Dual Pulse 2700 battery test
OI Photography gave me a great deal on a pair of Pulse 2700 batteries, so I've finally had a chance to test my P1.5 on something other than a stock DJI P2 battery.
First of all, in order to fit the batteries into the P2 battery bay I had to use a Dremel tool to grind down a bit of plastic from the P2 battery connector. It intruded just a few millimeters into the left side of the bay but was enough to block the Pulse from entering on that side. (If you don't have a Dremel this could also be filed down.)
With the plastic obstacle removed the fit was still a bit too tight. I could cram the batteries into the bay but the slightest puffing would have created a serious jam. The only solution was to remove all but the innermost plastic wrappers that encase the batteries. This took five minutes of careful work with a very sharp knife.
Since I've only flown P2 batteries until now I don't have a battery door. Fortunately I have a large roll of gaffer's tape. If you've never used gaffer's tape I highly recommend it. Think of it as non-destructive duct tape -- grips like crazy but comes off without leaving nasty scars or bits of adhesive.
I used a dual XT60 adapter plug to connect the batteries to the XT60 lead I'd installed when I did the 1.5 conversion. That leaves quite a tangle of battery cables and balance leads dangling outside the quad. What the heck -- I slapped a large piece of tape over everything and was ready to go.
Miss Piggy was fully loaded with GoPro, Ground Station, etc -- easily 1450 grams. The take-off voltage was 12.5. A stiff wind with frequent gusts, flying gps in my usual conservative style, about 1/3 hovering.
The first red led blinks came at 11:30 minutes, then all green, then another red flash just before landing at 12:00.
The batteries were both at 22% immediately after landing (mildly warm) and rebounded to 24 and 26% after resting for about 15 minutes.
One battery recharged at 81%, the other 78%.
I'm looking forward to another test flight once the wind calms down. My guess is that if the Phantom isn't struggling to maintain a GPS hold that I'll gain at least another minute in the air.
Needless to say, I am quite pleased. And I'd be even more pleased if I hadn't already invested in three DJI P2 batteries!
