Flying FPV drones within the winter presents distinctive challenges, each for the pilot and the plane. Low temperatures may even result in such profanity as “good climate for flying, nevertheless it’s too chilly to go exterior!” As somebody who’s been flying within the winter for over a decade, I’d wish to share some sensible suggestions that can assist you and your RC fashions survive these freezing winter FPV periods.
Additional Studying: Right here’s a listing of helpful instruments and spare for constructing and repairing FPV drones.
Battery Efficiency in Chilly Climate
Chilly temperatures have a major affect on battery efficiency. Whereas they stop elements from overheating and make the denser air extra environment friendly for propellers, they will trigger batteries to carry out poorly. That is very true for LiPo and Li-ion batteries, which function finest at round 35°C (95°F). Beneath 18°C (64°F), you’ll discover a marked lower in energy and shorter flight occasions.
Retaining batteries heat earlier than and through flights is important. Spare batteries in your pocket and used LiPos as hand heaters are sensible options.
In truth, the identical precept applies to any battery usually utilized in FPV gear, together with these used for GoPro cameras. They gained’t final as lengthy within the chilly both. Usually, you may get 10 flights from a battery, however in winter, this may drop to solely 7 flights earlier than it shuts down. A helpful trick is to have a number of spare batteries and rotate them for every flight. Inserting them in a heat spot (e.g. your pocket) earlier than inserting into the GoPro can considerably increase run time. Particular GoPro batteries designed for chilly temperatures are additionally out there.
To show this concept, I performed an experiment at round 10°C. I flew my drone round a race course a number of occasions and recorded the utmost output energy of the battery. As evident from the graph, the utmost output energy progressively builds up, peaking mid-flight because the battery warms up, however then slowly declines because the battery cost depletes.
Dealing with Transmitters within the Chilly
Chilly climate impacts your dexterity, making your fingers stiff and numb, and more durable to manage your drone easily. Radio gloves have been my go-to options for conserving my fingers heat and nimble.
This transmitter glove I’ve been utilizing for years covers the radio and your fingers, whereas permitting a transparent view of the display screen. Extremely Really helpful! Get them right here:
It’s appropriate for varied full-size transmitters, together with the Radiomaster TX16S, Boxer, Zorro, Pocket, Jumper T20S and T-Lite. Nonetheless, be aware of the plastic cowl collapsing and interfering together with your controls, I merely use some cardboard inserts to carry up the duvet.
Disposable Hand Heaters
Get your disposable hand heaters right here, Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VRawtP.
Priced at simply $1 a pack, with every pack lasting about 8 hours (examined and confirmed), these are seemingly essentially the most cost-effective method to maintain heat for individuals who don’t fly typically. How heat are they? They really feel barely hotter than a LiPo after an intense flight on a 5″ FPV drone, however not so heat as to burn your fingers.
These disposable hand heaters resemble outsized tea luggage and are extremely simple to make use of. Merely take them out of the package deal, and so they begin to heat up inside a couple of minutes.
Excellent not only for FPV, these hand heaters are additionally nice for out of doors walks within the chilly. I particularly like putting one inside my transmitter glove and pocket for distinctive heat, a bit like a cup of Irish espresso however to your fingers 😀
Rechargeable Hand Hotter
For frequent flyers in winter, a chargeable hand hotter is usually a cost-saving funding. Some fashions double as energy banks, able to recharging your GoPro and smartphone within the area, which is kind of handy. They can be used to heat up your battery.
You possibly can place these hand heaters within the palms of fingerless gloves to forestall your fingertips from freezing. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to decide on hand heaters which can be skinny sufficient to suit comfortably contained in the gloves.
Flying From Contained in the Automotive
One method to keep heat whereas flying FPV drones in winter is to do it from inside your automobile with the heater on.
Nonetheless, remember that flying from contained in the automobile can weaken the sign. You may handle for those who keep inside a comparatively shut vary. It’s advisable to fly cautiously at first to evaluate the discount in vary and adapt accordingly.
In the event you intention to fly with a good vary, a workaround is to increase the antennas or use exterior receivers, putting them on the roof of the automobile.
For example, you should utilize an SMA extension cable with a magnetic base to your radio transmitter. These cables are appropriate for each 900MHz (Crossfire & ExpressLRS) and a couple of.4GHz methods (ExpressLRS, Ghost, Frsky). Remember, although, {that a} lengthy coaxial cable may result in sign loss. Alternatively, contemplate mounting the transmitter module exterior the automobile, though this may be extra advanced.
Buy an SMA Extender with magnetic base (3 meters):
For the video hyperlink, you may mount an exterior receiver on prime of your automobile and join it to your goggles with an extended AV cable. The FuriousFPV Dock-King was a most popular selection attributable to its built-in magnet that adheres to metallic, nevertheless it’s not in manufacturing. Alternatively, you may DIY one thing like I did right here and get it 3D printed.
Goggle Fogging Up
FPV goggles can steam up in winter attributable to temperature variations. I’ve discovered pre-warming them earlier than use, corresponding to putting them in your brow or simply go away them plugged in for 10 minutes, will help.
Flying at Night time
Days develop shorter within the winter, for folks with a 9-to-5 job may miss the chance to fly throughout the day. You possibly can nevertheless fly FPV at night time with an excellent low gentle succesful digital camera. Take a look at this text the place I clarify easy methods to fly at night time, and in contrast a couple of nice FPV cameras for night time flying. The cameras I examined in that put up is likely to be just a little outdated, to replace you on the newest cameras that do effectively in low gentle.
For DJI, the Caddx Polar and Runcam Wasp are the perfect:
Discover the Caddx Polar from these distributors:
Get the Runcam Wasp right here:
For Walksnail, the Avatar Professional is the perfect:
For analog, the perfect night time cam is the Foxeer Micro CAT 3:
In the event you want a Nano dimension digital camera for night time time flying, the Toothless 2 Nano starlight is a fairly good selection. Make certain to get the Starlight model for low gentle although. Purchase Foxeer Toothless 2 Nano Starlight:
Issues Break Extra Simply
Chilly temperatures make plastic components like propellers and TPU extra brittle, tape and glue may lose stickiness, rising the chance of breakage. Spare components are important.
Nylon prop locknut doesn’t work effectively within the winter…
FPV Simulators
Too chilly exterior? FPV simulators are nice for training indoors.
There at the moment are so many choices with regards to FPV sim, with tons of tracks and maps you may apply on. They are going to maintain you entertained and motivated for a very long time earlier than you get bored.
Take a look at our overview on all the favored FPV simulator choices.
Flying within the Residing Room
You will get a tiny whoop and fly in the home, they’re tiny and enjoyable (till you fly it into your spouse’s hair)! If you’re questioning which Tiny Whoops to get, take a look at my tiny whoop purchaser’s information which I clarify all the favored choices and associated equipment.
Conformal Coating and Waterproofing
Waterproofing your electronics is essential not just for flying over water but additionally for shielding towards further moisture and water droplets within the air and on grass throughout winter. It’s important to maintain your mannequin dry after every flight session.
As an excellent apply, place all the pieces in a bag earlier than bringing it indoors. Make sure the bag is closed to retain the chilly, dry air inside. This prevents condensation in your electronics from indoor heat, moist air. As soon as all the pieces warms as much as room temperature, you may take away them from the bag.
In my view, one of the best ways to forestall moisture is to waterproof the electronics by conformal coating. This isn’t needed for the motors, as they gained’t quick circuit when moist. Nonetheless, contemplate making use of conformal coating to your flight controller, ESC, video transmitter, receiver, and presumably your FPV digital camera. Be cautious when making use of the coating; keep away from getting it on buttons, USB connectors, barometers, and digital camera picture sensors, as it could injury these elements.
Right here’s my tutorial on waterproofing FPV elements.
Bear in mind, many digital elements can cease working and even burn out upon contact with water, particularly salt water, which is extra electrically conductive than contemporary water. Waterproofing can shield your elements when flying or crashing in moist environments.
Additionally, bringing a touchdown mat is usually a easy but efficient answer to maintain your drone clear and dry. Be aware of the place you land – keep away from puddles, mud, and snow as a lot as potential.
Get A Discharger
Taking good care of your LiPo batteries is important, even when not flying.
In the event you’re not planning to fly for an prolonged interval (e.g., a month or longer), retailer all of your batteries in a fireproof container and guarantee they’re discharged to round 3.8V and three.85V (the storage voltage) to maximise their lifespan.
You probably have absolutely charged batteries left after a session, use a discharger to convey them again to storage voltage conveniently.
Conclusion: Winter Does Not Imply Taking a Break from FPV!
Flying FPV drones in winter is an exhilarating expertise that presents distinctive challenges. By making ready your gear, understanding the environmental results, and adjusting your flying strategies, you may get pleasure from protected and memorable flights. Bear in mind, winter flying may cut back your drone’s effectivity, however the scenic magnificence and the crisp air could make your flights extremely rewarding. Keep heat, keep protected, and benefit from the quieter skies throughout the winter season.
Edit Historical past
- Nov 2015 – Article created
- Dec 2017 – Added data about LiPo efficiency, Waterproofing, FPV simulator, and warmth pack
- Nov 2018 – Added data about “flying from contained in the automobile”, up to date article
- Jan 2020 – Up to date
- Jan 2021 – Up to date
- Dec 2022 – Up to date, shortened URL
- Dec 2023 – Up to date article and product hyperlinks
