Freefly Astro quick start guide

This article explains how to set up and register your new Freefly Astro drone.

Once you are ready to fly your drone, visit Mission Planning with the Freefly Astro to learn how to go on your first flight.

Unboxing and powering on

• Open the case: Inside you will find the Astro drone, a quick start guide, and the controller.
• Controller setup: Remove the controller, peel off the screen sticker, and press the Power button. Once loaded, open the AMC app.
• Drone hardware: Remove the Astro from the case (landing gear is pre-extended). If you purchased an Astro Map, the Mapping Payload is already attached to the Dovetail on the bottom.
• Remove insert: Pull the card insert from the top of the Astro.
• Battery installation: Insert one SL8 battery until you hear two clicks. This ensures a solid electrical connection.
• Powering on: Press the battery button twice.

Connecting to the internet (optional)

Connecting allows for automatic log uploads via Auterion Suite, asset management, and video streaming.

• LTE: Some units ship with a trial T-Mobile LTE SIM for instant connection.
• Blue UAS Cleared Drone List configuration: Note that WiFi is not enabled by default on Blue/NDAA variants.
• To connect WiFi:
  1. Open AMC on your controller or PC (use USB-C for PC).
  2. Power on Astro (use one battery for safety; "Check Battery" status is normal here).
  3. Navigate to the top left icon > Vehicle Overview > Connectivity.
     • Enable WiFi (not hotspot), enter your credentials, and click Connect.
     • Enable Hotspot (not WiFi) if using a hotspot.

Registering in Auterion Suite (optional)

The Suite is essential for fleet management and receiving fast technical support from Freefly.

• Physical connection: For security, you must use a physical connection for initial registration. Connect a USB-C cable from your computer to the I/O panel on the underside of the Astro.
• Access dashboard: Open a web browser and go to 10.41.1.1. Refresh if the dashboard doesn't appear.
• Account creation: Follow the prompts to create a Suite account if you don't have one. Once created, you can "Claim" the aircraft.
• Enable data: In the Astro webpage settings, ensure Cloud Services and Flight Log Upload are enabled.
• Verification: The unit should now appear under the "Vehicles" section of your Auterion Suite dashboard.

Hardware preparation

• Batteries: Batteries ship separately due to shipping regulations. Chargers are located in the Astro case under the battery foam insert.
• Charging: Fully charge all SL8 batteries and your controller (Pilot Pro).
• Updates: Check that both the Astro firmware and controller firmware are up to date before heading to the field.

First flight

• Preparation: Review the "Flight" section of the Wiki and watch the First Flight Guide instructional video.
• USB-C Storage: Ensure that the USB-C memory stick is installed in the drone, located under the drone body. This is where all PPK files and images will be stored.
• Uploading a KML file:  You must use a KML and not a KMZ. Begin by drawing a mission area, then insert a USB-C stick with KML file into the rightmost port on the RC and select "Import KML".
• NDAA / Blue UAS Cleared Drone List Users: Channel selection. Read the Doodle Radio notes and select a channel with little interference. 
• Checklist: Use the quick checklist card included in the Astro case for best practices.
• Post-Flight: After flying, review your data in the Auterion Suite. If any issues occurred, you can share logs with Freefly support with just two clicks.

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, the Propeller hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.