ALTA

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

# TO UNFOLD ALTA 1. Remove ALTA from case 2. Fotd down att six boom retention ctips

~ 

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~ -- -



### 3. Open ALTA booms 1

~ 

### -:- P<: ::': I UsER MANUAL 26

### 4. Snap shut att six boom latches until they "click"'


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### 5. Visually confirm all latches are seated properly

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### _. - ,. - _ b. Remove prop protectors

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### ,';r%. 1 USER MANUAI 27

# TO FOLD ALTA 1. Secure props with prop protectors j

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### 2. Untatch alt six booms

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# .. _. _ .. .. . . . ..........., 3. Close ALTA booms

01 , 11" >'aL;F,3`V I USER MANUAI.. 28

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

_ ....,.

P 1 4 

### ` I USER MANUAL 29

# 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& 61 i

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

`; ~`~ w"T4 ~~ I USER MANUAL 303. Identify required wire

S.BUS/S.BUS2 

## ~ PPM 

# I i 

## DSM2/DSMX

4. Feed wire through grommet
1oo'

6. Plug in receiver/satellite to wire per the radio manufacturer"s installation instructions

'aak I USER MANUAL 31

### 7. Attach receive r/sate t lite to exterior using the provided double sided tape a. Futaba & PPM

,...... ~ 

### , :.. . ~ ~-

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### ....

b. Spektrum/JR

~~

8. For.Futaba receivers, feed antenna wires into antenna tubes and zip tie to noted mounting location

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9. Repeat 1-7 on opposite side for dual receivers (only applies to Futaba and Spektrum/JR)

PH AIXA I USER MANIJAL 32

# RECOMMENDED RECEIVER PLACEMENT FUTABA Mount Futaba receivers 15mm from the wiring grommet for easy S.Bus wire installation and removal fSee Radio Controtler Receiver step 7aJ.
SPEKTRUM/JR SATELLITES Mount satellites so antennae are blocked by the airframe as little as possible. If using two receivers, place them at a 90° angle to each other. (See Radio Controlter Receiver 7b1 

# VOLTAGE TELEMETRY ALTA supports battery voltage telemetry on Futaba radios using a receiver that supports an external voltage sensor, such as the R7008SB. To set up ALTA with vottage telemetry for Futaba radios: a 1. Locate the radio receiver wire bundle behind the closeout panel between booms 1 and 2.

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................. v ... - .. ......--....:.. . !.. ..

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### 2. Identify the voltage sense wire and connector in the bundle. It is the smatl, 2-pin white connector attached to a black and red twisted wire pair. 

## ] NOTE This wire is already connected to an in-line fuse. Sotdering a fuse into this wire is not required.

0 AVE?-, I USER MANUAL 333. Feed the voltage sense wires through the grommet on the closeout panel. ze Q- ~

~ 41



### 4. Connect the white connector to the external vottage sense port on the Futaba receiver. ._ ..: : .. . •_,• •~ 

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<' I USER MANUAL 34

### U~ " ALTA can be used with a variety of radio controllers. Different radio controllers can map functions to different channels, so properly mapping controller channels to ALTA functions is an important step before flying. Radio mapping is performed using the ALTA App. This section describes the steps required to complete radio mapping. If you are uncertain about your channel mapping, obtain assistance from an experienced pilot or from Freefly Customer Support. 

# 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 motor operation will be prevented. To remove or replace tF}e Configuration Jumper: 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

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# C:?.

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# '•

a

USER MANUAL 353. Remove or replace the jumper

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4. Reattach the closeout panel 

# MAPPING RADIO CHANNELS USING ALTA APP Channet mapping is accomplished with the ALTA App. Prior to mapping channels, ensure your radio controller and receivers are properly installed. Refer to the Radio Instaltation section of this manual and your Radio Controlter's documentation. 1. Remove the Configuration Jumper



### A\ WARNING Atways ensure the Configuration Jumper is removed prior to adjusting radio settings to prevent unintentional motor starts.
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 channet selection by moving the control input on the radio controller and verifying the displayed graph in the ALTA App responds correctly A! WARNING Ensure proper channel mapping prior to flight. Incorrect mapping can lead to immediate toss of control.

: AL:T< ~ I USER MANUAL 36

### ONCE CHANNELS ARE MAPPED 7. Remove the battery or USB-Futaba cable from ALTA 8. Reptace the Configuration Jumper 

# FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS The following functions can be mapped to radio controlter channels. These are found in the Radio section of the Configurations menu in the ALTA App. Each function is also represented by a chart that responds to control input allowing for quick verification of mapping settings. 

## CONTROLLER Use this to select the appropriate receiver. The foltowing guide is compiled for convenience. For comptete specifications and which mode wilt work with your receiver, refer to your radio controlter or receiver manuals. ~ » DSM2/DSMX are typicatly used by Spektrum and some JR controllers. » SBUS is typicatly used by Futaba controllers. » PPM is a generic standard used by many controllers and receivers. » PPM Invert is the same as PPM except channet inputs are reversed. » PPM Graupner interprets Graupner radio PPM inputs. PITCH/ROLL/YAW/THROTTLE The Pitch, Roll, Yaw and Throttle controls are the basic flight controls and are mapped to the two radio controtler sticks. 

## MODE The required Mode Switch selects between the three different flight modes: Manual, Height and Position. A three-position switch is recommended to select the three different modes. However, a two-position switch may be used, but witt only altow for setecting between Manuat Mode and (depending on radio controller mixes) either Position Mode or Height Mode HOME SWITCH The optional Home Switch selects between the different Return-To-Home (RTH) functions. A three-position switch is required for the Home Switch functions to select between the Home Set, RTH Off, and RTH Enable functions. VELOCITY AND CLIMB RATE CLAMP Velocity and Ctimb Rate Ctamps set the maximum ground speed or vertical speed 'a A&-Ta"t I USER MANUAI. 37

### available in Height Mode and Position Mode. The clamps can be adjusted mid-ftight. An analog dial or slider is recommended for the Velocity and Climb Rate Ctamp Functions. ARM ENABLE Arm Enable is an optional safety feature that inhibits arming while on the ground, or disarming while in the air based on the position of the switch. When not mapped, ALTA may be armed or disarmed at any time following normal arming and disarming procedures. See the Arm Enable Switch section of this manual under Operating ALTA for more information on switch behavior. A minimum two-position switch is required to make use of Arm Enable. A three position switch may be used to temporarily turn off the feature as both arm and disarm are allowed in the switch's center position. 

### ALL FUNCTIONS The meaning of the direction or position of the indicator is described in the following tabte for all mappable parameters. The top and right positions on the radio mapping indicators represent 2000Ns, and the bottom and left positions represent 1000ps, ■ 

### and the middte position represents 15001as.
Top Nose Up Pitch Bottom Nose Down

Left Roll Left Rolt Right Roll Right

Left Nose Left Yaw Right Nose Right

Top High Throttle Throttle Bottom _._ Low Throttle Top

_ 

### Position Mode Middle

_ .. Height

. .......... 

### Bottom

... 

### Manuat

Top Set New Home Position Home Middle _... 

### RTH Off Bottom Initiate RTH Top Fast Velocity Clamp Bottom Slow

... .

11" AtL. -

f/w 

### I USER MANUAL 38

### Climb Rate Top Fast Clamp Bottom Slow

Top Arm Enable / Disarm Disable Arm Enable Switch Middle Arm Enable / Disarm Enable

Bottom Arm Disable / Disarm Enable 

# TYPICAL CHANNEL MAPPINGS The following are channel mapping configurations as set in the ALTA App. These are recommendations only. Depending on exact radio models, these may help as an initial configuration. However, it is up to the pilot setting up ALTA for flight to determine if these settings are appropriate. FUTABA 14SG/8FG Pitch 2 Normal Roll 1 Normal Yaw 4 Normal Throttle 3 :.......... .... .......... 

### Reverse

....... 

### Mode 5 Normal Home Switch 6 Reverse Arm Enable 9 Reverse Velocity Clamp 8 Reverse Climb Rate Clamp 7 Reverse SPEKTRUM DX18 Pitch 3 Reverse Roll 2 Reverse Yaw 4

_ 

### Reverse Throttle 1 Normal Mode 6 _... 

### __ Reverse ._... _ 

### .. Home Switch 7 Reverse Arm Enable 8 Normal Vetocity Clamp 10 Normat Climb Rate Clamp 11 Normal

=.. I USER MANUAL 39 !

# CONFIGURING TOP OR BOTTOM MOUNT
A MoVI can be attached to either the top or bottom of ALTA via the Freefly Toad In The Hole (TITH) quick release. ALTA comes.pre-configured for botto,m mounting a MoVI. 

# BOTTOM MOUNT 1. Prepare your MoVI for bottom-mount flight (see MoVI manuall a. Attach tanding gear b. Instatl TITH receiver on MoVI 2. Connect MoVI to bottom Toad



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# ADDING A TITH TOP MOUNT

O CAUTION Top mounting is not supported by the MoVI M10. 

### 1. Prepare your MoVI for top-mount flight a. Remove landing gear (see MoVI manual) b. Instalt TITH receiver on MoVI (see MoVI manual)

B AL Ys"w I USER MANUAL 40

### 2' ConnectandsocumthesuppUedinvertedlanding geartothebottomToad } |

3. RemnvethehourKat'heod M3"6 bnKstha, semre\heu,p handte

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### | USERMANU4L 41

### Different Isotator Cartridges can be used to fine tune vibration damping performance for different payload weights. Three isolation cartridge stytes are provided with ALTA with the red for tight payloads, teal for medium payloads, and btack for heavy payloads. Flight testing may be required to determine the optimal isolator for a given setup.
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### To install, place the cartridges between the top chassis ptate and the battery plate. Ensure they are engaged in the track features and are paratlel with the chassis and battery plate. Push inwards fully until they ctick, indicating the cartridges are tocked in place. Pull outwards on the cartridge to ensure it is locked in place.



## O CAUTION Atways ensure isotator cartridges are tocked in ptace before ftying ALTA. Isotator cartridges that are not locked can cause the payload to loosen and change ALTA's fundamentat flying characteristics.

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### To remove, pinch the cartridge latch to unlock it from the battery and chassis plate. Simultaneousty pull the battery and chassis plate apart while putting the cartridge outward.

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~ % I USER MANUAL 42

# BATTERY INSTALLATION
Batteries may be installed on either the top or bottom of an ALTA and are always mounted opposite of the payload location: In both locations, battery pack(sl are 

### secured with silicone straps tensioned across the pack(s). The straps are secured using studs located on either sidd of the pack(s) . . 

# 0 WARNING Always secure battery pack(s) with both battery retention straps. 

# (D CAUTION When installing two battery packs, ensure they are at a similar state of charge (a full pack voltage difference less than 0.5V). Ptugging in two dissimilarly charged packs 1 could cause one pack to rapidly discharge into the other and damage the batteries or cause a battery fire. 

# O CAUTION When using two battery packs, only use packs that are identicat in their capacity and at a similar condition. Using a pack with another that is targer, or has many more cycles, can damage the battery packs. 

# O CAUTION Atways refer to and follow the battery manufacturer's instructions, recommendations and guidetines for battery handling. 

# O CAUTION When ptugging in battery pack(s), ensure the potarity is correct. Positive is indicated by a red power tead, and negative/ground is indicated by a btack power lead. Reversing polarity will damage ALTA's electronics.

USER MANUAL 43

# BOTTOM MOUNT 1. Place battery retention strap studs at the appropriate height for battery pack(s)

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### 2. Adjust battery stops to fit battery pack(s) ...'._ :~_= ~- •~~ --~~, ~~

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3. Attach the single-hole end of the battery retention straps to the studs

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USER MANUAI 445. Tension and secure battery retention straps

M" _Ni ~ L"I A I USER MANUAL. 45

### TDpK4OUNT (DCAUT|ON Atways comptetetyuzuemeimeryula,uionnearuyclosin9 uhenTnqvickmwaseuv r. Inverted Landing gear that arenm cumpletehauacxedcanmtateanuunpmououerrLeads.
1 Adjustbat\erygopsm6/baucrypack(s)

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### 2. Attachthesingle'hdeendofthebatteryretenhon straptoastudondeLandinggear

( 3. RacebauerypacksbJinLandinggear 4. Tensionandsecurebaueryngentivnstraps

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### At | USERMANUAL 46

# COMPASS CALIBRATION
For best resutts, it is recommended to perform manual compass calibrations away from ferrous objects, buitdings and vehicles. In addition, concrete can contain steel rebar which may influence compass calibrations.



### 0 WARNING Verify ALTA is disarmed prior to performing a compass calibratior . To ensure ALTA does not arm, set the Arm Enabte Switch lif available) to disabte, and remove the Configuration Jumper. 

### ;] NOTE It is recommended to use two people to perform the compass calibration as it requires handling and rotating ALTA. Perform catibration without a payload attached. 

## 2:1 NOTE Ensure a microSD card is installed in the GPS/compass module prior to performing compass calibration.



### TO PERFORM A COMPASS CALIBRATION: 1. Secure a battery onto ALTA 2. Plug in the battery 3. Open the ALTA app 4. Select Configurations --> More --) Compass 5. Under Calibration, select Start Manuat b. Follow the on-screen instructions

m.< ~ "`ug,,"!A I USER MANUAL 47

# AUTOMATIC COMPASS CALIBRATION Automatic Compass Calibration will use compass readings over time to resolve an accurate compass catibration. Manual calibration is recommended when moving to a new location and an accurate compass calibration is needed immediately for using position mode. In the ALTA App, select Configurations --> More --> Compass. Change the Auto Calibration setting to Rn.

I

~ 3~ USER MANUAL 48

# PROPELLERS

"0

The folding propellers include two carbon fiber propeller blades attached to prop hubs, which are themselves secured to the motors. The propeLLers installed on booms 1, 3 and 5 spin clockwise when viewed from above ALTA, and the propellers installed on booms 2, 4 and 6 spin counterclockwise when viewed from above. For information on propeller instaltation and maintenance, refer to the Maintenance section of this manuaL.

~ - ( USER MANUAL 49

# CHECKING PROP BOLT TIGHTNESS

~ -- 

### Over time, the bolts that hold the propeller blades to the prop hub can loosen due to vibration. To check prop bolt tightness, twist the prop about its length. If there is free play, the prop bolt is too loose. Use the provided 2.5mm hex driver and wrench to tighten the bolt and nut that secure the prop blade just enough to remove the play.



### O CAUTION ' Do not overtighten, or the prop may fail to unfold completely during motor start up, leading to excessive vibration.

~ A L I USER MANUAL 50

# FIRST PERSON VIEW (FPV)
ALTA and SYNAPSE can power a variety of first person view (FPV) cameras and transmitters, as well as add informational on-screen display (OSDJ elements to aid in FPV ftying. Two FPV transmitter cables are included. The cable with.two connectors on one of the ends will run ImmersionRC and Fat Shark systems, and the cable with a single connector on the end will run Boscam and SkyZone systems. A single camera cable is provided, and is configured to run a Ready Made RC camera. Camera and transmitter cables follow this wiring scheme
Red +12 VDC Black Ground Yeliow Video signal



### 0 WARNING It is the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid other aircraft, peopte or obstacles. Always maintain direct line of sight with ALTA during flight, use visual observers as operations require, and follow local regulations regarding see-and-avoid requirements. 

# FPV SYSTEM INSTALLATION CAM ERA 1. Mount FPV camera on the FPV mount on the front underside of ALTA or other preferred location.

~~ 

### I USER MANUAL 51

### 2. Locate the FPV camera cable included in the ALTA package. 3. Remove the front closeout paneL with a 1.5 mm hex driver. .. .. .........._.;.:,, .. _.; ...... ....._... ....___ •: r 

# A N. ` , , • ~^~•-~



### 4. Pass the FPV cable through the grommet, and connect to the mating FPV camera lead inside ALTA. Connect the other end directly to the camera.

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5. Replace front closeout panel.
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I USER MANUAL 52

### TRANSM|TTER 1 k4oumFPYtransmitteronthepmvdedcarbonfiberaccessorynnountpLate.

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### 2' AuachAccessvryNvun\mboom5withM3`8fLatheadbobs.

3. LocatetheappmpriateFPVtransmittercable.Thek`Uowingoabbsaminchuded: a. |mmersionRC/Fat5hark (cabLewi\htwwcnnnectors) b. Boscam/SkyZone|cabhewithnnecnnnector) 4. RemovethesidecLoseootpaneiwith\heFPV transmiuerleadusingthe1.5mmhexdriver ' / ~ 

### | ` ` | `

-M A
~



### LTAL ! USERMANUAL 53

### 5. Pass transmitter cable through the underside of the hinge, and connect to the FPV transmitter lead.
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### 6. Replace side ctoseout panel.

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# _ .

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### 7. Zip tie the FPV transmitter lead to the boom cable bundle for strain relief. 

# FPV ON SCREEN DISPLAY SETUP A number of properties and components can be adjusted or added to the FPV On Screen Display (OSD) using the ALTA App. PROPERTIES
Video Mode PAL / NTSC Indicates to the SYNAPSE the

_ FPVvideo camera format

Metric / Units Changes the displayed units

Imperial Horizontat Offset 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 Centers the OSD components horizontally Vertical Offset 0, 8, 16, 24, 30 Centers the OSD components vertically Adds gaps between OSD components Borders 0, 1, 2.3 and the edges of the display, measured in characterwidths and heights

~ ~~`'~L„~~~~ 

### I USER MANUAL 54

### TEXT COMPONENTS The following components are disptayed as text items, and can be configured to display as big or small letters, or no letters effectively turning off the display. Height Displays the height of ALTA from its starting point in meters or feet Vario Displays the verticat speed of ALTA in meters per second or feet per minute Heading Displays the magnetic heading of ALTA and is measured in degrees __._.. .. .. Distance Displays the distance ALTA is from the home position in meters or feet Ground Speed Displays the ground speed of ALTA in meters per second or knots, Battery Displays the voltage ot the flight battery pack

_ ~ 

### Time Displays the time of the fLight in minutes and seconds GPS Displays the number of GPS satellites in view GPS Accuracy Displays the horizontal accuracy of the GPS signaL in meters or feet 

## Lat/Long Displays the GPS derived latitude and longitude coordinates of ALTA
ARTIFICIAL HORIZON COMPONENTS The artificiat horizon displays pitch and roll information in the center of the FPV display in the form of a horizon line and accompanying elements.

No Turns off all artificial horizon components

_ Artificial Basic Adds a horizon line that moves up and down Horizon as ALTA changes pitch, and rolls as ALTA rolls

Ladder Adds pitch marks at intervals defined

by the Pitch Interval setting _.,..._ _.. _.....___ .

~ x I USER MANUAL. 55Adds small dash marks on the left Basic and right side of the artificial horizon

that indicate changes in roll Roll Marker Horizon Adds marks to include a full horizon line Adds smalL marks on either side Ladder of the artificial horizon ladder that 

# : _._ .............. 

# _ .... 

# _ ..... 

# _ .............. ......_

............ ................ ............................................... ... roll with ALTA.roLl movements 

### ...... ._.:...............__ ....... 

# _ ... ........... 

# _ ................. __....._._.__._..._..__..._.....................:............._......_............ ....... 

# . Allows for scaling of the artificiat Pitch and 10, 20, 30, 40 horizon markings to compensate for Roll Scaling FPV cameras of different field views Sets the number of degrees Pitch and 10, 20, 30, 40 between pitch markings when the Intervals artificial horizon ladder is used OTHER COMPONENTS The following components can be turned on or off. There are no other options associated with these components. Compass Arrow Disptays an arrow that points in the direction of north Home Arrow Displays an arrow that points in the

_. 

### .... .... direction of the home point 

# . Displays a bar on the right of the screen that scales Vario Bar with vertical speed. The bar will increase in length up to indicate a climb, or down to indicate a descent Displays a bar on the teft of the screen that scates with the forward/rearward vetocity component Forward Vetocity The bar will extend up to indicate forward velocity, or down to indicate a rearward velocity Displays a bar on the bottom of the screen that scales with the side-to-side velocity component Sideslip The bar wilt extend left to indicate leftward vetocity, or right to indicate rightward velocity



# _

I USER MANUAL 56