Q500 4K unresponsive yaw

[Aaron24]

My quadcopter is about 5 weeks old and I have taken it flying just about a dozen times so far. I have noticed the yaw is becoming progressively less responsive in both left and right directions. I have calibrated the ST10+ controller and it passed all tests. I even bought a can of compressed air and cleaned the left stick as best as I could.

Any idea what else I could try to fix this? On my first flight I could go forwards quickly and yaw left and right, it seemed very agile, now I need to slow forward movement right down if I want to turn left or right as the yaw is so slow.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Steve Carr]

The first thing to do with any stick problem is to check it in Hardware Monitor. Move each stick slowly and watch the bar graph to see if the readings go to max and min and always return to zero at center stick. The action should be smooth and track exactly with the stick movement with no delays. If you see any problem with the sticks then they need cleaning. You just need a spray can of electrical contact cleaner. It must be the type that says safe for plastic.

After cleaning you need to check again in Hardware Monitor to verify the sticks work properly and return to center. If you did a calibration previously with dirty sticks, you may need to do it again following the cleaning.

 

[Aaron24]

Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it a lot. I did a google search and found what you have recommended:
WD-40 Specialist 290g Fast Drying Contact Cleaner

Do I need to take the ST10+ apart to do the cleaning? Or can you please detail how to clean out the sticks? Is it a matter of moving the sticks to the left and right and then spraying at the same time?

Sorry for too many questions, I am new to this.

 

[Steve Carr]

Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it a lot. I did a google search and found what you have recommended:
WD-40 Specialist 290g Fast Drying Contact Cleaner

Do I need to take the ST10+ apart to do the cleaning? Or can you please detail how to clean out the sticks? Is it a matter of moving the sticks to the left and right and then spraying at the same time?

Sorry for too many questions, I am new to this.

You can also get it at automotive parts stores or even Walmart.
This is the easiest method to clean it. If it doesn't work then you will need to split the case. The sticks are identical on the ST10 and ST16. Watch this video starting at 3:08. You can turn off the sound.

 

[Aaron24]

I see so you just spray it into the stick area and manipulate the sticks, then do the recalibration. We don't have Walmart down here in Australia. But the one I sent you in the link should be ok, claims to be safe on plastic.

 

[Steve Carr]

Ah, didn't catch your location. Yes the WD is what I've been using. And it should work just as in the video. I opened mine up to do this but it does take another 1/2 hr.

 

[Aaron24]

Thanks last night I watched the video over again and applied the contact cleaner after seeing in hardware monitor there was an issue. Fixed the problem. Went for a flight this morning and it flies like brand new.

So grateful for the help from this forum.

 

[Steve Carr]

Thanks last night I watched the video over again and applied the contact cleaner after seeing in hardware monitor there was an issue. Fixed the problem. Went for a flight this morning and it flies like brand new.
So grateful for the help from this forum.

Fantastic!!!

 

[jaylitton73]

What type of contact cleaner should I look for?

 

[Steve Carr]

What type of contact cleaner should I look for?

There are several brands including CRC and WD40. Make sure the can says Electrical Contact Cleaner- Leaves no residue- Safe for plastic.
Automotive parts stores and even Walmart have it.