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Waterproof Drones: Can You Make A Drone Waterproof?

Waterproof Drones: Can You Make A Drone Waterproof?

You have to take risks to fly a drone; one of the risks is the possibility of rain falling when you are flying it. However, if you are flying a waterproof drone, you will not be worried about your drone getting wet. You can either purchase a waterproof drone or make your drone waterproof.

Yes, you can make a drone waterproof. Here are some waterproof drones:

  • PowerVision PowerRay
  • Swellpro Splash Drone 3 Waterproof Drone
  • Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone
  • Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Quadcopter
  • Goolsky JJRC H31 Waterproof Drone
  • Braha Aqua RC Quadcopter
  • Autel Robotics X-Star. 

Have you ever wondered how we get underwater scenes in movies and documentaries? Cameras were previously used to capture them, but drones are now the popular choice with technological advancements. Many of the drones used are waterproof, although they are very expensive.

Can You Make A Drone Waterproof?

Most people think making a drone waterproof is a difficult task, it is not, and you do not need to be a technological genius to waterproof a drone. As long as you have the necessary materials and tools, you are ready to go. There are two main materials that you need to waterproof your drone; a silicone conformal coating, dry cloth or rag, and a corrosion and rust preventer.

The first thing you will use is the silicone conformal coating. First, you need to remove the covering and heat shrink from the drone's circuit board. Next, you must make sure you thoroughly clean the circuit board with alcohol and a toothbrush or a Q-tip.

Now, you can apply the silicone conformal coating to the drone's electronics except the connection ports, buttons, and sensors. You should let the coating dry for at least half a day. Using a corrosion preventer is optional. However, it is advisable to use one to prevent the drone's connectors and sensors from rusting.

It is preferable to use Corrosion X HD as your corrosion preventer. You will apply it to the other drone parts where the silicone conformal coating is not on. Those parts include the connection ports, sensors, and button of the drone.

Because the rust and corrosion preventer is a little messy, you should work on a paper towel and apply it in small amounts. You do not have to leave it to dry; it dries as you apply it, so you must be very careful.

You may also need to modify your drone by using products like floating drone landing gear or a Getterback to make sure it does not sink if it falls into water mistakingly.

droneoverwatersunrise

Are There Any Waterproof Drones?

Some people are not ready to go through the process of making a drone waterproof; they prefer to purchase a waterproof drone. Some of the best waterproof drones you can get are:

PowerVision PowerRay

The PowerVision PowerRay drone is one of the best remote-controlled underwater drones. This 4K drone can be used in any body of water as long as there are no harsh waves that can knock the drone off. It comes in two variants which are PowerRay Explorer and PowerRay Wizard. PowerVision PowerRay also has a camera that takes 12MP images, its maximum speed is 2 mph, and its maximum flight time is four hours, depending on how you use it.

Autel Robotics X-Star

With a 3-axis gimbal and a 4K camera, the Autel Robotics X-Star is one of the best drones for videography and photography. This drone is waterproof, making it suitable for filmmaking, so even while it is raining, you can still fly the drone. It has a flight time of 30 minutes and a maximum speed of 34.8 mph. To control this drone, you have to attach your smartphone to the remote controller.

droneoverwatersunset

Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone

Having a flight time of 9 minutes, the Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone provides you with two flight modes; aquatic mode and flight mode. This drone has an aquadynamic hull, so when the aquatic mode is activated, it glides with its aquadynamic hull and streamlined foils through the water. You control this drone with your mobile device. Its charging time is 25 minutes, and the maximum speed is 6.2 mph in water and 11.2 mph in the air.

Goolsky JJRC H31 Waterproof Drone

Featuring one key return, headless mode, and 3D flips, the Goolsky JJRC H31 Waterproof Drone is one of the best waterproof drones you can get. It has LED lights that enable you to fly even when there is low visibility. The drone has a flight time of 8 minutes and a transmission range of 80 meters. Another amazing feature of the drone is the over-charged protection that keeps your battery protected when the drone is in water.

Swellpro Splash Drone 3 Waterproof Drone

The Swellpro Splash Drone 3 Waterproof Drone is the very first waterproof drone. It can fly in all weather conditions and can land in both salt and freshwater. You can also take images and videos with the 4K waterproof camera of the drone, balanced on a 2-axis gimbal. The flight time of this drone is 20 minutes, and its maximum speed is 36 mph. Some of the drone's features include follow-me mode, position holding, auto return to home, auto landing, and one key take-off.

Are Most Drones Waterproof?

No, not all drones are waterproof. Lots of drones these days are advertised as waterproof. However, there is a distinct difference between waterproof and splash-resistant. Some drones are designed for diving into water without any damage done.

Others can only withstand a splash or accidental fall into a puddle. Not all drones are designed to be underwater. So, before you fly a drone in the rain or underwater, ensure you confirm the drone is waterproof and not splash-resistant. Please check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Here are some drones that should never be flown in water:

  • DJI Matrice 200
  • DJI Mavic Mini
  • Holystone HS175D
  • Holystone AS165 GPS Drone
  • Inspire 2 Premium.

Does DJI Make A Waterproof Drone?

DJI Matrice

No, DJI does not make waterproof drones. DJI drones are one of the world's leading producers of camera drones in the technology industry. Most people that use drones for photography and videography make use of DJI drones.

Although DJI drones have many good features, they are not used for professional filming. However, they are perfect for recreational and personal use. DJI drones cannot even float in water. Some of the DJI drones are:

  • Inspire 2 Professional
  • Mavic 2
  • Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
  • Spark
  • Inspire 2 Premium
  • Mavic Pro Platinum
  • Phantom 4 Advanced
  • Mavic Air
  • Inspire 2

DJI drones are one of the most expensive drones in the world, but they are not waterproof. The DJI industry does not make waterproof drones because they do not want to break their clients' trust or fail them if the drones spoil or get damaged due to making direct contact with water.

DJI drones are complex machines loaded with technology, so they must not get wet. Anyone who purchases any of the DJI drones is advised to make sure the drone stays clear of liquid to perform its function accurately.

Final Thoughts

Getting an amazing view of the aquatic world is not a problem when you have a waterproof drone. In addition, you can fly your drone when it's raining. However, if you do not have a waterproof drone, you can always make your drone waterproof so long you have the right materials.

Rain should not stop you from capturing the beauty of nature with your drone. You can easily get a waterproof drone or make it waterproof, so you do not have to worry about it getting damaged by water.

Further Reading: Underwater Drone