It seems, at closer inspection, that the vibration of the craft while flying does some damage to the electric supply wires of the motors. this can at some time cause a short against the metal frame of the motor and cause an unexplained crash. this is after 6 months and many flights. I am now adding insulation to prevent possible catastrophy.

I have had issue with the same type of cheap plastic wire insulation on the machines I service.  Over time they break down and crack at the bend points exposing bare wire causing all kinds of random issues.  Not good for the Phantom for sure!   I have added heat shrink tubing  to the individual wires with good success.  You will have to unsolder the wire first though!

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-11-29 10:52
I have had issue with the same type of cheap plastic wire insulation on the machines I service.  Ove ...

Yes, you can remove the wires from the speed controllers and slide heat shrink over the wires, or you  can use rubber splicing tape without removal..

Properly repairing does require either unsoldering the wires or cutting and splicing the repaired wires back together.

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-11-29 16:52
I have had issue with the same type of cheap plastic wire insulation on the machines I service.  Ove ...

Thanks for the advice. However i made some 25mm long sleeves from another electrical wire just to assist where it is rubbing.

draadkar Posted at 2015-11-29 11:09
Thanks for the advice. However i made some 25mm long sleeves from another electrical wire just to  ...

I see that in your original post.  Thanks for sharing that issue "to be",     "An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure" - Benjamin Franklin

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-11-29 18:34
I see that in your original post.  Thanks for sharing that issue "to be",     "An ounce of Preve ...

its a pity that Franklin never owned a drone

draadkar Posted at 2015-11-29 12:37
its a pity that Franklin never owned a drone

Lightning would have fried his drone! LOL

aburkefl@gmail. Posted at 2015-11-29 21:46
Lightning would have fried his drone! LOL

hahahaha but i believe his kite was ok

I haven't disassembled mine to look at it in detail, but from your picture, I wonder if a little strain relief might also help.  That is, carefully carving away a little plastic to relieve any pressure on that point.

AG0N-Gary Posted at 2015-11-30 03:56
I haven't disassembled mine to look at it in detail, but from your picture, I wonder if a little str ...

You know you are right. I have considered to cut the clip that guide and holds the motor on the side of the wires because it is the culprit. I believe the older P3's did not have them. that would still leave three others to brace the motor.

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-11-29 07:52
I have had issue with the same type of cheap plastic wire insulation on the machines I service.  Ove ...

LOL, I have had the problem with expensive things. My Mercedes, and I am not the only one, has wiring harness issues with insulation cracking off and shorting. Penny pinching on what is supposed to be a quality product should be punishable, somehow.

Kneepuck Posted at 2015-11-30 14:50
LOL, I have had the problem with expensive things. My Mercedes, and I am not the only one, has wir ...

Really,  punishment sounds good,  LOL.   The machines I work on cost upwards of $40k.  They use cable ties that are so tight they look like a grown man bulging out in toddler clothing...