Getting Started with NightSense for Skydio X10
Published: Updated:
The Skydio NightSense attachments and add-on software allow you to leverage Skydio X10 visual navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities even when flying at night.
The set of two NightSense attachments cast a light above and below your drone. This light illuminates the area, unlocking Skydio visual navigation and obstacle avoidance when flying at night and in low-light conditions.
[note] NightSense is currently in beta. We look forward to your feedback as we continue to improve on this feature. [/note]
- Safety
- How to install your NightSense attachments
- How to use NightSense
- NightSense settings
- Flying in precipitation
- FAQ
- Specifications
Safety
[warning]
- After prolonged use of the NightSense attachments, they may be hot to the touch and could burn your hand. After landing, wait for your attachments to cool down before handling.
- Do not stare directly into your NightSense modules at close range. NightSense attachments, both Visible and Infrared, may cause eye damage if held closer than an arm’s reach for 30 seconds or more.
- Due to potential burn risk and eye damage, Skydio does not recommend Hand Landing your drone while using NightSense.
[/warning]
How to install your NightSense attachments
[note] The drone may be powered on or powered off while installing NightSense attachments. [/note]
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Step 1 - Ensure you have the right NightSense attachments for your drone’s navigation cameras [note] Your Skydio X10 model number can be found on the drone label, located inside the battery bay of the drone. [/note]
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Step 2 - Remove the protective film on your NightSense attachments [caution] If you do not remove the protective film prior to flight, it may melt and/or negatively affect the performance of your attachments. [/caution] |
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| Step 3 - Locate the top attachment bay on your X10 | ||||||||||
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Step 4 - Gently lift the rubber gasket and rotate 180° [note] Do NOT pull off the gasket, as that could result in water ingress and damage to the drone. [/note] |
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Step 5 - Align one of the NightSense attachments with the attachment bay and insert it into the USB port |
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Step 6 - Twist the thumb screws clockwise to lock the attachment in place. Hand tighten until you meet resistance
[note] Attachment should be snug but not overtightened. If you use the provided allen key wrench, Skydio officially recommends 28 cNm of torque (you will need a torque measurement tool to confirm the torque value). [/note] |
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Step 7 - Repeat for the second attachment on the bottom attachment bay (once again, be careful with the gasket) |
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Step 8 - If an update is available for your NightSense attachments it will automatically initiate
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How to use NightSense
[warning] Do not use artificial lighting to brighten the launch or landing zone during night flights. Enhancing illumination in a localized area, such as using vehicle headlights, can cause the drone to misinterpret ambient lighting conditions. This may result in a sudden transition to Attitude Mode after launching, increasing the risk of drift and loss of control. For safe night operations, follow best practices for low-light flight and ensure the drone is prepared for consistent lighting conditions throughout the mission. [/warning]
[note] If Weak GPS Alt Ceiling is enabled, the limit is 16 ft (5 m). High-altitude VIO is optimized for daylight conditions. Be sure to monitor VIO and GPS health in the telemetry bar and make adjustments based on your environment to maintain healthy navigation sources. [/note]
Step 1 - Enable Low Light mode
- If NightSense is not enabled and there is insufficient light, you will see an on-screen notification
- You may also navigate to Global Settings > Sensing > Flight Environment and select Low Light
Step 2 - Enable NightSense (this step is automatic by default)
- By default, NightSense will automatically turn on when entering Low Light mode
- Use the left sidebar quick action to subsequently turn NightSense on or off
- The visible or infrared lights from the NightSense attachments will illuminate the area around the drone
Step 3 (optional) - Enable AR Depth View
- Visually display where Skydio X10 detects obstacles in the environment
- Especially useful when flying with NightSense IR attachments
Step 4 - Launch and fly!
- Skydio X10 is limited to a max speed of 18 mph (8 m/s) while NightSense is on
[warning] Due to potential burn risk and eye damage, Skydio does not recommend Hand Landing your drone while using NightSense. [/warning]
[note] When flying with NightSense on, your X10 will be limited to a max speed of 18 mph (8 m/s). You may temporarily override this limit and fly at speeds up to 45 mph (20 m/s) by toggling ON Max Boost Speed and holding down the L1 button on your controller. This requires GPS and will temporarily disable NightSense and therefore also disable obstacle avoidance. [/note]
If you have Remote Flight Deck, you will also be able to control NightSense when operating from a browser.
NightSense settings
Navigate to Global Settings > Attachments > NightSense to optionally configure your settings.
| Max Boost Speed (disabled by default) |
By default, when flying with NightSense on, your X10 will be limited to a max speed of 18 mph (8 m/s), even when using Boost (L1 on your controller). If Max Boost Speed is enabled, holding down the L1 button on your controller temporarily disables NightSense lights (thus also disabling obstacle avoidance) but enables top speeds up to 45 mph (20 m/s) when GPS is available. Releasing L1 will exit Boost, turn the NightSense lights back on, and re-enable obstacle avoidance with a maximum top speed of 18 mph (8 m/s). |
| Auto-On When Entering Low Light Flight Mode (enabled by default) |
Automatically turns on NightSense when entering Low Light mode. If disabled, after entering Low Light mode, you will need to manually turn on NightSense to fly at night and in low-light conditions with obstacle avoidance. |
| Always-On With Poor GPS (enabled by default) | If GPS becomes poor, NightSense will activate and remain on while flying to prevent going into Attitude mode. |
Flying in precipitation
Actively operating NightSense while in precipitation is currently not supported. Your drone will remain IP55-rated while your NightSense attachments are installed but not actively illuminated.
If flying in precipitation, ensure you have strong GPS and then turn off NightSense and disable obstacle avoidance. You may leave your NightSense attachments installed on the drone.
FAQ
[accordion heading="Can the NightSense attachments operate in precipitation?"]
Actively operating NightSense while in precipitation is not currently supported. Your drone will remain IP55-rated while your NightSense attachments are installed but not actively illuminated.
If flying in precipitation, turn off NightSense and disable obstacle avoidance. You may leave your attachments installed on the drone.
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[accordion heading="Do I need to have both NightSense attachments installed on the drone?"]
Yes. Both NightSense attachments in your set are required to provide 360° illumination around your drone.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Can I use NightSense with Spotlight?"]
Yes! Skydio X10 can support both NightSense attachments with up to one spotlight attachment installed at one time.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Is the spotlight attachment covered under Skydio Care?"]
No. NightSense attachments are covered under the Skydio One (1) Year Limited Warranty which is separate from Skydio Care.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Does NightSense impact overall battery life?"]
Yes, you will see a moderate reduction in battery life when using NightSense attachments.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Are there any usage constraints?"]
Yes. Use caution and care when touching and/or handling the NightSense attachments after prolonged usage to avoid serious burn risks and do not directly look at the light or engage in direct eye exposure with the light at any brightness level to avoid serious eye injury risks.
[/accordion]
Specifications
| Infrared (IR) | Visible | |
| Dimensions | 2.9’’ x 2.6’’ x 1” | 2.9’’ x 2.6’’ x 1” |
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Weight |
55 g / 0.12 lb | 55 g / 0.12 lb |
| Attachment location | Top and bottom | Top and bottom |
| Illumination | IR light | Visible light |
| Max obstacle avoidance speed | 18 mph (8 m/s) | 18 mph (8 m/s) |
| Max input power per attachment | 46.5 W | 45 W |
| Operating temperature | -4° to 95°F (-20° to 35°C) | -4° to 95°F (-20° to 35°C) |
| Storage temperature | -40° to 176°F (-40° to 80°C) | -40° to 176°F (-40° to 80°C) |
Skydio Inc., A0500
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