"Firmware is out-of-date" even though it isn't. Cannot take off

[AntoineD]

(I posted this problem on the Mini 4 Pro forum, but nobody there could come up with an answer, so I'm trying here. I don't normally double post, but I'm getting a bit desperate.)

I got a Mini 4 Pro recently, and everything went OK with the setup, but when I tried to start the motors, nothing happened, and I got the message 'firmware out of date'. I tried to update via the RC2 controller, but it kept saying 'not connected to server'. So I downloaded Assistant 2 to my laptop and I updated both aircraft and controller firmware that way. The controller now says aircraft firmware is 01.00.0800 and controller firmware is 05.00.0300. But I still get 'firmware out of date', and aircraft still won't start. I even tried a FlySafe data upgrade, but after trying unsuccessfully to get to the server a few dozen times, it finally said it's up to date. Someone mentioned updating the batteries but there seemed to be no way to do this on Assistant 2 and I can't see a way on the controller.

I spent over an hour on online chat with someone from DJI with no luck, but to be frank, he didn't seem to know that much. He wound up suggesting I send it in for repair.

So, can anyone suggest anything I haven't tried yet? Thanks.

 

[Kilrah]

If a battery is out of date the app will ask you to update it on the home page.

I tried to update via the RC2 controller, but it kept saying 'not connected to server'.

Sounds like you don't have your RC2 connected to wifi.

 

[Felix le Chat]

As already suggested to you - there are a number of software swamps a new owner of a DJI drone has to wade through and all of them can cause confusion. It helps if you actually answer the questions that have been asked - they're not posed to make you feel a fool: they have been asked because they highlight certain aspects of registration and operation that can cause problems to someone who is still feeling their way around.

If we know what you have done (or not done) - we are in a better situation to be able to offer practical advice. Without information... it's all just flailing about in the dark... guess work.

Such as the question you didn't respond to as to whether you have tried to alter settings in the flight app (or on any other device you might connect to a controller)...settings that limit the drone or the flight app from connecting to the server network... Doing so will affect your ability to (as pointed out in your other thread) have access to the live map function. Not allowing the app to connect with the server will also flag up an "...unable to connect to server..." message and will also stop you dead in your tracks when you try to download off-line maps. Even something as simple as engaging 'airplane mode' will throw a proper spanner in your works. (I did notice that you mentioned in your original post that you weren't keen on the idea of Big Brother looking over your shoulder)

If everything boots up, connects (drone to controller - controller to flight app - live camera view on-screen) and you have the ability to pitch the camera up and down on the gimbal by using the shoulder wheel - the drone is operating correctly.

*Important Question*
As the drone boots up: do all four motors twitch their props and does the camera twitch a bit? If 'yes' then the drone has successfully gone through its POST (Power On Self Test) and is working properly.

After a successful POST: Now check the flight screen - look on the top bar and make sure you have satellite connection. If all the writing and icons on the top bar are red: you have no connection to all the bells & whistles that make flying a DJI drone so easy - but you should still be able to attempt to fly it (really not a good idea if you've never owned an ATTI capable drone before)

If you pull both control sticks simultaneously down and in (diagonally downwards) and the motors don't spin up ready for a left stick take-off, it may be down to your location. You may be in a Flight Restricted Zone and in that case, you have to unlock the zone by agreeing to accept responsibility for your flight... otherwise? you guessed it... the motors won't spin up... a design feature of all DJI drones. Check your location - but in order to know what's around you: you have to have the live map screen for reference... so you have to allow the app to connect to the servers.