BJanuary 2017Added discussion of features available in SYNAPSE version 4.0.4. Added
Kinematic Position Mode. Added Orbit Mode. Updated Alarm Light
scenarios. Added procedure to disable ceiling and range limits. Updated
Autoland descent rate. Updated default settings, switch functions, and
data logging fields. General updates and typographical fixes.
ALTA 8 AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER: 77000048
CONTENTS
2Revision History
3Table of Contents
6 ALTA 8 OVERVIEW
7Disclaimer and Warning
9Limitation of Liability
10 Introduction
11Symbols, Abbreviations, and Terminology
14 Dimensions
16Included Items
17 Specifications
21 Limitations
23System Diagrams
27ALTA Mobile App
28Additional Required Components (not included)
29 SETTING UP ALTA 8
30Unfolding/Folding ALTA 8
33Radio Installation
38Radio Channel Mapping
44Configuring for MōVI
46Isolator Cartridges
47Battery Installation
52Compass Calibration
55 Propellers
57First Person View (FPV)
64Tuning ALTA 8
68ALTA 8 Flight Parameters
72 Resetting ALTA 8 WiFi Password
73 OPERATING ALTA 8
74Flight Controller Modes
79Home Switch
3| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
80Orbit Switch
81Disarm Safety Switch
82 Status Light
84 Orientation Lights
85 Alarms
86 ALTA App Monitor
87 Data Logging
88 NORMAL PROCEDURES
89Unpacking and Setup
90Before Starting
92Before Takeoff
94After Every Flight
96After Last Flight
97 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
98Emergency Guidance
99Alarm Indication (Flashing or Solid Red Light)
100Pilot Loss of ALTA 8 Orientation
101Unexpected Flight Controller Behavior
102Battery Exhaustion
103Radio Loss of Signal (LOS)
104Loss of FPV Signal
108 MAINTAINING ALTA 8
109General Information and Techniques
110Maintenance Items
114Firmware Update Process
115Motor Alignment
118Guidelines Following an Accident
4| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
119 TROUBLESHOOTING
124 APPENDIX
125Appendix A. Default Tuning Values
126Appendix B. Data Logging Fields
5| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
ALTA 8 OVERVIEW
6| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review
the ALTA 8 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) prior to flight. If you have any questions,
please contact support@freeflysystems.com prior to using the ALTA 8. You can review
the most current version of this AFM at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
By using ALTA 8, 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 8, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use. You
agree to only use ALTA 8 for proper purposes that are in accordance with local and
airspace rules and regulations.
» ALTA 8 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 aircraft, ALTA 8 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 8 Aircraft Flight Manual and a flight simulator
are no substitute for training with an experienced pilot, particularly
when it comes to learning how to safely operate ALTA 8. Novice pilots
should never fly without the supervision of an experienced pilot.
» Always check ALTA 8 and its components prior to operation.
» Always maintain a safe distance from ALTA 8 when in use.
» Never attempt to touch ALTA 8 when the propellers are moving.
» Never fly ALTA 8 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
ALTA 8 when in use and when changing configurations.
» Only use propellers supplied by Freefly Systems
that are designed for use on ALTA 8.
» Always remove the propellers or power ALTA 8 using a low power
source when making a change to the configuration of ALTA 8 to
prevent propeller strikes in the event of unintentional motor starts.
» Always remove the configuration jumper when making
changes to the configuration of ALTA 8.
» Always test ALTA 8 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 8 will be uncontrollable and dangerous.
7| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
» It is your responsibility to perform a full system
check of ALTA 8 prior to every flight.
» It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate ALTA 8
and to adhere to all applicable rules and regulations.
» Fly at your own risk.
» ALTA 8 is a tuned system with custom components selected for each
application. Modification to, removal, or substitution of ALTA 8 components
will void the warranty and can lead to unsafe operating conditions.
8| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
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 8 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 understand and operate the aircraft within the
operating limitations described in this manual.
» Failure of the operator to follow onboard safety
warnings while using ALTA 8.
» Failure of the operator to follow and comply with local rules and
regulations.
» Failure of the operator to inspect ALTA 8 and
its components prior to operation.
» Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service ALTA 8 through
an authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine ALTA 8 parts.
» Use of third-party products on ALTA 8.
» Use of ALTA 8 in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
» Use of ALTA 8 without sufficient training.
» Use of ALTA 8 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 8.
» Infringement of third party data, audio, or video
rights recorded when using ALTA 8.
9| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
ALTA 8 is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding
cinematic, television, and photographic applications. Within five
minutes, ALTA 8 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 Aircraft Flight 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 8 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 8. 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.
10| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
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
ISAInternational 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
MSLMean Sea Level is the average height above
the surface of the sea for all stages of tide
AGLAbove Ground Level is the height of
the aircraft above the ground
OATOutside Air Temperature is the free air static
temperature surrounding the aircraft
11| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
Pressure AltitudeAltitude measured from standard sea level
pressure (1013.2 mbar, 29.92 in. Hg) 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 StickThe 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 StickThe 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 StickThe 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 StickThe 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
12| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW)
Standard Empty WeightWeight of a standard aircraft
Basic Empty WeightStandard empty weight plus optional equipment
Useful LoadDifference between take off weight
PayloadUseful load less battery weight
Maximum allowable weight at liftoff
and basic empty weight
GENERAL TERMINOLOGY
LOSLoss of Signal
RTHReturn-to-Home
sUASSmall 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
13| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
DIMENSIONS
457
(18.0)
220
(8.6)
1325
(52.1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1325
(52.1)
1720
(67.7)
457
(18.0)
(52.1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1325
(52.1)
1720
(67.7)
1720
(67.7)
1325
(52.1)
8
7
1
6
5
4
2
3
UNFOLDED PLAN VIEW WITH BOOM NUMBERING SCHEME MM INCH
457
(18.0)
360
220
(8.6)
(14.1)
UNFOLDED SIDE VIEW WITH LANDING GEAR MM INCH
1325
UNFOLDED FRONT VIEW WITHOUT LANDING GEAR MM INCH
220
(8.6)
14| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
660
(25.9)
615
660
(25.9)
615
(24.2)
250
(9.8)
FOLDED SIDE VIEW MM INCH
660
(25.9)
(24.2)
250
(9.8)
FOLDED PLAN VIEW MM INCH
260
(10.2)
FOLDED FRONT VIEW MM INCH
15| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
INCLUDED ITEMS
1. Case
2. ALTA 8
3. Case Lid Foam
4. Isolator Cartridges
a. (6) Teal (Installed)
b. (6) Black
c. (6) Red
5. Documentation
6. Electronic Luggage Scale
7. USB -Futaba Power Cable
8. Inverted Landing Gear
9. A nte nna Tu b es
10. FPV Cables
a. Skyzone/BOSC AM
b. BOSCAM, small connector
c. ImmersionRC /Fat Shark
d. Ready Made RC
11. (2) M3 × 6 Flat Head for Accessory Mount
12. Quick Release Battery Tray
13. 5.5mm Wrench
14. Hex Drivers (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)
15. Accessory Mount
16. Double-Sided Tape
16| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
Unfolded Diameter
(does not include Props)
Folded Diameter
(does not include Props)
Height to base of Toad In The Hole (TITH)263 mm
POWERPLANT
Number of Motors8
Motor TypeDirect Drive 3-Phase PMAC Outrunner
Motor Make and ModelFreefly F45
Motor Max Continuous Power Output350 W
Motor Max Instantaneous
Peak Power Output
Maximum RPM (flat rated)6300 RPM
Equivalent Kv384
Electronic Speed ControllerFreefly Silent-Drive Sine Wave ESC
1325 mm
660 mm
950 W
PROPELLERS
Make and ModelFreefly ALTA Propeller
MaterialCarbon fiber with balsa core
Propeller Orientation(4) CW and (4) CCW Props
Propeller Type18 × 6 Folding
BATTERY
Nominal Battery Voltage6S / 22.2V
Maximum Battery Size (GroundView)240 × 175 × 80 mm
Maximum Battery Size (SkyView)220 x 156 x 64 mm
Maximum Battery Quantity2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Always refer to the following aircraft limitations section for
complete information on allowable maximum gross weights
at different altitudes and temperatures before any flight.
1
2
18.1 kg (40.0 lbs)
12.0 kg (26.4 lbs)
9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
SPECIFIC LOADINGS
Typical Specific Power
Thrust Ratio at MTOW
1
At sea level, ISA. Refer to the Weight Limitations section for complete loading
information.
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
18| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
FLIGHT CONTROLLER
Model NameFreefly SYNAPSE flight controller
Flight ModesManual, Height Mode, Position Mode
(Classic, Kinematic), Return-to-Home
(RTH), Autoland, Orbit Mode
Supported Inputs:DSMX, DSM2, S.Bus,
S.Bus2, PPM, FPV SD
Supported RadiosFutaba S.Bus & S.Bus2, DSMX,
DSM2 (Spektrum/JR), PPM,
PPM Invert, PPM Graupner
Supported Radio Controller
Telemetry Systems
Minimum Radio Controller
Channels Required
Supported GNSSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Supported SBASQZSS, WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS
First-Person View System
Video Formats
Supported First-Person
View Transmitters
Supported First-Person View CamerasReady Made RC
Futaba w/ built-in voltage sense port
NTSC, PAL
Skyzone, BOSCAM,
ImmersionRC, Fat Shark
5
(RMRC-700XVN Recommended)
First-Person View OSD TelemetryUser Configurable
Installed TransceiversWi-Fi 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Data Logging Rate25 Hz
LIGHTING AND INDICATION
Status Light1 Watt Red, 1 Watt White LED
Orientation Lights3-Watt RGB LED
Orientation Light Color OptionsRed, Yellow, Blue, Purple,
Green, White, Off
ISOLATION SYSTEM
Vibration Isolation SystemO-Rings
Option 1: Soft / Light PayloadsRed O-Rings
Option 2: Medium / Medium PayloadsTeal O-Rings
Option 3: Stiff / Heavy PayloadsBlack O-Rings
19| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
PAYLOAD MOUNTING
Mounting LocationsBottom and Top Mount
Mounting SystemFreefly Toad In The Hole
(TITH) Quick Release
FPV Camera MountBetween Booms 8 & 1
FPV Transmitter MountBoom 2
20| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
LIMITATIONS
NOTE
These limitations are advisory in nature and do not extend or
restrict limitations provided by Governing Aviation Authorities.
POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS
Maximum RPM6300 RPM
Maximum Battery Voltage25.2 Volts
Minimum Average Battery Voltage19.2 Volts
ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS
Do not fly ALTA 8 in temperatures exceeding 45ºC (113ºF) or below -20ºC(-4ºF).
As altitude and temperature increase, the density of the air decreases. Consequently, ALTA 8’s thrust will decrease. The
following table describes maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature.
Maximum Payload9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
Maximum Takeoff WeightSee following table
22| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
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
23| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
FLIGHT CONTROL
ESC
ESC
8
A.
B.
SYNAPSE
Flight
Controller
1
P WM
C AN
A. Spektrum Receiver
DSMX, DSM 2
B. Futaba Receiver or Generic Receiver
S.BUS, S.BUS 2 or PPM
ESC
2
ESC
ESC
Status
Light
8 Position Lights
ESC
5
4
3
24| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
POWER SYSTEM
Motor
Lights 7
Motor
Lights 6
RECIEVER
FUSE
Motor
Lights 8
Motor
Lights 1
SYNAPSE
FP V C A MFP V T x
Controller
12v
REGULATORS
Flight
5v 5v
Fu tab a T el.
FUSE
RECIEVER
Motor
Lights 2
Motor
Lights 3
Motor
Lights 5
Flight
Battery
EC5 Connector
Flight
Battery
Motor
Lights 4
Note: Do not modify, augment, or
add components to the electrical
power system of the ALTA.
Unauthorized modifications may
result in unsafe operation.
25| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
FPV EQUIPMENT
8
FPV Camera Cable
FPV Camera Lead
Pre-installed
FPV Camera
(optional)
1
FPV Tx
(optional)
2
SYNAPSE
Flight
Controller
5
FPV Tx Lead
Pre-installed
4
FPV Tx Cable
Boscam/Skyzone or Fat Shark/ImmersionRC
3
26| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
ALTA MOBILE APP
The ALTA App is used to configure ALTA 8 parameters, update ALTA 8 firmware,
and to monitor ALTA 8’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 8 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.
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.
NOTE
When making configuration changes with the ALTA App, wait
three seconds for the app to automatically save changes to
ALTA 8 before shutting off the app or the mobile device.
27| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COMPONENTS (NOT INCLUDED)
RADIO CONTROLLER
ALTA 8 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 10 channels is highly recommended to
make use of Velocity and Climb Rate Clamps, Return-to-Home (RTH), Disarm Safety,
and Orbit Mode functions. It is recommended to use a radio controller with a three
way switch for the Mode, Home, and Orbit functions, a two or three way switch for
the disarm safety function, and a knob or slider input for both the Velocity and Climb
Rate Clamp functions.
FLIGHT BATTERY
ALTA 8 can accommodate a variety of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) flight battery packs.
Battery packs must be 6S, having a nominal voltage of 22.2 V. Only run ALTA 8 using
two packs at a time. Each pack must have a continuous discharge rating of 250
amps or greater, and a peak discharge rating of 500 amps or greater. For additional
information on expected flight durations, refer to the Performance Section of this
manual.
28| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
SETTING UP ALTA 8
29| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
UNFOLDING ALTA 8
ALTA 8 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 8
1. Remove ALTA 8 from case
2. Fold down all eight boom retention clips
3. Open ALTA 8 booms. ALTA 8 can become unbalanced and tip
over while unfolding booms individually, so unfold opposite
boom pairs simultaneously to keep balance.
30| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
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