FREEFLY 950-00030 User manual

USER MANUAL

REVISION B | 08.01.2015

REVISION HISTORY

REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION

A July 2015 Initial Release

B August 2015 Revised section order. Added Allowable Gross Weight table.

ALTA USER MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 77000042

CONTENTS

2 Revision History
3 Contents

5 ALTA OVERVIEW
6 Disclaimer and Warning
7 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
8 Introduction
9 Symbols, 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 Data Logging

73 NORMAL PROCEDURES
74 Unpacking and Setup
75 Before Starting
77 Before Takeoff
79 After Every Flight
80 After Last Flight

81 EMERGENCY ROCEDURES
82 Emergency Guidance
83 Pilot Disorientation
84 Unexpected Flight Controller Behavior
85 Battery Exhaustion
86 Status Light Warning Indicator Illuminates
87 Loss of Radio Control Signal
88 Loss of FPV Signal

89 PERFORMANCE
90 Weight / Endurance Performance Data

91 Allowable Gross WeightAllowable Gross Weight

92 MAINTAINING ALTA
93 General Information and Techniques
94 Maintenance Items
96 Replacement of Parts
97 Firmware Update Process

98 TROUBLESHOOTING

101 APPENDIX
102 Appendix A. Default Tuning Values
103 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, broadcast­ing 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 proce­dures which, if not strictly observed,
may result in personal injury or loss
of life.

CAUTION

Cautions are used to highlight 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.

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

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

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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

Maximum Instantaneous
Peak Power Output

The maximum typical power output of a
motor averaged over the entire flight

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

WEIGHT AND BALANCE

Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW)

Standard Empty Weight Weight of a standard aircraft

Maximum allowable weight at liftoff

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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)

1126

(44.3)

1533

(60.4)

1

2

3

4

5

6

457

(18.0)

1064

(41.9)

(44.3)

1533

(60.4)

1

2

3

4

5

6

1533

(60.4)

1064

(41.9)

6

1

5

2

4

3

457

(18.0)

UNFOLDED PLAN VIEW WITH BOOM NUMBERING SCHEME MM (INCH)

318

(12.5)

180

(7.1)

UNFOLDED SIDE VIEW WITH LANDING GEAR MM INCH

1126

178

(7.0)

UNFOLDED FRONT VIEW WITHOUT LANDING GEAR MM INCH

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550

(21.7)

515

(20.3)

180
(7.1)

205

(8.1)

220

550

(21.7)

(8.7)

FOLDED SIDE VIEW MM INCH

550

(21.7)

FOLDED PLAN VIEW MM INCH

180

(7.1)

FOLDED FRONT VIEW MM INCH

515

(20.3)

205

(8.1)

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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. Anten n a Tub e s

9. FPV Cables

a. Skyzone/BOSC AM

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

Unfolded Diameter
(does not include Props)

Folded Diameter
(does not include Props)

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

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

1126 mm

550 mm

950 W

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 Takeoff

Maximum Useful Load

Maximum Payload

3

Typical Standard Empty Weight: 4.5 kg (10.0 lbs)

1

2

13.6 kg (30.0 lbs)

9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)

6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)

SPECIFIC LOADINGS

Typical Specific Power

Thrust Ratio at MTOW

1

At sea level, ISA.

2

Top and bottom mount. Includes batteries.

3

Payload weight top or bottom mount.
Battery weight not included and mounted
on opposite side from payload.

4

At MTOW, sea level, ISA.

4

1

145 W/kg

1.85 : 1

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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

Minimum Radio Controller
Channels Required

Supported GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Supported SBAS QZSS, WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS

First-Person View System
Video Formats

Supported First-Person
View Transmitters

Supported First-Person View Cameras Ready Made RC

First-Person View OSD Telemetry User Configurable

Installed Transceivers Wi-Fi

Data Logging Rate 25 Hz

Futaba w/ built-in voltage sense port

NTSC, PAL

Skyzone, BOSCAM,

ImmersionRC, Fat Shark

5

LIGHTING AND INDICATION

Status Light 1 Watt Red, 1 Watt White LED

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).

WEIGHT LIMITS

Maximum Takeoff Weight 13.6 kg (30.0 lbs)

Maximum Payload 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)

5

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 OVERVIEW

GPS Satellite

HD Video Link,

Preview Monitor*

*NOT INCLUDED

Radio Controller*

2.4GHz Mō VI Controller*

FPV Rx,

Preview Monitor*

ALTA App

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FLIGHT CONTROL

ESC

A. Spektrum Receiver

DSMX, DSM 2

B. Futaba Receiver or Generic Receiver

S.BUS, S.BUS 2 or PPM

SYNAPSE

Flight

Controller

A.

B.

Status

Light

PWM

ESC

CAN

6 Position Lights

ESC

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POWER SYSTEM

Motor

Lights*

Motor

Lights*

FUSE

RE C EI V ER

FP V T x FP V C AM

SYNAPSE

Flight

Controller

12v 5v

REGULATORS

Motor

Lights*

Fu tba Te l.

RE C EI V ER

Motor

Lights*

FUSE

5v

Motor

Lights*

Flight

Battery

EC5 Connector

Flight

Battery

Motor

Lights*

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FPV EQUIPMENT

FPV Tx

(not included)

FPV Camera

(not included)

FPV Camera Cable

SYNAPSE

Flight

Controller

FPV Camera Lead

Pre-installed

FPV Tx Cable

Boscam/Skyzone or Fat Shark/ImmersionRC

FPV Tx Lead

Pre-installed

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ALTA MOBILE 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™.

Parameters may only be adjusted while ALTA is on the ground and disarmed. In
addition, radio mapping parameters can only be adjusted when the Configuration
Jumper is removed. For more information on radio mapping, see the Radio Mapping
section of this manual.

When making configuration changes with the ALTA App, wait three seconds for the
app to automatically save changes to ALTA before shutting off the app or the mobile
device.

The ALTA App will be actively maintained, and additional functionality may be added
over time. For information on individual app updates, refer to the App release notes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COMPONENTS (NOT INCLUDED)

RADIO CONTROLLER

ALTA supports a variety of radio controllers as outlined in the Flight Controller
Specifications. A minimum of five (5) channels are required, with four (4) used for
flight control, and the remaining one (1) used for mode selection.

However, a radio controller with at least 9 channels is highly recommended to make
use of Velocity and Climb Rate Clamps, Return-To-Home, and Arm Enable functions.
It is recommended to use a radio controller with a three way switch for the Mode,
Home and Arm Enable functions, and a knob or slider input for both the Velocity and
Climb Rate Clamp functions.

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTA can accommodate a variety of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) flight battery packs.
Battery packs must be 6S, having a nominal voltage of 22.2 V. When running two
packs, each pack must have a continuous discharge rating of 200 amps or greater,
and a peak discharge rating of 400 amps or greater. When running a single pack, the
pack must have a continuous discharge rating of 300 amps or greater, and a peak
discharge rating of 600 amps or greater. For additional information on expected
flight durations, refer to the Performance Section of the manual.

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SETTING UP ALTA

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UNFOLDING ALTA

ALTA features swan-neck booms that fold into a compact size for
travel. They are secured in an open position for flight using over­center latches.

TO UNFOLD ALTA

1. Remove ALTA from case

2. Fold down all six boom retention clips

3. Open ALTA booms

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4. Snap shut all six boom latches until they “click”

5. Visually confirm all latches are seated properly

6. Remove prop protectors

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TO FOLD ALTA

1. Secure props with prop protectors

2. Unlatch all six booms

3. Close ALTA booms

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4. Fold up all six boom retention clips to secure booms

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RADIO INSTALLATION

RADIO CONTROLLER RECEIVER

ALTA requires the installation of a radio control system. S.Bus, S.Bus2, DSM2,
DSMX, and PPM (including inverted PPM and Graupner) receiver types are
supported.

Additionally, ALTA supports radio receiver diversity using S.Bus, S.Bus2, DSM2 and
DSMX receivers. This means two receivers may be installed, and the SYNAPSE flight
controller will automatically use the receiver with the best signal quality. Using two
receivers requires the radio controller to be bound to both receivers.

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.

1. Locate the noted closeout panels used for receiver

installation (between booms 1 & 2 and 5 & 6)

2. Remove side closeout panel with radio wires using a 1.5mm hex driver

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