So, you’re thinking about getting a Spark... here’s some helpful info before you jump in. It’s by no means comprehensive, and I’m no expert - but the following has helped me not lose my Spark, or any other drone for the last seven years.
Please shout up if you have anything to add.
The Spark is a selfie drone
First and foremost the Spark is a selfie drone. You only have to look at DJI's marketing to understand its purpose. Sure, it has a fairly decent flight distance, but long distance flight is not what this drone is made for. If you want to fly long distance, you need a Mavic, Phantom, or Inspire.
Be careful where you buy your Spark
You might save a few pennies if you import your Spark, but that might cost you in the long run. For example, a Spark owner in the UK imported their Spark for the US as it was cheaper. However, when the Spark developed a fault it had to be returned to the US. DJI will only deal with warranty claims in the country the Spark was shipped to by them.
The Spark is not a toy
Unfortunately the Spark isn’t something you can buy and fly straight from the box. It’s a complicated bit of kit with complicated systems. Invariably, a new owner will spend a long time updating to the latest firmware. Not just the drone, but the remote and batteries may also need updates to their firmware. For some, this can be a frustrating process.
This video might help -
Set up can take a while
Even after you’ve updated everything setting up your Spark can take a while. You may need to calibrate the compass and the IMU (inertial measurement unit).
This is a comprehensive and helpful video on set up.
Read the manual
Yeah, it’s boring and you want answers NOW! But, many of the questions new owners ask on here have already been answered numerous times. But, more importantly - when you’re out flying and something goes wrong you won’t have time to post on here and wait for an answer. You have a better chance of saving your drone if you read the manual.
Take your time - GPS and Return to home
Many fly always are down to pilot error or impatience. Not all, but some will be because they didn’t have a full GPS signal, or a return to home locked in.
There are threads here where people have been angry because 'the Spark didn’t work' but once they share their flight logs, it’s down to them taking off too soon. It can take time, and use battery waiting to lock in, but it’s worth the wait.
Battery management will save your Spark
Getting a mile out and only having 10% battery is a guaranteed way of losing your drone. The last 20% goes quickly. Always ensure you have enough battery to get the Spark back. If you run out of juice your Spark will land itself, but 'Find my drone won’t help' as your Spark will be powered down.
Be careful what you add to your Spark
Adding accessories to your Spark to protect it or enhance seems like a natural thing to do. However, a DJI warranty claim was recently rejected as the user had used a sensor bumper which has interefered with the Sparks operation. So, a £$€5 bumper, cost the owner a lot more in the long run.
Also keep in mind things like lights, finger protectors, landing gear add weight and will use your battery quicker. They also make it easier for the wind to interfere with your Spark.
OTG is not supported by DJI
OTG cables are something of a contentious issue. For some they work, for others they don’t. As of the last firmware issue DJI removed it. The Spark has never been sold or advertised with OTG as an option to connect the remote to the Spark. It’s only intended purpose is to link DJI Goggles to the Spark.
Pre Flight checks
There are lots of lists out there, and everyone works differently. But, a check list will make sure you have the above done before you take off. Here’s a good place to start Checklists - Preflight and RTH
Use forum search
Most questions have been asked before. Use the search function on the forum before you ask. It’ll save someone telling you to use it.
Have fun!
You bought your drone, so use it! It’s pointless leaving it in a box because you’re scared of losing it. Most fly always are user errors. Read the manual, get gps, rth, manage your battery, don’t fly where there might be interference- and you should be fine.
Please shout up if you have anything to add.
The Spark is a selfie drone
First and foremost the Spark is a selfie drone. You only have to look at DJI's marketing to understand its purpose. Sure, it has a fairly decent flight distance, but long distance flight is not what this drone is made for. If you want to fly long distance, you need a Mavic, Phantom, or Inspire.
Be careful where you buy your Spark
You might save a few pennies if you import your Spark, but that might cost you in the long run. For example, a Spark owner in the UK imported their Spark for the US as it was cheaper. However, when the Spark developed a fault it had to be returned to the US. DJI will only deal with warranty claims in the country the Spark was shipped to by them.
The Spark is not a toy
Unfortunately the Spark isn’t something you can buy and fly straight from the box. It’s a complicated bit of kit with complicated systems. Invariably, a new owner will spend a long time updating to the latest firmware. Not just the drone, but the remote and batteries may also need updates to their firmware. For some, this can be a frustrating process.
This video might help -
Set up can take a while
Even after you’ve updated everything setting up your Spark can take a while. You may need to calibrate the compass and the IMU (inertial measurement unit).
This is a comprehensive and helpful video on set up.
Read the manual
Yeah, it’s boring and you want answers NOW! But, many of the questions new owners ask on here have already been answered numerous times. But, more importantly - when you’re out flying and something goes wrong you won’t have time to post on here and wait for an answer. You have a better chance of saving your drone if you read the manual.
Take your time - GPS and Return to home
Many fly always are down to pilot error or impatience. Not all, but some will be because they didn’t have a full GPS signal, or a return to home locked in.
There are threads here where people have been angry because 'the Spark didn’t work' but once they share their flight logs, it’s down to them taking off too soon. It can take time, and use battery waiting to lock in, but it’s worth the wait.
Battery management will save your Spark
Getting a mile out and only having 10% battery is a guaranteed way of losing your drone. The last 20% goes quickly. Always ensure you have enough battery to get the Spark back. If you run out of juice your Spark will land itself, but 'Find my drone won’t help' as your Spark will be powered down.
Be careful what you add to your Spark
Adding accessories to your Spark to protect it or enhance seems like a natural thing to do. However, a DJI warranty claim was recently rejected as the user had used a sensor bumper which has interefered with the Sparks operation. So, a £$€5 bumper, cost the owner a lot more in the long run.
Also keep in mind things like lights, finger protectors, landing gear add weight and will use your battery quicker. They also make it easier for the wind to interfere with your Spark.
OTG is not supported by DJI
OTG cables are something of a contentious issue. For some they work, for others they don’t. As of the last firmware issue DJI removed it. The Spark has never been sold or advertised with OTG as an option to connect the remote to the Spark. It’s only intended purpose is to link DJI Goggles to the Spark.
Pre Flight checks
There are lots of lists out there, and everyone works differently. But, a check list will make sure you have the above done before you take off. Here’s a good place to start Checklists - Preflight and RTH
Use forum search
Most questions have been asked before. Use the search function on the forum before you ask. It’ll save someone telling you to use it.
Have fun!
You bought your drone, so use it! It’s pointless leaving it in a box because you’re scared of losing it. Most fly always are user errors. Read the manual, get gps, rth, manage your battery, don’t fly where there might be interference- and you should be fine.
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