Freefly ALTA User manual

| SETUP GUIDE
SETUP GUIDE
REVISION B | 10.7.2015

2WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM

3
| SETUP GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04 Disclaimer and Warning
07 Introduction
12 Weight Limitations
13 Control Modes
15 Radio Loss of Signal
17 Disarm Safety Switch
18 Status Light
19 Orientation Lights
21 Compass Calibration
22 Arming and Starting ALTA Motors
24 Setting Hover Throttle
25 Tuning ALTA
26 Unfolding ALTA
27 Folding ALTA
28 Installing a Radio Receiver
30 Configuration Jumper
31 ALTA App
32 Mapping Channels
34 Failsafe and Loss of Signal
36 Installing a Battery
38 Attaching a MōVI

4WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully
and review the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) prior to flight. If
you have any questions, please contact support@freeflysystems.com
prior to using the ALTA. You can review the most current version of
this Setup Guide at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
By using ALTA, you acknowledge that you have read, understand
and agree to this disclaimer. You agree that you are solely
responsible for your conduct while using ALTA, and for any
direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use.
You agree to only use ALTA for proper purposes that are in
accordance with local and airspace rules and regulations.
»ALTA is not a toy and should be operated with extreme care, as
improper operation can cause damage to property, serious
personal injury or death.
»As with any multi-rotor, ALTA is a complex and technical machine.
Novice pilots should invest sufficient time on a flight simulator and
seek training from an experienced pilot prior to operation. A flight
simulator is no substitute for training with an experienced pilot,
particularly when it comes to learning how to safely operate ALTA.
Novice pilots should never fly without the supervision
of an experienced pilot.
»Always check ALTA and its components for proper
and complete installation prior to operation.
»Always maintain a safe distance from ALTA when in use.
»Never attempt to touch ALTA when the propellers are moving.
»Never fly ALTA over or around people, power lines or other aircraft.
»Always keep children and animals a safe distance away from ALTA
when in use and when changing ALTA’s configurations.
»Only use propellers supplied by Freefly Systems
that are designed for use on ALTA.
»Always remove the propellers or power ALTA using a low-power
source when making a change to the configuration of ALTA to
prevent propeller strikes in the event of unintentional motor starts.
»Always remove the Configuration Jumper when making changes to
the configuration of ALTA.
»Always test ALTA 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 Synapse Flight Controller.
If either of these conditions are not met, ALTA will be uncontrollable
and dangerous.
»It is your responsibility to perform a full system
check of ALTA prior to every flight.
»It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate ALTA and to
adhere to all applicable rules and regulations.
»Fly at your own risk.

5
| SETUP GUIDE
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY
INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF ALTA OR FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED
AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY), EVEN IF FREEFLY HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT
SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER ASSERTED
AS A TORT CLAIM, A CONTRACT CLAIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE
AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR SUCH PRODUCT. NOTWITHSTANDING
ANYTHING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR
ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT
IN THE LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL FREEFLY BE
LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OR SUBSTITUTE GOODS BY
BUYER. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL APPLY TO ALL
LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY 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 including, but not limited to, the
following situations:
»Failure of operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings
found at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
»Failure of the operator to follow onboard safety
warnings while using ALTA.
»Failure of the operator to follow and comply
with local rules and regulations.
»Failure of the operator to inspect ALTA and its
components prior to operation.
»Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service
ALTA through an authorized Freefly Service Center
with genuine ALTA parts.
»Use of third-party products on ALTA.
»Use of ALTA in a physically or mentally
impaired capacity.
»Use of ALTA without sufficient training.
»Use of ALTA in unsafe conditions, including, but not limited to, bad
or severe weather, such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms,
etc., or in areas of magnetic or radio interference, such as power
stations, broadcasting and cell phone towers,
government prohibited airspace, etc.
»Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior
while using ALTA.
»Infringement of third-party data, audio or video
rights recorded when using ALTA.

6WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
BOOM NUMBERING AND PROP ROTATION (OVERHEAD VIEW)
BOOM 1 – Clockwise
BOOM 2 – Counter-Clockwise
BOOM 3 – Clockwise
BOOM 4 – Counter-Clockwise
BOOM 5 – Clockwise
BOOM 6 – Counter-Clockwise

7
| SETUP GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
ALTA is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed
for demanding cinematic, television, and photographic
applications. Within five minutes, ALTA can unfold from
its carrying case to flying some of the most advanced
cinema cameras on either the top or bottom of the
aircraft. The Synapse Flight Controller is purpose-built
for cinema use, yielding precise yet smooth control.
This Setup Guide has been prepared to highlight the
operation of basic airframe and flight control systems.
It is supplemental to the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual
(AFM), which contains all the information required to
set up, operate and maintain an ALTA system safely. Do
not operate ALTA without completely reading the AFM
found at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
WARNING
Warnings are used to call attention to operating procedures which,
if not strictly observed, may result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAU T ION
Cautions are used to call attention to operating procedures which,
if not strictly observed, may cause damage to equipment.
NOTE
Notes are used to highlight specific operating conditions or steps
of a procedure.

8WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
ALTA OVERVIEW
1. GPS/Compass/Wi-Fi Module/microSD Card
2. Propeller
3. Boom
4. Boom Latch
5. Inverted Landing Gear
6. Boom Retention Clip
7. Isolator Cartridge
8. Motor
9. Battery Pack (Not Included)
10. Battery Retention Strap
8WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
SKYVIEW CONFIGRATION
TOP MOUNT

9
| SETUP GUIDE
11. Status Light
12. Orientation Light
13. Toad In The Hole Adapter
14. MōVI & Camera (Not Included)
15. Landing Gear (Not Included)
16. FPV Camera Mount
17. Handle
18. Power Leads
16
17
18
9
| SETUP GUIDE
GROUNDVIEW CONFIGRATION
BOTTOM MOUNT

10 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM

11
| SETUP GUIDE
UNBOXING ALTA
1. Case
2. ALTA
3. Case Lid Foam
4. Isolator Cartridges
a. (6) Teal (Installed)
b. (6) Black
c. (6) Red
5. Electronic Luggage Scale
6. Documentation
7. USB-Futaba Power Cable
8. Inverted Landing Gear
9. Antenna Tubes
10. FPV Cables
a. Skyzone/BOSCAM
b. ImmersionRC/Fat Shark
c. Ready Made RC
11. Fasteners
a. (4) M3 × 8 Socket Head for
Toad In The Hole Male Adapter
b. (2) M3 × 8 Flat Head for Accessory Mount
12. Toad In The Hole Male Adapter
13. 5.5mm Wrench
14. Hex Drivers (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)
15. Accessory Mount
16. Double-Sided Tape

12 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
As altitude and temperature increase, the density of the air decreases.
Consequently, ALTA’s thrust will decrease. The following table describes
maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature.
Press Alt Ft Maximum
Gross Weight
(lb)
30.0
30.0
29.4
28.4
27.3
26.3
25.4
24.4
23.5
22.6
21.8
13.6
13.6
13.3
12.9
12.4
11.9
11.5
11.1
10.7
10.3
9.9
30.0
29.4
28.4
27.4
26.4
25.4
24.5
23.5
22.7
21.8
21.0
13.6
13.4
29.5
28.4
12.9
12.4
12.0
11.5
11.1
10.7
10.3
9.9
9.5
27.4
26.4
25.5
24.5
23.6
22.7
21.9
21.1
20.3
13.4
12.9
12.4
12.0
11.5
11.1
10.7
10.3
9.9
9.6
9.2
28.5
27.5
26.5
25.5
24.6
23.7
22.8
22.0
21.2
20.4
19.6
12.9
12.5
12.0
11.6
11.2
10.8
10.4
10.0
9.6
9.2
8.9
27.6
26.6
25.7
24.7
23.8
23.0
22.1
21.3
20.5
19.7
19.0
12.5
12.1
11.6
11.2
10.8
10.4
10.0
9.7
9.3
8.9
8.6
Maximum
Gross Weight
(kg)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(lb)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(kg)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(lb)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(kg)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(lb)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(kg)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(lb)
Maximum
Gross Weight
(kg)
S.L.
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
0ºC 10ºC 20ºC 30ºC 40ºC
ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT
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.

13
| SETUP GUIDE
CAUTION
Always neutralize control inputs when switching
between control modes.
NOTE
ALTA’s emergency control modes are for emergency use only.
Do not test or use emergency control modes in normal flight
conditions.
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
only during certain situations. For additional information, refer to the sub-section
associated with each emergency control mode in the AFM.
MANUAL MODE
In Manual Mode, ALTA will only stabilize its attitude. At neutral
control input (middle pitch and roll stick position), ALTA will
attempt to remain level. Throttle control is direct.
HEIGHT MODE
Height Mode changes the throttle stick behavior to command climb and
descent rates. The higher the throttle stick position, the faster ALTA will climb.
Conversely, the lower the throttle stick position, the faster ALTA will descend.
When the throttle stick is centered, ALTA will enter Height Hold. In
Height Hold, ALTA will maintain a target altitude and try to correct
for drift. If a disturbance moves ALTA away from this target altitude,
ALTA will climb or descend to return to the target altitude.

14 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
CONTROL MODES [CONTINUED]
POSITION MODE
Position Mode changes the pitch/roll stick behavior to command
ground speeds. Pitch and roll stick deflection will command fore/
aft and left/right ground speeds respectively. Controlling altitude in
Position Mode is the same as in Height Mode.
With pitch and roll controls centered, ALTA will enter Position Hold.
In Position Hold, ALTA will maintain its position over a given point on
the ground and correct for disturbances.
Position Mode requires a strong GPS signal. If a weak signal is present,
ALTA will not enter Position Mode, and if the GPS signal degrades while
in Position Mode, ALTA will automatically revert to Manual Mode.
RETURN-TO-HOME
Return-To-Home Mode will command ALTA to fly back to the starting
point of the flight or the last defined Home Point. When ALTA first
acquires a GPS position, it sets this as the Home Point of the flight.
The Home Switch on your radio controller can also be used to set a
new Home Point. See Channel Mapping in the User Manual for more
information on setting up the Home Switch.
RTH can be initiated manually by the Home Switch or be initiated
with an LOS event.
When initiated with the Home Switch, ALTA will fly back to the Home
Point, and the pilot will maintain control of ALTA’s altitude the entire
time. ALTA will not autoland if adequate signal is detected. The pilot can
CAUTION
Flight using Position Mode in areas of degraded GPS signal, such as near buildings
or under dense tree cover, is not recommended. The reversion to Manual Mode can
sometimes cause abrupt changes in flight behavior.
cancel the RTH procedure by commanding a pitch or roll command.
During an LOS event, ALTA will first check its current altitude against
Safe Height. If it is lower, it will climb to Safe Height, and if ALTA is
above Safe Height, it will remain at its current altitude. Next, ALTA will
fly back to the home position at the RTH Speed set in the ALTA App.
Finally, upon reaching the home position, ALTA will begin Autoland.
AUTOLAND
The Autoland function will command ALTA to hover for 10 seconds and will
then land in place. If ALTA is above the app-configurable Safe Height setting,
ALTA will first descend to it at the Maximum Descent Rate. After reaching
this height, ALTA’s descent will slow to the Autoland Descent Rate.
Autoland will only initiate if one of the following conditions is met:
• During Loss of Signal (LOS) if Autoland is selected as the LOS event
in the ALTA app
• At the end of a LOS Return-to-Home event
• Battery exhaustion while flying in Height or Position modes only

15
| SETUP GUIDE
15 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
Return To Home
SAFE HEIGHT IS USER DEFINED
ALTA APP > CONFIGURATIONS > SAFETY > SAFE HEIGHT
RADIO LOSS OF SIGNAL

16 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
DISARM SAFETY SWITCH
The Disarm Safety Switch aids preventing accidental motor disarming
while the ALTA is in flight and in manual mode. It may be mapped to
a two position switch. To set up the Lockout Switch, refer to Mapping
Channels or the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual.
SWITCH POSITION FUNCTION
1On - Disarming is not possible.
2Off - Disarming is possible

17
| SETUP GUIDE

18 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
STATUS LIGHT
The rear-facing Status Light shows the status of ALTA as it
boots, arms and flies. The following table shows the different
meanings of the light in the various flight phases.
FLIGHT PHASE LIGHT COLOR MEANING
BOOTING Flashing Red + White Flight controller is booting
STANDBY
Flashing White Flight controller is running
and ready to arm
Flashing Red Flight controller is running
and not ready to arm
Solid Red Flight controller boot unsuccessful
ARMED Off Ready for flight
FLIGHT - ALL MODES Solid Red Flight critical alarm- Land immediately!
FLIGHT - MANUAL MODE
Off Nominal flight status
No errors
Solid White Outside user-defined range,
height or speed limits
FLIGHT - HEIGHT MODE
Off Nominal flight status
Height Hold inactive
Slow Flashing White Height Hold active
Flashing Red Flight critical alarm- Land immediately!
FLIGHT - POSITION MODE
Off
Nominal flight status
Height Hold inactive
Position Hold inactive
Slow Flashing White Height Hold or Position Hold active
Fast Flashing White Height Hold and Position Hold active
Flashing Red Flight critical alarm- Land immediately!

19
| SETUP GUIDE
ORIENTATION LIGHTS
The boom-end mounted Orientation Lights indicate both the
orientation of ALTA in flight and the status of the individual
motor Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) during other
flight phases. The following table shows the different
meanings of the light colors in the various flight phases.
FLIGHT PHASE LIGHT COLOR MEANING
BOOTING Blue ESC booting
STANDBY Flashing green ESC booted normally
ARMED User-defined Nominal status
FLIGHT User-defined Nominal status
FIRMWARE UPDATE Blue then yellow ESC firmware is updating
BOTTOM VIEW

20 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
ALARMS
ALTA will notify the pilot of critical alarms using the Status Light.
These alarms indicate a serious issue have been observed in the
behavior of the ALTA that, if not acted upon immediately, can cause
loss of control. Never continue a flight when ALTA indicates an alarm.
During an alarm, the Status Light will turn red.
WARNING
If ALTA displays an alarm, land immediately.