Freefly ALTA Setup Manual
Read Online
Read the Freefly ALTA Setup Manual online using the built-in PDF viewer.
Text of the manual
| 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
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 [email protected]
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.
| 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.
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
| 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.
CAUTION
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.
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
8
WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
SKYVIEW CONFIGRATION
(TOP MOUNT)
| 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)
| 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
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.
| 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.
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
| SETUP GUIDE
15
WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
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 LTA A P P > C O N F I G U R AT I O N S > S A F E T Y > S A F E H E I G H T
RADIO LOSS OF SIGNAL
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
1
On - Disarming is not possible.
2
Off - Disarming is possible
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!
| 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
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.
| SETUP GUIDE
COMPASS CALIBRATION
ALTA features a highly sensitive 3-axis magnetometer that measures the
earth’s magnetic field to infer heading. Occasionally, the compass will require
calibration, especially when traveling between different geographic locations.
TO PERFORM A COMPASS CALIBRATION:
1. Secure a battery onto ALTA (see page 18-19)
2. Plug in the battery
3. Open the ALTA App
4. Select Configurations > More > Compass
5. Under Calibration, select Start Manual
6. Follow the on-screen instructions
WARNING
Verify ALTA is disarmed prior to performing a compass calibration.
To ensure ALTA does not arm, remove the Configuration Jumper,
set the mode switch to Height or Position, or set the home switch to
Set New Home Position.
NOTE
It is recommended to use two people to perform the compass
calibration as it requires handling and rotating ALTA. Perform
calibration without a payload attached.
NOTE
Ensure a microSD card is installed in the GPS/compass module
prior to performing compass calibration.
ARMING AND STARTING ALTA MOTORS
TO ARM ALTA
1. Ensure ALTA is powered on and is in Standby Mode
2. Select Manual Mode using the radio controller’s Mode Switch
3. Set the Home Switch to the middle position
4. Hold full low throttle and full left yaw
5. Ensure Status Light extinguishes and Orientation Lights
change to the colors defined in the app
2
3
4
POSITION
HEIGHT
MANUAL
L
L
R
R
RTH OFF
MODE 02
MODE 01
4
NOTE
Refer to the radio controller’s
documentation for help
determining the controller
mode (1 or 2).
| SETUP GUIDE
WARNING
Motors can be disabled in flight if
the disarming procedure
is followed.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to disarm motors in Height or
Position Modes.
TO START ALTA MOTORS
1. Ensure ALTA is armed
2. Hold full low throttle and full right yaw
3. Ensure ALTA motors spin up
TO STOP ALTA MOTORS AND DISARM
1. Set the Disarm Safety Switch to Off
2. Ensure Mode Switch is set to Manual Mode
3. Hold full low throttle and full left yaw
4. Ensure ALTA Status Light flashes white and Orientation
Lights flash green
L
L
L
L
R
R
R
R
2
POSITION
HEIGHT
MANUAL
MODE 02
MODE 02
MODE 01
MODE 01
2
2
WARNING
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.
1
ON
OFF
SETTING HOVER THROTTLE
Hover Throttle is an app-configurable parameter that adjusts ALTA’s thrust at
center throttle stick and ensures ALTA does not climb or descend at the center stick
position while flying in Manual Mode. A Hover Throttle setting that is too high or too
low can cause ALTA to climb or descend when switching between Manual Mode
and Height Mode.
Adjust the Hover Throttle setting by entering a stable hover in Manual Mode. Note the
stick position, or have an assistant view the radio chart in the ALTA App to determine
stick position. If ALTA hovers with the stick below neutral, decrease the Hover
Throttle until ALTA hovers with neutral stick input. If ALTA hovers with the stick
above neutral, increase the Hover Throttle until ALTA hovers with neutral stick input.
NOTE
Hover Throttle will need to be adjusted when changing the
overall weight of the system, or when moving between very
different elevations.
NOTE
The ALTA App does not allow Hover Throttle adjustments while
ALTA is flying.
IF
IF
IF
THEN
THEN
THEN
DECREASE
Hover Throttle
Bring ALTA to a hover
COMPLETE
INCREASE
Hover Throttle
| SETUP GUIDE
TUNING ALTA
ALTA comes pre-tuned for a wide variety of payloads and flying conditions.
Generally, additional tuning is not required to fly ALTA, and additional tuning will
only need to take place if more customization of control feel is desired. For more
information on tuning parameters, refer to the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual.
WARNING
Tuning can change the fundamental flying characteristics of ALTA.
It is possible for ALTA to become unstable or even uncontrollable
if values are set too high or too low. Only change tuning parameters
in small increments and with caution. Always test new tuning
configurations in open areas away from people or obstacles.
1. Remove ALTA from case
2. Fold down all six boom retention clips
3. Open ALTA booms
4. Snap shut all six boom latches until they “click”
5. Visually confirm all latches are seated properly
6. Remove prop protectors
2
3
4
6
5
| SETUP GUIDE
FOLDING ALTA
1. Secure props with prop protectors
2. Unlatch all six booms
3. Close ALTA booms
4. Fold up all six boom retention clips to secure booms
1
2
3
4
INSTALLING A RADIO RECEIVER
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
3. Identify required wire
4. Feed wire through grommet
5. Replace side closeout panel
6. Plug in receiver/satellite to wire
per the radio manufacturer’s
installation instructions
2
3
4
5
1
DSM2/DSMX
S.BUS/S.BUS2
PPM
NOTE
Refer to the Aircraft Flight Manual for
Futaba voltage telemetry installation
instructions.
| SETUP GUIDE
7. Attach receiver/satellite to exterior using the provided double sided tape:
a. Futaba & PPM receiver
b. Spektrum/JR
8. For Futaba receivers, feed antenna wires into
antenna tubes and zip tie to noted mounting location
9. Repeat 1-7 on opposite side for dual receivers
(only applies to Futaba and Spektrum/JR)
BINDING A RADIO RECEIVER
Refer to the instructions provided with your
radio controller to complete the binding process.
For Spektrum/JR radios, a receiver is required
to bind the satellites to a radio controller.
7b
7a
8
A small jumper is used to prevent motor operation while configuring
radio mapping parameters. With the jumper in place, the motors may
operate, but channel mapping is prevented. With the jumper removed,
channel mapping may take place, but the motors will be turned off.
1. Locate the closeout panel where the jumper
is installed
2. Remove the side closeout panel with the
jumper using a 1.5mm hex driver
3. Remove or replace the jumper
4. Reattach the closeout panel
2
1
3
| SETUP GUIDE
ALTA APP
The ALTA App is used to configure ALTA
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™.
NOTE
When making configuration changes with the ALTA App, wait
three seconds before closing the app for changes to be
saved automatically.
To map channels, use the ALTA App. For complete information on
channel mapping, please refer to the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual.
1. Remove the Configuration Jumper (see page 22)
2. Power ALTA using a battery pack or by plugging in the included
USB-Futaba cable into an available port on a Futaba receiver
3. Open the ALTA App and connect to ALTA
4. Open Configurations > Radio
5. Open each ALTA function and adjust the channel to the
desired channel number, and use the toggle to invert
the orientation of a control
6. Ensure proper channel selection by moving the control
input on the radio controller and verifying the displayed
graph in the ALTA App responds correctly
ONCE CHANNELS ARE MAPPED
7. Remove the battery or USB-Futaba cable from ALTA
8. Replace the Configuration Jumper
| SETUP GUIDE
RADIO
SETUP
ADJUSTMENTS
PITCH
–
ROLL
–
YAW
–
CHANNEL MAPPING
THROTTLE
–
MODE
–
HOME SWITCH
–
VELOCITY
CLAMP
–
CLIMB RATE
CLAMP
–
ARM ENABLE
SWITCH
–
FUTABA
CONTROLLER
WARNING
Always ensure the Configuration Jumper is removed prior to
adjusting radio settings to prevent unintentional motor starts.
WARNING
Ensure proper channel mapping prior to flight. Incorrect mapping
can lead to immediate loss of control.
FAILSAFE AND LOSS OF SIGNAL
FUTABA S.BUS AND SPEKTRUM/JR DSM
When using Futaba receivers with S.Bus or S.Bus2, or using Spektrum
or JR receiver satellites with DSM2 or DSMX, the Synapse Flight
Controller can detect signal strength and a loss of signal event.
Setting failsafes in the receiver is not necessary, as failsafe behavior
is set in the ALTA App. The radio’s failsafe settings will not be used.
PPM RECEIVERS
When using a receiver with a PPM output signal, the Synapse Flight
Controller will not automatically detect loss of signal and will follow
the radio controller failsafe commands typically set during the bind
process. Refer to your radio controller manual for information
on setting up failsafes.
WARNING
Improperly set failsafe settings on PPM radio receivers can cause
unexpected flight behaviors if ALTA loses radio control signal.
After setting radio failsafe settings, ensure they are correct by
viewing the channel mapping parameters in the radio configuration
screen in the ALTA App, or viewing radio charts in the ALTA App.
Ensure that the radio commands behave as expected when the
radio controller is powered off.
| SETUP GUIDE
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FAILSAFE SETTINGS:
1. Throttle: Neutral
2. Pitch/Roll/Yaw: Neutral
3. Flight Mode Switch: Position Mode
4. Home Switch: Return to Home
1
2
3
4
POSITION
HEIGHT
MANUAL
LEFT STICK
RIGHT STICK
R.T.H.
INSTALLING A BATTERY
GROUND VIEW
1. Place battery retention strap studs at the appropriate height for
battery pack(s)
2. Adjust battery stops to fit battery pack(s)
3. Attach the single-hole end of the battery retention straps
to the studs
4. Place battery pack(s) on battery tray below handle
5. Tension and secure battery retention straps.
WARNING
See warning on page 19.
CAUTION
See cautions on page 19.
1
3
2
4
5
| SETUP GUIDE
TOP MOUNT
1. Adjust battery stops to fit battery pack(s)
2. Attach the single-hole end of the battery retention
strap to a stud on the landing gear
3. Place battery packs(s) in landing gear
4. Tension and secure battery retention straps
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
When installing two battery packs, ensure they are at a similar
state of charge (a full pack voltage difference less than 0.5V).
Plugging in two dissimilarly charged packs could cause one pack
to rapidly discharge into the other and damage the batteries or
cause a battery fire.
CAUTION
When using two battery packs, only use packs that are
identical in their capacity and at a similar condition. Using
a pack with another that is larger, or has many more
cycles, can damage the battery packs.
2
1
3–4
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.
GROUND VIEW
1. Prepare your MōVI for bottom-mount flight (see MōVI manual)
a. Attach landing gear
b. Install TITH receiver on MōVI
2. Connect MōVI to bottom Toad
2
| SETUP GUIDE
4
3
SKYVIEW
1. Prepare your MōVI for top-mount flight
a. Remove landing gear (see MōVI manual)
b. Install TITH receiver on MōVI (see MōVI manual)
2. Connect and secure the supplied inverted landing gear to the bottom Toad
3. Remove the four flathead M3×6 bolts that secure the top handle
4. Attach the supplied Toad to the top plate using the four M3×8 bolts provided
5. Connect MōVI to the top Toad
CAUTION
Top mounting is not supported by the MōVI M10.
2
5
MōVI is a registered trademark in the U.S. Pat. & Tm. Office. FREEFLY, the wing logo, and ALTA 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.
Google Play is a trademark of Google, Inc.
770-00041 10-15