Aura Firmware Update v1.6

From Flex Innovations Wiki
Revision as of 15:01, 28 March 2018 by FlexTeam (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search


NOTE: All Aura 8 Open Stock shipping in North America from approximately March 28, 2018 have Firmware 1.6 installed.

Updating Aura Firmware v1.6

This update is mandatory for Dual Spektrum Remote Receiver (satellite) users. It is recommended for all Aura users. It fixes a potential issue where dual Spektrum Remote Receivers may not be correctly Auto-Detected.

The Aura 'Firmware' is the code that is installed on the Aura. As we continue to add features to Aura, users can 'Update the Firmware' on their Aura to use the new features.

This is a long and detailed step-by-step description of a relatively simple procedure that generally can be accomplished by following the Config Tool on-screen instructions!

Required Items and Preparations

You will need:

  • Access to your Aura
    Bind Plug
  • A PC with the Aura Config Tool installed and working
  • A Micro USB Cable (provided with Aura)
  • A Spektrum Bind plug (it shorts the two 'end' connectors together (signal and ground)
    • One can be made from and old servo or extension lead, be SURE NOT to make any connection to the center positive (typically red) wire.


Preparations to model

  • Remove your Propeller for safety and/or disarm the propulsion system
  • Disconnect all the power to the Aircraft, Aura, and Receiver


Preparations to your Windows PC or Tablet

  • If you have not already done so, download and Install the PC Application
  • In order to get the latest version of the Aura Firmware, you must be using the latest version of the Aura Config Tool. (You may or may not currently have the latest version which is 1.1.5.0)
    • If there is an 'Aura Config Tool Update Available!' message in the bottom left corner of the Aura Config Tool, you can update the Aura Config Tool.
    • To Update the Aura Config Tool, click Help --> Update Aura Config Tool, and let the application update.
  • Be sure to update the Aura Config Tool on All devices you use.

Note: It may be required to add the Aura Config Tool to your PC's antivirus/firewalls "Trusted Apps", the path to the Aura Config Tool can be found by right clicking on it in the Windows Task Manager.

Update Procedure

  • Confirm power the Aura is completely powered OFF
  • Launch the Aura Config Tool
  • Plug the Micro USB connector into your Aura
  • Plug the USB connector into your PC (this will power up the Aura for the Firmware Update)
  • Allow a few seconds for the drivers to find the Aura
  • Click the Connect button in the lower right of the Aura Config Tool
  • Click on Aura Tools -> Update Aura Firmware
  • Follow the dialog boxes to accomplish the update.
    • Enter your email address
    • Click Download and Install Firmware Update
    • When prompted after downloading the update, Insert the Bind Plug in Aura Port S7 and click 'Yes'.
    • The Aura will restart, the orange LED will flash quickly as the Firmware Update Install progresses.
    • After the Firmware Update is installed, follow the on-screen directions to remove the Bind Plug and restart the Aura.
  • Remove the Micro-USB cable after the Update is complete.


Firmware Update Verification

Firmware Verification

Verify the Update

  • Connect the Micro USB cable between the Aura and PC
  • Click the Connect button in the lower right of the Aura Config Tool
  • Check the Aura Status Monitor at the top right of the Application window. You should see the new firmware version listed (such as "Firmware v1.6").
  • Perform a transmitter command and sensor test to confirm all is still correct

Further Steps Required for Dual Spektrum Remote Receiver Users

  • Re-Bind
    • Insert a bind plug into Aura Port S8 (S1+S8 for DSM2 Remote Receiver Users)
    • Power on the aircraft equipment, observe fast flashing Remote LED's
    • Put your transmitter into bind mode per mfg instructions. Successful bind ends with Solid Orange Rx LED's
  • Force a new auto-detect -or- set/reset A+B Diversity in Config Tool
    • Force auto-detect (auto-detect must be enabled for Aura on setup tab as it usually is with SPNP aircraft)
      • Verify Transmitter is OFF
      • Power on aircraft equipment
      • After about 15 seconds, the Aura's LED's should sweep back and forth indicating it is searching for a Receiver
      • Power on the transmitter. After several seconds the receiver LED(s) should go solid orange. After a few more seconds the Aura should blink some codes, then turn Orange + Green indicating a radio has been detected and set
    • Set A+B Diversity using Aura Config Tool
      • Launch the Aura Config Tool
      • Connect the USB cable to Aura and the PC
      • Hit the CONNECT button, then READ all from Aura
      • Set the Radio settings to Spektrum->Remote Receivers->A+B Diversity
      • WRITE all to Aura
  • Range test per transmitters instructions before flight
  • Optional additional Test
    • With the system running (Aura Orange+Green), Disconnect the remote receivers cables (either end) one at a time. While you may observe a flicker of the green Aura LED, you should maintain control of the model.

Firmware Release Notes

After Updating the Aura Firmware, you can to read the Firmware Release Notes to understand what has changed, what has been added, and any other important information.

For any questions, contact us at Aura Support