New firmware caused my shell to crack !

robinb · Dec 13, 2016

Updated firmware no problem to latest for advanced.

Flew no problem.

Checked shell when I landed like I normally do.

3 arms have cracks on them now :-(

No crashes, no heavy landings.

alokbhargava · Dec 13, 2016

Which FW did you use? And why do you say cause of the problem is new FW?

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NiallxD · Dec 13, 2016

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think firmware could cause this kind of damage alone.

Were the conditions you flew in different to normal?

If not it's likely a coincidence.

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robinb · Dec 13, 2016

alokbhargava · Dec 13, 2016

robinb said:
FE ?

Sorry auto correction by iPhone. Corrected it now.

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robinb · Dec 13, 2016

Joking about firmware as that works fine.

But I always check airframe after flight but this time very surprised to see al the cracks on arms.

I have not flown for about 3 weeks as have been away and I know it was ok then.

robinb · Dec 13, 2016

Forgot to add, P3 was purchased in January this year and thought I had missed all the earlier problems with shells.

This is the updated shell.

alokbhargava · Dec 13, 2016

I understand DJI has slowed down the braking by 3 seconds which will definitely reduce stresses on shells. But this means DJI must have found a reason to slow it down which they are not publicizing.

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robinb · Dec 13, 2016

That is interesting, I thought it was a bit slower when I braked and descent seemed slower as well.
No problems with range or anything else.

I have emailed my dealer to see what they say on situation.

Looking at DJI site they say the "frame" is not covered by warranty, I hope they dont mean the shell.

alokbhargava · Dec 13, 2016

Frame means shell plus landing gear ( outer structure) but design / manufacturing / operational problems like shell cracks are definitely covered in warranty.

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robinb · Dec 13, 2016

Just looking I actually flew some 6 weeks ago, time flies !

Since then the drone has been stored in a cool dark place.

robinb · Dec 13, 2016

hmm, not good, dealer just said that its NOT covered by warranty.

I have told them they are talking rubbish.

Richard R · Dec 13, 2016

No question from DJI when my 8 month old 3A developed cracks. They covered shipping both ways as well as the fix. Just be prepare that you may not get your original bird back. Seems like they send one that had been sent in earlier and repaired. The next guy will probably get your repaired bird.

robinb · Dec 13, 2016

Thats good to know (in part). Did you remove your camera to send back ?

mandalay · Dec 13, 2016

robinb said:
hmm, not good, dealer just said that its NOT covered by warranty.

I have told them they are talking rubbish.

As long as you have a receipt and it's still under 1 year from the date you bought it, they'll fix it for free and pay shipping both ways. You'll likely get a refurbished unit since they swap out the whole thing. Just call them or chat with tech support from here: DJI Support - All Products

NiallxD · Dec 14, 2016

alokbhargava said:
I understand DJI has slowed down the braking by 3 seconds which will definitely reduce stresses on shells. But this means DJI must have found a reason to slow it down which they are not publicizing.

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I thought this only applied to the CSC?

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Meta4 · Dec 14, 2016

NiallxD said:
I thought this only applied to the CSC?

CSC has never been changed for the P3 series and is instant with no delay.
You are thinking of the three seconds it takes for left stick down to stop the motors after landing (which hasn't been changed either).

Malakai · Dec 14, 2016

Meta4 said:
CSC has never been changed for the P3 series and is instant with no delay.
You are thinking of the three seconds it takes for left stick down to stop the motors after landing (which hasn't been changed either).

You are incorrect, they actually have changed the CSC stop time, they extended it to three seconds to help prevent aircraft power loss while in the air. Xx

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Meta4 · Dec 14, 2016

Malakai said:
You are incorrect, they actually have changed the CSC stop time, they extended it to three seconds to help prevent aircraft power loss while in the air.

A 3 second delay on an emergency stop switch would be a very strange thing.
I haven't seen or heard of this.
Can you point me toward anything where DJI say this?