DJI has 'successfully addressed' TB50 and TB55 battery issue

DJI has concluded its investigation into the issue concerning some TB50 and TB55 batteries reporting incorrect power levels in late 2018.

The Chinese-based technology giant says that the current firmware (v01.02.0301), which was issued in December and adds a redundancy algorithm to the battery management system, has 'successfully addressed' the small number of early Return-To-Home (RTH) or Automatic Landing (AL) cases triggered by initial conservative measures DJI implemented during its investigation.

'No need for another firmware update this month'

After extensive testing and close-performance monitoring, DJI has determined that the current firmware, issued last month, eliminates the need for another firmware update this month.

DJI customers who updated their TB55 battery firmware after December can continue using their batteries with no additional precautions, the company has said.

A TB55 battery

DJI testing has also confirmed that these mitigations provide additional protection for drones operating with old batteries and in low temperatures.

DJI remains committed to providing powerful and reliable drone solutions for its users around the world and will continue to explore and implement new measures that further improve product performance through future firmware updates.

DJI statement

Advice to pilots using TB50 batteries

DJI says that pilots who are using drones of both the DJI M200 series and the DJI Inspire 2 with TB50 batteries may continue to receive an 'inconsistent firmware' notification when using batteries updated with different firmware versions. This may lock the drone.

A TB50 battery

DJI advises that pilots use batteries upgraded with the same firmware as this solves the compatibility issue in addition to improving overall user experience.

As with all lithium batteries, several factors affect the usability of your batteries, including age and number of total power cycles, external variables such as weather conditions, as well as factors in your control such as storage and handling methods.

Pilots are encouraged to read DJI's Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines and follow its updated user guidelines to help minimise potential disruption to your operations if you are flying a drone on older batteries and/or are conducting operations in extremely low temperatures.

Background to the TB50 and TB55 battery issue

In October, there were reports that a small number of TB50 and TB55 batteries had shown incorrect power levels, leading to loss of power mid-flight. Customers were urged to fly with caution when using TB50 and TB55 batteries in drones. DJI said it was working round the clock to find a solution.

At the time, the CAA released an initial safety notice, which included restricting flights over people and the need for SUA operators and/or remote pilots to be reasonably satisfied that flights could be made safely.

In November, DJI issued firmware updates for users of TB50 and TB55 batteries, to enhance the battery-management system and optimise power supply during flight.

In the wake of this, the CAA updated its safety notice to lift restrictions for operators and pilots of the affected drones who could confirm that the firmware updates had been successfully installed.

In December, DJI issued another round of firmware updates.