Find out how to safely transport drone batteries with out the majority

LiPo batteries have a repute for being each highly effective and finicky, which might make any efforts to move drone batteries difficult.

Positive, highly effective LiPo batteries are what give our drones the endurance to seize these epic photographs, however additionally they include warnings about fireplace threat and secure dealing with. In case you’ve ever gone down the rabbit gap of battery security articles (um sure, I’ve loads of these on my web site), you’ve in all probability seen the whole lot from fireproof ammo cans to heavy-duty storage instances.

And whereas these are definitely the last word in battery security, they’re not at all times sensible if you’re simply attempting to throw your in any other case compact DJI Mini 4 Professional package right into a bag for a day of flying.

What do you do in order for you one thing small and easy to move drone batteries that’s ideally compact sufficient to slide into the DJI-supplied Mini 4 Professional carrying case alongside your drone? And what if you happen to’re carrying a number of batteries and stashing the spares within the charging hub? Is that secure sufficient? Right here’s my tackle the right way to safely transport drone batteries.

Battery security: vital, however don’t overthink it

First issues first: as we speak’s drone batteries are far safer than the LiPos of years previous. Within the early years of the trade (earlier than we had Sensible Batteries), fires have been way more frequent. I even as soon as documented an RC store that burned down attributable to a LiPo fireplace.

As of late, the danger remains to be there, but it surely’s far smaller. Constructed-in safety circuits, higher supplies and tighter manufacturing requirements imply the danger of fireplace or swelling is comparatively low — particularly if you happen to’re flying name-brand merchandise like DJI. That mentioned, accidents do occur, and a little bit precaution goes a great distance. Heck, even good telephones have caught fires attributable to comparable battery challenges.

An ammo can or cumbersome fireproof field is definitely maximally safe, however they’re typically overkill for on a regular basis flying. They’ll add extra weight, they don’t sometimes match into your drone’s case, and so they’re definitely not sensible if you happen to’re touring by airplane (the place all batteries should go in your carry-on anyway attributable to FAA rules).

My private resolution: small particular person battery luggage

What I personally use are particular person battery pouches. These are the sort lined with fire-retardant materials. They’re light-weight, they’re compact and so they offer you simply sufficient peace of thoughts with out including a lot bulk. You’ll find them sized to suit DJI Mini-series batteries completely.

I want one pouch per battery moderately than a single massive one for all of them, since I can higher unfold them out wherever it is sensible in my bag.

Then, I simply toss these little pouches into no matter bag I’m carrying that day. Typically it’s the bag that I truly obtained from DJI (I normally get the Fly Extra Combo, which comes with a bag).

Although to be trustworthy, these DJI instances are so tightly packed it looks like Tetris to suit the whole lot in. Extra typically, I’ll drop the DJI case (with the drone itself) and my pouches of batteries into an inexpensive backpack from Goal. Nothing fancy, only a customary backpack that’s easy, roomy and versatile.

What about fancy instances?

If you need one thing extra professional-looking, there are respected third-party manufacturers like PGYTECH that make high-quality organizers designed particularly for drone batteries and equipment. They’re glossy and durable, although I’ll admit they arrive at a premium worth.

On the different finish of the spectrum are Pelican instances, that are the gold customary for defense. They’re waterproof, crushproof and customizable with foam inserts. However they’re additionally massive and ponderous — nice for transporting drones in a automobile trunk, much less supreme if you happen to’re flying and attempting to journey gentle.

Flying with drone batteries

One final tip that I alluded to earlier: if you happen to’re flying commercially or touring by air, keep in mind that all drone batteries should go in your carry-on, not checked baggage. Hold every battery in its personal protecting bag, and ensure the terminals aren’t uncovered (some folks use plastic terminal covers and even only a piece {of electrical} tape). TSA brokers are used to seeing drone batteries, so so long as they’re saved correctly, you shouldn’t run into points.

Closing ideas on the right way to transport drone batteries

With regards to transporting your drone batteries, you don’t have to overcomplicate it. Skip the cumbersome ammo cans until you’re storing batteries long-term at house. For on a regular basis use, just a few fireproof pouches and a easy backpack are greater than sufficient. It’s a steadiness between security and comfort — and for me, the person pouch methodology wins each time.

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