Dust a problem for drone motors?

[Simone L]

Here in the southeast US we have quite a bit of the dust from desert Africa with us now. It has seriously decreased visibility in the mountains of NC. Just wondering if this could be an issue for the motors. Anyone?

 

[bumper]

Yes it can. The motors are air cooled, as are the drone's innards. The the motor's bearings may be shielded, but I don't think they are sealed. Dust will decrease service life.

 

[Simone L]

Yes it can. The motors are air cooled, as are the drone's innards. The the motor's bearings may be shielded, but I don't think they are sealed. Dust will decrease service life.

Thanks. The dust is very very fine and like powder and quite a bit heavier than I expected. Am thinking I will let the atmosphere clear before flying. Thanks.

 

[Coco 60]

You could always use dust covers to install on your motors : Amazon.com : mavic mini dust cover

 

[maelstrom]

You could always use dust covers to install on your motors : Amazon.com : mavic mini dust cover

live always been suspicious that these would limit cooling air flowing through the motors. Is that not the case?

 

[Dakarenduro]

I agree, certainly can't be beneficial to the longevity of the motors.
But I have no choice and have been flying in the Sahara dust for the past 2 years. And if you think what you have now is bad, we had that for weeks on end BEFORE it took the transatlantic voyage. So a tad bit worst on this end!

I just try to clean the drone and use a blow bulb to blow out the dust after flights on the motors and gimbal. No problems yet.

Enjoy our dust! not.

 

[SW_Drone_Guy]

I have been flying in the Sahara dust for the past 2 years.

I just try to clean the drone and use a blow bulb to blow out the dust after flights on the motors and gimbal. No problems yet.

That's what is so great about this forum! Asked and answered. Happy flying