Getting started with the X1

Discussion in 'Misc. Quadcopter & Multirotor discussions' started by sundance2013, Jun 26, 2013.

  1. sundance2013

    sundance2013 New Member

    I just purchased a Syma X1, my first quad and my first flying RC. I'm having a little trouble getting the hang of the trim. I can get it in a hover a few inches off the ground but it drifts and I can figure out the trim to stop the drift. Any pointers? Are there any YT videos that walk you through your first flight(S)?
     
    sundance2013, Jun 26, 2013
    #1
  2. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    There are some good hints in my new book - which is available free on Amazon starting tomorrow (for a few days!)
    http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Quadcopters-Drones-ebook/dp/B00DBJQKD8/

    My first hints would be as follows -first, these cheap quads are not really good at hovering, which actually may end up making you a better pilot. That is, they require constant input to stay in one place.

    BUT, ground effect makes them harder to hover - you must raise the quad at least 3 feet off the ground to get any real feel for it. Hopefully you are outside where you have room.
     
    webman, Jun 26, 2013
    #2
  3. sundance2013

    sundance2013 New Member

    Thanks for the info. and I'll check out your book tomorrow. I was inside as it's been Windy here for the past few day (as it is ofter I'm afraid). Being new I was a little afraid to get to far off the ground. I'll have to hope for a calm day soon and give it a try outside.

    Thanks
     
    sundance2013, Jun 26, 2013
    #3
  4. sundance2013

    sundance2013 New Member

    I think there are issues with the quad. Last night it did this and today after flying (trying to) for a while I put the battery on charge. After the charge I couldn't do anything. see the attached (I hope) avi video clip. What you see is min. throttle. It just powers up and it seems only two of the motors are powered properly causing it to flip. Now I am just beginning but I can get it in the air and shut it down before crashing but in this video you see it just powers on and flips with no input at all except throttle. Does this look like a problem with the quad or me? If me why can I keep it under control one time and not the next?

    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

    sundance2013, Jun 26, 2013
    #4
  5. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    I don't think you can upload video files here or most forums - you have to upload to youtube, etc. and link them....

    If the quad acts strange, the fix is usually to pull the battery out - then put it back (in other words, cycle the power) and make 100% sure to place it down on a perfectly level surface immediately.

    Of course, the battery must have enough charge.
     
    webman, Jun 26, 2013
    #5
  6. sundance2013

    sundance2013 New Member

    If you right click on the zip file and "save link as" you can download it and unzip it and watch it on your computer.
     
    sundance2013, Jun 26, 2013
    #6
  7. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    Yeah, that sure looks like it was not calibrated on a flat surface. Make sure you put it down quickly after inserting the battery.

    Of course, check that your TX trim is centered....

    If it still does that after you reset it a couple times, something is likely wrong with the board, etc....
     
    webman, Jun 27, 2013
    #7
  8. sundance2013

    sundance2013 New Member

    "Yeah, that sure looks like it was not calibrated on a flat surface. Make sure you put it down quickly after inserting the battery".

    I didn't know this.
     
    sundance2013, Jun 27, 2013
    #8
  9. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    Download the book today - it's free now and for the next couple days.....

    Here is part of the chapter on startup:

    Read your owners manual for full instructions on your particular models - here are the usual steps involved in booting a mini or micro drone.
    1. Have transmitter ready - and powered with the specified batteries (usually AA). Make certain that the throttle (left stick) is off (down fully toward you).
    2. Insert quadcopter LiPo battery into quadcopter frame as shown in manual.
    3. Connect battery leads - note, some batteries auto-connect when you insert them.
    4. Immediately set the quad down on a flat and level surface. This step is especially important as many quads use their initial position as a reference for how straight and level they will fly.
    5. Turn on the transmitter - most will go through a series of beeps and then stop beeping. This indicates the transmitter is “bound” to your quadcopter.


    That’s it! Your quadcopter is ready to fly - but are you? Probably not, so let’s go through a series of short checks so we don’t run into many surprises.
     
    webman, Jun 27, 2013
    #9

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