- Joined
- Apr 22, 2013
- Messages
- 179
- Reaction score
- 9
The short story: I upgraded the board on my Phantom. A handful of flights later, it caused a major crash. I purchased another Phantom and another upgrade board. This one is showing the exact same problem.
Long story:
PHANTOM PURCHASED IN APRIL
I have had at least 150 flights with no crashes. I have always upgraded to the latest firmware and purchased a gimbal about 1 week after it was introduced. Everything has been well.
On August 23rd, I installed the upgrade board and had about 6 to 10 successful flights. Then, for no apparent reason, the Phantom wobbled, flipped upside down, and crashed on a hard surface. Damage was the GoPro camera and Phantom shell. Since then, when connecting it to the computer, the NAZA software says “GPS Needed” as if the GPS is not even connected. With a few power cycles, it was able to “see” the GPS again, but only for a few seconds. Since then, it has been unable to see it. I suspected a faulty upgrade board.
Since it takes a while for DJI to respond, I ordered a new upgrade board for my broken Phantom, which has not yet arrived. While waiting, and yes, I use it for business too, I purchased another Phantom. I figured I might as well have a backup...
PHANTOM PURCHASED TODAY
The first thing I did was open it and pair it with my old transmitter. Then I upgraded the firmware to the latest version and took a test flight. All was well. I then replaced the upgrade board with a new one, took another test flight, and all was well again.
I then attached the gimbal, video transmitter, and new GoPro camera and did a bit of testing on the bench to make sure the gimbal was okay after the crash. It is making some noises, but everything seems fine. GPS locked while on the bench without any issues.
I then took it out for a flight, and it could not get a GPS signal! Even when in GPS mode, I just get yellow flashes. After connecting it to the computer, NAZA software says “GPS Needed” with this one as well! Now, BOTH Phantoms with the upgrade boards cannot see the GPS.
It appears these new boards are “frying” or something is going wrong with them almost immediately.
Is anyone having success with the new boards?
Long story:
PHANTOM PURCHASED IN APRIL
I have had at least 150 flights with no crashes. I have always upgraded to the latest firmware and purchased a gimbal about 1 week after it was introduced. Everything has been well.
On August 23rd, I installed the upgrade board and had about 6 to 10 successful flights. Then, for no apparent reason, the Phantom wobbled, flipped upside down, and crashed on a hard surface. Damage was the GoPro camera and Phantom shell. Since then, when connecting it to the computer, the NAZA software says “GPS Needed” as if the GPS is not even connected. With a few power cycles, it was able to “see” the GPS again, but only for a few seconds. Since then, it has been unable to see it. I suspected a faulty upgrade board.
Since it takes a while for DJI to respond, I ordered a new upgrade board for my broken Phantom, which has not yet arrived. While waiting, and yes, I use it for business too, I purchased another Phantom. I figured I might as well have a backup...
PHANTOM PURCHASED TODAY
The first thing I did was open it and pair it with my old transmitter. Then I upgraded the firmware to the latest version and took a test flight. All was well. I then replaced the upgrade board with a new one, took another test flight, and all was well again.
I then attached the gimbal, video transmitter, and new GoPro camera and did a bit of testing on the bench to make sure the gimbal was okay after the crash. It is making some noises, but everything seems fine. GPS locked while on the bench without any issues.
I then took it out for a flight, and it could not get a GPS signal! Even when in GPS mode, I just get yellow flashes. After connecting it to the computer, NAZA software says “GPS Needed” with this one as well! Now, BOTH Phantoms with the upgrade boards cannot see the GPS.
It appears these new boards are “frying” or something is going wrong with them almost immediately.
Is anyone having success with the new boards?