Software Release Notes
Always check to make sure you're running the newest firmware on your Alta X. Firmware can include bug fixes both big and small as well as new features. Click Here to sign up for notifications about Service Bulletins.
Firmware can be downloaded from the support website
Update instructions are here
v1.4.0
Known Bug: High System Memory Utilization
If multiple MAVLink streams are enabled (such as FRX and WIFI connectivity) simultaneously, there may not be enough free system memory for flight logs to record successfully. See Service Bulletin SB006 for more details.
Summary: Remote ID integration
Release Date: March 2024
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.4.12
QGroundControl: v1.3.12 for Pilot Pro Android
Notes
New: Remote ID integration
Bugfix: QGC Terrain altitude in missions is fixed. Service provider was EOL. Now it uses another service provider.
v1.3.7
Known Bug: High System Memory Utilization
If multiple MAVLink streams are enabled (such as FRX and WIFI connectivity) simultaneously, there may not be enough free system memory for flight logs to record successfully. See Service Bulletin SB006 for more details.
Summary: Pilot Pro integration
Release Date: February 2024
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.31
QGroundControl: v1.3.10 for Pilot Pro Android
Notes
New: Added momentary button multi-channel flight mode changing feature for Pilot Pro support
New: Added "Pending" flight mode, which is present until position mode is available on boot
New: Added a command to load default parameters from firmware, rather than using a parameter file.
Important note: First you need to first select your controller model. Go to Parameters, then search for SYS_AUTOSTART. Set this to 4510 for Futaba, or 4511 for Pilot Pro. Then clicking on "Tools > Load parameter defaults" will apply the correct defaults.
Defaulting parameters have F9P rotation by default. HERE2 needs modification by user.
Defaulting parameters require a compass calibration after.
v1.3.111
Summary: UXV support for Alta X Blue
Release Date: March 2023
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.111
QGroundControl: v1.3.9 for UXV Android
Notes
New: Added momentary button multi-channel flight mode changing feature for UXV support
New: Added "Pending" flight mode, which is present until position mode is available on boot
New: Added a command to load default parameters from firmware, rather than using a parameter file. In the UXV QGC, go to parameters screen, then click on Tools > Load parameter defaults
v1.3.6
Known Bug: High System Memory Utilization
If multiple MAVLink streams are enabled (such as FRX and WIFI connectivity) simultaneously, there may not be enough free system memory for flight logs to record successfully. See Service Bulletin SB006 for more details.
Summary: X9 motor support and logging bugfix
Release Date: June 2022
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.22
QGroundControl: v1.3.8 (unchanged since previous release)
Notes
Hotfix: Fixed an issue that prevented logging from behaving as expected. This issue caused logging to cease functioning, particularly during longer flights.
After applying this update, logging the issue that prevented logging at times will no longer exist.
Features: Adds support for drones shipping with X9 motors.
Installation
Instructions can be found on our Support page under "Updating Firmware" section.
This is the minimum supported version for Alta X with X9 motors.
v1.3.2
Summary: Hotfix for Improper Mission Throttle Command
Release Date: January 2022
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.19
QGroundControl: v1.3.8 (unchanged since previous release)
Notes
Hotfix: Fixed invalid throttle setpoint error when transitioning from a piloted flight mode to mission mode. See more details in this service bulletin.
After applying this update, missions can be safely launched while in flight.
Some microSD cards that read/write below minimum specifications may occasionally fail to begin a mission, with the error [mc_pos_control] Auto activation failed with error: Activation Failed. If this occurs, restart the mission. If the issue persists, contact Freefly Support for assistance.
Installation
Instructions can be found on our Support page under "Updating Firmware" section.
v1.3.1
Summary: Added support for motor telemetry board to catch motor no start
Release Date: March 2021
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.17
QGroundControl: v1.3.8 (unchanged since previous release)
Notes
Hotfix: Added support for motor telemetry board to catch motor no start. This will prevent arming with specific motor faults that were causing tip over. See more details in this service bulletin.
If an ESC fault is triggered, arming is denied, QGC will pop up a message, LEDs fast flash red lights.
If a telemetry timeout is detected, arming is denied, QGC will pop up a message.
New Feature: Added current consumption to battery data.
In QGC, use the Analyze window (Mac/Windows top toolbar > Widgets > Analyze) to look at BATTERY_STATUS.current_battery (unit: centi-amps), and BATTERY_STATUS.current_consumed
Improvement: Alta X is smoother as it transitions through waypoints. New default configurations file reduces NAV_ACC_RAD from 10m to 2m.
Bugfix: Logging rates were not set properly. Updated telem rates, 20hz for most to match ESC telemetry rate.
v1.3
Summary: F9P RTK GPS Support and Safety Improvements
Release Date: March 2020
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.x
QGroundControl: v1.3.x
Notes:
New Feature: F9P RTK GPS Support
New Feature: Optional RC disarm toggle to prevent manual disarm in flight
New Feature: Onboard checking of critical parameters
Bugfix: LEDs on ALTA X place a significant load on the 5V EXT bus
Improvement: Check for RTL switch enable before takeoff, warn if no homepoint
Improvement: Don't require reboot when wifi parameters are modified
Improvement: Lockout feature to guide people to only use the ALTA with the Freefly version of the QGroundControl
v1.2
Summary: Initial ALTA X release
Release Date: September 2019
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.2.x
QGroundControl: v1.1.x
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