Hi. I’m not sure whether this is considered ‘normal’ (new drone user here), but I bought a DJI Flip recently, and a SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO MicroSD U3 V30. This wasn’t one of the recommended cards but given it was U3, I couldn’t see any issues really. However, when the drone is powered on, the SD card gets very hot, even when the drone is idle. Is this pretty normal, or is this likely a dodgy card I need to ditch?
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Even when idle (by which I’m assuming you mean powered up but not actually flying or recording) some of the internals of the drone will be very active and producing heat .. most significantly the transmitter for the video link. So, depending on the physical proximity of the card and certain other components, this shouldn’t be too alarming.
The heat certainly won’t be being created by the actual “use” of the card from recording to it.
I don’t own (nor even seen 
) a Flip … but it’s not something that would worry me.
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As above, however consider that whilst sitting idle as you say it will not be getting any ventilation, once airborne air passing over and through the drone help keep it cool.
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The video processor gets quite warm. I am not sure where it is on the Flip. If it is near that, then maybe… I would put the SD card into a computer and see if it gets warm. Try writing a file or three to it and see if that gets warm. I have seen a few reports saying there was a bad batch of SanDisk Extreme, but I am more inclined to think that was a bootleg version - there are a lot of fakes around. Here is a link to a few pointers: Fake SanDisk SD Cards? 12 Tips To Spot A Counterfeit Card
Thanks all. I did find an alternative card in the house and interestingly that gave off no heat radiation at all when idle so I’ve just played it safe and swapped them out for now.
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Interestingly, way back in the day when I designed computers from silicon chips, we always said ‘it’s not hot if you can put your finger on it’. It’s probably a long term reliability issue but certainly worth comparing similar items if you’re concerned…..
Strange, I’ve used nothing else but SanDisk cards for many years (got first digital camera 2007 ish), tried others but too many failures, never had a SanDisk card go tits up.
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The drone is designed to maintain it’s internal temperature while flying within the specified temperature range, and will generate as much heat when it is inactive but switched on and connected to RC & screen as it does flying. Therefore the ventilators that keep it cool when it is flying will be less effective when it is ‘live’ but inactive. Not sure where the SD lives on a Flip, but if it’s like my Mini it is at the back beneath the battery compartment. This area is provided with nearby ventilation slots to take in cool air from outside, so this probably explains the heating issue with your memory card. Note that under normal circumstances, the drone will take off very shortly after the props start, suggesting that it is not designed to sit on the ground while connected up and working, even with the props spinning.
That said, I have never noticed memory cards getting hot in my drone, so you are right to check it out in case there is anything untoward going on! Sorry, can’t provide a definitive answer, suggest contacting DJI for advice.
Keep the card, ditch the Flip! 
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