Aura/Install

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Installation Overview

There are five major steps in installing your Aura and preparing it for flight which are usually done in this order: 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.

  1. Physical Mounting and Installation in Airframe
  2. Transmitter Setup
  3. Wiring Connections
  4. Firmware Setup
  5. Aura Verification and Fine Tuning

1. Physical Mounting and Installation in Airframe

(Also covered in the Aura English and German Manuals) 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. 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

If Retrofitting an existing flying model with 'normal' wing and tail types, it is possible to proceed with the existing transmitter program, but reset Aileron, Elevator, and Rudder Reversing in the transmitter 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/subtrim. When configuring though the Aura Config Tool Application (retrofit or new model), you should NOT use transmitter subtrim or trim* during model setup. You should use Aura's subtrim or quick trim feature or mechanical linkage adjustments per below.

  • Trim (not sub-trim) can be used if you use the Quick Trim proceedure to 'Zero it Out' before flight

For best Results when using the Aura Config tool, apply these transmitter settings to a FRESHLY RESET airplane model. If your transmitter brand is not Listed, you may need to make a 'custom' transmitter and adjust it manually, or 'learn' it. These selections are on the Setup Tab in the Aura Config Tool.

Note: The Aura Config Tool allows the Flight Modes to be switched by nearly any Tx/Rx channel. Channel 5 is a 'default' that is commonly used.

3. Wiring Connections

(Also covered in the Aura English and German Manuals) Depending on the complexity of the model and 'radio source' used, there are many ways to connect the Aura. A 'typical' setups are shown here. For more information on more advanced setups, read the Aura FAQ.

Start by Connecting your Receiver (control data source). Refer to the images below and make the required connections. Also refer to your radios manual to see if settings are required there to enable your chosen data feed (JR and Graupner radios typically require special settings for example. Futaba and Spektrum typically do not).


Note: For the Retail Aura product, PPM and PWM connections require the Aura Config Tool to configure. They are not supported by Quick Setup or Auto-Detect. Power your Aura by plugging the power source into any open Aura servo port. 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 "SPM PowerSafe". 'Common" Power can be appied to any port on the servo bus. See the Aura FAQ for more information on advanced power setups. Note: on many models, especially those of middle to high complexity, and not using the Quick Setup Method, you will likely want to jump to the next step (Firmware Setup), and plug in the servos after the 'Servo Ports' are assigned. Next connect 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.

4. Firmware Setup

There several ways to do the initial setup of your Aura's firmware: Choose one of these and proceed. A) Quick Setup Method B) New Model "Wizard" Setup via the Aura Config Tool Application C) Download and Modification of an existing same or similar model program A) Quick Setup Method

The quick setup method is intended for fast setup of conventional models while using a 'digital' (not PWM or PPM) control source and does NOT require the use of a PC or Application. It can be accomplished with the model and transmitter. CLICK HERE to download and review the Quick Start Guide which includes detailed Quick Setup and Quick Trim instructions. Also be sure to review the Aura Addendum. B) New Model "Wizard" Method

This method uses a PC and the ACTA (Aura Config Tool Application) to guide you through the process of setting up a new model. It is suitable for ALL transmitter types, all control data types, and all complexities of models. It can easily setup simple models, but is also very flexible to allow a lot of advanced features if desired. Start by Downloading and Installing the PC Application by clicking Install Aura Config Tool. 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 ACTA. From the pull down menus, Choose File -> New Aura Config File If prompted for type of Aura, choose Aura 8 Open Stock The New Aura Config File Wizard screen will open (see example below). Simply work through the screen filling out each box. Aura Config Name: Give a meaningful name to your model file. Ex. BVM Yak 130 Aura Config Type: Some models such as Flex Innovations products will be 'preloaded' 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. Often, you will want to choose the Generic Sport/Scale, or Generic 3D types as many models will fit under these two types. Throttle Type: If you are using DSM Satellites or JR Mode B, you will require a throttle port (or two) on the Aura Servo Bus. 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... including the number of flight control servo ports needed in Aura. Ex: Single Throttle Wing Type: Like a modern transmitter, the Aura supports many wing types via the pull down. Choose the one that matches your model type. Ex: 2 Ailerons Note 1: Wing type is set in AURA only. Your Tx should be set in a default fashion with Single Aileron, Rudder, and Elevator. (see below for normal flaps) Note 2: 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. 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. Ex: Futaba Receiver Type: Select the Receiver type that describes your Receiver's Communication Method. Ex: 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 recieve the Tx/Rx data from. Ex: Port B Tail Type: Select via the pull-down list, the type that matches your model. Ex: 2 Elevators, 1 Rudder Note: 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. Once all of the choices are made, the Wizard will assign functions to Servo ports S1-8. 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.

Make a NOTE of the S1-S8 Servo Port assignments for future reference. They can also be reviewed or changed later in the "Servo Ports" tab in the App. Click Finish to exit the Wizard and save your settings to a name similar to your model name. Ex: BVM_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. 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: 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. C) Download and Use/Modify an Existing Model 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 Website HERE. Save your file to a convenient directory on your PC. Launch The Aura Config Tool Choose File -> Open Aura Config File to load the settings into the App. Review and modify the settings as desired Save the settings to a modified file name of your choice. 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: Be sure to run and pass the Transmitter Command and Aircraft Movement/Sensor tests before attempting flight. There are many variables, such as servo brands that travel in opposite directions, and variance in linkage geometries that could be different.

5. Aura Verification and Adjustments

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. Power the Transmitter On Power the Aura/Rx/Servos On Verify that Aura is On and the Sensors are Active (Solid Orange LED), and that it is receiving valid Radio Data (Solid Green LED). Check the servos one by one to confirm that the correct Tx control is moving the correct Model control/servo. Servo Adjustments via Aura Config Tool: (Click Write All to Aura to put the changes in effect and save frequently to your PC) Check each Aura control to verify if it is moving in the correct direction. 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 "Subtrim" setting on the "Servo Ports" tab to center the controls. Select the highest Rate setting via transmitter Ch 5 switch (usually Flight Mode 3) Tip: Enable LIVE DATA on the various app tabs to track transmitter commands in the APP. On the "Servo Ports" tab, adjust the maximum travel desired of each control using the "Output Scale' sliders. Do the tests here to VERIFY the controls are correct! Note: In the Apps Pull Down menu Quick Actions, there is a Quick Sensor Check feature that Exaggerates/Holds the control movements. This feature can make the Sensor/Aircraft movement test easier to perform. Be sure to Cycle the POWER before flying to exit the feature.

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.