Install Aura

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Revision as of 16:27, 24 August 2017 by WikiSys (Talk | contribs) (2. Transmitter Setup)

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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 the Aura 8 to the airframe using the included double-sided foam tape. 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: 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 the foam tape’s strength.
  • Ensure that the mounting surface is solid and not susceptible to flexing or movement. Mount the Aura securely.
  • If installing in a high-performance airplane (larger than a typical park flyer), place a Velcro strap around the unit 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.

  • FR Sky Transmitters can be used as well, but it is highly recommended they start with our Custom FR Sky Transmitter File.
  • Jeti‡ users should refer to the section on Using Jeti Radios
  • 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 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 you 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.
  • 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 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 Input)

Start by connecting your Receiver to the Aura. Refer to the images below and choose ONE input method of the three 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 such as Graupner SumD, JR Mode B, or Jeti UDI.

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

Method 1: Spektrum Remote Receiver Wiring
Method 2: Digital (Serial) and PPM Stream Data Connection (also Jeti UDI)
Method 3:Analog (PWM) "Servo Lead" Data Connection. Typical connection shown. ALL (Four or as programmed in Aura Config Tool) expected PWM inputs must be present to establish a link successfully

Power Connections

Power your Aura by plugging a (4V-10V 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 connecting techniques

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


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