FrSky Use - General Notes

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FrSky Transmitter Setup Notes

Yes! FrSky's SBUS works with Aura! And it's the preferred way to to connect and FrSky Receiver to Aura.

FrSky Transmitters are very flexible and configurable. FrSky's implementation of Futaba's SBUS follows the defined SBUS protocol, but the default FrSky Transmitter model settings (such as channel order, travel limits, directions, and centers) differ from a default model settings of a Futaba Transmitter.

Aura Firmware V1.13 Update!

With Aura firmware V1.13 (or newer), Aura now can accept FrSky defaults via SBus. If you update to V1.13 (or newer), you won't need to download the FrSky Transmitter Model File at the bottom of this page. For tips on updating your Aura, please see our section on Updating Aura Firmware.

FrSky Installation Notes and Equipment Selection

There are three ways to connect the Aura to your FrSky Receiver:

  • FrSky SBUS
  • Traditional PWM Servo Connections
  • FrSky PPM

SBUS

SBUS is modern digital data on one wire (similar to Spektrum SRXL). It gives the Aura precise knowledge of all of the available channels.

  • Most Preferred and capable FrSky connection
  • Aura will follow the Failsafe outputs of the FrSky Receiver.
  • The SBUS output from the receiver is connected to Aura's B Port (servo bus)
  • Not all FrSky receivers have an SBUS port. A popular choice is the full-range FrSky X4R-SB.
  • The default transmitter conventions of a FrSky Transmitter do not match the default transmitter conventions of a Futaba Transmitter.

Traditional PWM Servo Connection

PWM (Servo Leads) connect the each channel on your Receiver directly to each Servo Port on the Aura.

  • Recommended for all aircraft types.
  • Supports virtually every receiver
  • Limits port availability. Typically Aura will be configured with 4 inputs and 4 outputs with PWM.
  • Some features such as Quick Setup and Quick Trim are NOT supported with PWM connections.
  • All (typically 4) PWM (servo jumper) connections MUST be present to get control of the model which is indicated by a solid green LED (valid radio signal)

PPM

PPM (Pulse Position Modulation) all Servo pulses on one wire

  • Works with all aircraft type based on Receiver capability.
  • PPM is input into Aura's B port (servo bus)
  • Since most of these Receivers also offer SBUS, SBUS is preferred over PPM for a clean, accurate digital signal with less latency.

Using FrSky without the latest Aura firmware (V1.12 or older)

Unfortunately, FrSky's implementation of Futaba's SBUS follows the defined SBUS protocol, but the default FrSky Transmitter model settings (such as channel order, travel limits, directions, and centers) differ from a default model settings of a Futaba Transmitter. This can lead to confusing transmitter setups for pilots new to FrSky and Aura. To alleviate this problem, we STRONGLY recommend downloading our pre-configured FrSky Transmitter Model File. By using our transmitter setup for an FrSky transmitter, the SBUS channel order, travel limits, directions, and centers will be configured correctly to match the conventions the Aura is expecting.

If you already have an existing FrSky Transmitter model you would like to use, additional details are provided below to update the model to work well with Aura.


FrSky Transmitter Files

The easiest way to setup a new FrSky Transmitter model to work with Aura is to download and install the following transmitter file on your FrSky Transmitter.

  • We STRONGLY recommend starting fresh with our FrSky Transmitter Model File.
  • After downloading the FrSky Transmitter Model File, copy it to your FrSky SD Card, and use the 'Restore Model' function on a blank slot of the 'Model Selection' menu in your Transmitter.
  • This will create a Transmitter model named 'aura' with the appropriate transmitter settings.


Modifying an existing FrSky Transmitter File

The Aura expects any SBUS signal to match the default configuration of a Futaba transmitter with Ail/Ele/Rud travels set to 125% and Ch5/Gear channel on a 3Pos switch. Our Custom FrSky Transmitter File sets the following (this was configured using an FrSky Taranis X9D Plus transmitter) in order to replicate the expected Futaba conventions:

  • Output Channel Order becomes: Ail, Ele, Thr, Rudder, Ch5/Gear, Ch6/Aux1, Ch7/Aux2, Ch8/Aux3.
  • Ch5/Gear is assigned to the Switch SE, Ch6/Aux1 is assigned to Switch SB, Ch7/Aux2 is assigned to Switch SC, and Ch8/Aux3 is assigned to knob S2.
  • The travel limit on the throttle channel is reduced to the default Futaba standard of +/- 100% (1100uSec/1900uSec).
  • The Elevator and Throttle Output directions are Reversed (from FrSky's default) to match the default Futaba standard.
  • The "PPM Center" setting is adjusted to 1530 so the stick's centered value matches the default Futaba standard.


Verify your FrSky Transmitter File is setup correctly

You can confirm your FrSky transmitter is setup correctly using the Aura Config Tool.

  • Open the Aura Config Tool, connect to the Aura over USB and turn on Live Data.
  • On the "Setup Tab" of the Aura Config Tool, scroll down to the 'Input Monitor and Transmitter Verification' box.
  • Confirm that the graphics move and match your transmitter movements.
  • Confirm in the Input Monitor that Aura is reading "0%" with the sticks centered and +/- 125% on the Aileron/Elevator/Rudder channels.



Installing your Aura

General information regarding Installing the Aura.

Additional information for Large Aircraft Installs.

Aura Wiki Main