Will there be a list of spare parts or more importantly will spare parts be made available to customers?

Hi there,

today was my first flight with the Phantom 2 Vision +. I got it yesterday, and WOW I was surprised to see on the DJI site that a new Quadcopter was release the same day I got my Phantom.

Anyway, I'm very happy with my Phantom, and I flight it for several hours, and I'm excited to flight it again.

Ok, this is a thread for Inspire 1 and of course I have something to say here. I was reading the Inspire 1 techs spec, and I really attracted to buy one of them in a couple of month, but don't you think that 18 minutes flight time is it really enough for this kind of great item?

Have you consider to offer Battery in a near future with at least 30 or 45 minutes flight time? Again, 18 minutes it is not enough I think.

I wish you all a good flight.

Hi David,
Agree that 18 minutes is not enough, we do have an optional upgraded 5700mh battery for Inspire 1 which can last longer than the standard version. The standard battery currently being used with Inspire 1 is 99.9wH capacity, which is 4500mAH multiply by 22.2V. This is a hair below the max size of battery you can carry onto an commercial airliner, which is 100wH in China according to the authority. But this doesn't mean the end of world, as long as you notify the airline company prior to boarding, most likely they will grant the request.

Thank you

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-14 14:41
Hi David,
Agree that 18 minutes is not enough, we do have an optional upgraded 5700mh battery for In ...

what flight times are you seeing with the upgrade battery? it would be good to have the option to buy the unit with the upgrade battery instead of the regular one..

Back to the OP question, will all key spare parts be available to distributes/authorized retailers at the time of shipping or is it going to be another tough luck and wait for AM parts to become available like it is with the  P2V+?

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-14 14:41
Hi David,
Agree that 18 minutes is not enough, we do have an optional upgraded 5700mh battery for In ...

I'm not sure what to think about this comment.
I find that very much inline with the current state of affairs with regards to the still on-going issues with the Vision +. Completely ignoring the original and very important question and answering the next one you obviously see as acceptable or not as revealing.

Is this a sign of things to come with the Inspire1

Don't ask questions that support staff don't want to or are not in a position to answer.
That's a really big confidence boost to all the aspiring future owners of the Inspire1, Buy it, and well, ???????  who knows.......

Glad to see the same level of commitment and service as we have received with the Vision+,
Disappointed beyond belief......{:3_56:}

swomilan Posted at 2014-11-14 22:48
Back to the OP question, will all key spare parts be available to distributes/authorized retailers a ...

I would fly my Inspire carefully for the first few months.  The majority of components will be directed to production rather than spare parts.  This has been the case with all the recently introduced products; P2V+, S1000, and S900.  After the initial introduction, dealers will start seeing parts.  They will have the accessories but if you need an arm or a shell it may take a while.

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-15 02:37
I'm not sure what to think about this comment.
I find that very much inline with the current state ...

mixtreme,

Flight times are like opinions, they vary depending on altitude, temperature, style of flying, etc.  To give a pat answer you are going to disappoint some and surprise others depending on the above factors.  I regularly fly 6000' AMSL at temperatures in the teens and twenties.  With a 2x6000mAh lipos on a S800, I might get 12minutes.  Now at that same altitude in the summer at 65 degrees I have flow the same combo for more than 25 minutes.  What is the correct answer to your question?  Is it 12 minutes or 25?  This is but one example, it depends.  I have seen guys that have flown the Inspire with the 4500mAh lipo for 22min and others that land at 15min.  Different flying style, same craft.

If this does not answer your concerns, please let me know and I will respond again.

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-15 02:37
I'm not sure what to think about this comment.
I find that very much inline with the current state ...

Hi,
Sorry that got side tracked a little.

due to the structure of inspire is much more complicated than phantom series, and this is a completely new platform, at the beginning of release there will not be any spare parts available for sale. But if you need service the craft, you are more than welcome to call DJI. Base on our field data, we will consider to start selling some common parts later.

Thank you

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-15 06:08
Hi,
Sorry that got side tracked a little.

Thank you for your response, this is an obviously plausible status with clear direction and current alternatives.

Rather than cause a riot with my next question regarding the Vision+, I ask that you voice our requests and concerns at the highest levels.  

Currently there are numerous copycat vision+ parts available. DJI should indeed seize this market and sell the OEM parts in order to promote brand loyalty and in the interests of customer interaction & satisfaction.
Its great sending all the parts for manufacturing new units to meet demands, but imagine being able to sell 40% more units, in parts.

Failure to provide such parts is driving peoples choices in upgrading and diversifying from original setups and equipment. This has it positive aspects as well as its negatives and surely the fact that we, your customers are asking for such parts is a good enough reason to provide them using foresight of such issues and innovative thinking and logic in providing the customer with the best options.

There are other uses for such quality parts and such an innovative move could in fact instil the brands reputation and set a standard of such high quality within this new and exciting technology.

This in turn can only benefit the company and the reputation of DJI and would also allow for the current platforms to evolve within the customers usage or be customised for various scenarios.

I'm sorry Tahoe_ED,  I have not actually mentioned flight times and was not referring to them.

The original question was the one I started this thread with, and my comments were directed at the lack of communication within the forums and the allocation of a response to newer comments whilst neglecting original comments. Since there has now been an answer given, more than was given when enquiring about the Vision+, the comments are now irrelevant....
My point was, choosing which posts you want to answer and skipping those you don't...
I understand the resources etc.... and I don't envy you for the role you have to perform, but a little bit of acknowledgement goes along way and even without answers in some cases, just knowing that the issue has been heard, shows professionalism, empathy and willingness to resolve your customers enquiries/issues.

Your all doing a great job, we know you are not the policy makers, but you are the frontline sent to hear our voices, we have no option but to keep on at you in order for you to keep passing it on and up.....

I'm guessing now that everyone has 3D printers you will find the first people to get these will flood ebay in no time selling knock off parts, this is both good and bad. Inevitably people will buy them and void the warranty. This too is good and bad, educating the next buyers and so the tradition continues. Bottom line you gotta pay to play, and I got more time then money.

well how much is for ungraded battery?

Standard 4500mAH batteries are $159 USD.
Upgraded 5700mAH batteries will cost $199 USD.

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-15 10:46
Thank you for your response, this is an obviously plausible status with clear direction and curren ...

Hi mixstreme,
Yes, parts shortage is our biggest issue we are currently fighting, even our repair center often has parts shortage.

In terms of make more parts available to users, we are afraid:
1. open the case will void the warranty
2. some users may install parts wrongly, can cause additional finance lost or even bring danger to public. think of people trying to modify or repair their cars without knowing enough, a lot of went wrong

We understand a lot experienced user can do repair by themselves, but others don't understand the risk and a lot things could go wrong if we widely open the gate for spare parts.

Again, we are working on making more parts available for users, thank you

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-18 02:43
Hi mixstreme,
Yes, parts shortage is our biggest issue we are currently fighting, even our repair  ...

Thank you for your reply, again I understand your position.
One of the most important factors stated ie the voiding of warranty and yes this is not recommended.
But if you have no warranty, a broken machine or gimbal and technical confidence, surely this should be the owners choice.

As from a safety point of view, its actually very unsafe not to supply spare parts as you are encouraging others to use third party, untested and unofficial parts to repair a machine.  This happens daily and if you actually visit your dealers and see the real work arounds you would know this.

Installing parts wrongly, well,  if you don't know how, you learn or you pay.
Many people are not confident in performing such tasks, but there are many that are and there are many people and forums that provide such services.  
Currently, Ebay have copy parts for sale and inferior motors, why would people fit them, because they don't know any better, they just need resolve.

I sincerely hope this is a priority within DJI, This is now becoming a more noticeable fact when buying such machines and even dealers are stating the obvious.

Who or what do I have to do to get DJI to allow me to purchase a ribbon cable from a dealer or from DJI direct.  

I can work with other motors and esc's etc....   I can build and experiment with 3rd party platforms.....
But I have a paperweight gimbal that requires a ribbon cable.....   I know this is a non serviceable part etc....  But that's all I need for my stock P2V+  its been tested, serviced and no other issue exists.

I have not claimed on my warranty with bogus claims and do not blame DJI for the incident. I just want to be sold a cable...  Can this be put into action?

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-18 05:18
Thank you for your reply, again I understand your position.
One of the most important factors stat ...

Hi mixstreme,
Understand your feeling that if OEM parts is not available, after-market parts will flood the market. We are working extremely hard to make our service center available to anyone need a repair, so no repair should be needed to be done by users, except those enthusiast.

Any way, points taken, thank you for your feedback.

Regarding your ribbon cable, our service center will contact you shortly.  

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-18 02:43
Hi mixstreme,
Yes, parts shortage is our biggest issue we are currently fighting, even our repair  ...

Any word on when some extra batteries can be ordered.  Im glad to see them added to the online store, but bummed they don't appear to be available.  I'm anxious to get the Inspire I ordered and start getting some images of the big waves here in Haleiwa.   I see that the initial pre-order period has already rolled into a second round with an anticipated shipping of Dec 15.
I really want to be "inspired" for more than 18 minutes  every hour and a half......

pinpointmapping Posted at 2014-11-18 15:49
Any word on when some extra batteries can be ordered.  Im glad to see them added to the online sto ...

The Inspire has not even shipped.  I am sure that the batteries will be available soon.

Tahoe_Ed Posted at 2014-11-15 06:04
mixtreme,

Flight times are like opinions, they vary depending on altitude, temperature, style of f ...

I was at 11,000 feet a month ago and my P2 weighing in at 1,322g flew for a little over 6 minutes before I had to bring it in, same set up gives me about 13-14 minutes back home where I live (200 meters above sea).
Initially I thought a cell had died or something, but then I also noticed my other lipos's reducing times significantly. Photographers like my self often tie our cam batteries to our waist at drastic heights in order to keep em warm. A very important point you made.

uhayat@hotmail. Posted at 2014-11-19 12:10
I was at 11,000 feet a month ago and my P2 weighing in at 1,322g flew for a little over 6 minutes  ...

uhayat, you are correct.  Altitude, temperature all have an effect on flight times.  My high altitude friends in the winter keep their lipos in a thermo case with rice bags to keep them warm.

DJI-JS Posted at 2014-11-18 07:42
Hi mixstreme,
Understand your feeling that if OEM parts is not available, after-market parts will  ...

Hi DJI-JS, Thank you for your help. The reply below is the standard bumf that I've already had on several occasions, It very clearly says its not available as spare parts and official servicing is the only available option.

This is a serious considersation people must take into account,  there are no field fixes for your units when your out and about,  its the long haul route of sending it away for an amount of time to be fixed by DJI only.

This is an ongoing battle with DJI over the Vision+ camera ribbon cable and despite almost a year after launch, spare parts are not being made available.  Some people have the ribbon cable for sale, many don't.


Would I have bought this knowing that parts would be withheld or refused...???  Would you????


What really puzzles me is my original description clearly states that everything is working great and all I need is the cable.
Couldnt even be bothered to reply to me in person,  standard servicing reply....  I have a couple of these...

Back to square one AGAIN...
Dear Tony,

Thank you for contacting DJI.

The issues that you're describing require for you to send in your unit for repair. This ribbon cable is not sold separately as a spare part, and we do not recommend customer attempt to modify or repair this product.

Please contact our European office at support.europe@dji.com if located in Europe

Otherwise, please call 818-****** if you are location in Canada, the United States, or Mexico

Thank you for choosing DJI,
"The Future of Possible!”

DJI North America Lead

I have just ordered the Inspire One.  But, I keep reading where DJI is not supporting their clients.  I reside in a Province where there are not service centers.  I can only imagine it being extremely costly to send the Inspire to a service center for a simple repair.  I've asked the same question, when will parts be available for this unit.  Answer doesn't show much foresight on the DJI's part.  The unit is supposed to ship at the end of the week and they haven't thought about distributing spare parts.  This really has me second guessing my order.  I love the idea of this product and am very excited to get it in my hands.  But, no sure it is a wise purchase if I can't get replacement parts when they break.

Correspondence:

23/11/2014

"Will individual replacement parts be available for this unit? If not, are there any service/repair shops in Quebec, Canada?"

Reply:

24/11/2014

"as Inspire 1 is only ready for booking and not yet available in the market, we have not information about individual replacement parts. But if there would be individual replacement parts in the future, it would be very likely that it would be available in DJI LA Office in US (find the contact in http://www.dji.com/support).

However, I am not sure whether that would be available for DJI authorized repair shops. And I have to say currently we don't have repair shops in Quebec. Of course, as DJI business expands, I think there could be repair shop in Quebec.

Any questions, feel free to contact us.

Best regards,"

mlebout@hotmail Posted at 2014-11-26 09:59
I have just ordered the Inspire One.  But, I keep reading where DJI is not supporting their clients. ...

If the simple request of the Ribbon cable  on a product over a year old is anything to go off, you will not get any parts...
You will be expected to return it for servicing, not to good if your in UAE or some place very strict.

Another issue they neglect to acknowledge is the simple case of specialised field uses, and the necessity of quick fixes.  There is no way these units will ever be returned for servicing, its just unrealistic to ask this when they are being used for not to "safe" explorations.

I wish I had a radioactive unit from Fukushima to send back for servicing.....  that would be fun....

This ridiculous request alone has cost them sales, I'm not going into details, but they have really goofed up here.  This hobby has been around for longer than DJI and the ways of the community are not going to be changed by the Vision of service centres for drones.....

The specific uses this particular drone could have been applied to are vast, the only thing stopping that is DJI...   Like me, others will find more accommodating and cooperative manufacturers to build and evolve with...

I would seriously think about the servicing side of things, its inevitable and although under warranty, you still pay postage...

Mixstreme,

I assist many production companies that use our products.  They would never go on a shoot or a set without a back up copter or two.  Most use the S1000 or S900.  They carry spare gimbals, cameras, complete arm assemblies.  If any of them buy the Inspires, I believe the will buy multiple ones.  It is a great craft, it is not a DIY craft.  

Tahoe_Ed Posted at 2014-11-26 11:30
Mixstreme,

I assist many production companies that use our products.  They would never go on a shoo ...

Tahoe_Ed, this isn't just about the photography companies or film shoots, the scope for the various uses of any platform are just to much for DJI to understand.

The company and directors are set on Ariel photography and supplying such equipment, that's great... and good luck with that.

That doesn't mean Joe blogs or I buy the product to make movies...

Whilst real people with ambition and innovative foresight are trying to build a specific use incorporating  such units, its only achievable with manufacturer support. This has become very much an issue with numerous options, as such we only want the best.

There are many movie companies out there and your right , they would buy more than one as they cant afford to be delayed etc...  not that they would be......  
Unfortunately this isn't about the movies and in the real world there are realistic limitations put in place for many reasons.  I tend to find it hard carrying 1 S1000 in a rucksack up a hill to try and find the people who have wandered from the path of enlightenment and into the moors of doom.....
By this same logic I should also carry 2 Flir camera units, my real world budgets and physical capabilities don't allow for this movie mentality of purchasing several units.

My reasoning......
The Vision+ has been sold to consumers, general public and has been the platform of choice for many who have tried to market this with their own twist on things etc....  Yet we still have the issue of parts availability because the manufacturer insists the owners are not capable of repairing the units themselves. This does not help us to sell your products in our variation. I feel let down by DJI as I pitched this and was faced with the reality of DJI's own words and that sealed the deal or wiped it out actually.
There are many forums and mods/hacks and improvements for your products and people will as always be inspired to improve or experiment with them, this hobby and its interested parties have been doing this from the start, before DJI.

The viability of any product relies on the products performance and the availability of parts to keep it performing.  Its common sense that things will need to be replaced....   and considering the parts available and the technical expertise required to fit some of them, the ribbon cable fiasco is nothing more than an insult and contradicts your very own expectations from consumers.

I didn't buy a BMW in order for BMW to insist I must have it serviced and maintained by them only.
BMW supply all the parts required, even the technical stuff that I know I have no chance of fitting.

I think if you are going to sell such products people should know from the outset that this is not a hobby product like the many before and self repair will not be an option.
It is a specialised piece of equipment that will need to be serviced by the manufacturer only at the customers expense.

There's nothing wrong with being honest about it, in fact its better that you are.

Had I of known that a simple ribbon cable would be the weaklink in such a good product and had I of known that I would have no choice but to send it in for service to be fixed, I seriously would have gone with the mariner quadcopter.
I wouldn't be here trying to salvage a perfectly good working gimbal whilst constantly repeating myself about the fact that I DONT WANT or need SERVICING.  

This has gone far enough, the fact that this ribbon cable is not available so long after the launch of the Vision+ is nothing more than a warning to all future customers...   This is what to expect......
False promises, False information on future availability of parts
and the same run around from the support centre staff with standard replies as trained and no option other than send it to them and pay....

And if you are a movie company, then seriously buy 3 units....  you will need them.
DJI, I appreciate your vision of such servicing centres, but in reality you are causing more damage to yourselves.

If you are willing to stand up and say you will actively supply all parts for the inspire1 within such time as they are available then fine,

If its servicing only then fine, but make it clear.....
People are asking and deserve an answer that doesn't diversify from the actual question.

At present we have nothing but experience and the many different opinions from various staff...
How about a statement from the company detailing such directives and giving a clear direction of the companies position on this matter.

Spares or no spares...

I ordered my Inspire 1 and would very much like to have a second battery. I'd prefer to order the TB48 but apparently it's not yet available.

Can someone from DJI tell us when it will be available (I.e. days, weeks or months)? If it's days of a couple of weeks, it's worth waiting. If it's longer then it makes sense to order the smaller TB47 battery. Thanks!

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-26 12:58
Tahoe_Ed, this isn't just about the photography companies or film shoots, the scope for the variou ...

So you expect canon to supply all the spare parts for a 5D camera for example?
Or some computer company doing laptops.
These products are consumer products not meant to be repaired by you and me.
Otherwise it will void warranty.

Domo Kun Posted at 2014-11-26 16:28
So you expect canon to supply all the spare parts for a 5D camera for example?
Or some computer co ...

I think your missing the point.... What warranty?  This was voided when we chose to fix our own issues that DJI used to improve the new Vision+
As a consumer would you want the choice if indeed you were technically capable.
Do you repair laptops- NO, otherwise you would know that yes, most spares and parts are readily available.
Do you repair cannon 5D -   - OTHERS DO... take a peek at the real world.
And please don't try and confuse this with some kind of very technical part, ITS A CABLE.....
ESC's, motors and lots of other dangerous parts with numerous options for error available for anyone to fit, but a cable?
{:2_39:}

Yes try it for yourself to replace this cable.
Good luck
80% of the gimbals are not working afterwards as they need calibration in a DJI service center with special fixtures.
I tried the same and learned from it. It could only get back in a working state after a visit in the DJI service center in Germany.
Buy open source products if you want this stuff.

Domo Kun Posted at 2014-11-26 22:23
Yes try it for yourself to replace this cable.
Good luck
80% of the gimbals are not working afterwar ...

I have fixed them, I will fix it, and calibration, yes,,  I'm sure we will get by with what we have.

Please, seriously do not try and tell me that my unit requires special servicing. Have you seen it?  Have you tested it?  Why and what makes you the overall decision maker on my gimbal and its current state of operation.  How would you know it needs such service? Can you tell me the symptoms of my unit and the situation in which the cable split....

Sounds very familiar those words...........   Ah, yes,,   my numerous emails...

Everything is tested, all working fine,  just one cable short......... DO NOT patronise me with your trivialising specialist bumf....  If it needed servicing it would get it.

And OPEN SOURCE,  well, you obviously know all about your machine. I hope you feel happy with your non open source products.....

Nice to talk with someone so in the know........  
Can you maybe explain the special fixtures in the DJI service centre in Germany?
Do you work for DJI?
Is there a reason you came onto this support forum other than to give or receive support?

Thank you for your valuable input and constructive theory's. I will take this opportunity to learn and respect the word of such a helpful member.
Good luck to you and your products, lets hope you never find yourself in such a situation.

I am not working for DJI.
Sure these words can sound familiar DJI EU told them to me as well.
And no i havent seen the calibration as i just dropped it off and picked it up a day later working.
I dont want to have an open source product.
That why i also use apple.
Do what you want with your gimbal. I never said you need to send it in but i had the same issue and i needed to because the cable swap didn't help.
Why dont you buy a cable from ebay then and just fix your gimbal.
Why are you on this Forum? I am a user and had a problem with my Product.
Luckily i didn't need to start a post as my problem was already handled in another thread.
Hope this is ok to mister Forum master

Domo Kun Posted at 2014-11-26 23:17
I am not working for DJI.
Sure these words can sound familiar DJI EU told them to me as well.
And no ...

Sheeple and people are well within their rights to buy and use whatever they choose.
Open source , DJI,  you don't want......  why not ask the question to DJI?

Is there any open source software in your products?, have you used any such open source software in your products with or without modification to such code?.
Do you want to ask?


If you don't know my situation , Why would you defend the company to whom I'm addressing.
It was a simple question?  Why fight me and my word of my status if you have no knowledge of it.

I understand that you have been told that it needs this and that, but others question such advice and ask WHY.  That's human nature and our right.  

As for Forum master, no,  not at all,  I like to dabble.....
I help when I can, that's what the forum is about as well as VOICING our opinions and concerns directly to our manufacturer.  IS it not?

I am not defending them. I understand your point.(I only want to say other companies do the same)
I simply had also a broken ribbon cable and could not resolve this issue by swapping the cable.
I only told you about MY experience and after all it was plausible to ME why they dont want to sell this.

And who knows if there is any open source in DJI products!? The end result is not sold as one or would you disagree?
I never seen apple shipping out Iphone spareparts. I would guess a lot of people would like to repair their broken front Glas by themself.
We will see what DJI do i doubt they will start to sell these stuff.
Anyhow i see we will not meet in our opinions. Which is totally fine to me
Have a nice evening.

Domo Kun Posted at 2014-11-26 23:48
I am not defending them.
I simply had also a broken ribbon cable and could not resolve this issue by ...

Understand your point of view, But yes, there are many IPhone spare parts available, maybe not official but they are available.

The end result it is not sold as open source,  agreed,  
But there is also no statement saying you will be refused spare parts and they will not allow you to fix your own machine without sending it to them in some country at your expense.
Is this mentioned in any marketing of the product?

This was the question regarding spare parts and actually getting the answer in black and white.
If you read the thread from the beginning you will see the answers given...  so far.....

Apologies for being a bit sensitive to this issue.

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-26 23:59
Understand your point of view, But yes, there are many IPhone spare parts available, maybe not off ...

Domo Kun shows the point: To adjust the Gimbal we need use software and Fixture.
In many cases, after replacing the FPC or the motor on Gimbal, the Gimbal would still need a factory-recalibration. That's the main reason we don't sell those parts.

DJI-Julain Posted at 2014-11-27 08:58
Domo Kun shows the point: To adjust the Gimbal we need use software and Fixture.
In many cases, af ...

In many cases, after replacing the FPC or the motor on Gimbal, the Gimbal would still need a factory-recalibration.

And I expect your data suggests that "in many cases" purely because the option has not been made available.
There is no other data or other way, so pointless really.............

That's my answer, you may close this thread as answered........
Thank you for your continued input.
Regards
Mix

Domo Kun Posted at 2014-11-26 16:28
So you expect canon to supply all the spare parts for a 5D camera for example?
Or some computer co ...

I can't repair my 5D cameras myself so I don't care too much about parts but Canon has a guaranteed turn around time of one week and loaner equipment for registered pro shooters like me. With a unit that we can not service DJI will need to service these units quickly when they need repair or risk further public backlash.

mixstreme Posted at 2014-11-27 09:30
In many cases, after replacing the FPC or the motor on Gimbal, the Gimbal would still need a facto ...

Go with the broken of FPC cable. It always caused by crash or impact. So Further calibrate the Gimbal is needed and essential.

DJI-Julain Posted at 2014-11-27 09:37
Go with the broken of FPC cable. It always caused by crash or impact. So Further calibrate the Gim ...

SOLVED>>>>