Hey all, I'm trying to troubleshoot a drone that won't connect to the computer (iNav) or ImpulseRC driver fixer. Neither seem to see the FC. Is there a reasonable way to test the FC to see if I need to replace it?

Generally when I plug a drone in, the computer emits a tone that lets me know the drone hardware is being recognized by the Windows OS. This is not happening with this drone. I tested the cable and that isn't the issue. It works fine with other drones.

Is the quad working/flying? if no and youre not seeing it in the PC it may just be dead.

Do any LEDs come on when plugging in with USB? if not but the quad works, it could be the 5v in from usb is broken somewhere, try plugging in with a battery.

I have a blinking red LED on the RX, but nothing on the FC board itself. The Quad is not flying, no.

I just tested with a fresh battery and I get the three tones, but the second two that usually follow do not sound. No lights on the FC board. Looks like I need a new one?

Unless you’re comfortable doing surface mount repair work, it certainly sounds like you’re going to need a new FC.

Another option would be to wire in an external 5v BEC and see if it powers up.

If that’s something you’re interested in trying, let me know and I’ll type up a tutorial or find a link to one, but I have my doubts that it will work:

If your rx is getting power, that means that the esc is passing voltage on to the FC, and if that rx is hooked up to a 5v pad, then you haven’t blown a 5v voltage regulator, you’ve most likely blown the 3.3v regulator that would be powering your mcu.

I think I've got an unused FC here. I'll see if I can swap it out and see if that fixes things.