UPDATE: Ninja Gimbal - The FeiYu Tech MiNi 3D gimbal
0On Monday I wrote about my experience with the FeiYu Tech (FYT) MiNi 3D gimbal. That sleek, sexy, compact little 3 axis GoPro compatible motion stabilizing camera gimbal.
To very briefly summarize, I concluded it was very delicate and easily broken. I went on to tirade about FYT's poor customer service and the lack of repair parts available on the market.
I also lambasted FYT about their unwillingness to send the correct GoPro cable for my gimbal (mine came with a video pass-thru cable, but was advertised to be a video pass-thru WITH power). They also refused to give/sell a replacement plastic housing that was so fragile it broke on my first test flight. Finally, I wanted to purchase a spare primary interface cable (connects the gimbal to the drone) and they refused to sell that as well.
I've been going back and forth with FYT since August 22nd. A total of 17 email messages traded with the FYT service department. After many messages and (empty) threats, I shamed them into submission. On Tuesday, September 15th FYT agreed to send all the parts I was requesting if I would pay $31 for shipping via DHL.
This morning DHL dropped a package at my door containing:
1 GoPro video/power cable for MiNi 3D gimbal
1 Main interface cable for MiNi 3D gimbal
1 Pitch/Tilt housing retrofit kit which consisted of
a. Housing hardware set (screws)
b. 2 complete Pitch/Tilt motor housing/motor mount assemblies
This in itself was remarkable. Not only did they actually send the parts I requested, but they shipped the parts in a timely manner. I received the package in three days.
Not only did they include ONE complete replacement housing to fix the broken Tilt mount, but they included a second assembly to retrofit the Pitch mount.
Why do I say "retrofit"? Because the new mounts/housings are milled from aluminum. Solid, sturdy aluminum!
I also received an email message from FYT service instructing me to update the MiNi 3D firmware, with a promise that the new firmware will resolve the "stuttering pan" issue I complained about.
So now I'm conflicted. After I reassemble the gimbal with it's new sturdy motor mounts, will I immediately list it on eBay and recover my investment, or will I give it a second chance and see if the new mounts and updated firmware made this the best 3D gimbal in it's price range?
Soliciting opinions, please...
- 4 comments, 3 replies
- Comment
test it once and give us details on how it does :)
@DJMajickMan I sold a Corvette on eBay several years ago. The weekend the seller was coming to pick it up I thought "I'll just take it for one last spin".
Shamed them into submission................. LOL!!!!!! Well, it's nice that they conceded, but it seemed like a lot of effort. Could be the case of, nice products, poor customer service, or breakdown/lost in translation. Definitely give us the details, forgetting about the customer service component. How's the warez?
All sorted out and reassembled with the new aluminum housings. Quick power-up to test function. All seems to work as designed. Planning a Sunday morning flight with the Tali for a full test and report back to @sportykev. Must upgrade firmware between now and then...
@ruouttaurmind That does look pretty sleek...
Here's a quick video of the Tali saddled up with this FeiYu Tech MiNi 3D. I originally intended to upgrade the firmware before doing this video, but decided to wait. I wanted to do a baseline test before upgrading so I will be able to compare and determine any improvements in the latest firmware.
@ruouttaurmind love the open fields. OMG THE LEGS GO UP. The gimbal appears to do a pretty good job. Seems to have done well against the quick yaw. What's with the crop circles? Lift off very smooth, I guess it's helpful to have more than just 4 rotors.