I am asking what is the best thing to do about my crashed spark. I crashed it into a tree and its front left arm seems to be ripped apart. Does warrantee cover user error?

Another view

Can I use my warranty? Or not

I don't know the answer...but it looks like by the damage incurred you were in Sport mode at the time...another victim of Sport, sport???

From my experience with the exact same thing (arm torn off in the same spot and user error) it was nor covered under warranty. Cost me 225 and two weeks without it. Get a case started and see if your situation differs.

I would not think warranty covers user error UNLESS you had DJI Care Refresh.   If you had that, then use you are covered (for a small fee).  

I take it you don't have refresh ?

What did you do ?  

I accidentally flew into a tree while spectating runners in a sidewalk.

I need a dji employee to check and see if my case is covered by warranty

Not trying to salt the wound, but do you have video of this?...and jokingly, where you going 100mph when you hit? because that is ripped like sammy sosa in his prime

Why would I take a video in the middle of sport mode?

you aren't going to be covered.  

If it's not covered by warranty and you don't want to send it away for repair, you might consider home repair with a new shell. It would make a great how-to video. I'd watch it.

https://www.amazon.com/PENIVO-Mi ... ji+spark+body+shell

I flew my balsa wood model airplane into the ground at speed.  Fountain of balsa wood and dirt from the crater it made.  Hangar 9's Eflite wouldn't cover it under warranty.  

I used hobby super glue to put all the pieces back together.  The nose is a little off center but it flies fine.  So,....maybe try that?

Bing Err Posted at 2018-3-18 17:02
If it's not covered by warranty and you don't want to send it away for repair, you might consider home repair with a new shell. It would make a great how-to video. I'd watch it.

https://www.amazon.com/PENIVO-Middle-Frame-Repairment-Replacement/dp/B0788V9MZN/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521421153&sr=8-2&keywords=dji+spark+body+shell

I would also like to see the rebuild video also!

Why would you not be recording? Obviously running into a tree is not covered under warranty.

I’d rebuild it, you can get the lower shell with arms for 34 dollars and replace the motor for around 10 . There are a few videos on YouTube on how to break it down and swap out the bodies.

Sorry to hear about your crash, hopefully you have DJI Care Refresh.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 12:18
Another view

Did you retrieve the piece that broke off? Were you traveling in Sport Mode?

Jetta-The-Hut Posted at 2018-3-18 18:18
I’d rebuild it, you can get the lower shell with arms for 34 dollars and replace the motor for around 10 . There are a few videos on YouTube on how to break it down and swap out the bodies.

Drones are tricky isn't the Spark not easy for a novice to repair? I realize the parts are available and not that expensive, but for just a few dollars more wouldn't DJI just charge around $100 to do their own tear down and expert repair themselves, or offer you a refurbished replacement option at some nominal price likely half the cost of a new replacement? If DJI Care Refresh costs $49 plus $59, or $118, then a refurbished replacement Spark I think would cost somewhere between $150-$175?

I've just purchased spare parts to repair my products that sometimes didn't work out, only to then send in the device to the manufacturer were  I paid a little more for them to guarantee my product sent back to me in working condition.

Bing Err Posted at 2018-3-18 17:02
If it's not covered by warranty and you don't want to send it away for repair, you might consider home repair with a new shell. It would make a great how-to video. I'd watch it.

https://www.amazon.com/PENIVO-Middle-Frame-Repairment-Replacement/dp/B0788V9MZN/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521421153&sr=8-2&keywords=dji+spark+body+shell

Do you have a link for a how to?

davidmartingraf Posted at 2018-3-18 18:29
Did you retrieve the piece that broke off? Were you traveling in Sport Mode?

No missing pieces, the plastic itself is torn

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 19:05
No missing pieces, the plastic itself is torn

Do you know how fast you were traveling when you hit the tree? Was the impact head on or from the back or side?

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 19:04
Do you have a link for a how to?

If you don't have care refresh, look at several videos on how to including the one below.  Do that before starting the disassembly.  Also, don't be afraid to buy the specialized tools to make it easier (tiny screwdrivers, hobby mat, and plastic pry tools).  Preparation and keeping your workspace clean is 75% of a successful job.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 19:04
Do you have a link for a how to?

Just like Gunship posted, there are several videos about this topic. I can't review them right now because of where I'm at, but it sounds like an interesting and challenging topic.

I recently heard that someone changing parts on their drone used a magnetic screwdriver and after the screws where magnetized. Then the magnetic interference from the screws messed with the compass. So DONT use anything magnetized to hold your screws when you take them out.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 14:28
Can I use my warranty? Or not

Sorry for your crash. If it is caused by pilot's error, I would recommend you use DJI Care. Please contact our support and start a case: http://www.dji.com/support

If I send it in for repair, will I also need to ask for a new camera? Since after the crash there are black vertical lines going across the feed!

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 16:34
Why would I take a video in the middle of sport mode?

Why wouldn't you be recording video in sport mode?  I always record regardless of what mode I'm flying in.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-19 03:34
If I send it in for repair, will I also need to ask for a new camera? Since after the crash there are black vertical lines going across the feed!

If you send it in for repair, I would suggest you document all the problems that you are aware of with it in the ticket.  However, I wouldn't be surprised if they just send you a refurbished unit rather than fix your specific one and send it back to you.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 12:18
Another view

If you accidentally crashed you car would warranty cover it , I don’t think so, all crashes are accidental surely nobody crashes on purpose.

Depending on what damage is done to camera and other tech, probably a couple of hundred dollars.

hallmark007 Posted at 2018-3-19 09:02
If you accidentally crashed you car would warranty cover it , I don’t think so, all crashes are accidental surely nobody crashes on purpose.

Depending on what damage is done to camera and other tech, probably a couple of hundred dollars.

is it worth it to repair or just buy a new one?

Kloo Gee Posted at 2018-3-19 08:50
If you send it in for repair, I would suggest you document all the problems that you are aware of with it in the ticket.  However, I wouldn't be surprised if they just send you a refurbished unit rather than fix your specific one and send it back to you.

how much do you think it will cost me?

DJI Elektra Posted at 2018-3-19 01:04
Sorry for your crash. If it is caused by pilot's error, I would recommend you use DJI Care. Please contact our support and start a case: http://www.dji.com/support

dpi elektra, how much do you think would I need to pay according to my problems?

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-19 15:18
is it worth it to repair or just buy a new one?

Once it’s sent back they will do an appraisal and give you a price if you don’t like it you can ask for it to be sent back undone. I think it’s worth doing that.

That is sad to see.
Good luck with the repair / replacement.

https://repair.dji.com/repair/price-inquiry

That site will tell you what they charge for the replacement parts then it is $65 an hour for labor.  I had a motor and the shell replaced it was only an hour, so I don't see it taking more than that even if they replace the camera as well.  The camera is $70 and the top and bottom shell will cost $17.  I would send it in and just have them do it.  

The Bash's Posted at 2018-3-20 00:46
https://repair.dji.com/repair/price-inquiry

That site will tell you what they charge for the replacement parts then it is $65 an hour for labor.  I had a motor and the shell replaced it was only an hour, so I don't see it taking more than that even if they replace the camera as well.  The camera is $70 and the top and bottom shell will cost $17.  I would send it in and just have them do it.

thank you for posting that link.  If I am reading this correctly, I should expect my repairs to be ~$82.  

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-18 16:34
Why would I take a video in the middle of sport mode?

Why not?
As long you fly forward or backwards or wanna edit it anyway, what is the difference to other modes?
Aside that sport is the only mode, to get nice quick moving shots
And repair will be the middle frame and al inside parts moved over
100-200US, assumingly.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-3-19 15:19
dpi elektra, how much do you think would I need to pay according to my problems?

Here is the link for you to check the accessory price of spark: https://repair.dji.com/en/SelfRepair/PriceQuery Thanks for your support.

Is there a way for me to just email the support team without needing confirmation that I have a spark?

S-e-ven Posted at 2018-3-20 02:23
Why not?
As long you fly forward or backwards or wanna edit it anyway, what is the difference to other modes?
Aside that sport is the only mode, to get nice quick moving shots

You know I have stopped running video all the time.  I have taken to taking more pictures with the drone.  Do you run video, then stop it to take pictures and then start another video?  Or do you pull frames from the video and call them pictures?