Confused about calibration

[Festijn]

Hi,

I'm a little bit confused about the IMU and compass calibration.
When and where do you need to do this if you don't get a request via the app?

Am I correct regarding the IMU:
Every time after a firmware update and every time after you traveled a lot of Miles. This can be done inside the house? Or only outside in open space with no interference?

Am I correct regarding the compass:
Every time when you lauch it on a new place. There may never be interference. So only in open spaces with no buildings, trees, poles,... in the direct environment.

Ps. RC calibration also needed?

Thanks for helping me out on this matter.

 

[michalszwed18]

Never if not asked. Read the manual

 

[msinger]

Am I correct regarding the IMU:
Every time after a firmware update and every time after you traveled a lot of Miles. This can be done inside the house? Or only outside in open space with no interference?

I like to calibrate the IMU after unboxing a new Spark. However, the majority of Spark owners are probably not calibrating the IMU before flying for the first time. If you choose to go that route and your Spark is able to hold a steady hover and does not report a large error in the altitude, then you don't need to calibrate it. After that point, you should only have to calibrate it again if you crash, if you drop your Spark, or it takes a large hit elsewhere (e.g. shipping it in the mail).

The Spark should be sitting on a level surface that is not disturbed while the calibration is running. A place like that is usually easiest to find indoors.

Am I correct regarding the compass:
Every time when you lauch it on a new place. There may never be interference. So only in open spaces with no buildings, trees, poles,... in the direct environment.

The compass does not need to be calibrated often. Check out this post for the best practices.

RC calibration also needed?

This rarely needs to be done. If the sticks are not matching your movements, then it would be a good idea to calibrate the remote controller.

 

[Festijn]

Never if not asked. Read the manual

Done that but trust your opinions more

 

[Festijn]

I like to calibrate the IMU after unboxing a new Spark. However, the majority of Spark owners are probably not calibrating the IMU before flying for the first time. If you choose to go that route and your Spark is able to hold a steady hover and does not report a large error in the altitude, then you don't need to calibrate it. After that point, you should only have to calibrate it again if you crash, if you drop your Spark, or it takes a large hit elsewhere (e.g. shipping it in the mail).

The Spark should be sitting on a level surface that is not disturbed while the calibration is running. A place like that is usually easiest to find indoors.


The compass does not need to be calibrated often. Check out this post for the best practices.


This rarely needs to be done. If the sticks are not matching your movements, then it would be a good idea to calibrate the remote controller.

Thx! Great help!

 

[msinger]

The Spark manual is definitely a great resource that everyone should read. It doesn't say much about the calibrations though.