No Luck Fixing Common NO video problem

[TexasJohn]

I believe I've done my due diligence researching this common P3 no video issue but so far every thing I've tried has not worked. Everything on my P3 seems to work except for video.

There's quite a few videos on YouTube that address this issue but none of them solved my problem. Searched this forum but so far no luck.

My P3 has firmware Ver 1.9.20, which I believe is the latest version on the DJI website. The controller, P3 and Android pad all link up successfully. I can see all the aircraft info but the screen is black. I'm able to calibrate the gimbal and move the camera. One thing that is interesting, the camera menu on the right edge of the screen doesn't work. I've replaced the micro sd card with a brand new one. I've also got a brand new flight battery.

I have not tried re-linking the controller or reinstalling the firmware...could that possible be the problem? I don't see how though since everything but the video works.

The video worked just fine before the P3 was ignored before Covid. I guess my main question is, did something in the camera die while my drone waited out during Covid?

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[crash1sttime]

I can see all the aircraft info but the screen is black. I'm able to calibrate the gimbal and move the camera. One thing that is interesting, the camera menu on the right edge of the screen doesn't work.

Do you get telemetry data, height distance etc

I have not tried re-linking the controller or reinstalling the firmware...could that possible be the problem? I don't see how though since everything but the video works.

Its worth a try BUT DONT MESS WITH FIRMWARE sorry for the caps.

The video worked just fine before the P3 was ignored before Covid. I guess my main question is, did something in the camera die while my drone waited out during Covid?

Any suggestions are welcome.

The Advanced and Pro do suffer a similar issue with video loss of long period of non use, sadly whilst the Pro can be revived the Advanced cant. Ive seen nothing to suggest the Standard could

 

[TexasJohn]

Do you get telemetry data, height distance etc


Its worth a try BUT DONT MESS WITH FIRMWARE sorry for the caps.



The Advanced and Pro do suffer a similar issue with video loss of long period of non use, sadly whilst the Pro can be revived the Advanced cant. Ive seen nothing to suggest the Standard could

Yes, I get all the telemetry data on the screen.
I would be hesitant to mess with the firmware at this point, also. But I may try the re-linking.
As you said, most of the videos I've seen seem to involve the Pro and Advanced models. But my Standard P3 is doing it as well. Does it have the same camera unit?

 

[RodPad]

I have a lot of P3S info.
BTW, don't mess with the firmware.

Can you start the motors?

I really don't remember, can you tell the camera to take pics, etc, even if it is not displayed on the mobile device?

Re linking the remote to the bird? If you can start and stop the motors, your linked.

I always ask, what has changed since it last worked correctly?

Same remote?
Same P3S?
Same Android?


Rod ..

 

[TexasJohn]

I have a lot of P3S info.
BTW, don't mess with the firmware.

Can you start the motors?

I really don't remember, can you tell the camera to take pics, etc, even if it is not displayed on the mobile device?

Re linking the remote to the bird? If you can start and stop the motors, your linked.

I always ask, what has changed since it last worked correctly?

Same remote?
Same P3S?
Same Android?


Rod ..

Yes, I can start and stop the motors. I can't take pictures because the camera menu on the right side of the screen doesn't work. It's as if there's no camera at all. Weird thing is, that everything worked fine before it got put up for a year (maybe two).

The only thing that's changed is that it got a new battery. I did also replace the micro SD card to see if that was the problem. It didn't fix it.

 

[TexasJohn]

Thanks to those who have responded so far. Still no luck, though.

So here's what I tried next; Installed DJI Go from the DJI website on my Samsung 24 phone. I was using an Android 10" tablet which used to work fine before.

The app on the Samsung phone now has a red bar across the top of the screen which says "image transmission signal weak". It never said that on the tablet. Does that mean the image signal between the controller and the phone or the P3 and the controller? As I understand it, video and data is sent to the controller which relays the data to the phone, right?

Also, the app says that "remaining SD card capacity 0". even though its got a brand new 64gig card in it.

The camera menu along the right sided of the screen is still greyed out just as if there is no camera. Gimbal still calibrates and all other data are displayed on the screen just fine.

Is my camera actually dead? I'm reluctant to spend any more money on a replacement camera. Even used cameras on eBay are north of $80.

What should I try next?

 

[quaddamage]

Camera in Ph3 Std has itd own separate radio link. So the issue could be in the chip controlling the video encoding (Ambarella), or in the chip transmitting the data (Atheros, according to this link).

To diagnose the issue, you need firmware update logs. It would be best to gather them without actually updating the firmware.

Ph3 Std has the FW update via SD-card function, right? If so:

1. Place old version of FW on SD-card, start the drone (pick a version which is older than current, so will NOT update the FW). It should not start FW update, but if it does, wait until it's done.
2. Check logs written on the SD-card. Make sure you know how to find them, in particular you realize what hidden attribute is.

Now:
* If there are no logs, Ambarella must be non-functional - Ambarella controls the SD-card and writes the logs.
* If there are logs, they may contain information about which module is not responding.

If Ambarella is dead:
* Make the Gimbal Top Board accessible, check if it has power (service pads should have voltages written on them)
* Further checks will require connecting the Gimbal Top Board to PC using USB-to-TTL stick.

If it's not power, then the chip probably needs reflashing. I don't think anyone here successfully performed manual flashing procedure either on Ambarella or on Atheros.

EDIT:

I forgot in Ph3 Std the Ambarella is not on top board, it is just next to the CMOS sensor.
Seeing the incorrectly marked "sensor data" on the image below made me remember that.

Anyway, in this case you should also check there - on a board behind the camera lens - if the chip is powered.

 

[RodPad]

I see that @Oso, is also watching.

Any P3S signal problems, I like to share this diagram.
Never has anybody stated it was incorrect?

My firmware issues was never related to live view etc.

It was, signal poor, signal lost, signal solid, it wanting to RTH, Etc.
It happened to me twice. They fixed both under warranty, Never any details of what they did.

Summery I could fly it 3/4 mile and see it.
After firmware, the next flight, signal loss issues would start.
Less then 50'

I could have thrown a tennis ball and hit it.
YES!!

Rod ..

B

Thread 'P3S block diagram.'

Feb 20, 2019

Hope this helps someone, it's a block diagram and notes I put together while working out how the P3s system works.

• Bigbadbob76
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Phantom 3 Standard

• 

 

[TexasJohn]

I see that @Oso, is also watching.

Any P3S signal problems, I like to share this diagram.
Never has anybody stated it was incorrect?

My firmware issues was never related to live view etc.

It was, signal poor, signal lost, signal solid, it wanting to RTH, Etc.
It happened to me twice. They fixed both under warranty, Never any details of what they did.

Summery I could fly it 3/4 mile and see it.
After firmware, the next flight, signal loss issues would start.
Less then 50'

I could have thrown a tennis ball and hit it.
YES!!

Rod ..

B

Thread 'P3S block diagram.'

Feb 20, 2019

Hope this helps someone, it's a block diagram and notes I put together while working out how the P3s system works.

• Bigbadbob76
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Phantom 3 Standard

• 

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Stuff I didn't know even though I've had the P3 a long time.

 

[TexasJohn]

So...what are the odds that the camera actually is dead? If so, I've seen used replacement cameras on eBay for around $80.

 

[jiminyfixit]

I believe I've done my due diligence researching this common P3 no video issue but so far every thing I've tried has not worked. Everything on my P3 seems to work except for video.

There's quite a few videos on YouTube that address this issue but none of them solved my problem. Searched this forum but so far no luck.

My P3 has firmware Ver 1.9.20, which I believe is the latest version on the DJI website. The controller, P3 and Android pad all link up successfully. I can see all the aircraft info but the screen is black. I'm able to calibrate the gimbal and move the camera. One thing that is interesting, the camera menu on the right edge of the screen doesn't work. I've replaced the micro sd card with a brand new one. I've also got a brand new flight battery.

I have not tried re-linking the controller or reinstalling the firmware...could that possible be the problem? I don't see how though since everything but the video works.

The video worked just fine before the P3 was ignored before Covid. I guess my main question is, did something in the camera die while my drone waited out during Covid?

Any suggestions are welcome.

Since your fist post on this topic, I have reviewed all the responses & finally need to offer my input. It is the upper main board. DJI used cheap video chips, and the P3Std suffered from being at the low cost end of the P3 line. I have repaired over 400 DJI cams over the last 15 years & the P3Std had an inherent issue with loosing video from non-use. I have relied on finding just the top board to complete a repair many times, along with replacing the camera body with the SD card slot in it. THAT was an amazing stupid move on DJI's part because it is one of the primary causes of the gimbal dance in the P3Std. Not everybody has a spare camera to use as a test cam for pinpointing issues with these cams, but I was always able to use my test cams to swap out components to find the problems. Look for a working top board on eBay, they pop up now & then, or just buy a complete working camera, whatever fits your budget. The P3Std is a well-liked model, so I'm sure you'll be up and flying it soon.

 

[TexasJohn]

Since your fist post on this topic, I have reviewed all the responses & finally need to offer my input. It is the upper main board. DJI used cheap video chips, and the P3Std suffered from being at the low cost end of the P3 line. I have repaired over 400 DJI cams over the last 15 years & the P3Std had an inherent issue with loosing video from non-use. I have relied on finding just the top board to complete a repair many times, along with replacing the camera body with the SD card slot in it. THAT was an amazing stupid move on DJI's part because it is one of the primary causes of the gimbal dance in the P3Std. Not everybody has a spare camera to use as a test cam for pinpointing issues with these cams, but I was always able to use my test cams to swap out components to find the problems. Look for a working top board on eBay, they pop up now & then, or just buy a complete working camera, whatever fits your budget. The P3Std is a well-liked model, so I'm sure you'll be up and flying it soon.

Thanks for the great input. I've seen used, supposedly tested complete assemblies on eBay for around $85. I think I'll go that route. Your input is very much encouraging. Thanks!

 

[TexasJohn]

Thanks for the great input. I've seen used, supposedly tested complete assemblies on eBay for around $85. I think I'll go that route. Your input is very much encouraging. Thanks!

Well, I pulled the trigger on a brand new camera and gimbal coming from a guy in Garland, Texas which is only about 50 miles from me. I might need some help actually doing the replacement. Let's hope it fixes the problem. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[RodPad]

My P3S, basically replaced under warranty twice.
It was working like it should, 200' mission AGL, found a 220+ Pine tree, I could start and stop the motors, get live video from the camera, could move the camera a little.

Tree let it loose before I could attempt to retrieve it.
I still got the remote, and the bird parts.

Bird parts, 5 large parts, etc.
It was ugly, I have no way test any of these parts.

Rod ..

 

[jiminyfixit]

Well, I pulled the trigger on a brand new camera and gimbal coming from a guy in Garland, Texas which is only about 50 miles from me. I might need some help actually doing the replacement. Let's hope it fixes the problem. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Let us all know how it goes. Gotta keep those P3Std's flying.

 

[TexasJohn]

Installed the $160, supposedly "new" camera that I bought from the guy in Garland, Texas. Still no video. He claims it's a new take-off from a new P3. So, I'm guessing it probably sat idle just as long as my original camera.

However, let's suppose the camera does in fact work like new. Is there something internal to the Phantom body that could be the problem? Or does anyone think updating firmware (re-installing) might fix it? If so, where would I even get the firmware now? It's not on the DJI website.

Just to reiterate; I can see all the data and buttons on the app on my phone and tablet. But it's on a black screen (no live camera image). The camera controls on the right side of the screen are greyed out as if there's no camera present.

Any suggestions or comments will be much appreciated.

 

[captainmilehigh]

With all the camera replacement procedures, did you replace the cameras flat ribbon cable? It is part number #85 for the standard. These cables are extremely delicate and have hair-thin wires that control camera feed to the gimbal. They are notorious for issues if damaged.


Below is the link for phantomhelp.com. It is provided by member @msinger, a long time contributor to the forums.

Just be sure to select the correct drone model from the drop down menu (Phantom 3 Standard) If necessary, the firmware archive is at the bottom of the main drop down menu. I DO NOT recommend messing with the firmware just yet. It would be a last resort to try.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

Phantom Help is a site for help with DJI Phantom 3 Standard drones. Find the latest fixes, how-tos, guides, accessories, modifications, and more.

www.phantomhelp.com

 

[RodPad]

With all the camera replacement procedures, did you replace the cameras flat ribbon cable? It is part number #85 for the standard. These cables are extremely delicate and have hair-thin wires that control camera feed to the gimbal. They are notorious for issues if damaged.


Below is the link for phantomhelp.com. It is provided by member @msinger, a long time contributor to the forums.

Just be sure to select the correct drone model from the drop down menu (Phantom 3 Standard) If necessary, the firmware archive is at the bottom of the main drop down menu. I DO NOT recommend messing with the firmware just yet. It would be a last resort to try.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

Phantom Help is a site for help with DJI Phantom 3 Standard drones. Find the latest fixes, how-tos, guides, accessories, modifications, and more.

www.phantomhelp.com

Wow, for sure.

Rod ..

 

[TexasJohn]

With all the camera replacement procedures, did you replace the cameras flat ribbon cable? It is part number #85 for the standard. These cables are extremely delicate and have hair-thin wires that control camera feed to the gimbal. They are notorious for issues if damaged.


Below is the link for phantomhelp.com. It is provided by member @msinger, a long time contributor to the forums.

Just be sure to select the correct drone model from the drop down menu (Phantom 3 Standard) If necessary, the firmware archive is at the bottom of the main drop down menu. I DO NOT recommend messing with the firmware just yet. It would be a last resort to try.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

Phantom Help is a site for help with DJI Phantom 3 Standard drones. Find the latest fixes, how-tos, guides, accessories, modifications, and more.

www.phantomhelp.com

Thanks for the info and suggestion. I won't be able to do anything for a couple of weeks but will give that a try next. Firmware is the last thing I want to mess with. Hope it doesn't come down to that.

 

[captainmilehigh]

Thanks for the info and suggestion. I won't be able to do anything for a couple of weeks but will give that a try next. Firmware is the last thing I want to mess with. Hope it doesn't come down to that.

• Ribbon Cable Issues:
• Inspect for any visible damage.
• Ensure the cable is fully and correctly seated in its connectors.

Software and settings solutions

• Update the DJI GO app.
  • Try using a different mobile device and/or a different version of the DJI GO app. The issue may be as simple as an older version of the DJI GoApp not being compatible with the installed firmware version.
  • If you recently updated the firmware, there might have been an issue. Try manually re-installing the firmware to the latest version using the official DJI method. (When all else fails.)
• Reset camera settings: Resetting the camera to its default settings can resolve some issues.
  • This can be done through the camera settings menu in the DJI GO app.
  • Be aware that this will erase any custom settings you may have configured.
• Check the SD card: An incompatible or corrupted SD card can sometimes cause a lack of video feed, though this is less common than a cable issue.
  • Try flying without an SD card to see if the feed returns.
  • If it does, the SD card may be the problem. Try a different, compatible card.

If you do find it necessary to replace the ribbon cable, be 100% sure it is a DJI OEM cable #85. There are dozens of copycat ribbon cables out there that very rarely work correctly.

Quick question: when you purchased the 'new' camera, was it just the camera.....or the complete camera/gimbal assembly?

Good luck. Update us when you get a chance............