Cannot Start Inspire in Cold Weather
1904 9 2016-12-3
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fansc0cdc59f
lvl.3
Flight distance : 442743 ft
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United Kingdom
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We were out on a job yesterday with the Inspire ProX5, where the temperature was about 5 dgerees C. We flew well with five batteries, with no problem, as we kept the batts in the car. However, on the sixth battery I couldn't start the Inspire. I got a warning saying something about the battery is below 15 degrees! The battery had in fact been sat outside on the floor for about 15 minutes, but even so, it would not have dropped significantly from the 5 degrees air temperature. Besides, would this really have prevented the aircraft from starting? When we got back home I left the battery on the table for two hours and then found that ithe Inspiure started with no problem at all.

Is this normal behaviour for the Inspire batteries?
2016-12-3
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Dobmatt
First Officer
Flight distance : 1831050 ft
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Canada
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Yes, it is. They're very sensitive for low temp (firmware inflicted). Invest in electric blanket and warm'em before leaving home.
2016-12-3
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DJI-Jamie
DJI team
Flight distance : 112405 ft
United States
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Like Dobmatt mentioned, these batteries are extremely sensitive to the cold and there can be some major consequences in flight should the battery not be allowed to warm up. DJI does sell battery warmers for this reason, and other customers have used other methods to get them warmed up for safe use.
2016-12-3
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Aeromirage
First Officer
Flight distance : 1778045 ft
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United States
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I was flying one day last winter and landed to change battery. Switched battery then a curious onlooker engaged me in conversation for only 2 or 3 minutes. When I tried to take off, got cold battery indicator. Changed it to another that had remained in the case and all was fine. As others have mentioned, these puppies are very sensitive to the cold. Starting out. Of course, after flying a minute or so, they get quite warm, even in the cold. But they need to start off warm.
2016-12-3
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fansc0cdc59f
lvl.3
Flight distance : 442743 ft
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United Kingdom
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Ah, OK. Thanks for the feedback guys, appreciated. We haven't done much cold weather flying, so I guess it's a learning curve. I've just ordered a thermal box and some gel hand warmers. I will look at a more permanent way of keeping all the batteries nice and warm in future. Cheers.
2016-12-4
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Mark Guille
Second Officer
Flight distance : 2031818 ft
Jersey
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I've had the same warning, popped the battery in my pocket for less than five minutes and Presto, working again. In cold weather, I keep half dozen batteries down the front of me keks, an old boy scout trick (be prepared).

Mark G.
2016-12-4
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Donnie
First Officer
Flight distance : 3636782 ft
United States
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Mark Guille Posted at 2016-12-4 04:10
I've had the same warning, popped the battery in my pocket for less than five minutes and Presto, wo ...

So when some gal comes up to you they can say " Are those batteries in your pocket....  or are you just Happy to see me !  ( q -rimshot in the backround )

***By the way are from the States originally ?  I thought you were from Jersey ?  Just to be fair, I live in the USA -East Lansing, Michigan to be more precise .  


donnie

2016-12-4
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Mark Guille
Second Officer
Flight distance : 2031818 ft
Jersey
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Donnie Posted at 2016-12-4 13:49
So when some gal comes up to you they can say " Are those batteries in your pocket....  or are you just Happy to see me !  ( q -rimshot in the backround )

***By the way are from the States originally ?  I thought you were from Jersey ?  Just to be fair, I live in the USA -East Lansing, Michigan to be more precise .  

Donnie,  I'm not sure why it says Jersey but I actually live in Guernsey, born and bread.



Mark G.
WhereisGuernsey.jpg
2016-12-5
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Mark Guille
Second Officer
Flight distance : 2031818 ft
Jersey
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Mark Guille Posted at 2016-12-5 10:45
Donnie,  I'm not sure why it says Jersey but I actually live in Guernsey, born and bread.
[view_image]

Jersey is the small island to the right of guernsey.
2016-12-5
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Donnie
First Officer
Flight distance : 3636782 ft
United States
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Mark Guille Posted at 2016-12-5 04:45
Donnie,  I'm not sure why it says Jersey but I actually live in Guernsey, born and bread.
[view_image]

Oh,  very cool .  If I ever make it to Scotland , I will take a Journey South to Guernsey.  My Granddad was from Dundee Scotland.
I will buy you a Pint of Guinness !!

Cheers

donnie
2016-12-5
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