Freefly ALTA User manual

USER MANUAL
REVISION A | 07.24.2015

REVISION HISTORY
ALTA USER MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 77000042
REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION
A July 2015 Initial Release

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CONTENTS
2Revision History
3Contents
5ALTA OVERVIEW
6Disclaimer and Warning
7LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
8Introduction
9Symbols, Abbreviations and Terminology
12 Dimensions
14 Included Items
15 Specifications
19 Limitations
20 System Diagrams
24 ALTA Mobile App
24 Additional Required Components (not included)
25 SETTING UP ALTA
26 Unfolding ALTA
30 Radio Installation
35 Radio Mapping
40 Configuring Top or Bottom Mount
42 Isolator Cartridges
43 Battery Installation
47 Compass Calibration
49 Propellers
51 First Person View (FPV)
54 FPV On Screen Display Setup
58 Tuning ALTA
61 ALTA Flight Parameters
64 OPERATING ALTA
65 Flight Controller Modes
67 Home Switch

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67 Arm Enable Switch
68 Status Light
70 Orientation Lights
71 ALTA App Monitor
72 NORMAL PROCEDURES
73 Unpacking and Setup
74 Before Starting
76 Before Takeoff
78 After Every Flight
79 After Last Flight
80 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
81 Emergency Guidance
82 Pilot Disorientation
83 Unexpected Flight Controller Behavior
84 Battery Exhaustion
85 Status Light Warning Indicator Illuminates
86 Loss of Radio Control Signal
87 Loss of FPV Signal
89 Data Logging
89 Performance
89 Weight / Endurance Performance Data
90 MAINTAINING ALTA
91 General Information and Techniques
92 Maintenance Items
95 Replacement of Parts
96 Firmware Update Process
97 TROUBLESHOOTING
100 APPENDIX
101 Appendix A. Default Tuning Values
102 Appendix B. Data Logging Fields

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ALTA OVERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review
the ALTA User Manual prior to flight. If you have any questions, please contact
[e-mail] prior to using the ALTA. You can review the most
current version of this User Manual at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
By using the 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 the ALTA, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its
use. You agree to only use the 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 helicopter, the 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. The ALTA
User Manual and a flight simulator are no substitute for training with an
experienced pilot, particularly when it comes to learning how to safely
operate the ALTA. Novice pilots should never fly without the supervision of
an experienced pilot.
»Always check the ALTA and its components prior to operation.
»Always maintain a safe distance from the ALTA when in use.
»Never attempt to touch the ALTA when the propellers are moving.
»Never fly the ALTA over or around people, power lines or other aircraft.
»Never fly with any propellers that have visible imperfections or damage.
»Always keep children and animals a safe distance away from the ALTA
when in use and when changing configurations.
»Always remove the propellers or power ALTA using a low power source
when making a change to the configuration of the ALTA to prevent propeller
strikes in the event of unintentional motor starts.
»Always remove the configuration jumper when making changes to the
configuration of the ALTA.
»Always test the 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 you have either
of these wrong, the ALTA will be uncontrollable and dangerous.
»It is your responsibility to perform a full system check of the ALTA prior to
every flight.
»It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate the ALTA and to ad-
here to all applicable rules and regulations.
»Fly at your own risk.

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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 THE 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 the ALTA including, but not limited to, the following situations:
»Failure of operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings found
at www.freeflysystems.com.
»Failure of the operator to follow onboard safety warnings while using the
ALTA.
»Failure of the operator to follow and comply with local rules and regula-
tions.
»Failure of the operator to inspect the ALTA and its components prior to
operation.
»Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service the ALTA
through an authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine ALTA parts.
»Use of third-party products on the ALTA.
»Use of the ALTA in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
»Use of the ALTA without sufficient training.
»Use of the 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, broadcast-
ing and cell phone towers, government prohibited airspace, etc.
»Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using the ALTA.
»Infringement of third party data, audio or video rights recorded when using
the ALTA.

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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 capable 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 User Manual has been prepared to describe the complete
operation of airframe and flight control systems, and the normal
maintenance of those items. Do not operate ALTA without reading and
understanding this manual.
This manual is not a substitute for adequate flight training. Training
requirements can vary when operating in different countries or under
different flight conditions. Always consult local regulations before
flying ALTA. In areas where there are no flight training requirements,
it is the sole determination of the pilot-in-command as to whether he
or she has the appropriate level of training or experience for a given
flight. Always set and adhere to personal minimums and fly within
your own capabilities.

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SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Throughout the manual, warnings, cautions and notes are used to highlight various
important procedures. These are defined as follows:
WARNING
Warnings are used to highlight proce-
dures which, if not strictly observed,
may result in personal injury or loss
of life.
CAUTION
Cautions are used to highlight proce-
dures which, if not strictly observed,
may cause damage to equipment.
NOTE
Notes are used to highlight specific
operating conditions or steps of a
procedure.
SPEED TERMINOLOGY
GS Ground Speed is the speed of an
aircraft relative to the ground
TAS True Airspeed is the airspeed of an
aircraft relative to undisturbed air
METEOROLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY
ISA International Standard Atmosphere in which:
The air is a dry, perfect gas;
The temperature at sea level is 15°
Celsius (59° Fahrenheit);
The pressure at sea level is 1013.2
mbar (29.92 inches Hg);
The temperature gradient from sea level
to the altitude at which the temperature is
-56.5°C (-69.7°F) is -0.00198°C (-0.003564°F)
per foot and zero above that altitude

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MSL Mean Sea Level is the average height above
the surface of the sea for all stages of tide
AGL Above Ground Level is the height of
the aircraft above the ground
OAT Outside Air Temperature is the free air static
temperature surrounding the aircraft
Pressure Altitude Altitude measured from standard sea level pressure
(29.92 in. Hhg) by a pressure or barometric altimeter
It is the indicated pressure altitude corrected for
position and instrument error. In this Manual,
altimeter instrument errors are assumed to be zero
POWER TERMINOLOGY
Maximum Continuous
Power Output
The maximum typical power output of a
motor averaged over the entire flight
Maximum Instantaneous
Peak Power Output
The maximum power output of a motor during
any phase of flight, such as when maneuvering
FLIGHT AND POWERPLANT CONTROL
Throttle Stick The radio controller stick responsible for
throttle control. For Mode 2 controllers, this
is the vertical movement of the left control
stick. For Mode 1 controllers, this is the
vertical movement of the right control stick
Yaw Stick The radio controller stick responsible
for yaw (also called pan) control
For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is the
lateral movement of the left control stick
Pitch Stick The radio controller stick responsible for
pitch control. For Mode 2 controllers, this is
the vertical movement of the right stick
For Mode 1 controllers, this is the
vertical movement of the left stick
Roll Stick The radio controller stick responsible for roll
control. For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is
the lateral movement of the right control stick
Pitch/Roll Stick
or Cyclic Stick
The radio control stick responsible
for both pitch and roll control
For Mode 2 controllers, this is the right stick

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WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW)
Maximum allowable weight at liftoff
Standard Empty Weight Weight of a standard aircraft
Basic Empty Weight Standard empty weight plus optional equipment
Useful Load Difference between take off weight
and basic empty weight
Payload Useful load less battery weight
GENERAL TERMINOLOGY
sUAS Small Unmanned Aircraft System includes all
components of the system required for the flight of
an unmanned aircraft, including the radio controller,
data link and other related support equipment

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DIMENSIONS
457
(18.0)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
220
(8.7)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED PLAN VIEW WITH BOOM NUMBERING SCHEME MM INCH
457
(18.0)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
220
(8.7)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED SIDE VIEW WITH LANDING GEAR MM INCH
457
(18.0)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
220
(8.7)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED FRONT VIEW WITHOUT LANDING GEAR MM INCH

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550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED SIDE VIEW MM INCH
550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED PLAN VIEW MM INCH
550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED FRONT VIEW MM INCH

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

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SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
DIAMETER (DOES NOT INCLUDE PROPS)
Unfolded Diameter 1126 mm
Folded Diameter 515 mm
Height to base of Toad In The Hole (TITH) 220 mm
POWERPLANT
Number of Motors 6
Motor Type Direct Drive 3-Phase PMAC Outrunner
Motor Model F45
Motor Max Continuous Power Output 350 W
Motor Max Instantaneous
Peak Power Output
950 W
Maximum RPM (flat rated) 6300 RPM
Equivalent Kv 384
Electronic Speed Controller Freefly Silent-Drive Sine Wave ESC
PROPELLERS
Material Carbon fiber with balsa core
Propeller Orientation (3) CW and (3) CCW Props
Propeller Type 18 ×6 Folding
BATTERY
Nominal Battery Voltage 6S / 22.2V
Maximum Battery Size 240 ×180 ×80 mm
Maximum Battery Quantity 2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Battery Connectors 2×EC5 (Parallel)
Required Minimum Battery
Discharge Rating
Dual Pack: 200A / 400A Peak
Single Pack: 300A / 600A Peak

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WEIGHTS
Maximum Gross for Takeoff113.6 kg (30.0 lbs)
Maximum Useful Load29.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
Maximum Payload36.8 kg (15.0 lbs)
Typical Standard Empty Weight: 4.5 kg (10.0 lbs)
SPECIFIC LOADINGS
Typical Specific Power4145 W/kg
Thrust Ratio at MTOW11.85 : 1
1 At sea level, ISA.
2Top and bottom mount. Includes batteries.
3Payload weight top or bottom mount.
Battery weight not included and mounted
on opposite side from payload.
4At MTOW, sea level, ISA.

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FLIGHT CONTROLLER
Model Name Freefly SYNAPSE flight controller
Flight Modes Manual, Height Mode, Position
Mode, Return-To-Home, Autoland
Supported Inputs: DSMX, DSM2, S.Bus,
S.Bus2, PPM, FPV SD
Supported Radios Futaba S.Bus & S.Bus2, DSMX,
DSM2 (Spektrum/JR), PPM,
PPM Invert, PPM Graupner
Supported Radio Controller
Telemetry Systems
Futaba w/ built-in voltage sense port
Minimum Radio Controller
Channels Required
5
Supported GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Supported SBAS QZSS, WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS
First-Person View System
Video Formats
NTSC, PAL
Supported First-Person
View Transmitters
Skyzone, BOSCAM,
ImmersionRC, Fat Shark
Supported First-Person View Cameras Ready Made RC
First-Person View OSD Telemetry User Configurable
Installed Transceivers Wi-Fi
Data Logging Rate 25 Hz
LIGHTING AND INDICATION
Status Light 1 Watt Red, 1 Watt White
Orientation Lights 3-Watt RGB LED
Orientation Light Color Options Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, White
Accessory Lighting Port 12 VDC
Accessory Lighting Port Location Outboard on Boom Ends
ISOLATION SYSTEM
Vibration Isolation System Silicone O-Rings
Option 1: Soft / Light Payloads Red O-Rings
Option 2: Medium / Medium Payloads Teal O-Rings
Option 3: Stiff / Heavy Payloads Black O-Rings

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PAYLOAD MOUNTING
Mounting Locations Bottom and Top Mount
Mounting System Freefly Toad In The Hole
(TITH) Quick Release
FPV Camera Mount Forward, underneath chassis
FPV Transmitter Mount Boom #5

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LIMITATIONS
NOTE
These limitations are advisory in nature and do not extend or
restrict limitations provided by local aircraft operational regulation.
POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS
Maximum RPM 6300 RPM
Maximum Battery Voltage 25.2 Volts
Minimum Average Battery Voltage 19.2 Volts
ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS
Do not fly ALTA in temperatures exceeding 45ºC (113ºF) or below -20ºC(-4ºF).5
WEIGHT LIMITS
Maximum Takeoff Weight 13.6 kg (30.0 lbs)
Maximum Useful Load 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)
FLIGHT CONTROLLER LIMITS
Maximum Pitch/Roll Angle 45°
Maximum Yaw Rate 150° / second
5 Must additionally observe battery temperature ratings.

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SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
sUAS HIGH LEVEL
ALTA App
FPV Rx,
Preview Monitor
Radio Controller
GPS Satellite
2.4GHz MōVI Controller
HD Video Link,
Preview Monitor