# Smart Dovetail Isolator System

The Smart Dovetail Isolator System provides payload mounting while reducing aircraft vibrations transferred to the payload for smooth footage and reduced component fatigue.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Smart Dovetail is not hotswap compatible. Power off the aircraft before attaching or removing a Smart Dovetail payload.
{% endhint %}

## Tension Isolator (Astro Isolator)

<figure><img src="/files/yU7zmrEQLDIdlFv5fyi4" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoJAUCyK5_Y>" %}

The Astro Isolator is optimized for payloads up to 1.5 kg / 3.31 lb that use the Smart Dovetail. It mounts directly to the chassis of Astro with included M3 fasteners and includes a lanyard for added safety.

**Ships default on:** Astro, Astro Max

The isolator comes with 30A durometer dampers pre-installed (as well as a spare set) which work well for most payloads. These can be replaced with 40A/50A dampers if more stiffness is needed for your application.

{% embed url="<https://store.freeflysystems.com/products/astro-isolator>" %}

For installation instructions, see:

{% embed url="<https://docs.freeflysystems.com/astro/ecosystem/components/vibration-isolators>" %}

## Compression Isolator

This new compression design isolator system is optimized for payloads up to 3.0 kg / 6.6 lb that use the Smart Dovetail. It reduces vibrations for smooth footage and reduced component fatigue.

**Ships default on:** Alta X Gen2

**Upgrade option for:** Astro Max

There are three options of dampers to accommodate a range of payload weights and flying conditions:

| Durometer | Payload Weight         | Notes                                                                     |
| --------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 30A       | Under 1.0kg / 2.2lbs   | Standard option for Freefly Payloads (A7R IV, LR1, Wiris Pro, Ventus OGI) |
| 50A       | 1.0-2.0kg / 2.2-4.4lbs |                                                                           |
| 70A       | Up to 3.0kg / 6.6lbs   | For heavier payloads or if more stiffness is needed                       |

Dampers are easy to swap in the field (requires 2mm hex driver) and durometers are laser engraved on the cartridge for easy identification.

{% hint style="info" %}
For Freefly payloads on Astro Max, extended landing gear (Astro Max Landing Gear or Sentera Extended Landing Gear) is required for vertical payload clearance.
{% endhint %}

For installation instructions:

* **Astro Max:** See [Vibration Isolators](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/astro/ecosystem/components/vibration-isolators)
* **Alta X Gen2:** See [Rails and Isolator](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/alta-x-gen2/maintenance/rails-and-isolator)

## Maintenance

Check all dampers are in good condition before each flight, as these can wear out over time. We recommend replacing dampers every 6-12 months.

{% embed url="<https://store.freeflysystems.com/collections/astro/products/astro-vibration-isolator-set>" %}

## Compatible Payloads

The Smart Dovetail Isolator System is compatible with payloads that use the Smart Dovetail standard, including:

* LR1 Payload
* A7R4 Payload
* Wiris Pro Payload
* Ventus OGI Payload
* Flux
* Gremsy VIO and Pixy
* Sentera 6X/65R


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