Anyone out there have experience operating at higher altitudes and in colder weather? Ill be out in Colorado in a few weeks and would just like to know what I should expect in the 10000ft above sea level range and temps approaching zero F. Any observations and recommendations on battery life in the cold, lifting capabilities at these altitudes, and changes that should be made in these conditions. Maybe higher pitch props? Ill be taking a CS8, MK electronics, and usually fly with a 4s 6200mah battery and get 6 min flights with a 5D.
Nothing special. Shorter flight times. Keep all batteries warm. And prepare to fly with gloves otherwise your hands are gonna freeze. Where you going to be in Colorado? Temps in the mountains have been running below zero for the last week. To darn cold for me...
I keep batteries in a cooler, then you can use one of those microwaveable bean bags and put it in there to keep warm. Get a nice set of thin gloves you can work the sticks with and put a chemical hand warmer under each wrist where the blood vessels are. If you also have a transmitter mitt, then you'll be nice an toasty. Tx mitt is essential IMO.
All sounds good. Anything with high altitude? Ill be in Ft Collins and out towards Steamboat. Thought I'd take the copter and grab some footage..
You will have reduced performance due to the density altitude. Being cold helps. I had ecalc running. At 1500 meters/0 c with a single 4s and stock motors and props it says I can lift 5000 kg at 40% power. Change the altitude to 100 meters and it only needs 32% power. So about an 8% hit to performance.