Flying during pollen season

[TMB Aerial]

I have a P4P and there is definitely a fan in there...

I stand corrected, you are absolutely right. I blame the lack of coffee I just fired it up (duh, what's that sound) and took tissue paper against the bottom vents the air flows in on the sd card side and out the other side.

 

[New 76 Pilot]

For those who are concerned about the effects of high pollen counts, especially in the Southern states, I’d be a bit concerned about the negative effects of pollen grains being sucked in through the air intake ports on the UAV’s front. Here’s the explanation: As a general rule, pollen grains carry a negative electrical charge. With the ESC, each motor produces a positive charge. Guess where the pollen grains are headed? As the grains coat the motors, there is a buildup of yellow coating. Eventually, the motors don’t get cooled anymore from the air intakes. However, that’s not the worst problem: any circuit boards, and I’m not certain how many are running the UAV, but these boards generate an electrical current - positive- and guess where the pollen grains are headed next? Coated circuit boards will probably stop their important functions. Who wants a “braindead” UAV? And if a pilot is lucky enough to get his or her UAV back in one piece, how does the pilot clean the boards and the motors?

I’ll keep my Mini 3 Pro in the hangar until the pollen season has dissipated.

Jim

 

[New 76 Pilot]

I live in Chatham County and our pollenis just starting. I hadn't thought about the effects. I will be curious to hear what others say

I’m a new UAV pilot, who has just purchased a new DJI Mini 3 Pro. It’s now the start of pollen season in Screven County, Ga. Heavy pine pollen is cranking up. And guess what? I wouldn’t put this new UAV in flight until June 2025. Here’s why? Pollen floating around generates a negative charge ( just physics ). Spinning UAV motors create a positive magnetic charge
again ( more physics ). Combine the two physical charges and guess where the pollen grains stick? And let’s not forget the current, although it’s not that strong and won’t light up New York, will attract pollen to the circuitry.

Motors that can’t release heat and circuit boards that are covered in pollen don’t function well. That a pilot has calibrated the IMU and compass may discover his UAV doesn’t fly as it’s intended. Wonder why? Hmm?


A Cautious UAV Pilot named Jim.