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DJI Issues Firmware Updates For TB50 And TB55 Batteries

Written by Adam Georgiou | 16-Nov-2018 13:00:27

Updates Address Small Number Of Batteries Reporting Incorrect Power Levels

New firmware updates are now available for users of TB50 and TB55 batteries to enhance the battery management system and optimise power supply during flight. DJI implemented this measure following reports that a small number of TB50 and TB55 batteries have shown incorrect power levels that have led to loss of power mid-flight.

This firmware update addresses a rare issue involving the battery state of charge (SOC) calculation algorithm, and adds the following measures in the flight controller to help bolster flight safety and product reliability which are DJI’s top priorities:

1. Battery temperature detection before take-off
The battery temperature will have to be 15C or higher before the aircraft can take off. This is because a battery with low temperature has a larger internal resistance, which causes lower voltage than in normal conditions. A battery with low voltage will have a low SOC (state of charge) value.



2. SOC (state of charge) detection before take-off
The voltage of the battery will be used to verify the SOC value by the DJI algorithm in the new firmware. This SOC value will be compared to the one calculated by the battery SOC calculation algorithm to determine if there is a false high SOC reading. If there is a false high SOC reading, then the aircraft will not be able to take off.

3. Return-to-Home (RTH) or Landing in advance
When the DJI algorithm detects a difference in SOC levels between the algorithm and the actual level that is greater than 5%, RTH (return-to-home) will be activated at a detected battery level of 30% and automatic landing activated at 10% (based on the DJI algorithm). If the difference is less than 5% then no action will be activated.

All DJI users are strongly urged to immediately update their firmware to include the latest safety feature improvements, whether through the flight control app or the DJI Assistant 2 program. Please allow extra time before your next flight to perform this update.

The DJI Pilot app will prompt users to update, and the DJI GO 4 app will not allow flight until the update is performed.


If you believe you may have experienced a related power problem involving the TB50 or TB55 battery, please contact DJI customer service at https://www.dji.com/support to report the issue.

 

 

Until further notice the CAA Safety Notice Number: SN–2018/10 is still in place.

 

We'll endeavour to update you as soon as we hear from the CAA.