Hardware Problems
Diagnose compile/upload, MPU, power, resets and motor-output problems with propellers removed and measured evidence.
ESPFlight Docs · v1 • Validated v1 documentation path
# Firmware compile / upload problems
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| Symptom | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing library / compile error | Confirm ESP8266 Core 3.1.2 and pinned library versions. | Install/select the exact v1.0.0 versions; do not silently substitute a different major version. |
| Board or Port missing | Use a data-capable USB cable, reconnect the Wemos, and check the OS/Arduino port list. | Try another known data cable/USB port; install the board’s USB-serial driver if your specific clone requires one. |
| Upload fails | Correct board and serial port selected; no other tool is holding the port. | Close other serial tools, reconnect and retry with the documented board target. |
# MPU6050 not detected / setup does not complete
- 1
Remove propellers and power down
Do not troubleshoot IMU wiring with motors active.
- 2
Check D6 SDA / D5 SCL, power and ground
Compare wiring with the v1 pinout and real module labels.
- 3
Power and watch Serial Monitor at 115200
Expected:
Checking MPU6050...→MPU6050 OK→MPU6050 configuration verified→Setup completed.. - 4
If the firmware remains in MPU retry
Inspect orientation, connector/header soldering and I2C wiring before changing firmware.
# No power / repeated resets
Measure real supply voltage and polarity; inspect for a short, loose connector, damaged solder joint or power collapse under motor load. Do not try to cure a power reset by changing PID.
# Motor does not run / wrong corner / wrong direction
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| Symptom | Check first | Safe action |
|---|---|---|
| One motor never responds | Output wiring, solder joint, motor itself, driver path. | Power off; compare M1–M4 wiring and continuity with the reference. |
| Wrong physical motor responds | M1/M2/M3/M4 wiring/corner assignment. | Correct wiring with power disconnected; do not compensate by changing unrelated PID/network settings. |
| Rotation wrong | Reference requires M1/M3 CCW and M2/M4 CW. | Correct motor wiring/polarity for the reference two-wire brushed implementation while power is disconnected; custom drivers may differ. |
| Motor moves while ARMED-ready at low throttle | This violates the documented motor-off expectation. | DISARM, disconnect power and stop flight testing until the cause is found. |