Working off-the-grid for a few days means no power, and without a reliable way to charge your batteries, you may have to give up and go back for the batteries, or carry them back with you. Planning your battery charging helps you decide what to take and what to leave.
A large capacity power station may not be needed to meet the charging needs of an outdoor photographer. With compatible chargers and efficient use of the power station’s energy, battery charging needs may be met for the day. Understanding the basics of battery technology may help with making an informed decision.
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Camera and Drone Battery Charging Methods
There are a few methods to handle drone battery charging outdoors when camping or working without access to electrical power.
A portable power station is one of the easiest methods. It stores energy in its built-in battery and supplies power to compatible chargers, allowing you to charge multiple batteries using a single power source. This can be very handy when you need to charge your batteries away from home.
Explore GEYOTO’s outdoor scenarios for more information on using portable power outdoors.
Another option is a solar power panel. If used in conjunction with the portable power station, the solar panel can extend the power supply during the day, especially if adequate space is available. As with all solar solutions, it is best to treat solar power as an extension of your power supply and not count on it fully to charge your batteries.
GEYOTO N300 Portable Power Station is a good choice for outdoor creators if they need a balance of portability and useful capacity. With a 256Wh battery capacity and 300W rated AC output, the N300 is compact and lightweight at 7.72 lb, excluding the silicone armor.
Reasons GEYOTO N300 is Right for Field Charging
The N300 is compact enough to transport between shooting locations and has enough capacity to charge camera and drone batteries.
Photographers and drone operators may find this product useful to charge several smaller batteries without requiring a large, bulky, and heavy power station.
Depending on your equipment, the N300 can also be used to charge phones, tablets, and other low-power equipment during an outdoor shooting session.
For example, the N300’s estimated charging capacity includes:
- A 16Wh camera battery can be charged approximately 12.8 times.
- A 40Wh drone battery can be charged approximately 5.1 times.
These estimates provide a general idea about the charging potential of the station. There are other factors that affect the actual charging performance. Your results may vary if you powered other devices from the station during the trip.
The key benefit is flexibility. You can use a single, compact power station to provide a shared power source for multiple compatible chargers. Just make sure that the output of your charging unit is compatible with the input requirements of your chargers.
Estimating Your Outdoor Charging Needs
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How much power can your batteries hold? This is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). Do not forget to plan for some energy loss in your charging system.
Estimated required energy = Total battery capacity to recharge / Charging Efficiency
Let’s say you need to recharge three 16Wh camera batteries and two 40Wh drone batteries.
- Camera batteries: 3 × 16Wh = 48Wh
- Drone batteries: 2 × 40Wh = 80Wh
- Total battery capacity: 128Wh
If we assume, for example, an overall charging-chain efficiency of 80%, then the estimated energy drawn from the power station would be:
128Wh / 0.80 = 160Wh
This is just a planning estimate, so actual charger needs may vary based on the battery, power conversion, and charger.
The GEYOTO N300 has a capacity of 256Wh. This is enough for the examples provided here, assuming there’s some capacity left for smaller accessories. Keep in mind that leaving less capacity means that less energy is available for charging phones and other small accessories during the same flight.
Also look at the charger’s power. The capacity of a battery tells you how much energy you need to recharge it, and the charger’s power tells you how long it will take to recharge it.
Charging Multiple Batteries Efficiently
When dealing with multiple batteries the best charging method is dependent on your equipment and the time available to you.
Use a compatible multi-battery charging hub. Some drone charging hubs charge batteries sequentially, while others support simultaneous charging under specific power conditions. Check your hub’s battery charging management to see if it charges multiple batteries simultaneously or if it charges batteries one at a time.
Choose between AC and USB-C based on what your equipment supports. AC outlets are useful for charging equipment designed to work with standard wall power. This can include camera and drone charging equipment. For camera battery charging, USB-C can be convenient for charging equipment that supports USB-C chargers or battery chargers. Neither is better for all equipment. Consider the equipment’s supported charging protocols and power before using it.
You should have a basic understanding of the concepts of sequential and simultaneous charging. Simultaneous charging means that at the same time, all the batteries connected to the power source are charged. Your power source may or may not support this type of charging and your hub may or may not support it as well.
Create a charging schedule while charging batteries outdoors. Charge the batteries needed for the next flight first. After that, charge the camera batteries, and other accessories. Track the fully charged and used batteries so you don't get confused while shooting. If charging time is less, check the charge level of each battery before charging.
Check Your Power Station’s Output Limits
Adding a greater demand on the power source and stress on available power ports can occur when charging multiple batteries.
In some situations, charging batteries one at a time (sequential charging) can be better. Prioritizing one battery over others can be the better choice in some situations, like charging a drone battery to fly instead of charging a spare camera battery.
The N300 provides 300W of rated AC output, while its USB-C ports have separate output limits. Remember that output power is not the same as battery capacity. Check each charger’s input requirements and the combined load of connected devices.
Battery Safety During Outdoor Charging
A battery's charging performance and safety are related to external factors during use, such as temperature. Temperature and weather conditions are factors when connecting equipment to a charger.
Batteries may remain hot after a flight or cold after exposure to low temperatures. It’s always best to consult the battery manufacturer to find out if batteries can be charged after they are exposed to extreme conditions or temperatures. After a flight, allow drone batteries to cool to the manufacturer’s recommended charging temperature before recharging. Do not charge batteries that are excessively hot, damaged, swollen, or outside their permitted temperature range.
Keep power stations, batteries, and charging equipment protected from rain and moisture. Do not charge wet or water-damaged batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inspection and handling before further use. Not all power stations are waterproof. Ensure the location has good airflow.
Check the condition of the battery chargers. Damaged connections can cause short circuits or overheating. Do not use damaged chargers or batteries that show swelling, leakage, or other signs of damage. Batteries should never be charged in a closed vehicle that is exposed to the sun.
Charging should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding storage and use. Power Stations should be placed a safe distance from flammable items. Following these precautions can help reduce charging risks and protect your equipment during outdoor shoots.
Plan Your Setup Before Leaving
Preparation can avoid unexpected situations
Know the types and number of batteries you expect to use. Know the number of times the battery may need recharging. Make a list of equipment you expect to use and check the available ports of your portable power station for drones. You may want to charge your power station using a solar panel if you expect to be away for a long time. Fully charge the power station before leaving. Check the chargers and bring along the required accessories.
Prioritize your devices
You may need drone batteries for flights scheduled that day, but camera batteries for shots throughout the day. Keep in mind, charging drone batteries first means camera batteries may not be charged when you need them.
Final Thought
Having an accurate idea of power requirements along with appropriate chargers should help you figure out which batteries to charge and when.
Using those chargers efficiently can further improve the charging process. Using a power station can help charge batteries when wall outlets are not available. Careful planning can help reduce the amount of unnecessary gear you have to take and lug around.
The GEYOTO N300 could be a good field charging solution for photographers and drone operators because of its 300W rated AC output, 256Wh capacity, and 7.72 lb weight (excluding silicone armor). Estimate your battery drain and charging losses for each shoot and follow battery safety guidelines to keep your gear charged for the next shoot.
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