How to use Skydio X2E GPS Night Flight

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X2 Enterprise
  3. Flying Skydio X2E

GPS Night Flight mode is initiated in low-light conditions and poor visibility. When this mode is engaged, Skydio X2E uses GPS sensors instead of obstacle avoidance navigation. An alert will prompt you to engage in the GPS Night Flight mode when required. 

[warning text="Obstacle avoidance is disabled in GPS Night Flight mode. Fly with extreme caution!"]

CS_X2D-GPS_night_flight_UI.jpg

Quick Steps

  1. Enable GPS Night Flight
  2. Calibrate the drone
  3. Launch
  4. Select Lights

In-Depth

Step 1 - Enable GPS Night Flight

    • select the Settings menu icon
    • select the Drone tab and scroll down
    • select GPS Night Flight
    • toggle on
 CS_X2E_GPS_Night_Flight__menu_UI.jpg

Step 2 - Select Calibration

  • Set to either Hand Wave or Multi Step

CS_X2_GPS_Night_Flight_Calibration_menu_UI.jpg

Hand Wave Calibration

For use in environments containing magnetic interference, such as cars, buildings constructed with rebar, metal bars, and power lines. You will need to calibrate each time you enable GPS Night Flight.
    • Hold Skydio X2 with the camera facing away from your body
    • Rapidly wave drone side to side
    • Set Skydio X2 down and launch
 CS_X2D_hand_wave_ill.jpg

[info text="visit the Hand Wave Calibration Guide located in the INFO menu under Tutorials for detailed instructions."] 

Multi Step Calibration

For use in open areas where there is no potential magnetic interference. Not required every time GPS Night Flight is enabled. However, you will occasionally be prompted to recalibrate when necessary.

Rotate X2 following the diagrams

    • you will be prompted to rotate X2E one time on each axis following the diagrams until each rotation is marked complete 
    • hold X2E horizontally right-side-up in front of you and turn around in a clockwise direction to begin the calibration
 X2-user_guide-gps_night-5.png
    • select Done when the calibrations are marked complete
    • Set Skydio X2 down and launch
 X2-user_guide-gps_night-6__1_.png

Step 3- Select your drone's lights

    • Select the device settings menu icon
    • select the Drone tab and scroll down to Lights
    • toggle on RGB, Infrared, or Strobe lights

Infrared and strobe lights cannot be on at the same time.

 X2-user_guide-gps_night-7.png

[warning text="Obstacle avoidance is disabled in GPS Night Flight, regardless of Skydio X2E height above ground. Adjust return height in the Settings menu to return home above any potential obstacles."]

CS_connection_status_icon.png You can monitor the GPS signal strength and the signal connection. Select the Connection Status icon to display the connected drone status, signal strength, GPS quality, and satellite count. Visit How Skydio X2 Uses GPS for more information. CS_S2PE_connection_status_menu_UI.jpg

Failure to disengage GPS Night Flight may be due to low-light conditions. Wait 10-20 seconds, and if the issue persists, land, power off, and on again.

    • Visibility: enable infrared or visible strobe lights to meet the FAA minimum requirement for weather visibility of three miles from your control station.
    • Landing: if X2E loses GPS while flying in GPS Night Flight mode, it will initiate an emergency landing and descend quickly using only the barometer; you should expect lateral drift. If the GPS reconnects during the emergency landing, you will regain control of X2E.

[warning text="Never hand launch or land Skydio X2 when in GPS Night Flight mode."]

 

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