☠ WARNING ☠

Skydiving is an inherently risky activity that can lead to injury or death. All skydiving equipment is subject to failure. Failure to follow instructions, warnings, and operating procedures could imperil you and others. Every skydiver is solely responsible for his or her safety on each skydive he or she makes. MetaAlti™ is an audio-visual altimeter that combines speech, synthesized alarms, and a signaling light. Audible altimeters use high sound pressure levels in order to cut through noise and can cause hearing damage; for this reason, Freefall Data Systems LLC recommends wearing earplugs when using any type of audible altimeter. If the MetaAlti light is not placed correctly or not set to a brightness that would be visible in freefall, it may not be seen. The light could also obscure one's vision in certain cases, especially if placed too much in central vision or if one stares directly into it. Never place a light directly in front of the eye, as it will obscure vision and compromise depth perception. During night jumps or any low-light conditions, set the brightness extremely low so as not to reduce one's own or others' low-light vision; such jumps should only be attempted by highly experienced parachutists. Those with photo-sensitive epilepsy should not use the light; flashing lights may induce previously undetected epileptic symptoms even in persons with no history of seizures. Those with any form of color blindness should keep in mind that this could compromise their ability to ascertain altitude when using a color-based altimeter. Altimeters are subject to error and malfunction and should only be used as a secondary indication of altitude—second to a visual ascertainment. It is possible that any altimeter can read higher than the distance you actually are above ground level. Failure to maintain visual altitude awareness regardless of altimeter readings can lead to serious injury or death. The default settings on the device are merely suggestions; skydivers should set the altimeter for their own specific use case. Many factors can compromise the accuracy of a barometric altimeter reading, including but not limited to: body position, position relative to other skydivers or objects, altimeter placement, temperature, and malfunction. Additionally, just because two altimeters are in sync during ascent, this does not mean they will be in sync during freefall or under canopy, as barometric altimeters are more greatly affected by wakes (burbles) at high speeds than at low speeds. This altimeter contains a lithium battery; do not use it if the case is damaged in any way. Stop use immediately if the device becomes excessively hot, begins to swell, or emits an odor.

Regarding Tactical Mode: MetaAlti includes an optional, per-preset Tactical Mode intended for specialized low-altitude operations (e.g. smokejumping and military static-line jumping). Tactical Mode should in no case be used for normal skydiving operations, as the altimeter functions entirely differently. See section 4.8 below for a full description.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY

This product was manufactured for skydiving only. By using this product, you accept full responsibility for its use and agree that you are solely responsible for each skydive you make as well as your safety and that Freefall Data Systems LLC will not be held legally responsible for any malfunction whatsoever that this product may have, whether good or defective.

1.1 MetaAlti description

MetaAlti is an audio-visual barometric altimeter that combines and expands on the capabilities of VoxAlti™ and ColorAlti^®. The device can output three general categories of altitude indications, all of which can be customized using the FDS Altis app (Android or iOS) via Bluetooth^® wireless technology:

• Spoken — spoken altitude and/or speed announcements at a chosen increment, plus a library of pre-recorded notifications (e.g. "Pull altitude," "Breakoff," "Final approach") that can be inserted at any altitude.
• Audible Alarm — distinct synthesized (tone-based) alarm patterns—including altitude-reactive patterns that intensify as you descend—useful as loud, unambiguous altitude cues that cut through noise.
• Peripheral-Vision LED — visual alerts (all LEDs one color) and effects (multi-color or white), some of which are also altitude-reactive, shown in peripheral vision by a light attached via the USB-C port.

Users can set up to five presets. Presets are selected on the fly via a button press on the ground or during ascent in the aircraft, eliminating the need to carry a mobile device for this purpose. Bluetooth mode is initiated via button press and times out automatically for safety. The altimeter is not designed to have Bluetooth mode used in the aircraft on ascent; for maximum flexibility, the preset in use is selected by button press on the altimeter itself, not via the mobile app. The FDS Altis app can also synchronize jump data (altitude, vertical descent speed, temperature) to Freefall Data System's cloud-based FDS Logbook. MetaAlti enables users to set a custom freefall threshold (default is 80 mph), useful for wingsuiters and swoopers, and allows freefall output to be forced off below a chosen altitude so that only canopy output is given near the ground. It automatically adjusts to local elevation, allows for landing-zone elevation adjustments on each preset, and is always on until the battery is discharged. No settings are lost when the battery discharges, although the current time is lost (simply connect to the FDS Altis app to set it). MetaAlti additionally offers an optional per-preset Tactical Mode suitable for military and firefighting operations (see section 4.8). It has a rechargeable lithium battery with a life of approximately 100 jumps or four months and charges fully in approximately two hours via USB-C. MetaAlti can be used with full accuracy as high as 30,000 feet MSL.

2.1 Altimeter installation

MetaAlti fits in the audible pocket of most skydiving helmets, with the speaker facing the jumper's ear. Do not cover the pressure-sensor port with anything that would prevent it from breathing, and do not expose it to direct sunlight during use, as this may interfere with its accuracy.

2.2 Light installation

A MetaAlti FlexiLight M (gooseneck option)—like all ColorAlti lights—should be placed so that it sits in peripheral vision and does not obscure one's view. The cable is best routed between the shell of the helmet and the inner padding, with the FlexiLight protruding from above or to the side of the jumper's eye. For StickyLights, use the included paper pattern to help position the light on the visor. IMPORTANT: Simulate jumping conditions as accurately as possible when positioning the light (especially StickyLights)—tighten the helmet as it would be in freefall and wear any eyewear (such as sunglasses) you would normally jump with. Refer to the instructional video above for installation procedures. Two lights are available for MetaAlti—StickyLight M and FlexiLight M, both with ten LEDs—compared in detail on the light comparison page.

3.1 Downloading and connecting to the app

The iOS or Android app used to set MetaAlti is called FDS Altis. It can be downloaded on Google Play or Apple's App Store. First download the app onto your device. Open it and carefully read and agree to the Terms of Service. You can log in if you have a Wi-Fi signal and an FDS Logbook account, or press "Cancel" or "Login as Guest" if you are not using the logbook or are out of range of Wi-Fi. Next, press and hold the Bluetooth button on MetaAlti until you hear a sound indicating that Bluetooth mode has been turned on; you should also see the blue LED flashing, indicating it is ready to connect. After this, in the app press "Scan," select your altimeter, and then connect. Your MetaAlti will appear with its serial number (e.g. FDS MA Z4673, where the last five digits are the serial number). Select your device and the altimeter will begin transferring its data. A solid blue light (not flashing) indicates an active connection. The connection process also sets the time on the altimeter to the time on your phone. To set up the altimeter, tap "Settings," where you can configure up to five "Presets" as well as "Main" settings that apply to all presets. When finished, you can disconnect in the app and manually power off Bluetooth mode (press and hold the Bluetooth button until you hear the confirmation), or simply let Bluetooth mode time out automatically after a period of inactivity. The time-out prevents one from accidentally leaving Bluetooth mode on, which drains the battery and does not register altitude.

4.1 Main settings

Main settings apply to all presets on the altimeter. You can set the number of LEDs on your light; count the LEDs on the light you are using and enter the value here. This is critical for the light to work properly—for example, only part of a ten-LED light would illuminate if a smaller number were entered. Any time you change lights, the number of LEDs must be updated. You can choose whether or not the altimeter logs jumps (useful, for instance, when loaning the altimeter to another jumper), and activate or deactivate metric mode, which makes the device speak in metric units and the app display in kilometers per hour and meters. You can include an optional pre-jump brief (automatically triggered when the altimeter recognizes ascent; it states the current preset and battery status) and a post-jump brief (heard approximately one minute after landing; it includes jump number, exit altitude, open altitude, freefall time, canopy time, and battery status). Spoken battery levels are rounded to the nearest 10%. You can set your next jump number (useful on first setup, or if you made a jump without the altimeter), and copy one preset to another for convenience. On Android, make sure to press "DONE" or the check mark after entering a value you want to set.

4.2 Presets: general settings

When you click on a preset, the first menu is "General" settings. At the top, set a landing-zone offset for that preset; enter a positive number if your landing zone is higher than your take-off altitude, a negative number if it is lower. Below this, set a custom freefall threshold (useful for wingsuiters and swoopers—e.g. 30 mph for wingsuiters, 100 mph for swoopers). Next, you can force canopy output below a chosen altitude, so that all freefall announcements, alarms, and light cease below that altitude and only canopy output is given—again useful for wingsuiters and swoopers. At the bottom you can set the LED brightness, the voice volume for each of the three phases (ascent, freefall, canopy), and the alarm volume for each phase (the synthesized alarms have their own independent volumes, as they tend to come across as louder than speech). This section also contains the Tactical Mode toggle; see section 4.8.

4.3 Presets: voice

Under "Voice," set spoken announcements and notifications for the three phases of a skydive. At the top, set the altitude range in which you wish to hear regular announcements for each phase, choose whether to include altitude, speed, or both, and set the announcement increment in feet (e.g. 1,000 means you hear an announcement every 1,000 feet—or meters in metric mode). Press "Play Example Announcement" to preview the result. Below this you can insert additional notifications, which override regular announcements at the same altitude. Select the sound, enter the altitude, and press "Insert." Two special notifications give granular control: [Altitude] inserts an extra altitude reading (and speed, if enabled) at any point (the value must be a multiple of 100), and Silence suppresses regular announcements at the indicated altitude(s).

4.4 Presets: alarms

Under "Alarms," set synthesized (classic-audible-style) alarms to sound during the three phases of a skydive. These are distinct from the spoken voice announcements and are useful as loud, unambiguous cues. Ascent alarms are entered as a single altitude and sound for a fixed duration; enter a number, select the desired alarm pattern, and press "Insert." Freefall and canopy alarms—in contrast to ascent alarms—sound across altitude ranges. For canopy alarms we recommend a range of at least 50 feet (e.g. 1,000 to 950 feet); for freefall, at least 500 feet. Consider your descent rate when choosing ranges—in normal belly-to-earth freefall you cover 100 feet in only about half a second. We recommend at least two alarms on ascent to verify the altimeter is working and to cross-check with other altimeters. The number of alarms that can be set per phase is unlimited.

Alarm patterns come in two kinds. Static alarms hold a fixed pattern (for example, steady beeps, a wailing siren, or a melody at a constant tempo). Dynamic (altitude-reactive) alarms—marked with a triangle (▲) in the app—change continuously as you descend through their range, typically by speeding up (for example, accelerating beeps, rising pulses, or a bugle call that quickens as you approach the bottom of the window). Rather than a single fixed cue, a reactive alarm gives a continuous sense of where you are within an altitude window, which many jumpers find valuable for altitude awareness in freefall and under canopy.

4.5 Presets: light

Under "Light," set "Alerts" and "Effects" to show during the three phases of a skydive. Alerts are visual indications in which all LEDs are the same color (e.g. "Stay Lit," "Flash Quickly," "Pulse"); Effects are all others, which use multiple colors or white (e.g. "America," "Rainbow Sparkles," "Campfire"). Alerts and effects can be combined freely and also come in the static and dynamic (▲) varieties (where the light pattern changes according to altitude across a range). As with alarms, ascent alerts and effects are entered as a single altitude and show for a fixed duration, while freefall and canopy alerts and effects are set to show across altitude ranges (the same recommended minimum ranges as for alarms—50 feet for canopy, 500 feet for freefall). Preview alerts and effects by selecting them and manipulating the sliders. To delete an entry, hold down on it (Android) or swipe left (iOS). We recommend including at least two visual alerts or effects on ascent to verify the light is working and in sync with other altimeters. The number of alert and effects that can be set per phase is unlimited.

4.6 Presets: simulations

Under "Simulations," you can run a simulated skydive on the selected preset to preview exactly what that preset will do—its spoken announcements, alarms, and light alerts and effects for ascent, freefall, and canopy—without leaving the ground. Running a simulation before you jump a new or modified preset is the best way to confirm it behaves the way you intend. A simulation runs until you stop it—press a button on the altimeter or send a new BLE command from the app.

4.7 Selecting presets

Once you have set up your altimeter with the app, you can select between presets on the device itself. To simply check the altimeter's current preset, press the top button once briefly and the preset will be announced (e.g. "Preset 5"). To select a preset, hold the top button down again until you hear the next preset announced; make certain the altimeter is not in Bluetooth mode when doing this. If you keep holding, the altimeter cycles through the presets, and the chosen preset commits when you release the button. Each preset is also color-coded on the light for cross-checking. There is no way to select the active preset from the FDS Altis app; this must be done on the device via button press.

4.8 Tactical Mode

WARNING: Tactical Mode should in no case be used for normal skydiving operations, as the altimeter functions entirely differently. Tactical Mode is an optional, per-preset capability intended for specialized operations such as smokejumping and military skydiving, where unusual flight paths are followed and exits sometimes occur far lower than in sport skydiving and the device must be ready instantly. It is enabled per preset on the General settings screen (section 4.2); when you switch it on, the app asks you to confirm because the altimeter's behavior changes fundamentally when on that preset (including significant impact on battery life). A preset with Tactical Mode active is identified at selection by an audible cue following the spoken preset number; this makes it easy to check if or confirm that a preset is in Tactical Mode.

While a tactical preset is active, pre- and post-jump briefs are suppressed so they do not interfere in the field, and battery life is significantly reduced. It is recommended to first charge the altimeter before performing actual jumps with Tactical Mode enabled.

The landing-zone reference. In Tactical Mode the altitude reference is set once and held—it is not continually re-zeroed on the ground as in normal operation. There are two ways to set it. First, simply selecting the tactical preset on the ground zeros the altimeter to your current location, which is appropriate when you take off and land in the same place (for example, during practice); simply checking the preset (by a single press) does not zero it, so to effectively zero the altimeter with the button when you are already on a tactical preset, cycle back around to that preset. Second—and this is the key capability for real operations—you can set the reference remotely from the Tactical Mode screen in the FDS Altis app, which is useful when the landing zone is far away and at a different elevation than your departure point (for example, flying to a fire). Altimeters can be set as many times as necessary in flight. It is important to take into account the short BLE range of the altimeters (< 2 meters) when setting the reference remotely, so the jumper setting the reference should ideally be close to or in the middle of the altimeters being set.

The Tactical Mode screen itself offers two methods. The first takes two briefed values, entered and applied with "Set All (QNH)":

• Altimeter Setting (QNH), in inHg — the current local altimeter setting (e.g. 29.92). Obtain this value from the aircraft's altimeter or the nearest weather station (AWOS/METAR).
• LZ Elevation, in feet MSL — the elevation of the landing zone above mean sea level.

From these two values the altimeter computes the true height above the landing zone, regardless of where it currently is. "Set All" can configure every visible MetaAlti (as well as some other FDS altimeters like VoxAlti) at once: as each unit receives and applies the values it sounds a confirmation and is checked off in the app, then returns to its armed, ready state. To be set, each altimeter must be on a tactical preset and in Bluetooth mode. The reference is held until the preset is re-selected (which is useful for re-zeroing the altimeter to the current ground elevation) or new values are sent via BLE. MetaAlti can be used in both pressurized and non-pressurized aircraft in Tactical Mode, with the caveat being that in pressurized aircraft the ascent readings will be inaccurate and should be ignored, although freefall and canopy readings will be accurate as long as the reference is set correctly.

The screen's second method, shown below a large "OR," is "Set Current Altitude AGL." Instead of QNH and LZ elevation, you enter how many feet you are above the landing zone right now and press "Set All (AGL)." The altimeter freezes its reference so that it reads that altitude immediately and 0 at the landing zone. This is ideal when you do not know the landing zone's MSL elevation but you do know your current height above it—for example, by reading the aircraft's radar altimeter at the circle (drop) altitude, for example 1,500 feet above the landing area, and entering that value. As with the QNH method, it sets every visible unit at once—each sounding a confirmation, getting checked off in the app, and returning to its armed state—and requires each altimeter to be on a tactical preset and in Bluetooth mode.

A simple example of a typical use case:

1. 1. After fully charging their MetaAltis, a group of jumpers each select a preset with Tactical Mode enabled, which zeros the altitude on their altimeters to the elevation at which the preset is selected.
2. 2. The jumpers then fly to a location. During the flight, and not long before exit, the jumpers all put their altimeters into Bluetooth (BLE) mode. After confirming with everyone that they have turned BLE mode on, a single jumper (or mission coordinator) uses the FDS Altis app to input the two required values—the altimeter setting (which he retrieves in real time from the pilot for the drop area) and the intended landing elevation in feet MSL—and presses "Set All (QNH)" to set the altimeters of all jumpers present. (Alternatively, if the jumpers know their current height above the landing zone—for instance from the aircraft's radar altimeter at the drop altitude—but not its MSL elevation, the coordinator can instead enter that height under "Set Current Altitude AGL" and press "Set All (AGL).")
3. 3. The jumpers receive audible confirmation on their devices, as does the jumper with the FDS Altis app, who can see the green checks indicating success next to the correct number of successfully set altimeters.
4. 4. The jumpers exit over their intended target.

4.9 Default settings

Freefall Data Systems recommends that users create their own presets, but for convenience—and to ensure the altimeter provides some output on a jump—MetaAlti ships with the same settings stored on every preset. By default, presets include regular spoken altitude announcements, along with notifications such as "Seatbelts" and "Gear check" on ascent, "Breakoff" and "Pull altitude" in freefall, and "Downwind leg," "Base leg," and "Final approach" under canopy, as well as a set of default light cues across the three phases. Tactical Mode is off by default on every preset.

4.10 Custom sound clips (Voice File Update)

In addition to its built-in voice set, MetaAlti can store your own MP3 sound clips, which appear by name in the notification sound picker (section 4.3) and can be used on any preset like any built-in sound. To load clips, connect MetaAlti to a computer with a USB-C cable, then press and hold the Bluetooth button past the Bluetooth-mode sound—about five additional seconds—until you hear "Entering USB mode." The altimeter then appears on the computer as a small USB drive; drag your MP3 files onto it as with any flash drive. When finished, eject the drive and unplug the altimeter—you will hear "Exiting USB mode," and the new clips are immediately available. (Voice File Update mode also exits if a button is held, or automatically after ten minutes of inactivity.) The factory voice set is stored separately in protected memory and is never exposed in this mode, so adding or removing your own clips cannot affect the altimeter's normal speech. The instructional video above demonstrates the whole procedure starting at 26:45.

Naming. A clip's file name, without the ".mp3," is exactly the name that appears in the app's notification picker—name each file the way you want to read it there (e.g. "Check altitude.mp3" appears as "Check altitude").

Storage and encoding. The clip area holds 256 KB in total, and each clip may be at most 32 KB—anything beyond 32 KB is cut off during playback. How much audio that allows depends on the MP3 bitrate: at 32 kbps a clip can run about 8 seconds and about 65 seconds of audio fits in total; at 64 kbps, about 4 seconds per clip and 33 seconds in total. Spoken notifications typically last only a second or two, so there is comfortably room for 20 to 30 custom clips. We recommend exporting mono MP3s at 64 kbps with a 32 kHz sample rate. Stereo files play only their left channel, and any sample rate from 8 to 48 kHz will work.

5.1 Data Syncing

You must have a Wi-Fi connection and a set-up subscription to FDS Logbook (and be logged in on the FDS Altis app) to log a jump. Once your logbook is set up, "Logbook Settings" shows the dropzones, aircraft, and equipment that make up your "Current Settings"; jumps are uploaded according to these settings. In the Data Syncing tab, the number of data files on the altimeter is shown at the top. Press "Go" next to "Download Files from Altimeter" to begin downloading; files are only erased from the altimeter once successfully downloaded to your mobile device. Below this, you can upload files waiting on your mobile device to the cloud, either all at once or individually. To delete a file from the mobile device, press and hold on it (Android) or swipe left (iOS). Deleting a jump file from a mobile device is permanent and cannot be undone. It is recommended to watch the FDS Logbook instructional video to become more familiar with the logging system.

6.1 Battery life

MetaAlti's battery typically lasts approximately 100 jumps or four months in normal use. Battery life depends greatly on how the altimeter is used: the more LEDs on the light, and the more voice, alarms, and light cues are used, the more energy is consumed. Tactical Mode consumes substantially more energy because the altimeter sleeps less. Altimeters subject to long car rides through hilly or mountainous terrain will discharge faster. The longest battery life is obtained by leaving the altimeter in one location or using Sleep Mode (see below).

6.2 Charging and maintaining the battery

MetaAlti has a rechargeable lithium battery, charged with the included USB-C cord. It takes approximately two hours to fully charge when completely empty. A red LED indicates charging and goes off when charging is complete. During long periods of storage (e.g. winter months), place the altimeter in Sleep Mode (see below) and charge it once every three to four months to preserve battery life. Store the altimeter in a cool, dry place.

6.3 Checking battery status

In addition to checking MetaAlti's battery status on the app under "Info," you can hold down both buttons at once (provided you are not in Bluetooth mode) to have it read off, rounded to the nearest 10%.

6.4 Checking firmware

You can check the firmware version on the device by holding down both buttons past the battery readout, at which point the firmware version is announced. It can also be checked under "Info" in the FDS Altis app.

6.5 Sleep Mode

To enter Sleep Mode, continue holding both buttons past the battery and firmware readout until you hear "Sleep Mode." Sleep Mode is useful when traveling with the altimeter, for storage or shipping, or simply to save energy, and ensures no data is logged. The altimeter does not function when in Sleep Mode. Press either button to wake it.

7.1 Firmware updates

Refer to the instructional video above (the firmware-update walkthrough starts at 25:38) or follow these summarized instructions: First download the latest firmware file from freefalldatasystems.com/metaalti_firmware. Next, plug your altimeter into a computer with a data USB cable. Some cables are made only for charging and cannot be used for this procedure; all the cables we include with altimeters are data cables. After this, give the reset button (found in between the two buttons) a quick double click with a paper clip. It’s important that the double-click is fast. The altimeter should appear like a USB drive with the name FDS ALTI. Simply drag the new firmware onto the drive. You will often get a failure message from the computer as the altimeter automatically disconnects itself after it is updated; this is normal and you can check the firmware afterwards by holding down both buttons until after the battery reading. If the computer you are using does not recognize the altimeter and you are sure you have a data cable, try a different computer or cable. Sometimes there are some security settings or some other reason it fails to work. Note: If the altimeter becomes non-responsive during the update, simply perform a manual reset with a single click of the reset button as described in section 8.2 and try the update again.

8.1 Troubleshooting

If you are using Android and settings are not holding when you change them, make sure you are pressing "DONE" or the check mark after entering a value. If the altimeter fails to function on a skydive, first make sure it is charged. Next, see if you can select a preset on the unit on the ground to confirm it is responding (press and hold the top button)—perhaps the wrong preset was selected. If the altimeter does not respond to button presses, use the manual reset as described below. Certain Android devices may require binding the device via Bluetooth settings before the altimeter is visible, and some may need to be restarted before connecting. If this does not solve your problem, contact Freefall Data Systems LLC for assistance.

8.2 Restoring default settings and erasing jumps

To perform a manual reset (simply restarting the unit), locate the reset button and depress it (you should feel it slightly give way); the unit will restart, which takes several seconds. A manual reset does not change any settings or erase any jumps.

Restoring default settings and erasing all jumps are each performed by holding a button down through a reset. In both cases the blue LED flashes while a five-second hold is counted, and the altimeter announces "success" once the action completes. Restoring defaults and erasing jumps cannot be undone.

• Restore default settings: hold down the top (settings) button and, while keeping it held, press and release the reset button; continue holding the top button for about five seconds, until you hear "success." All five presets are rewritten to the factory defaults.
• Erase all jumps: hold down the Bluetooth button and, while keeping it held, press and release the reset button; continue holding for about five seconds, until you hear "success." All logged jumps are deleted and the jump counter is reset.
• Do both at once: hold down both buttons through the reset and keep holding until you hear "success."

If you release the button before the five seconds are up, no action is taken and the altimeter simply starts up normally.

9.1 Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 61.0 × 32.0 × 12.4 mm (2.40 × 1.26 × 0.49 in)
• Weight: 38.6 g (1.36 oz)
• Anodizing type: MIL-A-8625F Type II
• Water ingress protection: IP67
• Battery: rechargeable lithium ion 3.7V 165mAh
• Peak alarm output volume: 100 dBA @ 10 cm
• Audio types: MP3 speech and synthesized tone alarms
• Custom sound clips: 256 KB user storage, 32 KB max per clip, loaded via USB (section 4.10)
• Operating temperature range: −40° to +65° C (−40° to 150° F)
• Operating altitude: −500 to 9,000 m MSL (−1,640 to 29,528 ft)
• Altitude resolution: 0.5 m (1.64 ft)
• Sample rate: 50 Hz
• Permissible charging temperature range: 0° to +50° C (32° to 122° F)
• USB connector: USB-C
• Radio capabilities: Bluetooth Low Energy