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Troubleshooting & Common Issues

This section helps diagnose and resolve common issues that may occur during setup or operation of SAMPATHI 1.

Always follow safety precautions:

  • Remove propellers before troubleshooting
  • Disconnect power before changing wiring
  • Make one change at a time and re-test

FCU Does Not Connect to Betaflight​

Possible causes​

  • USB cable issue
  • Incorrect USB port selected
  • Firmware not responding
  • Power issue

What to check​

  • Try a different USB cable (data-capable)
  • Try a different USB port on the computer
  • Close and reopen Betaflight Configurator
  • Verify the correct port is selected

What to do​

  • Disconnect USB, reconnect, and retry
  • Restart Betaflight Configurator
  • If the FCU still does not connect, try reflashing firmware using the official SAMPATHI 1 firmware

FCU Powers On but Shows Error LEDs​

Possible causes​

  • Configuration error
  • Sensor initialization issue
  • Incomplete firmware flash

What to check​

  • Observe LED behaviour during boot
  • Connect to Betaflight and check for error messages
  • Verify firmware version

What to do​

  • Reboot the FCU
  • Reflash official firmware if errors persist
  • Restore default settings if required

Motors Do Not Spin​

Possible causes​

  • ESCs not powered
  • Motor protocol mismatch
  • Motors not armed
  • Safety switch enabled

What to check​

  • Verify ESC power connection
  • Confirm motor protocol selection in Betaflight
  • Check arm switch configuration
  • Ensure throttle is at minimum

What to do​

  • Test motors individually in the Motors tab
  • Verify motor order and direction
  • Save and reboot after changes

Motors Spin but Aircraft Is Unstable​

Possible causes​

  • Incorrect motor order
  • Incorrect motor direction
  • Incorrect board orientation
  • Loose components

What to check​

  • Verify motor order in Betaflight
  • Confirm motor rotation direction
  • Check board orientation settings
  • Inspect frame and mounting

What to do​

  • Correct motor order/direction
  • Re-check orientation settings
  • Tighten all mounts and re-test

Receiver Not Detected​

Possible causes​

  • Receiver wiring issue
  • Incorrect protocol selection
  • Receiver not bound

What to check​

  • Verify receiver wiring
  • Confirm correct receiver protocol in Betaflight
  • Check receiver binding status

What to do​

  • Rebind receiver if necessary
  • Reconfigure receiver settings
  • Save and reboot

GPS Not Locking or Not Detected​

Possible causes​

  • Incorrect port configuration
  • Insufficient satellite visibility
  • Wiring or power issue

What to check​

  • Confirm GPS is enabled on the correct UART
  • Allow sufficient time for first GPS lock
  • Test outdoors with a clear view of the sky

What to do​

  • Recheck GPS configuration
  • Verify GPS power and connections
  • Be patient during initial lock

Digital Video Has No OSD or Menu​

Possible causes​

  • MSP not enabled
  • Incorrect UART selection
  • Video unit not powered correctly

What to check​

  • Verify MSP is enabled on the correct port
  • Confirm digital video unit power
  • Check ground connections

What to do​

  • Enable MSP and save
  • Power cycle the FCU
  • Recheck video unit wiring

SD Card Not Detected or Logging Fails​

Possible causes​

  • Unsupported SD card
  • Card not seated properly
  • File system issue

What to check​

  • Use a known compatible SD card
  • Power off before inserting/removing card
  • Verify detection in the Blackbox tab

What to do​

  • Reformat SD card to FAT32
  • Try a different SD card
  • Avoid very large or slow cards

FCU Gets Warm During Operation​

Possible causes​

  • Normal operation
  • Excessive peripheral load
  • Short circuit or wiring issue

What to check​

  • Light warmth is normal
  • Check for excessive current draw
  • Inspect wiring for shorts

What to do​

  • Disconnect power if the board becomes hot
  • Resolve wiring or configuration issues before re-powering

Unexpected Reboots or Power Loss​

Possible causes​

  • Battery voltage drop
  • Loose power connections
  • Overloaded power rail

What to check​

  • Battery condition
  • Power wiring integrity
  • Load on servo or video power rails

What to do​

  • Secure power connections
  • Use a healthy battery
  • Reduce peripheral load if necessary

When to Stop and Seek Support​

Stop troubleshooting and seek support if:

  • The FCU does not boot after reflashing
  • Power issues persist
  • Physical damage is visible

Contact support through the official SAMPATHI 1 support channel with:

  • Firmware version
  • Description of the issue
  • Steps already attempted