Back in Bangkok. I didn’t want to come back, but I kind of needed to. I arranged an appointment at the DJI repair centre for 10 a.m. and showed up a bit early. Decided to take transit into the city to the DJI Service Center because traffic here lately has just been worse than ever. On the outskirts of the city it’s not nearly as bad, fortunately.
I learned a few interesting things from the technician today, the main one being that my drone isn’t the best for avoiding leaves, especially when they’re approaching from the side, as they were in my case.
I really have only a few options:
1. Repair to DJI standard – This means replacing all the parts that need it, like the sensors and gimbal (ouch!), and a couple other pieces. This option is about 20,000 Baht ($745 Cdn). To replace the drone is around 22,000 Baht ($819 Cdn).
2. Repair the gimbal – The gimbal houses the camera, and it could be repaired. The total bill for a few key pieces and this repair? About 10,000 Baht ($372.50 Cdn). The proximity sensors would not be replaced. Really, it’s just one that is cracked, but you buy in a set of 4. I would just have to be really careful (!).
3. Buy a new drone – This one is a big variable. Do I buy a new Mini 3 Pro, or Mini 4 Pro? Unfortunately my video controller does not work with the Mini 4 Pro but my extended capacity batteries do. This could cost up to 31,000 Baht ($1155 Cdn).
I discussed the idea of selling them the drone in its current state, and with the original battery, controller, and drone, they would give me 7-8,000 Baht for it. Then I would have to buy another drone with a similar controller.
I really didn’t want to have to do this, but I’ve been lucky with my gear until now. I take really good care of my stuff! Had to happen sometime. I didn’t have the DJI insurance on the drone. I tried, and it didn’t work, so I thought “I’ll just be careful.” Famous last words!
The other variable that complicates this is that the repairs will take 4-5 weeks! I would consider just doing the basic repair, but my thought is that I’d be dumping 10k into a drone that isn’t fully functional.
So, if I’d like drone footage on the rest of my holiday, I need to buy a new one.
They repaired the broken arm, and put the case back together properly (wearing the battle scars proudly). They did a test flight in the office, and it worked flawlessly, for flying. The main issue is that the gimbal has a vibration in it that you can see in the video. Could I correct the video after? Possibly. Any photos would likely be blurry compared to what they should be.
Looks like a new drone and selling them the old one is the best option. And if I do go this route, I will get the insurance! The other issue is finding a drone and controller combo that I want. This basic option seems to be popular.
I wandered around Fortunetown mall, considering my options, and talked to them at the Central Rama 9 DJI store. Had coffee. Ate some pad krapao (seems to be my go-to meal lately). Headed back home.
While I was out I took some photos, so it wasn’t a completely wasted day.
Back at the condo, I spent some time reviewing photos and video of my stop at Wat Saimai Wanaram in Sa Kaeo province in Thailand.
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