Dji Phantom UAVs

[Mr Trophy]

From what I've heard.... It's something to do with the batteries coming lose - hence the drop from the sky. However, don't shoot the messenger, might be complete ste (probably is)

[GetCarter]

x5x3 said:

did you also send the battery back to DJI - the one that was in at the time? May be worth getting it analysed.

Yep, and it was showing 65% full when it fell - yet the message before it shut down was 'Critical Low Voltage'

I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one of these unless they sort it out.

[x5x3]

GetCarter said:

x5x3 said:

did you also send the battery back to DJI - the one that was in at the time? May be worth getting it analysed.

Yep, and it was showing 65% full when it fell - yet the message before it shut down was 'Critical Low Voltage'

I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one of these unless they sort it out.

the most likely explanation for this then is that the battery is at fault, or, the circuitry which is reading the voltage. There will be a cut out circuit on the LiPo, and if it is activated then the power will just stop. If there is a false reading (either of voltage itself or the circuitry) then it is good bye.

For my fpv racers I have a simple lipo voltage reader which beeps at pre-set voltages so I know when to land. Looks like DJI may have an issue here.

I do not buy the battery disconnecting theory - mine is wedged in solid, it would take a major impact to work it loose, maybe people are breaking this over time but mine is still fine after many many flights.

LiPo is an interesting technology - we accept it and use it daily but it is temperamental and it is easily possible for them to catch fire. It is still cutting edge technology and we should all remember that.

[Mr Trophy]

If that's the case I'd like to see the next model have a spot for 2 batteries just in case... After all, it's the best part of a grand.

[GetCarter]

x5x3 said:

GetCarter said:

x5x3 said:

did you also send the battery back to DJI - the one that was in at the time? May be worth getting it analysed.

Yep, and it was showing 65% full when it fell - yet the message before it shut down was 'Critical Low Voltage'

I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one of these unless they sort it out.

the most likely explanation for this then is that the battery is at fault, or, the circuitry which is reading the voltage. There will be a cut out circuit on the LiPo, and if it is activated then the power will just stop. If there is a false reading (either of voltage itself or the circuitry) then it is good bye.

For my fpv racers I have a simple lipo voltage reader which beeps at pre-set voltages so I know when to land. Looks like DJI may have an issue here.

I do not buy the battery disconnecting theory - mine is wedged in solid, it would take a major impact to work it loose, maybe people are breaking this over time but mine is still fine after many many flights.

LiPo is an interesting technology - we accept it and use it daily but it is temperamental and it is easily possible for them to catch fire. It is still cutting edge technology and we should all remember that.

Yet DJI are saying I intentionally (or mistakenly) shut the craft down, so am responsible. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Mr Trophy]

GetCarter said:

Yet DJI are saying I intentionally (or mistakenly) shut the craft down, so am responsible. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

For the avoidance of doubt - how can you shut it down if you're flying it in the air?

[x5x3]

Mr Trophy said:

If that's the case I'd like to see the next model have a spot for 2 batteries just in case... After all, it's the best part of a grand.

there are plenty of third party mods to do that already.......

Anyway I'm just speculating - I have no links to DJI but the stories all seem consistent with Lipo cut out.

Yes it is an expensive purchase but when it was launched it was so far ahead of the competition - in fact it still holds its own.

[x5x3]

Mr Trophy said:

GetCarter said:

Yet DJI are saying I intentionally (or mistakenly) shut the craft down, so am responsible. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

For the avoidance of doubt - how can you shut it down if you're flying it in the air?

depends what you mean by shut it down?

You can in theory turn off the motors whilst in the air but the camera remains on until the battery button is depressed etc. - i.e. you will still see a feed on your iPad or similar.

The motors should only turn off if given the correct instruction and if the craft decides it is not descending anymore.

[Mr Trophy]

How do you turn the motors off sorry?

[GetCarter]

Mr Trophy said:

GetCarter said:

Yet DJI are saying I intentionally (or mistakenly) shut the craft down, so am responsible. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

For the avoidance of doubt - how can you shut it down if you're flying it in the air?

It's what you do when you land. You move the two joysticks into a certain position (down left, down right) and keep them there for 3 seconds. (not something you'd ever do when it's in the air). It shuts the motors off.

[x5x3]

GetCarter said:

Mr Trophy said:

GetCarter said:

Yet DJI are saying I intentionally (or mistakenly) shut the craft down, so am responsible. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

For the avoidance of doubt - how can you shut it down if you're flying it in the air?

It's what you do when you land. You move the two joysticks into a certain position (down left, down right) and keep them there for 3 seconds. (not something you'd ever do when it's in the air). It shuts the motors off.

for completeness, holding the left stick down whilst the craft is not descending will also shut down the motors. I always hand catch and this method leaves a hand free to catch/power off.

[Mr Trophy]

Interesting, I had absolutely no idea. I had a P3A but got a P3P yesterday but haven't managed to take it out yet as it hasn't stopped raining. Interested to see how good this 4K is.

[x5x3]

Mr Trophy said:

Interesting, I had absolutely no idea. I had a P3A but got a P3P yesterday but haven't managed to take it out yet as it hasn't stopped raining. Interested to see how good this 4K is.

yes the weather/work combo means I have not flown for what seems like ages......

4K is well, just awesome, was re-watching some footage of the lake district (in sunshine!) and the detail is exceptional.

[Mr Trophy]

x5x3 said:

Mr Trophy said:

Interesting, I had absolutely no idea. I had a P3A but got a P3P yesterday but haven't managed to take it out yet as it hasn't stopped raining. Interested to see how good this 4K is.

yes the weather/work combo means I have not flown for what seems like ages......

4K is well, just awesome, was re-watching some footage of the lake district (in sunshine!) and the detail is exceptional.

The P3A is 1080 HD so looks good enough to the eye. I stuck it into a 4K TV the other day and it looks good enough, so looking forward to making some videos in my new P3P - it's just a shame the weather is ste.

[Mr Trophy]

Check this - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=heIrawlJ4Vk

[Phunk]

Doing a bit of digging, it appears to be a problem with v1.5 sw and flying with a battery which is less than 100%

I'd send it back to DJI, however I've already had a replacement shell due to previous crash damage so I recon my warranty is void.

Bloody annoying and expensive

Edited by Phunk on Sunday 27th December 00:30

[leggly]

Look to the Inspire thread on FB. It is very useful.

[Pvapour]

leggly said:

Look to the Inspire thread on FB. It is very useful.

anyone have a link?

dont mind crashing it myself and paying the price but this ste tbh

somneone mentioned the Phantom 'was' way ahead of the game when it came out and still compares well but what are the alternative makes and models?.

[Stupeo]

So, been having fun with my P3P that I got a week ago as an early present from the missus.

My pictures taken on it look crap. Videos are OK. Can anyone give on recommendations on how to improve my knowledge in this area? Would a photography course help me with the various settings and options in the DJi Go App?

I've been trying to fly with sun behind me and keep the camera settings as the default, but pictures look really poor. Like they are taken on a cheap point and shoot camera!

[RegMolehusband]

Daft question - have you taken the protective sticky film off the front of the filter? Otherwise it should take good photos "out of the box".