There are lots of threads about ESC calibration issues on this forum. I was pulling my hair out but I discovered the problem by writing this forum post. I thought I would share my silly problem to help others avoid the same trap.I'm using a JDrones Hexa frame with JDrones motors and HK 25-30A card-programmable ESCs. I also got the programming card, but it appears to be non-functional, but that's another issue. I tried ArduCopter 2.4.1 and 2.5. I've reset the APM, cleared the EEProm, setup the radio and have all modes set to Stabilize.I followed the ESC calibration instructions on the wiki. All 6 ESC calibrated and the motors turn in the correct directions. When I connected to the PDB, and power up, however, I just got continuous beeps. Not the long, one-second beeps, but the shorter (~.25 second beeps). According to the user manual for this ESC (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uploads/44172390X371547X37.pdf) this means the throttle stick is not in the bottom position.I've tried many tests, including:* Disconnecting the other 5 ESCs as, even with ear plugs, these beeping motors are beeping loud!* Connecting the ESC directly to the RCRx.Result: it starts up and spins fine* Connecting the ESC directly to the APM, not using the APM->PDB jumper.Result: same .25s beeps.* Arming the APM (powered by separate battery on a separate power bus), waiting for the solid green and then powering up the ESC.Result: Various: usually incessant beeping, sometimes one beep every 2 seconds ("Throttle signal is abnormal"), and once (out of about 20 tries) the ESCs even powered up and ran normally.* Connecting a servo to the ESC connections.Result: servo moves in response to transmitter sticks, movement of the APM.So what was my problem? I had the RC channels connected to the APM in the incorrect order. I didn't notice from the wiki that channels are connected in order: roll, pitch, throttle, yaw. I had them connected throttle, roll, pitch, yaw. Oops.Well, it's working fine so far and I've hovered it indoors while the rain continues to beat down.
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I've been having this exact same problem using these esc's trying to isolate the issue. The esc's can be manually calibrated, but as soon as I connect them to the APM (even when the APM is powered off!), they start beeping as you said. I've tried resetting the firmware, changing the PWM parameters for esc, trimming down the throttle on tx, connecting only the signal wire to the esc and powering the output with JP1, but to no avail. I'll try and see if I misconnected the RC channel connections.
Problem solved! I suspect it was caused by a voltage spike when I plugged/unplugged things & I plan to put a 12FARAD cap across the 5v supply to smooth it out. I've already noted excessive noise on its telemetry data.
I did motor tests, ESC calibrations, and somehow got the beeping stopped.
Now that it's all busted apart I may as well add the voltage monitor & the telemetry mods.
I have the same problem with my new Quanum Nova. It worked fine during initial checks, days later when I prepared to fly for the first time I have the constant beeping. Did all you tried and more.
Disconnected esc + line and every thing (else) works fine. :)
I don't have your problem, nothing has been changed that I can think of.
Replies
I've been having this exact same problem using these esc's trying to isolate the issue. The esc's can be manually calibrated, but as soon as I connect them to the APM (even when the APM is powered off!), they start beeping as you said. I've tried resetting the firmware, changing the PWM parameters for esc, trimming down the throttle on tx, connecting only the signal wire to the esc and powering the output with JP1, but to no avail. I'll try and see if I misconnected the RC channel connections.
Got my replacement quad, all tested & setup and when I disconnected the battery and USB/pc the constant beeping started again.
I'm at a total loss what to do.
Help appreciated. Bo Barry
Problem solved! I suspect it was caused by a voltage spike when I plugged/unplugged things & I plan to put a 12FARAD cap across the 5v supply to smooth it out. I've already noted excessive noise on its telemetry data.
I did motor tests, ESC calibrations, and somehow got the beeping stopped.
Now that it's all busted apart I may as well add the voltage monitor & the telemetry mods.
I have the same problem with my new Quanum Nova. It worked fine during initial checks, days later when I prepared to fly for the first time I have the constant beeping. Did all you tried and more.
Disconnected esc + line and every thing (else) works fine. :)
I don't have your problem, nothing has been changed that I can think of.
Totally stumped after reading your post.
Ideas?
Well done for tracking the problem down. Hope the rain stops soon...