Aura 5 In-Flight Trimming Procedure

[PeterG]

Hi all,

The big question here is: can 6-axis be trimmed first, then 3-axis, then gyro-off? Or does it HAVE to be gyro-off -> 3-axis -> 6 axis?

I want my students to be able to fly and learn trimming in 6-axis mode first so their airplanes survive long enough to GET to 3-axis and gyro-off modes.

Here is my current (hopeful) procedure Aura 5 In-Flight Trimming:

FT Aura 5 In-Flight Trimming Procedure​

Details here are for the FT Radiomaster Pocket FT Aura profile.

Features like Launch Assist will not work if you have active trims on your transmitter. The goal of this process is to get the plane flying straight and level, then lock any trims into the Aura 5. This will allow you to remove all trims from your transmitter and get the full functionality of the Aura 5.

You must set trims for each mode (6-axis, 3-axis, gyro-off) in a separate flight.

Before in-flight trimming:

• The control surfaces should be centered as much as possible as described in Set-Up Stage 5: Control Surface Bench Trim. If trims were used during bench set-up, those trims should already be saved to the Aura board.

A) Trimming for 6-Axis Flight (Level Assist Mode)​

This first flight is specifically to trim the 6-axis sensor, correcting for any tiny misalignments in how the Aura board is mounted.

1. Take Off and Fly in 6-Axis Mode: Take off and switch to your 6-axis “Flight Mode Stabilize” mode (Rocker switch SB middle switch position).
2. Trim for Level Flight: Fly the plane at a normal cruising speed (1/2 to 3/4 throttle). Use your transmitter's trim tabs to adjust the elevator, ailerons, and rudder until the airplane flies straight and level with your hands off the sticks.
3. Land the Plane: Land the airplane, but do not switch out of 6-axis mode.
4. Lock in the Trims: With the plane on the ground, powered on, and in 6 axis mode, perform the "Quick Trim" sequence:
   1. Press and hold the TRIM button on the Aura for ~5 seconds until the LED flashes blue slowly. (You are now in trim mode).
   2. Press and hold the TRIM button again for ~5 seconds until the LED flashes blue quickly. You may hear a click or twitch of the servos. (The Aura has now learned the trim settings from your transmitter).
   3. On your transmitter, move the trim tabs back to zero. You will see the control surfaces on the plane stay in their trimmed position.
   4. Press and hold the TRIM button a final time for ~5 seconds. The LED will flash rapidly as the Aura reboots.
5. Power Cycle: Disconnect and reconnect the battery.

Your airplane should now be trimmed for 6-axis mode!

B) Trimming for 3-Axis Flight (Stabilized Gyro Mode)​

1. Take Off and Fly: Take off and switch to 3-axis gyro “Flight Mode Acro” mode (rocker switch SB all the way back towards you). Get the plane to a comfortable altitude.
2. Trim for Level Flight: Fly the plane at a normal cruising speed (1/2 to 3/4 throttle). Use your transmitter's trim tabs to adjust the elevator, ailerons, and elevator until the airplane flies straight and level with your hands off the sticks.
3. Land the Plane: Once you are happy with how it's flying, bring it in for a landing. Do not turn off the plane or the transmitter.
4. Lock in the Trims: With the plane on the ground and everything still powered on, perform same "Quick Trim" sequence from before (press & hold the TRIM button until blue light flashes slowly to enter trim mode, then press & hold the TRIM button again until quick flashing blue LED, then center trims on your radio, then press & hold the TRIM button again. The LED will flash rapidly as the Aura 5 reboots.
5. Power Cycle: Disconnect and reconnect the airplane's battery for a clean reset. The trims for your normal flight mode are now permanently saved in the Aura.

Your airplane should now be trimmed for 3-axis mode!

C) Trimming for Gyro-Off Flight​

1. Take Off and Fly: Take off and switch to gyro-off “Flight Mode Normal” mode (rocker switch SB all the way forward). Get the plane to a comfortable altitude.
2. Trim for Level Flight: Fly the plane at a normal cruising speed (around half throttle). Use your transmitter's trim tabs to adjust the rudder and elevator until the airplane flies straight and level with your hands off the sticks. Don't worry about getting it perfect, just get it flying smoothly.
3. Land the Plane: Once you are happy with how it's flying, bring it in for a landing. Do not turn off the plane or the transmitter.
4. Lock in the Trims: With the plane on the ground and everything still powered on, perform same "Quick Trim" sequence from before (press & hold the TRIM button until blue light flashes slowly to enter trim mode, then press & hold the TRIM button again until quick flashing blue LED, then center trims on your radio, then press & hold the TRIM button again. The LED will flash rapidly as the Aura 5 reboots.
5. Power Cycle: Disconnect and reconnect the airplane's battery for a clean reset. The trims for your normal flight mode are now permanently saved in the Aura.

Now your plane is trimmed for 6-axis self-leveling mode, 3-axis stabilized flight mode, and for gyro-off flight, all with zero trims on your transmitter, allowing you to use launch assist in any of the three flight modes.

 

[Merv]

Keep them coming