QuickStart Guide⚡

Get your SkyDeck connected and confirm it is receiving flight data. These steps are for the assembled SkyDeck system with its supplied, pre-soldered wiring.

Already installed? Visit Updates & Support for settings, troubleshooting, and firmware help.

Before you begin

  • Power: a regulated 5V supply and ground. A spare receiver or servo connection can supply power only if its output is confirmed to be 5V.
  • Live flight data: a compatible INAV flight controller with a free UART TX output configured for MAVLink telemetry.
  • Power-only use: SkyDeck can run without a flight controller for standalone viewing or demonstration. Live aircraft data requires the telemetry connection.

Remove the propeller before bench setup. Disconnect power before changing wiring. Check voltage, polarity, and connector labels; connector fit alone does not confirm compatibility.

1. Connect power and flight data

Use the supplied wiring and the wiring guide provided with your system:

  • Power: regulated 5V to SkyDeck's 5V input, and ground to GND.
  • Flight data: flight-controller UART TX to SkyDeck's telemetry RX input, with a shared ground between the flight controller and SkyDeck.

SkyDeck receives telemetry; a SkyDeck TX connection is not needed. Your receiver and servos keep their existing connections. You do not need to wire the LCD's internal pins.

Do not connect a flight battery or a higher-voltage servo supply directly to SkyDeck's 5V input. If a harness label or connection is unclear, contact us before applying power.

2. Enable telemetry in INAV

  1. Open INAV Configurator and select the UART whose TX pad you connected to SkyDeck.
  2. Enable MAVLink telemetry on that UART at 460800 baud. Save and reboot the flight controller.
  3. If you want transmitter-controlled page selection, ensure your INAV configuration sends MAVLink 2 RC_CHANNELS messages. Follow the instructions for your INAV version or contact us for help.

Do not assign a conflicting serial function to the same UART. For connection details, see the technical reference on Updates & Support.

3. Power on and check the display

  1. Power on the flight controller and SkyDeck.
  2. Once telemetry is available, gently tilt the aircraft and confirm that the attitude display responds.
  3. Check other readings as their data becomes available. GPS information requires valid GPS data; readings such as airspeed depend on your aircraft's sensors and telemetry.

A lit screen confirms power, but does not by itself confirm live telemetry. If data is missing or frozen, use the troubleshooting section on Updates & Support.

4. Set up page selection, if wanted

Use the transmitter channel assigned to page selection in your SkyDeck settings. Check the selected page at each intended transmitter control position while on the bench. A three-position switch may not reach every page.

To change the assigned channel, follow Change your SkyDeck settings. Available settings depend on the installed firmware.

Before your first flight

  • Secure the display and wiring so they cannot interfere with the aircraft's controls.
  • Confirm live data and any assigned transmitter controls work as expected.
  • Complete your normal aircraft preflight checks. SkyDeck displays information; it does not replace the flight controller or normal RC controls.

Need a hand? Contact SkyDeck support with your display size, flight-controller model, INAV version, and the step where you need help.