Quick Start: DJI M400 RTK

Hardware requirements

  • DJI M400 drone
  • SkyHub V3 (with mounting kit)
  • SkyHub 3 smart cable with the mounting bracket
  • Altimeter (laser or radar)

Software requirements for the Windows PC

  • UgCS v5.14.0 or higher (referred to below as UgCS)
  • UgCS Custom Payload Monitor v4.4.0 or higher (referred to below as UgCS-CPM)

Software requirements for the Remote Controller

Network requirements

Any Wi-Fi/hotspot to connect the Remote Controller and the Windows PC within a single network.

UgCS Desktop download and setup process

  1. Download the installation package
  2. Run the setup file.
  3. Read and acknowledge the license agreement.
  4. In the component selection tab, you can select additional autopilot support (if necessary).
  5. Installation complete.

UgCS Custom Payload Monitor download and setup process

  1. Download the latest available CPM version.
  2. Run the setup file.
  3. Select the SkyHub license file for the SkyHub you will be using.
  1. Read and acknowledge the license agreement.
  2. Installation complete.

Note

If you do not have a license file or need a new one, please reach out to us at support@ugcs.com and provide your SkyHub serial number.

SkyHub installation on the drone

Caution

Power off the system when connecting cables. To avoid short-circuiting or causing potentially harmful power fluctuations, it is recommended to power off the entire system before performing any cable plug-in or unplugging. Some of the payload sensors used are extremely sensitive to power changes and may be damaged.

Info

There are two ways how to connect SkyHub with DJI M400 drone:

  • USB connection
  • Switchcraft connection
cables.jpg

USB connection

Components

SkyHub assembly kit contains the following components:

  • SkyHub onboard computer
  • 2x SkyHub case mounts
  • DJI M400 USB connection cable with mounting bracket

Physical assembly

  • Attach both mounting kits to the back side of the SkyHub.
  • Place the cable bracket somewhere between the drone arm and leg. This will provide optimal distance to connect the rest of the cables during further setup.

  • When mounts are in place, attach the SkyHub to the leg of the drone and put the cable in the bracket.
  • Attach the DJI PSDK connector to the E3 port beneath the drone.
  • Attach the USB (USB 1 slot) and power cable to SkyHub.
  • Physical assembly of the SkyHub is complete. Check that all the connectors are secured tightly, with no loose movements.

SkyHub configuration to use USB connection

  • Connect to SkyHub using Auxiliary link and click on "All settings"
skyhub_Aux.jpg
  • Configure SkyHub to use USB 1 connection and save the changes.
skyhub_USB.jpg
  • Choose "Yes" when prompted to reload settings to apply the changes.

skyhubreloadprompt.jpg

Switchcraft connection

Components

SkyHub assembly kit contains the following components:

  • SkyHub onboard computer
  • 2x SkyHub case mounts
  • DJI M400 Switchcraft connection cable with mounting bracket
IMG_3664.jpg

Physical assembly

  • Attach both mounting kits to the back side of the SkyHub.
  • Place the cable bracket somewhere between the drone arm and leg. This will provide optimal distance to connect the rest of the cables during further setup.

  • When mounts are in place, attach the SkyHub to the leg of the drone and put the cable in the bracket.
IMG_3672.jpg
  • Connect the DJI PSDK connector to the E3 port beneath the drone.
  • Connect Switchcraft cable to port #3 (red color) and power cable to SkyHub.
IMG_3688.jpg
  • Physical assembly of the SkyHub is complete. Check that all the connectors are secured tightly, with no loose movements.

SkyHub configuration to use Switchcraft connection

  • Connect to SkyHub using Auxiliary link and click on "All settings"
skyhub_Aux.jpg
  • Configure SkyHub to use Connector #3 (AMA2) and save the changes.
skyhub_connector_3.jpg
  • Choose "Yes" when prompted to reload settings to apply the changes.

skyhubreloadprompt.jpg

Altimeter installation on the drone and connection to the SkyHub

To install the altimeter sensor on the DJI M400, use the mountings provided with the sensor.

Tip

For your convenience, we have a library with 3D models you can download and print yourself in case the default ones are broken or missing: 3D Part Library

  • Slide the plastic ruler on the front of the gimbal and tighten it with the two screws.
  • Slide the altimeter vertically on the previously attached ruler.
  • Adjust the altimeter position by rotating it downwards or upwards.

Note

If you wish to detach the sensor, simply perform the same action in reverse. Place the altimeter in the vertical position and slide it up from the gimbal.

  • Connect the cable to Connector 1 (yellow) on the SkyHub.
  • Setup is complete. You can now proceed with the widget configuration.

Altimeter / Autopilot configuration within the CPM software

Before proceeding further, power on both the drone and the remote controller. Then, make sure that your computer and the controller are connected to the same network. This is required to establish the drone link connection between CPM on your computer and SkyHub on the drone.

Note

SkyHub will take a little more time to fully boot up. You can check whether it is ready by the indicator within CPM. As soon as the SkyHub indicator becomes green, you can proceed with the configuration.

Enabling the autopilot

  • Press the “All settings” button.
  • From the drop-down list, select the “SkyHub Autopilots” section.
  • Enable DJI M400 (note that only one autopilot can be enabled at a time). Press Save and perform a system restart.

Autopilot configuration is complete. After the system restart, you will notice that the drone link icon should become green.

Enabling the altimeter

When both drone link and SkyHub connections are established, you can proceed with the altimeter widget configuration.

  • Click on the Payloads section
  • From the payload list, search for your altimeter model (in our example, it is US-D1), enable it, and press the Save button. Perform a system restart.
  • After the restart is complete, press the Start button.
  • From the drop-down list, select the altimeter model you enabled previously and press the “plus” icon

  • Widget configuration is complete. If everything was set up correctly, you should see the initial readings from the sensor.