Loss of connection reliability?

[NaiveFlight]

If the drone and controller loose communication between each other for whatever the reason (likely distance), how reliable is the RTH initiation from loss of connection? How can one test this? Shut controller off mid flight?

 

[Jenee]

If the drone and controller loose communication between each other for whatever the reason (likely distance), how reliable is the RTH initiation from loss of connection? How can one test this? Shut controller off mid flight?

RTH is reasonably reliable providing certain conditions are met. You need good gps prior to takeoff and you had the confirmation that the home point had been set and that home point was correct. You need a RTH height that is above all obstacles in the direct line from where the drone is to the home point. You need sufficient remaining battery power for the RTH over and above critical battery level. You need to take into account the headwind that may be encountered on the RTH.
It is easy to test by turning off the remote or covering the antennas and waiting a couple of minutes for RTH to commence. If you are going to try this, make sure you are in an open area and the drone is not too far, certainly close enough that you can reestablish connection and fly it again if necessary. Make sure you have a nearly full battery and full gps and the drone is hovering correctly.

 

[NaiveFlight]

It can take couple of minutes for RTH to commence? That's a long time for these batteries/fly time ratio....

 

[Former Member]

RTH is reasonably reliable providing certain conditions are met. You need good gps prior to takeoff and you had the confirmation that the home point had been set and that home point was correct. You need a RTH height that is above all obstacles in the direct line from where the drone is to the home point. You need sufficient remaining battery power for the RTH over and above critical battery level. You need to take into account the headwind that may be encountered on the RTH.
It is easy to test by turning off the remote or covering the antennas and waiting a couple of minutes for RTH to commence. If you are going to try this, make sure you are in an open area and the drone is not too far, certainly close enough that you can reestablish connection and fly it again if necessary. Make sure you have a nearly full battery and full gps and the drone is hovering correctly.

Very good answer.

 

[Former Member]

It can take couple of minutes for RTH to commence? That's a long time for these batteries/fly time ratio....

That's why I always plan on landing with 30% battery left. I plan on 35% to target, 35% back, 30% reserve battery, if wind is not a factor.

 

[Jenee]

It can take couple of minutes for RTH to commence? That's a long time for these batteries/fly time ratio....

It will more than likely start RTH within 3 to 4 seconds but there have been instances where it has taken longer. Many people panic and don't wait long enough so in the case where the RTH was being tested, I suggested a couple of minutes.

 

[gusri.candra]

I have tested so many times with so single failure at all..!