| SETUP GUIDE

SETUP GUIDE

RE VISION B | 10.7.2015
2 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM
 | SETUP GUIDE 3

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
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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.
 | SETUP GUIDE 5

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 LIABILIT Y), EVEN IF FREEFLY HAS BEEN 

ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILIT Y OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT 

SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILIT Y FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER ASSERTED 

AS A TORT CL AIM, A CONTRACT CL AIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE 

AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR SUCH PRODUCT. NOT WITHSTANDING 

ANY THING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILIT Y FOR 

ALL CL AIMS ARISING OUT OF OR REL ATING TO THIS AGREEMENT 

EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT 

IN THE L AST T WELVE (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-PART Y CL AIMS AGAINST 

BUYER. THESE LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOT WITHSTANDING 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.
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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 7

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.
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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

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SKYVIEW CONFIGRATION

(TOP MOUNT)
 | SETUP GUIDE 9

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

 | SETUP GUIDE 9

GROUNDVIEW CONFIGRATION

(BOTTOM MOUNT)
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 | SETUP GUIDE 11

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
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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 following table describes maximum gross weight limits with respect to altitude and temperature.
 | SETUP GUIDE 13

 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.
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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
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Return To Home

SAFE HEIGHT IS USER DEFINED

ALTA APP > CONFIGURATIONS > SAFETY > SAFE HEIGHT

RADIO LOSS OF SIGNAL
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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
 | SETUP GUIDE 17
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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!
 | SETUP GUIDE 19

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
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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.
 | SETUP GUIDE 21

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.
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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 23

 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
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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 25

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.
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UNFOLDING ALTA

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 5 6
 | SETUP GUIDE 27

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
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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

S.BUS/S.BUS2 DSM2/DSMX

PPM

 NOTE

Refer to the Aircraft Flight Manual for 

Futaba voltage telemetry installation 

instructions.
 | SETUP GUIDE 29

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.

7a 7b 8
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CONFIGURATION JUMPER

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

1 2 3
 | SETUP GUIDE 31

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 PlayTM.

 NOTE

When making configuration changes with the ALTA App, wait 

three seconds before closing the app for changes to be 

saved automatically.
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MAPPING CHANNELS

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 33

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.
34 WWW.FREEFLYSYSTEMS.COM

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 35

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.
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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 2 3 4 5
 | SETUP GUIDE 37

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.

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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

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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.

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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