The DJI Encourage 2 is a robust, skilled device utilized in many industries, notably movie and tv. Investing in an Encourage 2 drone can present unbelievable aerial images and videography outcomes.
As a drone digicam operator within the movie trade, I’ve used the Encourage 2 for over two years and have turn out to be intimately acquainted with its capabilities and limitations.
Sadly, one in all its widespread issues is gimbal failure, which might trigger vital points throughout flights.
DJI Encourage 2 gimbal failure can happen for a lot of causes, equivalent to {hardware} harm or software program points, and might trigger unreliable or shaky footage.
On this article, we’ll focus on Encourage 2 gimbal failure, its causes, and how you can repair it
Encourage 2 gimbal failure: Causes and signs
Encourage 2 gimbal failure can happen for a number of causes, equivalent to extreme vibrations, motor malfunction, software program bugs, or bodily harm.
The results of a gimbal failure can embrace the digicam’s lack of ability to remain stage or sudden digicam jerks, blurred photos or movies, or perhaps a full lack of ability to manage the digicam throughout flight.
One of the vital widespread causes for Encourage 2 gimbal failure is improper calibration.
When the gimbal will not be calibrated appropriately, the drone’s vibration could cause the digicam to shift from its authentic place, leading to shaky footage.
Moreover, a dangerous motor could cause the gimbal to fail, which might outcome within the digicam turning into utterly unresponsive.
This may be extremely anxiety-inducing if you’re out within the work area.
In terms of any piece of firmware know-how that requires periodic updates, there’s all the time a danger of new bugs affecting your system, so this one is value mentioning.
At all times check every part of your drone after a software program or firmware replace to ensure all the pieces is in working order.
Lastly, in my expertise, bodily harm must be the most typical trigger.
The gimbal is a really delicate part of our drone and might simply be knocked, tampered and broken by negligence, accidents, or simply poor upkeep and dealing with typically.
Conserving a unclean drone can have an effect on the bodily working order too, equivalent to extreme mud/dust, rocks lodged in locations they shouldn’t be, and many others.
If you don’t clear your drone of particles steadily sufficient, this will trigger harm to any a part of your drone, not simply your gimbal!
Fixing Encourage 2 gimbal failure: Step-by-step information
When you’re experiencing points with the Encourage 2 gimbal, don’t panic. Listed here are the steps you’ll be able to take to troubleshoot and repair the issue.
Step 1: Diagnose the problem
Step one in fixing any gimbal challenge is to diagnose the issue.
With the Encourage 2, widespread signs of a gimbal failure embrace shaking or vibrating throughout flight, an unstable horizon, or an entire failure to stabilize the digicam.
When you’ve recognized the issue, you’ll be able to transfer on to the following step.
Step 2: Test for bodily harm
Earlier than continuing with any restore, inspecting the gimbal for bodily harm is necessary.
Test for cracks, dents, or different indicators of impression or put on and tear. When you discover any harm, chances are you’ll want to exchange the whole gimbal meeting.
Step 3: Reset the gimbal
Generally, the problem will be resolved with a easy reset of the gimbal.
To reset the Encourage 2 gimbal, energy down the drone and take away the digicam.
Subsequent, maintain down the ability button on the drone for 10 seconds, then launch it. Reinsert the digicam and energy up the drone to see if the problem is resolved.
Step 4: Replace firmware
Outdated firmware may also trigger gimbal points.
To replace the firmware in your Encourage 2, join the drone to your pc utilizing a USB cable and launch the DJI Assistant 2 software program.
Comply with the directions to obtain and set up any out there firmware updates.
Step 5: Calibrate the gimbal
If resetting the gimbal and updating the firmware doesn’t repair the problem, the following step is to calibrate the gimbal.
To do that, open the DJI Go 4 app and navigate to the settings menu. From there, choose “Gimbal Settings” after which “Auto Calibrate.” Comply with the on-screen directions to finish the calibration course of.
Step 6: Test the roll motor
The roll motor is a standard level of failure within the Encourage 2 gimbal. Energy off the drone and take away the digicam to examine if the roll motor is the problem.
Subsequent, manually transfer the gimbal to its limits in all instructions. When you hear any clicking or grinding noises, the roll motor could have to be changed.
Step 7: Exchange the roll motor
To exchange the roll motor, you need to order a substitute half and have the correct instruments readily available. You will discover substitute elements on-line or via a DJI-authorized restore middle.
Upon getting the substitute half, rigorously take away the previous roll motor and set up the brand new one, following the producer’s directions.
It’s all the time my suggestion to seek the advice of knowledgeable in case you don’t know how you can exchange the motor your self.
Step 8: Check the gimbal
After changing the roll motor, reassemble the gimbal and check it to make sure the problem has been resolved. Energy on the drone and examine if the digicam is steady throughout flight.
Whether it is, congratulations – you’ve efficiently mounted your Encourage 2 gimbal!
Encourage 2 gimbal failure will be irritating however will be mounted with persistence and the best instruments. Following these step-by-step directions, you’ll be able to diagnose the issue, restore your gimbal, and get again within the air.
At all times watch out when dealing with your drone and gimbal, and contemplate searching for skilled assist in case you’re uncomfortable with DIY repairs.
If none of those steps repair your gimbal, contacting DJI assist for additional help is beneficial.
What occurs in case your gimbal isn’t failing however having different minor points?
Non-failure points: The roll/horizon drawback
Other than the gimbal failure, one other widespread challenge with the Encourage 2 gimbal is the roll/horizon drawback. That is the problem I encountered most whereas working as a digicam operator on the Encourage 2.
The roll/horizon drawback happens when the digicam’s horizon will not be stage with the drone’s horizon, leading to crooked or tilted footage.
This challenge will be mounted by calibrating the gimbal, however generally the calibration could not remedy the issue.
Or, chances are you’ll be within the air throughout a shoot and don’t have time to convey it down for calibration.
Now, after all, this drawback will not be the top of the world, you’ll be able to all the time repair it in publish, however it’s all the time higher to not have that challenge within the uncooked footage within the first place.
One of many options my colleagues and I like to make use of is the drone spin. Spinning your drone 360 levels in each instructions might help steadiness out the digicam and straighten out the horizon.
One other fast repair is to customise your controller to regulate the roll manually on the go.
For instance, with the Cendence controller, you’ll be able to customise one of many controller inputs, whether or not a dial, a joystick, and many others., to regulate the roll.
This ensures on-the-go stage footage however is a further axis to manage as a framer, which might overcomplicate your workflow in case you are already answerable for many cameras and gimbal controls.
Different Widespread DJI Encourage 2 Gimbal Points
Whereas the DJI Encourage 2 gimbal failure and horizon/roll points are essentially the most severe issues that customers could encounter with their drone’s gimbal, there are a couple of different widespread points to concentrate on.
These points could not essentially be categorised as failures, however they will nonetheless impression the standard of footage captured by the drone and will be irritating for customers.
Listed here are a couple of examples.
Gimbal motor overload
Customers could encounter a problem with the gimbal motor getting sizzling and the drone giving an error message stating “Gimbal Motor Overload.”
This may be brought on by a couple of components, such because the gimbal being overloaded with weight, the gimbal being bumped or hit throughout flight, or a firmware challenge.
Gimbal drift
One other challenge is the gimbal drift, the place the digicam slowly begins to tilt or rotate by itself.
This may be brought on by a couple of components, equivalent to a unfastened connection between the digicam and the drone, the drone being flown in excessive winds or turbulence, or incorrect digicam settings.
Gimbal calibration
Lastly, there’s the problem of gimbal calibration. Generally the gimbal could have to be calibrated to perform correctly.
This may be brought on by varied components, equivalent to a firmware challenge, the drone being flown in excessive winds or turbulence, or the drone being bumped or hit throughout flight.
By understanding these widespread points, customers can guarantee their Encourage 2 gimbal is functioning correctly and might seize high-quality footage throughout each flight.
Conclusion
The DJI Encourage 2 is an distinctive drone that may take beautiful aerial footage. Nevertheless, its gimbal is susceptible to failure, significantly with the lean motor and ribbon cable.
These points will be resolved by the steps outlined on this article, which embrace diagnosing the issue, ordering substitute elements, rigorously putting in them, and many others.
When you’re experiencing the roll/horizon challenge, step one is to calibrate the gimbal. If that doesn’t work, you’ll be able to strive the 360 spin or regulate the roll manually in flight utilizing a personalized controller.
Taking the mandatory precautions and performing routine upkeep in your Encourage 2’s gimbal can extend its lifespan and forestall expensive repairs.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to achieve out to DJI’s buyer assist for help. Blissful flying!
