Magnetic Calibration Not Performed? [RESOLVED!]

[Ben Freedman]

Howdy...

Today I received this error upon starting the X6:

Magnetic Calibration Not Performed. Position Hold Will Not Be Available...

I tried 2 or 3 times to do all 3 magnetic calibrations, including the hard iron by rotating the craft slowing twice.

Upon completing the hard iron, the remote said 'communications error'. It didn't say this every time, but at least 1 time.

Any thoughts? What can I do?

-Ben

[rdent]

Don't think it could have something to do with that fuse...??
Did you try unplugging and replugging the fuse in....??
I always check the last thing I did ...
Not being a Magnetic Calibretator.....Just a thought.

[Ben Freedman]

No, I've since replaced the fuse and that is working fine again now. Thanks for the thought.

-Ben

[helicrazi]

Hi Ben, I have know idea. would sure like to know what you find out. hopefully it will be something simple like reloading firmware.
also what would cause the fuse to pop ?
Monte

[Ben Freedman]

I've resolved the issue. Here are the steps that it took...

1) Heli won't perform Magnetic Calibration, but will still fly (just no position hold)
2) Called X6. Next day, Cory Emails instructions
3) Use SD Card to update the firmware of TX
4) Use SD Card to update firmware of Heli
5) Heli becomes completely unresponsive. Won't fly. Won't talk to TX
6) Called X6. Cory went home a 4:30. I have a client tomorrow. We're screwed.
7) Next day, Cory emails: Sorry, send you wrong firmware. Here's a new one
8) Use SD Card to update firmware of Heli. This time it works. Heli is back alive
9) Install new version of X6 Control on PC
10) Use special software (from Cory) to reset the magentometer
11) Re-Perform all magnetic calibrations...

The upshot: The heli is back up and running, but I've lost the client.

I have suggested to Cory that they have a 24 support pager for such emergencies, and perhaps a FAQ trouble shooter that has instructions for this stuff.

This is now the 4th job I've had the heli fail for me for mechanical reasons (not pilot error). I love this bird, but it's always flakey...

Thoughts?

-Ben

[helicrazi]

Ben I think you know my opinion. Dragafly needs to have better support. they need to monitor this forum and have a Representative on here. and they need to be honest about the wind that the X6 can handle. I really like the X6 also, just very disappointed about there support and the wind issue.

[rdent]

Yes Ben there are no doubt several issues.
I know a guy here that is one of the foremost RC experts in the world....
In fact writes monthly columns and does reviews for the biggest RC magazines...
RC Magazine, Tower hobbies, Model Airplane News and others.....
He is bugging me for some time to discuss my X6....very interested in it.....
But I am very reluctant to talk to him.
I can't put him off forever..... but like us all....have some significant issues about the copter that I don't want to share with him at this time. I don't want to torpedo Draganfly without giving them their opportunity to get things together....

[helicrazi]

Rod,
I respect your stand and opinion as to giving Draganfly the opportunity to get things together.
That being said, IMO I feel that they have had an opportunity. they should not make statements that just are not true !!!! they have not even admitted they have issues.
The RC helicopter big boy's no what side their breads buttered on, they follow the forums, have rep's and will notify anyone that has their product if there are issue's even send out parts at no charge !!! honestly Rod they wont even answer direct question's. really this is different than a regular RC helicopter, this is a piece of equipment intended to use for income, not a recreation fly'er.
I have had mine now for close to three month's and have not been able to use it for what I purchased it for, if they had better customer support and if they would have been upfront and be honest about the wind that it can be flown in, I might feel different about the whole thing. I feel for others like Ben and Sggi, they are trying to use the X6 and having issue's that they shouldn't have had to deal with, we are not beta tester's were are the customer. Draganfly should have had a few out there and gotten feed back before promoting a product that will not and no way can perform as they claim. this is very unacceptable.
Rod, I haven't talked with you directly, I have how ever talked with three other X6 owners and they are not happy. Draganfly really needs to do something.
Most of my work will be on the weekends and if I have a problem I guess I'm screwed. once after I first got it and flew it on a weekend, called Monday and they were to busy !!!! another time I sent in data on a Monday and didn't hear from them until Friday !!!! and I'll bet an X6 if I wouldn't have kept calling I wouldn't had heard from them then. again very unacceptable.
They don't call you when they say they will !!!
Draganfly really needs to address this !!!!

[skyshark]

I agree that Draganflyer should advise their customers of known issues. I don't think it would be hard to provide temporary solutions that pilots can use until the X6's issues are resolved by the company. It would keep any negative reviews of their product at bay and keep the customers happy in knowing that the company is working to solve problems. Which...I honestly believe they are doing in the background. I also think that the company may not want to admit to problems of the aircraft because it would hurt sales. It's just like auto manufacturers. Every car has defects. Many companies won't just won't admit to them.

[helicrazi]

Here's a good one. on Draganflys website, under our customers, photography and videography, they list nine customers. one dosn't even own an X6 !!!!! now whats that all about ?