Hi all, I dunked my p4 today. I'm getting an ESC status error..everything else seems to work (camera,gps,remote control signal, etc)..read some posts about folks repairing their own...anybody recommend it? Any ideas? Links? Thanks a ton!
Dunked P4
- Thread starter RyanSeng
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Have you tried a IMU reset, from what I know a motor problem can cause a ESC error
when in the preflight does the the ESC error occur ? when you try and take off ?
when in the preflight does the the ESC error occur ? when you try and take off ?
Thanks for the reply! Yes, the error occurs when I try to take off.
Interesting, I just got a quote from DJI saying they want to replace pretty much everything but the motors...I think they're trying to scam me, but maybe some of you know more about the motherboard....the bill (attached) is $808...my boss paid $799 for it on black Friday last year.
It's strange because I turned on the drone and everything appeared to be functioning before I tried to take off, then I got the ESC error...They're even saying they need to replace the main controller module (is this the hand-held controller?), which never touched the water and has been functioning just fine.
When I talked with the suctomer service, they 'explained' to me that ESC error means motherboard error...Since I have a small amount of experience building drones beforehand, I know that ESC means Electronic Speed Controller, and told the service rep. that if it's a motherboard issue, the error should read something about the motherboard, not the ESCs (although since these are linked, it's possible that the ESC connection to the motherboard is messed up-just seems fishy). Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
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I don’t have a clue what the ESC error means, but looking at the repair parts bill, almost every item is easily identified as being on the drone itself. Granted that one you pointed out call main controller is one that is not as intuitive, but the price of that unit was only $69. So I’m thinking they are targeting the drone itself and just replacing about everything but the skin and motors. It’s not worth much, but in my opinion, I would either proceed with a repair, or consider buying a refurb unit and keep this one for parts.
it looks to me like they are replacing all of the internal electrics. ESCs are speed controllers, the main controller module I would guess is some sort of receiver/processor not your handset.
Why would they do this? Well, rather than assume they are trying to scam you, I would suggest that they are covering themselves against any future claims and ensuring that you get a drone back that works perfectly. Any of the components that have been 'dunked' could have sustained damage that (without test equipment) you can't identify. They may have had their life shortened, they may fail at any time. What is certain is that most of the components will have an indicator saying they have been exposed to water so are in some way compromised.
What would happened if DJI only replaced the suspect ESC and two months down the line something else failed? Would you then blame their 'bad fix' or the fact that it was a result of you submerging the drone?
If you only want a single component replaced then buy yourself the ESC and solder it in place yourself or take it to a local repairer willing to take a chance or offer you a repair with no warranty.
DJI won't want to get involved in this kind of arrangement, they will simply replace all of the electronics - it's most definitely not about scamming you
Why would they do this? Well, rather than assume they are trying to scam you, I would suggest that they are covering themselves against any future claims and ensuring that you get a drone back that works perfectly. Any of the components that have been 'dunked' could have sustained damage that (without test equipment) you can't identify. They may have had their life shortened, they may fail at any time. What is certain is that most of the components will have an indicator saying they have been exposed to water so are in some way compromised.
What would happened if DJI only replaced the suspect ESC and two months down the line something else failed? Would you then blame their 'bad fix' or the fact that it was a result of you submerging the drone?
If you only want a single component replaced then buy yourself the ESC and solder it in place yourself or take it to a local repairer willing to take a chance or offer you a repair with no warranty.
DJI won't want to get involved in this kind of arrangement, they will simply replace all of the electronics - it's most definitely not about scamming you
@andy_k I was thinking the same, I don't want to presume they are scamming me, and since they're paying for shipping both ways, I do see that replacing all electronics covers them. It's interesting because the way it landed in the ( @With The Birds ) creek (fresh water) was unique, only two of the motors were submerged, not the motherboard or camera..also the battery came out as it was falling so I'm guessing it didn't short anything out except the ESCs ( I read somewhere that the ESCs have a fuse, wondering if that blew somehow with the residual electricity). Anyhow, I don't want to presume they are scamming me, it's just a hard pill to swallow since I'm convinced it's just the ESCs ($22 for both) that need to be replaced. I see what you mean if something failed 2 months down the line..they said I could dispute the estimate and have them just replace the ESCs but they couldn't guarantee that it will work (completely sensible).
@lannes I have not tried an IMU reset. They don't call for the replacement of motors in the estimate, I suppose I can attempt that when I get it back..I may just have them return it and attempt to repair it since (@Bazza.) the cost of a new one with a warranty isn't much more, and I'll have some spare parts if my fix is unsuccessful.
Thanks everyone for your input.
@lannes I have not tried an IMU reset. They don't call for the replacement of motors in the estimate, I suppose I can attempt that when I get it back..I may just have them return it and attempt to repair it since (@Bazza.) the cost of a new one with a warranty isn't much more, and I'll have some spare parts if my fix is unsuccessful.
Thanks everyone for your input.
I suggest you contact Mike Holt in California. He does independent drone repair in his home shop, fair guy and he has lots of parts. PM me if you want his contact info.
I don't think they can replace the ESC's individually, like on the race birds. They are integrated into the "brain" boards. On the P3's they were actually part of the mainboard.
The ESC boards on the P4 are on the left and right side of the battery.
Thanks @John Locke I saw Mike's # on another forum post, I just called him. Much appreciated!
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