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

LiPo batteries have a status for being each highly effective and finicky, which may make any efforts to move drone batteries tough.

Certain, highly effective LiPo batteries are what give our drones the endurance to seize these epic pictures, however additionally they include warnings about fireplace threat and secure dealing with. In the event you’ve ever gone down the rabbit gap of battery security articles (um sure, I’ve loads of these on my web site), you’ve most likely seen the whole lot from fireproof ammo cans to heavy-duty storage instances.

And whereas these are actually the last word in battery security, they’re not all the time sensible whenever you’re simply making an attempt 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 if you need 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 in case 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: vital, however don’t overthink it

First issues first: at this time’s drone batteries are far safer than the LiPos of years previous. Within the early years of the business (earlier than we had Good Batteries), fires have been much more widespread. I even as soon as documented an RC store that burned down resulting from a LiPo fireplace.

Today, the chance remains to be there, however it’s far smaller. Constructed-in safety circuits, higher supplies and tighter manufacturing requirements imply the chance of fireside or swelling is comparatively low — particularly in case you’re flying name-brand merchandise like DJI. That stated, accidents do occur, and slightly precaution goes a great distance. Heck, even sensible telephones have caught fires resulting from related battery challenges.

An ammo can or cumbersome fireproof field is actually maximally safe, however they’re typically overkill for on a regular basis flying. They will add further weight, they don’t usually match into your drone’s case, and so they’re actually not sensible in case you’re touring by airplane (the place all batteries should go in your carry-on anyway resulting from FAA laws).

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 offer you simply sufficient peace of thoughts with out including a lot bulk. You’ll find them sized to suit DJI Mini-series batteries completely.

I choose one pouch per battery reasonably than a single massive one for all of them, since I can higher unfold them out wherever it is smart in my bag.

Then, I simply toss these little pouches into no matter bag I’m carrying that day. Generally it’s the bag that I truly acquired from DJI (I normally get the Fly Extra Combo, which comes with a bag).

Although to be trustworthy, these DJI instances are so tightly packed it seems like Tetris to suit the whole lot in. Extra typically, I’ll drop the DJI case (with the drone itself) and my pouches of batteries into an inexpensive backpack from Goal. Nothing fancy, only a commonplace backpack that’s easy, roomy and versatile.

What about fancy instances?

If you’d like 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 value.

On the different finish of the spectrum are Pelican instances, that are the gold commonplace for cover. They’re waterproof, crushproof and customizable with foam inserts. However they’re additionally huge and ponderous — nice for transporting drones in a automotive trunk, much less supreme in case you’re flying and making an attempt to journey mild.

Flying with drone batteries

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

Last 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 until you’re storing batteries long-term at residence. For on a regular basis use, a number of fireproof pouches and a easy backpack are greater than sufficient. It’s a stability between security and comfort — and for me, the person pouch methodology wins each time.

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