Difference between revisions of "Aura/Install"

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(Power Connections)
(Power Connections)
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===Power Connections===
 
===Power Connections===
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<blockquote>
 
'''Standard Aura 8'''<br />
 
'''Standard Aura 8'''<br />
  
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'''Note:''' See manual for warnings about power connections. The ports (particularly port B) can be damaged if power is applied with the connector 'reversed'.
 
'''Note:''' See manual for warnings about power connections. The ports (particularly port B) can be damaged if power is applied with the connector 'reversed'.
 
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'''Aura 8 and 12 Professional'''<br />
 
'''Aura 8 and 12 Professional'''<br />
 
[[File:Pro Power and Features.png|thumb|upright=0.5|right|Power for Aura 8 and 12 Professional]]
 
[[File:Pro Power and Features.png|thumb|upright=0.5|right|Power for Aura 8 and 12 Professional]]
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'''Important:''' The professional unit draws a small amount of electrical power when switched OFF. '''Un-Plug''' the batteries when not in use for more than several hours.<br /><br />
 
'''Important:''' The professional unit draws a small amount of electrical power when switched OFF. '''Un-Plug''' the batteries when not in use for more than several hours.<br /><br />
 
'''Note:''' The receiver(s) will receive power from the Aura Professional via the A and/or B Port (or servo ports when using PWM) when the Aura power is ON. '''Be very careful to make sure the polarity of all connectors is correct.'''<br /><br />
 
'''Note:''' The receiver(s) will receive power from the Aura Professional via the A and/or B Port (or servo ports when using PWM) when the Aura power is ON. '''Be very careful to make sure the polarity of all connectors is correct.'''<br /><br />
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</blockquote>
  
 
===Servo Connections===
 
===Servo Connections===

Revision as of 23:01, 10 June 2019

Installation 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 three major steps for installing your Aura.

  1. Physical Mounting and Installation in Airframe
  2. Transmitter Setup
  3. Wiring Connections

After completing the Installation steps, you must Configure the Aura.

Additional Details regarding the Installing the Aura can be found in the Aura Manuals.


1. Physical Mounting and Installation in Airframe

  • Mount a standard Aura 8 to the airframe using the included double-sided foam tape. (Never use hook-and-loop tape to mount an Aura!)
  • Mount an Aura Professional 8 or 12 using the included grommets and screws. It is a good practice to remove the screws and put a small amount of CA glue into the holes to strengthen the screw interface. (you may also uses bolts and lock-nuts of your choice for high vibration environments)

Please observe the following rules for properly mounting your Aura. Any deviation from these explicit conditions could cause improper function the device and may result in a crash.

  • The Aura may be installed in any convenient location in the fuselage, noting:
    • The unit may be mounted upright or inverted as required in your installation.
    • The unit may be mounted in the longitudinal or lateral axis in any orthogonal orientation.
  • You will later use the Aura app to properly configure the orientation. (Note: Standard Aura 8 users should refer to the Quick Start Guide for the two orientations supported by Quick Setup if you choose to use that setup process)
  • Thoroughly clean the area to which the Aura will be mounted. Any surface dirt, dust, grease, or oil will severely marginalize any foam tape’s strength.
  • Ensure that the mounting surface is solid and not susceptible to flexing or movement. Movement of poorly mounted Aura can cause a self-exiting feedback-loop with the servos. Mount the Aura securely on a stiff platform.
  • If installing in a high-performance airplane (larger than a typical park flyer), place a Hook-and-Loop strap around the unit (all Auras) to prevent it from becoming dislodged during high-energy maneuvering.

2. Transmitter Setup

The Aura has presets for Spektrum, Futaba, Graupner, JR, and Jeti‡ Transmitters.

  • If your transmitter brand is not Listed, you may configure the Aura to use a 'Custom' transmitter and then 'Learn the Transmitter' in the Aura Config Tool on the Setup tab.


For best Results when using the Aura, apply these transmitter settings to a FRESHLY RESET airplane model.

Common Transmitter Settings for Aura 8 and Aura Professionals starting with a freshly reset transmitter and maintaining normal wing and tail types

Your transmitter should include conventional wing and tail types with exactly 1 aileron, 1 elevator, and 1 rudder.

Transmitter Flaps in the transmitter Wing Type could be 0, 1, or 2 depending on your needs. Examples:

  • 0 if no flaps.
  • 1 if one flap servo via Rx or Aura ports, or if you will use flaperons in Aura, or if you will have Aura output 2 flap servo ports while using 1 flap input. (ex. Cessna 170 stock setup)
  • 2 if you will use Rx or Aura to output 2 servo ports that are configured and adjusted inside the transmitter and sent to the Rx and onward.

The Aura Config Tool allows the Flight Modes to be switched by nearly any Transmitter/Receiver channel. The Gear/Ch5 is a 'default' that is commonly used. For best results, setup your transmitter so your Gear/Ch5 channel is controlled by a 3-Position switch.

If Retrofitting an existing flying model with normal wing and tail types, it is possible to proceed with the existing transmitter program, however, the Aileron, Elevator, and Rudder Reversing in the transmitter should be set to NORMAL before proceeding. (Dual Rates, Expos, and other transmitter settings should also be considered as they will likely be 'duplicated' in Aura)

When configuring via the Quick Setup method, refer to the Quick Setup instructions regarding trim/sub-trim.

When configuring though the Aura Config Tool Application (retrofit or new model), you should NOT use transmitter sub-trim or trim during model setup. You should use Aura's sub-trim, Aura's Quick Trim feature and/or mechanical linkage adjustments to eliminate the need for sub-trim/trim in your transmitter.

  • Transmitter trim (not transmitter sub-trim) can be used if you follow the Quick Trim procedure to 'Zero it Out' before flight.

3. Wiring Connections

Depending on the complexity of the model and 'radio source' used, there are many ways to connect the Aura. Many 'typical' setups are shown below. Additional information on more advanced setups can be found at the Aura FAQ.

Always remove the propeller, unplug the motor or take other action as needed to disable the power system before applying power and adjusting Aura settings. This is especially important for the initial setup and power of the Aura and your aircraft.

Receiver Connections (Aura Receiver Input)

Start by connecting your Receiver to the Aura. Refer to the images below and choose ONLY ONE input method from the ones shown, and make the required connections. Depending on your transmitter/receiver pair, you may need to consult your transmitter manual to enable certain outputs from your receiver including Futaba, Graupner SumD, JR Mode B, or Jeti UDI. For Futaba, Use the S.Bus option, do NOT use S.Bus2.

For the Aura 8 Open Stock products, PPM and PWM connections require the Aura Config Tool to configure. These connection methods are not supported by Quick Setup or Auto-Detect.

Aura Professionals also do not Auto-Detect of PPM and PWM connections and do not have the Quick Setup feature. In the case of PWM connections, ALL (typically 4) PWM signals must be present to get control of the model at start-up.


Aura 8 Receiver Connection Diagrams

(Click image to expand)
If your Receiver has a working throttle port, use it for throttle.


Aura Professional 8 and 12 Receiver Connection Diagrams

(Click image to expand)
If your Receiver has a working throttle port, use it for throttle


Power Connections

Standard Aura 8

Power your Aura 8 by plugging a 4V-9V DC power source into any open Aura servo port. The Servo Ports S1-S8 and the Servo Port B are all connected on a common bus, so make sure any servos connected to the bus can handle the input power voltage. The Aura can accept a range of power sources including a flight battery, a BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit), and power from a receiver such as a "Spektrum PowerSafe".

See the Aura FAQ for more information on advanced power setups. See also this page for additional power and connecting techniques and this page for information on large aircraft power techiques

Note: See manual for warnings about power connections. The ports (particularly port B) can be damaged if power is applied with the connector 'reversed'.


Aura 8 and 12 Professional

Power for Aura 8 and 12 Professional

Power your Aura 8 or 12 Professional by plugging one or two (two for flight) 5V to 9V DC power sources into the EC3 battery input connectors. Identical 2 cell LiPo or LiFe batteries are good choices. Make sure all of your servos and devices are capable of handling the voltage of your chosen power source.

The provided switch may optionally be installed in the "SW" port. With the switch removed, the unit will be switched ON.

Lit White LED's in the upper right window indicate a battery connection when the unit is ON. (If one power source has a lower voltage than the other, its White LED will be unlit until the batteries come into balance.) The small Red LEDs (next to the White ones) can be programmed using the Config Tool to give a low battery voltage indication.

Important: The professional unit draws a small amount of electrical power when switched OFF. Un-Plug the batteries when not in use for more than several hours.

Note: The receiver(s) will receive power from the Aura Professional via the A and/or B Port (or servo ports when using PWM) when the Aura power is ON. Be very careful to make sure the polarity of all connectors is correct.

Servo Connections

Aura port connected servos are connected to the S1 to S8 (or S12) ports. It is suggested that you connect them in small batches during your Aura Configuration that follows.
Receiver port connected servos can be plugged in and adjusted via the Transmitter in the usual fashion at the time of your choosing.

After completing these Installation steps, you must Configure the Aura.