Difference between revisions of "Aura/Configure"

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(B: New Config File Wizard Method - The preferred configuration technique)
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*Launch the Aura Config Tool from the Start Menu.
 
*Launch the Aura Config Tool from the Start Menu.
 
*From the top drop down menu, ''Choose File -> New Aura Config File Wizard''
 
*From the top drop down menu, ''Choose File -> New Aura Config File Wizard''
*If prompted for type of Aura, choose your Aura Product type, and choose Open Stock
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*If prompted for type of Aura, choose Open Stock if setting up a custom aircraft (not one of our Super PNPs).
*The ''New Aura Config File'' ''Wizard'' screen will open (see example below). Simply work through the screen filling out each box.
+
*The ''New Aura Config File'' ''Wizard'' screen will open (see example below). Simply work through the screen filling out each box for your specific model's needs.
 
**Aura Config Name: Give a meaningful name to your model file. Example: ''Turbine Yak 130''
 
**Aura Config Name: Give a meaningful name to your model file. Example: ''Turbine Yak 130''
 
**Aura Config Type: Some models such as Flex Innovations products will be 'pre-loaded' here. If you do not see your model, choose ''Custom''.
 
**Aura Config Type: Some models such as Flex Innovations products will be 'pre-loaded' here. If you do not see your model, choose ''Custom''.
 
**Control Template: This gives you the choice to start with some preset control settings (Flight Mode settings including Dual Rate, Expo, Control Mode settings including Control Types and Gains and Stick priorities), or to start with blank settings and make your own. Typically, you should choose the ''Generic Sport/Scale'', or ''Generic 3D'' types as nearly all models will fit under these two types.
 
**Control Template: This gives you the choice to start with some preset control settings (Flight Mode settings including Dual Rate, Expo, Control Mode settings including Control Types and Gains and Stick priorities), or to start with blank settings and make your own. Typically, you should choose the ''Generic Sport/Scale'', or ''Generic 3D'' types as nearly all models will fit under these two types.
 
**Throttle Type:
 
**Throttle Type:
***If your receiver has a working throttle port, '''use it'''. Choose ''No Throttle (Use Receiver's'')!
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***If your receiver has a working throttle port, '''use it'''. Choose ''No Throttle (Use Receiver'')!
 
***If you are using DSM Satellites or JR Mode B, you will require a throttle port (or two) on the Aura Servo Bus. Example: ''Single Throttle''.
 
***If you are using DSM Satellites or JR Mode B, you will require a throttle port (or two) on the Aura Servo Bus. Example: ''Single Throttle''.
***PWM users should use the Receivers throttle port.  Other Rx types may choose to drive their throttle(s) from the conventional Rx throttle port or through Aura based on their needs... and considering the number of flight control servo ports needed in Aura. Choose ''No Throttle (Use Receiver's'')!
+
***PWM users should use the Receiver's throttle port.  Other Rx types may choose to drive their throttle(s) from the conventional Rx throttle port or through Aura based on their needs... and considering the number of flight control servo ports needed in Aura. Choose ''No Throttle (Use Receiver's'')!
 
**Gyro Kill Switch is normally set to '''OFF'''. If turned on, you will need to assign a matching switch. This switch will turn off Gyro gains in '''ALL''' flight/control modes on/off independent of other settings.
 
**Gyro Kill Switch is normally set to '''OFF'''. If turned on, you will need to assign a matching switch. This switch will turn off Gyro gains in '''ALL''' flight/control modes on/off independent of other settings.
 
**Wing Type: Like a modern transmitter, the Aura supports many wing types via the pull down. Choose the one that matches your model type. Example: ''2 Ailerons''
 
**Wing Type: Like a modern transmitter, the Aura supports many wing types via the pull down. Choose the one that matches your model type. Example: ''2 Ailerons''

Revision as of 19:46, 18 December 2019

Configuration Overview

Warning: Remove the propeller or unplug the motor or take other action as needed to disable the power system before adjusting Aura settings or making other adjustments to your model.

There are two major steps in installing your Aura and preparing it for flight.

  1. Initial Aura Config File Setup
  2. Aura Verification and Fine Tuning

1. Initial Aura Config File Setup Overview

There several ways to do the initial setup of your Aura's firmware:

  • A: Quick Setup Method via Transmitter (available Aura 8 Standard only)
  • B: New Config File Wizard Setup via the Aura Config Tool - Highly Recommended
  • C: Download an Existing Aura Configuration File

Choose ONE method and proceed to it below.
NOTE: To Connect the Aura Professional to the Aura Config Tool, the Switch must be ON or Removed. (It does not need to be powered with batteries)


A: Quick Setup Method

The Quick Setup method is only available with the standard Aura 8, not the Aura 8 or 12 Professionals.

The Quick Setup method is intended for fast setup of conventional models (up to 2 Ailerons, 2 Elevators, 1 Rudder) while using a 'digital' data connection (not PWM or PPM) and does NOT require the use of a Aura Config Tool PC application.

The Quick Setup method is detailed in the Quick Start Guide

Be sure to review the Aura Addendum for additional safety tips.

Click for Quick Setup Video which shows the FW 1.3 and earlier method. It is similar to the 1.4 procedure and good for familiarity, but you need to follow the 1.4 written instructions with 1.4.

Centering of the controls should be accomplished with a combination of mechanical adjustments and Quick Trim.

if Quick Setup is completed, Continue to Step 2 - Aura Verification and Adjustments


B: New Config File Wizard Method - The preferred configuration technique

If you have not already, follow the instructions to Download and Install the Aura Config Tool PC application. Using the Aura Config Tool PC application, you can easily setup up a new Aura Config File for virtually any aircraft. It is suitable for ALL transmitter types, all receiver connections, and all aircraft model types. It can easily setup simple models, but is also flexible to allow a lot of advanced features if desired.
The Application is designed to be largely self explanatory as it includes built-in help and explanations that 'pop up' when hovering the mouse cursor over items. You can build your initial configuration with or without an Aura connected.

  • Launch the Aura Config Tool from the Start Menu.
  • From the top drop down menu, Choose File -> New Aura Config File Wizard
  • If prompted for type of Aura, choose Open Stock if setting up a custom aircraft (not one of our Super PNPs).
  • The New Aura Config File Wizard screen will open (see example below). Simply work through the screen filling out each box for your specific model's needs.
    • Aura Config Name: Give a meaningful name to your model file. Example: Turbine Yak 130
    • Aura Config Type: Some models such as Flex Innovations products will be 'pre-loaded' here. If you do not see your model, choose Custom.
    • Control Template: This gives you the choice to start with some preset control settings (Flight Mode settings including Dual Rate, Expo, Control Mode settings including Control Types and Gains and Stick priorities), or to start with blank settings and make your own. Typically, you should choose the Generic Sport/Scale, or Generic 3D types as nearly all models will fit under these two types.
    • Throttle Type:
      • If your receiver has a working throttle port, use it. Choose No Throttle (Use Receiver)!
      • If you are using DSM Satellites or JR Mode B, you will require a throttle port (or two) on the Aura Servo Bus. Example: Single Throttle.
      • PWM users should use the Receiver's throttle port. Other Rx types may choose to drive their throttle(s) from the conventional Rx throttle port or through Aura based on their needs... and considering the number of flight control servo ports needed in Aura. Choose No Throttle (Use Receiver's)!
    • Gyro Kill Switch is normally set to OFF. If turned on, you will need to assign a matching switch. This switch will turn off Gyro gains in ALL flight/control modes on/off independent of other settings.
    • Wing Type: Like a modern transmitter, the Aura supports many wing types via the pull down. Choose the one that matches your model type. Example: 2 Ailerons
      • Wing type is set in AURA only. Your Transmitter should be set in a default fashion with Single Aileron, Rudder, and Elevator. (see below for normal flaps)
      • For more complex models, and depending on the number of ports available and radio type, you will need to decide if normal wing flaps are plugged into the Aura (and included in Aura wing type), or plugged into the conventional Rx and 'disregarded' in Aura. See the Aura FAQ for more information.
      • Spoilerons are essentially Flaperons with the Flap (defaults to CH6/Aux1) data reversed. Choose Flaperons.
    • Change Orientation: Click on this and use the Roll, Pitch, and Yaw buttons to set Aura orientation to match how it is mounted in the model. Click Finish. note: This is IMPORTANT!
    • Transmitter Type: Select the Transmitter type that best describes your Transmitter. Example: Futaba
    • Receiver Type: Select the Receiver type that describes your Receiver's Communication Method. Example: S.Bus (remember, more information is available by hovering the mouse over keywords in the App)
    • Aura Port: Select the Port(s) (from the context sensitive list) that Aura will receive the Tx/Rx data from.
      • Example: Port B for serial data on and Aura 8 standard
      • Example: Port A for a single serial data on Aura 8 or 12 Professional
    • Tail Type: Select via the pull-down list, the type that matches your model. Example: 2 Elevators, 1 Rudder
      • As with Wing Type, Tail Type should only be set in Aura. The transmitter should be configured conventionally with the default 1 elevator and 1 rudder as it would be on a NEW or Reset model space.
New Aura Config File Wizard Example

Once all of the choices are made, the Wizard will assign functions to Servo ports S1-S8 (or S12). Notice that non-required Aura ports may be defined to use other input channels automatically. Ex: S8:Ch6/Aux1. If you want to change this, you may do so now. They can also be reviewed or changed later in the "Servo Ports" tab in the App.

  • Make a NOTE of the S1-S8 (or S12) Servo Port assignments for future reference.
  • Click Finish to exit the Wizard and save your settings to your windows device with a name similar to your model name. Example: Turbine_YAK_130_V1 (it will save with a .acf extension)
  • Now that the Wizard is finished, you will be placed in the Aura Config Tool with the new model file you just created loaded.
    • We recommend you create your own folder in your Documents and use it as a location for all your Aura .acf files.
  • You can review your settings and make adjustments as desired. When you are satisfied with the initial settings, follow these steps to Write the settings to your Aura:

Note: We recommend Aura Config Tool users always DISABLE Allow Quick Set via bind Plug on the Setup Tab as it is of no further use once the Aura Config Tool programming method is chosen.

    • Connect the Aura to the PC using the supplied USB Cable. Allow a bit of time for the drivers to detect the Aura.
    • Press the Connect button in the Aura Config Tool (bottom right).
    • Press the Write All to Aura button to write the settings to the Aura.

NOTE: To Connect the Aura Professional to the Aura Config Tool, the Switch must be ON or Removed. (It does not need to be powered with batteries)

If Config via Wizard is complete, continue to Step 2 - Aura Verification and Adjustments


C: Download an Existing Aura Configuration File

Aura Configuration Files (.acf) can be saved, and shared via e-mail or website, etc. You may obtain a Configuration File from a friend, or by downloading from the Flex Innovations Aura Config Files Library.

  • Save your file to a convenient directory on your PC.
  • Launch The Aura Config Tool from the Start Menu.
  • From the top drop down menu, choose File -> Open Aura Config File to load the settings into the App.
  • Review and modify the settings as desired.
  • From the top drop down menu, chose File -> Save Config File or File -> Save Config File As to save the Aura Config File changes.
  • Connect the Aura to the PC using the supplied USB Cable. Allow a bit of time for the drivers to detect the Aura.
  • Press the Connect button in the Aura Config Tool (bottom right).
  • Press the Write All to Aura button to write the settings to the Aura.

Follow the Aura Verification steps as shown below before flight.


2. Aura Verification and Adjustments

The primary thing you will do in this section is to match your servos output (brand and linkage geometry) to the rest of you system. When using a 'known/pre-defined' transmitter as instructed, the control inputs, sensor inputs (orientation is set), and processing should already be correct!

Be sure to run and pass the Transmitter Command and Aircraft Movement/Sensor tests shown in the manual and below before attempting flight! There are many variables, such as servo brands that travel in opposite directions, variance in linkage geometries, sensor orientation that can cause improper servo movement and cause a crash.

Servo Connections

For models configured using the Aura Config Tool (not the Quick Setup method), connect your servos as defined on the Servo Ports Tab (ports S1 to S8 (or 12)) of the Aura Config Tool. When using the New Aura Config File Wizard, you can also see the channel assignment at the completion stage of the wizard.

If you configured your Aura using the Quick Setup method, connect your servos as shown in the Quick Start Guide.

Note: When connecting your servos. Depending on the complexity of your model, you may choose to connect them all at once, or connect and verify them in small batches.

Aura Servo Verification

Now that you have configured and programmed your Aura, it is time to verify the program and make final adjustments. (Quick Setup users refer to the Quick Setup Instructions, App users use the following) CAUTION: Always remove the prop and disable the motor on electric or self starting models.

Note: You may need to change the Aura Config Tool View to Normal or Advanced to see all the proper parameters for adjustment.

  • Power the Transmitter On
  • Power the Aura/Receiver/Servos On
    • If your receiver is NOT bound do your transmitter, bind it now by following your manufacture's instructions
      • NOTE: The ONLY case that Aura is an integral part of binding is when using Spektrum Remote Receivers with a standard Aura 8.
  • Verify that Aura is On and the Sensors are Active (Solid Orange Power/Sensor LED), and that it is receiving valid Radio Data (Solid Green Status LED).
  • Servo Adjustments via Aura Config Tool: (You must click Write All to Aura to put the changes in effect and save frequently to your PC)
    • Check each Aura servo/control to verify if it is moving in the correct direction starting with the Transmitter Command test. If it is NOT, reverse it on the Aura Config Tool Servo Ports tab by changing the Direction on the lower half of the page (Normal/Reverse).
    • Check each Aura control for Centering. Use mechanical adjustments or use the Aura Sub-trim setting on the Servo Ports tab to center the controls.
    • Select the highest Rate/Gain setting via transmitter Fight Mode (typically Ch 5) switch (usually Flight Mode 3). On the Servo Ports tab, adjust the highest travel desired for each control surface/servo using the Output Scale sliders.
Tip: Enable Live Data on the various Config Tool tabs to track transmitter commands, servo outputs, model selection, etc in the Config Tool.
  • Perform the following tests here to verify the controls are correct!
Diagrams for Transmitter Control and Sensor Command Tests. Both tests must be performed and passed. Sensor movements are exaggerated for clarity. For the sensor test, the control surfaces only deflect while the aircraft is rotating.


In the Aura Config Tool drop down menu, use the Quick Actions -> Quick Check method that exaggerates/holds the sensor commanded control movements. This feature can make the Sensor/Aircraft movement test easier to perform. To exit the Quick Check mode before flying, the Aura must be restarted/re-powered.

NOTE: If the Pre-defined Transmitter Input Direction is default/correct, and the Aura Orientation is correct, and the Servo Direction is set so the model passes the Transmitter Command test, the model is EXPECTED to pass the Sensor Test. If it does not, check the items mentioned here, and refer to the Trouble Shooting Guide or Aura Support.
When using Transmitters NOT pre-defined in the Aura config tool, it may be necessary to do some of the following (use the Aura Input Monitor with Live Data to assist you): Define a Custom Transmitter and/or reverse some channels in the transmitter so the virtual sticks move correctly and/or sub-trim some channels in the transmitter to achieve 0% (at center) on the Aura Input Monitor and/or adjust the travel in the transmitter to achieve 125% for Aileron/Elevator/Rudder input travel (100% for others) in the Aura Input Monitor.

Review the other settings and tabs and make changes as desired. For Example, you may want to fine tune your Dual Rates and Exponential values in each Flight Mode on the Flight Mode Tab. Make sure you have Written to Aura and Saved your settings to your PC!

Setup is now complete!

IMPORTANT: It is always recommended to have a GYRO OFF mode available for first/early flights to assure that all is well. Take off and climb to a safe altitude should be done in the GYRO OFF mode. Test the other modes carefully, and return the switch to GYRO OFF if any trouble is encountered, then land and make adjustments as needed.

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