I received my Solo and Gimbal last week and finally had a moment to unbox and install the gimbal. Removing the static GoPro mount, I found 2 / 3 screws were incredibly difficult to remove. I was afraid of breaking off the threaded insert from the body. 45 mins later, I was able to work the screws free and remove the stock mount. First thing I noticed was a metallic powder under the two respective threaded inserts. Grabbing my mag glass, I noticed the threads on the screw and insert were damaged, most likely from cross threading during assembly.
There was green threadlock on the threads, but I dont think that should have damaged the inserts, unless they are made from very cheap aluminum.
No need to explain the pain in the ass and anxiety in trying to fix the threads by holding my breath and very slowly re tapping using the last good screw. I was very lucky to be able to get this fixed, or I would be looking at trying to obtain a new body shell from 3DR and swapping all the guts over...something I really didn't want to do for a brand new drone which had yet to be flown.
I was curious if this has happened before, and how common it is. It's a shame that a 2 cent part could have ended up grounding a $1000 investment.
Another question while I have your attention. Do you find the primary battery charger gets quite hot while in use? I ended up moving the charging from inside the house to the patio just in case we had a flare up. It gets so hot you cannot touch it for more than a few seconds.
There was green threadlock on the threads, but I dont think that should have damaged the inserts, unless they are made from very cheap aluminum.
No need to explain the pain in the ass and anxiety in trying to fix the threads by holding my breath and very slowly re tapping using the last good screw. I was very lucky to be able to get this fixed, or I would be looking at trying to obtain a new body shell from 3DR and swapping all the guts over...something I really didn't want to do for a brand new drone which had yet to be flown.
I was curious if this has happened before, and how common it is. It's a shame that a 2 cent part could have ended up grounding a $1000 investment.
Another question while I have your attention. Do you find the primary battery charger gets quite hot while in use? I ended up moving the charging from inside the house to the patio just in case we had a flare up. It gets so hot you cannot touch it for more than a few seconds.