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Freefly ALTA 8 Setup Manual

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SETUP GUIDE
RE V ISION C | 0 3.18.2016
| SETUP GUIDE

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  • Page 1 SETUP GUIDE RE V ISION C | 0 3.18.2016 | SETUP GUIDE...
  • Page 2 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 Disclaimer and Warning 28 Setting Hover Throttle 07 Introduction 29 Tuning ALTA 13 Unboxing ALTA 30 Unfolding ALTA 16 Weight Limitations 31 Folding ALTA 18 Disarm Safety Switch 32 Installing a Radio Receiver 19 Control Modes 37 Configuration Jumper 22 Status Light 38 ALTA App...

  • Page 4: Disclaimer And Warning

    ALTA’s configurations. prior to using the ALTA . You can review the most current version of » Only use propellers supplied by Freefly Systems that are designed this Setup Guide at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/. for use on ALTA.
  • Page 5 DATA OR PROFITS (HOWE VER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY warnings while using ALTA . THEORY OF LIABILIT Y), E VEN IF FREEFLY HA S BEEN ADVISED » Failure of the operator to follow and comply OF THE POSSIBILIT Y OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO E VENT SHALL with local rules and regulations.
  • Page 6 BOOM 1 – Clockwise BOOM 2 – Counter-Clockwise BOOM 3 – Clockwise BOOM 4 – Counter-Clockwise BOOM 5 – Clockwise BOOM 6 – Counter-Clockwise BOOM 7* – Clockwise BOOM 8* – Counter-Clockwise * Applies to ALTA 8 ALTA 6 ALTA 8 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION WARNING Warnings are used to call attention to operating procedures which, if not strictly observed, may result in personal injury or loss of life. ALTA is a line of professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding cinematic, television, and CAUTION photographic applications.
  • Page 8 ALTA 6 OVERVIEW 1. GPS/Compass/Wi-Fi Module/microSD Card 6. Boom Retention Clip 2. Propeller 7. Isolator Cartridge 3. Boom 8. Motor 4. Boom Latch 9. Battery Pack (Not Included) 5. Inverted Landing Gear 10. Battery Retention Strap SK Y VIE W CONFIGUR ATION (TOP MOUN T) WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...
  • Page 9 11. Status Light 16. FPV Camera Mount 12. Orientation Light 17. Handle 13. Toad In The Hole Adapter 18. Power Leads 14. MōVI & Camera (Not Included) 15. Landing Gear (Not Included) GROUNDVIE W CONFIGUR ATION (BOT TOM MOUN T) | SETUP GUIDE | SETUP GUIDE...
  • Page 10 ALTA 8 OVERVIEW 1. GPS/Compass/Wi-Fi Module/microSD Card 6. Boom Retention Clip 2. Propeller 7. Isolator Cartridge 3. Boom 8. Motor 4. Boom Latch 9. Battery Pack (Not Included) 5. Inverted Landing Gear 10. Battery Retention Strap SK Y VIE W CONFIGUR ATION (TOP MOUN T) WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...
  • Page 11 11. Status Light 16. FPV Camera Mount 12. Orientation Light 17. Handle with Battery Mount quick release 13. Toad In The Hole Adapter 18. Power Leads 14. MōVI & Camera (Not Included) 15. Landing Gear (Not Included) GROUNDVIE W CONFIGUR ATION (BOT TOM MOUN T) | SETUP GUIDE | SETUP GUIDE...
  • Page 12 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 13: Unboxing Alta

    UNBOXING ALTA 6 1. Case c. BOSCAM Micro Transmitter 2. ALTA 6 Aircraft d. Ready Made RC Camera 3. Case Lid Foam 11. Fasteners 4. Isolator Cartridges a. (4) M3 × 8 Socket Head for Toad In The Hole Male Adapter a.
  • Page 14 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...
  • Page 15 UNBOXING ALTA 8 1. Case c. BOSCAM Micro Transmitter 2. ALTA 8 Aircraft d. Ready Made RC Camera 3. Case Lid Foam 11. (2) M3 x 6 Flat Head for Accessory Mount 4. Isolator Cartridges 12. Quick Release Battery Tray (Installed) a.

  • Page 16: Weight Limitations

    As altitude and temperature increase, the density of the air decreases. Consequently, ALTA’s thrust will decrease. The following tables describe maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature for both ALTA 6 and ALTA 8 models. As altitude and temperature increase, the density of the air decreases. Consequently, ALTA’s thrust will decrease. The follow- ing table describes maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature.
  • Page 17 WEIGHT LIMITATIONS (CONTINUED) ALTA 8 ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT As altitude and temperature increase, the density of the air decreases. Consequently, ALTA 8’s thrust will decrease. The following table describes maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature. ALTA 8 0ºC...

  • Page 18: Disarm Safety Switch

    DISARM SAFETY SWITCH 3-POSITION SWITCH FUNCTION On - Disarming is not possible The Disarm Safety Switch aids in preventing accidental motor disarming while the ALTA is in flight and in manual mode. It may be mapped to Off - Disarming is possible either a two-position or three-position switch.

  • Page 19: Control Modes

    CONTROL MODES CAUTION Always neutralize control inputs when switching between control modes. ALTA has three primary flight control modes: Manual Mode, Height Mode, and Position Mode. They are selected with the Mode Switch. ALTA also has two emergency control modes, Return-To-Home and Autoland, which are available NOTE only during certain situations.
  • Page 20 CONTROL MODES [CONTINUED] POSITION MODE time. ALTA will not autoland if adequate signal is detected. The pilot can cancel the RTH procedure by commanding a pitch or roll command. Position Mode changes the pitch/roll stick behavior to command ground speeds. Pitch and roll stick deflection will command fore/ During an LOS event, ALTA will first check its current altitude against aft and left/right ground speeds respectively.
  • Page 21 RADIO LOSS OF SIGNAL Return To Home S A F E H E I G H T I S U S E R D E F I N E D A L T A A P P > C O N F I G U R A T I O N S > S A F E T Y > S A F E H E I G H T | SETUP GUIDE | SETUP GUIDE...

  • Page 22: Status Light

    STATUS LIGHT FLIGHT PHASE LIGHT COLOR MEANING BOOTING Flashing Red + White Flight controller is booting The rear-facing Status Light shows the status of ALTA as it boots, arms and flies. The following table shows the different Flight controller is running Flashing White and ready to arm meanings of the light in the various flight phases.

  • Page 23: Alarms

    ALARMS WARNING If ALTA displays an alarm, land immediately. ALTA will notify the pilot of critical alarms using the Status Light. These alarms indicate a serious issue has been observed in the behavior of the ALTA that, if not acted upon immediately, can cause loss of control.

  • Page 24: Orientation Lights

    Nominal status meanings of the light colors in the various flight phases. FLIGHT User-defined Nominal status FIRM WA RE UPDATE Blue then yellow ESC firmware is updating ALTA 6 BOT TOM VIE W ALTA 8 BOT TOM VIE W WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 25: Compass Calibration

    COMPASS CALIBRATION WARNING Verify ALTA is disarmed prior to performing a compass calibration. To ensure ALTA does not arm, remove the Configuration Jumper, ALTA features a highly sensitive 3-axis magnetometer that measures the set the mode switch to Height or Position, or set the home switch to earth’s magnetic field to infer heading.

  • Page 26: Arming And Starting Alta Motors

    ARMING AND STARTING ALTA MOTORS NOTE Refer to the radio controller’s TO ARM ALTA documentation for help determining the controller 1. Ensure ALTA is powered on and is in Standby Mode mode (1 or 2). 2. Select Manual Mode using the radio controller’s Mode Switch 3.
  • Page 27 TO START ALTA MOTORS TO STOP ALTA MOTORS AND DISARM 1. Ensure ALTA is armed 1. Set the Disarm Safety Switch to Off 2. Hold full low throttle and full right yaw 2. Ensure Mode Switch is set to Manual Mode 3.

  • Page 28: Setting Hover Throttle

    SETTING HOVER THROTTLE NOTE Hover Throttle will need to be adjusted when changing the overall weight of the system, or when moving between very Hover Throttle is an app-configurable parameter that adjusts ALTA’s thrust at different elevations. center throttle stick and ensures ALTA does not climb or descend at the center stick position while flying in Manual Mode.

  • Page 29: Tuning Alta

    TUNING ALTA WARNING Tuning can change the fundamental flying characteristics of ALTA . It is possible for ALTA to become unstable or even uncontrollable ALTA models come pre-tuned for a wide variety of payloads and flying if values are set too high or too low. Only change tuning parameters conditions.

  • Page 30: Unfolding Alta

    UNFOLDING ALTA 1. Remove ALTA from case 2. Fold down all boom retention clips 3. Open ALTA booms 4. Snap shut all boom latches until they “click” 5. Visually confirm all latches are seated properly 6. Remove prop protectors WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 31: Folding Alta

    FOLDING ALTA 1. Secure props with prop protectors 2. Unlatch all booms 3. Close ALTA booms 4. Fold up all boom retention clips to secure booms | SETUP GUIDE...

  • Page 32: Installing A Radio Receiver

    INSTALLING A RADIO RECEIVER ON ALTA 6 1. Locate the noted closeout panels used for receiver installation (between booms 1 & 2 and 4 & 5) 2. Remove side closeout panel with radio wires using a 1.5mm hex driver NOTE 3.
  • Page 33 BINDING A RADIO RECEIVER Refer to the instructions provided with your 7. Attach receiver/satellite to exterior using the provided double sided tape: radio controller to complete the binding process. a. Futaba & PPM receiver For Spektrum/JR radios, a receiver is required to bind the satellites to a radio controller.
  • Page 34 2. Remove side closeout panel using a 2.0mm hex driver instructions. 3. Plug signal wire into receiver 4. If using telemetry, plug telemetry wire in (refer to ALTA 8 Aircraft Flight Manual for instructions) 5. Feed receiver antenna into lower antenna tube WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...
  • Page 35 For Spektrum/JR radios, a receiver is required to bind the satellites to a radio controller. 8. Route antenna wires into the two antenna tubes below ALTA 8 chassis 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for dual receivers (only applies to Futaba receivers)
  • Page 36 INSTALLING A RADIO RECEIVER ON ALTA 8 (CONTINUED) For Spektrum/JR: 1. Located the noted closeout panels used for Spektrum/JR receiver installation (between booms 3 & 4 and 7 & 8) 2. Remove side closeout panel using a 2.0mm hex driver.

  • Page 37: Configuration Jumper

    ALTA 8 between booms 5 & 6 2. Remove the side closeout panel with the jumper using a 1.5mm (ALTA 6) or a 2.0mm (ALTA 8) hex driver 3. Remove or replace the jumper 4. Reattach the closeout panel...

  • Page 38: Alta App

    The ALTA App is used to configure ALTA saved automatically. parameters and to monitor ALTA’s status during flight. To download the ALTA App, search for “Freefly ALTA” in the App Store or on Google Play™. WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM...

  • Page 39: Mapping Channels

    MAPPING CHANNELS WARNING Always ensure the Configuration Jumper is To map channels, use the ALTA App. For complete information on removed prior to adjusting channel mapping, please refer to the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual. RADIO radio settings to prevent 1. Remove the Configuration Jumper unintentional motor starts.

  • Page 40: Failsafe And Loss Of Signal

    FAILSAFE AND LOSS OF SIGNAL WARNING Improperly set failsafe settings on PPM radio receivers can cause FUTABA S.BUS AND SPEK TRUM/JR DSM unexpected flight behaviors if ALTA loses radio control signal. After setting radio failsafe settings, ensure they are correct by When using Futaba receivers with S.Bus or S.Bus2, or using Spektrum viewing the channel mapping parameters in the radio configuration or JR receiver satellites with DSM2 or DSMX, the Synapse Flight...
  • Page 41 FREEFLY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING FAIL SAFE SE T TINGS: 1. Throttle: Neutral 2. Pitch/Roll/Yaw: Neutral 3. Flight Mode Switch: Position Mode 4. Home Switch: Return to Home POSITION HEIGHT R.T.H. MANUAL RIGHT STICK LEF T STICK | SETUP GUIDE...

  • Page 42: Installing A Battery

    INSTALLING A BATTERY NOTE For ALTA 8, use the included Quick Release Battery Tray for battery mounting. GROUNDVIE W 1. Place battery retention strap studs at the appropriate height for battery packs CAUTION 2. Adjust battery stops to fit battery packs Do not install batteries on the lower battery tray if a Toad adapter is also installed.
  • Page 43 WARNING CAUTION See warning and cautions on page 44. SK Y VIE W 1. Pinch the battery tray handles and slide to remove it from landing gear. 2. Attach the single-hole ends of the battery retention straps to the studs on the battery tray 3.
  • Page 44 WARNING Always secure battery packs with both battery retention straps. CAUTION When plugging in battery packs, ensure the polarity is correct. Positive is indicated by a red power lead, and negative/ground is indicated by a black power lead. Reversing polarity will damage ALTA’s electronics. CAUTION Ensure both battery packs are at a similar state of charge (a full pack voltage difference less than 0.5V) prior to connecting them to...
  • Page 45 | SETUP GUIDE...

  • Page 46: Attaching A Mōvi

    ATTACHING A MōVI A MōVI can be attached to either the top or bottom of the ALTA via the Freefly Toad In The Hole (TITH) Quick Release. ALTA comes pre-configured for bottom mounting a MōVI. GROUNDVIE W 1. Prepare your MōVI for GroundView flight (see MōVI manual) a.
  • Page 47 Remove the four flathead M3×6 bolts that secure the top handle b. Attach the supplied Toad to the top plate using the four M3×8 bolts provided For ALTA 8 c. Remove Quick Release Battery Tray 4. Connect MōVI to the top Toad...
  • Page 48 W W W.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM MōVI is a registered trademark in the U.S. Pat. & Tm. Office. FREEFLY, the wing logo, and A LTA , A LTA 6 and A LTA 8 are trademarks of Freefly Systems Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

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