Drones and the Cold

[meierjn]

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]

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]

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

 

[meierjn]

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

 

[Tchetek]

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

 

[zal]

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]

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]

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!