Waiting for FC40 to arrive

ace5000 · Jul 14, 2014

Hello all,

I am new to this forum and am looking for some start-up tips to get on my feet when it arrives in a couple days.

What I know so far is:

Transmitter calibration
Compass calibration
Firmware setup - return to home and IOC changes?

Is there one comprehensive guide somewhere I could go by?

Thanks!

Kwas · Jul 14, 2014

The best thing to do is read a lot of the posts here. Everything will make more sense when you get the quad and put you're hands on it. When you get it read and reread the instructions. Not just the first time you fly it but every time you fly it, if the lights don't look right, don't fly it, recalibrate it and everything should be fine.

robinb · Jul 14, 2014

read the manual
read it again
then to be sure to read it again.

when it arrives, charge everything

DO NOT put on blades

Calibrate the compass

Start the motors

read the manual again.

go somewhere with plenty of space, no trees, power lines, people, building etc.

calibrate compass

put on blades and fly.

then go home and read the manual on the bits you forgot about.

enjoy.

then buy lots of extras
then some more
a few more

probably then an upgrade or 2

robinb · Jul 14, 2014

Forgot to say.

The manual does not explain home lock correctly or the record function on camera.

ace5000 · Jul 15, 2014

Thanks for the replies.

Please explain the home lock and camera setup if you would please.

Cajvol94 · Jul 15, 2014

ace5000 said:
Thanks for the replies.

Please explain the home lock and camera setup if you would please.

Check out YouTube as there's tutorial videos on all of the FC40 functions. It helped me a bunch. I'd advise to go ahead and do the firmware update. Pretty easy to do and I'm stupid when it comes to the computer stuff.
I've found this forum is very active and offers the best Phantom tips.

robinb · Jul 16, 2014

ace5000 said:
Thanks for the replies.

Please explain the home lock and camera setup if you would please.

Hone lock is very important as it establishes your start point (home) before you fly.
Assuming you have read the manual and done compass calibration.

With the drone powered up and on a flat surface away from any metal objects (also don't touch it during this time)
Watch the big LED on the back, this will go through a series of flashes.
After about 30 seconds to 1 minute you will hopefully see a very rapid set of green flashes (about 20).

This confirms home lock, don't be tempted to fly before this.

-

The camera instructions are also incorrect, you do not need to press the record button on the camera, all functions can be done via your phone and the fc40 software installed on your mobile device.

ace5000 · Jul 16, 2014

Do I have to make changes in the firmware?

robinb · Jul 16, 2014

No

Mine had latest firmware installed.
The only time I made changes is for changing the right flick switch functions, activating left flick switch and finally activating gimbal output when i fitted motorised gimbal.

It is worth checking the fail safe settings and the distance limits with the nazam software.

CarlJ · Jul 16, 2014

I just ordered a new FC40 for a neighbor, so this is a nice refresher course.

ace5000 · Jul 16, 2014

OK, I thought the return to home function had to be activated or something...

CarlJ · Jul 16, 2014

ace5000 said:
OK, I thought the return to home function had to be activated or something...

I don't remember setting mine, I think it was on by default.

robinb · Jul 16, 2014

Its on by default (or at least should be, check in software).

But I activated it on right switch.

What i was referring to was the home lock, do not fly until you get the 20 green flashes.

Cajvol94 · Jul 16, 2014

robinb said:
Its on by default (or at least should be, check in software).

But I activated it on right switch.

What i was referring to was the home lock, do not fly until you get the 20 green flashes.

The 20 green rapid flashes towards the end of the start up light sequence?