1 Topic by lilewis (edited by lilewis 04-15-2012 23:06:36)

  • Registered: 08-23-2011
  • Posts: 39

Topic: Battery life

My last year's drone is now getting 2 min out of it's original battery, even though it charged to green.
Another battery I bought near the end of last year Brookstone is also getting only 5 min or so. It charges for an hr or so then the lights start flashing so I disconnect it, then wait 5 min and try again and the green (charged) light soon comes on.

Was there something I should have done over the winter - like charge them periodically?
Or should I only expect one season from the oem batteries?

  • Registered: 04-09-2012
  • Posts: 176

Re: Battery life

they can go bad if left uncharged for long periods of time like a year.

Best way to keep the batteries in good condition is to charge them to 50% - 60% when storing for long periods of time without use.


This may or may not be the issue your experiencing, but there are other possibilities.

  • Registered: 08-23-2011
  • Posts: 39

Re: Battery life

Thanks MikesTooLs.  I remember reading that last year and I think I did leave them 50-60% charged so their poor lifespan was a surprise.
They were idle for about 6 months  (Oct-March).

  • Registered: 04-09-2012
  • Posts: 176

Re: Battery life

I dunno then, could be a number of things.

Call parrot support line see what they say and maybe they will send a replacement battery if its still within your one year warrenty.

  • Registered: 08-23-2011
  • Posts: 39

Re: Battery life

Good idea.  Thanks!

6 Reply by Obwhache57 (edited by Obwhache57 04-16-2012 02:00:22)

  • Registered: 04-16-2012
  • Posts: 6

Re: Battery life

I have been using the Bastens 1300 mAh batteries (x4) and have not had a problem during storage time of 30 days+. Hope it helps.

  • Registered: 08-23-2011
  • Posts: 39

Re: Battery life

Obwhache57 wrote:

I have been using the Bastens 1300 mAh batteries (x4) and have not had a problem during storage time of 30 days+. Hope it helps.

I have one of them too, and it seems to be fine.  It's the 2 OEM batteries that are the problems. I don't think it's the charger because I use the same OEM charger for all 3 batteries.

  • Registered: 07-28-2012
  • Posts: 5

Re: Battery life

I don't think my original battery is quite up to snuff. I only get about 4 minutes flying time. Charging doesn't seem to take too long and am wondering if the charger is working properly.

I notice that when plugging in a depleted battery all 4 LED's flash briefly (so I know all the LED's are working). But during the charging cycle LED # 1 comes on periodically (maybe once a minute, briefly),  and OCCASIONALLY the #2 LED flashes briefly (but very rare), and I don't  think I've ever seen the  #3 LED flash.

It makes me think of poor connections inside the  pack. Maybe #3 cell is not charging, or perhaps not discharging when flying  (i.e. remaining charged and that's  why I don't see #3 LED flash during charge cycle). I will try to check the cells after the next flight (discharged batteries) with a voltmeter.

I kind of assume the black lead would be common (negative), and the Red,  Blue,  Yellow will be the + for each separate cell.  I also assume that the 3 cells  should read the same (or very  similar voltages). Can anyone confirm?

Sorry about my  3 posts in my short time as a newcomer.  As I gain expereince, any useful info I  obtainn will shared with all. Thinking about getting a generic battery + charger but don't want to start throwing gobs of money at this project just now.