Getting Started with the X10 Speaker attachment

Broadcast live and pre-recorded communications from your drone while flying with the Skydio Speaker attachment.

[note] The Speaker attachment is currently a beta product. [/note]

Warning: Compliance With Laws Required

The use of the X10 Speaker attachment on Skydio X10 to broadcast or record audio is subject to various international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding privacy and consent. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations when using this product to record and/or broadcast audio.

When Recording Audio:

• Consent Required: In many states and countries, it is illegal to record conversations without the consent of all parties. Some states and countries allow recording with the consent of just one party. Always check your local laws before recording.

When Broadcasting Audio:

• Public vs. Private: Broadcasting in public may have fewer restrictions, but always avoid invading privacy or causing harassment. In private areas, you may need explicit permission before broadcasting. Always check your local laws before broadcasting.
  Disclaimer: Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Skydio is not responsible for any misuse of this product or any legal consequences resulting from the improper use of the broadcasting functions.

Disclaimer: Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Skydio is not responsible for any misuse of this product or any legal consequences resulting from the improper use of the audio recording and broadcasting functions.

How to install your Speaker attachment

[note] The drone may be powered on or powered off while installing attachments. [/note]

Step 1 - Install attachment The Speaker attachment can be installed on either the left or right attachment bay. Begin by aligning the thumb screws on the attachment to the threads on the side of the drone.
Step 2 - Secure screws Twist the three 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]
Step 3 - Insert the USB-C port Open the rubber seal on the USB-C attachment port and twist it downward. It will be A3 or A4, whichever is on the side of the drone that the speaker mic is attached to Plug in the attachment cable with the cable pointing downward.
Step 4 - Adjust speaker angle Set the angle of your speaker to suit the type of mission you will be flying. Manually pivot the speaker to your desired angle If you’re not sure what angle is best for your mission, try a downward and forward-facing angle, approximately 45°
[tip] For optimal quality, we recommend flying about 130 ft (40 m) above and 164 ft (50 m) away from bystanders. [/tip]

Speaker settings

Navigate to Global Settings > Attachments > Speaker to adjust the volume settings.

Speakers

• Controller - Set the volume of the speaker on the controller
• Drone - Set the volume of the speaker on the controller

How to use your Speaker attachment

While flying, you will see a new Quick Action icon on the left side of your screen. Select this icon to open the Speaker menu.

Here you can manage and play existing audio files.

Broadcast live audio

Select and hold Push to Talk, then speak into your controller microphone. Your audio will broadcast live one-way from the attachment on the drone.

Record audio

[note] If you rename a custom audio file, only the following characters are allowed: ^, a-z, A-Z, 0-9, _, +, -. Using any other characters, such as periods (.), will result in upload errors. [/note]

Record a message directly on your controller and broadcast it using the Speaker attachment. This enables real-time adaptability for communication needs. To record a custom audio file, select Create Recording at the top of the attachment Quick Action menu. Select and hold the Recording button, speak into your controller microphone, then release the button once your recording is complete. If you are close to the limit of your recording, the time will turn red.

[note] Custom recorded audio has a maximum limit of one minute. [/note]

When you are finished recording, you will have the chance to preview, rename, or re-record your custom recording. Once you are satisfied with your audio, select Upload to add it to the list.

Play audio

Tap any audio file in your list and that audio will play over your attachment speaker. Maximum of 50 audio files Recordings cannot exceed 60 seconds Three audio files come preloaded on your Speaker attachment: Siren Buzzer Evacuate

Select the “...” icon to the right of an audio file for more options: To preview a recording using your controller speaker, select the headphones icon To delete an audio file, select the trash icon This will remove the file from the list, but not from the Media card in the drone

[info] You have the ability to preview audio using headphones via the USB-C port on the back of the controller. We test with the Dell USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter and Kensington USB-C headphones. [/info]

Loading sound effects or recordings

You have the option to play pre-recorded audio files or sound effects. Three audio files come preloaded on your Speaker attachment:

• Siren 
• Buzzer
• Evacuate 

How to add pre-recorded audio files

Step 1 - Remove the Media card from Skydio X10 Insert it into the device that has your pre-recorded files.

Step 2 - Add audio files to the Media card Locate the folder called audio_files. This is where you will need to add your files.

Step 3 - Insert the Media card into the drone Once inserted, your audio files will appear in the list alongside your existing files. Access this using the attachment Quick Action menu.

Accessing recorded audio from Skydio X10

To retrieve audio that was recorded during your flight, remove the Media card from Skydio X10. Audio files will be saved within the audio_files folder.

Best Practices

For optimal audio quality and performance, we recommend the following:

• Keep your Skydio X10 system up-to-date for the latest attachment capabilities
• To avoid interference from propeller wash, do not broadcast audio directly above bystanders. Instead, fly about 130 ft (40 m) above and 164 ft (50 m) away.
• Position the Speaker attachment so it is directed toward listeners, and slightly angled toward the ground (roughly a 45° angle).
• When recording custom audio, be sure to speak loudly, clearly, and slowly. Bring the controller closer to you to optimize audio quality.

Beta Limitations

• Extended use of the Speaker in hot climates may cause permanent damage
  • For warm climates between above 80°F (26°C) and 113°F (45°C), avoid continuous playback of tones at maximum volume for more than 3 - 5 minutes

FAQ

[accordion heading="Can the X10 Speaker attachment operate in precipitation?"]

Yes, the X10 speaker mic attachment is IP55 rated, along with Skydio X10.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading=" Is the Speaker attachment covered under Skydio Care?"]

No. The X10 Speaker attachment is covered under the Skydio One (1) Year Limited Warranty which is separate from Skydio Care.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Does the X10 Speaker attachment impact overall battery life?"]

Yes, you will see a moderate reduction in battery life when using the attachment.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Can I use Speaker on version 34.1?"]

No, you should update your Skydio X10 system to version 37.1 or later to unlock attachment capabilities.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Can I use Speaker with other attachments?"]

Yes, the X10 Speaker can be used with NightSense, Spotlight, or both. Pilots may see moderate reductions in speed depending on how many attachments, how many are engaged, and the altitude of the drone.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Do I need to use a tool to mount my Speaker attachment?"]

No, Skydio recommends hand-tightening the Speaker screws. Force should no longer be applied after moderate resistance is felt.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Can I use headphones with my controller and Speaker attachment?"]

Yes! Skydio recommends using headphones/mic with your controller for clearest recording and broadcast results. We’ve found great results with Kensington USB-C headphones. Alternately, if you want to use your own headphones with an aux cable, we’ve found great results using the Dell USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter.

[/accordion]

Specifications

Dimensions	1.9” x 2.8” x 2.5”
Weight	100 g / 0.22 lbs
Attachment Location	Left or right attachment bay
Max Volume	~105 dB at 1m
Effective Broadcast Distance	150 m
Max Output Power	25 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? 

Getting started with the X10 spotlight attachment

Skydio X10 Getting Started Videos

 

Skydio, Inc. A0510