Our FPV Battery Quick Release System

You can purchase the 3D print files (.STL) here: https://www.firstclassdrones.ca/category/all-products

At First Class Drones, we don’t just fly drones, we push their limits. One of our latest solutions is our FPV battery quick release system, born out of real world trial and error during massive 600-drone light shows.

Our CineLog 35 equipped with our new FPV battery quick release

When your batteries don’t last as long as the performance, you need a fast, safe way to land, swap power, and get airborne again without missing a beat. After a lot of testing, design tweaks, and lessons learned, we now have a system that does exactly that and we’re sharing it with pilots like you.

Why We Build Battery Quick Release System

While filming large drone shows, FPV batteries can’t keep up for the entire runtime. Our team needed a way to quickly swap batteries mid-show, so we could land, swap, and relaunch with minimal downtime.

Our quick release system makes this possible and keeps our shows running smoothly.

From testing to showtime, here's our quick release system in action!

How Our Setup Works

Here’s exactly how our current setup works in the field:

1️⃣ Battery Attachment

• Each battery is secured to a custom quick release plate using two zip ties threaded through built in channels in the 3D print.

• A strip of double-sided tape between the battery and the plate keeps it from shifting under stress.

2️⃣ Mount to the Drone

• The plate attaches to the drone frame with more double-sided tape for stability, plus zip ties run through printed canals to secure everything directly to the frame.

3️⃣ Power System

• We use an XT60 to dual XT60 parallel splitter that allows the drone to draw power from two batteries at once. Be careful as this can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. We will have another blog coming out showcasing our power system for hot swapping.

• Even the GoPro is wired straight into the drone’s power, so you don’t need separate batteries for your camera and it can stay powered and recording the whole time.

4️⃣ Quick Swap Process

• When your battery runs low, you land and plug in your fresh battery (which you keep in your pocket connected to the long wire).

• Both batteries power the drone for a few seconds while you unplug the drained pack, swap it out, and snap in the fresh one.

• You’re back in the air within moments, without needing to reboot anything.

  
  

Our Chief Pilot, explaining how the hot swap system works

Lessons Learned: Trial, Error, and Better Materials

We didn’t nail this on the first try. We went through multiple design versions, testing different shapes and mounting ideas: ✅ Screw-in versions with M3 bolts for extra rigidity ✅ Slide-lock brackets that clip in with no tools ✅ Hybrid clamps for aggressive flights

Big takeaway: PLA was easy to print, but it snaps under pressure instead of flexing. This caused battery failures in testing. PETG performed much better as it flexes instead of breaks, which helps your battery stay secure in flight.

If you want to level up even more, consider using carbon fiber reinforced PETG, nylon, or polycarbonate filaments for extra strength, especially if you’re scaling this up for larger drones.

Mounting Options: One Design, Many Uses

We stick with zip ties and tape because it’s fast and field-tested. But you can adapt it:

• Screw-In Mounts: Drill and tap holes in your drone frame to bolt the plate down.

• Slide-Lock Brackets: Design a dovetail or clip system for tool-free battery swaps.

• Hybrid Systems: Combine zip ties with screws for ultimate security.

  
  

Recommended 3D Printer Settings

Ready to print your own? Here’s a good starting point:

✅ Material: PETG or stronger (CF-PLA, nylon, polycarbonate) ✅ Infill: 80% or more

✅ Supports: No. You may have trouble with canals but the zip ties will fit through.

👉 Pro Tips: 

1. Always do a few test prints to make sure tolerances fit your batteries and frame.

2. Once you print the quick release, you will need to turn it a few times to work it in!

Real World Pilot Tips

🔋 Keep your fresh battery prepped in your pocket with the wire ready. Seconds saved on the ground means more time in the air. Test your printed parts for strength before a big show. If you fly in cold weather, check that your tape holds up, consider a stronger adhesive if needed.

FAQ — Common Pilot Questions

✅ Will it work on larger drones?Yes! You can scale up the print and use stronger materials.

✅ Will it hold larger batteries?For big, heavy packs, probably not ideal without extra reinforcement or a screw-in design.

✅ Vibration problems?Not in our tests, the combo of zip ties and tape holds tight.

✅ Crash resistant?Nope, this is built for speed and convenience, not impact resistance. In a crash, the battery will likely pop off.

We Want Your Feedback

We’ve already shared this design with lots of pilots, now we want your ideas, too! Try it out, remix it, and show us how you improve it.

You can purchase the 3D print files (.STL) here: https://www.firstclassdrones.ca/category/all-products

Let’s Fly Higher Together

From cinematic FPV to massive light shows, First Class Drones brings creativity, technical skill, and real-world solutions to every flight.

📧 Want to book a job with us?

Email misha@firstclassdrones.ca

See you in the skies! 🛸✨

This blog was written by:

Misha Herschorn

Owner and Head Pilot at First Class Drones

Linkedin Profile Here

Bio:

Since 2016, Misha has been operating drones professionally, delivering drone services for large television productions, residential and commercial developments, energy and utilities and many more! His work combines technical precision with a strong creative eye, always prioritizing safety, legality, and quality.

Misha has extensive experience in aerial cinematography, drone mapping and custom drone design helping First Class Drones delivers professional results tailored to each project.