Solved - Phantom 3a and Android 13 cant get the "camera" button to show.

[ninja_plys]

Hi all.


I just bought a 2nd hand phantom 3 advanced 2 days ago.
My first drone.
Today i spent 7 hours trying to connect my phone to the controller. I get the charging going. But the app just show "how to connect" button. I dont know the firmware of the ac or the rc. The ac and rc connect fine i can control the gimball.
I tried firmware updating both. The ac crash the update and the remote just do nothing when i load from usb. Guess its newer then what? 1.4.

Is my phone to new for this should i figure out how to get an old phone to make this work or what are my options?


SOLUTION:
Install version 2.4.2 of DJI Go app i found it on DJI go 2.4.2 from apkmirror.com i guess its as safe as it gets without being the playstore.
Turn usb debugging on within the developer options of android.

I had a broken kernel in the USB board since updating through USB didnt work i manually updated it following @quaddamage guide on the following site:
dji-technical-stuff/davinci-manual-flash-firmware-in-gl300-rc.md at main · quaddama9e/dji-technical-stuff
I followed the Picture guide and ended up at a point where i needed to reflash the kernel.

I bought this unit: PL2303HX USB To TTL it had some driver issues but is easy to find the old drivers with a google search.

It was kinda scary to start soldering on the controller board for me but it was quite easy. Note, when testing you dont have to desolder the USB-TTL from the board i did that alot in the beginning and with all that soldering i could make a mistake, i didnt though and my drone is now working.

 

[RodPad]

Welcome to the forum!

There is a lot of members that help you out!

My #1 DON'T MESS WITH THE FIRMWARE!
That is the last thing you try.

There is so many variables related to the mobile device, the DJI GO software, Lights on the remote, lights on the P3A and more.
Yes really.

There is a lot of info on @msinger website.

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

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

www.phantomhelp.com

#2 Do have any knowledge of this P3A past.
#3 Do you have a P3A or P3P remote.
#4 Have you ever seen this fly?

I been here for awhile.
At the moment stay with this thread, this forum is way different then the others.

Rod ..

 

[quaddamage]

the app just show "how to connect" button.

"the" app? Are you sure you've installed an app compatible with Ph3?
You can swipe through the drone models, if no phantom there - not the app you're looking for.

I dont know the firmware of the ac or the rc.

If you tried to upgrade AC FW, then log was created on the sd-card. Check the log for current version.
For RC - there are ways without the mobile, but not for newbies. you will see it when your app works.

Also, not a good idea in general to update the FW of these drones. You mostly update the spyware and mechanisms to take away control from you; the updates are beneficial, but very rarely for users.

The ac and rc connect fine i can control the gimball.

Ok, that's good. Make sure you won't overheat it by keeping it working on the ground for too long. Because if you will, you will get no picture on the mobile. Also, you can turn on motors using CSC. What is that? - read the manual!

the remote just do nothing when i load from usb

Only GL300a can upgrade from USB. Also, GL300a sometimes may have problem booting the interface board - a small board which has the USB port on. So if you're using a correct app, the next thing to check is whether you have GL300a RC, and whether the processor on interface board boots.

 

[ninja_plys]

Im using dji go app. Phantom 3 is there.
I have gl300a rc.

I havent seen it fly. Yeah i should probably try csc.

Ive been a bit afraid to turn on motors without mobile connection in case it fly away. But i guess i could just leave the props in the box.

I read the manual a few times now not much help in there.

Ill take a look at that website thanks.

Almost al the guides i found of recent time said update firmware. Glad it didnt work then.

Edit.
Csc works fine.
Ab log says.

2014.01.01 00:00:11 unsync
Packet: p3s_fw_v01.11.0020.bin
Upgrading...
Result failed
Reboot and try again

I just read a long thread about usb cables. I tried 3 different usb c cables both primary charge and primary data. There was no cable in the box so using what i have around the house. Could this be my problem?

 

[quaddamage]

Almost al the guides i found of recent time said update firmware.

In most devices, updating FW is a good practice. The DJI drones are an exception. I mean, every material from DJI will urge you to update. But after so many years, the users know better.

I tried 3 different usb c cables both primary charge and primary data.

It's up to you to decide whether that was enough of a verification. If a cable is confirmed to work for data transfer somewhere else, there's little chance it wouldn't work for the drone.

You could try an older mobile device, if you have one using micro-usb-b.

Sometimes there are issues on mobile with permission to use the usb device - did you get a monit about which app to use after plugging the USB?

Also, while I never did that personally, it's probably a good idea to check if the RC "talks" to the phone - there are apps for listing connected USB devices. I found this one:

OTG Guru - List USB devices - Apps on Google Play

Show USB device details like VID, PID, Class, Interfaces, Endpoint types.

play.google.com

If the device isn't listed there, and you checked enough USB cables - the possibility of interface board in the RC not booting becomes the most probable option.

My guide for fixing firmware in the interface board is here:

dji-technical-stuff/davinci-manual-flash-firmware-in-gl300-rc.md at main · quaddama9e/dji-technical-stuff

Technical details and howtos about DJI drones. Contribute to quaddama9e/dji-technical-stuff development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

You will find other guides for fixing the DaVinci chip firmware, including video ones. Most are focused on fixing the same chip within gimbal (your model doesn't have it), but the procedure is very similar. Also most of such guides are making more assumptions and providing less explanations - up to you to decide which one you want to follow.

And yes, at this point you will need soldering station, some skill (better try soldering some junk first, or you will damage the pads), and the USB-to-TTL converter.

Or, another GL300a/b/c RC.

EDIT:
for the log you provided - we can't get much information from your transcription. Here is how you should expect the log to look like:

G

Thread '"Device not detected" what do I replace?'

Feb 12, 2017

Here is the hidden log file:

[00230711]Version checking[2]...
[00243330][03 05][00] device not detected.
[00255956][03 06][00] device not detected.
[00256066][04 00][00] v1.48.0.0 -> v1.44.0.0
[00268673][11 00][00] device not detected.
[00281286][12 00][00] device not detected.
[00293894][12 01][00] device not detected.
[00306507][12 02][00] device not detected.
[00319119][12 03][00] device not detected.
[00341742][15 00][00] device not detected.
[00354359][17 00][00] device not detected.
[00366967][17 01][00] device not detected.
[00379579][19 00][00] device not detected.
[00379687][01 00][00] v1.25.5432 -> v1.23.4920 need upgrade
[00379796][01 01][05] v1.23.4920 -> v1.23.4920
[00392404][09...

• glosol
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Phantom 3 Pro/Adv

 

[crash1sttime]

Hi all.


I just bought a 2nd hand phantom 3 advanced 2 days ago.

congratulations, its a good beginner drone

My first drone.
Today i spent 7 hours trying to connect my phone to the controller. I get the charging going. But the app just show "how to connect" button.

The app to use is the DJI GO app, you dont say if its an Android or IOS phone, the Android app should be downloaded from the DJ website, google it for the download link, the IOS app is on the app store.

what type of phone is it
what color light is the controller showing,
You plug the phone into the rear of the controller, any normal USB lead should work, with Android devices it should pop up a box and asking if you want to use the DJI app, I have seen some phones not recognise the controller being plugged in subsequently these have been written off as no good.
Yes an older phone is better as the app was written for that type of device, but we can answer that when you tell us what it is

I dont know the firmware of the ac or the rc. The ac and rc connect fine i can control the gimball.

Can you start the motors, if so then at least we know its bound to the quad correctly.

 

[captainmilehigh]

congratulations, its a good beginner drone

The app to use is the DJI GO app, you dont say if its an Android or IOS phone, the Android app should be downloaded from the DJ website, google it for the download link, the IOS app is on the app store.

what type of phone is it
what color light is the controller showing,
You plug the phone into the rear of the controller, any normal USB lead should work, with Android devices it should pop up a box and asking if you want to use the DJI app, I have seen some phones not recognise the controller being plugged in subsequently these have been written off as no good.
Yes an older phone is better as the app was written for that type of device, but we can answer that when you tell us what it is

Can you start the motors, if so then at least we know its bound to the quad correctly.

Post title says Android 13.

 

[RodPad]

@captainmilehigh
Well, you made me go through the hole thread and you are correct. That is in the title
How many times I looked at assembly type instructions. My wife a massive reader will say why are you looking there, look at the title.

One time she said, when did you learn french.
Not really, hope somebody cracked a Smile.

Rod ..

 

[ninja_plys]

Thanks all ill have some new stuff to try now. Nothing pops up on the phone when connected. Its a Fairphone 3. My wifes pixel 4 didnt register the controller at all.
Ill try to dust off some old phone or tablet and test with that too

 

[crash1sttime]

Post title says Android 13.

But does it say what phone it is?

 

[captainmilehigh]

But does it say what phone it is?

No idea. He's trying something else now, so I'll hush.

 

[ninja_plys]

I tried with a Samsung Galaxy s5 last night. Same result, it charge when connected then nothing. here is a video of the process, also showing the blinks. And motor studying

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This is a 3 sec video showing the front diode aswell.

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That story did make me laugh captn .

 

[RodPad]

@ninja_plys
I can tell you are a professional video editor

"Same result, it charge when connected then nothing."
I'm total lost with that post.

Somebody help me if I'm missing something.

Rod ..

 

[ninja_plys]

@ninja_plys
I can tell you are a professional video editor

"Same result, it charge when connected then nothing."
I'm total lost with that post.

Somebody help me if I'm missing something.

Rod ..i

@ninja_plys
I can tell you are a professional video editor

"Same result, it charge when connected then nothing."
I'm total lost with that post.

Somebody help me if I'm missing something.

Rod ..

Haha yeah im quite pro at recording videos
Am i unclear in my writings or does my problem just not make sense? .

 

[RodPad]

All good,
Some where I got lost, good if your getting help!

Rod ..

 

[ninja_plys]

In most devices, updating FW is a good practice. The DJI drones are an exception. I mean, every material from DJI will urge you to update. But after so many years, the users know better.


It's up to you to decide whether that was enough of a verification. If a cable is confirmed to work for data transfer somewhere else, there's little chance it wouldn't work for the drone.

You could try an older mobile device, if you have one using micro-usb-b.

Samsung Galaxy s5 has the same result.

Sometimes there are issues on mobile with permission to use the usb device - did you get a monit about which app to use after plugging the USB?

Also, while I never did that personally, it's probably a good idea to check if the RC "talks" to the phone - there are apps for listing connected USB devices. I found this one:

OTG Guru - List USB devices - Apps on Google Play

Show USB device details like VID, PID, Class, Interfaces, Endpoint types.

play.google.com

If the device isn't listed there, and you checked enough USB cables - the possibility of interface board in the RC not booting becomes the most probable option.

It doesnt show in the otg app. But my pc doesnt show either, maybe the app doesnt work.

My guide for fixing firmware in the interface board is here:

dji-technical-stuff/davinci-manual-flash-firmware-in-gl300-rc.md at main · quaddama9e/dji-technical-stuff

Technical details and howtos about DJI drones. Contribute to quaddama9e/dji-technical-stuff development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

You will find other guides for fixing the DaVinci chip firmware, including video ones. Most are focused on fixing the same chip within gimbal (your model doesn't have it), but the procedure is very similar. Also most of such guides are making more assumptions and providing less explanations - up to you to decide which one you want to follow.

And yes, at this point you will need soldering station, some skill (better try soldering some junk first, or you will damage the pads), and the USB-to-TTL converter.

Or, another GL300a/b/c RC.

EDIT:
for the log you provided - we can't get much information from your transcription. Here is how you should expect the log to look like:

G

Thread '"Device not detected" what do I replace?'

Feb 12, 2017

Here is the hidden log file:

[00230711]Version checking[2]...
[00243330][03 05][00] device not detected.
[00255956][03 06][00] device not detected.
[00256066][04 00][00] v1.48.0.0 -> v1.44.0.0
[00268673][11 00][00] device not detected.
[00281286][12 00][00] device not detected.
[00293894][12 01][00] device not detected.
[00306507][12 02][00] device not detected.
[00319119][12 03][00] device not detected.
[00341742][15 00][00] device not detected.
[00354359][17 00][00] device not detected.
[00366967][17 01][00] device not detected.
[00379579][19 00][00] device not detected.
[00379687][01 00][00] v1.25.5432 -> v1.23.4920 need upgrade
[00379796][01 01][05] v1.23.4920 -> v1.23.4920
[00392404][09...

• glosol
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Phantom 3 Pro/Adv

With hidden files shown i dont get any better results on the log.
Im going through your picture guide. Im at the point of getting older firmware to get a log. Can you point me in the direction of getting older firmware for this?
Great guide btw.
I can record film and pictures with the drone too. Still stuck at "how to connect".

 

[quaddamage]

Can you point me in the direction of getting older firmware for this?

The easiest source is here:

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

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

www.phantomhelp.com

I'm usually using a program called Dank Drone Downloader - a bit suspicious application, but has a lot of various firmwares gathered over the years. Available on github.

 

[ninja_plys]

This is the log i get when i put in the v01.01 file, nothing else.
As before its a pretty sparse logfile especialy when i look at your guide @quaddamage.
I guess its time to start the soldering and connect my new usb to ttl module.


========== 2014.01.01 00:00:13 unsynchronized ======
Packet: P3S_FW_V01.01.0008.bin
Result: Abort.
The firmware on the SD card is identical to or older than the current firmware on the aircraft.

 

[quaddamage]

========== 2014.01.01 00:00:13 unsynchronized ======
Packet: P3S_FW_V01.01.0008.bin
Result: Abort.
The firmware on the SD card is identical to or older than the current firmware on the aircraft.

What you've pasted is content of `P3x_FW_RESULT_AB.txt`. What provides useful information is `P3x_FW_LOG_AB.txt`.
And yes, the proper log is on your sd-card, it is created alongside the useless one.

 

[ninja_plys]

Ohh i see.
I thought it was supposed to be in the root folder my bad.
Yes it was in the MISC folder.

[00013442]========== 2014.01.01 00:00:13 unsynchronized ======
[00013448]Packet [C:\P3S_FW_V01.01.0008.bin] detected.
[00013451]Packet upgrade start...

[00013455]Packet checking...
[00013458]Done.

[00013461]Version checking[1]...
[00013485][03 05] v34.2.0.8 -> v34.2.0.8
[00013526][03 06] v2.1.6.18 -> v2.1.6.7
[00013536][04 00] v1.36.0.0 -> v1.36.0.0
[00013555][09 00] v1.7.0.3 -> v1.7.0.3
[00013625][11 00] v1.6.0.0 -> v1.6.0.0
[00013681][12 00] v1.8.0.0 -> v1.7.0.0
[00013710][12 01] v1.8.0.0 -> v1.7.0.0
[00013756][12 02] v1.8.0.0 -> v1.7.0.0
[00013800][12 03] v1.8.0.0 -> v1.7.0.0
[00013814][15 00] v1.1.2.0 -> v1.1.2.0
[00013855][17 00] v1.1.1.2 -> v1.1.1.2
[00013930][17 01] v1.0.2.4 -> v1.0.2.4
[00013955][19 00] v1.0.8.59 -> v1.0.8.59
[00013960][01 00] v1.7.2735 -> v1.7.2735
[00013964][01 01] v1.7.2735 -> v1.7.2735
[00013968]Packet upgrade cancelled at version checking.