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Continuity Guide

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lena araujo edited this page Dec 10, 2024 · 7 revisions

Materials Required

  • Assembled Dylan
  • Multimeter

What is a Continuity Test? A continuity test is a method of checking whether an electrical circuit is complete and allows current to flow. It's performed by applying a small voltage across two points in a circuit to see if there's a continuous path for electricity to flow through.

A continuity test is an essential electrical check in any electronics project. This procedure can help prevent damage to your drone and ensure safe operation.

Purpose

  • Detecting short circuits
  • Verifying connections
  • Troubleshooting by locating breaks in wiring or faulty hardware
  • Safety check to ensure there aren't short circuits or component damage before powering up your drone

Performing Continuity Testing on Drones

  1. Ensure Dylan is powered off and disconnected from an power source.

  2. Set up your multimeter:

    a. Set your multimeter to continuity mode (often indicated by a sound wave symbol) b. Connect the black probe to the COM port and the red probe to the VΩ port

  3. Test the multimeter: Touch the probes together. If you hear a beep, you can move forward to the next step since you've confirmed continuity between the two probes.

In this image, continuity is alternatively tested through a wire. This procedure is OK as well.

  1. Continue testing continuity in your drone. Place the black probe on one side and the red in the other. Generally, it doesn't matter where your black or red probes are placed unless you're testing the battery.

    a. If you're testing the battery, you test the negative and positive ends. You shouldn't hear a beep. If you hear a beep this means your board would short circuit once powered. Re-solder your battery until you no longer hear a beep when testing its continuity. Check every positive and negative terminal of the power distribution board

    b. Check connections on the flight controller, especially ground pads

    c. Check the connection between your motor and the screws. If there is a beeping, it indicates continuity and you must loosen your screws to prevent the motor from overheating

Additional Notes:

a. Always performing continuity tests before powering a newly built or modified drone

b. Continue using the continuity test to verify solder joints and connections

c. Check all critical points even if they appear visually correct.

If you're unsure about connections, consult the wiring schematic on the hardware page

[IMAGE PERFORMING IT]

2024 | Motion Studio

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