How to Calibrate DJI Avata (Step-by-Step Guide)

Is your DJI Avata camera gimbal wobbling? Or, is the Avata performing erratic movements according to the command inputs? Perhaps your Avata is hovering without stability?

Then your Avata needs a calibration.

To calibrate your DJI Avata, pay attention to the symptoms and the Goggles prompts. According to them, you should complete a Vision System, Compass, IMU, Gimbal, or Motion Controller calibration.

The procedure is straightforward but can be confusing. That’s why we developed this step-by-step guide you should follow to perform each calibration correctly.

Keeping your drone calibrated is as necessary as flying with a charged battery.

An uncalibrated component can be the tipping point that makes your drone crash without any explanation.

Without further ado, here’s how to calibrate Avata.

Vision System calibration #

Starting with the Vision System that helps your Avata hover stably, this function is a must when the GNSS system is unavailable in Manual or Sport Modes.

If they are uncalibrated, the Avata won’t know its position. This means Avata will hover erratically, moving to the sides.

Also, Avata can’t self-correct its position when the wind moves it, changing its position without noticing.

It also allows the auto brake when you release the accelerator.

With this module working erratically, the aircraft will stop accelerating when the wind resistance stops it, so it can crash or get lost.

Your Avata will auto-calibrate, fixing this issue most of the time.

However, there are occasions when you need a deep calibration of the system.

Advanced calibration – DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) #

1. Power on the Avata.
2. Unplug the USB-C/microSD Card Slot Cover to access the USB-C Avata port.
3. Connect the USB-C to USB-C cable to the Avata.
4. Connect the other USB-C end to your computer. If your computer lacks a USB-C port, you must acquire a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
5. Open the DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series).
6. Once this software detects the Avata, select DJI Avata.
7. Click the Calibration option from the vertical menu on the left.
8. A guided video on how to perform the calibration pops up. Watch it carefully, and follow its instructions.
9. Point the downward sensors to your computer screen, and follow the movement pattern.
10. The Assistant 2 (Consumer Drone Series) starts the calibration.
11. Disconnect the Avata from the PC and USB-C cable once the calibration is complete.
12. Secure the USB-C/microSD Card Slot Cover.
13. And finally, power off the Avata to finish the calibration.

Compass calibration #

This module helps Avata know its direction in the air. It also affects the aircraft’s self-positioning.

Without GNSS, an uncalibrated Compass disables safety features like the automatic Failsafe RTH, as it won’t know in which direction is the Home Point.

You perform the Compass calibration through the Goggles OSD. So let’s start with the Goggles 2.

1. Power on Avata, Goggles 2, and RC to pair them.
2. Swipe your finger forward on the touch panel to access the Menu.
3. Swipe your finger down to select the Safety option.
4. Look for the Aircraft Compass Calibration option on the Safety option.
5. Tap the touch screen to access it.
6. The calibration starts and will prompt a message when it is complete.
7. Swipe your finger backward on the touch panel until you exit the Menu.

With the FPV Goggles V2:

1. Power on Avata, FPV Goggles V2, and RC to pair them.
2. Press the Goggles joystick to access the Menu.
3. Move the joystick down to select the Safety option.
4. Look for the Aircraft Compass Calibration option on the Safety option.
5. Press the joystick to access it.
6. The calibration starts and will prompt a message when it is complete.
7. Press the Back button until you exit the Menu.

IMU calibration #

This module is responsible for the maneuverability of the Avata.

An uncalibrated IMU will make your Avata perform maneuvers you haven’t input with the Motion Controller or FPC Remote Controller 2.

Let’s say the Avata performed a flip. With an uncalibrated IMU, the Avata can half-flip or roll without noticing, losing control.

So it’s essential to have it on point, according to the procedure below. First, let’s check the steps for Goggles 2.

1. Power on Avata, Goggles 2, and RC to pair them.
2. Swipe your finger forward on the touch panel to access the Menu.
3. Swipe your finger down to select the Safety option.
4. Look for the Aircraft IMU Calibration option on the Safety option.
5. Tap the touch screen to access it and tap it again to select Start.
6. Follow the Goggles OSD procedure to calibrate the IMU.
7. The Goggles will prompt a message when the IMU calibration is complete.
8. Swipe your finger backward on the touch panel until you exit the Menu.

With the FPV Goggles V2:

1. Power on your Avata, FPV Goggles V2, and RC to pair them.
2. Press the Goggles joystick to access the Menu.
3. Move the joystick down to select the Safety option.
4. Look for the Aircraft IMU Calibration option on the Safety option.
5. Press the joystick to access it and press it again to select Start.
6. Follow the Goggles OSD procedure to calibrate the IMU.
7. The Goggles will prompt a message when the IMU calibration is complete.
8. Press the Back button until you exit the Menu.

Gimbal calibration #

Have you heard about the Jello Effect?

It describes a camera vibration, recording videos with many undesired movements.

Avata thinks this is dangerous as the camera works as our navigation view. If we can’t see our surroundings, we are going to crash.

We need to eliminate this wobbling. One of its causes it’s an uncalibrated gimbal.

To calibrate the gimbal from the Goggles 2:

1. Remove the gimbal cover from the Avata.
2. Place the Avata on a flat surface.
3. Power on your Avata, Goggles 2, and RC to pair them.
4. Swipe your finger forward on the touch panel to access the Menu.
5. Swipe your finger down to select Settings and then the Control option.
6. On the Control option, look for the Gimbal Calibration option.
7. Tap the touch screen to access it, then tap the AUTO button.
8. The Goggles will prompt a message when the gimbal calibration is complete.
9. Swipe your finger backward on the touch panel until you exit the Menu.

From the FPV Goggles V2:

1. Remove the gimbal cover.
2. Place the Avata on a level surface.
3. Power on Avata, FPV Goggles V2, and RC to pair them.
4. Press the Goggles joystick to access the Menu.
5. Move the joystick down to select Settings, and then the Control option.
6. On the Control option, look for the Gimbal Calibration option.
7. Press the joystick to access it and press the AUTO button.
8. The Goggles will prompt a message when the IMU calibration is complete.
9. Press the Back button until you exit the Menu.

Motion Controller calibration #

An uncalibrated Motion Controller will inhibit you from controlling the Avata as usual.

The accelerator can work faultily, not adding enough throttle or adding too much, and the Avata becomes hard to maneuver as its movements don’t match your commands.

It’s crucial to have it always calibrated per the steps below. 

1. Remove the gimbal cover from your Avata.
2. Place the Avata on a flat, level surface.
3. Power on Avata, Goggles 2, and RC to pair them.
4. Swipe your finger forward on the touch panel to access the Menu.
5. Swipe your finger down to select Settings and then the Control option.
6. On the Control option, look for the Motion Calibration option.
7. Tap the touch screen to select the RC module you want to calibrate. You can select the IMU, Compass, and accelerator.
8. The Goggles will prompt a message when the calibration is complete.
9. Swipe your finger backward on the touch panel until you exit the Menu.

Or, if you use the FPV Goggles V2:

1. Remove the cover from the Avata.
2. Place the Avata on a flat surface.
3. Power on Avata, FPV Goggles V2, and RC to pair them.
4. Press the Goggles joystick to access the Menu.
5. Move the joystick down to select Settings and then the Control option.
6. On the Control option, look for the Motion Calibration option.
7. Press the joystick to select the RC module you want to calibrate. You can select the IMU, Compass, and accelerator.
8. The Goggles will prompt a message when the IMU calibration is complete.
9. Press the Back button until you exit the Menu.