How to maintain your Skydio Dock
Published: Updated:
To optimize the performance of your Skydio Dock and drone it’s important to keep your system updated, inspect your equipment, clean your equipment properly, and occasionally replace your propellers and batteries.
Maintenance Schedule
Skydio Dock
Maintenance Item | Action | Interval |
Software Update | Update your dock software | When an update is available (per your organization's guidelines) |
Intake Fan Filter Inspection |
Remove and inspect for debris |
Per 3 months |
Intake Fan Filter Replacement |
Remove and replace |
Per 12 months* |
Surface Cleaning |
Clean internal and external dock surfaces |
Per 3 months |
Arm Rail Cleaning |
Wipe any dust or debris off of the arm rails |
Per 3 months or 300 flights |
Arm Rail Lubrication |
Lubricate the arm rails |
Per 3 months or 300 flights |
Lock Lubrication |
Spray lubrication into key hole |
Per 3 months |
*If in a very dusty environment (e.g. construction site), check and replace more frequently.
Skydio X2, Skydio 2/2+
Maintenance Item | Action | Interval |
Software Update | Update your drone software | When an update is available (per your organization's guidelines) |
Navigation Cameras |
Clean navigation cameras |
Per 3 months, as-needed1 |
Propeller Replacement |
Routinely replace propellers after designated number of flight hours, or if damaged. |
Per 100 flight hours (X2) |
Battery Monitoring/Replacement |
Replace battery if desired |
Per 12 months or 200 cycles2 |
1If in a very dusty environment (e.g. construction site) check and clean more frequently. Check for dirty camera notifications.
2Battery life is highly dependent on your use case, and Skydio recommends replacing your battery when the flight time has degraded below what is acceptable for your use case.
[accordion heading="Propellers"]
For optimal performance, Skydio recommends replacing your Skydio X2 propellers after 100 hours and Skydio 2/2+ after 25 hours of flight time or if damaged.
Always replace all propeller blades. Replacing all propeller blades will reduce any potential variation between the propellers and allow for tracking of propeller flight time.
[info] Visit How do I replace my Skydio 2/2+ propellers? Or How to replace my Skydio X2 propellers for detailed instructions. [/info]
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Skydio Batteries"]
The lifespan of a Skydio battery is 1 year or 200 battery cycles. After this point, you may experience a decline in charging and performance.
Battery life is highly dependent on your use case, and Skydio recommends replacing your battery when the flight time has degraded below what is acceptable for your use case.
[info] See How to Charge and Maintain your Skydio X2 batteries, Skydio 2+ Battery Guidelines, or How to manage devices and batteries in Skydio Cloud for detailed information. [/info]
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Intake Fan Filter Inspection and Replacement"]
The Dock intake fan air circulation system is located under the locked access panel. Regular intake fan air circulation system maintenance includes brushing, blowing, or vacuuming dust and debris from the intake and replacing the filter. T
he frequency of filter replacement will depend on how much dust is in the environment. Check the filter every 3 months for debris and replace it annually. If in a very dusty environment (e.g. construction site) check and replace more frequently.
[note] If your Dock is overheating, this can be a sign that the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. [/note]
What you need
- Replacement intake fan filter
Step 1 - Power off and unplug your dock from power | |
Step 2 - Open the access panel using the key provided to unlock and open the back access panel | |
Step 3 - Locate the intake fan |
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Step 4 - Pull the top of the protective intake panel to open | |
Step 5 - Slide out the filter and inspect |
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Step 6 - Insert the replacement filter
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Step 7 - Close the protective intake panel |
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Step 8 - Close the dock access panel and lock |
[note] Work with your Skydio team to purchase replacement filters as-needed. [/note]
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Arm Rail Cleaning"]
It’s important to keep your dock arm rail clean and free of debris. Inspect and clean your dock arm rail every 3 months.
What you need
- Microfiber cloth, rag, or shop towel (avoid materials that may leave scraps or lint behind)
Step 1 - Extend the dock arm and remove the drone from the pedestal |
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Step 2 - Identify the upper and lower parts of the rail | |
Step 3 - Using a microfiber cloth, wipe along the length of the upper and lower rails until the rag comes away clean
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Step 4 - Repeat on the opposite side |
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Arm Rail Lubrication"]
To ensure smooth and unobstructed operation of your dock arm, inspect and lubricate your arm rails every 3 months.
What you need
- Rag, shop towel, or microfiber cloth (avoid materials that may leave scraps or lint behind) OR gloves
- Lithium grease lubrication (e.g. Lubriplate Aero Grease, Super Lube-2103)
[caution] Do NOT use WD-40 to lubricate your Dock arm rail. [/caution]
Step 1 - Extend the dock arm and remove the drone from the pedestal (if not already done) | |
Step 2 - Identify the upper and lower rails |
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Step 3 - Using your cloth or gloved finger, apply a pea-sized amount of lithium grease to the upper and lower rails
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Step 4 - Repeat on the opposite side |
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Step 5 - Using the button on the back access panel of the dock, retract and extend the arm rail a few times to distribute the lithium grease |
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Step 6 - With the arm retracted, wipe away excess grease from the end of the rail |
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Cleaning Dock Surfaces"]
What you need
- Rag, shop towel, or microfiber cloth (avoid materials that may leave scraps or lint behind)
Compressed air canister (optional) - Lens cleaner for dock camera lens (optional)
- Do NOT use cleaning fluids
External Surfaces
Step 1 - Power off and unplug your dock from power | |
Step 2 - Dampen your towel and wipe down the back access panel (while closed) |
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Step 3 - Wipe down the top surface of the dock
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Step 4 - Wipe down the dock antennas |
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Step 5 - Wipe down the front-facing dock lights | |
Step 6 - Wipe down the bay door of the dock |
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Step 7 - Wipe the dock camera lens
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Inside of Access Panel
Step 1 - Power off and unplug your dock from power | |
Step 2 - Open the back access panel and wipe down all surfaces
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Step 3 - Close the access panel |
Inside of Dock
Step 1 - Open the bay door of the dock
Step 2 - Power off the dock |
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Step 3 - Wipe down the inside of the bay door | |
Step 4 - Wipe down the side rupper propeller stoppers | |
Step 5 - Wipe down the antenna ramp |
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Step 6 - Wipe down the inner surfaces of the dock | |
Step 7 - Wipe down the pedestal and the AprilTag on the dock arm
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[/accordion]
Skydio, Inc A0368
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