Drones and the Cold

meierjn · Oct 31, 2024

I thought that I'd post here before a drone forum due to the experience of the members on this forum with the cold and snow. I got a new DJI Mini 3 this spring and would like to take it our with me while sledding. From what I understand, the battery will keep itself warm enough while flying, but you need to keep the battery warm prior to flying. I have a nice backpack that everything will fit in, but I'm looking for suggestions on keeping the batteries warm, or a portion of the pack that everything is stored in. I don't think handwarmers will do it so I'm open to suggestions. I do have a nice pair of heated battery powered socks that I could put the batteries in, but then I'll need to buy a second pair for my feet!

Advice and suggestions appreciated!
Thanks!

RBS145 · Oct 31, 2024

I've got a Mini 2, I use it all the time out sledding. I've kept it in my tunnel bag and back pack without any cold issues for the batteries. No heating needed on my end.

06 Dragon · Oct 31, 2024

What sled do you ride? I believe doo and Polaris have a google warming compartment just above the gauge cluster in the hood.

meierjn · Oct 31, 2024

It's a 2011 HCR 800. I do have a goggle bag under the hood that may be an option.

Tchetek · Oct 31, 2024

I would just keep one battery in each arm pit and if you have a 3rd battery stuff your Speedo

zal · Oct 31, 2024

Tchetek said:
I would just keep one battery in each arm pit and if you have a 3rd battery stuff your Speedo

You may have to remove any and all jewelry, chains and rings. No one needs that type of explosion in your pants.

Lem Lamb · Oct 31, 2024

Hand warmer taped too battery zip-locked baggy...

Just like a winter e-bike

I do 2 hand warmers then wrap the frame with a thick garbage bag...

-36 too -40 ,,, ruffly 20 too 30 miles easy,,, the bike can sit idle for 4 too 6 hours and the battery is still warm...

(In most cases. ) the Lithium batteries with in the cluster remain fresh and active when under-load / discharge...

Adding a hand heat pack and zip-lock bag could lesson any chances of a freeze-off...

You won't be able too land in the snow pack,,, heavy snow won't let the drone take off...

Do a heat gun reading then run a few test flights and see what the battery heat rating is when it lands...

Try a few things too see if the battery temp increases...

Worth a try at least...

meierjn · Nov 1, 2024

I've read that the batteries will heap themselves when in use. I'll try the heat gun temp test to confirm. I have a foldable landing pad to put down in grassy and really dirty areas. It folds and fits in the pack nicely. It will work good in the snow as well.

I remembered I had purchased one of them insulated, battery heated hand pouches you can put both of your hands in. I bought it for my wife and daughter when their hands got cold at my son's hockey games. I'll run a couple of charge/discharge cycles on it this weekend to see how long the battery lasts. I should be able to fit my 3 batteries and the controller in it while in my pack. It should work good and if my hands get cold flying, I'll stick em in it!

Drones and the Cold

meierjn

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RBS145

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06 Dragon

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meierjn

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Tchetek

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zal

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Lem Lamb

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meierjn

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