Phantom advice

[Nick Hiltgen]

I just purchased a phantom with the zenmuse gimball that has arrived (mostly) DOA from BH. I had them professionally install everything and am now beginning the long process of "tech support" and returns.

My question is it appears that it'll be at least another 2 weeks before I get a (hopefully) working phantom, would I be better off just waiting an additional couple of weeks for the "phantom 2" or whatever? Is there any news on this?

The little bit that I could get of the phantom working I loved, I can only imagine how cool it will be when I get a 100% working one.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Jody Arnott]

Originally Posted by Nick Hiltgen

I just purchased a phantom with the zenmuse gimball that has arrived (mostly) DOA from BH. I had them professionally install everything and am now beginning the long process of "tech support" and returns.

My question is it appears that it'll be at least another 2 weeks before I get a (hopefully) working phantom, would I be better off just waiting an additional couple of weeks for the "phantom 2" or whatever? Is there any news on this?

The little bit that I could get of the phantom working I loved, I can only imagine how cool it will be when I get a 100% working one.

Does anyone have any advice?

From what I've read on forums (I don't know if this has been confirmed by DJI), the Phantom 2 will likely have the following upgrades:

- Better props
- PMU for the Zenmuse gimbal is now pre-installed
- Gimbal angle lever is installed on the controller
- Controller has a spring loaded throttle stick
- Extra battery included

I'm not sure if there will be other changes. However all of the above can be upgraded on your Phantom 1, it'll just end up costing a little more.

[Giroud Francois]

the original phantom is ok, especially with the 200$ price drop.
You can find the phantom for 550$ almost everywhere now.
i do not think the zenmuse worth the price since you can get a decent gimbal for less than 150$.
What was wrong with your drone (you said DOA ?)
This kind of toy is RTF out from the box but it is usually not the same for the owner.
The phantom requires to understand cryptic flashing code, activate the IOC mode from a PC and eventually fine tuning the propeller (and even the motors for the real demanding ones).
today you can mount a phantom with gimbal and camera for less than 1000$.
not sure the icing BH brings on the cake woth the additional 1000$.

[Nick Hiltgen]

Thanks, that's exactly what I ended up getting from BH (even down to the spring loaded controller) except for the upgraded props. I just wish the professional install and testing they offered had actually done the testing because they would have seen the issue if they had!