Peeves about DJI

[RPP]

I was in Iceland earlier this week, about to launch a Phantom 4 Pro mission one morning. Unbeknownst to me, my iPad had downloaded the latest DJI App update. When I fired up the controller and iPad, I was asked to log in. Since my iPad is Wifi only, I was stuck - almost. Fortunately, I had my iPhone with me and used its hotspot to log in. Else it would have been close but no cigar. What the hell is DJI thinking? Had I been in a remote place with no iPhone signal, I would have been locked out.

Furthermore, as soon as I launched I found out that the update had tampered with my settings: it had changed the maximum flying distance value. I also noticed that the camera shutter performance had degraded with the update.

On a completely different note: A few days before this incident I was flying the bird close to a mountain. The winds were strong and I was really pushing it. At one point the drone was close to the mountain slope and it got hit by a strong gust. Next thing I know, it is flying off, hurtling towards the mountain. My heart sank, and I was resigned to losing it. All I could do was hit the RTH button and pray. Fortunately, a few seconds later the bird began to hover in its place and I could then bring it back with the controller. Lesson learnt: never fly close to mountain slopes in strong winds. On the whole, this is one tough little bird and I pushed it this time in fairly strong winds - mainly I wanted to put it up over me and get a vantage point for stills.

 

[Jayfdee]

OK complaint about DJI, in your first part, and then praise in the second half. Yes it is a roller coaster ride with DJI and their products.
Me , I have a P4 and a Mavic, both are excellent, yes problems with updates etc, but I think it is all part of the experience.

Fortunately I have never had to deal direct with DJI, and I am on my 3rd drone.

 

[ryantrax]

I agree it is a roller coaster ride. I have the P4P, Mavic, Inspire 1 Pro and Spark currently. I've had a P3A and an original P1. I've had nothing but good experiences, the occasional hiccup sure, but nothing that couldn't be overcome with google and this forum.

 

[tcope]

I was in Iceland earlier this week, about to launch a Phantom 4 Pro mission one morning. Unbeknownst to me, my iPad had downloaded the latest DJI App update.

This is an iOS setting.

When I fired up the controller and iPad, I was asked to log in. Since my iPad is Wifi only, I was stuck - almost. Fortunately, I had my iPhone with me and used its hotspot to log in. Else it would have been close but no cigar. What the hell is DJI thinking? Had I been in a remote place with no iPhone signal, I would have been locked out.[/quot]Part of the install from DJI gave you the information that this was needed. It was also included in the release note. It appears you did not read this information. I don't see any fault with DJI. You did not need to upgrade and a notice was given with this information.

Furthermore, as soon as I launched I found out that the update had tampered with my settings: it had changed the maximum flying distance value. I also noticed that the camera shutter performance had degraded with the update.

DJI also includes this notice as part of the download. They _always_ have stated that the update may change settings and to check them.

I understand your frustration but DJI is not at fault for it.

 

[bhartwell]

I think DJI sees itself more like a software company then it does a product company. With Software, the user really doesn’t “own”the software, they license it. So the vendor is free to modify the behavior of the software pretty much at will and the user or owner really doesn’t have much say in the matter.

From that perspective, DJI seems to feel it reasonable and appropriate to modify the operating system of our drones as they see fit. Granted, these are labeled enhancements and for the most part they are. Up until restrictive changes are made without the users and in this case, the actual owner of the physical product’s knowledge and or permission.

So the rub here, legally anyway, is what right does DJI have to modify their product, after you own it and it is legally yours? They have a bit of a loophole in that they can say they are not forcing upgrades, but when the warranty is voided unless an upgrade is performed, are they not effectively forcing the upgrade?

So, is DJI a software or a hardware products company, or both?

 

[RPP]

This is an iOS setting.

I know. Most people have it configured for auto-updates. I’m not blaming DJI for the auto-update, but for requiring me to log in again, for which WiFi connectivity is required. There should have been an option to bypass that step.

 

[John Locke]

I know. Most people have it configured for auto-updates. I’m not blaming DJI for the auto-update, but for requiring me to log in again, for which WiFi connectivity is required. There should have been an option to bypass that step.

You've learned a lesson, a fundamental lesson with DJI. NEVER UPDATE! You need to disable the auto update in your iPad, this is ESSENTIAL! If you feel compelled to update, make sure you do it at least 1 month before you absolutely need to fly, as it may take you a while to resolve issues from updating. I fear updates more than crashing! I don't update for fear of what DJI puts in the s/w and not tell you about, like their clever and quiet removal of the ability to disable smart RTH, then they remove the ability to go back to previous rev firmware. That tells you something right there.

I think DJI sees itself more like a software company then it does a product company.

This made me laugh. DJI a software company? Not even close! Their app is extensive, granted, but it's often got issues, mainly adding "big brother" restrictions, and silly login requirements, not to mention their invasion of privacy (commies). They have a history of releasing s/w without adequate testing, only to fix the reported problems from customers (customers are their beta testers) and release again without adequate testing again. Once you find something that works, you'd be wise to stick with it and NEVER change. DJI has the habit if increasing complexity and over-watch using poor databases for heliports and dirt air runways.

As for hardware? It's the best drone in the market by far, however they have a huge problem with consistency of quality. The design seems to be stellar, but the build quality is ALL OVER THE MAP. They don't test their drones before shipping, so customers get the pleasure of validating their drones after paying a handsome price. MAKE SURE you buy from a source that will exchange your drone if you get a bad one, instead of waiting weeks for DJI to swap it out or fix your problem.