Installation Environment

Skydio Dock for X2 should be placed permanently on a level and stable surface in an open area with at least:

  • 3 feet (1 meter) of space on the left and right sides
  • 9 feet (3 meters) of clearance in the front, and a clear sky above

Dock_X2_Outdoor.png

[warning] Mark the zone around the Dock 10 feet (3.3 meters) above and in front and 3 feet (1 meter) on both sides so that people and vehicles do not interfere with launch and landing. [/warning]

Considering the best location and environment to install Skydio Dock will ensure optimal performance:

Lighting

Ensure the flight environment is adequately illuminated with good visibility and no dark shadows across the landing area. Orienting the Dock so the bay door faces North may help with hard shadows.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

May affect the signal connection. Check the environment for:

    • cell phone towers
    • high voltage power lines
    • wireless networks
    • large metal structures
    • concrete with rebar

Reflective surfaces 

May confuse the visual navigation and obstacle avoidance system. Check the environment for:

    • still water
    • mirrors
    • shiny metal

Windows

Windows that are larger than 5 ft (1.5 m) square may confuse the visual navigation and obstacle avoidance system 

Thin obstacles 

Obstacles less than .5 in (1.27 cm) in diameter may confuse the visual navigation and obstacle avoidance system. Check the environment for:

    • guide wires
    • utility lines
    • ropes
    • chain link fencing

Wind

Avoid installation in windy areas

 

Mounting your Dock

[note]Skydio Dock should be permanently mounted to ensure repeatable missions from the same position and orientation and reduced wear and tear from vehicle transport to and from sites.[/note] 

[accordion heading = "Option 1 - Mounting to the Dock Base"]

image__1_.png Dock1.png

Attach the Dock to the base:

Step 1 - Remove one (1) hex nut from each of the four (4) leveling feet

Step 2 - Insert leveling foot bolts through the holes at the bottom of the base 

Step 3 - Thread the hex nut onto the bolt sandwiching the bottom base plate

Step 4 - Insert the mounting bolts up from the base through the four (4) mounting point holes

Step 5 - Add alignment spacer to two cattycorner bolts

Step 6 - Set the Dock enclosure onto the base

  • screw the bolts into the enclosure using the ½” wrench
  • the screw end should not show above the base more than ⅜” 

Step 7 - Set the Dock on a level and stable surface

  • recommended two (2) person lift

Step 8 - Using the wrench, adjust the top and bottom hex nuts until the Dock is level

[/accordion]

[accordion heading = "Option 2 - Mounting to a platform"]

platform.png Dock2.png

Mount the Dock enclosure to a platform:

Step 1 - Insert the mounting bolts up from the base through the four (4) mounting point holes

Step 2 - Add alignment spacer to two cattycorner bolts

Step 3 - Set the Dock enclosure onto the base

  • screw the bolts into the enclosure using the ½” wrench
  • the screw end should not show above the base more than ⅜” 

[/accordion]

 

Complete the Install

Step 1 - Open the access panel

    • unlock and open the back access panel using the key provided with your Skydio Dock
    • the key to unlock the Access Panel is included. Do not lose your key.

Step 2 - Connect the power cable

[note] Skydio Dock is provided with two IEC power cables: 100V (Japan)/110V (US) and 220V. The 220V cable is required for Docks deployed in temperatures below 23℉ (-5℃) [/note]

    • feed the power cable through the cable management slot in the access panel
    • connect the power cable to the Dock
    • plug the power adapter into a 100-240 V power source
    • toggle the power switch to ON

20221205_153644.jpg

Power Requirements:

    • 1000 Watt peak DC output
    • 240 VAC, 50-60Hz universal input, 20 Amp 3-wire cord
    • Requires a 100V - 220V AC power source
    • Always use a grounding receptacle 

Step 3 - Connect the Ethernet cable

    • feed the Ethernet cable through the cable management slot in the access panel
    • insert the Ethernet cable into the slot labeled Ethernet 1

houston_cover_ON.png

Step 4 - Deploy antennas lift the antennas so that they are perpendicular to the enclosures

Step 5 - Slide the two antenna locks onto the antennas 

Step 6 - Tighten using a T6 driver 

    • locks the antenna so that they stay vertical under high winds
    • prevents water ingress

image__1_.png

image__3_.png

 

image__2_.png

Step 7 - Attach the License Plate

    • number plate 01 comes pre-installed with additional number plates available to purchase
    • the number plates can be removed and replaced
    • visit How to attach a Dock License Plate number for detailed instructions

Step 8 - Press the Move Door button to open the bay door and the Move Slide button to extend the arm

    • located in the back access panel
buttons.jpg

Step 9 - Attach the Dock for X2 compatible battery and power the drone ON

Step 10 - Set the drone on the pedestal

    • drone lights will be solid green 

Step 11 - Press the Move Slide button to retract the arm and the Move Door button to close the bay door

    • close and lock the access panel

[warning text="Keep your hands and fingers away from the bay door while it opens and closes. Always open the bay door prior to extending and retracting the arm."]

Step 12 (optional) - Secure the Dock from theft using the locking bracket located on the bottom of the Dock enclosure.

    • for use with chains up to 3/4 inch

security_bracket.png

 

Safety

Skydio Dock Door

Keep your hands and fingers away from the bay door while it opens and closes to avoid pinching.

Gardez vos mains et vos doigts éloignés de la porte de la baie pendant qu'elle s'ouvre et se ferme pour éviter tout pincement.

挟まれないよう、ベイドアの開閉中は手や指を近づけないでください。

Hot Surface

The Dock enclosure may be hot to touch during operation.

Le boîtier du Dock peut être chaud au toucher pendant son fonctionnement.

動作中にドックの筐体に触れると熱くなる場合があります。

 

Explore More

Explore related articles for additional information

Access Skydio X2 Manual

Safety Guidelines

How to Teleop 

Skydio, Inc. A0347

Was this article helpful?