Phantom 3 Pro Controller GL300C Problem

[LarBear360]

I've been maintaining my batts but apparently my GL300C controller needed more frequent charging. Attached the charger yesterday and only one light lit up, not the usual 4 L to R chaser lights. I let it sit and came back after a while and noticed the area around the charging port was warmer than I ever recall. Unplugged it, let it cool, and plugged it back it. Now all 4 chaser lights work fine but after about 1 minute they go off and the unit does not power up.

I'm considering replacing the battery but I could also purchase a used controller for just a little more. My concern there is getting that unit in synch with the drone. I've been declining the updates ever since I acquired the drone. It always worked fine and the firmware upgrades scared me.

So here I am looking for advice as to what any of you think may be the issue with the controller. Should I buy a new battery? Or what are the pitfalls of replacing the controller with a used one? Lastly, if I decide on a used controller, what is the safest place to look? Plenty on e-bay but anyplace else?

 

[captainmilehigh]

I've been maintaining my batts but apparently my GL300C controller needed more frequent charging. Attached the charger yesterday and only one light lit up, not the usual 4 L to R chaser lights. I let it sit and came back after a while and noticed the area around the charging port was warmer than I ever recall. Unplugged it, let it cool, and plugged it back it. Now all 4 chaser lights work fine but after about 1 minute they go off and the unit does not power up.

I'm considering replacing the battery but I could also purchase a used controller for just a little more. My concern there is getting that unit in synch with the drone. I've been declining the updates ever since I acquired the drone. It always worked fine and the firmware upgrades scared me.

So here I am looking for advice as to what any of you think may be the issue with the controller. Should I buy a new battery? Or what are the pitfalls of replacing the controller with a used one? Lastly, if I decide on a used controller, what is the safest place to look? Plenty on e-bay but anyplace else?

My controller from 2015 finally decided to have battery issues late 2025. I replaced the battery and all is great, with no issues or problems since.

In your case, my concern would be to purchase a used controller that had updated firmware that wouldn't play nice with your 'not updated firmware' bird.

I don't update firmware either (haven't since 2015), so a battery change was less of a risk than a different controller.

 

[LarBear360]

My controller from 2015 finally decided to have battery issues late 2025. I replaced the battery and all is great, with no issues or problems since.

In your case, my concern would be to purchase a used controller that had updated firmware that wouldn't play nice with your 'not updated firmware' bird.

I don't update firmware either (haven't since 2015), so a battery change was less of a risk than a different controller.

Thank you for your prompt reply. How did you know it was the battery and not something else? Don't want to invest in a battery only to find it's something else.

 

[captainmilehigh]

Thank you for your prompt reply. How did you know it was the battery and not something else? Don't want to invest in a battery only to find it's something else.

Mine just took longer to charge than normal..........then discharged faster than normal during use. Just figured it was getting tired after ten years of use. Really was surprised it lasted that long.

 

[LarBear360]

Welcome surprise this morning. Decided to try one more time to charge the unit. And it worked. Fully charged. Not sure what the problem was. Going to take the drone out to the park on Tuesday. Fingers crossed it holds.

 

[captainmilehigh]

Welcome surprise this morning. Decided to try one more time to charge the unit. And it worked. Fully charged. Not sure what the problem was. Going to take the drone out to the park on Tuesday. Fingers crossed it holds.

Good news ............ like you said in post #1, maybe the controller needs more charging frequency when they get 'older'.