Sony Electronics has announced the introduction of a new Battery Station as well as the development of new accessories for the Airpeak S1 drone. A new battery pack to help with longer flight time and RTK (Real-time Kinematic) kit with base station will be available later this year to expand operational capabilities for longer flight times and more precise positioning data.
“The new Airpeak Battery Station will provide customers with fast and efficient charging to reduce downtime and help keep Airpeak flying all day,” says Yang Chang, vice president imaging solutions, Sony Electronics. “This release in addition to our development announcement demonstrate our commitment to not only enhancing the system for aerial photographers and cinematographers but expanding the system’s capabilities for industrial applications.”
The new Battery Station (LBN-H1) is designed for professional drone operators flying Sony Electronics’ Airpeak S1 drone from film sets to industrial applications. It provides storage and transportation of up to 10 Airpeak S1 battery packs (LBP-HS1) while providing intelligent and fast charging for eight battery packs (charging four at a time) and discharging up to eight batteries simultaneously for transporting or extended storage.
The LBN-H1 Battery Station includes built-in charging cables for two remote controllers (RCR-VH1) and is equipped with three standard auxiliary power outlet accessory sockets that can support a variety of accessories, including 12-volt outlets that can charge mobile devices, cameras, and other USB accessories. The accessory socket cap can also be used as a stopper to prevent the lid from accidentally shutting due to wind or other factors while using this product.
The pack includes two charging modes based on the operator’s needs. This includes (QUICK) mode for shorter charging time, which will charge up to four LBP-HS1 battery packs from about 20 to 90 percent in approximately 30 minutes and (FULL) mode, which will charge up to four LBP-HS1 battery packs from about 0 to 100 percent in approximately 55 minutes or from about 20 to 100 percent in approximately 50 minutes. A built-in fan cools the batteries.
Up to eight battery packs can be discharged simultaneously whether the battery station power is on or off. Fifty (50) percent mode can be used for long-term storage and will take approximately 17 hours to discharge from about 100 to 50 percent. Twenty five (25) percent mode for air transportation will take approximately 27 hours to discharge from about 100 to 25 percent.
Size and Weight
The Battery Station comes in a travel case with wheels and an extendable handle and measures approximately 21 7/8 in. (553 mm) H × 16 3/4 in. (423 mm) W × 10 1/4 in. (258 mm) D (including projecting parts) and weighs approximately 33 lb 8.2 oz (15.2 kg) (Not including battery pack, power cord, etc.). It is also certified UL62368-1m and will be available from January 19, 2023 at a suggested retail price of $2.899.99 USD.
Pricing and availability for the new battery pack and RTK kit will be set at a future date.
