How to Maintain an FPV Drone?

FPV Drone maintenance is a tedious yet important routine. I’ve recently compiled most of the things that a drone pilot would do when it comes to the maintenance of drones.

Trust me; you won’t want to miss these vital steps!

Table Of Contents

Why is drone maintenance important?
How to take care of your FPV drone?
More tips and tricks
FAQs
Final words

Why is drone maintenance important?

Having a drone is similar to having a car. Regular maintenance is necessary to maximize its performance. Here’s why:

1. You’ll be keeping your drone in top shape

Regular maintenance helps in preventing unexpected malfunctions during flight and ensures peak performance.

2. You’ll save more money by preventing future repairs

Investing time in proper maintenance isn’t just about keeping the drone clean; it’s about long-term savings. Neglecting minor repairs can escalate into costly damage, leaving you with hefty repair bills and wasted hours at the service center.

How to take care of your FPV drone?

Taking care of an FPV drone involves understanding different components and how they function. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

Regularly clean the drone

Keeping your drone clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain it. Dust and debris can interfere with the drone’s performance. Keep your drone clean with a soft brush or compressed air after every flight. Focus on areas like motors and propellers where dirt can accumulate. Be cautious not to apply too much force to delicate components.

Take good care of your drone batteries

Battery care is vital! Here’s how to maximize their lifespan:

Avoid Strong Static or Magnetic Fields: Do not use batteries in environments with strong static or magnetic fields, as they can interfere with battery performance.
Proper Battery Insertion: Ensure the power is turned off when inserting or removing batteries. If there’s any dirt on the battery interface, clean it with a dry cloth.
Operating Temperature: Batteries should be used within the temperature range of -10°C to 40°C. If flying in temperatures as low as 5°C, preheat the batteries to above 20°C in a room-temperature environment. Some models, like the Mavic Mini, operate in the 0°C to 40°C range.
Avoid Damaged Batteries: Do not use batteries that show signs of damage, swelling, leakage, or any other abnormalities. The liquid inside batteries can be corrosive, so keep a safe distance if there is a leak.
Optimal Charging Temperature: Charge your batteries within a temperature range of 5°C to 40°C. Charging within the ideal range of 22°C to 28°C can significantly extend battery life. After a flight, wait for the battery to cool to room temperature before charging.

Inspect the hardware of the FPV drone

From checking for loose screws to monitoring the motors and propellers, regular inspections will help you keep everything in optimal condition.

Gimbal camera

The gimbal camera is responsible for capturing smooth and stable footage. Follow these steps to maintain it properly:

Inspect the Lens: Check the camera lens for scratches, damage, or dirt. Ensure the gimbal locking mechanism is free from foreign objects and the wiring is securely connected. If necessary, perform an automatic gimbal calibration through the app settings.
Check Metal Contacts: Examine the metal contacts for oxidation or damage. If needed, clean them with a rubber eraser. Verify that the gimbal quick-release components are not loose, and check for any abnormal fan noise.
Cleaning the Lens: Avoid touching the camera lens with your fingers. If the lens becomes dirty, use a lens cleaning solution to clean it properly.
Motor Functionality: After powering the system, check if the gimbal motors function correctly and if the camera movement is smooth.

Remote controller

The remote controller is your link to the drone; thus, its maintenance is essential. So keep them in top shape with these tips:

Avoid Extreme Environments: Do not use or store the remote controller in humid or high-temperature environments, as it can damage internal components or lead to shell deformations.
Prevent Impact and Vibration: Keep the remote controller away from strong vibrations and avoid dropping it from high places to maintain internal precision components.
Check Antenna and Strap: Regularly inspect the controller’s antenna for any damage, and ensure the strap is securely attached.
Avoid Excessive “Gimbal Throttle”: Avoid excessively manipulating the remote controller’s control sticks to protect its components.
Inspect Interfaces: Check for foreign objects or poor connections at various interfaces on the remote controller

Motors

The motors are vital for the drone’s flight performance. Examine the motors for any dust, debris, or water droplets. Move each motor axis to ensure they are securely fixed and can reach their maximum positions smoothly. Then, power the drone and start the motors, listening to any abnormal sounds.

Propellers

The propellers are crucial for stable flight. Before takeoff, inspect the propellers for any damage, such as cracks or deformations.

If any abnormalities are found, replace the propellers with new ones or use propeller guards during flight to protect them.

Keep the software up to date

Stay abreast of the latest features and security updates for your drone. Check the manufacturer’s website or follow the user manual for instructions on how to update the software.

Keep your drones flying

Regular flying helps you detect any issues early on. It also keeps the batteries and motors in good condition.

Invest in drone essentials

Smart investments in storage essentials can prevent damage and save money. These items won’t break the bank but are truly valuable investments when you consider the potential damage they can avoid and the money they can save.

In my opinion, it’s a smart alternative.

These must-haves include a custom protective case designed specifically for your drone model. Not only will it keep your drone safe during storage, but it will also come in handy when you’re on the go.

Additionally, consider getting LiPo-friendly battery storage bags. They are fire retardant, insulative, and eco-friendly, ensuring proper organization and providing peace of mind as your drone and its components rest securely in storage.

If you’ve never seen a drone case before, I suggest checking out the YouTube video below. It will also guide you on what to look for when exploring the market.

More tips and tricks

Before each flight, conduct a thorough pre-flight checklist to ensure that all components are in working order, batteries are adequately charged, and there are no visible signs of damage or wear.
Once you’ve taken off, hover your drone a few meters above the ground for about 30 seconds to a minute. This way, if anything happens to go wrong, it won’t be far to fall, reducing the risk of significant damage.
Keep in mind to take full advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty and learn what is and isn’t covered. Avoid performing unauthorized repairs, as this may void the warranty.
It’s always best to fly only in favorable weather conditions, avoiding rain or snowfall. So it is crucial to stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and plan your flights accordingly.

FAQs

1. How frequently should you maintain your drone?

Regular maintenance after each flight session is recommended, including cleaning, checking for damage, and inspecting batteries.

2. Could you leave the battery in your FPV drone?

It is highly discouraged to leave the batteries in the drone, especially if you don’t plan on using it for a couple of days. When batteries are left inside the drone for extended periods, they fail to automatically discharge as they should, which can lead to damage in the long run.
Most drone batteries come with an auto-discharge feature that ensures they lose their charge to around 40-65%, which is the optimal level for storage. This feature helps prevent battery damage and keeps the cells healthier long-term.
However, if a battery is left in the drone and not discharged efficiently, it can lead to permanent damage to the cells, and the entire battery pack might even swell up. Leaving a battery in your drone for an extended period ultimately does more harm than good!

3. How should you store your drone?

Drones should be stored in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture damage. Avoid storing your aircraft in areas with extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. A temperature-controlled room or closet is ideal.

4. What to do if your drone gets wet?

It’s always best not to fly during rain or snowfall. If your drone gets wet, quickly get your drone back to the ground. Then power it off to avoid battery damage and short circuits. After that, remove the battery(s) and dry the aircraft body thoroughly. Please don’t turn the drone’s power on until you are sure it’s completely dry.

5. Can you oil drone motors?

Some drone motors may benefit from lubrication as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, not all motors require this, so be sure to check the user manual. If your drone’s motors do require lubrication, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure you use the correct lubricant and apply it correctly.

Final words

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope the above tips help.

If you have any problems with how to take care of the FPV drone, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

Enjoy Flying!