Pilot Pro w/ RFD900
Intro
The Alta X (DIU Blue Package) is equipped with the Pilot Pro controller, paired with the RFD 900X telemetry radio. This wiki page provides essential information for the operation of the Alta X UAS with the Pilot Pro hand controller, focusing on setup, security, flight modes, and safety.
Get Familiar
Before operating the Alta X with the Pilot Pro controller, ensure you have a solid understanding of the basics of the Alta X and are familiar with the differences between the various variants. It’s important to know what features your specific unit has and which ones it may lack. This knowledge will help you make the most of your equipment and avoid any confusion during operation.
First Time Setup
The Pilot Pro controller is shipped with a factory-set password. Upon first use, you must change it to one of your own choosing, adhering to the following password requirements:
Minimum 15 characters
A mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Review the different Alta X offerings, particularly the DIU Blue Package, which includes a Pilot Pro controller and a RFD 900X telemetry radio.
Read the Alta X wiki to familiarize yourself with the platform's setup and operation. Pay special attention to the Quick Start Guide and Aircraft Setup sections. Note that most articles use Futaba as the primary controller. This page will focus on the differences in operating with the Pilot Pro controller.
The Pilot Pro will come pre-bound to the Alta X, but will not show a green status by the power button until QGC is opened
Security
Always keep the Alta X UAS and Controller physically secured. Unauthorized access to these items can allow attack vectors such as modifications of aircraft settings, or unauthorized exfiltration of confidential data and flight logs.
Freefly records default passwords as well as radio pair encryption keys as part of the production process. If the user requires increased security it is suggested the user updates these items.
Enabling LTE, WiFi, or Bluetooth will increase the vulnerability of the tablet.
Safety Warnings
Even when Q-Ground-Control (QGC) is not open, the tablet is still sending RC controls. This is by design so that if the app crashes, you can maintain control of your aircraft. Always treat the tablet as being in control of the aircraft.
Getting Started
Proper antenna placement is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these guidelines:
On the drone, ensure the antennas face down as pictured.
On the Pilot Pro controller, position the antennas vertically. Hold the controller with the long antennas pointing up or down, and avoid touching them to the controller's back. For the best performance and range, make sure not to point the tips of the antennas at the aircraft.
Maintain line of sight with the aircraft for optimal range and connectivity. Plan missions accordingly.
Be gentle when repositioning the antennas
Pilot Pro with RFD900 Controls and Buttons
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the locations of controls and mode buttons pictured below:
Only the inputs in the image above are configured by default with the RFD900
Flight Part 1 - Flight Modes
Manual mode is intentionally not set up on the Pilot Pro controller by default, as the sticks are not designed for precision manual flying. We don't recommend flying in manual mode.
Startup flight modes - PENDING:
The drone starts up in PENDING flight mode, meaning it doesn't yet have a enough GPS position lock or home point.
The drone automatically switches from PENDING to POSITION mode when a position lock is available.
If the operator wishes to take off without a valid home point, they can click the mode button to altitude mode and take off anyway. Be aware that return failsafe will not function without a valid home point established before takeoff.
(QGC) QGroundControl allows users to enter any flight mode via the flight mode dropdown, however, it is not recommended unless the user has prior experience with these modes. Use the controller buttons for mode switches and the on-screen slider for mission start when possible to avoid accidental mode changes.
Flight Part 2 - Operation
Follow the flight checklists here
Pilot Pro joysticks:
The Pilot Pro joysticks send SBUS commands directly to the aircraft and function even if QGroundControl is closed or the tablet stops working.
Taking off in pos+alt mode,
To Takeoff, hold the left control stick fully down and right for 1.5 seconds to arm motors.
Once motors are at idle speed and all motors are running smoothly, push up on the left stick to takeoff and climb to the desired altitude.
Landing in pos+alt mode,
Do not give positional commands during landing unless necessary, even minor joystick inputs when touching down can cause tip overs.
Once on the ground, keep throttle low and allow the aircraft to auto disarm in 5 seconds.
RTL
Always check Return To Land settings for the operating area. Select an altitude high enough to clear any obstacles between any flight location and the home point.
A loss of link event will initiate an RTL (Return to Landing). When this occurs, the aircraft will climb to your preset altitude and fly directly to the home point. This should be accounted for when selecting a takeoff location to avoid tall obstacles.
To manually activate an RTL, center press the left directional pad momentarily.
Flight Part 3 - Emergency/Advanced
Emergency shutoff:
In case of emergency, you can issue an emergency disarm from the Pilot Pro or QGC:
Pilot Pro: Flip open the Kill Switch cover and pull the Kill Switch down
QGC: click "armed" on QGC and swipe to shut down. This will work even when the aircraft is airborne
Be aware that emergency disarm in the air will lead to a crash, so this action should only be taken in extreme situations when absolutely necessary to prevent a potentially more dangerous outcome
- Click HERE for a video tutorial of the above control operations
Low battery
Low battery failsafe activation may occur early if the drone has low battery and high power demands.
The failsafe doesn't consider the drone's distance from takeoff when returning, so plan accordingly to prevent battery depletion.
To abort low battery, reselect position mode to override. Use caution!
Low battery thresholds may be adjusted for specific use cases. For instance you can decrease the threshold when flying close or with light payloads.
Pro Tips and Limitations
Mission guidance:
The default mission and RTL speed have been increased to 10m/s in this firmware (5m/s was the default before). Users may need to override the speed in the mission if they previously relied on the 5m/s default.
Charging time:
Charging time for the Pilot Pro is ~1Hr (@100W Charge Input)
Supplemental power can be provided to extend the run time by using an external USB power source, such as a battery bank.
Battery capacity can be increased through the addition of the V-mount battery plate and the addition of a 50Wh or 98Wh external battery
Freefly RTK does not currently work on the Alta X DIU Blue Package with the Pilot Pro controller.
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