Safe battery placement/removal

[Brockrock]

I posted something very similar to this on the Phantom Pilot's Forum years ago, and although it's probably been discussed here, it's always a good reminder. Also, I think like myself, many others are now choosing to buy the M2P, as it's been tried and tested for awhile, so there are probably lots of new pilots here.

I constantly see YouTube videos where folks place the battery into the copter's bay followed by their simply pressing it in until it goes 'snap'. In my opinion, that 'snap' could become a problem.

That 'snap' is the battery's two plastic catches engaging over the battery bay's plastic flanges, and although a properly engaged battery is critical to the outcome of the flight, I don't think the 'snap' is a good thing over and over. Plastic on plastic like that, and sharp edges and corners begin to wear down, and the catches/flanges lose their integrity.

As an alternative, I would suggest gently placing the battery into the bay until it rests on the flanges. This way you know it's lined up properly. Then, press the battery release tabs fully inward, and then, press the battery downward all the way, and lastly, release the side tabs. This way, neither the locking tabs or flanges are stressed in any way. It is then easy to pull gently upward on the battery to assure it has properly locked in.

 

[Thomas B]

Interesting. I wonder if DJI has any data on the number of expected number of battery latch engagements is in the anticipated life of them? ... like they do for the arm unfolding mechanism.

 

[FormerMember07122019_2]

Just a wild guess, but I suspect that the battery would use up the total charge/discharge cycles before the plastic latches would wear out. What do you think?

 

[brett8883]

I posted something very similar to this on the Phantom Pilot's Forum years ago, and although it's probably been discussed here, it's always a good reminder. Also, I think like myself, many others are now choosing to buy the M2P, as it's been tried and tested for awhile, so there are probably lots of new pilots here.

I constantly see YouTube videos where folks place the battery into the copter's bay followed by their simply pressing it in until it goes 'snap'. In my opinion, that 'snap' could become a problem.

That 'snap' is the battery's two plastic catches engaging over the battery bay's plastic flanges, and although a properly engaged battery is critical to the outcome of the flight, I don't think the 'snap' is a good thing over and over. Plastic on plastic like that, and sharp edges and corners begin to wear down, and the catches/flanges lose their integrity.

As an alternative, I would suggest gently placing the battery into the bay until it rests on the flanges. This way you know it's lined up properly. Then, press the battery release tabs fully inward, and then, press the battery downward all the way, and lastly, release the side tabs. This way, neither the locking tabs or flanges are stressed in any way. It is then easy to pull gently upward on the battery to assure it has properly locked in.

It’s an interesting idea thanks for bring it up! I do have an alternative theory on this but I could be wrong.

For me the “snap” is an audio and haptic “cue” that the battery has successfully mounted to the aircraft. I fear that without that cue there remains some slight uncertainty that the clips on both sides have fully engaged with the aircraft.

I have at times placed my battery into the aircraft and felt the snap on one side and not the other. This snap sounds and feels different from the satisfying crisp reverberation of both clips snapping in unison. Even though the battery looks and feels flush with the aircraft I know the battery isn’t fully secure by that sound and know to retry or apply additional pressure until I hear a second “snap” indicating the battery is now secure.

I imagine the clips on the battery absent some kind of defect would outlast the battery quite substantially.

I think one thing that is important though is to ensure the release buttons on the battery are fully depressed during removal so you don’t damage the clips as you pull the battery from the aircraft. I think that’s really really important.

Again thanks for being up the topic!

 

[Mossiback]

Just a wild guess, but I suspect that the battery would use up the total charge/discharge cycles before the plastic latches would wear out. What do you think?

The battery would probably need replacing long before the latches wore out, but the plastic part on the aircraft that holds the battery would continue to wear with each insertion.

 

[Brockrock]

The battery would probably need replacing long before the latches wore out, but the plastic part on the aircraft that holds the battery would continue to wear with each insertion.

Yes. You beat me too it, and I'm glad I read all the replies. The real concern here is the copter's battery bay flanges. Take a look at the upper catches. They are wispy thin...

 

[Smokieflies]

The snap could just be coming from one side, while the other side is loose.

I alway push the tabs in and place battery release tabs, and check by pulling battery up and rocking to make sure it is in tight. While probably not necessary I like to put as little ware as possible on the drone, except when it is in flight.

 

[DanMan32]

Not only are the flanges on the body thin, but there seems to be very little overhang on the battery latch. It seems there's only a few mm. So I get what the OP is saying. You're pretty much dulling the knife edge.

One of my batteries I have to take a bit extra care, as the latch doesn't stick out quite as far with a bit less spring.