I have been testing the ISDT BattAir LIPO packs for 3 weeks — this is the professionals and cons

Final month, I received two pairs of their BattAir sensible LIPO batteries on ISDT’s giveaway. As they’re recognized extra for his or her interest chargers, I anticipated to obtain their latest K2 Air or Air 8 sensible LIPO charger.

In contrast to DJI batteries, FPV batteries are dummies and wouldn’t have any sensible options; there are only a bunch of LIPO cells linked serially. Energy instrument batteries equivalent to Makita and Bosch have had for a very long time sensible batteries that enable monitoring by means of a cellular software. ISDT thought, why can’t FPV batteries have such capabilities? Why do now we have to make use of battery checkers as a substitute of being sensible?

The ISDT BattAir packs come inside with a tiny Bluetooth module that displays particular person cell voltage, temperature, and different parameters. You possibly can examine your LIPO’s charging degree with out connecting any machine (stability voltage checker) out of your smartphone; even the packs are in your backpack. Specs equivalent to manufacturing date, C-rating, max charging voltage, and really helpful charging present are additionally saved within the module.

ISDT BattAir sensible FPV batteries evaluate

As talked about, ISDT despatched me a pair of 4S 1500mAh and a pair of 6S 1300 mAh sensible battery packs. These batteries are generally used on 4 to 6-inch FPV drones. They’ve one of the best weight/flight time ratio. Each batteries are available in a pleasant fireproof bag that may retailer as much as 4 batteries. I like to recommend utilizing the bag, particularly when you’re charging the batteries. Every battery is double-wrapped in bubble luggage for additional safety.

The 4S 1500mAh BattAir LIPO measures 36x35x82mm, and the 6S 1300 mAh 34x47x80mm. Each have clear wrapping so you possibly can see the person cells contained in the pack. Moreover, on the highest half, the place the cell connections and the sensible battery’s mind (Bluetooth module) are, is a second layer of black wrapping. Each BattAir packs have a 9cm XT60 discharge (drone) cable and a 4cm stability cable.

Two sides of the pack have an aluminum plate for additional safety throughout a crash -you ought to set up the battery on the drone with these sides most uncovered. I crashed my iFlight Chimera 9 onto my roof just a few weeks in the past because of the unsuitable BetaFlight configuration. The impression with the tiles was so arduous that one of many battery cells was punctured and caught fireplace immediately after contact with air.

In case you do the mathematics, the 4S (14.8v) 1500mAh pack has an influence of twenty-two.7Wh, and the 6S (22.2V) 1300mAh 28.86Wh.

ISDT BattAir sequence batteries

After I revealed my evaluate, ISDT had solely 4 “sensible” LIPO batteries: a 2s, a 3, a4, and a 6s. They advised me that quickly will probably be launched different cellcapacity choices as nicely. Moreover, they began to work on the second-generation BattAir v2, which hopefully may have a better discharge fee (100C or extra) to meet the ability want of racing and freestyling FPV drones.

BattAir App

The BattAir APP is offered for each Android and iOS units. The APP is minimalist, and you’re feeling it’s nonetheless growing.

From the APP, you possibly can monitor all of your batteries at a look. In addition to charging degree (in p.c), complete voltage, particular person cell voltage, and temperature are additionally proven on the small print web page. The cell(s) with the bottom voltage and the one with the best voltage are highlighted with completely different colours. You possibly can add a reputation to every BattAir pack for simpler identification.

To cut back energy utilization, the Bluetooth transmission will be turned off after a particular time and get up when wanted by shaking the battery pack. Shaking sensitivity will be adjusted to keep away from unintended triggering.

The batteries arrived with firmware model 2.0.1.29, and the APP prompted that an replace was obtainable (2.0.1.34).

ISDT BattAir LIPO efficiency

Earlier than any checks, I carried out 5 cycles of charging/discharging at 1C (1.3A and 1.5A).  BattAir FPV batteries will be charged with any sensible charger, however in fact, ISDT recommends utilizing one among theirs. The 4S 1500mAh charged to 1408 mAh (from 3.2V to 4.2V), and the 6S 1300mAh to 1241 mAh.

In the course of the break-in course of, I seen that the fifth cell behaved abnormally in one of many 6S packs; when the voltage went beneath 3.5V, it began to break down, which usually ought to occur below 3.2V. On the finish of the discharge course of, the pack had a voltage distinction between cells of 0.6V, which is large! Inside resistance (IR) additionally doubled in that cell (see picture beneath).

Each BattAirs match completely for my FlyFish VD6 long-range FPV drone, leaving area for a GoPro digital camera. The common flight time with the 4S pack was round 5-6 minutes, and with the 6S, 6-8 minutes. I largely cruise with mild throttle utilization, so the 85C discharge fee is greater than I want.

After each full cost, the variety of “cycles” is listed by one, so you know the way many instances the battery was used earlier than and the way lengthy you possibly can belief them. Primarily based on my expertise, after 2-300 or so cost cycles, most LiPo batteries begin dropping a lot of the preliminary efficiency, and it’s time to retire them. Poor-quality packs may even puff after just a few usages, and it’s best to instantly cease utilizing them. My BattAir packs have between 10 and 20 costs, they usually behave and look regular for now.

Pricing and availability

The BattAir batteries had been manufactured in a small amount to prospect the market. These sensible batteries usually are not even obtainable on the corporate’s on-line retailer. In case you are fortunate, you will discover them in inventory on Amazon. After I revealed my evaluate, the 4S 1500mAh was obtainable for €39.99/pair and the 1300mAh for €61.99/pair. These costs additionally embody the fireproof bag. The BattAir plugins that may flip your customary LIPO packs into sensible batteries can be found right here.

Sensible BattAir LIPO vs Normal LIPO: Dimension, weight, discharge fee comparability

As a result of the design and development of BattAir LIPOs and customary LIPOs look the identical, it’s arduous to inform the distinction. In comparison with customary LIPO packs, BattAir batteries are usually bigger and heavier for a similar capability. They’re hefty because of the additional {hardware} inside and people aluminum facet protectors.

With a max 85C discharge fee, BattAir sensible packs are wonderful for cruising FPV drones, however when you want a battery for racing or freestyling drones, it’s best to search for an LIPO with 120-150C.

Flip sensible your present LIPO batteries with the iSDT BattAir Plugin

ISDT additionally has a bit of machine named BattAir Plugin that connects to the stability port of any LIPO battery and turns it into a sensible battery. The BAP2 module is appropriate for 2S, the BAP4 for 3-4S and the BAP6 5-6S batteries.

The Bluetooth LIPO monitoring plugin makes use of the identical cellular app and supplies roughly the identical options as those constructed into the BattAir packs.