Getting Started with the X10 RTK attachment
Published: Updated:
Your drone uses GPS to navigate, perform missions, complete scans, and many other functions. However, even under the best conditions, GPS accuracy can vary slightly depending on a variety of factors, such as terrain and weather. Typically, GPS provides accuracy within a few meters.
When centimeter-level precision is needed for photogrammetry, we recommend using the real-time kinematic/post-processing kinematic positioning (RTK/PPK) attachment.
The RTK/PPK attachment is a positioning system that makes Skydio X10 even more accurate by correcting common errors and uses a base station rather than relying solely on satellite systems.
These corrections can occur in real time (RTK) or they can occur after you land (PPK).
Having an RTK/PPK attachment means your drone will receive real-time corrections (or post-processed corrections), allowing you to get accuracy to a tenth of a foot for orthographic reconstructions.
- Ideal for uses such as surveying, volumetric estimates, construction monitoring, stockpile estimate, or accident scene reconstruction
| Article Sections |
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How to install your RTK/PPK attachment |
Required Equipment
- Skydio X10 with VT300-L (preferred) or VT300-Z
- Skydio X10 Controller
- RTK/PPK attachment
- Base station connection - 3 options via the X10 Controller:
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- Locally - connecting the controller to the base station’s WiFi hotspot
- Through the Internet - Using LTE cellular for internet connectivity to access Base Station/NTRIP connection
- Through Internet - Using WiFi for internet connectivity to access Base Station/NTRIP connection
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[note] We test with and recommend VT300-L. [/note]
| Supported Base Stations |
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In general, any service that uses the NTRIP Rev 1 protocol is expected to work with the Skydio RTK/PPK attachment. However, there is no support for NTRIP Rev 2.
[note] These solutions often have multiple mountpoints. The chosen mountpoint must be transmitting RTCM messages. [/note] |
Updating your system
Before using your RTK/PPK attachment, you must first update your X10 system. To do so, follow the steps here.
- Update the X10 Controller
- Update your X10
How to install your RTK attachment
[note] The drone may be powered on or off while installing attachments. [/note]
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Step 1 - Locate the top attachment bay on your X10 Step 2 - Gently lift the rubber seal and rotate 180°
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| [caution] Do NOT pull off the rubber seal, as that could result in water ingress and damage to the drone. [/caution] | |
| Step 3 - Align RTK attachment with the attachment bay and insert it into the USB port | |
| Step 4 - 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. Skydio officially recommends 28 cNm of torque. [/note] | |
How to use your RTK attachment
Configuring RTK (For Base Station or Correction Service Users)
Step 1 - Navigate to the Gate Screen
Power on your drone and controller.
You will see a notification that the attachment is connected. Select Set Up RTK.
- Access these settings anytime by navigating to Global Settings > Attachments > RTK/PPK
Step 2 - Connect to the Base Station or Correction Service
If you are using a base station onsite, select Open Network Settings to view available networks and connect to the station.
If you are flying a controller with Skydio Connect 5G, you have the ability to connect to a base station that is not onsite via cellular data.
Enter the NTRIP connection details and select Connect Now.
- Please refer to your Correction Service Provider or Base Station Manufacturer guide for the login details
[note] If the connection fails, you will see the error, Unable to Connect to Base Station. If this happens, check your network settings and try again. [/note]
Step 3 - Confirm Connection
When successfully connected, the option to Disconnect from Base Station will appear, and the telemetry indicator in the top right will communicate one of three states:
- Fix - accurate solution found
- Float - no acceptable Fix solution
- Single - connected but not receiving corrections (displayed as “- - -”)
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If the RTK corrections are not being received, the telemetry indicator in the top right will appear red and say OFF. |
Complete a Map Capture
[note] Map Capture is the only scan mode currently available with the RTK/PPK attachment. You will see a moderate reduction in battery life when using the RTK/PPK attachment. [/note]
| Recommendations |
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Step 1 - Navigate to the Gate Screen and enter 3D Scan
Select Switch Mode > 3D Scan.
Step 2 - Select Fly Now
Step 3 - Select Map Capture
Select Map Capture as your scan mode and follow the workflow steps to begin your scan.
[note] There is a Lock AutoFocus option within Map Capture settings to have X10 automatically focus the first Map Capture image and maintain that focus throughout the scan [/note]
Post-processing with PPK
[note] PPK processing is not available with Skydio. For step-by-step instructions on the below, please refer to resources from the tool you are using. [/note]
To use PPK instead of connecting to a base station using RTK, simply select PPK in the attachment menu and launch.
To process the data using PPK, please process the base station files and the files within the PPK directory using the tools provided by the base station or correction service provider.
You must use a third-party tool to process your photos, such as:
For more information on post-processing your RTK/PPK data, please read How to process Skydio X10 RTK/PPK data.
FAQ
[accordion heading="Can the X10 RTK attachment operate in precipitation?"]
Yes, the X10 RTK/PPK attachment is IP55 rated, along with Skydio X10.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Is the RTK attachment covered under Skydio Care?"]
No. The X10 RTK attachment is covered under the Skydio One (1) Year Limited Warranty which is separate from Skydio Care.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Does the X10 RTK attachment impact overall battery life?"]
Yes, you will see a moderate reduction in battery life when using the attachment.
[/accordion]
Performance Charts
Accuracy vs. Height
This chart shows how flight altitude, GSD, and the number of ground control points (GCPs) affect vertical accuracy. Using more GCPs improves precision, especially at higher altitudes.
Area Estimate per Battery
This chart shows the area (in square kilometers) that can be captured in 30 minutes on a single battery at different flight altitudes.
Specifications
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Dimensions |
61 x 67.5 x 50.3mm |
| Weight | 60g / 0.13lbs |
| Attachment Location | Top |
| Horizontal Position Accuracy | 1 cm + 1 ppm |
| Vertical Position Accuracy | 1.5cm + 1 ppm |
| Max input power | 2.5 W |
| Ingress protection rating | IP55 |
| Operating temperature | -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C) |
| Storage temperature | -22°F to 176°F (-30°C to 80°C) |
Explore More
What attachments are available with Skydio X10?
How to use Map Capture with Skydio X10
Skydio, Inc. A0511
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