Well, I dropped my original Phantom TX too many times - and although I patched it up, a new (refurb) model was only $20 (ebay), so I bought one and assumed that maybe it would "just work". No such luck. The Phantoms are bound to their matching transmitters at the factory and you cannot bind a new one without some work. Various forum posts and videos show all kinds of crazy voodoo to accomplish this task, but it's really as simple as this (actually, not simple, but doable). FYI, my Phantom is model 1.2.1 1. Before you buy, make certain that the TX you obtain is the exact same model as the one you are replacing. In my case, the TX number is SR6 - that's for the original Phantom 1 - and it operates on the 2.4CHZ frequency. 2. Unfortunately, you have to take apart your Phantom to accomplish this task - but while it is apart, it's a great time to check all the connections, wires, etc. as part of your long term upkeep. The important thing about taking the Phantom apart is to place the screws in different containers and make certain the same ones go back into where they came from. So, using this diagram, remove the screws. However, you should first remove the props and prop guards (if installed) and disconnect the compass on the landing gear. Removal of the entire landing gear will make it easier to access some of the screws. Torx T8 is required for most screws, although the small screw at the end of each arm is a phillips (as is the landing gear). (click to enlarge) 3. Remove the Phantom top shell and set it aside - it will still be connected via the GPS and other wires, but there is enough play to move it out of the way. Locate the Receiver board - it is off to the side of the NAZA as shown in the picture below - and it contains a small LED. (click to enlarge) 4. Place 4 AA batteries in the new SR6 Transmitter and turn it on. Then connect one of your Phantom batteries to the aircraft - leaving the battery outside the quadcopter (as you do when connecting the USB cable and doing updates and settings, etc.). At this point the LED on the Phantom receiver board should turn solid red, indicating that the Phantom is not bound to anything. Using a small screwdriver or pointer, press the small reset button which is located close to that LED on the receiver board - continue holding it down for a couple seconds - it should then start flashing, indicated that it is prepared for binding. 5. It's at this point that some of the voodoo starts. DJI says it will bind if you turn the remote control (the SRG) off and then turn it on while holding the throttle downward. You will know it has bound if that light turns off. If yours is like mine, this may not work the first time. Continue with the "I'll get this no matter what" attitude and try the following: a. Cycle the power on the quad and on the new SR6 b. If the quadcopter receiver LED is solid red, try pushing the reset button once again. 3. While quadcopter is powered on, connect to your computer and the NAZA Assistant program and make certain that the setting for the Receiver type shows PPM. It may help to toggle it to another setting, hit return, and then toggle it back to PPM. After doing this dance for a short while, my Phantom magically bound to the new SR6 and I was able to comfirm it in the NAZA Assistant. Note that you should not change any other settings in the Assistant until you do the following. 1. Once you are bound, power up the Phantom motors to make certain of the binding and control (your props are not installed)..... 2. Put the Phantom back together and hook up the compass, etc. - do not install the props yet. 3. Take it outside, do the compass calibration and then allow it to get a GPS lock (make sure your new TX is set with the switches up). 4. Now you can hook up the NAZA Assistant again the confirm everything is set up as you desire. It wasn't easy - but mine is done. The most important thing here is not to throw your hands up and start contacting DJI and other owners when it doesn't work the first time. Wait until it doesn't work the 5th or 6th time.....then it's time to cry for assistance!
