Passionate drone pilots spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying flying and being at the mercy of the weather. The unpredictable weather can be very challenging, especially if you get a little rain or need to fly long hours along the coastline. Waterproofing your drone is a key part of the equation in these situations.
You should know that water can be dangerous for electronics, especially fpv drones. So you’re interested in finding out how to make your drone resistant to it.But how can we make fpv drones waterproof?
It is entirely possible to waterproof your drone at home with your own hands, and that means focusing on protecting sensitive internal components.
This guide includes valuable tips and guidance on waterproofing methods and is useful for beginners and professionals alike.
Currently fpv are not waterproof, it is like an open channel and any water will disrupt the flow of current and thus cause damage to any electronic device. Even most consumer drones are not waterproof because they do not have a tight, waterproof housing. Small cracks and openings on the outside make them susceptible to leaks and possible short circuits.
Potential effects of water in fpv drones as a result include：
- Blown fuses in the electronic speed controller
- Rusted motors
- Faulty sensors
- Fogged up cameras
..And that’s not all.
Should I waterproof my fpv drone?
Waterproofing and disassembly are a battle of spears and shields. Waterproofed electronic components can easily become “disposable” items. Removing the waterproof coating is also not easy. If you fly a lot along the coastline, waterproofing your drone is essential.
How can I make my fpv drone waterproof?
Technically, what we are trying to accomplish is to make the drone waterproof to some degree. Truly waterproofing a drone is a nearly impossible task. You can apply a lot of coatings, but you will always leave a small gap somewhere.
- If you have finished building the drone, you need to disassemble to take everything off the frame (make sure all the wires stay connected).
- Prepare the waterproof coating you have purchased (KOTKING R/C COATING or Silicone Modified Conformal Coating).
- Choose the correct brush according to the size of the electronic parts, pour the waterproof coating into the container and then dip the brush properly into the waterproof coating. Apply evenly to ESC, flight control, receiver, camera, VTX (make sure you avoid any ports and sockets because the coating will ruin them), paint according to the required thickness and finish painting. If you need to do two coats, you need to wait for the first coat to dry before doing the second (30 minutes interval).
- Assemble the (waterproof coating) electronic parts to the frame again.
- Test the drone to see if it works well.
Pro Tips.
- Maybe you’re thinking of flying on the coast, and after you do this job of waterproofing, all is well! The motor will harden slightly from the salt water, but after rinsing it with tap water it will be ready for use.
- Be careful with USB ports, SD slots or the camera’s image sensor, and try not to cover these things as they can be damaged!
- Generally speaking, motors are not sensitive to water, so you don’t need to make them waterproof. However, the bearings of the motor will start to rust over time, and you will need to take the motor apart to clean it (with distilled water).
- Be careful with too much waterproof paint that may cause overheating problems.
- The conformal coating is in UV light you can see the coating “glow” – it will dry faster in UV light.
So, if you have any need to fly over water, you can look at the methods listed above to waterproof. Once you learn some of the basics of this actual process, it’s pretty easy. Just remember that you need to have a clean drone kit, apply the waterproofing material in the right way, and let your drone stay dry before you start flying.
Once you do it right, your waterproof coating will help you go through sun, rain or morning flights without any hassle.
