The best way to safely transport drone batteries with out the majority

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

Certain, highly effective LiPo batteries are what give our drones the endurance to seize these epic pictures, 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 in all probability seen all the pieces from fireproof ammo cans to heavy-duty storage circumstances.

And whereas these are definitely the final word in battery security, they’re not all the time 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 when you’re carrying a number of batteries and stashing the spares within the charging hub? Is that secure sufficient? Right here’s my tackle methods to safely transport drone batteries.

Battery security: essential, however don’t overthink it

First issues first: right this moment’s drone batteries are far safer than the LiPos of years previous. Within the early years of the trade (earlier than we had Good Batteries), fires had been way more widespread. I even as soon as documented an RC store that burned down as a consequence of a LiPo hearth.

Today, the danger remains to be there, nevertheless it’s far smaller. Constructed-in safety circuits, higher supplies and tighter manufacturing requirements imply the danger of fireside or swelling is comparatively low — particularly when you’re flying name-brand merchandise like DJI. That stated, accidents do occur, and a bit precaution goes a great distance. Heck, even good telephones have caught fires as a consequence of comparable battery challenges.

An ammo can or cumbersome fireproof field is definitely maximally safe, however they’re usually overkill for on a regular basis flying. They will add further weight, they don’t sometimes match into your drone’s case, and so they’re definitely not sensible when you’re touring by airplane (the place all batteries should go in your carry-on anyway as a consequence 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 and so they provide you with simply sufficient peace of thoughts with out including a lot bulk. Yow will discover them sized to suit DJI Mini-series batteries completely.

I desire 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 received from DJI (I normally get the Fly Extra Combo, which comes with a bag).

Although to be trustworthy, these DJI circumstances are so tightly packed it appears like Tetris to suit all the pieces in. Extra usually, 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 customary backpack that’s easy, roomy and versatile.

What about fancy circumstances?

In order for you 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 circumstances, that are the gold customary for cover. 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 very best when you’re flying and attempting to journey mild.

Flying with drone batteries

One final tip that I alluded to earlier: when you’re flying commercially or touring by air, do not forget that all drone batteries should go in your carry-on, not checked baggage. Maintain every battery in its personal protecting bag, and ensure the terminals aren’t uncovered (some individuals 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.

Remaining ideas on methods to transport drone batteries

In the case of transporting your drone batteries, you don’t have to overcomplicate it. Skip the cumbersome ammo cans except you’re storing batteries long-term at residence. 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 technique wins each time.

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