Gimbal Nonresponsive to input ~ Moves Randomly

[Jumpyman]

Hi!
My first post in this forum and my first Mavic since my Phantom 3 and Spark. I acquired this Mavic 2 Pro w/smart controller from Fbook Mplace. Everything seems fine, drone flys, hovers, stable, etc. BUT the Camera/Gimbal is non responsive to control input from the transmitter and, while in flight, moves seemingly randomly up and down on occasion. Start up seems normal ~ pivots left/right, up/down then just seems to go "limp". At first I get an "IMU error" (I haven't done a calibration yet) and then, not always but sometimes I get the "Gimbal Overload" message asking if I've removed the cover. Otherwise, I get "GPS/Vision Enabled" and ready to fly message. The drone looks to be in pretty good shape re scratches, dents, etc. except for one decent size "dent" in the back, right lower corner of the upper cover just below the battery. I learned from my Phantom that it's not always a good idea to upgrade the firmware (this drone is sporting version 1.00.0770) so I'm not touching that until I learn a bit more if there are known issues.

What steps should I begin with in diagnosing the issue and/or in your experience with anyone that's sent their Mavic 2's for repair, who do you suggest? DJI says the first thing they'll do is upgrade the Firmware and, in my experience, that's where the issues started with my Phantom. Thanks in advance for your help and I look forward to hopefully getting this issue resolved for less than the price of another used Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom

 

[Starz]

This is the one you acquired for 300.00?
Updating firmware will not accomplish anything.
With what you are describing, the camera will need to be replaced.
If there is some form of IMU issue, that information may be visible in the app in the sensor section. If that aircraft has been crashed, (dent in the back) it may have some internal damage. Check the sensor status prior to trying to decide what action to take.
Picture of dent?

 

[Jumpyman]

This is the one you acquired for 300.00?
Updating firmware will not accomplish anything.
With what you are describing, the camera will need to be replaced.
If there is some form of IMU issue, that information may be visible in the app in the sensor section. If that aircraft has been crashed, (dent in the back) it may have some internal damage. Check the sensor status prior to trying to decide what action to take.
Picture of dent?

Hey Starz! Yes. . actually got it for $260. Smart Controller, 4 batteries (1 only has 44 charges on it), case, etc. The "camera" functions great. . .super clear picture, etc. Also, motors, etc. are all very smooth, flys great, very stable, no issues that I can see other than the glitchy gimbal. I'd hope that the camera is separate from the gimbal? I'll check the IMU Issue but I have a feeling that once it's calibrated it'll go away. . and it's intermittent. . and goes away after a minute or less. Sensor states show no issues from what I can see and my limited knowlege. Pictures attached. I have a video of the startup, gimbal motion, etc. but can't seem to post it. . are videos allowed? Thanks Starz

 

[Starz]

The dent in the back makes me think that rear arm was folded back from some form of impact. My thought would be that it doesn’t fold to transport position like the left one would. You should be able to feel some difference between the two.
The IMU definitely needs to be calibrated. Calibration of the gimbal will not change anything at this point.
Your props should be re-installed in the nearest trash can.

 

[Cafguy]

Use the Following steps if this dont work you need a new gimbal.

• Install Python: Download and install the latest version of Python from the official website. Make sure to check the box to add Python to your PATH during installation.
• 
  
• Install pyserial: Use pip to install the pyserial library: pip install pyserial.
  
  
• 
  
• Install DJI SDK and Firmware Tools: Download the DJI SDK and the dji-firmware-tools repository from GitHub.
  
  
• 
  
• Extract the tools: Extract the contents of the dji-firmware-tools archive, for example, to `C:\DJI\`.
  
  
• 
  
• Find the correct COM port: Connect the Mavic 2 Pro to your computer via USB. Open Device Manager, find the port associated with your drone (it will likely be something like COM4), and note it down.

2. Calibrate the Gimbal:

• Close DJI Assistant 2:
  Ensure that DJI Assistant 2 is closed, as it can interfere with the calibration process.
• 
  
• Navigate to the tools folder:
  Open a command prompt as administrator and navigate to the directory where you extracted the dji-firmware-tools folder.
  
  
• 
  
• Run the calibration commands:
  Execute the following commands, replacing COM4 with your drone's COM port and WM240 with your drone's model code (e.g., WM241 for Mavic Air 2).

• py comm_og_service_tool.py --port COM4 -vv WM240 GimbalCalib JointCoarse
• 
  
• py comm_og_service_tool.py --port COM4 -vv WM240 GimbalCalib LinearHall

3. Calibrate IMU and Compass:

• Calibrate IMU:
  .

In the DJI GO 4 app (or DJI Fly app), navigate to the flight controller settings, then advanced settings, then sensors, and finally IMU. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the IMU.

• 
  
• Calibrate Compass:
  .

If you are experiencing compass issues, you may also need to calibrate the compass. This is typically done in the app by selecting the compass calibration option.

Important Considerations:

• Drone Position:
  Ensure the drone is placed on a level surface during calibration and follow the instructions in the DJI app carefully.
• 
  
• Environment:
  Avoid calibrating indoors, and ensure there are no metal objects or strong magnetic fields nearby during the process.
  
  
• 
  
• Restart:
  In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the drone and reconnect the USB cable before running the calibration scripts.
  
  
• 
  
• Error Messages:
  Be aware that some error messages (like "Gimbal calibration error 40011") may appear after calibration, but the gimbal should still be leveled

 

[Jumpyman]

The dent in the back makes me think that rear arm was folded back from some form of impact. My thought would be that it doesn’t fold to transport position like the left one would. You should be able to feel some difference between the two.
The IMU definitely needs to be calibrated. Calibration of the gimbal will not change anything at this point.
Your props should be re-installed in the nearest trash can.

Hey Starz ~
I was wondering the same thing. . not quite sure how that could have even come in contact with anything with the arm out. That being said, like I said before, everything seems to operate very smoothly. . arms out, in, motors sound great, transmitter screen very clear, bright, no glitches. . even the "gimbal start up" is smooth. . I wish I could post a video. . .no difference whatsoever in the arm movements. .very smooth, "locks" in place nicely, etc. I've done absolutely nothing with the drone besides charge and check all 4 batteries and remove/reinstall the soon-to-be-in-the-trash props Any suggestion on replacement props? I'll attempt to calibrate the IMU to confirm that error can be eliminated and then get to work on the real issue. . that Gimbal. . any thoughts on the firmware version? You Mavic guys have the same issue with Firmware Updates that we did with the Phantoms? Frying the board, new glitches, video drop outs, etc.? I'm now of the opinion that if there's no good reason to update the firmware, best to just leave it alone. . am I wrong? Thanks for your help!

 

[Starz]

If you need props, I have more than I need. 15.00 shipped for a complete set.
The firmware IS NOT an issue at this point. Leave it alone for now.
It’s very possible the right rear arm could have been replaced. If you look closely at the screws that are on the underside of the aircraft, DJI puts a drop of a very stiff glue in one or two of the screw heads that tells them if the screw have been removed at some time. You can’t remove the screw if the glue is still there. If the glue is gone, this aircraft has probably been apart.

Those motors should NOT be run AT ALL with those props.
Put them in the trash can yesterday!

 

[Jumpyman]

Use the Following steps if this dont work you need a new gimbal.

• Install Python: Download and install the latest version of Python from the official website. Make sure to check the box to add Python to your PATH during installation.
• 
  
• Install pyserial: Use pip to install the pyserial library: pip install pyserial.
  
  
• 
  
• Install DJI SDK and Firmware Tools: Download the DJI SDK and the dji-firmware-tools repository from GitHub.
  
  
• 
  
• Extract the tools: Extract the contents of the dji-firmware-tools archive, for example, to `C:\DJI\`.
  
  
• 
  
• Find the correct COM port: Connect the Mavic 2 Pro to your computer via USB. Open Device Manager, find the port associated with your drone (it will likely be something like COM4), and note it down.

2. Calibrate the Gimbal:

• Close DJI Assistant 2:
  Ensure that DJI Assistant 2 is closed, as it can interfere with the calibration process.
• 
  
• Navigate to the tools folder:
  Open a command prompt as administrator and navigate to the directory where you extracted the dji-firmware-tools folder.
  
  
• 
  
• Run the calibration commands:
  Execute the following commands, replacing COM4 with your drone's COM port and WM240 with your drone's model code (e.g., WM241 for Mavic Air 2).

• py comm_og_service_tool.py --port COM4 -vv WM240 GimbalCalib JointCoarse
• 
  
• py comm_og_service_tool.py --port COM4 -vv WM240 GimbalCalib LinearHall

3. Calibrate IMU and Compass:

• Calibrate IMU:
  .

In the DJI GO 4 app (or DJI Fly app), navigate to the flight controller settings, then advanced settings, then sensors, and finally IMU. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the IMU.

• 
  
• Calibrate Compass:
  .

If you are experiencing compass issues, you may also need to calibrate the compass. This is typically done in the app by selecting the compass calibration option.

Important Considerations:

• Drone Position:
  Ensure the drone is placed on a level surface during calibration and follow the instructions in the DJI app carefully.
• 
  
• Environment:
  Avoid calibrating indoors, and ensure there are no metal objects or strong magnetic fields nearby during the process.
  
  
• 
  
• Restart:
  In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the drone and reconnect the USB cable before running the calibration scripts.
  
  
• 
  
• Error Messages:
  Be aware that some error messages (like "Gimbal calibration error 40011") may appear after calibration, but the gimbal should still be leveled

Hey Cafguy!
Thanks for ALL of that detailed info! I have zero idea how to implement that, though. . but I've started Googling. . Are you basically saying that I need to put Python on my laptop (I have a Macbook Pro), download the other tools, (access to COM ports, etc.) and once I physically connect the drone to my computer via cable, I can run the command prompt lines (not sure what the model code for Mavic 2 Pro is?) and that should calibrate the gimbal if its' not physically messed up? Assuming that doesn't do the trick. . are OEM DJI parts still available for this drone and any idea how to determine which parts would need to be replaced? When I was chatting with a DJI tech, he has said "Mavic 2 Gimbal Axis Arm Module", "Gimbal ESC Board" and "Mavic 2 Pro Gimbal Axis Arm Module". Parts price was about $160. No idea if this is correct or how he'd know which parts would need to be replaced. .anyway, I'll start where you suggest and take it from there ~ thanks Cafguy! . PS Am I able to post video?

 

[Jumpyman]

If you need props, I have more than I need. 15.00 shipped for a complete set.
The firmware IS NOT an issue at this point. Leave it alone for now.
It’s very possible the right rear arm could have been replaced. If you look closely at the screws that are on the underside of the aircraft, DJI puts a drop of a very stiff glue in one or two of the screw heads that tells them if the screw have been removed at some time. You can’t remove the screw if the glue is still there. If the glue is gone, this aircraft has probably been apart.

Those motors should NOT be run AT ALL with those props.
Put them in the trash can yesterday!

Pretty clear that the screw closest to the "dent" has either been removed or, at the very least, the case around it was slightly cracked. . .not sure if it's important but the video that I have of the "Gimbal Startup" process at least shows all the motors are working. . .if not the "brain" of it. I've yet to unpack the rest of the things in the case. . I think he might have a few sets of props in there but if not I'll certainly take you up on your offer and thanks again!

 

[Cafguy]

First that little dent on your top body looks suspiciously like a hot soldering iron tip has been in contact with it.?. also looks like it warped it there enough that when they tried to seat the body correctly the plastic pulled out and snapped the plastic around the screw.
Parts for the Drone can be found but in the U.S. they are going fast! I would start a chat with DJI and see what they would charge you to replace your Drone The parts you need will run you into the 400 dollar range for gimbal and all. .....If an IMU replacement will fix it and it just might it will cost way less... I would replace the IMU.

 

[Starz]

This is what the glue drop(this is a Mavic3)will look like if it’s there. Typically on a 2 series Mavic, this drop will be on one of the screws on the underside. I have highlighted the location on your aircraft, but it should be on the opposite side of what I highlighted.

 

[Jumpyman]

First that little dent on your top body looks suspiciously like a hot soldering iron tip has been in contact with it.?. also looks like it warped it there enough that when they tried to seat the body correctly the plastic pulled out and snapped the plastic around the screw.
Parts for the Drone can be found but in the U.S. they are going fast! I would start a chat with DJI and see what they would charge you to replace your Drone The parts you need will run you into the 400 dollar range for gimbal and all. .....If an IMU replacement will fix it and it just might it will cost way less... I would replace the IMU.

I just calibrated the IMU. . no more error on startup. Now, the only error I see is "Gimbal Motor Overloaded". Flys, hovers, etc. very nicely. DJI quoted me $165 for the parts that I listed. Not sure what they'd charge for Labor. Only thing that worries me about sending it to DJI is they'll update the firmware. . if that's not known to CAUSE any new issues, I'll entertain that route. Of course, before I do that, I take a shot at your previous instructions on calibrating the Gimbal with Python from my Laptop.. . it's worth a shot, right? If I was able to Calibrate the IMU, would you still replace the IMU and you think that might fix my Gimbal issue? Thanks!

 

[Starz]

like a hot soldering iron tip has been in contact with it.?

Usually a hot soldering iron will melt plastic prior to deforming it.

 

[Jumpyman]

Okay, thanks again for your input. Moving forward. 1) Should I attempt what Cafguy suggested using Python to try and Calibrate the Gimbal? 2) Interesting side note: On my smart controller, in the DJI Go 4 app, there is NO Gimbal icon appearing ~ Should there be one? 3) IF I try the Python trick and it doesn't work and I do decide to send it to DJI, they're going to update the firmware. Are there any known issues with updating the firmware on the Mavic 2 Pro like there are with previous DJI Drones I've owned? I'd like to at least know what DJI would charge to repair the drone or, like Starz says, what they'd offer me for a replacement. If it's crazy, I'll just look at either giving the repair a shot myself or looking for another used Mavic in working condition. Does that sound like a reasonable approach? Thanks again

 

[Starz]

Should I attempt what Cafguy suggested

That’s up to you. Based on your description of what that camera is doing, I’m leaning towards damaged gimbal motors. It doesn’t take much of an impact to damage these precisely built mechanisms.

Are there any known issues with updating the firmware on the Mavic 2 Pro

Not beyond what firmware you are already on.

giving the repair a shot myself

You will not be able to repair the camera. Per your picture, that aircraft has done more than just fly. That has crash damage or dropped from more than 10 feet.
If you look closely at that dent in the right rear, there is a corresponding mark/scuff on the arm itself.

what they'd offer me for a replacement

They won’t offer you anything other than replacing it. In most cases, they will provide a cost to repair and send you a completely different unit. They will email you a shipping label which doesn’t cost you a dime other than your packing material.
Anything I have ever sent them was always a very reasonable cost.
If you send it off, make record of your serial number. The one you get back will be different.

 

[Jumpyman]

First, great threaded reply! How were you able to do that!? Anyway, 1) I'll give Cafguys Python-assisted Gimbal Calibration a shot. . nothing to lose. Again, the Gimbal motors appear to be working incredibly smoothly during initialization. . to see what it's doing during flight, the motors don't appear to have an issue. . it's the "controlling" of the motors that's seeming to be the issue, but hey, I'm sure you know just a bit more than me about this ;-)
2) So if I'm already past the point of no return on the Firmware, then no harm in sending it and, like you said, if they'd just send a different unit back, the firmware would be updated anyway.
3) Beyond just randomly replacing parts, I'd be limited in attempting the repair myself and probably better off letting "the pros" do it.
4) Fine with me re different unit. . I have become a bit attached to this one! Like I said, it's really smooth, motors feel strong, flys really nicely, etc. . .just that darn Gimbal. . maybe I'll just strap a GoPro to it. . kidding. . anyway, good to hear that DJI's service is reasonable, I have the serial numbers recorded and if "The Python Trick" doesn't do it then off to DJI I believe. Thanks again for your clear, detailed replies and I'll report what I find out.

 

[Felix le Chat]

Okay, thanks again for your input. Moving forward. 1) Should I attempt what Cafguy suggested using Python to try and Calibrate the Gimbal? 2) Interesting side note: On my smart controller, in the DJI Go 4 app, there is NO Gimbal icon appearing ~ Should there be one? 3) IF I try the Python trick and it doesn't work and I do decide to send it to DJI, they're going to update the firmware. Are there any known issues with updating the firmware on the Mavic 2 Pro like there are with previous DJI Drones I've owned? I'd like to at least know what DJI would charge to repair the drone or, like Starz says, what they'd offer me for a replacement. If it's crazy, I'll just look at either giving the repair a shot myself or looking for another used Mavic in working condition. Does that sound like a reasonable approach? Thanks again

Regarding firmware 'known issues'. The only thing I'm aware of (from personal experience) is that firmware .0670 increased the control signal strength and either .0770 or .0772 dropped it back down again, but also provoked a series of glitches in certain Mavic 2's where the 2.4gHz control signal became almost useless.

This was evident because my Mavic 2 zoom was affected (I can now only fly it reliably using 5.8gHz) while my Mavic 2 pro is unaffected with the 2.4 gHz signal rock solid. I only 'upgraded' the zoom, as soon as I noticed the problem: I left the pro on .0670.