Aim:

To identify and fix common electrical and mechanical issues in a drone through observation and testing.

Requirements:

• Assembled drone (real kit or simulation software)

• Troubleshooting checklist sheet

• Screwdriver set

• Multimeter (optional)

• Teacher supervision

Steps:

Step 1 – Observe the Problem

• Power on the drone carefully (or start the simulator).

• Note what’s happening:

  • Is it not powering up?

  • Does it tilt or shake?

  • Do all motors spin?

• Record your initial observations.

Tip: Engineers always start with “what do I see?” before “what do I think.”

Step 2 – Check the Power System

• Ensure the battery is charged.

• Inspect the power cable and connectors.

• If using a multimeter, measure the battery voltage (should match rated value, e.g., 7.4V for a 2S LiPo).

Note: A dead or undercharged battery is the most common cause of “no power” issues.

Step 3 – Check Motor Direction and Propellers

• Each motor must spin in a specific direction — two clockwise (CW) and two counterclockwise (CCW).

• Ensure propellers are attached correctly:

  • CW propellers on CW motors.

  • CCW propellers on CCW motors.

• Use small arrows on the blades (if printed) as a guide.

Test: Spin gently with your finger to see if air pushes downward — that’s the correct direction.

Step 4 – Check Connections

• Inspect all motor wires and ESC signal cables.

• Look for loose, bent, or reversed connectors.

• Tighten screws holding motors and arms.

• Gently tug each wire to ensure it’s firmly seated.

Tip: A single loose wire can stop one motor — leading to imbalance.

Step 5 – Calibrate and Retest

• Reconnect the flight controller.

• Run the calibration sequence (as per the drone’s manual or simulator).

• Power on again and observe changes.

• If one side still tilts, recheck motor speeds or frame balance.

Step 6 – Record and Reflect

• Use the checklist to record what you checked and what fixed the issue.

• Discuss as a team:

  • What went wrong?

  • How did we fix it?

  • What can we do differently next time?

This step builds engineering documentation skills — essential in real projects.