If you're looking to take your DJI Phantom 3 Pro to the next level, upgrading its components can make a huge difference.
The DJI Phantom 3 Pro's original 12-megapixel camera can be swapped out for a 4K-capable camera, allowing for stunning high-definition footage.
Upgrading to a higher capacity battery pack can extend your flight time from 23 minutes to 25 minutes, giving you more time to capture those perfect shots.
A high-quality gimbal can also be installed, providing smoother and more stable footage even in windy conditions.
Related reading: Dji - Mini 2 Se Drone with Remote Control
Upgrading Your DJI Phantom 3 Pro
Upgrading your DJI Phantom 3 Pro can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
First, make sure you have a clean SD card with nothing else on it to extract the firmware package. Download the latest Phantom 3 firmware update package from the official DJI website onto your computer or laptop, and double-check that you download the correct firmware for your Phantom 3.
You might like: Dji Action 2 How to Update Firmware
To update the Phantom 3 quadcopter firmware, follow these simple steps: download the latest firmware package, insert your SD card into your computer, extract the firmware package into the root directory of the SD card, remove the SD card from your computer, ensure that both the aircraft and remote controller are powered off, insert the SD card into the SD card slot on the Phantom 3 camera, and power on the aircraft.
The firmware upgrade will begin automatically after your quadcopter is powered on, and it will take roughly 25 minutes to complete. The camera status light will blink green and red to indicate the upgrade is happening, and it will stop blinking when the update is complete and successful.
If the update fails, check the .txt file on the SD card for the result: failed message, and try upgrading the firmware again. It's also a good idea to check the battery, SD card, and Internet connection before starting the update process.
Here are some essential items to purchase for your Phantom 3 Pro:
- Mobile Device Phone Tablet Holder
- 4 Pairs 9450 Self Tightening Drone Propeller
- Damping Rubber Balls and Anti-Drop Securing Pins Kit
- Copper Parabolic Antenna Range Booster
- Flexible Gimbal Flat Ribbon Cable Flex Cable Part
- Set of two cables for the DJI Phantom 3 Standard Drones Camera
- 37MM Filter Kit
- Ritz Gear™ HD MC CPL Protective Filter
Remote Controller Upgrades
To keep your DJI Phantom 3 Pro up-to-date, you'll want to make sure to update the remote controller firmware. As of July 2016, the latest DJI GO app version is v2.8.2, and you'll know if there's a firmware update available through the System Status bar in Camera View.
The update process is straightforward - simply download and install the latest DJI GO app, then follow the prompts to download and update the firmware. The status LED on the remote controller will blink blue during the update and green when completed successfully.
You can also update the remote controller firmware by extracting the downloaded firmware package onto a clean SD card or USB flash drive, then inserting the SD card into the remote controller's USB port and turning it back on. Wait about 60 seconds for the upgrade to begin, and don't power off the remote controller during the update.
Consider reading: Dji Phantom 3 Standard Controller
Remote Controller
You can update the Phantom 3 Remote Controller firmware through the DJI GO app, but first, ensure the app is updated to the latest version, which was v2.8.2 as of July 2016.
Take a look at this: Dji Go App for Phantom 3 Standard
To update the Remote Controller firmware through the DJI GO app, go to Camera View, System Status bar, Overall Status and tap "Download the firmware update" package to download and update the firmware. The status LED on the remote controller will blink blue during update and when completed and successful, it will blink green.
You can also update the remote controller firmware by extracting the downloaded firmware package onto a clean SD card or USB flash drive and inserting it into the remote controller's USB port. The update will take roughly 10 minutes to complete, during which the Status LED will show a solid blue and the transmitter will have fast beeps.
If you don't have a SD card reader, you can insert the SD card into the gimbal and connect the gimbal with remote controller by the cable to upgrade the remote controller.
For another approach, see: Dji Mini 2 Se Camera Drone with Remote Controller Bundle
Antenna Signal Boosters
Adding a set of parabolic antenna signal boosters to your existing antennas allows your drone to better communicate with your transmitter.
These signal boosters can improve your video quality by reducing interference from WIFI devices, which can cause fuzzy video signals.
In situations where video feed issues occur due to interference, installing signal boosters can make all the difference, as it did for me when I encountered video feed issues that caused the video to intermittently freeze.
Like an old set of TV "bunny ears", these signal boosters are easy to install and require no modification to your transmitter.
They can provide a clear and freeze-free video feed, which is especially useful for long flights or areas with high levels of interference.
Camera and Gimbal Upgrades
The DJI Phantom 3 Pro is an amazing drone, but its camera and gimbal system is a fragile component that needs some extra care. The camera and gimbal system is the heart of the drone for most pilots, and it's a very delicate part of the drone.
You can protect your camera and gimbal system with an aftermarket gimbal guard, which spans between the landing skids and allows your camera to have a full field of view. This can be a lifesaver if you need to make a rough landing.
A unique perspective: Dash Cam Pro Camera
The Phantom 3 Pro has a 3-axis gimbal that stabilizes its video camera views in mid-flight, regardless of tough wind conditions. This means you can get smooth and professional-looking video footage even in challenging weather.
The Phantom 3 Pro can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced can take video with up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. These are impressive specs that will help you capture stunning aerial footage.
Phantom owners can fiddle with the camera settings using either the physical controls on the drones' remote controllers or a DJI Pilot app for mobile devices. This gives you a lot of flexibility and control over your camera settings.
Battery and Power Upgrades
If you're looking to upgrade your DJI Phantom 3's battery and power system, there are several options available.
You can buy a replacement battery, such as the MaximalPower Gifi Power Drone Battery Replacement (2 Pack), on Walmart.
You might enjoy: Dji Action 2 Power Combo
Having a spare battery is a must-have for any drone enthusiast, as it allows you to keep flying without interruption.
A good multi-charger is also essential for any drone owner, and the Mizco 3 Port Multi Charger for DJI Phantom 3 is a great option.
With a multi-charger, you can charge multiple batteries at once, saving you time and effort.
If you're looking for a high-capacity charger, consider the DJI – Battery charger – 4 x batteries charging – 4 output connectors – for Phantom 3.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
The DJI Phantom 3 Pro is a high-tech drone, but like any machine, it needs regular maintenance to keep it flying smoothly. Regularly updating your drone's firmware is essential to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Always check your battery health before each flight, as a low battery can cause the drone to malfunction. The recommended battery life for the DJI Phantom 3 Pro is around 23 minutes.
A fresh viewpoint: Dji Phantom 3 Batteries
Clean your drone's propellers regularly to prevent damage and ensure smooth flight. A dirty propeller can cause vibrations and reduce the drone's overall performance.
Make sure to update your drone's software regularly to take advantage of new features and improve performance. The latest software update for the DJI Phantom 3 Pro can be found on the DJI website.
The DJI Phantom 3 Pro has a built-in GPS system, which helps it navigate and stabilize during flight. However, this system can be affected by interference from other devices, so make sure to keep your drone at least 10 meters away from other electronics.
Regularly checking and updating your drone's motors is crucial to ensure smooth flight. The DJI Phantom 3 Pro has three motors, and each one should be checked separately for any signs of wear or damage.
A different take: Dji Phantom 3 Standard Update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum range of the Phantom 3 Pro?
The maximum range of the Phantom 3 Pro is 3500m in CE environments and 5000m in FCC environments. Learn more about the Phantom 3 Pro's capabilities and limitations.
Sources
- https://forum.dji.com/thread-106838-1-1.html
- https://www.dronezon.com/diy-drone-repair-videos/dji-innovation-drones/update-phantom-3-firmware-to-greatly-improve-your-quadcopter/
- https://spectrum.ieee.org/dji-phantom-3-camera-drones
- https://www.dartdrones.com/blog/10-drone-accessories-phantom-3/
- https://www.dronezon.com/parts-and-accessories/dji/dji-phantom-3-parts-upgrades-and-accessories/
Featured Images: pexels.com