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Tips for Flying the ATOM in Winter

Tips for Flying the ATOM in Winter

Potensic Official |

Got a drone as a Christmas gift and can't wait to kick off your flying adventures this festive winter season? Many drone pilots ask themselves, “Can I fly my drone in cold temperatures?” or “Will snow and condensation affect my drone’s camera performance?” While harsh winter weather can bring unique challenges, the excitement to capture unforgettable moments—like festive celebrations—often outweighs the risks. If you’re planning to take your drone to the skies this season, check out this guide for essential tips and best practices to keep your flights smooth, safe, and stress-free.


Battery Management in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures can significantly affect the performance of your drone’s lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, which are commonly used in drones like the Potensic ATOM. These batteries lose power more quickly in colder environments, potentially cutting flight times in half. In extreme cold, there’s even a risk of the drone shutting down mid-flight.

Tips to keep your Potensic ATOM flying in the cold:

    • Warm up before flying: Turn on your drone and allow it to warm up for a few minutes before taking off.
    • Charge batteries fully: Start with fully charged batteries, and monitor battery life carefully during the flight to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
    • Bring extra batteries: If you plan on flying for extended periods, bring fully charged extra batteries to swap in as needed.
    • Store your drone properly: Keep your drone and batteries in a warmer space when not in use. This will help ensure they’re ready to perform when you need them.
    • Battery warmer: If working in especially cold conditions, consider investing in a battery warmer to help maintain optimal battery performance.

Camera Settings for Winter Conditions

Snowy skies and overcast conditions can impact your drone's camera settings, potentially resulting in underexposed photos. To counteract this, adjust the white balance and shutter speed settings on your Potensic ATOM for clearer, more accurate shots. By adjusting settings on the Potensic ATOM’s 4K camera, you can ensure high-quality images even in low-light or snowy conditions.

Camera Tips:

      • White Balance: Manually adjust your drone's white balance settings to account for overcast conditions. The Potensic ATOM offers easy manual adjustments to help achieve the best results.
      • ISO Settings: Monitor your ISO to prevent grainy images. Keep the ISO within recommended ranges (100-400 for the Potensic ATOM) to maintain clear, sharp photos.
      • Shutter Speed: Decrease your drone’s shutter speed to reduce motion blur when flying in snowy environments.
      • Optimal Flight Time: Try to fly when the sun is overhead to minimize shadows, and always check the daylight hours for the season. Remember, FAA regulations prohibit flying before sunrise and after sunset.

Managing Winter Winds

Cold weather is often accompanied by stronger winds, which can impact drone stability. The Potensic ATOM is equipped with powerful motors that perform well in moderate winds, but it’s crucial to know when it’s safe to fly. Tools like UAV Forecast can help you monitor wind speeds at your flying altitude, ensuring you’re always prepared.

Windy Conditions Flight Tips:

      • Wind speed limits: Avoid flying when surface winds exceed 19mph. Winds stronger than this can put your drone at risk.
      • Flying technique: If you must fly in wind, ensure your drone is flying perpendicular to the wind direction. This helps reduce the risk of losing control.
      • Battery life impact: Cold temperatures and high winds can drain your battery more quickly. Keep a close eye on your Potensic ATOM’s battery life, and be ready to return to base if necessary.


Condensation and Moisture Issues

Flying in cold weather often means dealing with condensation, which can interfere with your drone’s operation. Moisture can cause damage to internal systems, including the camera, GPS, and motors.

Preventing Condensation Issues:

      • Avoid flying in fog: Flying in foggy conditions can trigger your drone’s sensors, stopping the flight prematurely.
      • Keep your drone dry: Avoid landing your drone on wet or snowy ground, and it’s best to avoid flying in snow or rain. Use a pad or elevated surface to launch and land, minimizing the risk of moisture exposure to the motors.
      • Feature visibility: If flying after a fresh snowfall, look for gaps in the snow that allow your drone to capture ground features clearly. This will make photogrammetry more effective.
      • Avoiding snow contact: If the snow is deep, be sure your drone’s motors don’t come into contact with it, as moisture can damage the internals. performance and camera settings before taking off
Prepare for Cold Weather:

  • Check drone specifications: Ensure your Potensic ATOM is rated for the temperatures you plan to fly in.
  • Dress for the cold: As a drone operator, you’ll be out in the cold for extended periods. Bundle up and choose gloves that allow you to operate your controller effectively.If you absolutely must fly in freezing conditions, ensure you’re well-prepared. The Potensic ATOM is capable of handling cold weather, but make sure you optimize its settings to account for temperature fluctuations. Always check your drone’s battery performance and camera settings before taking off.

 

Flying a drone in winter, especially in snowy or freezing conditions, can be challenging, but with the right preparation and adjustments, drones like the Potensic ATOM can handle these environments effectively. Always monitor your battery life, adjust camera settings for low light, and avoid flying in extreme weather to ensure safe, successful flights.

If conditions are too harsh, it’s always better to reschedule your flight than risk damaging your drone. Stay informed, stay warm, and enjoy capturing stunning winter landscapes with the Potensic ATOM.

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