Difference between revisions of "Aura/UserGuide"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Aura User Guide}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Aura User Guide}}
== Aura AFCS User Guide ==
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= Aura AFCS User Guide =
  
 +
== Manuals and Documents==
 
<span id="Docs">
 
<span id="Docs">
=== Manuals and Documents===
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===Aura Manuals===
<span id="Docs">
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====Aura Manuals====
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*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_User_Guide_EN_R4.pdf|Aura User Guide - English]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_User_Guide_EN_R4.pdf|Aura User Guide - English]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_Bedienungsanleitung_Teil_2_neu.pdf|Aura User Guide - German]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_Bedienungsanleitung_Teil_2_neu.pdf|Aura User Guide - German]
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*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_Quick_Start_Guide_Teil_3.pdf|Aura Quick Start Guide - German]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/s/Aura_8_Quick_Start_Guide_Teil_3.pdf|Aura Quick Start Guide - German]
  
 
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===Product Pages===
====Product Pages====
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*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/aura-products/aura-8-open-stock|Aura 8 Open Stock]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/aura-products/aura-8-open-stock|Aura 8 Open Stock]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/aura-products/aura-8-qq-extra-300|Aura 8 QQ Extra 300]
 
*[http://aura.flexinnovations.com/aura-products/aura-8-qq-extra-300|Aura 8 QQ Extra 300]
  
=== High Level Concepts ===
 
See the FAQ for more in depth information on some topics.
 
  
====Aura Configurations====
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== High Level Concepts ==
 +
<span id="Concepts">
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See the [[Aura/FAQ/|Aura FAQ]] for more in depth information on some topics.
 +
 
 +
===Aura Configurations===
 
The Aura is currently available for sale in 2 configurations: Aura 8 - QQ Extra 300 and Aura 8 - Open Stock.
 
The Aura is currently available for sale in 2 configurations: Aura 8 - QQ Extra 300 and Aura 8 - Open Stock.
  
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The Aura 8 Open Stock configuration comes with a blank configuration that can be configured to virtually any fixed wing aircraft.  The Aura 8 Open Stock must be configured for your aircraft, however, we have built-in features such as Quick Setup and Quick Trim to allow common aircraft (up to 2 Aileron, 2 Elevator, and 1 Rudder) to be initially setup quickly using a "digital" data connection (Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futbaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, JR Mode B) and a transmitter.
 
The Aura 8 Open Stock configuration comes with a blank configuration that can be configured to virtually any fixed wing aircraft.  The Aura 8 Open Stock must be configured for your aircraft, however, we have built-in features such as Quick Setup and Quick Trim to allow common aircraft (up to 2 Aileron, 2 Elevator, and 1 Rudder) to be initially setup quickly using a "digital" data connection (Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futbaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, JR Mode B) and a transmitter.
  
 
+
===Onboard Configuration===
====Onboard Configuration====
+
 
The Aura Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) is designed to offer an optimum flying experience when installed properly. For optimal flying experience, the Aura does a few things different than traditional flight controller and handles some duties that are traditionally handled by the transmitter.  The concept of an "onboard configuration" means the best flying experience is achieved when parameters are set on the Aura, rather than in the transmitter.   
 
The Aura Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) is designed to offer an optimum flying experience when installed properly. For optimal flying experience, the Aura does a few things different than traditional flight controller and handles some duties that are traditionally handled by the transmitter.  The concept of an "onboard configuration" means the best flying experience is achieved when parameters are set on the Aura, rather than in the transmitter.   
  
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An additional benefit of "onboard configuration" is that it allows simpler radios (DX6, etc) to have features of more advanced/expensive transmitters.
 
An additional benefit of "onboard configuration" is that it allows simpler radios (DX6, etc) to have features of more advanced/expensive transmitters.
  
 
+
===Transmitters/Receiver Types===
====Transmitters/Receiver Types====
+
 
Aura AFCS was designed to communicate easily with major transmitter/receiver brands.   
 
Aura AFCS was designed to communicate easily with major transmitter/receiver brands.   
 
*Aura currently supports "digital" data connections such as Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, and JR Mode B.   
 
*Aura currently supports "digital" data connections such as Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, and JR Mode B.   
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For ease of use, precision and robustness, we encourage use the "digital" data connections.  Digital data connections are easier to connect and may offer additional features/robustness.
 
For ease of use, precision and robustness, we encourage use the "digital" data connections.  Digital data connections are easier to connect and may offer additional features/robustness.
  
 
+
===Auto-Detect===
====Auto-Detect====
+
 
Auto-Detect is a feature that will scan any connected data connection and setup the correct sign conventions and channel order.  For example, if the Aura detects a Futaba S.Bus receiver connected to Servo Port B, the channel order and directions will be configured to match a default Futaba transmitter model.   
 
Auto-Detect is a feature that will scan any connected data connection and setup the correct sign conventions and channel order.  For example, if the Aura detects a Futaba S.Bus receiver connected to Servo Port B, the channel order and directions will be configured to match a default Futaba transmitter model.   
  
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*The Aura 8 Open Stock will attempt to Auto-Detect the until the first receiver is found.  By default, The Auto-Detect feature will not be started in subsequent power-ups if no signal is seen for 15 seconds (this behavior can be changed using the Aura Config Tool).   
 
*The Aura 8 Open Stock will attempt to Auto-Detect the until the first receiver is found.  By default, The Auto-Detect feature will not be started in subsequent power-ups if no signal is seen for 15 seconds (this behavior can be changed using the Aura Config Tool).   
  
 
+
===Flight Modes===
====Flight Modes====
+
 
The Aura AFCS uses a Flight Mode concept to tune the aircraft. A Transmitter/Receiver Channel (Ch5/Gear by default) is assigned as the "Flight Mode Switch" (a 3 position switch is ideal).  Each Aura Flight Mode is configured to control the Dual Rates, Exponential, and the specific Control Mode algorithm.
 
The Aura AFCS uses a Flight Mode concept to tune the aircraft. A Transmitter/Receiver Channel (Ch5/Gear by default) is assigned as the "Flight Mode Switch" (a 3 position switch is ideal).  Each Aura Flight Mode is configured to control the Dual Rates, Exponential, and the specific Control Mode algorithm.
  
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The presence of these Aura Flight Modes means that you should not set-up Dual Rates and Expos in your transmitter in the normal way. It is possible to apply some transmitter adjustments to 'modify' a flight mode or to create a sub-mode. The FAQ has additional insights on this topic.
 
The presence of these Aura Flight Modes means that you should not set-up Dual Rates and Expos in your transmitter in the normal way. It is possible to apply some transmitter adjustments to 'modify' a flight mode or to create a sub-mode. The FAQ has additional insights on this topic.
  
 
+
===Control Modes===
====Control Modes====
+
 
A Control Mode selects a specific control algorithm (such as Gyro Off, Rate Dampener, Rate Command, Stabilization, etc) and sets the specific parameters such as Gain.
 
A Control Mode selects a specific control algorithm (such as Gyro Off, Rate Dampener, Rate Command, Stabilization, etc) and sets the specific parameters such as Gain.
  
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Similarly, Control algorithms such as 'Rate Dampener' are best optimized for each flight mode if Dual Rates are done in Aura, not the transmitter.
 
Similarly, Control algorithms such as 'Rate Dampener' are best optimized for each flight mode if Dual Rates are done in Aura, not the transmitter.
  
 
+
===Wing and Tail Mixers===
====Wing and Tail Mixers====
+
 
In general, The Aura combines 3-axis sensor data and 3-axis transmitter input commands (from Aileron, Elevator, Rudder channels) to calculate servo positions.  For wing/tail types that mix multiple axis together (Elevons, V-Tail, etc), it is far better to have the Aura 'mix' the transmitter commands with the sensor data directly on the Aura.  This allows the each axis of transmitter commands and sensor data to mixed cleanly and provides the best flight experience for nearly any type of aircraft.
 
In general, The Aura combines 3-axis sensor data and 3-axis transmitter input commands (from Aileron, Elevator, Rudder channels) to calculate servo positions.  For wing/tail types that mix multiple axis together (Elevons, V-Tail, etc), it is far better to have the Aura 'mix' the transmitter commands with the sensor data directly on the Aura.  This allows the each axis of transmitter commands and sensor data to mixed cleanly and provides the best flight experience for nearly any type of aircraft.
  
=== Additional Links ===
+
 
 +
== Additional Links ==
 
[[Aura/Install|Installing your Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/Install|Installing your Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/Configure|Configure your Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/Configure|Configure your Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/ConfigFiles|Config Files for Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/ConfigFiles|Config Files for Aura]]<br>
 
[[Aura/Transmitters|Transmitter Support]]<br>
 
[[Aura/Transmitters|Transmitter Support]]<br>

Revision as of 16:45, 11 November 2015

Aura AFCS User Guide

Manuals and Documents

Aura Manuals

Product Pages


High Level Concepts

See the Aura FAQ for more in depth information on some topics.

Aura Configurations

The Aura is currently available for sale in 2 configurations: Aura 8 - QQ Extra 300 and Aura 8 - Open Stock.

The Aura 8 QQ Extra 300 configuration comes installed in our Premier Aircraft QQ Extra 300. It is also available as a replacement part. In both cases, it comes programmed/configured for optimal flight duals rates, expo, gains specifically for the QQ Extra 300 aircraft.

The Aura 8 Open Stock configuration comes with a blank configuration that can be configured to virtually any fixed wing aircraft. The Aura 8 Open Stock must be configured for your aircraft, however, we have built-in features such as Quick Setup and Quick Trim to allow common aircraft (up to 2 Aileron, 2 Elevator, and 1 Rudder) to be initially setup quickly using a "digital" data connection (Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futbaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, JR Mode B) and a transmitter.

Onboard Configuration

The Aura Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) is designed to offer an optimum flying experience when installed properly. For optimal flying experience, the Aura does a few things different than traditional flight controller and handles some duties that are traditionally handled by the transmitter. The concept of an "onboard configuration" means the best flying experience is achieved when parameters are set on the Aura, rather than in the transmitter.

For best results the following is best configured in Aura: Wing and Tail types, Servo Reversing, Servo Travels, Subtrims, Trims, Dual Rates, Exponential Setting.

An additional benefit of "onboard configuration" is that it allows simpler radios (DX6, etc) to have features of more advanced/expensive transmitters.

Transmitters/Receiver Types

Aura AFCS was designed to communicate easily with major transmitter/receiver brands.

  • Aura currently supports "digital" data connections such as Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, Spektrum SRXL, Futaba S.Bus, Graupner SumD, and JR Mode B.
  • Aura also supports "analog" connections such as traditional PWM and PPM.

For ease of use, precision and robustness, we encourage use the "digital" data connections. Digital data connections are easier to connect and may offer additional features/robustness.

Auto-Detect

Auto-Detect is a feature that will scan any connected data connection and setup the correct sign conventions and channel order. For example, if the Aura detects a Futaba S.Bus receiver connected to Servo Port B, the channel order and directions will be configured to match a default Futaba transmitter model.

  • The Aura 8 QQ Extra 300 will attempt to Auto-Detect the signal out of the box, or if it is powered on and no signal is seen for 15 seconds. Be aware that changing radios, and/or allowing Auto-Detect to re-run may overwrite (reset to default) custom programming changes inside Aura including Channel inputs and outputs assignment, servo reversing, etc. See the QQ Extra 300 Manual for additional details.
  • The Aura 8 Open Stock will attempt to Auto-Detect the until the first receiver is found. By default, The Auto-Detect feature will not be started in subsequent power-ups if no signal is seen for 15 seconds (this behavior can be changed using the Aura Config Tool).

Flight Modes

The Aura AFCS uses a Flight Mode concept to tune the aircraft. A Transmitter/Receiver Channel (Ch5/Gear by default) is assigned as the "Flight Mode Switch" (a 3 position switch is ideal). Each Aura Flight Mode is configured to control the Dual Rates, Exponential, and the specific Control Mode algorithm.

Using Flight Modes on the Aura allows changes the configuration of the aircraft to have it fly differently with only flipping a single switch. A typical example of 3 flight modes is:

Flight Mode 1: Gyro Gain Off/Low Rate/Middle Expo (Cruising/test)
Flight Mode 2: Gyro Gain Moderate/Low Rates/Low Expo (Precision Aerobatics)
Flight Mode 3: Gyro Gain High/High Rates/High Expo (3D Aerobatics)

The presence of these Aura Flight Modes means that you should not set-up Dual Rates and Expos in your transmitter in the normal way. It is possible to apply some transmitter adjustments to 'modify' a flight mode or to create a sub-mode. The FAQ has additional insights on this topic.

Control Modes

A Control Mode selects a specific control algorithm (such as Gyro Off, Rate Dampener, Rate Command, Stabilization, etc) and sets the specific parameters such as Gain.

Because a variety of control algorithms are used now and in the future, it is important that the Flight Controller know 'Stick Center'. A traditional transmitter combines the pilot's stick position with trim and subtrim in the channel data. Since the Aura has no knowledge of the trim or subtrim in the transmitter, the 'Stick Center' position may be offset. For this reason, transmitter trim and subtrim should be avoided. Any needed trim/subtrim offsets should made inside the Aura (or mechanically). Aura contains special routines such as Quick Trim to allow you to easily set your trim/subtrim in the Aura without a PC application.

Similarly, Control algorithms such as 'Rate Dampener' are best optimized for each flight mode if Dual Rates are done in Aura, not the transmitter.

Wing and Tail Mixers

In general, The Aura combines 3-axis sensor data and 3-axis transmitter input commands (from Aileron, Elevator, Rudder channels) to calculate servo positions. For wing/tail types that mix multiple axis together (Elevons, V-Tail, etc), it is far better to have the Aura 'mix' the transmitter commands with the sensor data directly on the Aura. This allows the each axis of transmitter commands and sensor data to mixed cleanly and provides the best flight experience for nearly any type of aircraft.


Additional Links

Installing your Aura
Configure your Aura
Config Files for Aura
Transmitter Support