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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Summary: Initial ALTA X release
Release Date: September 2019
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.2.x
QGroundControl: v1.1.x
Context: Use these instructions to reset your UXV Samsung Tablet if you have forgotten your password and are locked out.
Please Note:
Freefly recommends that you follow these steps only in an emergency, and if you cannot ship the unit back to Freefly for a factory reset.
Performing this process will result in tablet data loss and the tablet also won’t be configured exactly the same way as it ships from Freefly Systems.
These instructions are for UXV Controller only. The instructions will be similar for Pilot Pro with modifications on what apps to install (the Pilot Pro instructions may be posted at a later date)
Reminder- you will lose any data you have saved on the tablet, including any apps you have installed. Freefly recommends fully charging the controller and tablet and keeping it connected to charger the entire process.
Turn off your tablet.
Then press Volume up button, Home button and Power button simultaneously to enter into Stock Recovery mode.
If you are facing difficulty in turning off your device, then press the power button and volume down button simultaneously on your Tab Active3 LTE. Release the volume down button as soon as your device turned off and immediately press Volume up button, Home button and Power button simultaneously.
Release Volume up button, Home button and Power button after you see Logo on screen. Your Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 (SM-T577U) will enter into Stock Recovery mode after a few seconds. Select 'wipe data/factory reset" option. You can use volume button to select this option.
Use power button to confirm "wipe data/factory reset" option.
Select "YES" option using Tab Active3 volume button. Then, press power button to confirm "YES" option.
You have to select "Reboot system now" option using volume button.
Press power button to confirm "Reboot system now"
Wait for ~10 minutes and it should enter the device setup mode.
Follow these instructions to set up the general table settings starting with Step 3 below.
Step 4: Setup Wifi if you have access
Obtain the Freefly APK file from Freefly Systems. You must contact Support@freeflysystems.com to run through troubleshooting steps before obtaining this file
Insert a USB-C thumb drive into your laptop and then put the apk in the thumb drive.
Insert the thumb drive to the tablet (directly).
Go to the My Files app, and open the USB thumb drive.
Tap on the APK file to install.
It will likely ask for you to go to Settings to allow your tablet to install the app. Proceed to give it permissions to Install Unknown apps. Ignore warnings and click Install anyway.
Install other apps
Open the just installed Freefly App Manager.
Tap on the Apps tab at the bottom.
Make sure you are connected to Wifi.
It should show a few apps on the page.
Go ahead and install the apps like QGroundControl, Radio Configurator, NavSuite, etc. You need to tap on them and then hit the INSTALL button that shows up.
You will also have to allow permissions for Freefly App Manager to install apps.
Blue boom LED and loud motor beeping
Parameter structure is corrupted
QGC has a lot of red tabs. Aircraft profile seems to be deleted.
Parameter structure is corrupted
Preflight Fail: High Accelerometer Bias
If you fly around with no issues, and then land and then get this error, then its most likely a bug in PX4 Software.
Reboot/power cycle the aircraft
If you get this error with a fresh boot before taking off and doing accelerometer calibration does not make the issue go away, then its most likely that the temp cal of the aircraft is not present
Abrupt motions in autonomous missions, causing problem in capturing Lidar data
Lack of smooth mission execution in flight controller
What is it? — There is a hardware defect combined with a PX4 bug that applies to all blue and black cube flight controllers where a very specific set of power conditions can occur within the memory chip of the flight controller, causing it to become corrupted. When this happens, the parameters become reset.
How to prevent? — Make sure that the unit never gets a quick power on/off, but whenever you connect the unit to USB power, etc, to always allow sufficient time for it to boot. Then if you power it off, wait 10-30 seconds before re-starting to avoid the issue.
How to fix? Follow Alta X Recovery Instructions to reset back to default firmware and parameter profiles.
Issue: The PX4 version that is used with the Alta X does not have smooth motion planning for autonomous missions. This can lead to sudden jerky movements that make capturing data with Lidars very challenging.
Solution: Actual solution to this requires a major upgrade for the PX4 firmware for Alta X. This has been in our roadmap and we are still working on it.
Workaround:
Survey missions in QGC creates waypoints that have sharp turns. Combined with the lack of smoothing at motion execution of the flight controller, it creates abrupt motions.
Potential workaround for this issue is to manually create waypoint missions with some segments to create curves. See the image below. You can test the following with your setup:
Create a waypoint mission that has straight segments, 90 degree turns, and then another straight segment, like a normal survey, pic attached. Make sure the short segments are at least 20m apart.
Set the MIS_YAW_ERR parameter to 90, and setting NAV_ACC_RAD to 3. You can increase NAV_ACC_RAD to see how it affects the flight behavior.
! As always take extreme caution when adjusting parameter settings. !
ALTA X is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible. It is recommended to check ALTA X’s fasteners regularly. This check should occur roughly after every 15 flights. To check ALTA X’s fasteners, apply a tightening torque to each fastener on the chassis using the supplied hex drivers. The fasteners should not slip.
Check the tightness of the following fasteners to verify no loose fasteners:
Motor mount bolts
Boom clamping bolts
Prop hub bolts
Prop bolts
Top and bottom chassis bolts
Closeout panel bolts
FPV camera mounting plate bolts
Boom stay attachment bolts
GPS/Compass mounting bolts
If a fastener does slip, tighten it using the methods described in the Fastener Installation section. Do not apply additional thread locking compound unless the fastener has repeatedly come loose.
Check the tightness of the fasteners as described above.
Inspect the following items. Replace if worn.
Propeller blades - Chips, cracks, or deep scratches
ActiveBlade bumpers - Broken or crushed
Frame Bumpers - Broken or crushed
Pan Isolator Rings - Tearing or gummed up to the post
Check boom latching tightness by closing the latch. There should be a firm closing force and click. Adjust the tension by using a 2.0mm hex wrench on the set screw located in the rear of the latch link.
For long-term storage, it is recommended you put your batteries on a storage charge every 3 months. The batteries can over discharge over time due to parasitic loss in the BMS. Making sure your batteries are at proper storage voltage every three months will prevent permanent damage due to over-discharging.
The longevity and health of the battery is fully dependent on how you treat and care for it. One important aspect of the care of a lipo is storage voltage. Storing the battery at a charged voltage for more than 2-3 days will start to degrade the battery. The optimal storage voltage for lipos is 3.8v to 3.9v per cell (45.6v to 46.8v total.) After a mission, a Lipo charger can be used to put batteries in “Storage Mode”. This will either discharge or charge your battery to get it to storage voltage. Batteries should be placed in a cool environment with a recommended storage temperature from 10°C to 25°C. For storage make sure your battery is kept in a dry fireproof cabinet.
We recognize that our users put Freefly gear into a wide variety of demanding situations and count on their equipment to perform reliably. Freefly recommends that users send their equipment back on the following intervals for a checkup to ensure optimal long-term performance and reliability.
Freefly will inspect your Alta with specific emphasis on:
Wear / fatigue items
Updated / improved / revised components
Confirm performance thresholds:
Motors
Sensors
The service will include:
Service bulletin and firmware updates.
Full airworthiness inspection
Full cleaning and fastener replacement (as needed)
System level test and re-qualification
Use Of Threadlocker
Bolts and screws used in the daily use of this aircraft do not require threadlocking compound. This includes the screws holding on the battery trays, vibration isolation system and the Skyview landing gear parts.
However, for the structural fasteners described in parts of this section blue Loctite 243 compound or equivalent is required. Apply sparingly to the threads before insertion.
Fastener Installation
The Freefly hex drivers included with ALTA X are designed to limit the torque that can be applied to each bolt or screw and help prevent stripping the fastener head.
Thread all fasteners into their respective holes until snug (when the fastener head bottoms out and lightly clamps the two mating parts together).
To prevent excessive tightening and damaging the fastener or parts, twist the driver from the smaller diameter knurled section of the tool between your thumb and index finger for small fasteners (under size M3) or with your thumb and two forefingers for larger fasteners (size M3 and larger).
Before performing any part replacement, ensure that ATLA X has been unplugged from any power source. Leaving ALTA X powered while performing any work on it can result in a potentially dangerous situation.
Props are supplied as a weight matched and balanced pair. Only fit props in the factory supplied pair.
If replacing more than one boom, replace one at a time to reduce the chances of mixing up connections.
For troubleshooting, you can view details of the bootloading process by connecting to the GPS2 UART on the expansion connector with a USB to UART adapter and a cable using the dronecode/PX4 UART standard pinout. The UART settings are 57600 baud, 8-N-1.
Test radio channels, arming, and disarming behavior after firmware updates to ensure radio mapping has been preserved. Incorrect radio mapping can lead to loss of control.
Context: Use this process when an Alta X flight controller profile gets deleted and the aircraft needs to be reprogrammed with the Alta X OEM profile, firmware, and parameters. A symptom of this usually is Blue boom LED's and loud motor beeping.
Before proceeding with the steps below, ensure you have downloaded the required files:
Download the latest Alta X QGC Version:
Go to the designated source and download the latest version of onto your laptop or desktop.
Prepare the Drone for Parameter Loading:
Without batteries plugged in, connect your Alta X to the computer using a USB-C cable via the expansion port and
Once connected, the drone should appear on your computer's desktop as a hard drive.
Download any existing Tempcal and Parameter Alta X Files from the aircraft:
From your drone's hard drive in the computer, locate the Tempcal file (e.g., 491625-tempcal.params) and the AltaX.Params file
Download both these files to your desktop for easy access during the configuration process.
Update Firmware with Alta X Firmware:
NOTE: Alta X and Alta X Blue get different parameters. Ensure you download the correct firmware for your hardware version
Follow the to update your drone's firmware.
Standard Alta X firmware as applicable
Blue Alta X firmware as applicable
Once the firmware update is complete, reboot the drone before proceeding.
Reset Alta X Parameters using the guide in
Load Tempcal File (e.g., 491625-tempcal.params):
Access the parameter settings on your drone control software once more.
Use the tool button to load the Tempcal file (e.g., 491625-tempcal.params) to your drone.
After loading, reboot the aircraft to apply the Tempcal file settings.
Recalibrate All Sensors:
Now that all files have been uploaded, it's essential to recalibrate all sensors for accuracy.
Follow the provided in your drone's manual or the QGroundControl software.
Always remember to select "No Rotation" for your External Compass Orientation.
Final Reboot:
After recalibrating the sensors, perform a final reboot of the aircraft to ensure all changes take effect.
Your Alta X should now be configured back to normal with the updated parameters and firmware. Always double-check the settings and ensure the calibration process is done correctly for safe and optimal flight performance.
See
See
See
See
We recommend that your once a year or every 1000 flight hours.
Spare or replacement parts are available for sale separately at . Please refer to the store for a current listing of all available spare parts.
Autopilot and system component firmware is updated via the USB expansion port on ALTA X located in the chassis closeout between booms 1 and 2. To update firmware download the latest and follow the instructions below.
1.
Set aircraft on a stable level work surface.During disassembly, take care to note the location of fasteners and orientation of parts, as this will greatly help with reassembly.
2.
Remove the following fasteners (reference drawing below):
(x4) M4x16 Combo - which secure the boom stays to the boom
(x4) M3x10 Combo - which secure the closeout panels
(x4) M3x10 Combo - which secure the battery connector mount
(x2) M3x10 Combo - which secure the center ring
(x4) M4x14 Combo - which secure the center ring
(x4) M3x10 SHCS - which secure the battery tray and latch mount
Remaining M4 bolts that secure the top chassis to each hinge. See detail in drawing below. Note: There are 3 different length M4 bolts in this area.
3.
The top chassis can now be removed from the machine, and the inner cover lifted off to access the enclosure area.
4.
To reassemble, refit the enclosure making sure it is well seated and there are no trapped wires.
5.
Attach the power connector with (x2) M3x10 bolts before reseating the top chassis, making sure the orientation is correct.
`
6.
Reassemble the remaining chassis fasteners. Take care to align the fasteners correctly. It is recommended to get all fasteners started before torquing. Loctite 243 or equivalent should be used in all these locations.
1.
Remove the top chassis as detailed in the previous section.
2.
Trace the wires from the boom to be replaced. There will be three cables from each boom, a power cable, an LED cable and a motor control cable. Carefully unplug each, taking care to note the locations for when the replacement boom is fitted.
3.
Remove any strain relieving zip ties. Take care to note the correct wire routing.
4.
Loosen the three M4 bolts that clamp the boom, and carefully slide the boom out of the hinge.
5.
Remove the corrugated tube from the old boom, noting its location on the harness. If being reused, remove the ActiveBlade assembly from the old boom.
6.
Prepare the new boom assembly by attaching the corrugated tube.
7.
Feed the wiring harness through the hinge, slide the boom into place and temporarily secure by lightly tightening the hinge bolts.
8.
Connect new boom’s three cables, route the wires and secure with strain relief zip ties where needed. Make sure the corrugated tube is positioned correctly and strain relieved to the chassis securely.
9.
Replace the enclosure cover and reinstall the top chassis per the previous section.
10.
The booms on ALTA X are clocked to improve yaw authority. Replacement booms are supplied with alignment cards to allow accurate clocking of the motors. Their use is covered in this video. Before aligning the motors, completely remove the M4 boom clamp fasteners, and apply Loctitie 243 or equivalent. Once aligned, torque fasteners.
11.
Reattach the ActiveBlade assembly as described in previous section.
1.
Push down on one side of the ActiveBlade assembly to open the gap and provide better access. Pull the bumper out from that side.
2.
Repeat this for the second bumper.
3.
To replace, insert the tail of the new bumper into the hole and pull into place, until the shoulder is fully seated. A circular motion may help with seating.
4.
To replace the second bumper, push down on the ActiveBlade assembly and again pull the tail of the bumper to seat.
5.
Rock the the ActiveBlade assembly back and forth to make sure the bumpers are aligned.
1.
First, remove the ActiveBlade bumpers as detailed in the previous section.
2.
Remove (2x) M5x30 bolts and (4x) M3x10 bolts and remove the top plate. Caution. Take note of plate orientation for reassembly.
3.
Replace props and nylon washers if required.
4.
Refit top plate and attach with (2x) M5x30 bolts and (4x) M3x10 bolts. Loctite 243 or equivalent must be used to secure these fasteners.
5.
Reinsert the ActiveBlade bumpers as detailed in the previous section.
1.
Remove (x4) M3x10 bolts by accessing through the top of the assembly as shown.
2.
Fit new assembly and secure with (x4) M3x10 bolts. Loctite 243 or equivalent must be used to secure these fasteners.
1.
Remove the Vibration Isolator assembly from the aircraft by removing the (4x) M4 x 14 Combo bolt.
2.
Using a 12mm wrench and an M2.5 driver to remove the Pan Isolation post.
3.
Replace the Pan Isolator Rings by pushing the old rings out of the mounts and inserting the new ring. Make sure it is fully captured by the mount.
4.
Insert the post back through the Pan Isolator Ring and secure it using Loctite 222.
5.
Repeat this process with all Pan Isolator Rings that need to be replaced.
6.
Once you are done replacing Pan Isolator Rings, mount the Vibration Isolation assembly back to the aircraft using Loctite 243.
1.
Remove the vibration isolator assembly from the aircraft by removing the (4x) M4 x 14 Combo bolt.
2.
Remove the bumpers by pulling on their heads until they release from the Vibration Isolation assembly.
3.
To replace, insert the tail of the new bumper into the hole and pull it into place until the shoulder is fully seated. A circular motion may help with seating.
4.
Repeat this process with all Frame Bumpers that need to be replaced.
5.
Once you are done replacing Frame Bumpers, mount the Vibration Isolation assembly back to the aircraft using Loctite 243.
1.
Download the latest ALTA X FW from the ALTA X Firmware page on the support website.
2.
Plug in a USB cable to your computer. Leave the other end unplugged from ALTA X for now.
3.
Remove the chassis closeout between Booms 1 and 2 to reveal the expansion board.
4.
Hold down the USB MSC Button on the expansion board while plugging in the USB C to the expansion board on your ALTA. Your ALTA will show up in your file browser as a USB disk named FF-ALTA.
5.
You should see a folder named 'freefly'.
6.
Replace the ‘freefly’ folder in the root of the drive with the new one downloaded from the freeflysystems.com website.
7.
Unplug ALTA X from the USB.
Hold the Boot button on the expansion board and plug in battery power, continuing to hold the Boot button down
until the motor boom lights start blinking blue.
8.
ALTA X should display blue solid or flashing lights on its motors to show it is updating its FW. Once complete the system will boot normally and display red and green directional lights on the motors.
9
Update ALTA X to use the latest parameter defaults.
Note: if your Alta X is configured with a nonstandard switch layout, this step could disrupt your workflow. Please check with your supplier or integrator if you are unsure
