For those having stability issues with Syma X8 series

[Quadcopter102]

I have a couple of threads running just now and tried not to duplicate related content.
So taking the line that this information steps outside the other posts and may help other Syma owners - I started this. I will let the mods decide if to accept it as such or move/merge with one of other threads.

* * *

I found a forum thread that explained how to reset the X5 series gyro if there was reason to suspect a minor crash or whatever may have got the poor thing disorientated - the process works or seems to by the change in lights blinking pattern - with the Syma X8 series of quads and mine is a X8W.

I do not know if that actually helped me - but being a newbie and brain dead with checking out youTube and all the defective Syma X8 stuff - I missed what an experienced RC flyer would have known.. I saw it happening and it should have triggered me, however... I was now focused on faulty stuff being shipped and did not move off that mindset.

The TX was set to Mode2 according to the little screen on the Tx.

The book says that Mode 1 will default each time the TX is powered up - not with mine it did not!
I changed it to Mode 2 and it stayed there - or did it.
I had to move the quad out of range of our very inquisitive grandson! Our daughter and 2 yr old grandson came up from Sydney and stayed overnight. Having just left we cleared the debris field that once was our neat and tidy home... I brought out the Syma.

Its is still almost impossible to hover... but I messed around with the trimming - which is lost every time you its switched off.. and - while amazed the battery is still good after keep lifting off and landing as I check trim - I suddenly ( clouds part and angels sing) realised the problem.
In supposed mode2 the sideways right on the right stick was in fact doing the left sticks "spin right' yaw and the left stick - gave L - R sideways movement! So I changed the mode to Mode 1 - which is now acting as Mode 2 should! And even though all this was indoors - coz there is stiff breeze outside... I can see its getting easier to handle. Will have to wait till weekend and fine weather - it does rain in oz at times and today is one of those times.

 

[sailorsam]

keep us posted. after a few flights I was just flying by touch.

 

[Quadcopter102]

keep us posted. after a few flights I was just flying by touch.

Everything seems "normal" - accepting that the LCD disply says Mode 1 and its really Mode 2! The quad is flying as good as it could I suppose... at least now it will hover and left is left etc,.

 

[Quest]

I noticed this also, I am having a different issue with my new X8W the signal strength bars on the transmitter are constantly blinking. I watched a youtube video where this was happening and the quad was disconnecting often, this is making me leary about flying it. Have you seen or heard anything about this issue?

 

[HDtallrider]

I'm beginning to think that Syma does this stuff just to keep us all talking about their products! Cheap advertising. My X5c1 has never given me a low voltage warning. It just stops flying when the battery voltage drops to where the alarm should signal. Now I time my flights and stop a minute or so before it "lands".

Quest, if I were you I would fly in soft grassy fields for a while until you are confident the signal warning is just for entertainment. Once you're sure it's just a irritant then go fly the props off it!
Welcome to the Forum by the way.

 

[Quest]

My X5C-1 is exactly the same way, the problem I am having with the X8W is different, the signal strength bars on the transmitter display are continously flashing. Thanks for the reply and the welcome.

 

[HDtallrider]

My X5C-1 is exactly the same way, the problem I am having with the X8W is different, the signal strength bars on the transmitter display are continously flashing. Thanks for the reply and the welcome.

I guess you can return it and get another or, if you got it from China and it's otherwise working, put a piece of tape over the bars and enjoy! Haha!!

 

[westy_ca]

Thank you for letting me join.....I have a Syma X5C1 that will not take off straight or hover without constant joystick corrections. Yes the props are on correct, yes I have recalibrated and reset it many times. Yes all motors seam to be turning at the same speed. It can get up to height but very unstable in all directions but yet it does do the flip thing with no problems. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JayPizzle]

I also have an x5c-1. It's my first quadcopter and I've only had it afew days. My transmitter says it's in mode 1 but it's actually flying according to mode 2. I've been having trouble getting it to hover without me constantly steering it. I can get it better by adjusting the trim but it seems like I spend more time landing, adjusting trim, taking off and repeating than I actually do flying. Still having a blast with it tho!

 

[Mike H.]

Anyone new to a quadcopter or even a helicopter will have some difficulties at first untill it becomes natural to you...i started with a helicopter and even after almost 30yrs of driving rc land vehicles i looked liked i never controlled anything in my life..Keep practicing and learning to use very small movements of the sticks to make corrections and it will come to you as being natural.

SYMA is known for incorrect mode readings ..its only 2 setting and the one that fits you is the correct mode..Forget what it says on the transmitter.

Most all quads have "rate modes"..NOT to be confused with flight modes...Rate mode is how aggressive a quad can fly based on its setting..there is usually 3 rates with some having 4..ANYTIME you do a re-calibration ,the mode must be set in its highest possible mode to properly re set the gyros.

 

[Quadcopter102]

Just a note on the Syma TX issues - I recall Quadcopter101 on a youTube review noted that the original white and orange radios had better range and seemed a better radio.

So it more or less confirms that- the current white and RED radios are not reliable - or at least not as good as the Orange.

QC101 also pointed out that the X5 radio would work with teh X* and vice versa - so perhaps some may have both and confirm it.

 

[Viktor]

I noticed this also, I am having a different issue with my new X8W the signal strength bars on the transmitter are constantly blinking. I watched a youtube video where this was happening and the quad was disconnecting often, this is making me leary about flying it. Have you seen or heard anything about this issue?

This is causing laggier and shorter radio ranges, but thankfully it can be fixed. Steps: Turn off the remote controller. Hold the trimming button near the right stick upwards, while turning the transmitter back on. After this, the signal bar should no blink anymore, and the transmitter would work just allright. Note, that the FPV range will not change, and you'll loose FPV signal much earlier than flying out of range of the transmitter.

 

[Quest]

It worked! Wish I had known this 2 transmitters ago, the company I orginally bought the X8 from sent me a replacement and it was doing the same thing, so I ordered from China what I thought was going to be the orginal orange, turned out to be red but the signal bars did not flash, I am begining to lose my trust in Syma they don't seem to build them like the X5C-1 any longer, but there were issues with those too. Quality control seems to be something China does not care about. Thanks again for the fix. Think I will compare range of the 3 transmitters.

 

[Viktor]

It worked! Wish I had known this 2 transmitters ago, the company I orginally bought the X8 from sent me a replacement and it was doing the same thing, so I ordered from China what I thought was going to be the orginal orange, turned out to be red but the signal bars did not flash, I am begining to lose my trust in Syma they don't seem to build them like the X5C-1 any longer, but there were issues with those too. Quality control seems to be something China does not care about. Thanks again for the fix. Think I will compare range of the 3 transmitters.

They are programming these transmitters for the X8W / X5SW to reduce FPV interference I guess. Also seen some X8C/X5SC with blinking signal bars by default, but I think they just messed up the packaging. The original X8/X5C have none of these default programming.

 

[Viktor]

It worked! Wish I had known this 2 transmitters ago, the company I orginally bought the X8 from sent me a replacement and it was doing the same thing, so I ordered from China what I thought was going to be the orginal orange, turned out to be red but the signal bars did not flash, I am begining to lose my trust in Syma they don't seem to build them like the X5C-1 any longer, but there were issues with those too. Quality control seems to be something China does not care about. Thanks again for the fix. Think I will compare range of the 3 transmitters.

Also it's an "unoffical" method. Not stated in any manual / user guide.

 

[Rusty Shaffer]

Also it's an "unoffical" method. Not stated in any manual / user guide.

Was having same issue, It worked for me also. Thank you but what caused it in the first place ?

 

[Quadcopter102]

Was having same issue, It worked for me also. Thank you but what caused it in the first place ?

Chinese production line short cuts, ditto software engineers, copying circuits from other makers, low profits by selling at low prices to greedy retailers in other countries.
How else can we buy an item on eBay at $2 from a seller who is likely a dropshipper and is only on a commission and gives free shipping!
I could go on....

 

[Rusty Shaffer]

Chinese production line short cuts, ditto software engineers, copying circuits from other makers, low profits by selling at low prices to greedy retailers in other countries.
How else can we buy an item on eBay at $2 from a seller who is likely a dropshipper and is only on a commission and gives free shipping!
I could go on....

I mean it was fine for a couple months then yesterday did it for first time. I tried flying it like that and did not notice any difference.

 

[Quadcopter102]

I mean it was fine for a couple months then yesterday did it for first time. I tried flying it like that and did not notice any difference.

What I found in the fairy short time I had my Syma X8 - apart from the fact it was a returned reject sent to me by Everbuying - was that after even a minor "crash" it needed to have the gyro's rest.
everything I wrote in my last reply affects what you end with and with respect - unless you Syma has only taken off an dlanded unddr full control - every little bump seems to have an accumulative effect.
The level of quality control and "customer service" is shown quite clearly when they changed the TX 0 ignore the colour change - its what they did to the transmitter and made it unreliable and some say - cut the range. They must have been aware during production and if not they certainly did a few weeks after it hit the market... but what have they done to help their customers??? Put up the price of any older per change TX laying about and nothing else.
My Syma saga decided me on building my own, at least I can chop and change bits and have interchangeable parts. It also allows addiction! I have three TX, 2 500 Alien and two 450 frame sized quads and six sets of motors and ESCs more heat shrink and electric ties than the average hardware store 6 soldering irons of various power rating and soldering tips. I also have cluttered workbench in my once pristine, library come computer room and a solder burn in teh carpet which my wife looks at every time she enters and tuts!
Oh yes, and Phantom P3P very little used and which has lost second value by about $750 - $1000 which prevents me getting rid and trying the new P4
My wife suggested I advertise the P3P and all the quads for sale and raise the money - but really I think if it did sell.... she would say we needed a new xxxxx as long as it cost the same as the sales gained!

 

[Rusty Shaffer]

What I found in the fairy short time I had my Syma X8 - apart from the fact it was a returned reject sent to me by Everbuying - was that after even a minor "crash" it needed to have the gyro's rest.
everything I wrote in my last reply affects what you end with and with respect - unless you Syma has only taken off an dlanded unddr full control - every little bump seems to have an accumulative effect.
The level of quality control and "customer service" is shown quite clearly when they changed the TX 0 ignore the colour change - its what they did to the transmitter and made it unreliable and some say - cut the range. They must have been aware during production and if not they certainly did a few weeks after it hit the market... but what have they done to help their customers??? Put up the price of any older per change TX laying about and nothing else.
My Syma saga decided me on building my own, at least I can chop and change bits and have interchangeable parts. It also allows addiction! I have three TX, 2 500 Alien and two 450 frame sized quads and six sets of motors and ESCs more heat shrink and electric ties than the average hardware store 6 soldering irons of various power rating and soldering tips. I also have cluttered workbench in my once pristine, library come computer room and a solder burn in teh carpet which my wife looks at every time she enters and tuts!
Oh yes, and Phantom P3P very little used and which has lost second value by about $750 - $1000 which prevents me getting rid and trying the new P4
My wife suggested I advertise the P3P and all the quads for sale and raise the money - but really I think if it did sell.... she would say we needed a new xxxxx as long as it cost the same as the sales gained!

What does it mean to let the gyros rest ?