Wicked Shimmy

[iacfi]

Howdy Phantom Pilots,
I bought my Phantom 3 Standard in mid-December. I have not flown it a lot yet... probably less than 10 flights total. However, one of my first couple of flights resulted in a botched landing.

It seems to me that my drone has a wicked shimmy or shake. The camera footage isn't bad, but I am guessing it would be sharper if the drone/camera wasn't shaking so bad. Also, I am concerned about long term wear and tear on the drone. Other than that, I don't see any immediate problem it is causing.

Here is a video of the shaking:

Notice you can see the drone/camera shaking and hear a sound of vibration.

Any advice? Is this simply a prop balance issue? Or do you think it is something more sinister?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Jim

 

[Matts175]

I think it's the props. Grab one of these:

Amazon.com: Dubro Products 6mm Drone Quadcopter Prop Balancer: Toys & Games

There are plenty of youtube videos that show the procedure.

 

[mdowney58]

I don't see it

 

[Matts175]

I don't see it

Full screen the video.... on a computer. I see it.

 

[iacfi]

I don't see it

Start around the 20 second mark...

 

[iacfi]

I think it's the props. Grab one of these:

Amazon.com: Dubro Products 6mm Drone Quadcopter Prop Balancer: Toys & Games

There are plenty of youtube videos that show the procedure.

Cool. Thanks. I was leaning that direction, but I figured it was worthwhile to check with y'all first. I really wasn't sure what the results of an out of balance prop would be.

 

[Matts175]

Also, try throwing the 4 spare props that came with it on there. Maybe it won't be as bad.

 

[dan84uk]

Yeah looks like an unbalanced prop, doesnt sound right either.

 

[Dmk960]

Props, compass needs calibrated or possibly less than 8 satellites?

 

[Mr. Salty]

I don't think the compass or GPS would cause vibration like that. I agree with checking the props first. Easiest way would be to put the four spare props on it and see if it does the same thing.

 

[Jim abbatoy]

You can actually hear something strange coming from one of the motors. Hope it's an out of balance prop. If not, I'd consider returning it.