Aurora 9 FAQ's

.

  • Q. What is the SPC Port?
    • A. The Supplemental Power Connection powers the RX independently of the servo which insures that the RX has power if the servos would cause the voltage on the bus to sag
  • Q. Why would I use it?
    • A. The most common usage is with electric models where the BEC from the Electronic Speed Control can sometime sag and cause a brownout, and since the SPC can handle up to 35V you can tap power off the main flight battery (up to 8S) which allows you to view the main flight pack voltage on the Aurora screen.
  • Q. How do I position my BODA antenna (s)?

    • A. In most cases this placement is not critical. A good rule is to keep the antenna away from metal objects and the power wires as much as possible.  If using the Optima 9 the optimum placement is 90 degree from each other also following the guidelines previously mentioned.

  • Q. What if I have a carbon fiber fuselage?
    • A. It is advised that you exit just the tag end of the antenna outside of a carbon fiber fuselage.
  • Q. Do I need to use the Optima 9 w/ 2 BODA’s on a Giant Scale Plane?

    • A. No, the Optima 6 & 7 with one BODA are perfectly suitable for use in any application.

  • Q. Can I save my models to a PC?

    • A. Yes, via the HPP-22 interface. Simply  download the software from the Hitec website and follow the instructions.

  • Q. Can I share models set ups with my friends?

    • A. Yes, once you save the model you can e-mail it to your friends or upload it to the internet in a .zip format.

  • Q. How do I update the firmware when a new version is released?

    • A. When launching the HPP-22 software, you will be prompted if a new firmware version is available. Follow the on-screen instruction and/or check or website for a tutorial.

  • Q. What radios are trainer compatible with the Aurora?

    • A. Any Hitec radio

  • Q. What cord do I need?

    • A. Hitec provide two training lead accessory packs:
    #58320 TRAINER CABLE (between 6 cell transmitter battery systems)
    [Do Not Attempt to substitute/use a standard stereo cable as the Hitec cable plugs are cross wired]
    #58321 TRAINER CABLE FULL PACKAGE (#58320 + Slave DIN + Master DIN) - For use between a 6 cell transmitter battery system and 8 cell transmitter battery system. (NB: All 8 cell type TX used as a Slave, must have own power supply, i.e. a battery pack installed, refer instructions.)

  • Q. How do I set up the trainer function?

    • A. Aurora: Pupil/Slave TX Mode (Requires battery in the Slave TX):

    a) Plug lead "Trainer" socket on rear of Aurora TX. (A Mono plug is used with SIM whereas a Stereo plug is used in Buddy/Trainer/Slave/Data Transfer mode)
    b) Switch TX On. Do NOT touch the "Transmit - "Yes" or "No" buttons on Initial Screen, simply wait for a few moments more and the "[MULTI - I/O]" Icon will appear below the "Hitec" logo on right lower corner of screen.
    c) Select "[T.Pupil]" and proceed as normal to set up the type of Acro/Heli/Glider model ensuring Servo directions/Trims etc match those of the Master TX.

    A. Other Hitec Transmitter as Slave/T.Pupil or Master TX.
    a) Slave/T.Pupil: Ensure "Student/Buddy" TX has a fully charged battery installed because no power is transferred from the Aurora.
    b) Hitec Eclipse, Optic 6, Focus DIN plug TX as a buddy and the proper combination of Hitec #58321/Student DIN Adaptor cable, the RF circuit is bypassed and there is no need to remove the crystal or module. However, if using a Futaba TX as a Slave, RF circuit is not bypassed and crystal (or module if fitted) must be removed to prevent RF creating problems for other fliers (or take relevant frequency tag/pin).
    (Recommend best practice, to avoid mistakes, is to remove the crystal/module from all slave/buddy TX other than another Aurora.)
    c) Select Din Plug Adaptor with the "Student" Tag and attach to a stereo plug of the main cable. Connect cables to respective TX and turn both on.
    d) Refer section "1. Trainer Set Up/Trim Function." above and Hitec #58321 cable package instruction sheet attached to this post and ensure servo direction/trims match Master (no movement of servos when Aurora dwitch "H" is toggled.)
    e) Optic Sport - refer attached instruction sheet.
    f) Master: Select Din Plug Adaptor with the "Master" Tag and attach to a stereo plug of the main cable. Connect cables to respective TX and turn them both on.
    g) Refer section "4. Aurora: Pupil/Slave TX Mode" above, selecting [T.Pupil] mode and set-up the Aurora to match the settings of the Master TX.

  • Q. Can I change modes with the Aurora?

    • A. Yes. (Default for US radios is Mode 2)

    Change Mode 2 to Mode 1
    1. Remove battery by lifting rear of plug slightly, to release tongue, and slide out.
    2. Open out rear grips and peel up the two rubber dust covers over the throttle stick tension adjustment screws.
    3. Screw down both screws "Lower left" (Adjust ratchet defeat - manual page 26).
    4. Unscrew both screws "Upper Right" (Adjust ratchet defeat - manual page 26).
    5. Screw down Rocker Arm hold down screw."M1/3"
    6. Unscrew rocker hold down screw "M2/4" (until stick spring action operates freely).
    7. Replace battery, observing polarity and locating/locking tongue, then battery cover plate.

    Change Mode 1 to Mode 2 -Reverse steps 3, 4, 5 & 6 above

  • Q. How do I adjust the stick tensions and throttle ratchet?

    • A. Stick Tension Adjustment
    To adjust the tension of the gimbal sticks,
    1. Open out / Remove the rear rubber grips by gently lifting a corner and gently pulling up.
    2. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw J2 or J3 clockwise to increase the spring tension, and counterclockwise to decrease the
    tension of the spring.
    3. Refit the rubber grip pads when finished.

    A. Stick Ratchet Adjustment
    Throttle ratchet tension can be adjusted to suit different flying styles.
    Some use stiff positive detents in the throttle stick, whilst others prefer a light or smooth action e.g. Helicopter pilots.

  • Q. How many timers does the Aurora have?

    • A. There are a total of three timers. Two can be assigned to count either up or down and assigned to be activated via a switch or the throttle stick. The third timer is an overall timer to show how long the radio has been powered up. Reset this after charging the batteries so you can track the runtime of the radio and estimate how long until you will need to recharge.

  • Q. Can I use a LiPo battery in the Aurora?

    • A. Yes, 2S LiPo’s are compatible with the Aurora. You will need to go into the SYS MGMT (page2/2)and go to the battery icon to select LiPo and a cut off voltage to prevent the battery from being damaged if the radio is accidentally left powered on.

  • Q. I hear an occasional beeping when I’m flying, what is this?

    • A. If the beeping is a series of three beeps then this is the low battery warning coming from the module. Other beeps can be the timer which beeps every one minute and then once ever second at the 20 second to go mark and then twice every second for the last 10 seconds. The two sliders also have a beep at the center so if you bump them from time to time you may here a random beep.

  • Q. Can I set the low voltage alarm voltage for different models?

    • A. Yes, in the V1.07 firmware you have the ability to set a custom low voltage warning for each model. When used in conjunction with the SPC connector by tapping power from the main flight battery in an electric model you can fly until the warning goes off with no worry of losing power unexpectedly. A good rule of thumb is to set your warning to 3.3v per cell for LiPo’s; so 9.9v for a 3S pack.

  • Q. When programming, I see a “C” in some of the menus, what is this?

    • A. The “C” stands for “Combined” which means that the settings will stay the same throughout the flight conditions. In some cases you will not want these setting the same, so tap the “C” and it will change to an “S” which means these setting will be “Separate” if this is selected.

  • Q. How would I use flight conditions?
    • A. These are used to make quick changes to multiple things like mixes, D/R, Expo etc… It’s also a good idea to assign flight conditions to the same switches that you have assigned for a specific mix to prevent interaction between mixes to prevent from overdriving the servos in case each mix affects the same control surface.
  • Q. Is there a neck strap balancer available?

    • A. Yes part #55843

    Aurora 9 2.4GHz