I reverted back to 1.08 firmware after updating to 2.0 then 3.0 because the craft would not maintain elevation and overall general decrease in control. After reverting the craft controls the way it used too ie. very good response and feel. It was very easy to revert since the DJI software never uninstalls the previous version of the Assistant software, my PC has versions 1.0, 1.02, 1.08, 2.0 and 3.0. I simply ran the executable for 1.08, plugged in the Phantom, checked for updates and it said I could "update" from version 3.0 to 1.08, seems any variance from the current version is seen as an update, this happens to make things very easy. I did have a lingering issue, that is my Gimbal Tilt switch no longer worked, it stopped working after the update to version 3. I have the Zenmuse H3-2D gimabl. It was solved by recalibrating the X1 stick in the assist software.
Now before I start getting a bunch of advice please read these clarifications below. PS. I re-calibrated everything via the software after every version update, as well as re-calibrating the craft as well.
1. I have flown my Phantom 2 for 5 months EVERYDAY for an hour at least. This is the only way to become a good pilot.
2. I do lots of low flying over water, very delicate flight patterns, NO room for error.
3. I never update firmware unless I have an issue, don't fix it if it ain't broke.
4. I decided to update from 1.08 to 2.0 for one reason only, I loved the new max descent speed limit since my one and only crash was due to a very high altitude descent in stormy conditions and came down too fast and without enough forward/backward movement and entering into the wobble of death/vortex ring state and the craft plummeted to the ground. I now know that if I enter this state simply back of the throttle and give it forward or backward stick gently.
5. As soon as I updated to 2.0 I began to notice flight control issues, to be specific, the craft would no longer MAINTAIN altitude at hover and also when you moved in any direction the craft would lose altitude, I nearly ditched the craft into the water several times before heading to the backyard for some serious flight analysis. I verified that the craft no longer moved or responded in the same way it had for the previous 200 flights, I was always having to add throttle up to maintain elevation, with no control movement at all the craft would drop several feet and rise and fall slowly over and over, when moving in any direction the craft would lose elevation and lastly when I would do a big pull back shot ie. Backwards and up at the same time it would "hook" left as it flew away, not a hard hook but a hook. I do this type of shot every day and do know that a compass issue will cause the same thing, but remember I recalibrated my compass before each flight just trying to eliminate variables.
6. Next I upgraded to 3.0 just in case these were version bugs, they do occur, I am a programmer and I know how easy it is cause issues with "improvements" and debugging can take time. The flight control issues remained PLUS now my gimbal would not work. I did extensive flight tests, low level, hover, pull backs and all the conditions existed. Keep in mind I performed all tests in exactly the same location as to not introduce any locations variables.
7. Frustrated I got up this morning and decided to attempt a roll back to what IO deemed the last stable version 1.08. I read the forums but there was way too much conflicting and emotional dialog to sort thru so I decided to just give it a whirl. Since the DJI software never uninstalls the previous version of the Assistant software I DID NOT have to locate the installer for 1.08 or uninstall 3.0, all the older versions still existed in an installed state on my PC. I had versions 1.0, 1.02, 1.08, 2.0 and 3.0.
a. I simply located the executable for 1.08 C:\Program Files (x86)\DJI Product\Phantom 2 Assistant_1.08\Phantom2.exe
b. Plugged in the Phantom, checked for updates and it said I could "update" from version 3.0 to 1.08, seems any variance from the current version is seen as an update, this happens to make things very easy.
c. I then recalibrated the controller and went to do some hands on flight tests. Everything is now great again, all the previous issues were gone, no drop in elevation when moving, much more stable hovering and no more J hook on the big pull backs
d. Solved the Gimbal Tilt Switch problem thanks to the folks at DroneFly, the asked me to simply re-calibrate the X1 (Gimbal Switch) using the Assistant Software, go to Basic, then RC, then go to the Sticks Monitor and click Start in the X1 calibration, articulate the gimbal switch, then click Finish and all will be well.
I truly hope this info is helpful and would love to get your feedback. I love to fly my Phantom and know how hard it must be for DJI to manage hardware and software changes and also know they are trying to beat the governments to the punch at protecting airports and aircraft from careless pilots, I think this is a good thing for the sport.
