Discussions

3DR Y6 Weak Throttle Response

Posted by Brandon on September 12, 2015 at 3:32pm

Hello everyone,

I am trying to get my Y6 off the ground and it seems like it doesn't have enough power. I am using a DIY Y6 kit from 3D Robotics. I have had this copter for about a year now and it has flown great! However, I can barely get it off the ground now.

I have done the following to try and remedy the issue:

Checked THR_MAX and it is set at 1000
Recalibrated the ESCs
Replaced a propeller with a small crack

Flying in stabilize mode, I am able to take off for a short period (1 - 10 seconds) but it takes nearly full throttle to do it. After that, it loses altitude and full throttle has no affect. You can see the behavior in the attached video.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this? In the video, I am at full throttle the majority of the time.

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Replies

Moderator

Nathaniel Caner September 12, 2015 at 5:13pm

Hi Brandon,

It's hard to tell from the video, is this a stock 2014 3DR Y6B? What size battery 3S or 4S? Stock props (10x4.7) and motors (850kv)?

Can you post some close up pictures of your vehicle and a logfile from a flight?

Regards,

Nathaniel ~KD2DEY
- Brandon > Nathaniel Caner September 19, 2015 at 1:10pm
  
  Haven't had a chance to test! We have had non stop wind ever since I reinstalled the props.
  
  Hoping I can test soon! I will definitely follow up once I do.
  - Moderator
    
    Nathaniel Caner > Brandon September 19, 2015 at 1:16pm
    
    I hear you, I have the same problem here in the North East as well! I haven't had a chance to fly since Mid August. I'm going to try tomorrow!! Keeping my fingers crossed.
    
    Regards,
    
    Nathaniel~KD2DEY
    - Brandon > Nathaniel Caner September 23, 2015 at 7:28pm
      
      It flies! You were correct, the props were the problem.
      
      I didn't get much of a flight in as it was a small break in 20mph wind.
      - Moderator
        
        Nathaniel Caner > Brandon September 23, 2015 at 8:02pm
        
        Brandon,
        
        That's great! AC3.3 is due to be released sometime this coming week. I would recommend updating to this release then run an autotune once you are comfortable with it's basic flight characteristics and are certain everything is working correctly, compass, gps etc.
        
        Have fun,
        
        Nathaniel ~KD2DEY
        
        Brandon > Nathaniel Caner September 25, 2015 at 3:32pm
        
        Finally got a video!
        
        Flying great!
        
        YouTube
        
        Moderator
        
        Nathaniel Caner > Brandon September 25, 2015 at 3:41pm
        
        Hey that's great! Glad to see you got it working, and that it was something so simple!
        
        Regards,
        
        Nathaniel ~KD2DEY
- Brandon > Nathaniel Caner September 12, 2015 at 5:59pm
  Yes, this is a 100% stock 2014 Y6B. The battery is a Tiger 14.5V 6000mAh 35c (4S).
  
  It is carrying a few extra items.
  
  Tarot Gimbal
  
  GoPro 3 Silver
  
  FPV camera and transmitter http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__65997__Skyzone_Plug_N_Play
  
  Turnigy 1000 mAh battery for the FPV transmitter
  
  Attached is a picture of the Y6 along with my log from the flight in the video.
  
  More pictures can be found here.
  
  The pictures may take some time as we just moved into a new house and have crap for internet...
  
  Thank you for your help!
  
  20150912_194545.jpg
  
  2015-09-12 17-12-04.bin
  - Moderator
    
    Nathaniel Caner > Brandon September 12, 2015 at 6:55pm
    
    Brandon,
    
    I haven't had a chance to look at the logfile yet, but from the picture I can tell that the props on the bottom aren't on correctly. The writing on all the props should be facing up and the pitch on the ccw props should face the direction of rotation. It appears that yours are installed upside down (either that or you have 6 cw props installed).
    
    That would explain your lack of sufficient thrust!
    
    I'll take a look at the log and see if there's anything else you might need to change.
    
    Regards,
    
    Nathaniel ~KD2DEY
    - Moderator
      
      Nathaniel Caner > Nathaniel Caner September 12, 2015 at 7:13pm
      
      Brandon,
      
      OK I took a look at the log and I don't see anything unusual at first glance. With the props properly installed go back and adjust your throttle mid (THR_MID) parameter as outlined here. Yours is currently set at 430 yet TRIM_THROTTLE = 672. Typically THR_MID and TRIM_THROTTLE will be very close when the flight was mostly hover. I have a 2014 3DR Y6B outfitted almost exactly like yours and it has a THR_MID = 524.
      
      Post a video clip once you get it going!
      
      Regards,
      
      Nathaniel ~KD2DEY