Packing, Handling, and Setup

Mapping Payload Hardware Overview

Astro Map is a turnkey Freefly drone that includes the Mapping Payload for enterprise mapping workflows.

• Learn more about the Astro aircraft here.

• The Mapping Payload consists of a Freefly gimbal with an integrated Sony Alpha 7R IVA camera. It is developed for use with Astro and other vehicles that use the Freefly Smart Dovetail and the Pixhawk Payload Bus standard.

If you purchased the Mapping Payload by itself make sure to keep the foam it came in. This foam should be transferred to Astro's case so it can continue to protect the mapping payload when it is stored in the case.

If you purchased an Astro Map then your case already has the gimbal foam installed!

Gimbal Packing Foam

The foam we designed is the safest way to pack and ship your mapping payload. However, it can be cumbersome to figure out how to attach it for the first time. Here is a #protip video showing you how we do it.

Installing/Removing the Gimbal from Astro

Smart Dovetail is not hotswap compatible. To avoid damaging Astro or your sensor, please power off the aircraft before attaching or removing a Smart Dovetail payload.

To install the gimbal:

• Power off the aircraft.

• Orient the gimbal under the aircraft so that it is facing forward and the Smart dovetail is facing upwards.

• Slide the gimbal Smart Dovetail into the Isolated Dovetail receiver that is on the underside of the aircraft. Slide until you hear an audible click of the safety latch and the connector is fully seated.

• Close the dovetail locking lever until tight and the gimbal is secure.

To remove the gimbal:

• Power off the aircraft.

• Open the dovetail locking lever so that it is loose.

• Hold the safety latch so that it is disengaged.

• Slide the gimbal dovetail towards the front of the aircraft to fully disengage from the Smart Dovetail Mount and remove the gimbal.