Binding new rc to "old" (crashed) Mini 4PRO

[Pol]

Hi all,
September 2024 I crashed my M4P into a 40 meters high tree. Couldn't find it at that time because of the leaves.
The log told me it was hanging at about 35 meters, impossible to reach, so I contacted DJI for a replacement.
DJI care provided me a new M4P so I could fly again. so far so good.
After multiple attempts to find my drone, I succeeded yesterday.
It was hanging in dense bushes 6 meters from the last recorded GPS position.
Now here`s my plan. I want to repair it (estimated costs €30,-) buy an extra (new) controller and give this set to my son.
After trying to bind and to find out if everything would still work, I got the message "Connected device not bound to etc etc" (see appendix)

My question is:
When I buy a second RC, will I (or my son) be able to bind and fly my "recovered" M4P?

 

[Cafguy]

I want to repair it (estimated costs €30,-) buy an extra (new) controller and give this set to my son.
After trying to bind and to find out if everything would still work, I got the message "Connected device not bound to etc etc"

The Drone you lost was replaced and therefor added to the "list" at DJI . That Drone Actually belongs to DJI and will be Bricked.
If you found it you may as well return it or throw it out.
Once the Drones number has been placed on the "list" you cannot activate it and if ever returned for a repair that drone will be Confiscated by DJI.

 

[Pol]

Thank you Cafguy for your reply.
That`s a bummer so I think I will keep it for parts (if ever needed)

 

[mavic3usa]

The Drone you lost was replaced and therefor added to the "list" at DJI . That Drone Actually belongs to DJI and will be Bricked.
If you found it you may as well return it or throw it out.
Once the Drones number has been placed on the "list" you cannot activate it and if ever returned for a repair that drone will be Confiscated by DJI.

Technical that is what DJI is supposed to do but not always; sometimes "they don't bother." DJI has been known to not follow the process exactly. Therefore it is possible that drone is not crippled....I don't see where the OP said he claimed flyaway or not. It's just a mini and if you ask DJI, they'll probably just say "no problem" just like these days Amazon doesn't bother to ask for returns (for example). I would just give it try to see if it works.

 

[Pol]

Technical that is what DJI is supposed to do but not always; sometimes "they don't bother." DJI has been known to not follow the process exactly. Therefore it is possible that drone is not crippled....I don't see where the OP said he claimed flyaway or not. It's just a mini and if you ask DJI, they'll probably just say "no problem" just like these days Amazon doesn't bother to ask for returns (for example). I would just give it try to see if it works.

"I don't see where the OP said he claimed flyaway or not."
Yes I claimed a flyaway and DJI has send me a new one (€ 255,-)
I would like more certainty before I buy a second rc (for my son).
All in all this will be quite an investment. Especially since I might have bought a second controller for nothing.

 

[Cafguy]

It will maybe fly a few times but one day probably sooner than later they will Brick the number if it hasn't been done already.
You should read the agreement you signed with DJI when you purchased the coverage..... They require you to inform them if you find the drone they replaced.
DJI may offer a refund or credit for the difference between the Flyaway coverage cost and the value of a damaged drone, or they may simply take the drone back.
You could use it for parts but the internals are serialized and would show up as being from the lost Drone and would not work with any other. E.G. If you were to use the camera from the old Drone you would have to pay a secondary repair place to "RepairTool" your Drones new parts. DJI would see the old numbers and therefor NOT Match the part to the new Drone.

 

[mavic3usa]

"I don't see where the OP said he claimed flyaway or not."
Yes I claimed a flyaway and DJI has send me a new one (€ 255,-)
I would like more certainty before I buy a second rc (for my son).
All in all this will be quite an investment. Especially since I might have bought a second controller for nothing.

Since you claimed flyaway, this is your best option:

It will maybe fly a few times but one day probably sooner than later they will Brick the number if it hasn't been done already.
You should read the agreement you signed with DJI when you purchased the coverage..... They require you to inform them if you find the drone they replaced.
DJI may offer a refund or credit for the difference between the Flyaway coverage cost and the value of a damaged drone, or they may simply take the drone back.
You could use it for parts but the internals are serialized and would show up as being from the lost Drone and would not work with any other. E.G. If you were to use the camera from the old Drone you would have to pay a secondary repair place to "RepairTool" your Drones new parts. DJI would see the old numbers and therefor NOT Match the part to the new Drone.