Common DJI crop spraying drone errors

• Why you should understand DJI drone errors
• Key technical factors for safe operation
• Top 6 common DJI crop spraying drone errors
• Benefits and risks of proper error management
• Practical error handling scenarios:
• Dangerous error list & mandatory pre-flight checklist
• Software error fixes
• Sensor error troubleshooting
• DJI drone maintenance schedule
• Advanced safety recommendations

Why you should understand DJI drone errors

Every year, thousands of DJI crop spraying drones are deployed across rice fields and plantations. Yet, about 30–40% of them experience operational issues - mostly caused by incorrect handling or neglected maintenance. Seemingly minor mistakes, such as installing CW/CCW propellers incorrectly, setting the wrong RTH altitude, or flying with a low-voltage battery, can lead to crashes, signal loss, or motor burnout.

Beyond material damage (averaging 60–120 million VND per crash), these errors disrupt crop schedules and may pose safety hazards to pilots.

Key technical factors for safe operation

To minimize risks, operators must pay close attention to the following technical aspects:

• Propellers and motors: Install in the correct direction (CW/CCW), ensure tightness, and check for bending or cracks. Mechanical imbalance often causes vibration or instability.
• Controller and drone batteries: Keep batteries fully charged with stable voltage; cell difference should not exceed 0.2V. Weak or damaged cells may cause sudden power loss.
• Flight system setup: Set RTH altitude at least 1.5× higher than the tallest obstacle; ensure GPS ≥10 satellites; calibrate height and spray sensors before each flight.
• Environmental conditions: Avoid flying in winds >10 m/s, light rain, fog, or near power lines and BTS towers.

These are core safety factors - overlooking them can cause critical malfunctions within minutes.

Top 6 common DJI crop spraying drone errors

1. Incorrect propeller installation (CW/CCW)

• Cause: Reversed CW/CCW prop placement, loose tightening, or missing safety lock.
• Effect: Severe vibration, off-axis flight, broken blades, or immediate crash on takeoff.
• Fix: Verify propeller markings, use a pre-flight checklist, and test motor idle for 30 seconds.

2. Weak or faulty battery voltage

• Cause: Ignoring cell balance, using swollen batteries, or cell gap >0.2V.
• Effect: Connection loss, sudden shutdown, delayed or failed RTH.
• Fix: Always check with DJI Assistant or D-Check; use only genuine DJI batteries.

3. Incorrect RTH altitude setup

• Cause: Default RTH <20m, neglecting terrain assessment.
• Effect: Collision with trees or power lines during auto return.
• Fix: Set RTH ≥30m; survey the field before mapping.

4. Neglecting motor and propeller maintenance

• Cause: Dust or chemical buildup, cracked propellers.
• Effect: Reduced RPM, vibration, and poor spray efficiency.
• Fix: Clean with compressed air or dry cloth after every 2 flight hours.

5. Incorrect CSC stick operation

• Cause: Confusing RTH with CSC; accidentally shutting motors mid-flight.
• Effect: Immediate free fall.
• Fix: Use CSC only for full emergency shutdowns; newer firmware adds 3-second hold delay.

6. Signal loss beyond LOS (Line of Sight)

• Cause: Flying out of sight, signal blocked, or no range extender.
• Effect: Lost FPV, no control, failed auto-return.
• Fix: Keep within LOS; if long-range flying, use signal boosters and set RTH ≥50m.

Benefits and risks of proper error management

Advantages:

• Reduce crash risk by up to 90%, extending equipment lifespan 2–3×.
• Maintain spray precision and field productivity.
• Cut repair costs and downtime.

Neglect consequences:

• 60–120 million VND damage per drone.
• Distorted field maps and lost flight data.
• Damaged service reputation.

Practical error handling scenarios:

• New pilots: Practice with DJI Flight Simulator, learn manual flight before automation, master RTH and signal recovery.
• Frequent operators (3–4 flights/day): Rotate batteries, cool between missions, check motors and cooling system.
• Complex terrain: Use 3D mapping, enable obstacle avoidance, and increase RTH altitude.
  • Night flights: Add LED markers, avoid full automation, stay within LOS.

Dangerous error list & mandatory pre-flight checklist

Critical errors:

• Incorrect CW/CCW installation
• Wrong CSC operation mid-flight
• Faulty battery cells
• Weak GPS causing RTH drift

Pre-flight checklist:

• Propellers oriented correctly – locked safely
• Battery ≥95%, balanced cells
• RTH ≥30m, 50% higher than obstacles
• GPS ≥10 satellites, stable connection
• Wind ≤10 m/s
• Do not use CSC unless emergency

Software error fixes

1. Firmware update mismatch

• Symptom: Controller-drone connection loss, compatibility warning.
• Cause: Updating controller only, not drone/RTK module.
• Fix: Sync updates via DJI Assistant 2 or DJI Agras app.

2. Flight map mismatch

• Symptom: Off-target spray path.
• Cause: Incorrect map format or coordinate system.
• Fix: Use DJI Terra, select correct VN-2000 EPSG reference.

Sensor error troubleshooting

1. Obstacle avoidance sensor error

• Cause: Dust buildup or reflective signal interference.
• Effect: Fails to detect obstacles at low altitude.
• Fix: Clean sensors daily with soft cloth and compressed air; test via simulator.

2. Altitude sensor (barometer/sonar) deviation

• Cause: High humidity, improper calibration.
• Effect: Uneven spray height and poor coverage.
• Fix: Calibrate on a flat, interference-free surface before flight.

DJI drone maintenance schedule

Notes:
• For T50, inspect motors, props, pumps, brackets, sensors, and frame every 100 flights or 100 hours; replace major components after 500–1000 hours.
• Newer models like T70 and T100 follow similar or stricter intervals depending on payload.

Advanced safety recommendations

• Regularly back up flight data for error investigation.
• Use air filters on sensors when spraying chemical-heavy fields.
• Install a Flight Recorder (black box) for professional service operations.
• Train pilots in both manual and programmed flight modes.

In summary, mastering and preventing common DJI crop spraying drone errors is essential for safe, efficient, and cost-effective agricultural drone operation. Small mistakes like reversed propellers, low batteries, or wrong RTH height can cost you both your drone and your harvest.

FAQs about DJI crop spraying drones

Do DJI crop spraying drones require regular inspection?

Yes. Agricultural drones must undergo periodic safety and operational checks under civil aviation standards to remain compliant and safe.

Do I need to calibrate the compass before every flight?

Not always, but calibration is advised when flying near strong magnetic fields (industrial zones, power stations) or after compass deviation alerts.

Does DJI support automatic in-flight error detection?

Yes. Models like T20P and T40 feature built-in self-check and sensor diagnostics via the DJI Agras app.

Can I use non-original batteries with DJI drones?

No. Third-party batteries often cause voltage errors, software incompatibility, and may shut off mid-air - posing severe crash risks.

What causes inaccurate spray coverage besides weak GPS?

Common causes include map software errors, wrong coordinate systems (EPSG), or uncalibrated IMU. Always verify mapping files and recalibrate before flight.