Repairing "Older" Models

[Melvoid]

Just thought I'd pass on some info. I have a P3A that I purchased in Feb. of 2016. It's been fine until this year when I started having some camera issues. After only three flights in May, the camera seemed to start up fine, but within a few moments, it hung limp on the gimbal, and there was no control or picture feed (it flew just fine, only problem was camera). I contacted Dronefly who told me flat out that they're not fixing them anymore, too old, no parts, thank you, goodbye. So now I have a thousand-dollar paperweight?

So I looked around a bit and found a place in Plano, TX called Drone Repair Expert (dronerepairexpert.com). He not only correctly diagnosed the problem via email, he had it fixed and back to me in 2 weeks... with a holiday in the middle of said time period.

If you have an older model that needs attention, I'd recommend this place.

 

[MapMaker53]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[Shoot4fun]

Nice! P3S crasher here. Always good to know a place that'll fix what I screw up!

 

[Steve7777]

Just thought I'd pass on some info. I have a P3A that I purchased in Feb. of 2013.

I'd be pretty surprised if that is true because the Phantom 3 range wasn't launched until April 2015. DJI Unveils the Phantom 3, the Next Evolution of the World’s Most Popular Consumer Drone

Nonetheless, thanks for the heads-up on a good repair service.

 

[Melvoid]

I'd be pretty surprised if that is true because the Phantom 3 range wasn't launched until April 2015. DJI Unveils the Phantom 3, the Next Evolution of the World’s Most Popular Consumer Drone

Nonetheless, thanks for the heads-up on a good repair service.

You are correct. I should have said February of 2016!! Good catch. My P1 was purchased in 2013.

 

[dronesky]

I'd be pretty surprised if that is true because the Phantom 3 range wasn't launched until April 2015. DJI Unveils the Phantom 3, the Next Evolution of the World’s Most Popular Consumer Drone

Nonetheless, thanks for the heads-up on a good repair service.

Wow on my computer the OP states he bought it on Feb 2016 never mind seen he updated his post

 

[Capt KO]

I had the exact same problem happen to the P3S, that I just got. I was freaked out no picture and a limp camera after start up. With everything turned off, I was able to manually make the camera go through all of its moves, Restarted the P3 and everything works perfect now. Wish I could’ve told you this before your repair, to at least try. Glad you’re flying again good luck.

 

[Melvoid]

Wow on my computer the OP states he bought it on Feb 2016 never mind seen he updated his post

Yup. After he pointed it out, I went back and edited it. 2016 is correct.

 

[quister]

Melvoid, Would you mind sharing what the problem was and what the final bill came to with your Phantom? I have a P3 Advanced that has no camera function. I didn't pay a lot for it used. The cost of repair would greatly influence my decision on what to do next. I think there are quite a few of us out here with this issue so it's always nice to get some current information.