Battery care is more important than you think
How to charge a drone battery?
Today, batteries are an integral part of our daily lives, generally supporting a myriad of devices that require recharging, and causing some people to worry about how long it will take for their smartphones, watches, bluetooth headphones, laptops and drones to be charged and ready to go. As a result, taking care of batteries today is a completely different tale, batteries have become more advanced as they have become more important to our lives.
When the matter concerns the care of batteries for drone is very serious, even if they are DJI Smart Batteries. If any power problems arise during the flight, it can be very unfortunate in its consequences. Even if you don't use the batteries at any given time you need to take care of them to keep them protected and to extend their life.
Six tips on how to use smart batteries
- Use a fully charged battery to avoid errors.
- Pay attention to the temperature (The battery should be used in a temperature range of -10C to 40C (-20 to 40 on Inspire 2). If the temperature is too low don't start right away just let the battery warm up.
- Carefully connect the battery to the device (Before the flight, start the controller, place the battery in the drone, then also start it). Do not remove the battery while using the drone!
- Check battery status. After launching the drone, check the current battery status on the DJI GO app and set an alert for low and critical battery levels, this should be based on your needs.
Pay close attention to DJI GO app warnings. Try not to fly too rapidly to reduce excessive battery output consumption. Keep an eye on the battery temperature and take appropriate countermeasures. If DJI GO app signals low battery, land as soon as possible. If the DJI GO app warns you that "battery cells are abnormal or damaged" stop using that battery.
6. After the flight, first turn off the power and remove the battery, and only then turn off the controller.
Six tips on how to maintain your battery
- Warm up cold batteries. DJI battery warmer is recommended*. *Heaters are available for Phantom 3 and Inspire 1.
If you fly in places where the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celcius, pay attention to the temperature of the battery. If the temperature exceeds 65 degrees, reduce the flight altitude. If it is higher than 70 degrees it can catch fire and even explode.
Store the battery in a dry and cool place, at a temperature varying between 22 - 28 degrees. Don't leave batteries near heat sources (in the sun, by the fire, by stoves, etc.).). Keep the battery away from liquids. Do not store batteries with metal objects.
If the battery is to rest idle for more than 10 days we should discharge it to 40 - 65%. Storing a fully charged battery can intensify battery aging. You can set in the DJI GO app self-discharge (1 day - 10 days). If we keep the battery charged below 10% it may over discharge. If the battery cells are damaged, it is not possible to use.
If the battery is to be carried, it must be charged to 50% (in an airplane to 5%). Place the battery in a special carrying bag (li-po bag) before transporting it. During transportation, make sure that it will not be damaged by some external forces, such as some machinery, crushing, bumping, falling, etc.
Batteries should be charged using DJI's signature charger. Otherwise, the battery may be damaged. Avoid flammable substances and flammable materials and never leave a charging battery unattended. Do not charge the battery when its temperature is high (e.g., right after a flight). The ideal environment is between 5 and 40 degrees Celcius. After charging, disconnect the battery from the charger.
Six popular questions about batteries
1. Why the drone didn't work after battery activation?
It is possible that the battery is inaccurately connected. Please check that the battery is properly connected to the drone.
2. Why the DJI GO app shows a battery warning when the drone is running?
It is possible that the battery is inaccurately connected. Please check that the battery is properly connected to the drone.
3. What are the most common battery warnings? How to fix them?
"Overcurrent during discharge" - Overload during discharge; discharge current exceeds maximum battery discharge capacity. Try not to exceed the limits of the drone.
"High discharging temperature" - Battery temperature is too high. The drone will automatically reduce its power to ensure its efficiency.
"Low discharging temperature" - battery temperature is too low. It is necessary to land. Incorrect or damaged battery cells. Please do not use the battery.
5. Why I should warm up the battery before using it in the winter period?
Due to the limitation of the chemical structure of the lithium battery, when the battery temperature is too low, the performance of the battery will be significantly reduced. Keep a close eye on battery temperature conditions. Also, the mobile device may turn off accidentally when the ambient temperature is too low. In addition, it is recommended to fly the drone within line of sight.
6. Is it normal for the battery to be swollen?
No, if the battery is not charged properly (improper voltage or short circuit occurs with batteries used with non-DJI charger) or affected by ambient temperature, external forces, etc., Batteries may swell or even spontaneously catch fire or explode. Stop using the spilled battery and contact DJI or your dealer to resolve the problem.
7. Why the battery won't charge after long storage time?
If the battery is critically low and it has been unused for a long time, hibernation mode may be activated. Try charging the battery to wake it up. If it continues to fail after charging, the battery may be damaged due to over-discharge.
If you are looking for drone accessories then you are in the perfect place
drone accessories