How to maintain your Skydio Dock

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio Remote Operations
  3. Dock & Remote Ops Maintenance

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)
Per 25 flight hours (S2/2+)

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
    fan2.png
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

 CS_Dock_Maintenance_identify_intake_fan_antd.jpg
Step 4 - Pull the top of the protective intake panel to open

Step 5 - Slide out the filter and inspect

Step 6 - Insert the replacement filter

  • The arrows on the side of the filter should be pointing inward toward the dock
  • Slide the filter into the outer protective panel
  • Ensure all sides of the filter are within the walls of the panel

Step 7 - Close the protective intake panel
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
Step 2 - Identify the upper and lower parts of the rail CS_Dock_Maintenance_rails_identify.jpg

Step 3 - Using a microfiber cloth, wipe along the length of the upper and lower rails until the rag comes away clean

  • You may get the cloth slightly damp if your dock is especially dirty

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

[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

 CS_Dock_Maintenance_rails_identify.jpg

Step 3 - Using your cloth or gloved finger, apply a pea-sized amount of lithium grease to the upper and lower rails

  • You can also apply the lithium grease directly to the rails
  • Generally try to keep the area relatively clean

Step 4 - Repeat on the opposite side

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

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)

Step 3 - Wipe down the top surface of the dock

  • Pay particular attention to the Skydio fiducial, dock number plate, and LED light strips
  • If dirt or debris is difficult to remove, you may use some mild soap

Step 4 - Wipe down the dock antennas
Step 5 - Wipe down the front-facing dock lights

Step 6 - Wipe down the bay door of the dock

Step 7 - Wipe the dock camera lens

  • You may use a lens cleaner if needed

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

  • You may get the cloth slightly damp or use compressed to help clear out any bugs or debris

Step 3 - Close the access panel

Inside of Dock

Step 1 - Open the bay door of the dock

  • Drone should be removed
  • Dock arm should be retracted

Step 2 - Power off the dock
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
Step 6 - Wipe down the inner surfaces of the dock

Step 7 - Wipe down the pedestal and the AprilTag on the dock arm

  • Manually pull out the dock arm to extend (while the dock is still powered off)

[/accordion]

Skydio, Inc A0368

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