Dockater Posted at 2017-12-2 13:09
You will regret it if you don’t. No serious flying restrictions, more wild nature than Africa and not one single tree of note. They say in Iceland, if you get lost in a forrest all you need to do is stand up to see where you are. OK, the days are short at this time of the year, but that leaves more time for spotting Trolls and of course the Aurora Borealis.
[view_image]
Long exposure Kirkjufellsfoss

Thats a stunning pic

Great Post / advices !! Thanks for share

Has anyone flown their Mavic Pro in 5-10 degree (F) weather? Any issues?

ShadyDealer Posted at 2017-12-1 15:47
Great advice. Debating taking my mavic to Iceland in a few weeks....think If I don't I might regret it but its extra luggage and weight to carry...

Do it! If you don’t take the Magic you will regret it.  It’s a wonderful place to fly, but don’t fly near waterfalls as they don’t like, but there are so many places to fly and amazing landscapes to shoot.  Have fun!

Great advice, thanks!

Has anyone discussed using hot-pockets to keep external battery warm during flight in cold conditions. I'm guessing but a small hot pocket shouldn't weigh more than 16 grams

tamour Posted at 2017-12-11 14:13
Has anyone flown their Mavic Pro in 5-10 degree (F) weather? Any issues?

I was flying Mavic in -14c the other day and did not experience any issues. I went through 2 batteries at approx 22min each. The drone performed without a flaw. Had it about 30 meters up which I'm figuring is even colder plus wind-chill.  

Of course i was sitting in my nice warm car while controlling with heater on.
Video turned out fine.

I thought about any damage it might cause to the battery if exposed too long to the elements.

Then I thought about strapping on a hotpocket chemical warmer but considered the weight, aerodynamics and interference to the props.

Just a thought but i might test this theory next time out, see if i can keep the battery warm. Depending on the cost of Hot Pockets it may not be worth it

One tip I recommend from years of working with camera batteries in the cold, make a thin pouch from an old t-shirt and a belt and put your batteries in it, then strap that pouch across your chest like a bandolier. Your  body heat under a decent coat will help maintain battery temps (not the same as a heater mind) and also give you easy access. Now, I know the batteries can be quite bulky, but I carried 4 large PAG mounted blocks this way (sleeves from a long-sleeved tee helped as they were tubes already) when shooting a small indie years ago, and as long as you're not running around it's doable, just make sure your winter-wear has space to still maintain the thermal air pocket it creates.

EmmferMedia Posted at 2017-12-13 02:41
One tip I recommend from years of working with camera batteries in the cold, make a thin pouch from an old t-shirt and a belt and put your batteries in it, then strap that pouch across your chest like a bandolier. Your  body heat under a decent coat will help maintain battery temps (not the same as a heater mind) and also give you easy access. Now, I know the batteries can be quite bulky, but I carried 4 large PAG mounted blocks this way (sleeves from a long-sleeved tee helped as they were tubes already) when shooting a small indie years ago, and as long as you're not running around it's doable, just make sure your winter-wear has space to still maintain the thermal air pocket it creates.

woow
Thank you for sharing this to us!

It's a pity I only saw this post after my trip to Cervinia-IT. I had my hands frozen, phone shutting off and the IOS 11.1 date problem, but I made great videos. I will post it soon.

Guidutra5 Posted at 2017-12-13 17:15
It's a pity I only saw this post after my trip to Cervinia-IT. I had my hands frozen, phone shutting off and the IOS 11.1 date problem, but I made great videos. I will post it soon.

Look forward to that!

fansd01a4059 Posted at 2017-12-9 04:28
I live in the Mountains at an altitude of 8,000 feet.  Yes, in order for snow to "stick" the temperature needs to be at or below freezing.  But that is not to say that after it snows and the weather get a bit warmer that the snow melts instantly.  There is usually a few days when the temp raises into the 40's and 50's and there is a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground so that's when you would film the landscape.

As far as windchill...It only affects living organisms.  Once the battery reached the ambient air temperature, wind would have no effect on it.

I tried out the done in the snow the other day. Air temp was 28oF -2C and there was light snow falling and a gusty breeze, just about OK to lift off. The biggest problem I had was snow flakes falling on my iPhone X screen attached to the RC. That kept triggering, of all things SIRI !!!  WTF ??  And you need to unlock your screen with a visual view, and of course I had wooly hat, coat scarf, so the phone didn't recognise me..  Moral of story,,.. take your old iPhone when you decide to fly... lol

DJI Grace Posted at 2017-12-13 18:34
Look forward to that!

How can I put the video direct in the post? I made a post but shows only the link.

Guidutra5 Posted at 2017-12-14 07:02
How can I put the video direct in the post? I made a post but shows only the link.

share the link to me here!
I will help edit it!

tamour Posted at 2017-12-11 14:13
Has anyone flown their Mavic Pro in 5-10 degree (F) weather? Any issues?

I fly it on -8°. No problem at all only my phone turn off because the cold weather.

DJI Grace Posted at 2017-12-14 20:29
share the link to me here!
I will help edit it!

Guidutra5 Posted at 2017-12-17 04:58
https://vimeo.com/247315087

Hey, the video shows in your reply!
You can create a thread to post it!

Excellent tips. Thanks for posting.

M.C. Pilot Posted at 2017-12-18 16:46
Excellent tips. Thanks for posting.

You are welcome!

Dockater Posted at 2017-12-2 13:09
You will regret it if you don’t. No serious flying restrictions, more wild nature than Africa and not one single tree of note. They say in Iceland, if you get lost in a forrest all you need to do is stand up to see where you are. OK, the days are short at this time of the year, but that leaves more time for spotting Trolls and of course the Aurora Borealis.
[view_image]
Long exposure Kirkjufellsfoss

What a gorgeous shot. And good to know about the lack of restrictions/obstructions.

I flew my DJI Spark in Zero degrees c (0c) today, plus misty weather,, and received an "Ultra Sonic Sensor warning,, is this related?

I've had my Phantom 3 Pro out in -5 °F and it performed great if you drone does get snow on it dont blow it off cause it will all go inside.

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

GoldenSun Posted at 2018-2-10 14:29
Great tips, thanks for sharing!

I have played with electronics in cold weather for many years.  Batteries are the number 1 concern, if the whole battery is allowed to cool off it can loose power, till eventually have no current even when fully charged.  Always keep it in your inside pocket, in car etc.  As we know batteries warm up once flying and I haven't yet had a battery loose power while flying if it started warm.  

I have had issues with sensors if I fly too soon after taking AC outside.  I found 20 minutes (or so depending upon temperature difference) allows the AC to settle into the temperature change.  I almost lost a heli a few years back flying immediately, and tail wouldn't hold.  

Plastic will become more brittle as it gets cold, be careful with bumping cold plastic.

Otherwise cold air has more density than hot air, so you may find flight characteristics slightly changed.  You may have more powerful response, but you may experience less flight times depending how cold, etc.

Mostly enjoy, -30c flying is much different than 30c, you have to keep yourself warm, but most electronic equipment loves the cold more than heat.

DJI Grace, I'm curious as to how you post your loopable gifs.

When I post a gif picture or attach a gif, you can only see it at the end of the post. When I use "Add a Video", the link has to be clicked to open the gif on a new page.

Thank you!

nice guidance Grace

A CW Posted at 2017-12-1 04:54
Perfect advice!

Yes, he done good !

And don't slip on the Ice like I did ! LOL

This is really helpful, thanks for sharing.