Drones let you see the world from a whole new angle—but one thing pilots always want more of is flight time. Whether you're flying a Potensic ATOM, ATOM SE, ATOM LT or the latest ATOM 2, extending your battery life means more time to capture stunning footage and enjoy the skies. Here are five proven tips to help you get the most out of every charge.
1. Fully Charge Before Each Flight
Always start with a fully charged battery using the original Potensic charger. This ensures optimal power delivery and protects battery health. Avoid third-party chargers, which may cause inefficient charging or even damage the battery.
✅ Do:
- Store at 50-70% charge if not using for weeks (full charge degrades cells faster).
- Use only official Potensic chargers—cheap third-party chargers can harm batteries.
- Charge at room temperature (extreme heat or cold may reduce efficiency or prevent charging).
❌ Avoid:
- Leaving batteries at 100% or 0% for long periods.
- Charging immediately after a flight (let batteries cool first).
2. Fly in Ideal Weather Conditions
Wind, rain, extreme heat, and cold can all shorten your flight time. The ideal temperature range for Potensic drones is around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Stable weather lets the drone operate efficiently without draining the battery faster than necessary.
Best Practices:
- Pre-warm batteries in cold weather (keep them in your pocket before flight).
- Avoid flying in temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F).
- Monitor voltage drops—if the battery drains unusually fast, land immediately.
3. Fly Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Maneuvers
Sudden climbs, sharp turns, and fast acceleration can quickly consume more power. Using features like Intelligent Flight Modes and AI QuickShots not only helps you capture cinematic footage but also encourages steadier flying that conserves battery.
4. Monitor Battery Health Regularly
Check your battery’s condition in the Potensic app before and after flights. If you notice swelling, rapid drainage, or irregular behavior, replace the battery promptly to avoid mid-air failures or shortened flights.
5. Store and Maintain Batteries Properly
After each flight, let your battery cool before charging. For long-term storage, keep batteries at around 50–70% charge and store them in a cool, dry place. It is recommended to perform a full charge-discharge cycle every 3 months. Proper maintenance can significantly extend battery lifespan and ensure consistent performance.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Firmware Up to Date
Battery performance can improve with firmware updates. Make sure both your drone and remote controller are running the latest version via the Potensic app to enjoy the most stable and efficient flights.
⚠️ When to Replace Your Drone Battery
Even with great care, LiPo batteries degrade over time. Replace yours if:
- When the battery cycle count is over 200 times, battery performance will decline, and it is suggested to replace with a new one.
- The battery swells or overheats.
- Your drone shows “Battery Error” warnings.
With a few simple habits, you can extend your Potensic drone’s battery life and make the most of every flight. Whether you're practicing with the ATOM LT or capturing breathtaking footage with the ATOM 2, smart battery management keeps you flying longer and worry-free.