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Intro to ALTA 8 Pro
Overview of ALTA 8 Pro
ALTA Pro is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding cinematic, professional, and industrial, applications. In under five minutes, ALTA Pro can unfold from its carrying case to flying some of the most capable cinema cameras and industrial payloads on either the top or bottom of the aircraft. ALTA Pro runs the PX4 stack and has been customized for both cinema and commercial use, yielding precise yet smooth control.
This Aircraft Flight Manual describes the complete operation of airframe and flight control systems, and the normal maintenance of those items. Do not operate ALTA Pro without reading and understanding this manual.
This manual is not a substitute for adequate flight training. Training requirements can vary when operating in different countries or under different flight conditions. Always consult local regulations before flying ALTA Pro. In areas where there are no flight training requirements, it is the sole determination of the pilot-in-command as to whether he or she has the appropriate level of training or experience for a given flight. Always set and adhere to personal minimums and fly within your own capabilities.
Throughout the manual, warnings, cautions and notes are used to highlight various important procedures. These are defined as follows:
Warnings are used to highlight procedures which, if not strictly observed, may result in personal injury.
Cautions are used to highlight procedures which, if not strictly observed, may cause damage to equipment.
Notes are used to highlight specific operating conditions, usability tips and tricks or steps of a procedure.
Downloadable STEP file available - Alta 8
Qgroundcontrol for ALTA 8 Pro
Getting QGroundControl up and running is quick and easy! Use the ALTA Pro QGroundControl program to change ALTA Pro’s parameters, monitor statuses, and set up waypoint missions.
Download and install the application.
Start QGroundControl and ALTA Pro.
Connect your vehicle to the ground station device.
WiFi
To connect to ALTA Pro via WiFi, find the ALTA Pro’s WiFi connection by searching for it in your device’s WiFi menu and then connect to it like you would any other device.
You may have to enable the WiFi feature on ALTA Pro if it is your first time connecting.
900/868MHz
Simply plug in the 900/868MHz radio into your computer using the attached USB cable. If ALTA Pro is turned on the two radio’s will automatically connect!
QGroundControl
The implementation of QGroundControl into the ALTA Pro system results in new features.
By harnessing the full power of the PX4 autopilot controller architecture, ALTA Pro has all the features of a modern drone: waypoints, autonomy, telemetry/C2, autoland, etc.
Advanced, high-bandwidth position hold offers unprecedented precision, repeatability, and stability.
PX4 integration will allow users to create and fly complicated waypoints missions with ease.
The use of Mavlink and Dronecode protocol makes drone software integration possible and creates straightforward path to custom sUAS solutions for both cinema and business.
ALTA Pro has a built in 900/868MHz radio which will allow for a range of up to 2 miles between the aircraft and ground station.
The ALTA Pro QGroundControl App will be actively maintained, and additional functionality may be added over time. For information on individual app updates, refer to the App release notes.
If you are currently operating with an ALTA (Autopilot) version, there is no need to upgrade if you’re happy with the current feature set. The Autopilot-controlled ALTA has an excellent track record for reliability and smooth flight characteristics. Currently, the Alta Autopilot version offers Orbit mode functionality and the Velocity clamp feature. While the ALTA Pro will continue to see features added, it is does not currently support Orbit mode and Velocity clamp functionality.
When flying multiple aircraft at the same time, take extreme caution to ensure that the aircraft connected to the laptop/mobile device is the desired craft. Failing to connect to the correct device may result in an inadvertently arming a aircraft or disarming one that is inflight.
We suggest not selecting ‘Connect Automatically’ when using WiFi to connect to ALTA Pro and clearly labeling each 900/868MHz RX/TX pair.
900/868 MHz Radio
ALTA Pro makes use of a 900/868MHz radio to increase the communication range between the ALTA Pro and laptop ground station. This allows users to monitor, update, and reroute ALTA’s while up in the air or on the move.
Symbol
Name
Function
Configure the QGroundControl application.
Configure and tune your vehicle.
Create autonomous missions.
Monitor you vehicle(s) while flying, including streaming video.
Download logs, geotag images from a survey mission, access the MAVLink console
Vehicle Messages
Click to show a dropdown of messages from the vehicle. This will change to a Yield sign if there are critical messages. Yield sign shown in image above.
GPS Status
Shows you satellite count and current hdop.
RC RSSI
RC signal strength information.
Telemetry RSSI
Telemetry signals strength information.
Battery
Remaining battery percent.
Flight Mode
Current flight mode. Click to change flight mode.
RTK GPS Survey-In Status
Shows you progress of RTK GPS Survey-In process.*
*ALTA Pro does not ship with an RTK GPS
QGroundControl has a custom tab that allows quick access to the most important ALTA Pro parameters. These parameters are accessible through the ‘Tuning’ tab in the Vehicle Setup Menu.
Access to boom LEDs and OSD parameters are also located in the Vehicle Setup Menu, under the Parameters tab and in the ALTA grouping.
For a more indepth review of QGroundControl’s capabilities and workflows, please visit the .
All 900/868MHz radio’s are set to default signal strength when they leave our facility. Users are responsible for making sure they are operating within the bounds of the radio communication regulations in their area. The radio strength settings can be updated with the program. Users will have to use the USB supplied with the radio modules to connect to their computer and update signal strength parameters. This should be done for both radios. Contact support for questions concerning how to update the radio settings.
Definitions for common terminology
Term
Definition
ISA
International Standard Atmosphere in which:
The air is a dry, perfect gas;
The temperature at sea level is 15° Celsius (59° Fahrenheit);
The pressure at sea level is 1013.2 mbar (29.92 inches Hg);
The temperature gradient from sea level to the altitude at which the temperature is -56.5°C (-69.7°F) is -0.00198°C (-0.003564°F) per foot and zero above that altitude
MSL
Mean Sea Level is the average height above the surface of the sea for all stages of tide
AGL
Above Ground Level is the height of the aircraft above the ground
OAT
Outside Air Temperature is the free air static temperature surrounding the aircraft
Pressure Altitude
Altitude measured from standard sea level pressure (1013.2 mbar, 29.92 in. Hg) by a pressure or barometric altimeter
It is the indicated pressure altitude corrected for position and instrument error. In this Manual, altimeter instrument errors are assumed to be zero
Term
Definition
Maximum Continuous Power Output
The maximum typical power output of a motor averaged over the entire flight
Maximum Instantaneous Peak Power Output
The maximum power output of a motor during any phase of flight, such as when maneuvering
Term
Definition
Throttle Stick
The radio controller stick responsible for throttle control. For Mode 2 controllers, this is the vertical movement of the left control stick. For Mode 1 controllers, this is the vertical movement of the right control stick
Yaw Stick
The radio controller stick responsible for yaw (also called pan) control
For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is the lateral movement of the left control stick
Pitch Stick
The radio controller stick responsible for pitch control. For Mode 2 controllers, this is the vertical movement of the right stick
For Mode 1 controllers, this is the vertical movement of the left stick
Roll Stick
The radio controller stick responsible for roll control. For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is the lateral movement of the right control stick
Pitch/Roll Stick or Cyclic Stick
The radio control stick responsible for both pitch and roll control
For Mode 2 controllers, this is the right stick
Term
Definition
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)
Maximum allowable weight at liftoff
Standard Empty Weight
Weight of a standard aircraft
Basic Empty Weight
Standard empty weight plus optional equipment
Useful Load
Difference between take off weight and basic empty weight
Payload
Useful load less battery weight
Term
Definition
LOS
Loss of Signal
RTH
Return-to-Land
sUAS
Small Unmanned Aircraft System includes all components of the system required for the flight of an unmanned aircraft, including the radio controller, data link and other related support equipment
ALTA 8 Pro Limitations
These limitations are advisory in nature and do not extend or restrict limitations provided by governing aviation authorities.
Item
Spec
Maximum RPM
6300 RPM
Maximum Battery Voltage
25.2 Volts
Minimum Average Battery Voltage
19.2 Volts
Do not fly ALTA Pro in temperatures exceeding 45ºC (113ºF) or below -20ºC(-4ºF).
Item
Spec
Maximum Pitch/Roll Angle
45°
Maximum Yaw Rate
150° / second
Item
Spec
Maximum Payload
9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)- ALTA Pro 8
Maximum Takeoff Weight
See following tables
ALTA 8 Pro Specifications
Case
ALTA Pro
Long Range Radio Modem
a. Aerial portion mounted to ALTA
Isolator Cartridges
a. (6) Teal (Installed)
b. (6) Black
c. (6) Red
Inverted Landing Gear
Quick Release Battery Tray
ALTA Product Spares
USB-Futaba Power Cable
FPV Cables
a. Skyzone/BOSCAM
b. BOSCAM, small connector
c. ImmersionRC/Fat Shark
d. Ready Made RC
5.5mm Wrench
Hex Drivers (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)
Electronic Luggage Scale
Documentation
ALTA Pro supports a variety of radio controllers as outlined in the Flight Controller Specifications. A minimum of five (5) channels are required, with four (4) used for flight control, and the remaining one (1) used for mode selection.
A radio controller with between six to ten channels is highly recommended to make use of Return-to-Land (RTH) and ALTA Pro’s other functions. It is recommended to use a radio controller with a three-way switch for Mode selection and a two-way switch for the Return-to-Land function.
ALTA Pro can accommodate a variety of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) flight battery packs. Battery packs must be 6S, having a nominal voltage of 22.2 V. Only run ALTA Pro using two packs at a time. Each pack must have a continuous discharge rating of 250 amps or greater, and a peak discharge rating of 500 amps or greater. For additional information on expected flight durations, refer to the Performance Section of this manual.
The use of flight packs which do not meet the voltage and discharge rating above (22.2V nominal, 250a continuous discharge, and 500a peak discharge) can cause damage to the ALTA and the batteries.
Item
Dimension
Unfolded Diameter
(does not include Props)
1325 mm - ALTA Pro
Folded Diameter
(does not include Props)
660 mm - ALTA Pro
Height to base of Toad In The Hole (TITH)
263 mm - ALTA Pro
Item
Specification
Number of Motors
8 - ALTA Pro 8
Motor Type
Direct Drive 3-Phase PMAC Outrunner
Motor Make and Model
Freefly F45
Motor Max Continuous Power Output
350 W
Motor Max Instantaneous Peak Power Output
950 W
Maximum RPM (flat rated)
6300 RPM
Equivalent Kv
384
Electronic Speed Controller
Freefly Silent-Drive Sine Wave ESC
Item
Spec
Make and Model
Freefly ALTA Propeller
Material
Carbon fiber with balsa core
Propeller Orientation
(4) CW and (4) CCW Props - ALTA Pro 8
Propeller Type
18 × 6 Folding
Item
Spec
Nominal Battery Voltage
6S / 22.2V
Maximum Battery Size (GroundView)
240 × 175 × 80 mm
Maximum Battery Size (SkyView)
220 x 156 x 64 mm
Maximum Battery Quantity
2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Minimum Battery Quantity
2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Battery Connectors
2× EC5 (Parallel)
Required Minimum Battery Discharge Rating (Per Pack)
250A / 500A Peak
Item
Spec
Maximum Gross for Takeoff
18.1 kg (40.0 lbs) - ALTA Pro 8
Maximum Useful Load
12.0 kg (26.4 lbs) - ALTA Pro 8
Maximum Payload
9.1 kg (20.0 lbs) - ALTA Pro 8
Typical Standard Empty Weight
6.2 kg (13.6 lbs) - ALTA Pro 8
Item
Spec
Typical Specific Power
145 W/kg
Thrust Ratio at MTOW1
1.85 : 1
Item
Spec
Autopilot Name
PX4
Flight Modes
Manual, Height Mode, Position Mode , Return-to-Land (RTH), Autoland, Waypoint Mission mode
Supported Inputs:
DSMX, DSM2, S.Bus, S.Bus2
Supported Radios
Futaba S.Bus & S.Bus2, DSMX, DSM2 (Spektrum/JR)
Supported Radio Controller Telemetry Systems
Futaba w/ built-in voltage sense port
Minimum Radio Controller Channels Required
5
Supported GNSS
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Supported Satellite-based Augmentation System
QZSS, WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS
First-Person View System Video Formats
NTSC, PAL
Supported First-Person View Transmitters
Skyzone, BOSCAM, ImmersionRC, Fat Shark
Supported First-Person View Cameras
Ready Made RC
RMRC-700XVN (Recommended), Runcam Eagle 2 Pro, or similar
First-Person View OSD Telemetry
User Configurable
Installed Transceivers
RFD900/868X Long Range Telemetry System
Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Default Data Logging Rate
25Hz
Item
Spec
Status Light
1 Watt Red, 1 Watt White LED
Orientation Lights
3-Watt RGB LED
Orientation Light Color Options
Off, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Cyan, Purple, White
FPV Ability
FPV SD with OSD overlay
GPS Light Color Scheme
Solid Blue - Armed Without GPS Lock
Solid Green - Armed With GPS Lock
Breathing (Any Color) - Waiting/Standby
Blue (Solid or Breathing) - No GPS Lock
Green (Solid or Breathing) - GPS Lock
Fast Blinking Red - Arming Error
Item
Spec
Vibration Isolation System
O-Rings
Option 1: Soft / Light Payloads
Red O-Rings
Option 2: Medium / Medium Payloads
Teal O-Rings
Option 3: Stiff / Heavy Payloads
Black O-Rings
Item
Spec
Mounting Locations
FPV Transmitter Mount
GPS Mount
Telemetry Radio Mount
Mounting System
FPV Camera Mount
Between Booms 1 & 8 - ALTA Pro 8
FPV Transmitter Mount
Boom 2 - ALTA Pro 8
GPS Mount
Boom 7 - ALTA Pro 8
Telemetry Radio Mount
Boom 3 - ALTA Pro 8
Pin
Signal
Voltage (V)
1
VCC
+5V
2
TX (Out)
+3.3V
3
RX (In)
+3.3V
4
CTS (In)
+3.3V
5
RTS (Out)
+3.3V
6
GND
GND
Pin
Signal
Voltage (V)
1
VCC
+5V
2
TX (Out)
+3.3V
3
RX (In)
+3.3V
4
I2C1 SCL
+3.3V
5
I2C1 SDA
+3.3V
6
GND
GND
Pin
Signal
Voltage (V)
1
VCC
+5V
2
CAN_H
+5V
3
CAN_L
+5V
4
GND
GND
Pin
Signal
Voltage (V)
1
VCC
+5V
2
I2C1 SCL
+3.3V (1.5K pull-up)
3
I2C1 SDA
+3.3V (1.5K pull-up)
4
GND
GND
