New Pilot - watch out!

[Hector_Sosa]

I just picked up a new-to-me Spark with four batteries and a remote. I bought it knowing the batteries weren't taking a charge (LED 1 & 2 rapid blink four times) and might have gotten lucky - I put three on the charging hub that came with it and started to look up troubleshooting. After an hour the LED on the hub was solid red - they appear to be charging. Fingers crossed....

If they do charge, what should I know prior to first flight? Go easy on me, I've owned dozens of wheeled RC contraptions but this is my first drone.

 

[Spark 317]

Hello from the Hoosier Heartland Hector_Sosa.

I no longer fly my SPARK but happy you got one to tinker with.

If flying in the USA, you need to register it with the FAA.

FAADroneZone

faadronezone-access.faa.gov

Also, you need to attach a RID transmitter to the SPARK to be compliant in the USA.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id

And one more thing, you need to take the TRUST test and keep a copy with you when you fly.

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

It's a free no fail test that covers the basics of flying a drone in the USA.

If you don't live here, check your local regulations on flying drones.

Different countries have different rules.

Here's a link to the manual.

https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/Spark/20171031/Spark%20User%20Manual%20V1.6.pdf

Here's a link to the Go 4 app.

DJI Go 4 - Download Center - DJI United States

Capture the world from above. Compatible with the Mavic Series, Spark, Phantom 4, and more.

www.dji.com

Here's a link to some tutorials from DJI.

Spark Tutorials

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

youtube.com

Practice flying in wide a open space and go slow to get acquainted with the movement of the sticks and the app itself.

Read the manual about the RTH, Return To Home, options and how it works.

Good luck, have fun, and welcome to the Forum.

 

[karmakap]

Congrats on getting the Spark! Since this is your first drone, I suggest updating the firmware, calibrating the compass and IMU, and checking each battery carefully before flying. Start in an open area with few obstacles, and use beginner or sport mode settings carefully. Also, take time to learn the return-to-home (RTH) function, as it can help protect your drone. Safe flying!

 

[Chrislaf]

@Hector_Sosa the Spark is a great little drone. Hopefully you can bring those batteries back to life. Unfortunately, nowadays Spark batteries are hard to find and are expensive and there are no third party batteries available.

I would hold off on any updates to firmware until you make sure that everything is working properly - the drone is connecting to the controller, you have working useable batteries and have taken a few test flights.

Sometimes doing firmware updates can introduce more problems.

Chris