the gyros from sunlight. This problem has recently been brought to the forum and as yet, 22.4.09, there appears to be no explanation as to why this happens BR

  - Gyro output amplification voltages not calibrated (Only applies to Flight control Boards FC-1.0, 1.1, and 1.2) BR

  • - Gyro amplification output voltages must be set to around 1.5V. This requires the addition of various sized resistors to increase or lower the output voltages see http://www.mikrokopter.com/ucwiki/en/FlightCtrlManual Section 4 - Step 2 Setting Up the Board. Please note FC-1.3 has self adjusting output voltage calibration.BR

ToDo: Solutions BR

Controlling Height

MK continues to ascend

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Height control not activated BR - Sensor connection fault or sensor faulty BR - POTI channel not set in MK tool BR - Swicth not set to correct channel on TX BR - 2 switches or sliders on one POTI channel controlling Height control BR - GAS set too high BR - MK over rising air current (strong fan or heat source) BR

MK falls slowly

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Batteries running low BR - GAS reduced BR - Ice on props (only if flown in freezing fog)BR - Sudden barometric change (if flown indoors and the door is opened the MK will drop slightly) BR - Loss of TX signal BR

Moving the MK

MK does not move in correct direction

Problem may be caused by one or some of the following: BR

• - Channels not set correctly on TX and MK tool BR - Flight Control Board not facing forward BR - Wind strength too high BR

MK oscillates to a fro about central axis

Problem may be caused by one or more of the following BR

• - PID settings not set to match weight, motor speed and props BR - Payload off balance BR - Over correction with the sticks BR

MK diffficult to control

Problem may be caused by one or more of the following BR

• - Using a setting the is too sensitive BR - Incorrect use of the sticks BR - Wind too high BR - Incorrect ACC calibration BR - Incorrect Gyro calibration BR - Prop pitch too great BR - Motors and props too powerful for MK weight BR - Battery running low BR - MK out of range of TX BR - Props not strong enough BR

ToDo: Symptoms and Solutions BR

Landing the MK

MK bounces on the ground

MK drops from height and cannot recover

MK behaves strangely when trying to land

ToDo: Please feel free to suggest any other common problems Links

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