There are many threads about this topic lately, and I thought it might be a good idea to get the community's feedback on this 'serious' issue.
I have encountered a compass error on my P3S. It happened after I upgraded a firmware. I was flying in P-GPS mode, then suddenly the AC start drifting at high speed (30 mph), switched from P-GPS to ATTI by itself, and my drone almost crashed against the neighbor's house. I also spoke to DJI regarding this and their answer was that it is normal for AC to switch from P-GPS to ATTI mode when there is a compass error (ok, what else is new?). My flight log does say that there was a compass error ... so everything checks out.
Here is what I do not understand: A compass only helps the AC with orientation relative to North (magnetic or true). Why would a compass error disable GPS? Orientation and GPS are totally NOT related. To me, if there is a compass error, the aircraft would start spinning on itself, and NOT fly-away like it did for me and many other hobbyists. Anyone understands or has an explanation for this riddle?
I also found the info below on DJI's website:
Phantom 3 Standard - Specs, FAQ, manual, video tutorials and DJI GO - DJI
22. How can I safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error?
A compass error may occur when the aircraft is flying close to strong electric magnetic sources (e.g. power transmission lines). The Aircraft Status Indicators will blink red and yellow rapidly when a compass error occurs and the DJI GO app will display one of the following messages:
- Compass error, calibration required
This warning message indicates the aircraft is receiving abnormal compass readings. It is recommended that you power off the aircraft and re-calibrate the compass at a different location and then resume the flight.
- Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode
This warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude to acquire connections with enough GPS satellites when this warning message appears. The flight controller will automatically adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. The aircraft will switch back to P-GPS mode when the automatic adjustment is completed.
I have encountered a compass error on my P3S. It happened after I upgraded a firmware. I was flying in P-GPS mode, then suddenly the AC start drifting at high speed (30 mph), switched from P-GPS to ATTI by itself, and my drone almost crashed against the neighbor's house. I also spoke to DJI regarding this and their answer was that it is normal for AC to switch from P-GPS to ATTI mode when there is a compass error (ok, what else is new?). My flight log does say that there was a compass error ... so everything checks out.
Here is what I do not understand: A compass only helps the AC with orientation relative to North (magnetic or true). Why would a compass error disable GPS? Orientation and GPS are totally NOT related. To me, if there is a compass error, the aircraft would start spinning on itself, and NOT fly-away like it did for me and many other hobbyists. Anyone understands or has an explanation for this riddle?
I also found the info below on DJI's website:
Phantom 3 Standard - Specs, FAQ, manual, video tutorials and DJI GO - DJI
22. How can I safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error?
A compass error may occur when the aircraft is flying close to strong electric magnetic sources (e.g. power transmission lines). The Aircraft Status Indicators will blink red and yellow rapidly when a compass error occurs and the DJI GO app will display one of the following messages:
- Compass error, calibration required
This warning message indicates the aircraft is receiving abnormal compass readings. It is recommended that you power off the aircraft and re-calibrate the compass at a different location and then resume the flight.
- Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode
This warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude to acquire connections with enough GPS satellites when this warning message appears. The flight controller will automatically adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. The aircraft will switch back to P-GPS mode when the automatic adjustment is completed.