Battery latch missing

vaughnmr · Aug 3, 2019

I bought a used Mavic Air, and one of the batteries has one of the latches missing. Can I still use this battery?

jeplane · Aug 3, 2019

Do you feel lucky?

msinger · Aug 3, 2019

You should not use that battery. If the battery disconnects mid-flight, the aircraft will drop to the ground like a rock.

spamgnome · Aug 4, 2019

I'm not sure how it would affect the flight characteristics, but how about using a Zip-Tie to ensure the battery doesn't fall out? Or perhaps a couple of Velcro straps.

msinger · Aug 4, 2019

spamgnome said:
how about using a Zip-Tie to ensure the battery doesn't fall out?

While possible, there would be a lot of money on the line if doesn't work as planned.

spamgnome · Aug 4, 2019

msinger said:
While possible, there would be a lot of money on the line if doesn't work as planned.

True, but how often does a size L zip tie fail? I think I'd trust it.

Kazzaaz · Aug 4, 2019

spamgnome said:
True, but how often does a size L zip tie fail? I think I'd trust it.

Dude, it doesn't even need to fail. It just needs to become dislodged enough to lose connection for a fraction of a second, and your drone turns into a paperweight.
And with one latch missing?? All it would take is a quick jostle / brake / roll against the wind for that battery to be lifted up on that side.
I have done enough stupid things with this hobby to definitively say that the battery is THE LAST thing you want to take risks with.

It'd be one thing if you just dropped it or something.
A missing latch? No way. If you fly with that, consider your drone dead.

Shon · Aug 4, 2019

Kazzaaz said:
Dude, it doesn't even need to fail. It just needs to become dislodged enough to lose connection for a fraction of a second, and your drone turns into a paperweight.
And with one latch missing?? All it would take is a quick jostle / brake / roll against the wind for that battery to be lifted up on that side.
I have done enough stupid things with this hobby to definitively say that the battery is THE LAST thing you want to take risks with.

It'd be one thing if you just dropped it or something.
A missing latch? No way. If you fly with that, consider your drone dead.

Agree 100%. Wouldn't recommend using duct tape on the props either...