Note: This guide is done with a Spektrum transmitter. For non Spektrum set up differences see the note at the end. Thanks @LitterBug for your help!
This is a step by step guide for the initial set up of the Aura 5 Lite. It's meant for your first time set up or as a refresher if you've been away from it for awhile. It's not exhaustive by any stretch, it's just meant to get you past the initial head scratching. I was going to call this Aura 5 Lite for dummies but that's copyrighted and besides if you've gotten this far you're not a dummy.
Before you go any further download or update your:
Aura Config Tool
https://wiki.flexinnovations.com/wiki/Aura/AuraConfigToolInstall
Aura Quick Start Guide
https://resources.flexinnovations.com/files/FTAura5_QuickStartOverview_v1p25.pdf
Note: The channel assignments on the Quick Start Guide are for the 2 Aileron servo set up. The correct assignments for single aileron servo are: S1 - Throttle, S2 - Ailerons, S3 - Elevator, S4 - Rudder.
Open the Aura Config tool and:
Physical Set Up:
Bind the receiver to the Aura and then transmitter:
Configure Aura to your Plane:
Non Spektrum Notes:
The bind step will most likely be different for non-Spektrum receivers (and some Spektrum). FrSky/ Radiomaster/ ELRS are done differently. Some have a bind button on the receiver, some will go into autobind after a period of time, some by web interface, etc. Would be difficult to provide details for all the different methods. All non-DSM RXes will be plugged into the 3pin connector to the right of the bind/trim buttons.
Flight mode switch can not be on port 5 for ELRS. We have had a few requests about this lately. ELRS forces port 5 to be a on/off value for arming which messes with having 3 flight modes AND ELRS should be Armed when flying to enable dynamic transmit power, higher telemetry throughput, etc... Pick another channel (say 6) and modify the Flight Mode Setup on the first configuration page.
I usually also create a mix in my transmitter for channel 5 to set the throttle to -100 when not armed. (throttle kill) (OpenTX/EdgeTX radios do not require the 125% throws. They use 1000ms-2000ms pulse widths by default. Spektrum uses a narrower width pulse range. (lower resolution by default) (1100-1900?) In any rate, we want CH5 to be HIGH when flying for best results. I create a throttle kill switch for all my PWM flyers.
This is a step by step guide for the initial set up of the Aura 5 Lite. It's meant for your first time set up or as a refresher if you've been away from it for awhile. It's not exhaustive by any stretch, it's just meant to get you past the initial head scratching. I was going to call this Aura 5 Lite for dummies but that's copyrighted and besides if you've gotten this far you're not a dummy.
Before you go any further download or update your:
Aura Config Tool
https://wiki.flexinnovations.com/wiki/Aura/AuraConfigToolInstall
Aura Quick Start Guide
https://resources.flexinnovations.com/files/FTAura5_QuickStartOverview_v1p25.pdf
Note: The channel assignments on the Quick Start Guide are for the 2 Aileron servo set up. The correct assignments for single aileron servo are: S1 - Throttle, S2 - Ailerons, S3 - Elevator, S4 - Rudder.
Open the Aura Config tool and:
- Install Aura Config Tool USB Drivers
- Update your Aura's firmware and bootloader (with Aura connected to computer with a usb cable)
Physical Set Up:
- I like to do the set up with the Aura mounted on the plane.
- When you mount it make sure that is parallel to an axis and one edge is parallel with another axis - so it's 'square' with the plane.
- Make sure that it's in a location where you can easily plug and unplug servos and the usb cable and that you can easily press the trim and bind buttons.
Bind the receiver to the Aura and then transmitter:
- Have your plane profile ready to go on your transmitter then turn it off.
- Have your servos, esc, and motor plugged in and ready.
- Make sure that the receiver is plugged into the Aura.
- REMOVE the propeller just in case.
- While pushing in on the bind button on the Aura, plug in the battery. It takes 3 hands, or a helper, or a battery extension cable with a toggle switch.
- You'll get a rapid blue flashing led on the Aura and once it's bound to the receiver it will turn solid orange.
- Leave the Aura powered on and bind your receiver to your transmitter in the normal way for your set up. For my Spektrum I hold down the bind button on the transmitter while powering on the transmitter.
Configure Aura to your Plane:
- Open the Aura Config Tool.
- Connect your Aura with a usb cable.
- Click File and then New Aura Config File Wizard.
- At the product screen select FT Aura 5 LITE and Flite Test
- Give your Aura Config a Name
- Pick a wing and tail type
- Pick your transmitter
- Pick your receiver - if it's not listed pick Auto-detect
- Pick your Aura Port - it will either be the only choice or Auto-detect
- Use the Change Orientation button to make the picture match how your Aura is mounted
- If you want Level Assist, and who doesn't - I mean why else did you get the Aura - Make sure the Level Assist check box is checked.
- Once everything is filled in it will show your servo port configuration at the bottom and the Finish button will be enabled
- Hit finish and pick a place to store you config file and save it
- Now you'll have a screen that lets you re-do your set up and fiddle with everything (read that as really screw things up.)
- If you want Level Assist make sure that the 6Axis Calculations Enabled button is ON
- Hit Connect and then Write All to Aura
- Make the throws for your Ailerons, Elevator and Rudder all 125. I don't know why, it just is.
- Pick a 3 position switch for your flight mode and map it to channel 5
- DO NOT do any servo reversing or mixing in your transmitter for the Ailerons, Elevator or Rudder. Do that in the Aura
- Disconnect the usb from your Aura
- Turn on your transmitter
- Plug in your battery
- Test your control surface movement
- If any need to be reversed - push and hold the bind and trim buttons on the Aura at the same time and wait for the lights to flash
- Which ever control needs to be reversed move that stick full travel and wait for the control surface to reverse
- Then push and hold the bind and trim buttons on the Aura at the same time and the lights will go out and then restart.
Non Spektrum Notes:
The bind step will most likely be different for non-Spektrum receivers (and some Spektrum). FrSky/ Radiomaster/ ELRS are done differently. Some have a bind button on the receiver, some will go into autobind after a period of time, some by web interface, etc. Would be difficult to provide details for all the different methods. All non-DSM RXes will be plugged into the 3pin connector to the right of the bind/trim buttons.
Flight mode switch can not be on port 5 for ELRS. We have had a few requests about this lately. ELRS forces port 5 to be a on/off value for arming which messes with having 3 flight modes AND ELRS should be Armed when flying to enable dynamic transmit power, higher telemetry throughput, etc... Pick another channel (say 6) and modify the Flight Mode Setup on the first configuration page.
I usually also create a mix in my transmitter for channel 5 to set the throttle to -100 when not armed. (throttle kill) (OpenTX/EdgeTX radios do not require the 125% throws. They use 1000ms-2000ms pulse widths by default. Spektrum uses a narrower width pulse range. (lower resolution by default) (1100-1900?) In any rate, we want CH5 to be HIGH when flying for best results. I create a throttle kill switch for all my PWM flyers.
