Critical Battery Levels

[E90RAW]

I have noticed that when I push the limits on flight duration and you get into the "critical battery" alert and "the drone is landing now" that the speed is reduced as well. When I am in this scenario I will utilize "speed" mode and take advantage of the wind. But once the alert starts the program reduces the speed from 45mph(wind in the sails) to 27mph. This is frustrating (and anxiety producing) as I am counting on the higher speed to get the bird home. Although you can maintain the altitude the increased flight time is stressful. This weekend I was out over open water and still 10000 feet out when this occurred. I had planned the flight going into the wind with the return in the sails. I was pulling 45mph and predicted to return with NO problem. Then baaam, 25-27mph. When the M2P arrived I still had 10% battery remaining. Just though I would put this topic out there for those that get into this situation.

 

[RadioFlyerMan]

I have noticed that when I push the limits on flight duration and you get into the "critical battery" alert and "the drone is landing now" that the speed is reduced as well. When I am in this scenario I will utilize "speed" mode and take advantage of the wind. But once the alert starts the program reduces the speed from 45mph(wind in the sails) to 27mph. This is frustrating (and anxiety producing) as I am counting on the higher speed to get the bird home. Although you can maintain the altitude the increased flight time is stressful. This weekend I was out over open water and still 10000 feet out when this occurred. I had planned the flight going into the wind with the return in the sails. I was pulling 45mph and predicted to return with NO problem. Then baaam, 25-27mph. When the M2P arrived I still had 10% battery remaining. Just though I would put this topic out there for those that get into this situation.

I've had the same issue, but with an MPP. My solution was to turn off the Critical Battery function in Assistant. I always closely watch my battery levels anyway. Don't know if you can turn things on/off with an M2P.

 

[DougMcC]

While you may want to “fly faster” the slower energy consumption is making the bird more energy efficient. With the tail wind you had your expected range Actually increases at the reduced power setting. Be happy, the safety distance was being enhanced to assure max range. Flying home with a tail wind was an important decision. I try to plan to be near home at around 30% and that saves a lot of worry.

 

[E90RAW]

While you may want to “fly faster” the slower energy consumption is making the bird more energy efficient. With the tail wind you had your expected range Actually increases at the reduced power setting. Be happy, the safety distance was being enhanced to assure max range. Flying home with a tail wind was an important decision. I try to plan to be near home at around 30% and that saves a lot of worry.

You are absolutely correct. Here's an interesting tidbit. I have a fixed point where I fly that is about 5 miles out over open water(an island). I have done an "internal" experiment between "P" mode and "S". I have done this several times, and what I have found is no difference between the two. One would assume more energy consumption with increased speed, but I have seen no difference. I have concluded that the loss of sensors that occurs with "S" mode offsets the increased speed, but I have no evidence for any of this other than my own informal study.
In regard to 30% absolutely I use that as my end point.......BUT, sometimes one stretches the boundaries.

 

[DougMcC]

You are absolutely correct. Here's an interesting tidbit. I have a fixed point where I fly that is about 5 miles out over open water(an island). I have done an "internal" experiment between "P" mode and "S". I have done this several times, and what I have found is no difference between the two. One would assume more energy consumption with increased speed, but I have seen no difference. I have concluded that the loss of sensors that occurs with "S" mode offsets the increased speed, but I have no evidence for any of this other than my own informal study.
In regard to 30% absolutely I use that as my end point.......BUT, sometimes one stretches the boundaries.

That’s could be true that the sensors being disabled is part of the trade off-electrically at least. At least in reciprocating engines slowing down decreases induced drag and increases fuel efficiency - up to a point.