Seeing the gimbal assembly has lowered my confidence

[Deleted member 24841]

After a year of trouble free flying I had a minor crash last week , no mystery about that, it got caught in a branch and dropped just a few feet. It was my fault and it appeared to be just prop damage. Unfortunately, I had the gimbal overload error and so had to replace the ribbon cable. The cable hadn't snapped, but was stressed ( a bit like me!). I replaced it successfully, but I was really disappointed at how fragile the whole assembly was and to be honest it's killed my confidence with the Mavic. If an upgraded/redesigned gimbal was available I'd go for it.

 

[msinger]

If an upgraded/redesigned gimbal was available I'd go for it.

The Mavic 2 will be here soon.

DJI Mavic 2 confirmed by Argos (specs & model names)

 

[Thwyllo]

After a year of trouble free flying I had a minor crash last week , no mystery about that, it got caught in a branch and dropped just a few feet. It was my fault and it appeared to be just prop damage. Unfortunately, I had the gimbal overload error and so had to replace the ribbon cable. The cable hadn't snapped, but was stressed ( a bit like me!). I replaced it successfully, but I was really disappointed at how fragile the whole assembly was and to be honest it's killed my confidence with the Mavic. If an upgraded/redesigned gimbal was available I'd go for it.

It's a balancing act though isn't it? Construction needs to be lightweight in order to help with stabilisation. The sturdier it is, then the heavier it is and the more load it puts on the technology and the battery in order to remain as responsive. Better battery tech will enable stronger construction in future.

 

[Kilrah]

It was obviously designed for performance over robustness.
Be accordingly cautious.

 

[ccoltmanm]

Agreed. Every time I put a filter on it or take one off I’m afraid of ripping the thing. It performs well though!

 

[Deleted member 24841]

It's a balancing act though isn't it? Construction needs to be lightweight in order to help with stabilisation. The sturdier it is, then the heavier it is and the more load it puts on the technology and the battery in order to remain as responsive. Better battery tech will enable stronger construction in future.

I agree, just feel that ribbon could have been designed without the need to fold and crease it. I also agree battery technology is advancing rapidly!

 

[Deleted member 24841]

Agreed. Every time I put a filter on it or take one off I’m afraid of ripping the thing. It performs well though!

Ha! putting the clamp on scares me!

 

[msinger]

Out of all of the DJI drone forums I frequent, the Mavic Pro seems to be the drone needing the most camera/gimbal related repairs. It'll be interesting to see the camera/gimbal design for the Mavic 2. I'm assuming it's going to be built better and thus we'll see less people needing to repair them.

 

[PandaCheese]

My Mavic Plat crashed sideways into a tree immediately after first auto take off, and then a second time straight up into my ceiling on auto-RTH. I have noticeable cracks on both landing struts and had to reseat the gimbal back under the plate, but it still works fine. So to me it was more robust than appearance.