Hello to all -
I'm new to this, but hey no crashes (new to phantoms but not new to radio gadgetry!!)
I've had 3 different P3S in the last 3 weeks. Here's my experiences so far with all 3 phantom 3 standards:
1st - Activation went fine, but after that right out the box the "device locked" message. So updated to v1.6.8 and went fine, but range/wifi maxed out at 1000 ft distance and 600 ft altitude. Took it back to try another for better range/wifi.
2nd - Out the box, never would activate due to "SN invalid ID (or something to that extent)." Also, the "mandatory" update to 1.6.8 would never go through. My controller never synced to the aircraft either, causing the infamous RED light on the power (controller) to trip. I did everything (thanks to this forum/youtube!!) to try and push it through anyway. No luck, also DJI chat support said to "take it back to walmart, we have known issues."
3rd - I have been using this phantom for about 3 days. Out the box, activation took about 40 seconds and device/go app and phantom and controller all synced up fast. I saw the message to update to 1.6.8 but I declined. Over a cornfield in Texas (but a very built up area I need to say - many shops, warehouses, etc) I got up to almost 700 ft altitude and 1300 ft distance on v1.2.4 which I thought was decent. In my subdivision only 400 ft distance and 300 ft altitude. What I just wrote all happened on the first day. On the second day, I declined the message to update to v1.6.8, HOWEVER, I got the "device locked FW required" message when I attempted to auto take off and manually take off.
I decided to update to 1.6.8 and only can get to 700ft and 400 ft over that same cornfield. No mods other than the Inspire 1 mount (which shouldn't do anything to my ranges). I'm pretty bummed out to be honest. I still like flying around but today I completely lost all wifi/video feed and my controller power light turned red like it lost sync to the Standard. I freaked out but, it felt like I still had 100 percent control over the phantom. Luckily I did!
I will keep testing and flying in the same areas, and new ones, and see how this thing goes. I know the Standard is not on the same level as the upper models, but stating 3200 ft on the box is ridiculous.