Hello,
Today I was going to fly my IRIS quadrocopter. But flight was not successful due to power issue.
For this flight I was using fully charged batteries which were working fine 2 weeks ago. Before launch battery readings were at 12.3 volts. Once I took off, the telemetry started to show low voltage - 9.6 volts on other battery and 10.2 on another try and IRIS started beeping signaling that there is a low voltage condition. I decided not to take a risk and landed fast.
I'm trying to figure out why there was a power failure. Can it be due to cold weather? There was -8 degrees celsium outside, and batteries were held for approximately 30 minutes at approximately +5-10 degrees before I started using them.
If so, what are general recommendations on how to fly in cold weather? Or should I look for another power failure reason?
Thank you,
Roman
Replies
I have flown many times in colder weather with little issues with flight times.
I however did not leave the batteries site in the cold for a long time. Maybe 10 to 15 minutes at most.
When you went back and warmed the batteries up did they come back to full charge? I think you may have a bad cell.
Mike
I agree with SkyRover and Michael when saying that keeping the batteries warm right up until you are ready to arm and fly is key to getting the most out of them.
I have flown a lot in cold weather and while I have seen a slight decrease in flight times, it was never unexpected.
My IRIS+ has always flown just as I would expect it to.
If you dont already carry one of these battery checkers I highly recommend you purchase one to carry around with your batteries. I always check my batteries with it out in the field just before I am ready to fly.
Even if I know I fully charged them at home, I still double check them before they go in the IRIS+.
Todd H.
Lipos do not like cold weather. This is more than likely why you had such a short flight. An easy trick is to keep it inside your coat until you are ready to fly so it is still warm. Then under load it will produce its own heat, although with the low C draw of the Iris I don't know if itd be enough to offset those temperatures. I suppose if you wanted to get every last second of flight time you could try taping over the vent holes on the body of the iris to help keep the heat in.