This guide provides solutions for common issues and answers frequently asked questions regarding the setup, operation, and compatibility of DJI Dock drones within DroneDeploy.
Initial Setup and Connectivity
Q: What should I do if the DJI Dock does not connect during setup or appears as a grey dot on the DroneDeploy flight tab?
A: Follow these steps to resolve connectivity issues:
Verify that DroneDeploy has received the correct serial numbers for both the DJI Dock and the drone.
Use the Control Module Serial Number (SN) rather than the Dock Plate SN. You can find this in the DJI Dock interface.
Ensure there are no spaces in the serial numbers and remember they are case-sensitive.
Check that the site meets all power and internet requirements, including a minimum 10 Mbps upload speed (25 Mbps or higher is recommended).
Perform a hard reboot of the DJI Dock onsite.
Verify the MQTT credentials. Ensure the MQTT gateway address is
ssl://dji-dock-us.dronedeploy.com:8883.Enter the MQTT account, password, and Org ID (
dronedeploy) exactly as provided in lowercase.
Q: Where can I find the DJI Dock Serial Number (SN)?
A: Connect the Remote Controller (RC) to the DJI Dock using a USB cable. Deploy the DJI Dock in DJI Pilot 2 and enter Local Debug Mode to view the SN. Alternatively, you can find the SN under the Devices section in DJI FlightHub 2.
Q: What should I do if the Remote Controller (RC) is not connecting to the DJI Dock?
A: Check the USB cable connecting the RC to the DJI Dock. Ensure the red power light on the DJI Dock is on and verify that the RC charges when plugged in. You can also update the RC firmware. For advanced troubleshooting, use DJI Assistant on a laptop connected to the DJI Dock USB-C port to install the latest firmware.
Flight and Operation
Q: Why is the drone failing to take off from the DJI Dock?
A: Check the DroneDeploy app for flight error notifications, which include an error code and description. If you use a DJI Dock 1 and it waits for an extended period before closing the covers, it may be failing to get a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) fix. Ensure the preflight checklist is complete and hold the Start Flight button for 3 seconds to initiate takeoff.
Q: Why is the video stream visible while the drone position does not update?
A: If the video feed is visible but telemetry data is missing, check that the aircraft serial number is configured correctly in your settings. If the problem persists, contact the Support team.
Q: What should I do if the video streams from the DJI Dock or drone are not working?
A: The payload camera only displays when the aircraft is powered on. Note that the aircraft is typically off while inside the DJI Dock. Check your site bandwidth; you require a minimum of 10 Mbps upload speed. Cellular or Starlink connections may be throttled, which affects the stream.
Q: What should I do if the location data in drone captures is incorrect?
A: Incorrect location data often indicates that the DJI Dock position was not configured correctly during setup or the DJI Dock was moved without being recalibrated. Re-calibrate the DJI Dock to resolve this.
Q: Do I need to adjust the altitude if the takeoff location changes?
A: Yes. If the takeoff location changes, you must adjust the flight altitude. For example, if the DJI Dock is positioned 20 feet lower than your previous takeoff point, add 20 feet to your altitude setting.
Hardware, Firmware, and Compatibility
Q: Which drones are compatible with the DJI Dock?
A: The DJI M30T is compatible with the DJI Dock 1. The DJI Dock 2 supports the M3D and M3DT. Note that the DJI Dock 1 and DJI Dock 2 only support the specific aircraft versions bundled with the Dock purchase; you cannot use an existing Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drone.
Q: How do I update the DJI Dock and drone firmware?
A: Contact your DroneDeploy representative to update your firmware. DroneDeploy ensures the DJI Dock uses the latest functional firmware, which may differ from the latest public release. We validate and deploy firmware updates to ensure reliability.
Q: How fast is the battery charging time?
A: The DJI Dock 2 can charge the aircraft battery to 90% in approximately 32 minutes.
Q: Can a connected Remote Controller (RC) cause interference?
A: If you have a secondary Remote Controller (Controller B) connected, it might interfere with media uploads or cause "wayline failed to distribute" errors. Try disconnecting Controller B. Ensure the primary RC is within a close line of sight of the DJI Dock (approximately 10ft).
Other FAQs
Q: Does SnapShot work in 3D?
A: Yes — SnapShot supports 3D models and views.
Q: How do I handle "Lost in the Clouds" errors?
A: Confirm the DJI Dock has a stable internet connection via Ethernet. Review the network configuration using an RC plugged into the DJI Dock. Ensure the DJI Dock can reach ssl://dji-dock-us.dronedeploy.com:8883 on port 8883. If you use Dock Shield, verify that all necessary network firewall rules are configured.
Q: Do I need to manually tag Ground Control Points (GCPs) after the data uploads to DroneDeploy?
A: Dock Automation supports project-level GCPs with automatic uploads. If your flight covers more than one GCP, you will receive an automated GCP tagging email to complete the process.
Q: Can I chain missions in Dock Automation?
A: Mission chaining is currently in development. Currently, mission adjustments are only possible at the pre-flight checklist stage before takeoff.
V2.2