Dock Operations
Manage automated drone docking stations for remote and autonomous operations.
Overview
Dock stations enable:
- Automated Operations - Remote deployment without on-site personnel
- Battery Management - Automatic charging between flights
- Weather Protection - Shelter aircraft during adverse conditions
- Scheduled Missions - Time-based automated flights
Supported Docks
IDI Fly Dashboard supports DJI Dock systems:
| Dock | Compatible Aircraft |
| DJI Dock 2 | Matrice 3D/3TD |
| DJI Dock 3 | Matrice 4 series |
Dock Setup
Physical Installation
- Select suitable location
- Install dock on stable surface
- Connect power supply
- Connect network (Ethernet or cellular)
- Verify environmental conditions
Network Configuration
| Requirement | Specification |
| Connection | Ethernet or 4G/5G cellular |
| Bandwidth | 10 Mbps minimum |
| Latency | < 200ms recommended |
| Ports | Ensure required ports are open |
Pairing Dock
- Navigate to Device Management > Docks
- Click Add Dock
- Enter dock serial number
- Configure dock settings
- Verify connection
Dock Interface
Dock Status Panel
| Indicator | Meaning |
| Online | Dock connected and operational |
| Offline | Dock not connected |
| Deployed | Aircraft is outside dock |
| Docked | Aircraft is in dock |
| Charging | Aircraft battery charging |
| Ready | Ready for deployment |
| Error | Issue requires attention |
Aircraft Status
When aircraft is docked:
- Battery level
- Charging status
- Time to full charge
- Health status
Dock Commands
Deploy Aircraft
Launch aircraft from dock:
- Select dock
- Verify aircraft is ready
- Click Deploy
- Confirm weather and conditions
- Aircraft launches automatically
Return to Dock
Recall aircraft:
- Click Return to Dock
- Aircraft navigates to dock
- Precision landing sequence
- Dock cover closes
Emergency Actions
| Action | Function |
| Emergency Stop | Halt all dock operations |
| Open Cover | Manually open dock cover |
| Close Cover | Manually close dock cover |
| Reset | Restart dock systems |
Automated Operations
Scheduled Missions
Set up time-based automated flights:
- Navigate to Dock > Schedules
- Click Create Schedule
- Configure:
- Start time
- Recurrence (daily, weekly, etc.)
- Mission to execute
- Conditions (weather limits)
- Enable schedule
Mission Requirements
For automated dock missions:
- Pre-created mission saved in library
- Aircraft fully charged
- Weather within limits
- Airspace clear
Automation Settings
| Setting | Description |
| Auto Deploy | Deploy at scheduled time |
| Auto Return | Return when mission complete |
| Auto Charge | Begin charging after docking |
| Weather Hold | Delay if conditions poor |
Weather Monitoring
Environmental Sensors
Docks monitor:
| Parameter | Threshold |
| Wind Speed | Configurable limit |
| Temperature | Operating range |
| Precipitation | Rain/snow detection |
| Visibility | Fog/haze detection |
Weather Actions
| Condition | Response |
| High Wind | Delay deployment |
| Rain | Cancel/recall aircraft |
| Extreme Temp | Suspend operations |
| Poor Visibility | Delay deployment |
Battery Management
Charging Cycle
- Aircraft returns to dock
- Dock cover closes
- Battery level assessed
- Charging begins automatically
- Charging completes
- Aircraft ready for next deployment
Charge Settings
| Setting | Options |
| Target Level | 90%, 95%, 100% |
| Charge Rate | Standard, Fast |
| Maintenance Mode | Optimize battery longevity |
Battery Health
Monitor battery condition:
- Cycle count
- Health percentage
- Temperature during charge
- Estimated remaining life
Maintenance Mode
Dock Maintenance
Regular maintenance tasks:
| Task | Frequency |
| Clean sensors | Monthly |
| Inspect motors | Quarterly |
| Check connections | Monthly |
| Test emergency systems | Monthly |
Maintenance Commands
| Command | Function |
| Enter Maintenance | Disable automated operations |
| Exit Maintenance | Resume normal operations |
| Run Diagnostics | System self-check |
Remote Monitoring
Live Camera
View dock surroundings:
- Dock exterior camera
- Landing pad view
- Wide-angle overview
Telemetry
Monitor dock systems:
- Power status
- Network connectivity
- Environmental conditions
- Component status
Alerts
Receive notifications for:
- Mission completion
- Weather warnings
- System errors
- Maintenance reminders
Dock Settings
General Settings
| Setting | Description |
| Dock Name | Custom identifier |
| Location | GPS coordinates |
| Time Zone | Local time configuration |
| Contact | On-site contact information |
Operational Settings
| Setting | Description |
| Operating Hours | Allowed flight times |
| Weather Limits | Environmental thresholds |
| RTH Behavior | Return-to-dock settings |
| Geofence | Operational boundary |
Security
Physical Security
- Dock has tamper detection
- Camera monitoring
- Access alerts
Cyber Security
- Encrypted communications
- Authentication required
- Access logging
- Firmware verification
Troubleshooting
Dock Offline
| Issue | Solution |
| No power | Check power connection |
| Network down | Verify internet connectivity |
| System crash | Power cycle dock |
Aircraft Won’t Deploy
| Issue | Solution |
| Cover stuck | Manual override or inspection |
| Battery low | Wait for charge completion |
| Weather limit | Check conditions |
| GPS issue | Wait for better signal |
Landing Failed
| Issue | Solution |
| Precision landing error | Clear landing pad |
| Cover malfunction | Manual intervention |
| Wind gusts | Retry when calm |
Best Practices
Daily Checks
- Verify dock online status
- Check battery levels
- Review weather forecast
- Confirm scheduled missions
Safety
- Maintain clear landing zone
- Regular maintenance schedule
- Test emergency procedures
- Monitor weather conditions
Optimization
- Schedule during optimal weather
- Plan efficient mission routes
- Manage battery charging cycles
- Regular firmware updates