FPV racing and freestyle drones are power-hungry machines! At a minimum there are 4 high-speed motors driving propellers at tens of thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM). The power systems on these drones operate at voltages ranging from 4.2 volts (v) for the micro drones, to 25 v for the high-powered mini quads. Volts are important, but amperage makes power! The motors on the racing and freestyle drones pull upwards of 25 amps each, multiplied times 4 motors and we have a 210mm drone capable of using upwards of 100 amps in a high-speed punchout! This kind of speed requires a battery with a very special set of requirements. Currently, the battery of choice is the lithium polymer battery, called a “LiPo.” These batteries can deliver a hefty current to match the demands of the motors, are small enough to fit on the drone, and are energy-dense enough to give us minutes of flight time. These batteries are also rechargeable, and thus the FPV Drone battery charger is a key component to your FPV arsenal!
The FPV Drone Battery Charger we use is a smart piece of technology. Using microprocessor controlled circuitry, this FPV Drone Battery Charger monitor the conditions of the battery to vary voltage and current throughout the charge to optimize charging and prevent damage to the LiPo battery. Most modern drone battery chargers are capable of charging at a variety of different voltage. Goggle batteries for example may require 8.4v while drone batteries may require 16.8 v and above. Drone battery chargers should very easily be able to charge at a variety of user-selectable voltages. That way a drone pilot can use a single charger for all his batteries, from the radio transmitter battery, FPV video receiver battery goggle battery and batteries for many different types of drones.
Balance Charging and Battery Types
For drone battery safety, is is crucial that the batteries occasionally have their individual cells “balanced,” meaning the charger will adjust, up or down, the voltage of each cell in a battery so that they match. Modern battery chargers will have “balance” ports so that the individual cells of a battery pack can be balanced. While of variable use to the drone enthusiast, most battery chargers on the market are capable of charging multiple types of batteries in addition to the LiPo. For example, most chargers are also capable of charging lead-acid batteries like what is in your car, or NiCd batteries for other uses. The control circuitry can adjust the voltage and charge rate, along with total charge applied to a battery. This makes battery chargers useful tools around the home workbench as well
Field Charging your Batteries
Nobody likes to wait for their batteries to charge while their friends are flying without them. This can be prevented by having a large number of batteries or by having a battery charger that can do two things, 1) charge in the field, and 2) charge multiple batteries at the same time. Todays battery chargers can often utilize many sources of input power from alternating current (AC) in your home, to the direct current (DC) provided by a car battery or other larger battery. Furthermore, it is important to note whether your battery charger has a built in AC/DC converter, so that it may be plugged in to your wall outlet at home directly. Without it, some battery chargers require an external AC/DC converter. Many battery chargers have multiple outputs so that they may separately charge multiple batteries at the same time, at different voltages and different charge rates if need be. Using a battery charger with the ability to utilize DC input which also has multiple outputs allows pilots to charge multiple batteries in the field. This can be a great advantage when the race is held off the beating path, or there are no available outlets. It is also cost effective, as you don’t have to buy as many batteries to enjoy a full day of flying!
An FPV Drone Battery Charger is a crucial component of the drone hobbyist’s collection. They are versatile enough to charge just about any type, size, and voltage battery you may have. They are also a key component of drone power system safety. LiPo batteries, while safe, can present a danger in the form of fire, especially when incorrectly used. Modern battery chargers utilize smart programming to help your batteries last a long time without damage or danger. Battery chargers are also becoming miniaturized, with some units able to fit in the palm of your hand! There are many good chargers available, and many have very similar menu functions, allowing you to select type of battery, voltage of the battery, the charge rate and some even monitor conditions such as battery temperature. Be sure to charge your LiPo batteries in a fire-resistant LiPo bag, and never leave a charging battery unattended.