Freefly ALTA X User Manual
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Freefly ALTA X User Manual

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ALTA X
Features
Worlds Toughest Drone
Introducing the world's toughest drone: ALTA X.
Flight Time

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Summary of Contents for Freefly ALTA X

  • Page 1 ALTA X Features Worlds Toughest Drone Flight Time Introducing the world's toughest drone: ALTA X.
  • Page 2 Speed Packability ALTA X folds to 30% of its full size to fit in External Power Easy Integration ALTA X is designed to be a platform that In order to keep ALTA X in the field as No assembly required! Using a clever rotating...
  • Page 3 Completely redesigned from the ground up, ALTA X is the next generation of the ALTA family. Built for the user, ALTA X emphasizes expandability and customization to make sure it can stand up to all challenges thrown its way, while still being the reliable workhorse drone that ALTA pilots know and love.

  • Page 4: Disclaimer And Warning

    ALTA X, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use. You agree to only use ALTA X for proper purposes that are in accordance with local and airspace rules and regulations.

  • Page 5: Limitations Of Liability

    Always test ALTA X with the propellers removed to make sure that the motors are spinning in the correct direction and that the motor assignment is correct with respect to the Autopilot flight controller. If you have either of these wrong, the ALTA X will be uncontrollable and dangerous.
  • Page 6 CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. Freefly shall not be liable for damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of ALTA X including, but not limited to, the following situations: Failure of the operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings found at www.freeflysystems.com.

  • Page 7: Specifications

    Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using ALTA X. Infringement of third party data, audio, or video rights recorded when using ALTA X Appendix Specifications Dimensions Dimension Length [mm] Unfolded Diameter (not including props) 1415 Unfolded Diameter (Including Props)
  • Page 8 Dimension Length [mm] Height (Skyview) Powerplant Number of Motors Motor Max Continuous Power Output 100 A Motor Max Instantaneous Peak Power Output 130 A (>3s) Equivalent Kv 115 rpm/V Propellers Material Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon Propeller Orientation (2x) CW and (2x) CCW Props Propeller Type Folding - 840 x 230 mm (33 x 9in) Battery...

  • Page 9: Flight Controller

    Flight Controller Autopilot Name Custom Auterion PX4 flight control stack Flight Modes Manual, Altitude, Position, Mission, Loiter, Orbit, Return Supported Inputs MAVlink SDK Futaba, Spektrum, PX4 compatible SBUS and PPM Supported Radios receivers Supported Radio Controller Voltage feed provided for Futaba RX telemetry Telemetry Systems Minimum Radio Controller 5 (roll, pitch, yaw, throttle, mode)

  • Page 10: Performance Charts

    Payload [lb] Payload [Kg] Isolator Durometer Cartridge Qty 33 - 35 ** 15.0 - 15.9 >35 *** >15.9 Performance Charts Flight Time v. Payload Maximum Gross Weight To determine maximum gross weight, determine flight location pressure altitude and temperature, and refer to the weight in the chart below. Gross Weight includes payload, battery and structure weight.

  • Page 11: Expansion Ports

    The maximum gross weight might exceed the weight allowed by regulatory agencies. When determining gross weight, please consider any such local restrictions on aircraft weight when planning aircraft weight. {% hint style="info" %} The maximum gross weight at a defined density altitude was established by calculating weight so that sufficient thrust margin for maneuvering is maintained.
  • Page 12 GH-6 Pin GH-4 Pin Image not found or type unknown Image not found or type unknown 5V External Power The external expansion connector port 5V power is provided by a dedicated 5V 3A current limited power supply separate of the redundant 5V power supplies for the flight controller. Each output on the external expansion connectors is protected by a 1.1A hold 2.2A trip PTC (Part number 0ZCG0110FF2C).
  • Page 13 All internal CANbus peripherals on CAN expansion connectors All external UART, I2C, and CANbus connectors UART Port - GH-6 Pin MAVLink serial communications at 57600b 8-N-1 Pin Signal Voltage (V) TX (Out) +3V RX (In) CTS (In) RTS (Out) +3V GPS2 Port - GH-6 Pin Nuttx console output at 57600b 8-N-1.
  • Page 14 Pin Signal Voltage (V) CAN_H +5V CAN_L +5V {% hint style="warning" %} WARNING: Internal Long Range RF CAN is 12V VCC, do not use! {% endhint %} I2C Ports - GH-4 Pin I2C bus for future expansion Pin Signal Voltage (V) I2C1 SCL +3V I2C1 SDA +3V Power Expansion...

  • Page 15: Maintenance

    Interval Inspections Every 15 Flights ALTA X is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible. It is recommended to check ALTA X’s fasteners regularly. This check should occur roughly after every 15 flights. To check ALTA X’s fasteners, apply a tightening torque to each fastener on the chassis using the supplied hex drivers.

  • Page 16: Replacement Of Parts

    %} {% hint style="warning" %} Fastener Installation The Freefly hex drivers included with ALTA X are designed to limit the torque that can be applied to each bolt or screw and help prevent stripping the fastener head. Thread all fasteners into their respective holes until snug (when the fastener head bottoms...
  • Page 17 {% hint style="danger" %} Before performing any part replacement, ensure that ATLA X has been unplugged from any power source. Leaving ALTA X powered while performing any work on it can result in a potentially dangerous situation. {% endhint %}...

  • Page 18: Opening Chassis

    3. Replace props and nylon washers if required. Refit top plate and attach with (2x) M5x30 bolts and (4x) M3x10 bolts. Loctite 243 or equivalent must be used to secure these fasteners. 5. Reinsert the ActiveBlade bumpers as detailed in the previous section. {% hint style="warning"...
  • Page 19 To reassemble, refit the enclosure making sure it is well seated and there are no trapped wires. Attach the power connector with (x2) M3x10 bolts before reseating the top chassis, making sure the orientation is correct. Reassemble the remaining chassis fasteners. Take care to align the fasteners correctly. It is recommended to get all fasteners started before torquing.

  • Page 20: Updating Firmware

    Replace the enclosure cover and reinstall the top chassis per the previous section. The booms on ALTA X are clocked to improve yaw authority. Replacement booms are supplied with alignment cards to allow accurate clocking of the motors. Their use is covered in this video.
  • Page 21 Incorrect radio mapping can lead to loss of control. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} Do not use a battery to power ALTA X during FW updates! Using USB power prevents unwanted motor spin-ups. {% endhint %}...
  • Page 22 Secure receiver using the provided double-sided tape to inside of receiver housing. Replace the quick release door. 7. Route antenna wires into the two antenna tubes below ALTA X chassis. 8. Repeat installation process for dual receivers (if applicable). Installation of Spectrum Radio 1.
  • Page 23 Calibrating any compatible radio is done using the ALTA QGroundControl app. This only needs to be done when using a new radio with the ALTA X; ALTA X that were bought with a radio have already gone through the Calibration and Mapping procedures.
  • Page 24 1. Power the ALTA X by plugging in a USB-C cable to the expansion port. 1. The expansion port is located under the closeout between booms 1 and 2 2. Once connected, the ALTA X electronics will be powered and you may turn on the transmitter.
  • Page 25 The following radio channel mapping configurations are recommendations only and can be set in ALTA QGroundControl. Depending on exact radio models, these may help as an initial configuration. However, it is up to the pilot setting up ALTA X for flight to determine if these settings are appropriate.
  • Page 26 Function Channel Number Direction Throttle Reverse Mode Switch 5 Normal Home Switch 6 Normal Spektrum DX18 Function Channel Number Direction Pitch Reverse Roll Reverse Reverse Throttle Normal Mode Switch 6 Reverse Home Switch 7 Normal...
  • Page 27 FPV Camera and Transmitter FPV System installation Connect the FPV camera cable to the FPV extension located inside the chassis at the base of boom. Screw the FPV mount to the top of the chassis with the (x4) M3x14 screws and washers. Screw the FPV camera bracket to the FPV mount with (x2) M2.5x5 screws and washers.

  • Page 28: External Computer

    Phoenix LiDAR systems to ensure easy integration and compatibility. To use ALTA X with the the miniRANGER system simply install the system using the Toad in the Hole quick release, and then follow the normal LiDAR workflow as described by Phoenix Aerial.
  • Page 29 7. ALTA X is now ready to fly in Skyview mode! MoVI Carbon To use MōVI Carbon with ALTA X we recommend using the 40 duro isolators that ship with ALTA X. Install landing gear on MōVI Carbon and attach to ALTA X using the Toad in the...

  • Page 30: Isolator Cartridges

    Hole Quick Release. We recommend using qty 2 12s 16Ah flight packs with MōVI Carbon as this will allow 20+ minute flight times. Default Movi Carbon tuning should work well with ALTA X and FRX Pro can be added to MoVI Carbon to increase control range and robustness. Isolator Cartridges...

  • Page 31: Description And Specifications

    5V/12V DC-DC Converters Description & Specifications The Freefly DC-DC converters draw power from the 50V battery bus and provide up to 120W of 5V or 12V DC. The converters utilize off the shelf converters mounted on a custom heatsink with and a custom capacitor board to provide better transient response.

  • Page 32: Operation Notes

    1. Remove two screws holding closeout door, remove closeout door 2. Install DC-DC converter using supplied button-head screws 3. Route & connect XT30 connector to inside of the power expansion board 4. Route XT60 connector to desired location {% hint style="info" %} The internal XT30s of the power expansion board share the same 10A fuse as J1.

  • Page 33: Before Starting

    7. Payload mounting location CONFIGURE as necessary To set up ALTA X for flight, remove it from the case, and remove the prop straps. Unfold the booms by placing one hand on a boom and one hand on the airframe and then unfolding the boom.
  • Page 34 Battery Installation section of this manual for battery installation instructions. While the Autopilot initializes, keep ALTA X as stable as possible. If ALTA X moves during initialization, it may not boot properly and will fail to start or not maintain heading.

  • Page 35: Before Takeoff

    Ensure that ALTA X QGroundControl shows all sensors are calibrated and ready for flight. {% hint style="danger" %} ALTA X’s props spin at a high RPM and the ends of the blades move at high speeds. ALTA X’s props can cause severe injury or death or cause damage to objects while rotating.
  • Page 36 Ensure that the ALTA X behaves as expected. If it does not, shut down ALTA X and ensure the propellers are installed in the correct orientation and radio settings are correct.

  • Page 37: After Last Flight

    6. ALTA X INSERT into case Keeping ALTA X on the payload or landing gear easily facilitates the folding process as ALTA X may be turned on the Toad In The Hole adapter while folding the propellers and booms. Release each boom latch and then fold the booms inwards. Fold the propeller blades such...

  • Page 38: Emergency Procedures

    Ensure the ALTA is placed in the case properly by matching the grey ActiveBlase bumpers to the colored marks in the pelican case. Pay special attention to the external GPS, 900/868MHz Telemetry radio and optional accessories if installed (FPV camera and Tx) when putting the ALTA X back into its case Emergency Procedures Emergency Guidance The emergency procedures listed in this section are the recommended practices for handling the aircraft in the event of an aircraft emergency.
  • Page 39 Land as soon as possible when the Boom LEDs indicate a warning, and investigate the problem while ALTA X is safely on the ground. It is best practice to set the mode switch to Manual when an Alarm is observed to maintain full control authority of ALTA X.
  • Page 40 If ALTA X behaves unexpectedly, neutralize controls by centering the throttle/yaw and pitch/roll sticks and observe ALTA X. If it is still flying in an uncommanded manner in either Altitude or Position Mode, switch to Manual Mode. In most cases, unexpected behavior is due to erroneous sensor readings, degraded GPS signal reception, or compass issues.
  • Page 41 If the battery cell voltage drops below the Land Voltage, the boom LEDs will flash. The pilot will remain in full control of the ALTA X in all three flight modes and full throttle authority is available to the pilot in a battery exhaustion event {% hint style="danger"...

  • Page 42: Aircraft Setup

    {% hint style="danger" %} It is the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid other aircraft, people, or obstacles. Always maintain direct line of sight with ALTA X during flight, use visual observers as operations require, and follow local regulations regarding see-and-avoid requirements.
  • Page 43 If the ALTA does not arm, please check QGroundControl for errors or warnings. {% hint style="warning" %} When armed, propellers will spin! Please follow all precautions and stay a safe distance away from ALTA X. Before arming, make sure to stay clear of the propellers. {% endhint %} Disarming To disarm ALTA, put the throttle stick on the bottom left corner for 1.5 seconds.

  • Page 44: Flight Modes

    In Manual Mode, ALTA X will only stabilize its attitude. At neutral control input (middle pitch and roll stick position), ALTA X will attempt to remain level. Throttle control is direct. In this mode, it will blow with the wind, and will require constant throttle adjustment to hold altitude.

  • Page 45: Position Mode

    When the throttle stick is centered, ALTA X will enter Altitude Hold. In Altitude Hold, ALTA X will maintain a target altitude and try to correct for vertical drift. If a disturbance moves ALTA X away from this target altitude, ALTA X will climb or descend to return to the target altitude.

  • Page 46: Return-To-Launch

    Return-to-Launch Mode will command ALTA X to fly back to the defined Home Point. When ALTA X first acquires a GPS position, it sets this as the Home Point of the flight. See the Radio Channel Mapping section in this manual for more information on setting up the Return-to-Launch Switch.

  • Page 47: Landing Modes

    only. If control is available, the operator should land in manual mode. High wind, sloped ground, and narrow landing gear on the current payload can make the aircraft prone to tip over when autolanding. Reducing the autoland velocity may result in missed land detection for some weight combinations, which can have unpredictable results, so it is advised not to change this value.

  • Page 48: Important Parameters

    Position Mode Landing in position mode uses the same altitude control as in Altitude mode, but additionally will control the position. This can be useful as it will fight the wind and drift automatically, but the aircraft may maintain a pitch and roll to do so, requiring care to avoid a prop strike on the ground or a tipover when using narrow landing gear.

  • Page 49: Mission Planning

    Parameter Function All parameters starting with 'OSD_' configure how the OSD looks OSD_(*****) and acts. Sets what cell voltage the aircraft will flash the Boom lights and OSD_BAT_ALARM the OSD battery symbol to indicate low battery to the user. Defines how far the aircraft is allowed to tilt while being controlled in manual mode.
  • Page 50 Missions can be created, loaded, saved, and modified from the Plan View. An overview of Plan View can be found in public documentation. Click on (+) sign at the toolbar left of the screen to enter waypoint addition mode. In this mode, users can add waypoints by tapping or left clicking on the 2D map.

  • Page 51: Advanced Users

    Waypoint specific values -such as speed, altitude or commands- can be Waypoint specific modified by selecting a waypoint and using the detailed waypoint list at Variables the right hand side of the screen. Planned Home (a.k.a Mission Start) item in the detailed waypoint list Planned Home can be used as a settings item.
  • Page 52 4, 20 m/s value will be passed to rest of the waypoints. Tuning ALTA X is pretuned by Freefly, and can be flown without changes. However, each user may have a different preference or use case for their aircraft. This section gives some guidance for how to tune some of the behaviors of the aircraft to suit individual needs.

  • Page 53: Sensor Calibration

    It is recommended to use two people to perform the compass calibration as it requires handling and rotating ALTA X. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} Alta X has 4 magnetometers, one in the GPS mast, and 3 internally used as backups. In cases where a payload is mounted that affects the onboard...

  • Page 54: Compass Calibration

    1. Autopilot Orientation: ROTATION_YAW_180 2. External Compass Orientation: ROTATION_YAW_270 Compass Calibration Follow the instructions below to perform a compass calibration on ALTA X. Compass calibrations should be done when flying in a new location or when ALTA QGroundControl prompts a calibration.

  • Page 55: Accelerometer Calibration

    Level Horizon Calibration Follow the instructions below to perform a level horizon calibration on ALTA X. Horizon calibrations should only be done if the horizon (as shown in the HUD) is not level after completing Accelerometer calibration and the aircraft is sitting on a level surface.
  • Page 56 GPS Color Meaning Description Indicates vehicle has been armed and has no position lock from the GPS. Position, Mission and RTL flight modes are Armed, No GPS Solid Blue not available. Lock Warning! When armed, propellers will start spinning! Indicates vehicle is disarmed armed and has no position lock Disarmed, No Pulsing Blue from the GPS.
  • Page 57 {% endhint %} Enable and configure WIFI ALTA X allows users to update the system’s WiFi password and SSID. All ALTA Xs initially come with WiFi disabled for safety reasons. To enable WiFi connectivity follow the steps below! {% hint style="danger"...
  • Page 58 Check (or set) the following parameters to configure wifi: MAV_1_MODE=Normal, MAV_1_RATE = 20000, MAV_1_FORWARD=Disabled, and SER_TEL2_BAUD=921600 8N1 6. Restart the Alta X and connect with a wifi device. Connect to ALTA X’s WiFi using the initial Note that this connection won't provide...
  • Page 59 Configure WIFI settings {% hint style="danger" %} ALTA X passwords must be longer than eight characters and should be unique for each ALTA X. Do not use the same password on multiple machines! {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} We suggest not selecting ‘Connect Automatically’ when using WiFi to connect to ALTA X and clearly labeling each FRX Pro pair.
  • Page 60 The device should recognize the FRX as a serial comms device The LED on the FRX will light up Power up ALTA X, if bound the FRX's will connect automatically and begin sending data back and forth. Binding FRX Pro...
  • Page 61 Power up the ALTA that has the FRX Pro using batteries (powering up with USB will not provide power to the FRX) 2. Plug the ground FRX Pro into a laptop using the USB-C cable If the FRX Pro modules are already bound and connected to a ground station FRX Pro, the status lights on both FRX Pro modules will turn green after a few seconds.

  • Page 62: Data Logging

    {% hint style="info" %} FRX Pros configured for use in non-ALTA products (ie, Mōvi) need to be reconfigured before they can be used in ALTA. Please contact Freefly for instructions to reconfigure the radios. The symptom for mis-configured radios is that only one radio shows a Green LED and rebinding does not reestablish communications.
  • Page 63 The onboard SD card holds 8GB of data, which is able to store logs for hundreds of flight hours. The ALTA X will start to delete old logs if it runs out of space, so it is useful to periodically clean out the logs if you don’t want them to be lost. Download all the logs as shown above, and then delete all (or some) of the folders in the “logs”...

  • Page 64: Included In Box

    Internal Expansion UART The internal port is prewired with a cable made available inside of the chassis. The connector is a JST GH 6 pin connector matching the standard dronecode/PX4 pinout. It is paired with a standard 4 pin GH CANbus connector for peripheral CANbus connections. The internal port is shared with the WIFI module.
  • Page 65 ALTA X can accommodate a variety of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) flight battery packs. Battery packs must be 12S, having a nominal voltage of 44.4 V. Only run ALTA X using two packs at a time. For additional information on expected flight duration, refer to the...
  • Page 66 Make sure to latch the TITH once you feel the TITH fully seat; you will hear a ‘click’ when seated. Fully unfold ALTA X’s booms; note that all of the booms are linked and will open simultaneously. Secure the booms by latching both the red safety latches on ALTA X.
  • Page 67 UAV regulations. Once the batteries are plugged into ALTA X and you are in a safe takeoff location arm ALTA X by holding full low throttle and full right yaw. Once armed the all motors will spin up.

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