M300 RTK Maintenance Guide And Pre-Flight Checklist

The DJI M300 RTK is a sophisticated commercial drone which is transforming the world of work.

Its advanced safety and redundancy systems, coupled with an IP45 rating, also make it a rugged and robust platform. 

However, to make the most of the M300 RTK and to ensure the safest flight possible, it is essential to look after it properly.

This M300 RTK maintenance guide will help you keep your aircraft in optimal condition.

 

Firmware Updates

Before flying the M300 RTK, it is recommended to keep the firmware of the aircraft and remote controller up to date.

Read our M300 RTK Firmware Update Guide to learn how to do this.

If the firmware update fails, restart the device and try again.

Inspection - Pre And Post Flight

Inspecting the M300 RTK before and after flight can improve the drone's reliability and safety.

The importance of conducting a thorough check before each take-off cannot be stressed enough.

 

Before the flight, it is recommended to do the following:

Checklist when powered off

 

Type	Essentials
Structure	Visually inspect and use your fingers to feel the propellers, frame arms, arm junctions and landing gears to check if they are in good condition. If there are any cracks or damage, replace the component immediately. The screws for all the connection structures are securely tightened, especially those for the arm junctions and battery locker. The waterproof rubber port covers are in place. If not, water may enter the aircraft body which will cause a short circuit. There is no blockage in the intake vent of the upper cooling fan.
Motors	The propellers are not visibly deformed, damaged, aged or softened. If they are, replace the propellers immediately. If there are any foreign objects on the propellers, clear them before use. Rotate the motors manually to check if they are firmly installed without a gap between the motors and the motor base and the motors rotate smoothly without noise. Propellers are mounted correctly. CCW propellers should be on motors 1 and 3, and CW propellers should be on motors 2 and 4 (The front-facing propeller on the right is motor 1, with motor 2, 3 and 4 arranged in a counter-clockwise order).
Batteries	There is no foreign object in the battery ports on the aircraft and the ports are not misshapen. The battery locker is secure and will not come loose during flight. The battery shell has no visible damage. If it does, do not use the battery for flight.
Antennas	All the antennas on the aircraft and remote controller are tightened firmly and free of damage. They are in a place that will give the propellers proper clearance.
Gimbal (Payload)	The gimbal appears intact and can rotate smoothly in all the three axis'. The lens is clean.
Radar (Payload)	There is no blockage. The shell of the radar has no damage. The mounting bracket is secure and in good condition.
Remote Controller	The control sticks are centered in neutral position, with no foreign objects such as sand and soil, and can smoothly reach full ranges of motion in all channels. The screen on the remote controller is clean and dry.
Damping Plate	The dampeners and gimbal anti-drop rope are not damaged. The damaged plate has no crack or split. The gimbal connector is secure and cannot be rotated in the opposite direction after the gimbal is installed.
Infrared and Sensing Systems	There is no blockage in the working range of the infrared sensing and vision systems and auxiliary lights, especially when using a non-DJI payload or accessory. Check the lenses or glass of the infrared sensing and vision systems and auxiliary lights. As part of this, make sure there are no stickers or any other obstructions over the infrared sensing and vision systems and clean the lenses and glass with a dust-free cloth if there is any moisture, fingerprints or dirt.
Emergency Supplies	Spare USB-C Cables Two pairs of spare landing gears Two pairs each of spare CW and CCW propellers Spare microSD cards Screwdrivers, screws of all types used, cable ties, tape, a dry and soft cloth A multimeter A case to store emergency supplies

 

Checklist When Powered On

 

Type	Essentials
Remote Controller	Confirm the control stick mode (Mode 1/2/3) and check in the control stick calibration page in the app if the proportion of the control level is correct. The remote controller has sufficient power and the battery is firmly installed. Confirm that the channel used is automatic or custom, and then choose the operation frequency and channel according to the signal-to-noise ratio.
Battery	All batteries, including Intelligent Flight Batteries and remote controller batteries, are fully charged. It is recommended to charge and discharge the battery by following the standard instructions before flight if the battery is stored for a period longer than one month. The Intelligent Flight Batteries are firmly installed. Check the battery level and voltage of each battery cell in the battery page in the app to make sure they are normal.
Flight Parameters Configuration	The Failsafe action of the aircraft is what fits your mission needs. For example, the aircraft will land as a failsafe within 50m of the Home Point, and it will hover as a failsafe when it is within 200m from the Home Point. The flight mode switch is set up correctly. RTH altitude, height limits and distance limits and obstacle sensing function are set up correctly.
Module Auto-check	View the module auto-check information on top of the screen in the app to check if there is any error prompt.
GNSS Positioning	There are at least 7 satellites and the aircraft works in P-mode. Enable RTK function, select the correct base station and channel, and make sure that RTK positioning is in use.
Sensors	Data on each IMU is shown in the app. IMU calibration can be performed successfully. Data on each compass is shown in the app. The heading of the compass matches the physical one, and the needle is stable. Compass calibration can be performed successfully. The Vision System in all directions are enabled and there is no error prompt.
Top and Bottom Colling Fans	Touch the shell of the cooling fans or listen carefully to check if the cooling fans work normally without noise.
Firmware Consistency	Connect the remote controller to the internet, then launch the app. Make sure that the app and the firmware versions of the aircraft, remote controller, payloads and batteries match. Otherwise, the aircraft cannot take off or there may be risks. Insert all Intelligent Flight Batteries into the aircraft to make sure that all of their firmware versions are up to date.
Motor Spin	Link the remote controller and aircraft, make sure the FPV camera display in the app works normally, and then perform Combination Stick Command to start the motors in a safe indoor area to make the motors spin at an idle speed. Then test the following. NOTE: Stay away from the spinning motors and propellers to avoid injuries during the test. The motors start without noise. There is no error prompt in the app. At the beginning when the motors start or the end when the motors stop, observe the motors to make sure that motors 1 and 3 rotate counter-clockwise while motors 2 and 4 rotate clockwise.

Flight Test

Following these initial checks, there are a number of other procedures which should be taken.

 

 

These include:

1. Make sure the satellite count is more than 10 and there is sufficient light. Start video recording.
2. In P-mode, perform CSC (cross stick command) to make the motors spin at an idle speed on the ground. Push the control sticks in each direction lightly to test. Then push the throttle stick down to the bottom until the motors stop.
3. In P-mode, perform CSC to make the motors spin at an idle speed on the ground. Observe to check if the aircraft shakes. Then push the throttle stick down to the bottom until the motors stop.
4. In P-mode, take off and hover at a height of 5 metres for 1 minute. Check to see if the aircraft horizontal drift is no more than 1 metre and the height drift is no more than 0.5 metres. Check the shake of the aircraft, battery status, sound of the motors and propellers.
5. Lightly push the control sticks in each direction to check if the aircraft responds correctly.
6. Gradually increase the movement of the control sticks to observe the altitude response and the shake of the aircraft when braking.
7. Set height limits and distance limits. Then test if the aircraft can obey the limits.
8. In P-mode, fly the aircraft more than 20 metres away from the Home Point at an altitude less than the preset RTH altitude. Initial RTH using the RTH button on the remote controller to test if the aircraft can perform ascending, cruising, landing in order and the landing position has an error no more than 1 metre from the Home Point.
9. Stop video recording after landing. 
   
   
   

Checklist After Landing

After landing, please check that the propellers, motors and aircraft body are intact and there is no sign of collision or loose or broken structures.

Also ensure that the temperature of the motors is normal and there are no signs of uneven heating. 

Operating In The Rain

The M300 RTK has an IP45 rating, which means it can operate in wet weather. However, it is not a complete waterproofing!

Click here to find out how waterproof the M300 RTK is.

 

 

If you do need to fly in the rain, there are some pre-and-post-flight tips to follow.

1. Do not fly when the amount of rainfall exceeds 100 mm / 24 h.
2. Do not fold the frame arms in the rain.
3. Make sure the battery ports, battery compartment ports, battery surfaces, and battery compartment surfaces are dry before inserting the batteries.
4. Make sure the battery ports and battery surfaces are free from any liquid before charging the batteries.
5. Before packing the aircraft into the carrying case, ensure that it is free from any liquid by wiping it carefully.
6. Product warranty does not cover water damage.

The aircraft does not achieve IP45 protection rating in the following circumstances:

1. Folded frame arms.
2. You use batteries other than the M300 RTK's Intelligent Flight Batteries.
3. The cover for the ports is not attached correctly.
4. The waterproofing top shell plug is not firmly attached to the top shell.
5. The aircraft is broken due to various reasons, such as broken aircraft shell, failure of the waterproof adhesive, etc.

Please note that the M300 RTK's IP45 rating may reduce over time after long-term use.

Regular Maintenance 

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the aircraft in good condition.

The table below highlights what type of maintenance is required throughout the M300 RTK's lifecycle.

 

Type	Maintenance Items	Maintenance Advice	Period
Basic Maintenance	Regular maintenance items (see below: Regular Maintenance Items - What To Do) Updates and calibration Deep cleaning	Factory service recommended	Total flight time is 200 hours or the product has been used for 6 months.
Routine Maintenance	Regular maintenance items (see below: Regular Maintenance Items - What To Do) Updates and calibration Deep cleaning Components replacement due to wear and tear	Factory service mandatory	Total flight time is 400 hours or the product has been used for 12 months.
Deep Maintenance	Regular maintenance items (see below: Regular Maintenance Items - What To Do) Update and calibration Deep cleaning Component replacement due to wear and tear Core component replacement	Factory service mandatory	Total flight time is 600 hours, or the product has been used for 18 months.

 

heliguy™ has an in-house UK DJI-approved repair centre. Our technicians can conduct drone servicing and repairs, including a fast-track service. 

Regular Maintenance Items - What To Do

The table below sets out a guide to checking the M300 RTK's Propulsion System.

 

Type	Inspection Process and Solutions
Motor Rotation	Unfold and secure the frame arms. Rotate the rotor of the motor to check if there is any blockage or rubbing. Observe the gap between the rotor and stator of the motor to check if there is any rubbing with the motor base. Do not fly the aircraft if there is any blockage or rubbing mentioned above. It is necessary to return for repair.
Connection Between Motor And Arm	Rotate the motor base around the central line of the carbon tube to check if the motor and carbon tube connection is loose. The four fixing screws are secure. If any screw is loose, return for repair.
Motor Upper Cover	The screws on the upper cover are not loose. There is no damage or crack on the upper cover. If screws are loose, apply thread locker and tighten the screws. If the upper cover is damaged and cracked, return for repair.
Motor Air Filters	Air filters are not loose or damaged. If they are loose or damaged, return for repair.
Propellers	Check the propellers for visible deformation, severe wear, nicks and cracks, and if there are any foreign materials. Clean the propellers with a dry soft cloth. Replace the propellers if visible deformation, severe wear, nicks or cracks occur. Replace the propellers after flying over 300 hours or using for one year.
Propeller Adapters	The propeller adapter screws are secure. If the screws are loose, apply thread locker and tighten the screws. The propeller adapters are not misshapen or broken. Replace the propeller adapters if they are misshapen or damaged.

 

We also advise several checks on the aircraft structure. These include:

 

Type	Inspection Process and Solutions
Aircraft Appearance	The aircraft body is clean and not damaged. Clean the aircraft body with a clean and soft cloth, especially for the lenses of the infrared sensing and vision systems and the heat dissipation vents.
Screws	All the screws on the aircraft body are tightened, especially the screws connecting the motor and the carbon tube.
Landing Gear Base	Screws are secure. There is no damage or cracks.
Frame Arms	The 28 screws on the four frame arms are secure. The arm junctions are not damaged or cracked. Grab the carbon tube and shake the arm slightly to check if there is no obvious shake.
Frame Arm LEDs	There is no foreign object or damage on the surface.
Battery Compartment	The three screws on the battery lock and its mounting base are secure. The battery ports are clean and dry without any corrosion. Clean out any water and dust, if there is any. The eject mechanism under the battery locker can be ejected smoothly without shaking when the batteries are locked.
Data Ports	Clean the foreign objects near the ports with a gauze. If the port is in use, disconnect the cable, then check if there are foreign objects in the port with the help of a light. Remove the foreign objects such as small pieces of stones and pieces of paper in the port using tweezers. Clean the gluey foreign materials in the port with a gauze. Place the aircraft so that the port is facing downward, and then use a tool such as a gauze or brush to remove the powder materials in the port. Note to sweep from the inside to the outside.
Heat Dissipation Vents	There is no blockage in the heat dissipation vents. The cooling fans work smoothly without noise.
Rubber Port Covers	The rubber port covers are not damaged or loose.
Gimbal Damping Plate	The dampeners are not damaged, loose or aged. The gimbal connector can rotate smoothly. The screws connecting the damping plate and aircraft body are secure.
Infrared Sensing and Vision System Lenses, Auxiliary Lights and Beacons	Clean the lenses with a soft cloth. Lenses are not loose and have no cracks. The auxiliary lights and beacons are not loose and cracked.

 

M300 RTK Battery Maintenance

Looking after your flight batteries is an essential part of operating your drone safely and effectively. 

As a tip, it is important to store your batteries in a well-ventilated and dry place.

 

 

Maintenance is required in the following circumstances:

1. Every 50 cycles
2. The battery is idle for more than three months.
3. There is a maintenance prompt in the app.

If your batteries do require maintenance, please consider the following points:

• Charge and discharge the battery as per instructions.
• Ensure the cell voltage difference is less than 0.1 V after the battery is fully-charged and left stationary for six hours.
• Make sure the battery is not swollen, leaky or damaged.
• Make sure battery terminals are clean.
• Make sure the battery firmware is updated to the latest version.

Follow these steps if you do need to charge and discharge any of your batteries.

1. Charge the battery to 100% and leave the battery stationary for 24 hours.
2. Install the battery into the aircraft before flight. If the remaining power level is less than 20%, land the aircraft and remove the battery.
3. Leave the battery stationary for more than six hours.
4. Charge the battery to 100% power level.
5. Repeat the above steps.

There are a number of occasions when the battery should be replaced. These are:

• The battery is visibly swollen, leaky or damaged.
• There is a prompt of battery cell damage or over-discharge in the app.
• The battery is rated for 200 cycles. It is not recommended to continue use afterward.
• The battery error still exists after performing the standard charge and discharge operations twice continuously.

If you do need to dispose of any of your batteries, please adhere to the following advice:

1. Fully fill in an insulated bucket with 5% salt solution. Put the battery into it for more than 48 hours to discharge the battery.
2. It is recommended to recycle the battery by a recycling agent to avoid environmental pollution.

Health Management System

The new integrated Health Management System displays the current status of all systems, notification logs, and a preliminary troubleshooting guide.

Users can view the status of each module and upload the log with abnormal status in the Health Management System page in the DJI Pilot app.

Read our guide to the Health Management System for more information.