Order Number: 721199
Product Name: Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle
Brand: Emax
Not connecting to PC or transmitter not lighting up when USB plugged in
Tried re flashing everything using different transmitter and different PC with different cables and just flashes when battery plugged in
Hi good day Sam,
Thanks for reaching out to us!
Sorry to hear about this, please can you submit a faulty product support request via this link so we can ensure we have all the required information to be able to help get this resolved for you as fast as possible -https://zfrmz.com/3If6mqfgCSjrNmgD3W5Q, you may want to complete this via a mobile device to make capturing photos/videos slightly easier.
Hope this helps.
If there is anything else I can help with please do let me know?
Regards,
David
Unmanned Tech Support
I have already done this
Hi
Sorry about any confusion here. When we need is for you to send us a photo/video showing the issue as it seems that you have just sent us a blank image as part of the support form. Ideally a video as this is what our Emax support contact will need to see before they can authorise any sort of warranty replacement, as most of the time issues like this could be due to driver/config issues rather than a fault with the product itself.
To learn more, please see: Why we ask for photos and videos showing product issue
Kind Regards
Alex
Unmanned Tech Support
Join our community at dronetrest.com, or on Discord.
Okay, let’s try to figure out what’s going on with your Emax Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle (Order Number: 721199). It’s frustrating when things don’t connect right out of the box or after trying fixes.
You’ve done some good troubleshooting already by trying different PCs, cables, and attempting reflashing. Based on your description (“Not connecting to PC”, “transmitter not lighting up when USB plugged in”, “just flashes when battery plugged in”), here are a few things to check and try:
- USB Cable Type: This is a common culprit even when trying multiple cables. Ensure you are using a USB data cable, not just a charging cable. Some cables only carry power and won’t allow data transfer, preventing the PC from seeing the flight controller.
- Drivers: Even on a different PC, drivers can be problematic.
- STM32 Drivers: The flight controller needs specific STM32 VCP (Virtual COM Port) drivers to communicate with the PC. Try downloading and installing the latest version directly from STMicroelectronics.
- ImpulseRC Driver Fixer: This is a fantastic tool often recommended in the FPV community. Download and run it; it often resolves tricky driver and connection issues automatically.
- Check Device Manager (Windows): When you plug the drone in via USB (without the battery connected), open Windows Device Manager. Do you see any unrecognized devices, or does anything appear/disappear under “Ports (COM & LPT)”? If it appears briefly and disappears, or shows an error, it definitely points to a driver or hardware issue.
- DFU Mode & Flashing:
- Correct Firmware Target: When you tried reflashing, did you ensure you had the EXACT correct firmware target selected in Betaflight Configurator for the Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle? Using the wrong target can cause issues like this. Check Emax’s documentation or website for the specific Betaflight target name for your drone.
- Putting it in DFU Mode: To flash firmware, the flight controller needs to be in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Locate the small boot button on the flight controller board.
- Press and hold the boot button while plugging the USB cable into the drone and PC.
- Open Betaflight Configurator. In the top-right port selection dropdown, does it now show “DFU”? If yes, you’re in the correct mode to attempt flashing. If not, the board isn’t entering DFU mode, which could indicate a hardware problem or a driver issue preventing DFU detection.
- Flashing Process: If you can get it into DFU mode, try flashing the correct, stable version of Betaflight for your drone again. Ensure “Full chip erase” is selected.
- USB Port on Drone: Carefully inspect the USB port on the Tinyhawk itself. Is it clean? Are any pins bent or damaged? A physically damaged port would explain the connection failure.
- Battery Plugged In - Flashing LEDs:
- Describe the Flashes: When you plug the battery in and it “just flashes,” what exactly do you see? Note the colour, number, and speed of the flashes. This is often an error code or status indicator.
- e.g., Slow blue flash might mean it’s waiting for a transmitter connection.
- e.g., Rapid red flashes might indicate a sensor failure (like the gyro).
- Check the Emax manual for your drone; it should contain a guide to what the different LED flash codes mean. This could give a vital clue.
- “Transmitter not lighting up” clarification: When you say “transmitter,” are you referring to the flight controller board on the drone itself (i.e., the LEDs on the drone’s main board), or the separate handheld radio controller you use to fly it?
- If you mean the LEDs on the drone’s flight controller aren’t lighting up as expected when USB is plugged in, this points back to the USB connection/power/driver issues.
- If you mean your handheld radio controller isn’t lighting up when plugged into USB (e.g., for charging or simulator use), that’s a separate issue related to the radio itself, not the drone’s connectivity to the PC.
Summary & Next Steps:
- Priority 1: Get the PC to recognize the drone via USB. Double-check the cable (must be DATA), run the ImpulseRC Driver Fixer, and check Device Manager. Try putting it manually into DFU mode.
- Priority 2: If you get a connection, ensure you’re using the correct Betaflight firmware target for the Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle before attempting to flash again.
- Priority 3: Observe and identify the LED flash pattern when the battery is connected and consult the manual.
Given that you’ve tried multiple PCs and cables, and reflashing hasn’t resolved it, there’s a possibility of a hardware fault on the flight controller (e.g., faulty USB port, failed component). If none of the steps above work, especially if you cannot get the drone into DFU mode recognized by the PC its best to confirm with support about the next steps!
Iv done everything still nothing now my transmitter is broken so got no way doing stuff I just won’t to return drone and module now
Hi! To find out what I can do, say @discobot display help.
Hi Sam good day,
Would you be able to send us a short video demonstrating the issues you are experiencing?
Regards,
David
Unmanned Tech Support
I don’t have a transmitter now so harder to show cause I have nothing to try to connect to if It did but it didn’t I tried everything from what I know what’s on the Internet and what you have suggested still not working
Hi Sam good day,
I just want to confirm, you would like to return the drone as it doesn’t connect to Betaflight.
You would also like to return the module? Is there anything wrong with the module?
Regards,
David
Unmanned Tech Support
Im sure it the FC board it’s self and no module is completely fine
Hi Sam good day,
Thanks for reaching out to us!
Could you please return the drone to us and we can take a look at it for you. Please include the original packaging, manuals, paperwork and and parts included in the kit.
An RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) has been created for your order.
You should receive an email shortly at the address associated with your order. This email will contain:
-
Your RMA number
-
A link to our RMA form
-
Instructions for completing the return process
Please check your inbox (and spam folder) for this email. If you don’t receive it within the next hour, please let us know here.
Remember to complete the RMA form and initiate your return within 30 days. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in this thread
Hope this helps.
If there is anything else I can help with please do let me know?
Regards,
David
Unmanned Tech Support
I have sent the drone and module back to you I just wanted to ask as well I said I wanted to return the items for a refund but I have just seen you have them back in stock was wondering if I could get a replacement drone and return module instead or is it to late thanks
I have sent the drone and module back to you I just wanted to ask as well I said I wanted to return the items for a refund but I have just seen you have them back in stock was wondering if I could get a replacement drone and return module instead or is it to late thanks
Hi good day Sam,
Please can you send me the tracking number for the return and I can see what I can sort out for you?
Regards,
David
Unmanned Tech Support
HZ256636717GB I think I posted it Thursday or Friday
Hi, we have tested the drone and can confirm there is a faulty, would you like a replacement (stock allowing) or a refund for this?
Please let me know so we can get this resolved for you!
Kind Regards
Alex
Unmanned Tech Support
Join our community at dronetrest.com, or on Discord.
Can I get a replacement drone but can I get a refund on the elrs module
Can I get a replacement drone but can I get a refund on the elrs module
Actually sorry can I just get a refund on both