How you can safely transport drone batteries with out the majority

LiPo batteries have a status for being each highly effective and finicky, which may make any efforts to move drone batteries tough.

Positive, highly effective LiPo batteries are what give our drones the endurance to seize these epic photographs, however additionally they include warnings about hearth danger 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 website), you’ve most likely seen every little thing 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 once you’re simply making an attempt 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 in case you’re carrying a number of batteries and stashing the spares within the charging hub? Is that secure sufficient? Right here’s my tackle tips on how to safely transport drone batteries.

Battery security: necessary, however don’t overthink it

First issues first: at the moment’s drone batteries are far safer than the LiPos of years previous. Within the early years of the business (earlier than we had Sensible Batteries), fires had been much more frequent. I even as soon as documented an RC store that burned down because of a LiPo hearth.

Nowadays, the chance continues to be there, but it surely’s far smaller. Constructed-in safety circuits, higher supplies and tighter manufacturing requirements imply the chance of fireside or swelling is comparatively low — particularly in case you’re flying name-brand merchandise like DJI. That mentioned, accidents do occur, and somewhat precaution goes a good distance. Heck, even sensible telephones have caught fires because of related 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, they usually’re definitely not sensible in case you’re touring by airplane (the place all batteries should go in your carry-on anyway because of FAA rules).

My private resolution: small particular person battery luggage

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

I desire one pouch per battery quite than a single massive one for all of them, since I can higher unfold them out wherever it is smart 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 really received from DJI (I often get the Fly Extra Combo, which comes with a bag).

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

What about fancy instances?

If you’d like 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 modern and durable, although I’ll admit they arrive at a premium value.

On the different finish of the spectrum are Pelican instances, that are the gold normal for cover. They’re waterproof, crushproof and customizable with foam inserts. However they’re additionally huge and ponderous — nice for transporting drones in a automobile trunk, much less very best in case you’re flying and making an attempt to journey mild.

Flying with drone batteries

One final tip that I alluded to earlier: in case you’re flying commercially or touring by air, do not forget that all drone batteries should go in your carry-on, not checked baggage. Preserve 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.

Last ideas on tips on how to transport drone batteries

In terms of transporting your drone batteries, you don’t must overcomplicate it. Skip the cumbersome ammo cans except you’re storing batteries long-term at house. For on a regular basis use, a number of 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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