The DJI Firmware Update farce is causing a serious dilemma for me, which may result in driving me away from DJI completely.....
My 3.12 firmware experience of being an un-paid beta testing for DJI firmware.
As I have reported here there was a serious problem with firmware 3.10 relating to retaining calibration settings so reverted back to previous. When I tested 3.12 last week there was a gibal issue which resulted in no gimbal control at all so reverted back. I had some spare time yesterday so tried again - the gimbal issue has now gone but no new firmware number still 3.12.... really DJI at least have the courtesy to number your updates fully - V3.12.1 may be appropriate.
Anyway I had a play today and the update went without a glitch but had problems gaining a hover at 50% throttle so no attitude hold:
1. Vertical gain wase set at 135 with the previous working firmware but no hover at 50% throttle with 3.12.1 so I decided to be logical and varied the gain back.
2. 100% - no take off until 88% throttle.
2. 150% and hover achieved at 66% throttle
3. 160 hover at 57%
4. 165 hover at 52% getting there
5. 163 hover at 50% but some serious wobble then disaster.
The machine pitched hard left while at about 10 feet high straight into a very large and very solid farm machine used for rolling fields. This was about 80 feet from where it first pitched and right input didn't correct that movement...... No damage to the farmers machine but.... 5 trashed Graupners, which you can't buy now as they went into liquidation, and a motor with the missing circlip..... I only noticed this when changing the blades and the motor didn't feel right so check under the motor and found that the circlip was missing. Now my dilemma was it a missing O Ring or the gains, which caused the strange and dangerous action or did the impact cause the ring to pop off.
I have replaced the props with standard plastic DJI 1038 props and replaced the motor for a new one. Unfortunately, due to the fickle weather in the UK I will probably not get a chance to fly, or should I say Beta Test crash for DJI, again for a couple of days, according to the forecast of rain and winds here in the UK.
I am getting a little annoyed with DJI over this whole saga because those with problems get lambasted on some forums and told how to suck eggs by those who have no problems and no support or offerings from DJI are to be found anywhere.
I tried to phone them in China but got told to read the manual and e-mail my dealer for support. They appear to think that we are all just cash cows so my dilemma is multiplied now: should I just ditch all their stuff and go for another more capable system where there is support or stick with them and try and work out the problems.
The fact I have a very well behaved Phantom proves the hardware and software can work but the F550 is proving the breaker. I now no longer want to fly it because it is so dangerous and certainly not fit for AP work now.