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, however it’s too chilly to go outdoors”! As somebody who’s been flying within the winter for over a decade, I’d prefer to share some sensible suggestions that will help you and your RC fashions survive these freezing winter FPV classes.
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 big influence on battery efficiency. Whereas they stop elements from overheating and make the denser air extra environment friendly for propellers, they’ll 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). Under 18°C (64°F), you’ll discover a marked lower in energy and shorter flight occasions.
Protecting batteries heat earlier than and through flights is important. Spare batteries in your pocket and used LiPos as hand heaters are sensible options. Throughout flight, fixed amp draw from the drone will assist the battery preserve its temperature.
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 steadily builds up, peaking mid-flight because the battery warms up, however then slowly declines because the battery cost depletes.
In truth, the identical precept applies to any battery usually utilized in any digital gadgets, together with these used within the GoPro cameras. They received’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. Putting 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 accessible.
Transmitter Gloves
Chilly climate impacts your dexterity, making your fingers stiff and numb, and more durable to regulate your drone easily. Radio gloves have been my go-to options for maintaining my fingers heat and nimble.
This transmitter glove I’ve been utilizing for years covers the entire radio and your fingers, whereas permitting a transparent view of the display screen. Extremely Really useful! 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 along with your controls, I merely use some cardboard inserts to carry up the duvet.
There are additionally fingerless gloves, which some individuals favor. Personally, I don’t discover them heat sufficient—my fingers nonetheless find yourself stiff and numb. Nonetheless, in case you stay someplace comparatively hotter, these may very well be a greater possibility.
Disposable Hand Heaters
Get your disposable hand heaters right here, Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VRawtP.
Priced at simply $0.5 a pack, with every pack lasting about 8 hours (examined and confirmed), these are seemingly probably the most cost-effective solution to maintain heat for many who don’t fly usually. How heat are they? They really feel barely hotter than a LiPo after an intense flight on a 5″ FPV drone, however not sizzling sufficient to burn your fingers.
These disposable hand heaters resemble outsized tea luggage and are extremely straightforward to make use of. Merely take them out of the bundle, they usually begin to heat up inside a couple of minutes.
Splendid 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 in your fingers 😀
Rechargeable Hand Hotter
For frequent flyers in winter, a chargeable hand hotter generally is a less expensive resolution than the disposable ones. Some fashions double as energy banks, able to recharging your GoPro and smartphone within the discipline, which is sort of handy.
You possibly can place these hand heaters within the palms of fingerless gloves to stop your fingertips from freezing. Nonetheless, it’s vital to decide on hand heaters which can be skinny sufficient to suit comfortably contained in the gloves.
Flying From Contained in the Automobile
One solution to keep heat whereas flying FPV drones in winter is to do it from inside your automobile with the heater on.
Nonetheless, bear in mind that flying from contained in the automobile can weaken the sign as a result of your automobile is principally a steel cage. You may handle in case you keep inside a comparatively shut vary. It’s advisable to fly cautiously at first to evaluate the discount in vary and adapt accordingly.
When you intention to fly with an honest vary, a workaround is to increase the antennas or use exterior receivers, putting them on the roof of the automobile.
As an example, you should utilize an SMA extension cable with a magnetic base in your radio transmitter. These cables are appropriate for each 900MHz (Crossfire & ExpressLRS) and a couple of.4GHz techniques (ExpressLRS, Ghost, Frsky). Consider, although, {that a} lengthy coaxial cable can even result in sign loss. Alternatively, contemplate mounting the transmitter module outdoors the automobile, though this may be extra advanced.
Buy an SMA Extender with magnetic base (3 meters):
For the video hyperlink, you’ll be able to mount an exterior receiver on prime of your automobile and join it to your goggles with a protracted AV cable. The FuriousFPV Dock-King was a most popular alternative as a result of its built-in magnet that adheres to steel, however it’s now not in manufacturing. Alternatively, you’ll be able to DIY one thing like I did right here and get it 3D printed.
Goggle Fogging Up
FPV goggles can steam up in winter as a result of temperature variations. I’ve discovered pre-warming them earlier than use, reminiscent of 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 individuals with a 9-to-5 job may miss the chance to fly throughout the day. You might nevertheless fly FPV at evening with a superb low mild succesful digicam. Try this text the place I clarify easy methods to fly at evening, and in contrast just a few nice FPV cameras for evening flying. The cameras I examined in that put up are largely analog, in case you use digital system, listed here are different choices.
For DJI, the Caddx Polar and Runcam Wasp are one of the best:
Discover the Caddx Polar from these distributors:
Get the Runcam Wasp right here:
For Walksnail, the Avatar Professional is one of the best:
For analog, one of the best evening cam is the Runcam Night time Eagle:
When you want a Nano measurement digicam for evening time flying, the Toothless 2 Nano starlight is a reasonably sensible choice. Ensure to get the Starlight model for low mild 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 can even lose stickiness, growing the chance of breakage. Spare components are important.
Nylon prop locknut doesn’t work effectively within the winter…
FPV Simulators
Too chilly outdoors? FPV simulators are nice for training indoors.
There are actually so many choices with regards to FPV sim, with tons of tracks and maps you’ll be able to observe on. They are going to maintain you entertained and motivated for a very long time earlier than you get bored.
Try our evaluation on all the favored FPV simulator choices.
Flying within the Dwelling 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 safeguarding in opposition to additional 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 a superb observe, place every little thing 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 every little thing warms as much as room temperature, you’ll be able to take away them from the bag.
For my part, one of the simplest ways to stop moisture is to waterproof the electronics by means of conformal coating. This isn’t essential for the motors, as they received’t brief circuit when moist. Nonetheless, contemplate making use of conformal coating to your flight controller, ESC, video transmitter, receiver, and presumably your FPV digicam. Be cautious when making use of the coating; keep away from getting it on buttons, USB connectors, barometers, and digicam picture sensors, as it might probably injury these elements.
Right here’s my tutorial on waterproofing FPV elements.
Keep 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 recent water. Waterproofing can defend your elements when flying or crashing in moist environments.
Additionally, bringing a touchdown mat generally is a easy but efficient resolution 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 attainable.
Get A Discharger
Taking good care of your LiPo batteries is important, even when not flying.
When 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.
When you’ve got totally charged batteries left after a session, use a discharger to carry 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 tools, understanding the environmental results, and adjusting your flying methods, you’ll be able to take pleasure in protected and memorable flights. Keep in mind, winter flying may scale back your drone’s effectivity, however the scenic magnificence and the crisp air could make your flights extremely rewarding. Keep heat, keep protected, and profit 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
- Nov 2024 – Up to date product hyperlinks
