Unpacking and Setup

To set up ALTA Pro for flight, remove it from the case, and remove the prop protectors. Stow the boom retention clips by folding them down. The clips fold in one direction and are spring-loaded to stay in open and closed detented positions.

Unfolding the booms is most easily accomplished by unfolding all opposite pairs partially, then unfold the opposite boom pairs completely. ALTA Pro can become unbalanced while unfolding booms individually, so unfolding opposite pairs reduces the possibility of tipping.

Once unfolded, push on the boom latches until they audibly click, indicating the booms are secure. There should be little to no slop in the hinge. Check that the receivers and the electrical connectors that attach to the receivers are secure.

For information on installing isolator cartridges and setting up payload mounting locations, refer to the Isolator Cartridges and Configuring GroundView or SkyView sections of this manual.

Fold propeller blades and install foam Prop Protectors to decrease the risk of damaging the propellers while packing ALTA Pro. Keeping ALTA Pro on the payload or landing gear easily facilitates the folding process as ALTA Pro may be turned on the Toad In The Hole adapter while folding the propellers and booms. Folding the booms in opposing pairs can help maintain balance and reduce the likelihood of tipping.

Make sure that the handle is aligned front-to-back with the battery leads facing to the right when putting ALTA Pro in the included case. Pay special attention to the external GPS, 900/868MHz Telemetry radio and optional accessories if installed (FPV camera and Tx) when putting the ALTA Pro back into its case.

When not using the Autoland feature, make sure to switch to Manual Mode prior to landing.

Upon landing, disarm the motors by holding minimum throttle and full left yaw. This is typically done on the left radio control stick by moving it to the bottom left corner with mode 2 controllers. Disarming can only be done while in Manual Mode. Once the motors are stopped and disarmed, the Orientations Lights will flash green, and the Status Light will slowly flash white, indicating it is safe to approach ALTA Pro.

The downwash from the propellers can disturb debris. This debris can be ingested by the propellers or motors and cause damage. After the flight, ensure there is no damage to the propeller blades and that the motors still spin freely and quietly. Take extra care when operating in areas with large amounts of debris, such as in sand, dirt, or gravel.

After flight is also a good time to check the condition of battery packs. Always refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection and replacement intervals or requirements.

Check that the payload is secure by checking that the Toad In The Hole quick release lever is pushed in and that the payload does not slip. Check that all isolator cartridges are locked in place, especially if they have been recently replaced.

The blades should be checked for damage, including nicks and scrapes. If a propeller blade has been nicked enough that it catches a fingernail, it should be replaced. Bolt tightness should be checked by rotating the blade about its length (blade pitch up and down). There should be no slop, and if there is, the bolt and nut should be tightened until the slope is removed. There should be no slop between the propeller hub and the motor.

Motors should spin freely, and there should be no grinding or scraping sound from the motor. The inside of the motor should be free of debris.

Always turn on the radio controller before powering ALTA Pro. Follow the battery installation guidance in the Battery Installation section of this manual for battery installation instructions.

While the Autopilot initializes, keep ALTA Pro as stable as possible. Wedging a foam prop protector between the stationary gimbal or landing gear and the frame can be used to stabilize ALTA Pro from spinning during this process.

At the end of this process, the status will begin slow flashing white, indicating ALTA Pro is ready for arming. The Orientation Lights will also begin flashing green. Verify that all motors are flashing green, indicating all ESCs initialized successfully.

Verify that there are no flight warnings by connecting to ALTA Pro via ALTA Pro QGroundControl and checking for warnings or errors. For more information, see the ALTA Pro QGroundControl section of this manual.

Prior to start, check the surrounding area to ensure people and objects are clear of ALTA Pro and its props. Also ensure that there are no people or objects between the ALTA Pro’s takeoff location and its intended flight path.

Ensure that ALTA Pro QGroundControl shows all sensors are calibrated and ready for flight.

To start the motors, hold full low throttle and full right yaw. Ensure that all the motors are spinning. Raise RPMs slightly and move the pitch, roll, and yaw controls slightly. ALTA Pro should pitch, roll, and yaw as commanded due to isolator cartridge flex. Ensure that the ALTA Pro behaves as expected. If it does not, shut down ALTA Pro and ensure the propellers are installed in the correct orientation and radio settings are correct.

After checking flight control directions, advance the throttle directly from idle to hover throttle. Prior to takeoff, do not advance throttle stick above idle until prepared for flight as this can spool up motors undesirably. While throttling up for takeoff, do not loiter in ground effect. Once in flight, use the Mode Switch to select between Manual, Altitude, or Position Mode only after first confirming proper flight performance in Manual Mode.