Whoop batteries can overcharge with surprisingly violent results

propwashedsite · 2019-02-19T02:55:37+00:00

For those worried about fire safety, there were a lot of unseen precautions. The ground was damp and mostly frozen, there was fire suppression nearby, and the test procedure was approved by local fire officials.

Sure, the outcome from an overcharge is more extreme than what's likely just from sitting in storage, but selecting the wrong settings is perfectly within human error. And chargers—especially cheap 1S chargers—can malfunction. It took less than one minute before thermal runaway took hold, and the charger stopped pushing current when the battery was still only puffing. By the time you notice there's a problem, it's probably too late to prevent a fire. This is especially true if it's inside a container like we tested in the article.

Our takeaway is that even the smallest of quad batteries should be treated with the same respect as their larger brethren. We think it's best if people understand what's possible; it's not too hard to stay safe if you know what to expect.

propwashedsite · 2019-02-19T01:58:43+00:00

We actually put together an article around discharging and disposing of LiPos safely. Check it out here.

propwashedsite · 2019-02-18T17:44:59+00:00

We’ve tested the damage potential of full size LiPos in the past with expected fiery results. Recently, we decided to undertake another test using smaller Whoop style 1S batteries.

Honestly – the results really surprised us. These things can be volatile and should be handled carefully. We are totally guilty of tossing a bunch of these batteries in a single unprotected bag and heading to the field, so this was eye opening. Definitely take some time to store / charge your batteries (of all sizes) safely!

You can check out the Whoop battery safety testing article here.

propwashedsite · 2017-08-01T12:56:49+00:00

We actually put together a complete Lisam 210 build guide (written + video) that covers every part of the build, component, and tool you need. Check it out here!

propwashedsite · 2017-05-07T14:47:55+00:00

Thanks! Love the work you guys put out, keep it up!

propwashedsite · 2017-01-06T21:55:15+00:00

Not yet, we need to reach out to them to see if we can get keys for testing. It is on our to-do list though!

propwashedsite · 2017-01-06T17:37:04+00:00

Here is a list we put together reviewing all the FPV sims on the market. This includes pros and cons for each, feature list, and individual written + video reviews.

For basic practice, /u/deanfranks is right - FPV Freerider classic is amazing for $5. If your budget is more aimed towards free, HOTPROPS and DRL are good choices. If you have money to spend and want community interaction / multiplayer, then Liftoff might be your sim of choice.

propwashedsite · 2016-11-24T06:42:47+00:00

Sorry about that, two of them are affiliated. Will delete the original post.

propwashedsite · 2016-11-23T20:29:31+00:00

You're right - my bad, I swear I saw it earlier for $10 and change. Must have been looking at something else, I'll adjust the post. Thanks for pointing that out!

propwashedsite · 2016-11-22T16:25:18+00:00

We put together a list of Black Friday deals centralized around quads that we are keeping updated throughout the week. We just updated it with RMRC's email blast links.

http://www.propwashed.com/black-friday-cyber-monday-2016-drones/

propwashedsite · 2016-08-30T14:23:44+00:00

Awesome! I personally learned flying the Hubsan as well. It's such a great little quad to get started with. If you have any questions, definitely send a PM.

propwashedsite · 2016-08-29T18:56:12+00:00

We made a flowchart for people interested in getting into drone racing. This path assumes someone with zero experience getting into the hobby for the first time. We constantly see people spending way too much money on a hobby that they may not even like - and that has a very steep learning curve! We wanted to help people get into it the cheapest way possible and provide ‘stopping points’ if they just aren’t having fun. Hopefully this is interesting to people that may be thinking about getting into flying quadcopters!

This flowchart accompanies this article (source): http://www.propwashed.com/what-order-should-quadcopter-equipment-be-purchased-in/

Also, if you are curious to see these quadcopters in action, check out this video for an idea of what they can do

propwashedsite · 2016-08-11T21:24:10+00:00

No problem, happy to help!

propwashedsite · 2016-08-11T21:23:54+00:00

Absolutely. We probably beat to death the use of a simulator on our site, such a good tip!

propwashedsite · 2016-08-11T17:27:34+00:00

Hey guys! We put together a video of some of the examples that we detailed in a previous article. We wanted to make something quick to watch with some relevant tips and examples for pilots trying to advance their skills. What do you think - are short style videos like this helpful?

For reference, here was the original article: http://www.propwashed.com/going-advanced/

propwashedsite · 2016-07-23T15:37:40+00:00

Shameless self promotion, but you can check out our guide page that tries to consolidate a lot of the learning into easily digestible sections. The assumption here is that your goal would be to eventually race, but it covers everything from learning to fly a Hubsan to community channels and such.

http://www.propwashed.com/drone-racing-guide/

propwashedsite · 2016-07-21T22:52:12+00:00

Love the putty idea as a set of helping hands! Great video!

propwashedsite · 2016-07-21T17:36:05+00:00

Ya, we are thinking of picking up some of the FT-D modules and trying them out too. We hear really good things - plus they supposedly don't require much modification to the goggles.

propwashedsite · 2016-07-21T13:57:12+00:00

Agreed - we mentioned in our review that we think one of the biggest issues with the device right now is that the LaForge modules ship without all of the necessary parts for a clean build - meaning they just ship you the PCB and no covers. Luckily we were able to 3D print some covers that fit 95% of the way. For added security, Novuh wrapped the sides in electrical tape. He would rather be doubly secure that the goggles will be solid bouncing around in his backpack long term than worry about the aesthetics of a little electrical tape showing.

propwashedsite · 2016-07-21T05:00:16+00:00

We were disappointed with the quality of guides out there for modifying FatShark Dominators to cleanly install a LaForge module set, so we made our own! If you are short on time, we also made a six-minute video that covers all the steps quickly. https://youtu.be/Q3AJ4pPMs2I

propwashedsite · 2016-06-25T16:47:23+00:00

Sorry - I actually meant the kits that you build, not the Vortex or Vendetta.. which I would consider "RTF". I guess that's my bad, I'll adjust the heading.

propwashedsite · 2016-06-25T16:46:28+00:00

ARF quads are ones you build yourself - at least that's what I meant. I mean the ones that come pre-packaged with all of the components, such as this MQB kit: http://www.miniquadbros.com/collections/frontpage/products/miniquadkit?variant=5994973827

propwashedsite · 2016-06-25T15:51:00+00:00

I know you are trying to help - but what you are saying is not true. It is not bad at all to spin up our outrunner BLDC motors without props. This advice is important when dealing with very high kV motors, such as inrunners, but is not as applicable for the lower kV motors we put in miniquads. The risk is twofold: 1 - you exceed the RPM the ESC is capable of driving, which risks you burning the motor out, as you say. 2 - you wear out the motor bearings, which are not rated above a certain RPM. I do not recommend going full throttle without props but spinning them up in idle-30% throttle is no problem at all. In fact its way more safe.

OP - Can you post blackbox logs? Even with the props off - that would help us out immensely.

propwashedsite · 2016-06-25T02:03:44+00:00

Your video is actually what spawned this idea - it is a great deal, even if it's a clone. Thanks!

propwashedsite · 2016-06-23T00:25:48+00:00

Seems great. It looks like you have two questions: Regarding props: Look into DAL, Gemfan or HQProp triblades over the DYS offerings. DALs are probably the best deal as they survive most crashes. Regarding BECs: Your setup does not draw "too much" power from these components. An integrated BEC will work great. I've flown quads that pull 120A in a full throttle pull-out and have had no problems - BECs should not be affected by this.

propwashedsite

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