Syma Forum

Bryan,

Compared with the comparatively simple task of changing the S-107,  taking apart an x5 to change a motor -- knowing two motors run clockwise and two run counter-clockwise, was a relatively daunting prospect to me.  But having viewed a few how-to videos on YouTube I've decided it's a worthwhile effort, both in terms of constructive pastime and extending the life of an enjoyable toy.

It occurs to me that having decided to commit to this task, rather than choosing to toss the crippled x5 into the trash, might be a signal that I am on the verge of a recreational addiction of the kind my late wife would readily recognize and begin strategically steering me away from.  One very clear indication of this potential is my growing interest in the availability of some more advanced versions of developing drone technology.  

E.g., are you acquainted with this very tempting example:

?

Some people get hooked on booze.  Some get hooked on heroin.  I tend to get hooked on interesting toys and could easily end up spending myself into debt. 

Mike

Redfive said
One simple suggestion a squirt of wd40 or silicon grease may help otherwise go for your own solution, The only problem I have encountered with mine is losing a blade guard. I do suggest getting some spare batteries to keep it in the air.

I have found that it can counter light winds. when you have a working one again fly it directly into wind and let it hover back to you with the wind.

Bryan,

FYI: I don't know about silicon grease but WD-40 has a degrading effect on plastic, so using it on the gears of a bird will be destructive!  

I'm sure the problem with my x5 is not the gears but a weak and dying motor.  In researching via Google and YouTube I've learned the problem I'm having is not at all unusual.  It's not common but about one of ten reviews (at Amazon and elsewhere) describe exactly the problem I'm having.  Hopefully you are among the lucky and will not have a motor problem.  

Also FYI:  I'd ordered and received two replacement batteries from Micro Mall.  They appear to be exact replacements but the connectors fit very loosely and are difficult to secure.  So avoid that source

As mentioned; because they are so impressive I am determined to fly an x5c so I won't let this setback turn me off.  I have ordered four replacement motors and some replacement screws and will attempt to repair this ailing unit.  I've also ordered another x5c which comes without camera or transmitter but is otherwise intact.  Of course I don't need another transmitter and the camera is very easy to remove and replace, so this will get me going again.

I ordered my x5 via Amazon.  It was shipped from a Netherlands vendor, called Coromose.  I emailed Coromose and told them about the problem I'm having.  Today I received a reply from them telling me they will ship another x5c to me -- which I feel is exceptionally fair and generous of them.  So all things considered it is a matter of time before I am back in the air (with two and possibly three x5s).  

Mike--

PS:  Re: flying the x5 in the wind:  There must be a different kind of wind across the pond there, because my attempt to fly in a 6mph wind, which is not really strong at all, was a grand failure.  The x5 went up about 10 feet, the wind caught it and carried it off about 50 yards.  My attempt to control its direction had zero effect and was totally futile.  My inexperience might have something to do with that debacle but it didn't seem so.  

Time will tell.

Unpleasant surprise!

Last night, during the sixth battery charge and practice session, one propeller of my x5c was dead.  If I would tweak it while the others are turning it would start -- but the flight seemed exceptionally erratic.  Then there were intermittent periods when none of the props would turn.  All lights blinked but the props would not turn.

Today I charged the battery again.  When I switched it on the lights came on, all the props turned, but the bird would not fly.  The props were spinning alright but it just leaned to one side and rotated on the carpet like a desperate cripple.  

This is very disappointing because I am just at the stage where I can keep this 4-channel bird hovering and moving about in my living room for several minutes.  Now it seems I have a defective unit which came from a supplier in The Netherlands.  If they tell me to send it back I can look forward to packing it, then a trip to the Post Office, a $10 - $15 shipping cost, and a 3 week wait for a replacement.  Very discouraging.

So recalling the advertisement I saw on Amazon's site for an x5c "only," with no transmitter and no camera, for $32 and free shipping, I ordered one.  I can swap the camera from my crippled bird and will be back in business.  I've also ordered a set of four (2+2) motors and a batch of the little screws (I am sure to lose some) because I like this x5c and I'm determined to get one of them flying -- and keeping it going.  

Also, I've discovered a pretty good source of video instructions on repairing x5c on YouTube.  For those who don't know, just go to YouTube and type "Syma x5c repairs."  There are several very good ones.

Any additional advice or information will be most appreciated.  

Bryan,

I made a mistake.  My x5 Amazon purchase was not filled by a Chinese but rather a Netherlands vendor.  I ordered it on April 18 and it arrived today, May 4.  17 days.  Not bad.  

It truly is a beautifully made little drone.  I had to install the blade guards but that's all.  So far I've managed to get it set up and working, but because I've had no experience with any 4-channel machine I keep bouncing it off the walls -- and my Yorkie is going nuts watching it through the retainer gate.  (If I let him out he will destroy it.)  Fortunately the warm weather is here and I live adjacent to a large open field, so I'll take it out there to get used to the controls.  

Bottom line is I'm perfectly satisfied with it and I'm glad I ordered it.  So thanks for your recommendation.  

I now have a Syma S-107, an S-26 (Chinook), and this quad.  It appears I'm slowly developing an addiction and if this bird performs as nicely as I believe it will I might end up buying myself a really expensive toy for Christmas.  

Mike--

JamDJ said
Mike,

  Where did you get the information that the 107 was being phased out?

On the Syma website, it still shows the 107G, in fact, brought back in the 3 original

colors and paint-schemes. PERHAPS, the "g" suffex has been replaced by the newer

version wherein the "g" for "gyro" is now standartd in their products, and the

suffex letters are now features, like a camera, or bubble-launcher.

  From a business standpoint of Syma, The 107 is a cash-cow for them.

Not only do they make it for themselves, but co-brand for other retailors as well

under different brand names. OOPS, just lost one as Radio Shack went under last week!

I personally have a Toys-R-Us co-brand and a Fire-something that are 107s and work

off the same remote. Even though Syma is exploring more avenues, I somehow doubt

they will drop their prized S107. 

  Please let us know where you gout this information from so we can look into it!

If it wasn't on this forum it must have been some Amazon product review.  I can't remember which.  I do recall it having to do with a new Syma bird (I forget the model number) which is virtually identical to the S-107 but is radio-controlled rather than IR.