Pilot Pro + Herelink
This guide will lead a user through the installation and setup process for their Pilot Pro Airside kit on Alta X.
Last updated
This guide will lead a user through the installation and setup process for their Pilot Pro Airside kit on Alta X.
Last updated
Follow this guide to install Herelink on Alta X and get it setup for flight with a Pilot Pro.
*Not shown in the picture
For any information concerning Pilot Pro, please refer to Pilot Pro Wiki.
You can use the Blank Closeout Door removed in this step to replace one which used to mount the FRX Pro's antenna.
Please note some of the images in the following instructions are shown with the Top Chassis hidden to clearly demonstrate the instructions, however you do not need to remove the top chassis to install any of the components.
Ensure that the cables on both sides of the Herelink Adapter Assembly are not pinched and run out cable relief areas of the cover.
You may want to remove the (2x) M3 x 8 Button Head Cap Screws holding the Herelink Assembly in place to get easier access to its Bind Button.
Follow these instructions to setup your Pilot Pro for use with Alta X. This step only needs to be completed once. Before continuing please make sure your Alta X has been updated to the latest FW.
Follow these instructions to set QGround Control up for the first time after receiving your AltaX + Herelink Upgrade kit. If you have accidentally uninstalled QGround Control you will have to repeat these steps.
Perform this rework on your Alta X Case to ensure the new antenna mounts fit inside the case.
Make sure to orient Alta X's antennas with the antenna slots when inserting it into the case.
Kill Switch Behavior
Any time the kill switch is activated (pulled down), all PWM signals to the motors will halt and the motors will immediately stop. If the unit is in flight it will not land gracefully.
This switch will work regardless of flight mode or other settings.
Once killed the unit must be power cycled to regain functionality. Even though QGround Control can send an 'Arm' command after the unit has been killed the unit will not spin its props.
Safely Powering Alta X + Herelink
The Alta X cannot power the Herelink when only receiving USB Power.
In order to power the Herelink as well as the drone safely hold down the 'ACTION' button on the GPS until light pattern changes (~2s). On the Freefly RTK GPS the STATUS LED will flash white once and then the POWER LED will slowly flash Red.
Pilot Pro Dials, Triggers, and Switches
As of right now only critical flight features are activated when using AltaX and Pilot Pro. These include the Mode Buttons, RTL, Kill Switch, and gimbals. We are working on updates to the FW which will allow users to have access to the Triggers and Switches found on Pilot Pro.
This includes A1, D1-4, L1/2, R1/2, S1/2, and both Rockers.
Second External Telem Port (UART)
While the new IO Panel features an additional Telem Port, Alta X's upgraded in the field will not have this feature available without extra work. More information can be found here.
HDMI Video
HDMI Video will not currently function through the QGround Control App - this is will be fixed in coming updates to the QGround Control App.
Ethernet Drone Connectivity
While you will be able to connect a computer to the ETH port on the Pilot Pro's radio module and access AltaX, you will not be able to have a true ethernet connection with the drone.
Can I fly a Alta X Herelink with a Herelink Controller?
We do not recommend flying Alta X Herelink with anything but Pilot Pro. Both the air and ground sides of the Alta X Herelink and Pilot Pro have been configured to work together and will not work with a normal Herelink. To use a Herelink Controller you would need to buy a off-the-shelf Herelink Air Unit and integrate the systems yourself.
| Item | Qty | |
|---|---|---|
1
1
Herelink Assembly
2
2
Antenna Assembly
3
1
Herelink Adapter Assembly
4
1
Herelink Adapter Cover
5
1
Servo Connector Cover
6
2
Heat Shrink
7
8
Bolt M3 x 8 SHCS Dacromet