ASAR Reference Guide

🚁 Drone Operations for SAR

Guidelines and procedures for safe and effective drone operations during search and rescue missions.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Equipment Check

Environmental Assessment

• Weather Check: Wind speed, precipitation, temperature
• Visibility: Ensure sufficient visibility for VLOS
• Airspace: Verify no flight restrictions (NOTAMs)
• Obstacles: Note power lines, trees, buildings
• Landing Zone: Identify safe takeoff/landing area

Battery Management

Flight Time Planning

• Rule of Thirds: 1/3 out, 1/3 search, 1/3 return
• Reserve Power: Always land with 20-25% minimum
• Cold Weather: Reduce expected flight time by 30-40%
• High Altitude: Reduce expected flight time by 20%
• Strong Winds: Plan for 30% shorter flight time

Battery Care

1. Storage: Store at 50-60% charge for long-term
2. Temperature: Warm batteries to 20°C before flight in cold weather
3. Charging: Use manufacturer charger only
4. Inspection: Check for swelling, damage before each use
5. Cycle Count: Track charge cycles, retire at manufacturer limit
6. Transport: Use LiPo-safe bags for transport

In-Field Battery Management

• Rotate batteries to allow cooling between flights
• Keep spare batteries warm in cold weather (inside jacket)
• Label batteries with charge level and cycle count
• Never leave batteries in direct sunlight
• Discharge hot batteries to 50% before recharging

Battery Charger Instructions

Proper battery charging procedures are essential for safe, reliable drone operations. Follow manufacturer guidelines carefully for each charging system.

BS65 Intelligent Battery Station (Matrice 350 RTK)

Overview

• Capacity: Holds 8 TB65 batteries (4 pairs)
• Charging Method: Charges 2 batteries simultaneously in pairs
• Charging Sequence: Pairs A, B, C, D (highest power pair charges first)
• Additional: Also charges WB37 batteries (4 ports) + USB-C/USB-A charging ports
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 40°C

Charging Modes

How to Use BS65

1. Place station on flat, stable surface
2. Connect to AC power (100-240V)
3. Select desired charging mode using mode selector
4. Insert TB65 batteries in pairs (top and bottom ports auto-pair)
5. Station automatically charges highest power pair first
6. Monitor charging status via LED indicators

Controller Charging

• Controllers can be rapid charged via USB-C when plugged into the charger's rapid charge port
• Charges the controller's internal battery first, then the external battery
• Controller batteries do not self-discharge like the drone batteries

Battery Pairing

• Pair A: Top-left and bottom-left ports
• Pair B: Second from left (top and bottom)
• Pair C: Second from right (top and bottom)
• Pair D: Top-right and bottom-right ports
• Batteries in each pair charge simultaneously
• Pairs charge in sequence based on power level

BS30 Intelligent Battery Station (Matrice 30T)

Overview

• Charging Method: Charges batteries in pairs
• Priority: Charges batteries it can get to full quickest first
• Rapid Charge: Batteries above 20% charged to 90% within 25 minutes

Charging Modes

How to Use BS30

1. Open the battery charging station
2. Set the selector switch to the center setting (for 90% Ready-to-Fly mode)
3. Insert batteries in pairs that require charging
4. Charger charges batteries it can get to full quickest first
5. Verify power switch is ON and lit with green light
6. Monitor charging progress

Controller Charging

• Controllers can be rapid charged via USB-C when plugged into the charger's rapid charge port
• Charges the controller's internal battery first, then the external battery
• Controller batteries do not self-discharge like the drone batteries

DJI Matrice 4 Series Battery Charging Hub (Matrice 4T)

Overview

• Capacity: Holds 4 batteries
• Charging Method: Sequential charging (one battery at a time)
• Priority: Highest power battery charged first
• Required Adapter: DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter
• Operating Temperature: -10°C to 40°C
• Ideal Charging Temperature: 22°C to 28°C

Charging Modes

How to Use M4T Charging Hub

1. Place charging hub on flat, stable surface
2. Connect DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter to hub
3. Toggle mode switch to select Standard or Ready-to-Fly mode
4. Insert up to 4 Matrice 4 Series batteries into battery ports
5. Hub automatically charges highest power battery first
6. Monitor LED indicators for charging status
7. Remove batteries when charging complete

LED Status Indicators

Battery Protection Indicators (on batteries)

• LED2 blinks 2x/sec: Overcurrent detected
• LED2 blinks 3x/sec: Short circuit detected
• LED3 blinks 2x/sec: Overcharge detected
• LED3 blinks 3x/sec: Over-voltage charger detected
• LED4 blinks 2x/sec: Charging temperature too low
• LED4 blinks 3x/sec: Charging temperature too high

Safety Notes

• Charging automatically stops if battery cells exceed 55°C
• Do NOT touch metal terminals on battery ports
• Clean terminals with dry cloth if buildup is noticed
• Ensure proper ventilation around charging hub
• Only use with Matrice 4 Series Intelligent Flight Batteries

General Battery Charging Best Practices

• ✓ Always charge batteries in well-ventilated areas
• ✓ Monitor charging progress, especially first few cycles with new batteries
• ✓ Never leave charging batteries unattended for extended periods
• ✓ Allow hot batteries to cool before charging
• ✓ Store batteries at storage mode (50%) if not using within 10 days
• ✓ Use appropriate charging mode for operational timeline
• ✓ Charge batteries before SAR callouts when possible
• ✓ Keep charging equipment clean and free from debris
• ✓ Verify power indicators before leaving charging station

Drone Comparison Chart