Field Troubleshooting Guide
Quick Solutions to Keep You Flying
Even with the best maintenance, drones can encounter unexpected issues in the field.
The Omnisky Field Troubleshooting Guide helps you diagnose common in-flight and on-site faults so you can take quick corrective action and know when to call in the experts.
Field Support from Omnisky
Omnisky offers on-site troubleshooting and remote support for enterprise clients and certified operators.
Our technicians can assist with:
- Live fault diagnosis via video call
- Remote firmware and calibration support
- Field replacement of motors, props, and sensors
- Mission readiness checks
Field Troubleshooting Guide
Quick Solutions to Keep You Flying
Even with the best maintenance, drones can encounter unexpected issues in the field.
The Omnisky Field Troubleshooting Guide helps you diagnose common in-flight and on-site faults so you can take quick corrective action — and know when to call in the experts.
01.
Power & Startup Issues
Symptoms:
- Drone won’t power on
- Battery lights flash but system doesn’t boot
- Controller fails to connect
Possible Causes & Quick Fixes:
- Battery not seated properly: Reinsert and ensure a firm click.
- Low voltage or unbalanced cells: Swap to a charged battery.
- Damaged power button or connector: Inspect for burnt contacts — requires service.
- Firmware mismatch between aircraft and controller: Reboot both devices and re-link.
If issue persists: Power modules or ESCs may be damaged book diagnostics.
02.
Compass & IMU Errors
Symptoms:
- “Compass Error” or “IMU Calibration Required” messages
- Drone drifts, spins, or fails to take off
- GPS accuracy fluctuates
Field Fixes:
- Move at least 10m away from vehicles, metal, or reinforced concrete.
- Recalibrate the compass in the DJI/Autel app.
- Perform IMU calibration on a flat, stable surface.
If error continues after calibration:
Likely caused by a damaged compass module or misaligned IMU needs workshop-level recalibration.
03.
ESC / Motor Warnings
Symptoms:
- “ESC Error” or “Motor Obstructed”
- Drone vibrates or struggles to lift off
Field Fixes:
- Check for debris or sand around propeller hubs.
- Inspect propellers for cracks, bends, or imbalance.
- Swap propellers diagonally to isolate a bad motor.
- If motor doesn’t spin freely by hand — stop immediately.
Possible Cause: Faulty ESC or burnt motor coil — must be tested in the lab.
04.
Gimbal & Camera Errors
Symptoms:
- “Gimbal Motor Overload” or “Camera Disconnected”
- Horizon tilted, camera twitching, or no video feed
Field Fixes:
- Power off and remove gimbal cover or obstructions.
- Gently realign the camera to center before restarting.
- Clean vibration dampers of dirt or moisture.
- Avoid manually forcing gimbal movement when powered.
If image feed remains frozen or distorted: PTZ flex cable or yaw motor may be damaged.
05.
Vision System & Obstacle Sensing Errors
Symptoms:
- Obstacle sensors not responding
- “Vision System Error” or “Downward Sensor Calibration Required”
- Drone drifts during hover
Field Fixes:
- Clean front, rear, and downward sensors with a microfiber cloth.
- Restart drone and reattempt calibration.
- Ensure adequate lighting during takeoff (avoid low light).
If persistent sensors could be misaligned or cracked from impact. Requires bench calibration.
06.
Battery & Power Warnings
Symptoms:
- “Battery Error” / “Battery Communication Fault”
- Battery won’t charge or drains rapidly
- Swelling or distortion visible
Field Fixes:
- Check terminals for corrosion or moisture.
- Use only OEM chargers and avoid extension cables.
- Never fly with swollen or overheating batteries.
If communication fault persists — internal cell imbalance or board damage likely.
07.
Signal & Connectivity Problems
Symptoms:
- “RC Signal Lost” / “Disconnected”
- Intermittent video feed
- Lag in control inputs
Field Fixes:
- Check antenna orientation (face antennas toward drone, not up/down).
- Ensure line of sight — move away from power lines or Wi-Fi towers.
- Re-link controller via app.
- Reboot both drone and RC, then test in an open area.
If link remains unstable antenna module or transmission board may need replacement.
08.
Water & Crash Exposure
Immediate Steps:
- Do not power on the drone.
- Remove battery immediately.
- Gently dry exterior — do not use heat guns.
- Place drone in a dry, ventilated environment or silica container.
- Contact OmniSky immediately for assessment.
Water-damaged drones require ultrasonic cleaning and corrosion removal within 24–48 hours for best recovery results.
09.
Data & SD Card Errors
Symptoms:
- “SD Card Error” / “Unable to Record”
- Missing footage after crash
Field Fixes:
- Reinsert or format SD card (FAT32 or exFAT).
- Avoid removing card while powered on.
- Use high-speed cards (U3 or higher).
- For data loss — do not overwrite; OmniSky can recover data
10.
Water & Crash Exposure
Stop immediately and seek professional help if:
- Multiple system warnings appear at once
- The drone won’t calibrate despite restarts
- Visible damage to arms, motors, or gimbal
- Unusual noise, vibration, or burning smell occurs
Flying with unresolved errors increases crash risk and may void warranty or insurance coverage.
Prevent Future Issues
For long-term reliability, incorporate preventative maintenance and calibration sessions every 30–50 flight hours.
Combine your maintenance plan with Omnisky’s Firmware & Calibration Lab and UAS Maintenance Technician Course to gain full operational confidence.