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Drone Authority

FPV workshop · Diagnose

Name the symptom before replacing the part

A receiver can bind without sending control input. A camera can show video without showing OSD data. Start with what works, then test one change at a time.

FPV aircraft opened for diagnosis on a workbenchOBSERVE · TEST · REPAIR

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Troubleshooting guide

Start with what the aircraft is doing

Choose the visible symptom. Run one test at a time and write down the result of each step.

12 symptoms

Power checks

Nothing powers from the flight battery

Stop first: Disconnect immediately if anything heats, smokes, smells sharp, or the smoke stopper trips. Do not keep cycling power to find the hot part.

  1. 01

    Remove every propeller and disconnect the battery

    Bench diagnosis starts with no source of thrust and no live soldering.

  2. 02

    Measure battery voltage at the XT60

    A valid pack moves the fault downstream. A low, damaged, or imbalanced pack leaves the aircraft out of the test.

  3. 03

    Inspect XT60 polarity, solder joints, and capacitor

    Reversed polarity, a fractured lead, or a solder bridge is a stop condition.

  4. 04

    Check continuity across BAT+ and BAT- before repowering

    A persistent low-resistance path needs component-level inspection before power.

  5. 05

    Use a current-limited smoke stopper for the next power-up

    If it holds, measure ESC battery voltage and each documented BEC rail in order.

Possible causes

  • •Battery or connector fault
  • •Broken XT60 lead or cold solder joint
  • •Shorted ESC or accessory
  • •Incorrect capacitor or lead polarity

Next step

Read LiPo and charging safetyOfficial reference: Betaflight safety
After you find the faultRepair, test, and read the Blackbox logsNeed the wiring plan?Open the exact FPV build plans

Diagnosis and repair involve electrical, battery, soldering, and propeller hazards. Remove every propeller before bench work. Disconnect power before continuity or resistance measurements. Stop when components heat, smoke, smell abnormal, or do not match the exact manual. This reference cannot inspect your aircraft or establish that it is safe to fly.