How to set up ATAK UAS Tool for X10D

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X10
  3. Skydio X10D Offline

This guide explains how to enable the UAS Tool plugin to fly the Skydio X10D with either a Skydio Controller or a third-party Ground Control Station (GCS). Before you begin, ensure that you have the following:

  1. Skydio X10D Connect MH Multiband drone with the latest software update
  2. Current supported Microhard firmware: v1.3.5:1068
  3. MAVLink license
  4. Feature flag for RTSP video over MAVLink
  5. Updated and un-kiosked Skysio X10D MH controller
  6. Third-party GCS running the latest versions of ATAK + UAS Tool
  7. External Microhard radio
  8. Mac or Linux computer
    Required to change vehicle radio settings unless your GCS already has Robot Picker

[note]Contact your Skydio Account Team or Skydio Support to verify[/note]

Using ATAK + UAS Tool on the Skydio X10D Controller

Step 1 - Power on and pair

  • Power on the X10D and the Skydio Controller
  • Launch the Skydio Flight Deck
  • Confirm that the controller is paired to the aircraft
  • Ensure that the Wi-Fi is off 

[note]To send FMV and CoT to a wider network, use a physical connection such as USB-C to Ethernet connected to a MANET, router, or LTE cradle.[/note]

Step 2 - Fix ATAK screen orientation

When ATAK launches for the first time on the controller, the display may appear upside down. To correct it:

  • Open ATAK
  • Select the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner, next to the dog icon
  • Select Settings
  • Select Display Preferences
  • Select Additional Display Options
  • Enable Reverse Landscape Orientation
uas tool upside down.png
uas tool upside down 2png.png

Step 3 - Load the UAS Tool plugin

  • Open the hamburger menu in ATAK
  • Select Plugins
  • Load the UAS Tool plugin
    • UAS Tool will appear in the ATAK menu
UAS tool plugin.png
uas tool 3.png

Step 4 - Open UAS Tool and create a configuration

  • Select the hamburger menu and UAS Tool
  • On first launch: Select Configure now
  • On subsequent launches: Select the plus (+) button to create a new configuration
uas tool 4.png

Step 5 - Select MAVLink

  • Tap None Selected
  • Select MAVLink
uas tool 5.png

Step 6 - Apply the Skydio connection preset

  • Select the arrow to the right of Connection Presets
  • Select the Skydio preset (for both X2D and X10D)
  • Select Configure

At first, no aircraft may appear. Once the connection is established, the X10D will populate in the UAS list.
uas tool 7.png
uas tool 6.png

Step 7 - Configure safety settings

Before flight, open UAS Settings and configure your mission safety parameters, such as:

  • Return behavior
  • Low-battery actions
  • Lost-link behavior

Recommended: Review these settings before every launch, especially when changing mission profiles or operating environments.
uas tool safety.png

Step 8 - Arm the vehicle to start video

  • Select Arm and the video feeds will begin streaming.

Switching between apps:

  • You must close UAS Tool if you want to fly using the Skydio Flight Deck
  • You cannot use the Skydio ATAK option in Flight Deck while flying with UAS Tool
  • If you need to add a TAK server, add it directly in the ATAK app

Using ATAK + UAS Tool plugin on a Third Party Controller

Overview

This article explains how to configure ATAK and the UAS Tool plugin on a third-party ground control station using Skydio X10D and a pMDDL 1624 ground radio. To use ATAK with the UAS Tool plugin on a third-party controller, you must configure both the Skydio X10D vehicle radio and the pMDDL 1624 ground radio so their RF settings match.

You can configure the X10D using either:

  • A Mac or Linux computer connected by USB-C
  • An Android device using Network Monitor and Robot Picker

After the X10D and ground radio are configured with matching RF settings, you can launch ATAK and connect through UAS Tool.

Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • Skydio X10D
  • Third-party GCS or Android EUD
  • pMDDL 1624 ground radio
  • Latest supported version of ATAK
  • Latest supported version of the UAS Tool plugin
  • USB-C cable
  • RF settings for your deployment, including:
    • Channel or frequency
    • Bandwidth
    • Operation mode
    • Network ID
    • Encryption type
    • Encryption key

Important RF configuration notes

Use the following guidance when configuring the X10D and ground radio:

  • The X10D supports 4 MHz and 8 MHz channel bandwidths.
  • The X10D and ground radio must be configured as a Master/Slave pair.
    Example: X10D = Master, Ground Radio = Slave
  • The encryption password or key must be at least 9 characters.
  • Encryption type on the ground radio must be AES-256.
  • Do not use Mesh or Repeater modes unless specifically instructed. These modes are not fully supported.
  • Do not change the X10D IP address unless you know exactly what you are doing. Changing the vehicle IP may prevent pairing with the Skydio Controller until the IP is restored to the default value.
  • Ensure antennas are attached before turning on the ground radio.

Configure the X10D radio using Mac or Linux

Use this method if you have access to a Mac or Linux computer.

Step 1 — Connect to the X10D

  1. Power on the X10D
  2. Connect the X10D to your computer using a USB-C cable
  3. Open a browser
  4. Navigate to: 192.168.11.1/radio

Step 2 — Enter RF settings

On the Skydio radio configuration page, enter the RF settings for your deployment.

Configure:

  • Channel
  • Bandwidth, either 4 MHz or 8 MHz
  • Mode
  • Network ID
  • Encryption password

For operation mode, make sure the X10D and ground radio are paired as Master/Slave. A common configuration is:

X10D: Master
Ground Radio: Slave
CGS 1.png

Step 3 — Apply settings

Select Configure RF settings to apply the configuration.

Do not modify LAN settings unless specifically required.

MH 3.png

Configure the X10D using Android, Network Monitor, and Robot Picker

Use this method if you are configuring the X10D from an Android EUD.

Step 1 — Connect the Android device to the X10D

  1. Power on the X10D.
  2. Connect the X10D to the Android device using USB-C.
  3. Open Android USB settings.
  4. Set USB controlled by to Connected device.
  5. Turn Wi-Fi off.
CGS 2.png

Step 2 — Configure the Ethernet connection in Network Monitor

  1. Open Network Monitor.
  2. Configure the new Ethernet connection.
  3. Use a static IP configuration compatible with the X10D network.
  4. Make sure Create Default Route is unchecked.
  5. Give the network a recognizable name, such as Skydio Aircraft.
  6. Confirm the connection status turns green.

A green status indicates the Android device is connected correctly.

Step 3 — Create a Robot Picker tile

  1. Open Robot Picker.
  2. Add a new tile for the Skydio X10D.
  3. Enter the EUD IP address.
  4. Enter the GCS radio IP.
  5. Enter the netmask.
  6. Enter the RF settings and GCS radio details.

Typical fields include:

  • EUD IP
  • Netmask
  • GCS radio IP
  • Channel bandwidth
  • Radio band
  • Frequency or channel
  • Network ID
  • Encryption type
  • Encryption key
Robot 1.png

Step 4 — Save and configure the radio

  1. Select Update to save the tile.
  2. Select the tile.
  3. Select Configure Radio.
  4. Wait for the configuration process to complete.

When successful, the configuration screen indicates that the drone radio configuration succeeded.

You may now disconnect the USB-C cable and launch ATAK with the UAS Tool plugin.

screen-catch-2026-07-02_13-56-40.png
unnamed.png

Configure the pMDDL 1624 ground radio

Use the radio landing page to configure the ground radio.

Step 1 — Open the radio landing page

The default landing page for the pMDDL 1624 is:

192.168.168.1

Default login:

Username: admin
Password: admin

After the first login, you will be prompted to change the password.

MH 1.png

Step 2 — Configure LAN settings

  1. From the main landing page, go to Network > LAN.
  2. Change the ground radio IP address so it is in the X10D vehicle subnet:
192.168.42.x

Avoid using:

192.168.42.1
192.168.42.10

These are vehicle IP addresses.

  1. Configure the DHCP server based on your network requirements.
  2. Optional: If the WAN port is not needed, you may bridge WAN with LAN if supported by the device.
MH 2.png

Step 3 — Configure RF settings

  1. Go to Wireless > RF.
  2. Turn the radio on.
  3. Configure the RF settings so they match the X10D.

Required settings include:

  • Channel
  • Channel bandwidth
  • TX power
  • Operation mode
  • Network ID
  • Encryption type
  • Encryption key

Use AES-256 for encryption type.

Make sure the ground radio is configured as the opposite operation mode from the X10D. For example:

X10D: Master
Ground Radio: Slave
MH 3.png

Step 4 — Save changes

Select Submit or the applicable save option in the radio interface.

Verify the RF connection

After the X10D and ground radio RF settings match, verify the link from the ground radio web interface.

  1. Open the ground radio landing page.
  2. Go to Wireless > Status.
  3. Review the RF status and connection information.

You should see connection details such as:

  • Operation mode
  • Network ID
  • Bandwidth
  • Frequency
  • TX power
  • Encryption type
  • SNR
  • RSSI
  • Signal level
  • RSSI graph

If connection information is visible, the ground radio and X10D RF settings are in sync.

Launch ATAK UAS Tool

After the vehicle radio and ground radio are configured:

  1. Disconnect the USB-C cable from the X10D.
  2. Connect the third-party controller or EUD to the configured ground radio network.
  3. Launch ATAK.
  4. Open the UAS Tool plugin.
  5. Confirm the X10D connection appears as expected.

[accordion heading="Configure supported attachment VID/PIDs" toggle]

You can load a configuration file that defines valid USB attachment VID/PIDs for the vehicle.

Step 1 - Create the configuration file

  • Include all required attachment configurations in a single file
  • The X10D ingests only one file at a time
  • Maximum file size: 10 KB

Create a JSON file using the following schema:

{

  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",

  "title": "DeviceDescriptorArray (hex VID/PID)",

  "type": "array",

  "items": {

    "type": "object",

    "properties": {

      "vid": {

        "type": "string",

        "pattern": "^0x[0-9A-Fa-f]{4}$",

        "description": "Vendor ID in hex (0xNNNN), e.g. 0xBEEF"

      },

      "pid": {

        "type": "string",

        "pattern": "^0x[0-9A-Fa-f]{4}$",

        "description": "Product ID in hex (0xNNNN), e.g. 0xCAFE"

      },

      "attachment_type": {

        "type": "string",

        "description": "Attachment type identifier",

        "enum": ["radio", "toggle", "power"]

      }

    },

    "required": ["vid", "pid", "attachment_type"],

    "additionalProperties": false

  }

}

Example valid file: 

[

  { "vid": "0xBEEF", "pid": "0xCAFE", "attachment_type": "radio" },

  { "vid": "0x1234", "pid": "0xABCD", "attachment_type": "power" }

]

Step 2 - Power on and pair the X10D

  • Power on the X10D
  • Pair it with the controller as normal

Step 3 - Insert the USB-C memory drive

  • Copy the JSON file to a USB-C memory drive
  • Plug the drive into the rear USB-C port of the X10D

Step 4 - Confirm ingestion status

The X10D will indicate success or failure using the arm lights.

If ingestion succeeds:

  • The arm lights flash green
  • The specified attachment VID/PIDs become valid for use with that vehicle

If ingestion fails:

  • The arm lights flash red
  • A file named attachment_config_errors.json is written to the USB drive
  • Review that file for debugging information

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Adjust video bitrate for a third-party radio" toggle]


When a supported third-party radio is attached, you can adjust the video bitrate from the radio menu.

Step 1 - Open the radio menu

Connect the supported third-party radio. The radio menu becomes visible only when a compatible radio is connected.

Step 2 - Select a bitrate for the mission

  • Low for maximum range and reliability
  • Medium for balanced performance
  • High for best video clarity when link quality supports it

This lets operators optimize performance based on mission conditions and the capabilities of the attached radio.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="ATAK is upside down on the controller" toggle]

Enable Reverse Landscape Orientation in:
Settings > Display Preferences > Additional Display Options

The aircraft does not appear in UAS Tool

  • Confirm the aircraft is an X10D MB
  • Confirm the aircraft has the supported Microhard radio
  • Confirm MAVLink licensing is enabled
  • Confirm the Skydio preset is selected
  • Confirm Wi-Fi is off
  • Confirm the controller was first connected in the Skydio Enterprise app

Video does not start

Video begins only after the vehicle is armed.

Attachment configuration ingestion fails

Check the attachment_config_errors.json file on the USB drive and verify:

  • JSON formatting is valid
  • vid and pid values use 0xNNNN format
  • attachment_type is one of:
    • radio
    • toggle
    • power

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="The ground radio does not connect to the X10D" toggle]

Verify that:

  • X10D and ground radio are using the same channel or frequency.
  • Both radios use the same bandwidth.
  • Network ID matches.
  • Encryption type is AES-256.
  • Encryption key matches and is at least 9 characters.
  • Operation modes are paired correctly as Master/Slave.
  • Antennas are attached.
  • The ground radio is toggled on.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="The Android device does not connect to the X10D" toggle]

Verify that:

  • USB is connected securely.
  • Android USB setting is set to Connected device.
  • Wi-Fi is turned off.
  • Network Monitor shows the Ethernet connection as green.
  • Create Default Route is unchecked.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="ATAK UAS Tool does not show the aircraft" toggle]

Verify that:

  • ATAK and UAS Tool are on supported current versions.
  • The X10D and ground radio RF link is established.
  • The controller or EUD is on the correct network.
  • Robot Picker settings are saved.
  • The GCS radio IP is correct.

[/accordion]

Explore More

Explore related articles for additional information

Skydio X10D Manuals, Guides, and Resources

[note]If you need assistance, please reach out to: FedSupport@skydio.us[/note]

 

Skydio, Inc. A0635
 

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