Altitude issue

[Marcel Campos]

Hello,

About 15 days ago my Spark has this issue with wrong altitude display... when he reaches about 40 meters height, the display shows the Downward sensor icon, instead of "H" and a number like if the Spark was closer to the ground, like 4, 5 meters...
Can someone help me? The sensors are clean by the way....

Here's the video to show what I'm talkng about...

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[MannyCAM2001]

I honestly feel it’s most likely attributed to your surroundings. There’s enough metal in the area to start a metal factory by the looks of it. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your Spark. Readings sometimes fluctuate, it happens with mine occasionally.
I would definitely try a few locations and see if the Sparks readings are any better.

 

[suprPHREAK]

Metal has nothing at all tondo with altitude.

Judging by the video, I'm going to say the trees were the issue. The downward vision sensors will detect objects below. Just like any camera, the higher you get the wider the field of view. As you went up, the view included tree branches.

The system is working as designed. I wouldn't worry, unless the same happens in an open field.

 

[Rafa7]

Choose another location that is not as busy/crowded, preferably an open field and see if that also happens there too. I'm afraid all is well and working normal with your Spark. BTW the downward sensors do not work well in dark surfaces, at night or over water.

@Marcel Campos Welcome to the board. Fly safe.

 

[Ted Schoenfelder]

Your altitude readout is varying between a visual measurement, or height above ground, as seen by the visual sensors when the aircraft/visual sensor symbol is indicated next to the altitude readout. This measurement shifts to height above the takeoff point, per GPS, when the aircraft/sensor symbol drops off and shifts to the "H". They are not identical measurements and will vary since they use different references.

 

[MannyCAM2001]

Your altitude readout is varying between a visual measurement, or height above ground, as seen by the visual sensors when the aircraft/visual sensor symbol is indicated next to the altitude readout. This measurement shifts to height above the takeoff point, per GPS, when the aircraft/sensor symbol drops off and shifts to the "H". They are not identical measurements and will vary since they use different references.

You got it Ted, 26 ft. Is the cutoff for downward sensors. Effective range up to 98 ft.
But as you stated, GPS kicks in with a minimum of 4 satellites to be able to read exact location distance and height. The onboard barometer intrepretting altitude, recorded from the home point. Or take off point.
Amazing to me all of the technology built into this so-called selfie drone.
Cheers

 

[bmarlowe]

You got it Ted, 26 ft. Is the cutoff for downward sensors. Effective range up to 98 ft.
But as you stated, GPS kicks in with a minimum of 4 satellites to be able to read exact location distance and height. The onboard barometer intrepretting altitude, recorded from the home point. Or take off point.
Amazing to me all of the technology built into this so-called selfie drone.
Cheers

Note that an earlier version of the user's manual mentions a barometer (though the current version does not), presumably used to help hover at constant altitude when in ATTI mode.

 

[MannyCAM2001]

Note that an earlier version of the user's manual mentions a barometer (though the current version does not), presumably used to help hover at constant altitude when in ATTI mode.

Yes, although, i don’t like ATTI mode. Because it’s usually due to a loss of GPS. Bad things start to happen.
If you start in ATTI mode, like inside your house or under a bridge, things are ok. It’s only when you’ve been flying in GPS mode and lose it, that the Spark will drift wildly.
And yes the barometer sits in the tail end of Spark. Reacts to atmospheric pressure changes to deliver altitude height. But the same is also it’s achilles heal. Giving false readings at times. When going thru low and high, cold and hot pressure areas.
I’m totally amazed at what has been accomplished with the Spark. You really learn to appreciate it more.