Software Release Notes
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
v2.1.x Beta
This is a major software release. We do not recommend updating your Alta X right before a job, as it contains significant changes that may impact your workflow and/or payload integration. This software also changes the expected behavior of Alta in some situations. We recommend a thorough review of the release notes below before updating your aircraft.
There are many Operational / Behavioral Changes. Here are the ones we think are critical:
Alta X boots in Position mode
FF_INPUT_TYPE must be set for control input
Hold mode before RTL will not respond to stick input
Compassless flight mode
Re-arm after kill switch
Release Notes below cover these changes.
This software brings an updated version of PX4 to Alta X, along with Position mode tuning improvements, smooth turns in Mission mode, multi-staged RTL, Compassless, Position Slow mode, and more.
With this software update, Auterion Mission Control (AMC) replaces AltaGroundControl/QGroundControl for the recommended GCS software.
It is recommended to delete QGC from your ground station after the update
Summary: PX4 version change with major flight updates
Release Date: November 2025
Versions in this package:
FMU: v2.1.26
AMC: v1.37.19
Known issues:
When updating Pilot Pro firmware, ensure the paired Alta X is powered off for Pilot Pro firmware to update successfully.
The time until the RTL indicator bar displayed at the top of the Fly view in AMC is sometimes inaccurate.
RAM usage is extremely high. Alta X 2.1 software brings a lot of small improvements, but approaches the limit of the hardware in the aircraft. As a result, turning on multiple external MAVLink instances is currently not possible.
Due to RAM limitations, only a single extra MAVLink instance is permitted. Either AUX UART -or- TELEM2 is allowed, not both. To enable the use of TELEM2 for full MAVLink usage, you must change a parameter to configure AUX UART to a lightweight RID-only mode.
FF_AUXTYPE set to 1 will enable AUX UART as a lightweight RID-only MAVLink sender, which will allow the use of TELEM2 to be used as an external MAVLink instance.
FF_AUXTYPE set to 0 (default) is fixed at 57600 baud (baud cannot be changed)
As always, TELEM2 still requires WiFi to be disabled in order to function.
uXRCE-DDS bridge is not supported due to RAM and hardware limitations.
Release Notes
Operational Change: Alta QGroundControl is replaced by Auterion Mission Control (AMC)
For Pilot Pro GCS - download AMC from the Freefly Updater
PC/Mac version download here
UXV tablet - download AMC from the Freefly Updater
AltaGroundControl/QGroundControl is no longer recommended with Alta X Software 2.1 and above
New: Added FF_INPUT_TYPE parameter
This parameter simplifies the controller parameter setup.
It MUST be selected manually the first time after installing Alta X firmware v2.1.
It can be set in AMC > Vehicle Menu (top left, to the right of the app icon) > Select Controller
This parameter needs to be set properly for your GCS to connect to Alta X. If you are having issues, reach out to [email protected]
Improvement: Smoother Position mode control
All new smooth acceleration based position mode, while maintaining a responsive feel. It will feel significantly different compared to Alta X v1 firmware.
New: Position Slow mode
Position Slow mode allows precise and real-time adjustable rate control of aircraft translational speed, vertical speed, and yaw rate, using the knobs on Pilot Pro
Pilots can set the velocity and vertical maximum speeds as low as 0.1 m/s. At this setting, a full stick command results in the drone moving at the specified maximum speed and climb rate.
Setting the knobs to full rates in Position Slow mode is equivalent to the same rates as Position Mode
Simply switch back to position mode to quickly return to normal speeds.
Operational Change: Alta X now boots in Position mode
In previous versions of Alta X firmware, the aircraft would boot up in 'Pending' flight mode while waiting for the required GPS satellites and position accuracy metrics. With 2.1 firmware, the aircraft now boots up in Position mode, but the status indicator will be RED until it meets all the requirements to be able to fly in Position mode. For instance it may indicate 'No valid position estimate' until the satellite count and position accuracy metrics are met.
New: Compassless mode
Alta X now uses compassless logic for heading and is less dependent on magnetometers. This advanced feature was originally developed by Freefly in 2015, the algorithm leverages a single GPS to accurately determine aircraft heading
Compassless flight mode is enabled on Alta X software 2.1 by default. The information from the compass is only used on the ground to determine the initial heading, and is not used in flight.
In a situation where there is a magnetic interference that is preventing the aircraft to figure out its heading before takeoff, you are presented with options:
Simply take off in altitude mode. Shortly after flying in altitude mode, GPS heading will be locked and you can then switch to position mode.
Move away from any magnetic interferences. In most cases, moving the Astro few feet away will allow it to get a better magnetic reading to figure out the heading and position mode will become available for takeoff
Improvement: General aircraft tuning
Small adjustments have been made to the tuning of the aircraft in all flight modes.
Improvement: Smoother mission trajectories
Smooth turns is here! With 2.1 software, Alta X is now capable to follow smoother mission trajectories around corners than previous software versions.
The default is optimized for more tightly controlled trajectories. For missions that require very smooth turns, such as some lidar missions, we recommend changing the following parameters:
NAV_ACC_RAD = 20m
Track width is recommended to be ≥ 40m
Mission speed between 5-15 m/s, ideally ~10m/s
Alta will "cut corners" around waypoints and bank aggressively to keep the translational speed of the aircraft closer to the set mission speed. This can cause high acceleration loads on payloads
Improvement: Terrain following
Terrain following has been improved in 2.1 software. For the best results, changing the following parameters and mission settings are recommended:
Terrain following tolerance = 5m
Max terrain following climb/descend speed > 4.0m/s. Alta will be limited to the max climb and descend rates in position mode.
Turnaround = 0m
Setting NAV_MC_ALT_RAD = 5.0m will smooth out altitude changes while following waypoints or during missions with terrain following.
This will increase the altitude acceptable radius, so during RTL or other waypoint missions, Alta may being translating horizontally slightly before the desired altitude is reached. When using this feature, use caution and ensure this behavior will not cause a collision with obstacles
Improvement: Multi-stage RTL
During RTL, Alta X will descend using a 3 stage mechanism for softer landings. When the aircraft reaches the home point lat/lon position and begins descending, it will slow down at the following speeds and altitudes:
Above 15m - 3.0 m/s
From 15m to 8m - Slow down to 0.7 m/s
From 8m to ground - 0.7 m/s
Operational Change: Hold before RTL
When the RTL failsafe is triggered, either via low battery or RC loss, Alta will enter hold mode for 5s before transitioning to RTL mode. This gives operators time to react and select a different flight mode if desired.
Alta X will NOT respond to RC stick inputs in hold mode. Pilot must initiate a mode change if they wish to gain stick control, such as by switching to Position flight mode.
Improvement: Improved battery % estimator
The estimated battery percentage remaining while flying has been improved with additional data from the motor drives.
With default parameters, Alta X assumes 2x 16Ah batteries. Other battery setups may add some amount of error and in that case pelase pay attention to the pack voltages as well.
New: Alta X can re-arm after using the kill switch
With the 2.1 firmware release, it is now possible to reset the kill switch position and then re-arm the aircraft without a reboot of the aircraft.
Make sure to update your pilot pro firmware to the latest version
Improvement: Alta X's base PX4 version has been upgraded from v1.9 to v1.15
This brings several improvements, updated parameters, and changes to how the aircraft operates. We recommend reading the PX4 documentation sections that relate to any parameters you wish to change
Change: Remote ID serial number can now be found through the text file in the onboard storage.
This can be accessed via the USB-C port on the aircraft.
The Remote ID serial number is no longer displayed through QGC.
Fix: Updated X9 ESC Firmware
Alta X 2.1 software includes updated firmware for X9 motor ESCs which prevents repeated motor overcurrent faults from shutting down the ESC.
Change: Increased motor beeping on boot up
Alta X will beep the ESCs for slightly longer on each bootup. This is normal.
Change: Alta X now logs from boot. When you are looking for logs, there will be one per boot instead of one per flight.
Change: The third IMU is not longer in the backup set. This sensor was noisy, and removing it from backups optimizez RAM usage.
Change: During missions, Alta will now follow the straight line between waypoint altitudes.
Change: Dozens of other small changes, fixes, and updates!
This is a major software update. We recommend conducting test flights and building experience gradually after the update. If you have specific questions about changes in the update, reach out to [email protected]
v1.4.1
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.
Known Bug: Unknown Flight Mode Unknown 1:655360
After updating the Alta X's firmware to v1.4.0+, non-Pilot Pro users will notice an "Unknown 1:655360" flight mode in Alta QGC preventing them from arming. This is a bug that can be worked around by swapping off of whatever fight mode you are on and swapping back. We are working to have a more permanent fix for this issue released as quickly as possible.
Summary: Alta X NDAA
Release Date: January 2025
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.4.13
Notes (Going from Package v1.4.0 to v1.4.1, and FMU v1.4.12 to 1.4.13)
New: Added the RFD900 configuration option to the default Alta X firmware (SYS_AUTOSTART 4512). This was previously only available for Alta X Blue
Bugfix: Previously, if the Remote ID serial number began with a zero, the leading zero was not displayed. This resulted in confusion and issues when users attempted to register their aircraft, as the displayed serial number was not the complete, 8-character value. This has been corrected, and the serial number will now always display as the full 8-character string, including any leading zeros.
Bugfix: Included latest iESC firmware to prevent bad version strings
v1.3.114
This release is for Blue aircraft only. Additionally, aircraft on v1.3.111 don't need to update to this.
Summary: Pilot Pro support for Alta X Blue
Release Date: October 2024
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.3.114
QGroundControl: v1.3.16
Notes
New: Pilot Pro RFD900 support
v1.4.0
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.
Known Bug: Unknown Flight Mode Unknown 1:655360
After updating the Alta X's firmware to v1.4.0+, non-Pilot Pro users will notice an "Unknown 1:655360" flight mode in Alta QGC preventing them from arming. This is a bug that can be worked around by swapping off of whatever fight mode you are on and swapping back. We are working to have a more permanent fix for this issue released as quickly as possible.
Summary: Remote ID integration
Release Date: March 2024
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.4.12
QGroundControl:
v1.3.12 for Pilot Pro Android
v1.3.13 for Windows, macOS
v1.3.14 for UXV Android
Notes
New: Remote ID integration
Bugfix: QGC Terrain altitude in missions is fixed. Service provider was EOL. Now it uses another service provider.
v1.3.7
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.
v1.3.111
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
v1.3.6
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.
v1.3.2
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.
v1.3.1
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.
v1.3
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
v1.2
Summary: Initial ALTA X release
Release Date: September 2019
Versions in this package:
FMU: v1.2.x
QGroundControl: v1.1.x
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