Full Guide - Replacing Phantom 3 Shell - in 4K

[@Alexk-usa]

So I was brave to go ahead and change the shell of my phantom 3 pro! Success!! Thank you for your detailed information. I however kept the old legs and didn’t touch the compass or sensor, I disconnected it from the sonar part and reconnected successfully. I have to confess, even tho I was taking notes for each and every screw I felt like I was not gonna be able to put it together again. Well, it’s all good, brand new phantom 3 pro up and running. Very happy and proud of my accomplishment! Thanks for your guide!

[@LeeZavitz]

Alex Kearney awesome that’s great!

[@Fsoricko]

Okay.

[@KidToyTesters]

Props on a well shot and edited tutorial. We just crashed our Phantom 3 pro for the 4th time and one of the motor housings broke off. Looking forward to trying this out ourselves. Thanks again and keep making videos!

[@joemirabelli2262]

This video is by far the best one on KZbin. Everyone please pay attention to the order he does everything in. Other than removing the compass (not necessary, just unplug), this is the most efficient way. There were a few misconceptions on names for the parts, but that's very minor. Thank you for the excellent video!

[@BrianFair99]

Fantastic - just noted the dreaded cracks as I was kitting the P3P out for drone fishing, just exactly the video I was hoping for. Nicely done.

[@tonyfresh1]

Crazhed my phantom 3. My new shell should be here Wednesday. Thanks for making this tutorial will definitely use this video while I fix mine

[@alexvolpe8305]

Thanks a lot man, your video makes me confidence to do that operation, and let me to do not make all the photos while dismounting as memo to all the passages. I spent 8h to do all the work. I just suggest to those want to do the same, to test the done (compass, gps and motores) BEFORE to close the upper part, because if something sould be checked again means to ruin with the screwdriver the new shell. I saved the original stickers, pill them off with the hairdryer, even the PHAMTOM 3 plate. Thanks again 👍👍👍

[@ingzimmerman899]

Thanks for explaining that lengthy process. Very generous of you.

[@ronpeiffer5142]

You have the very best instructional video of anything I have ever tried to learn on KZbin. This is a pretty intense job but with your vidio it was a breeze. Drone is back together but because of crash I can't calibrate compass. I think I need to send it to dji.

[@osiris460131]

Great video. Had a crash last Sunday. I swear the thing just fell out of the sky right after I cancelled the return to home. Fortunately it made a relatively soft landing. Hit a tree on the way down and landed in some high grass near a stream. No apparent damage to the camera. Ordered a new shell but a couple of the internal connection were damaged so I will be replacing the main board also. thanks to your video I won't make any mistakes during the rebuild.

[@donnylainhart2154]

God job buddy! Getting ready to tackle shell replacement and you've done a great job of prepping me!

[@raywillis5528]

Thanks very much for taking the time to make a really clear video. I have just crashed my phantom 3 but have ordered a new shell and feel I should be able to repair this quite cheaply. Once again many thanks

[@robertcolabella598]

Thanks for sharing. I feel very confident I can perform this repair on my P3S after viewing your video.

[@phillips.montgomery13]

Great Video and thanks. Ordered my shell this morning after I crashed my drone last night. Until I watched your video I had doubts about doing it myself, now I'm looking forward to accomplishing this myself.

[@Albert5522]

Did you manage to fix it yourself successfully?

[@mubblemann]

Many thank for taking the time to do this. Just replaced my cracked shell.

[@Josephtimeisallwegot]

zed, want to say thanks.i crashed my phantom 3 pro. real bad. 18 floors down. everything still worked. but the frame was no good. so I want to ebay and got a used frame. then seen your video. got me thow it all. when I turned it on. everything worked. god bless you and your family. and forgot. it took me 4 hours to do it. and I would do it agan.

[@LeeZavitz]

Joseph Harris yeah it takes awhile but it's cheaper than buying a new one

[@Xeonix28]

Very comprehensive and helpful video tutorial!

[@joshrweb]

Thanks a lot! This was very helpful. When I first saw how many screws there are and little parts and pieces I thought I might have to go to engineering school before I tackled this project.

[@infinitepi]

thanks for the walk thru. i have a new shell on it's way for my pro. i'm having the cracks under the motors like yours. i too crashed it a while back (twice) and have been flying since w/out issue but noticed this week on vacation that i had a motor ready to fall out. i suspect the torsion from the motors over the subsequent flights just fatigued them enough to crack up.

[@mikem9727]

Excellent video. So in order to replace the 4 gray sonar antennas in the legs. Is it necessary to remove the main board, motors, etc inside the drone. It's tough to tell where they connect? Do they connect under the drone in the sonar? Thanks

[@shakaofthezulu]

Notes: Before reattaching the usb port you put the gimbal cable through. So do not forget that step. And yes as you wonder, DJI has changed the shell with the X type firmer ones in it's new product series. But I had to change that too due to a collision and other minor fractures. I wish there was an option rather than pinching the upper shell when removing. Some cables survived within milimeters. Overall thanks a million times. I couldn't have achieved w/o your video!

[@stevebunting3366]

The plastic clips can be a problem, or not. The trick is to look at the new shell and you can see exactly where the clips are located on the old shell. Mark them on the old shell with a pencil. Also look at how the clips interlock on the upper and lower pieces of the new shell. That gives you a good idea about what you need to do to release them. From the end where the motor is (no clips there), start to open the shell and use your prop as a spludger to hold open the gap. To easily open the clips, use a rubber coated screwdriver to gently press on the lower housing at the point where the clip is located (your pencil marks). This releases the hold on the upper shell and you can easily open it and move onward, using additional props or spludgers to keep the gap open as you move along. This way you don't pinch wires or scratch the shell. You may not care about old shell if it's broken or defective, but you do care about the wires. Besides, you may have to go inside the shell again at some point for some other repair or replacement. In this way, you don't force the clips, but rather work with them in the way they were designed.

[@talverbot4566]

thanks for that video!! i had a fucked up probeller arm after crash, back in the air happy. ..but no need to cut out the compass if you use your old legs

[@stevebunting3366]

Well done... explanations where needed. Fast forward when needed. If you have one of these birds, from time to time, repairs will be needed. Comes with the turf. It's called normal wear and tear from putting moving parts, electronics, in stressful conditions. Don't complain; get over it. ;-> You can send it in and have someone else do it, or you can save some money doing it yourself. Thanks for putting together this video. Much better than most...

[@dronienaturatyphoonhrs6169]

Hi Lee,i wanted to ask you,what material did you use to gluethe leds and the sensor on the landing gear. Thanks andyou were really good at the video! Hi good evening!

[@bcooksy41]

Thanks for doing this! Question for you... After you decided to reuse the old landing gear, do you think you could've left the compass and antennas attached to the landing gear, and just disconnected the harnesses from the board and pulled the wires through the shell? I need change the top and bottom shell also l, and if I can avoid having to cut out the compass to remove it, I'd rather do it that way.

[@LeeZavitz]

Brandon Cooksy I feel like I had to. Otherwise I would have left it as well. I honestly can't remember why I needed to. Either way when you get to that stage you could determine for yourself if you want to or not. Thanks for watching and good luck.

[@ianrice1778]

Good for you man! Good job n I know it's gotta feel good to fly with a new found confidence 🤘

[@monteroc]

nice job for bringing it back

[@paulwrest1778]

Really good video and a very good job well do. Happy flying 👻

[@acasatelli8]

do you have the part numbers for the upper and lower pieces, i just crashed mine today and need to perform this exact repair, great vid by the way, ill definately be watching it again as i perform the repair,

[@dipumarak1]

Very nice and info filled video. I'm waiting for my replacement shells...... i'm worried if i will be able to do it.

[@georgewilson2025]

Good & clear tutorial, many thanks!

[@lucasochoa7847]

If your wondering if it's hard it's not really I'm 13 and I was able to do it without a problem

[@ingzimmerman899]

That's my problem you are 13 and I am 73. ;-)

[@Fsoricko]

You’re* That’s the problem with you uneducated kids. Get off KZbin.

[@28636]

@@Fsoricko your*

[@highrthanhi2076]

Just gave me the motivation bro thanks lol

[@twenty4sixty884]

Hey Just wanted to say that the video was fantastic! I was able to follow along and replace the shell of the phantom 3 that I was using. I have one question, not sure how to fix...When I, turn on the aircraft I get a loud beeping noise (without the remote on). When I turn the remote on the beeping continues, and the remote will not hook up to the drone. I was just wondering if you have ever heard of this and/or how to correct the problem. Thanks so much keep the great content coming!!!! -Gabe

[@samfung607]

Thanks, great video, will follow it to repair mine.

[@dkeberhard]

Good video but I don't think it is something I would try myself. I did watch the entire video though so I could learn a bit more about how the thing is put together. I bet you had a good feeling of satisfaction when you did your test flight at the end. Do you know if there is a way to tell that you have the newer shell if you were to buy one now (Jan 1st 2017) ? I read in one of the comments below from 2 months ago that someone sent their's in for a warranty fix...

[@pkwilko]

Great video. I do have a question though. When you removed the main PCB, was it stuck to the bottom shell with double sided foam tape. I have a phantom 3 advanced that i'm replacing the Shell on and the PCB is well stuck to the shell. Any ideas on how to remove the tape without damaging the PCB?

[@LeeZavitz]

pkwilko only the gps was stuck to the shell on this. Did you watch the full video? The Pcb is screwed down so it can't stick to the top shell. I assume all the phantom3 would be the same?

[@pkwilko]

Yeah I did watch your full video. After removing the 4 screws from the main PCB and disconnecting the cables i then found my main PCB was stuck to the battery housing with a double side foam tape. This had to be cut away from the battery housing using a very sharp and thin knife to slice through the foam from inside the battery compartment. After the foam was cut through the rest pretty much ran as per your video.

[@matthewpopp20]

Quick tip, if you use a screw driver and stick it inside the vents and pry up lightly, the clips should pop easily on the top half of the case.

[@scott3708]

Followed this and the only thing different is I didn't pull the antenna from the legs but disconnected from receiver. But my case swap I didn't have to change landing gear. Only thing is the main board 4 screws is designed to float so tighten but don't sock it down tight to maintain vibration dampening rubber mounts on battery tray.

[@josevilchez21]

Thank you much for this video

[@photojunkysdronezonevlog]

Great video but some advice to people that are going to do this, use hot glue to hold some of the wires and lights in place, or where ever else you may need to hold something still.

[@TECHNOLOGYTIPS101]

Good point, but hot glue is very heavy which will lead to extra weight draining the battery faster, so I recommend tape.

[@bigfoot-g4i]

Great work well done.

[@dronetech5269]

Awesome job man thank you

[@xdursis8900]

If the new phantom 3 shell doesn’t come with the plastic diffusers for the LEDs, can I replace them?

[@ScottSheaner]

I find that if you put the screws back from whence they came from is the best way to keep track of screws.

[@mikeyyo183]

I have a big question, actually just bought a Phantom 3 advance. It came with no screws that hold the shell together. So I ordered screws and it came with every single screw for every part of the Drone. So I'm not sure exactly what screws go in the spot that holds the shell together. Each bag has labels with different screws in it. For example comma one bag is labeled T30 another bag is labeled t17, T14, and 20, t16, and 25, and 1.6 3.5, and 30 through 29, and 30 through V2 and M 30. I'm thinking that the biggest screw holds the body screws together. Would you know anything about that?.

[@joshuawagner9958]

Awesome video. Where do you live? The coast there looks amazing!

[@bhupinderrawat4036]

Which motors are used in dji phantom

[@DylanStreetIam]

What are all the tools needed?

[@johnnytruckingoutdoors]

Awesome video

[@Alexk-usa]

Great video. So I spent hours with a DJI technician asking for prices on replacing the shell, they said I would have to send the drone out and then they would tell me the price, no way I would do that! Why won't they have a price established for it? Anyways, they have a shell listed on their site, says Phantom 3 Shell Standard, do you know if that will be compatible with phantom 3 professional? Thank you

[@LeeZavitz]

Alex Kearney yeah I’m pretty sure it’s the same one for all the p3 drones

[@Alexk-usa]

I kind of wanted to know for sure, so I'm thinking of ordering from Amazon. Seems like some already comes with led lights attached

[@jubz25146]

Could a phantom 3 pro/advanced shell be used to replace a phantom 3 standard?

[@CamsHobby]

Good job dear

[@jabber562]

do you have a link to buy the shell?

[@danroth3962]

What screwdriver kit did you use for this repair?

[@IrfanBheenick]

My top shell has bents over the vents i dont think it is harming the drone should i change it it does look good thoo its only on 1 arm

[@Bouwfilmnl]

Thanks! Great video!

[@gregstewart3687]

Hey man, great video! I just finished swapping out the shell on my PS3 advanced as well. Everything seemed to go smoothly. Upon test flight, I could not view through the camera on the DJI Go app, and it also didn't detect GPS and said poor transmitter signal. However, I did have full control of the aircraft. Also, I noticed a steady green and slow blinking red emitting from the VPS. Have you or anybody you may know experienced this issue? Thanks and please let me know!

[@LeeZavitz]

Greg Stewart I'm assuming you made sure that you plugged the gps back in? Or if you damaged the wire on the gps? Also assuming you checked all the wires coming from the gimbal to the main board?

[@599films7]

Thanks, you saved me about $100 to not have someone else fix my drone.

[@michaelissac]

When you removed the led lights it looked like you melted the plastic dots completely away. But when you put it back on, it looked like the plastic dots were brand new. Where did you get the new ones from?

[@LeeZavitz]

Michael Issac its part of the new shell.

[@michaelissac]

Zed ProMedia Are you saying you received new led lights with your shell?

[@LeeZavitz]

Michael Issac no the leds arent what melts is the plastic tabs on the shell that melt and hold them in

[@michaelissac]

Zed ProMedia totally got it now! Thanks

[@gttv9603]

how long did it take you to do all that?

[@ellengoerzen9956]

Is it possible to order only the battery tray?

[@Kyezie131]

I'm wondering the same thing. Mine is all busted and cracked from my crash but I might just be forced to glue it....

[@hoglundh]

Is the shell for the advance / professional the same as for the 4K?

[@LeeZavitz]

I'm not sure. They look the same. But I cant find any info on if there are some design changes. Its too bad they don't list it anywhere.

[@djvariant88]

Mine has the extra bracing and I still got the cracks :(

[@gwynnd5387]

where do i get the shell?

[@davidwim]

Video done 1 week before I got my DJI Phantom 3 Advanced July 2nd 2016

[@clive.r1414]

Hey! thanks for the education and information! Where shall I test fly ........I know over some water aaaahhhhhhhh! Now to find a shell...........

[@jhall0712]

How long did it take you to do this?

[@LeeZavitz]

jhall0712 probably 4hrs but I was also making a video. So it shouldn't take more than an hour without the distraction of setting up cameras, lights and making sure things are in focus and dumping footage etc. I also had to fix those wires I broke. That added some time.

[@jhall0712]

Good deal, thanks. I just sent mine in to DJI for the same issue. It should be under warranty but I'm trying to prepare myself in case for some reason they won't cover it..

[@jerrydelacruz5119]

You can tell where the clips are by looking at the new shell you bought.

[@dronespedronespe5550]

Espetacular parabens

[@Kyezie131]

Kinda funny how you get a tiny crack and replace the whole frame lmao. Mine hit the ground at 64.4 km/h and with a shit ton of tape and epoxy I have it flying again...I just don't trust it and I'm really timid while flying cuz I'm scared something will go wrong. I guess I didn't tighten one prop tight enough and it came off mid flight. Of course eventually I'm going to get a new frame and do this, but still haha.

[@tonymartin._9989]

why is your lens gold?

[@LeeZavitz]

Tonymartin._ I had a polar Pro filter on it

[@tonymartin._9989]

i just saw your other video. i get it now. thanks!

[@ertzmail]

So, you did not take any precautions on not to harm the circuit boad components, static energy can damage anything, even the smallest discharge will destroy it

[@dmonat]

I just finished this job. I'm such an idiot!!!!!!! Some how the top is on 90 degrees to port! Crap. Flew ok though. Cheap knock off shell that had other problems but the hole shell seemed to fit right except for above the battery. I might redo it but damn. I need a AA powered drill, LMAOOO. Quite the adventure, for sure.

[@jorrengonzaga6870]

Im nervous to do that..hahahaa

[@billyhudby4207]

Imma just by a new one

[@dmonat]

In all fairness the shell does have the upgrades!!!

[@JohnyFretka]

Good video, man. I don't know. I don't feel confident doing it myself. And I also don't have a soldering iron. I guess I have to pay the $200 that they ask for it :-)

[@raphaelmatoso7361]

Y’a pas en Français ça fait chier et beaucoup de vidéos intéressantes ne le sont pas !!!

[@CrazyCumminz]

Thanks, I hydro dipped my extra shell, yellow, grey and black digital camo. Top and bottom piece. My new channel will be aerial nation on you tube. Right now it's my name