When I was scrolling through DJI forums I saw that many DJI users are struggling with the DJI downward vision sensor error, especially phantom users. So I thought it would be helpful if there is any article addressing the downward vision sensor error.
So with my own experiences and accumulated information from many forums and videos, I decided to write an article that could help for DJI users who are struggling with the DJI downward vision sensor error. Hopefully, this article would help with fixing your issue.
Causes For DJI Downward Vision Sensor Error.
Let’s take a quick glance at the reasons for the DJI downward vision sensor error.
1. Miscalibrated Downward Vision Sensors.
Same as for other vision sensor errors, most of the time, miscalibrated vision sensors are the major reason for the downward vision sensor error. As a result of gathering a bunch of faulty sensor data from miscalibrated downward vision sensors, the system detects it as an error of the downward vision sensor and throws this error.
2. DJI aircraft’s firmware glitches.
When it’s come to the DJI aircraft’s firmware, it is the wizard for managing data, detecting errors, and many more operations inside the aircraft. So when you have installed glitched firmware, it’s fair to put your attention on the aircraft’s firmware. Because mismanaged vision sensor data could be detected as a vision sensor error, even though it’s just a firmware glitch.
3. Dirt or fog accumulation on the sensor surface.
A clear vision sensor’s surface is so important for gathering surrounding data properly. If you usually fly the drone in a dusty or foggy environment, eventually dirt would accumulate on the vision sensors’ surface (Especially when flying in dusty environments). Also if you have stored the drone for a long period of time in a dusty place, it also could cause to an accumulation on the surface.
When dust or fog covered the vision sensors, they won’t be able to collect surroundings data properly and the system detects it as an issue with the downward vision sensor.
4. Faulty vision sensor data and settings.
Faulty vision sensor data is a key component of detecting the vision sensor error. So when the aircraft stored or collected faulty vision sensor data or settings, it could be a reason for triggering the vision sensor error. In this case, faulty data or settings are related to the downward vision sensor.
5. Faulty downward vision sensors.
Obviously, last but not least, faulty or damaged downward vision sensors. If you crashed the drone severely recently, there is a chance of downward vision sensor damage. Usually, downward vision sensor damage is caused by high altitude drops.
Also if you just bought the drone and this is the first thing you are facing there is a chance of faulty vision sensors. But don’t worry, let’s try going through some vision calibration, and let’s see whether it goes away.
How to Fix DJI Downward Vision Sensor Error.
Let’s go through the process of fixing the causes of the downward vision sensor error that ultimately fix the DJI downward vision sensor error.
1. Restart the drone.
As I said before, this could be just an effect of temporary faulty downward vision sensor data. So first restart the drone and check whether the error is gone. If it does not, let’s go to the next step.
2. Clean downward vision sensors.
Use a soft cloth or cotton bud and clean the downward vision sensor and restart the aircraft and check whether the error is gone. Else, let’s go to the next step.
3. Update/ Refresh the DJI firmware through DJI Assistant.
As I mentioned above, glitched firmware is another case that could cause this trouble. So in this step let’s update the firmware properly. Also when updating the firmware, make sure to do that using the DJI Assistant 2 PC application. Because there is a low chance of having glitched firmware when updating the firmware using DJI Assistant 2 instead of DJI GO/ DJI Fly.
- Download and install DJI Assistant 2 from the DJI Download center to the PC.
- Connect the drone to the PC using a micro USB cable and power on the aircraft.
- Open DJI Assistant 2 application on the PC and log in to your DJI account.
- Then select your DJI Drone and click on the “Firmware Updates” on the left panel and click on the “Upgrade” option.
- Click on “Start Update”. Then wait until the firmware is downloaded and installed.
- Then restart the aircraft.
4. Calibrate the vision sensors using DJI Assistant 2.
It’s fair to have big hopes for this step. Because many users were able to fix the downward vision sensor error after calibrating their drone’s vision sensors.
- Download and install DJI Assistant 2 from the DJI Download center to the PC.
- Then connect the aircraft to the PC through a micro USB cable.
- Then power on the aircraft.
- Open DJI Assistant 2 application on the PC and log in to your DJI account.
- Then choose the DJI drone and click on the “Calibrate” on the left panel. (Check out the below video which demonstrates how to calibrate DJI vision sensors properly.)
- Follow those demonstrations and calibrate the vision sensors properly.
- Then restart the aircraft and check whether the error is gone.
5. Factory reset the aircraft.
If any permanently stored data or settings cause this error, factory resetting the aircraft would help with fixing this error.
- Download and install DJI Assistant 2 and connect the aircraft to the PC and turn it on.
- Open DJI Assistant 2 application and log in to your DJI account. Once you logged choose DJI drone and hit “Factory Restore Defaults”. Then wait until the process completes.
- Then restart the aircraft and check whether the error is gone.
- If you are still getting the error after factory resetting the aircraft, give another try on firmware updating and calibrating vision sensors as explained in steps 3 and 4.
6. Contact DJI Support.
Read the detailed article: How to get DJI Support to repair/fix your DJI drone issue.
If you are still getting the downward vision sensor error even after following the above steps, there is something wrong with the aircraft’s hardware (It could be a downward vision sensor error or circuit error). Therefore it requires professional supervision for fixing the issue. Meet an electronics professional for figuring out the issue or contact DJI Support and get help for repairing or replacing the unit.
