Overview
This tutorial explains how to install extra shielding over top of the original GPS shield. Additional shielding will prevent
(or at least reduce) the loss of satellites while capturing video with your Phantom.
Note: If you have version 3 of the Phantom 2 Vision+, then this mod should not be necessary since DJI added
additional shielding in version 3.
Materials Needed:
Note: Copper foil tape works better than aluminum since it has conductive adhesive
(more details).
Note: The Kapton tape is optional and only needed if you want to insulate the copper foil tape.
Tools Needed:
Step 1: Prepare the shield pattern
Print out the
shield pattern and cut it out. If you'd like your shield to cover more area than the finished product below
(see the photo at the end of this tutorial), then just cut a little bit to the outside of the pattern lines.
When printing the shield pattern, make sure you print it at 100% zoom level. Otherwise, the printed pattern could be smaller than the intended size.
Step 2: Remove the Phantom arm bands
If you have arm bands
(stickers) on your Phantom arms, then peel them up just past the point where the top and bottom shell meet
-OR- completely remove them. Optionally, you could use an X-ACTO knife to cut the arm band along the shell seal so you do not have to remove them.
Step 3: Remove the top of the Phantom shell
It's
very important that you use a
2mm Hex Screwdriver and
00 Phillips Screwdriver to remove the screws from the Phantom shell. If you don't have the proper tools, then stop now and go purchase them. Otherwise, you may end up stripping the screws.
Note: If you strip any screws, you can replace them with the
DJI screw pack. This is a good item to keep on hand since you'll never know when you need it. And, when you do need it, you don't want to wait days for it to be delivered
Remove the screws from the Phantom shell in the order they are marked below. Remove #1 from all arms
(these screws strip easily!), #2 from all arms, and #3 from all arms. You'll find the shell is easier to open if you remove the screws in this order.
Step 4: Disconnect the GPS cable
Once all screws have been removed, flip the Phantom over
(so it's upright with the battery compartment facing you) and carefully lift the shell top a couple of inches. Reach inside and lift the black connector on the GPS cable straight up to disconnect the cable
(it's not clipped in).
Once this cable has been disconnected, you'll be able to lift the shell top off to remove it from the shell base. Set the shell top aside for now.
Step 5: Layer the copper strips onto the shield pattern
Cut a strip of copper foil tape and lay it across the middle of the shield pattern
(the strip needs to be longer than the width of the shield pattern). Use a few small pieces of Scotch tape to adhere the bottom side of the copper foil tape to the shield pattern.
Continue cutting strips of copper foil tape to cover both side of the shield pattern. Each strip should overlap the previous strip a little bit.
Step 6: Remove the excess copper foil tape
Flip the shield pattern over
(copper foil tape side facing down) and cut off the excess copper foil tape.
Step 7: Reroute the GPS cable
Peel up the original GPS shield and reroute the GPS cable beneath the shield and to the opposite side of the shell top.
Step 8: Apply the copper foil tape strips to the shell top
Apply the middle copper foil tape first to ensure the new shield is centered. Then, apply the other strips on either side of the center strip. Each strip should overlap the previous strip.
Run your finger down the edge of each copper foil tape strip to ensure they are applied tightly against the strip that is overlapped.
Note: If you fold the copper foil tape strip and slightly crease it in the center, it's easier to line it up in the center of the shell top when applying it.
Step 9: Patch the new shield as needed
When all copper foil tape strips have been applied, cut a few smaller strips to patch any areas that need a little more coverage. Run your finger along all edges of the patches to ensure they are completely sealed.
The final product should look something like this:
Step 10: Insulate the copper foil tape
Cover the copper foil tape with Kapton tape to insulate it.
(This is an optional step.)
Step 11: Reinstall the shell top
Position the shell top back onto the shell base. Lift the edge of the shell top up a few inches and reattach the GPS cable.
Flip the Phantom over and insert the screws in the reverse order. Insert #3 into all of the arms, #2 into all of the arms, and #1 into all of the arms. Before inserting the screws, wrap your hand around the arm
(near the screw hole) and use a little pressure to clamp the top and bottom of the shell together.
Note: Make sure you do not over-tighten the screws. Stop as soon as they start to resist.
