Help: Quad motors are twitching.

[elmosan]

Dear Bros,

I have recently set up a quad using Naza M with GPS. After setting up, I initiated the motor start sequence and all 4 motors were twitching.

I was surprised because when I did static tests with no load(no propellers), the motors spinned smoothly. With the props on, it started jerking and twitching.

The ESC is a flashed simonk rated at 18A.

Any ideas where to start trouble shooting?

[tdlucas]

Hi Bro

Whats yr prop size and batt cell used?

Do check your motor placement and the rotation.

[elmosan]

Hi bro,

Im using the X configuration with all motors spinning the correct direction with no load. Running 3S with 1045 props.

[wengwah]

You need to calibrate the esc.

[Kaen]

You need to calibrate the esc.

Like he said... calibrate the escs with your radio.

[tdlucas]

Which ESC are u using?

Like both wengwah and Kaen said, may be try calibrating your ESC. That is to set (telling yr ESC) the highest and lowest point of yr throttle.

Something like that

PS: REMOVE YR PROPS TO BE SAFE!

[bozora]

Hmm....if esc calibration fails...you can also check the following (plus the esc calibration as mentioned by the good folks earlier)

1) What motors are you using?....long shaft with a prop adaptor or short shaft (like those of the the DJI motor or tiger motors)

2) You mentioned props off OK...props on NOT OK....pls check the prop spin - each prop should spin straight on the axis ...not wobble (watch the spinner prop to see if it wobbles). Motors with long shafts requires careful propeller bolt on. the motor shaft can easily go out of alignment. My preference is to use short shaft motors with a direct bolt on prop adapter like those found in some emac and tiger motors or the new turnigy ntm motors

3) Next...check and see it the all motors throttle down to a stop (at the lowest throttle stick).

Hope this helps

[bozora]

Here's an example of improper prop adapter mounting...they should sit lower. all prop adapter should sit at the same height. Note the wobble of the spinner prop.

[elmosan]

Hi bro,

After setting end points and calibrating the ESC, the motors finally managed to throttle up. However the funny thing is, it is not reliable. Sometimes like 50% of the time it can throttle up smoothly, sometimes it will jerk in its place. My motors are the bolt on type. The main shaft is just the extension of the motor bell. So very short and compact .

[Kaen]

Hi bro,

After setting end points and calibrating the ESC, the motors finally managed to throttle up. However the funny thing is, it is not reliable. Sometimes like 50% of the time it can throttle up smoothly, sometimes it will jerk in its place. My motors are the bolt on type. The main shaft is just the extension of the motor bell. So very short and compact .

you might want to try balancing your propellers.

[elmosan]

Thanks, the props as well as motors are well balanced

[wengwah]

could be compatibility problem btw esc motor and fc.

[wengwah]

suggest that you check with your naza supplier.

[elmosan]

suggest that you check with your naza supplier.

Yup. Spins up, but not very reliable. Sometimes I throttle up, spins smooth, sometimes cant spin, just jerks around. At first I was actually guessing it is ESC timing problem, but then I realised Simonk flashed esc cant enter programming mode using Tx.

Can normal hobbywing escs be used? Im thinking of changing the ESCs to trouble shoot first...

[Kaen]

Yup. Spins up, but not very reliable. Sometimes I throttle up, spins smooth, sometimes cant spin, just jerks around. At first I was actually guessing it is ESC timing problem, but then I realised Simonk flashed esc cant enter programming mode using Tx.

Can normal hobbywing escs be used? Im thinking of changing the ESCs to trouble shoot first...

of course you can switch escs.... just have to change all of them... can't mix. if you still have issues.. might be easier to record a video and show us.