Skydio  2 Operator's Manual

Skydio 2 Operator's Manual

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Operator Manual
Skydio 2/2+
WARNING: Please read all documentation provided with your Skydio 2/2+ including but
not limited to the Safety & Operating Guide found here:
Updated: March 29, 2022
Version: 19.0
http://skydio.com/getstarteds2
© 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Summary of Contents for Skydio Skydio 2

  • Page 1 Operator Manual Skydio 2/2+ WARNING: Please read all documentation provided with your Skydio 2/2+ including but not limited to the Safety & Operating Guide found here: http://skydio.com/getstarteds2 Updated: March 29, 2022 Version: 19.0 © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Safety Safety Guidelines ..............3 Flying Safely ................4 Pre-flight Set Up ..................5 Activate the Skydio 2 app ............ 7 Settings Menu ................. 8 Drone Settings Menu ............. 8 Phone Settings Menu ............12 Controller Settings Menu .............13 Anti-Flicker ................14 Channel Selection ..............15...
  • Page 3 Lost Connection Return Behaviors ........33 Lost GPS Behavior ...............34 Low Battery Behavior ............34 Recovering a Lost Drone ............ 35 Maintenance Battery safety guidelines ........... 36 Replace Propeller Blades ........... 37 Updating Your Drone ............38 Skydio 2 Specifications Skydio 2+ Specifications Legal...
  • Page 4: Skydio 2/2+ And Accessories

    1 Pro Case Replacement propellers (2) • 1 SD Card • 1 set of PolarPro ND Filters • 1 additional set of spare propellers • Skydio Premier Support Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 5: Skydio 2/2+ Hardware

    Propeller hub with blades CAUTION: Skydio is not weatherproof. Do not operate in any precipitation, including rain, fog, snow, or similar environments. Do not rest in sand, dirt or on similar terrain where particles can get trapped in the fan.
  • Page 6: Safety

    Follow all civil aviation authority Check your propellers for Clean all of the cameras so regulations, as well as any applicable Skydio can see clearly. damage before flying. local and federal laws. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 7: Flying Safely

    You are responsible for your Skydio at all times. When operating your drone check knowbeforeyoufly.org / B4UFLY / CA- SA-verified before flying. • Keep your Skydio drone within visual line of sight at all times, unless you have received express permission to fly beyond visual line of sight from a civil aviation authority such as the FAA. •...
  • Page 8: Pre-Flight

    • lights on Skydio 2/2+ will turn on and remain solid blue until charging is complete CAUTION: Remove the red plastic gimbal clip before charging. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual...
  • Page 9 Pre-Flight Set-Up Step 4 - (Skydio 2+ only) Flip up antennas • Gently lift each antenna and guide it into a vertical position Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 10: Activate The Skydio 2 App

    Pre-Flight Activate the Skydio app The Skydio app on your mobile device is used to fly your Skydio 2/2+, update your system, format your SD memory card, and view and manage your media. Step 1 - Install the Skydio app on your mobile device: •...
  • Page 11: Settings Menu

    Skydio drone at all times during the flight. NOTE: The Height Floor setting only applies while a subject is being tracked. If Skydio is in manual flight mode with no subject selected, you always have full control over the drone’s height.
  • Page 12 30 ft (10 m) and 1500 ft (457 m). • When disabled, the Height Ceiling is set at 400 ft (122 m). • Height Ceiling selections will persist across flights and power cycles. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 13 Return Height - Allows you to set the height to which Skydio should ascend before returning. By default, the Return Height is set to 32 ft (9.7 m). Skydio will ascend to that height before returning. Height Behavior - Choose between Absolute and Relative •...
  • Page 14 When enabled, the drone will switch to narrow band whenever applicable • Video quality may suffer slightly NOTE: This setting is only available while connected to the controller or Beacon. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 15: Phone Settings Menu

    When Beacon is connected, you will see a new tab under Device Settings which displays the battery percentage and current software version. You will not see this menu when Beacon is disconnected. NOTE: Android users will not see the battery percentage. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 16: Controller Settings Menu

    NOTE: Controller settings are only available when your Controller is connected to your drone. If you are piloting your drone using the Controller your maximum speed 36 mph. Mode 1 Mode 2 (default) Mode 3 Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 17: Anti-Flicker

    149: 5745 MHz • 153: 5765 MHz • 157: 5785 MHz • 161: 5805 MHz • 165: 5825 MHz Skydio recommends leaving Channel Selection set to Auto for best results. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 18: Channel Selection

    Pre-Flight Channel Selection By default, your Skydio 2/2+ will monitor signal interference and move to a clearer channel to improve wireless transmission signal quality during flight. You may override this by selecting your preferred channel. Step 1 - Select the INFO menu...
  • Page 19: Return To Home

    Home Point on the map gives you the option to fly the drone to that location immediately or remove it from the map. NOTE: Skydio must have a GPS signal at some point during the flight to create a Home Point. The better and more sustained the GPS signal, the more accurate Skydio flight will be when returning to that Home Point.
  • Page 20: Map View

    Pre-Flight Map View Select the map icon to enter the Map View. Your location, Skydio, and Launch Point location are all indicated on the map. To exit the Map View, tap the map icon again. Skydio Controller/ Home Point Launch Point...
  • Page 21: Pre-Flight Inspection

    • use a clean microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges before every flight 3. Inspect the battery • Skydio uses magnets to retain the battery which may attract metallic debris that could interfer with the seating of the battery •...
  • Page 22: Flight

    NOTE: Skydio requires a stable GPS connection for outdoor flight at an altitude greater than 33 ft (10 m) above its point of takeoff or the currently tracked subject. This may not be possible when flying in GPS denied environments such as indoors, heavy urban areas, and deep canyons;...
  • Page 23: Hand Launch

    Hand Launch WARNING: Launching and landing Skydio from your hand is an advanced maneuver only to be used when it is necessary, and it is advised that you do so only if you are an experienced pilot. Exercise extreme care to avoid injury if the drone takes off from your hand.
  • Page 24: Flight Screen

    Phone tab of the device menu. Autonomous controls are unique for each skill. On-Screen Controls - customize in the Device Settings menu Slide Controls (default) Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 25: Camera And Video Settings

    • Drag vertically on-screen to increase or decrease gimbal pitch. • Drag horizontally on-screen to adjust yaw. • Pinch and drag your fingers to physically “zoom” in and out of the current view. This commands Skydio to fly directly forwards or backwards in relation to the current camera pitch.
  • Page 26: Recording Indicator

    **** The fastest interval photo setting when capturing in raw DNG is two seconds. Users may capture a photo every one second when capturing in JPG mode. ***** DNG photos are not displayed in the media tab of the Skydio 2 app and are retrieved directly from the microSD card. Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual...
  • Page 27: Signal Strength Indicator

    Flight Connection Strength Icon Displays the current strength of the signal connection to Skydio while in flight. As the signal strength decreases, users may experience a lower quality video feed or a delay in their controls. NOTE: Signal strength and maximum control range may be affected when flying in areas with electromagnetic interference.
  • Page 28: Flight Skills

    NOTE: Using the Beacon to perform General Skills is not supported, however Beacon will act as a range extender and allow you to control your Skydio up to 1.5 km away. General Skills Traditional flying experience using on-screen controls or the Skydio Controller.
  • Page 29: Cinematic Skills

    Flight Cinematic Skills Skydio offers unique camera views using autonomous flight and adjustable height and range settings to get the best shot. Skydio will track a subject from a specified angle relative to the subject’s direction of motion, such as from the front, side or behind.
  • Page 30: Tracking A Subject

    • The subject you wish to track must be visible in the camera view in order to become available for tracking. • If the indicator is not appearing for the subject you wish to track, try moving the Skydio closer and ensure they are framed in the center of the camera view.
  • Page 31: One-Shot Skills

    Skydio will fly up and outward while rotating around the subject. Specialty Skills (Only available when using the Skydio 2 app on your phone) Learn the basics of how to track subjects and control your drone. This tutorial appears automatically on your first flight, and you can repeat it at any time.
  • Page 32: Land

    Press and hold the LAND button. Skydio will descend to 10 ft (3 m) above the surface below it. When Skydio altitude falls below 10 ft (3 m) the lights will turn yellow and obstacle avoidance will be disabled for the remainder of the landing. An alert will display to notify you of the change in status.
  • Page 33: Case Landing

    Case Landing It is not always possible to find a clean, level area to land your Skydio. To initiate a case landing, the Skydio case must be in view of camera. A yellow ring will appear around the case in the live video feed to indicate that Skydio has identified the landing zone.
  • Page 34: Hand Landing

    • Skydio will descend to 10 ft (3 m) above the surface below it. When Skydio is below 10 ft (3 m) level Skydio lights will turn yellow and obstacle avoidance will be disabled for the remainder of the landing. An alert will display to notify you of the change in status.
  • Page 35: Post-Flight

    Viewing and Saving Media After Skydio has landed, select the Media tab of the Skydio 2 app to view your media. Skydio will begin syncing any audio and video captured during your flight — Skydio must stay powered on and connected to the app while this sync is in progress for audio to be saved.
  • Page 36: Emergency Behaviors

    If Home Point is set If you set a Home Point on the map within the Skydio 2 app and are tracking a subject, Skydio will continue to follow the subject for 20 seconds, or until the drone needs to return home due to a low battery (whichever occurs first).
  • Page 37: Lost Gps Behavior

    Lost GPS Behavior In the event that the GPS signal is lost, Skydio will continue flying as normal. You will still be able to Return Home and select Fly Here Now on the map view, however Skydio flight will be less accurate.
  • Page 38: Recovering A Lost Drone

    Emergency Behaviors Recovering a lost drone In the event that your Skydio is lost, you may view its last known location: Step 1 - Select INFO menu Step 2 - Under Devices, select the name of your drone Step 3 - Select Find Drone...
  • Page 39: Maintenance

    40W up to 100W should be compatible as well (charge time may be affected when using non-Skydio chargers). • While charging, the Skydio or Dual Charger should be in an open area as it is normal for the device to become warm to the touch.
  • Page 40: Replace Propeller Blades

    Maintenance Replace Propeller Blades Before every flight, inspect your Skydio propellers to ensure they are in good condition. If damaged, or you have flown your drone more than 25 hours, Skydio recommends replacing your propellers. Step 1 - Match propellers to hooks •...
  • Page 41: Updating Your Drone

    Skydio 2 app, Skydio, and the Skydio Beacon and Controller. Software updates for your drone and any Skydio accessories are delivered through the Skydio 2 app. When an update is available, you will receive a notification alert.
  • Page 42: Skydio 2 Specifications

    People and motor vehicles OBJECT TRACKING AND IDENTIFICATION Up to 10 simultaneous objects of interest CALIBRATION Automated online calibration of lens parameters, camera rotations, wind speed, and air density Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 43 6x cameras in trinocular configuration top and bottom SENSOR TYPE Sony 1/3” 4K color CMOS LENS APERTURE f/1.8 FIELD-OF-VIEW 200° ENVIRONMENT COVERAGE True 360° FRAME RATE 30 FPS Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 44 13 stops STORAGE Removable Micro SD Card UHS Speed Class 3 / V30 STABILIZATION MECHANICAL RANGE pitch ±124°, roll ±120°, yaw ±12.5° PITCH CONTROLLABLE RANGE -110° to +45° Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 45: Skydio 2+ Specifications

    People and motor vehicles OBJECT TRACKING AND IDENTIFICATION Up to 10 simultaneous objects of interest CALIBRATION Automated online calibration of lens parameters, camera rotations, wind speed, and air density Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 46 6x cameras in trinocular configuration top and bottom SENSOR TYPE Sony 1/3” 4K color CMOS LENS APERTURE f/1.8 FIELD-OF-VIEW 200° ENVIRONMENT COVERAGE True 360° FRAME RATE 30 FPS Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 47 13 stops STORAGE Removable Micro SD Card UHS Speed Class 3 / V30 STABILIZATION MECHANICAL RANGE pitch ±124°, roll ±120°, yaw ±12.5° PITCH CONTROLLABLE RANGE -110° to +45° Skydio 2/2+ - Operator Manual © 2021 Skydio, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 48: Legal

    Legal Compliance Information Any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Skydio for compliance will void the user’s authorization to operate this equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 49 Control # A0209...

This manual is also suitable for:

Skydio 2+

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