Skydio 2+ Pro Kit Autonomous Cinema Drone User Manual

Introduction

The Skydio 2+ Pro Kit is an advanced autonomous cinema drone designed for capturing high-quality aerial footage with unparalleled ease. Featuring 360° obstacle avoidance, a 4K60 HDR camera, and intelligent flight skills, it allows users to focus on their activity while the drone captures cinematic shots autonomously. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Skydio 2+ Pro Kit.

Figure 1: Skydio 2+ Drone in flight, showcasing its sleek design and integrated cameras.

What's in the Box

The Skydio 2+ Pro Kit includes the following components:

(1) Skydio 2+ Drone
(1) Controller
(1) Skydio 2+ Beacon
(3) Batteries
(1) Dual Charger
(6) Extra Propellers
(1) Polar Pro ND Filters Set
(1) Tablet Holder
(1) USB-C Wall Adapter
(1) USB-C Charging / Data Cable
(1) Microfiber Cloth
(1) Protective Starter Case
(1) Skydio Pro Case
(1) 128 GB MicroSD Card
(1) 2 Year Skydio Care Plan

Figure 2: All components included in the Skydio 2+ Pro Kit.

Setup

1. Initial Charging

Before first use, ensure all batteries for the drone, controller, and Beacon are fully charged using the provided dual charger and USB-C wall adapter. The dual charger allows for sequential charging of two drone batteries.

Figure 3: Skydio 2+ Battery, which magnetically attaches to the drone.

2. Battery Installation

The Skydio 2+ drone features a magnetic battery attachment. Simply align the battery with the slot on the underside of the drone until it clicks into place. This magnetic design helps prevent damage in case of impact by allowing the battery to detach.

3. Gimbal Protector Removal

Before flight, gently remove the plastic gimbal protector from the drone's camera. This protector secures the gimbal during transport.

4. App Download and Connection

Download the official Skydio app on your smartphone or tablet. Power on the drone by pressing the power button. Connect your device to the drone's Wi-Fi network (Skydio2-xxxx). The app will guide you through the initial setup and calibration process. Ensure your device has sufficient free space (at least 1 GB) for the app to function correctly.

5. Controller/Beacon Pairing

Pair the controller or Beacon with the drone by connecting a USB-C cable between the controller/Beacon and the powered-on drone. This establishes the primary control link.

Figure 4: The Skydio 2+ Controller for manual flight control.

Figure 5: The Skydio 2+ Beacon, used for autonomous tracking.

6. Flight Settings (App)

Within the Skydio app, navigate to the settings to configure flight limits and return behavior. You can adjust the Height Floor (minimum altitude) and Height Ceiling (maximum altitude) for safe operation. Set Return Behavior to "Relative" to ensure the drone ascends by a specified height above its current position before returning. You can also adjust the Return Speed and Drone Looks direction (Toward Return or Away from Return).

Operating

Basic Flight Controls

The Skydio 2+ can be piloted manually using the controller or through autonomous app controls. For optimal signal and video reception, using the physical controller or Beacon is recommended. The Beacon also offers portable GPS for motion tracking.

Autonomous Flight Skills

The Skydio 2+ excels in autonomous flight, performing complex tracking and high-speed obstacle navigation with smooth, cinematic composition. Select from various Skills within the app:

Motion Track: The drone tracks a moving subject, keeping it in frame.
Fixed Track: The drone maintains a fixed position relative to the subject while tracking.
Orbit Subject: The drone orbits around a selected subject at a set distance and altitude.
KeyFrame: Design precise, repeatable camera movements by setting keyframes. The drone autonomously flies a smooth path between them.
Dronie: The drone flies backward and upward, revealing the surrounding landscape.
Rocket: The drone ascends vertically, keeping the subject in the center of the frame.
Boomerang: The drone flies out and back in an arc, creating a dynamic shot.
Vortex: The drone spirals upward and outward from the subject.
Cable: The drone flies along a straight line between two points, maintaining a consistent altitude.
Seek to Point: Direct the drone to a specific point on the map, and it will navigate there autonomously.

Video 1: Skydio 2+ Drone Skills demonstration, showing various autonomous flight modes in action.

Landing

To land the drone, you can initiate the landing sequence via the app or controller. The drone is capable of precision landing, including recognizing and landing on its dedicated case. Ensure the landing area is clear of obstacles.

Maintenance

Battery Care

Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Avoid fully discharging batteries for extended periods. The magnetic attachment design helps protect the drone and battery during impacts by allowing the battery to pop out, preventing continuous propeller spinning and potential damage.

Propeller Replacement

The kit includes six extra propellers. In case of damage, carefully replace propellers following the instructions in the full user manual (not provided here). Ensure correct propeller orientation for each motor.

Camera Lens Care

Use the provided microfiber cloth to gently clean the camera lens and any installed ND filters. Keep lenses free of dust, smudges, and debris to ensure optimal image quality. The Polar Pro ND Filters Set allows for adjustment to various lighting conditions.

Figure 6: Polar Pro ND Filters Set for adjusting camera exposure in different lighting.

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues: Ensure drone, controller, and phone Wi-Fi are enabled and correctly paired. Restart devices if necessary.
Flight Instability: Check propellers for damage and ensure they are securely attached. Verify camera lenses are clean.
Obstacle Avoidance: Ensure camera lenses are clean and free from obstructions. Avoid flying in extremely dusty, hazy, or foggy conditions that may impair optical sensors.
App Functionality: Ensure the Skydio app is updated to the latest version. Check for sufficient storage space on your device.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Skydio
Model Name	Skydio 2+ Pro Kit
Video Capture Resolution	4K
Flight Time	27 Minutes (approx.)
Max Speed	36 mph
Max Range	6 Kilometers
Obstacle Avoidance	360° (SIX 4K navigation cameras)
Item Weight	1.76 Pounds
Battery Capacity	5300 Milliamp Hours

Warranty & Support

The Skydio 2+ Pro Kit includes a 2-Year Skydio Care Plan, providing peace of mind for repairs or replacements with a reasonable deductible. For further support, please visit the official Skydio website or contact their customer service.

Always follow local rules, regulations, and FAA guidelines, and fly your drone in line of sight at all times.

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Skydio Skydio 2+ Pro Kit