FAQ Aurora A9, Spectra Pro & Optima - FAQ & Undocumented Features - Mixes, Setups, Tips.

[A.T.]

Links to tips, shortcuts, undocumented features, mixes etc. Basically anything that will help Aurora users maximise the use/programming of their radio. Please try and keep this thread on topic - start a new thread for any questions, programming, set up or features and the answer can be listed here as a simple link. (Will update this initial list regularly with new information as Q&A arise.)

Hitec Aurora Interactive Homepage

Hitec catalogue 2010 - 2.4GHz and Telemetry detail

Hitec Spectra 2.4 GHz and Optima Transceiver (RX) - Review of AFHSS in operation Video #1 = Normal Mode, Video #2 = Scan Mode.
Hitec Spectra 2.4 GHz and Optima Transceiver (RX) - Review of AFHSS in operation -Video #3 (Answers to questions raised in above Videos 1 & 2., post #2933 page 296 also refers.)

Aurora A9 - Radio System Review RC Groups - By Mike Llewellyn - with Video of Screens and Custom Folder setup
Aurora A9 - Radio System Review Fly RC Product - by Scott Stoops with Bob Aberle & Thayer Syme

Aurora A9 - Latency a Non Issue 7yr old Justin Jee - XFC 2010 RC Heli Competition Flight + other comment & videos
Aurora A9 - Latency - Speed Test. Test your own speed and disprove marketing hype.
Aurora 9ch 2.4GHz -VIDEO series of 7 video Walkthrough Set Ups -Dashboard, Heli, Glider, Acro etc.
Aurora 9ch 2.4GHz -VIDEO Basic Set Up - new 17Aug10 36mb 7min8sec.

Aurora 9ch 2.4GHz_72 mHz Manual (8MB .pdf) search not included. (Manual written V1.03, new pages/addendums below)
Aurora 9ch 2.4GHz_72 mHz Manual (14MB .pdf) search included. (Manual written V1.03, new pages/addendums below)
Aurora A9 - Firmware Update V1.06 - New Page for Manual. (Includes Butterfly / Crow Set Up)
Aurora A9 - Firmware Update V1.07 - New Pages for Manual (x2).
Hitec RCD Spectra Pro 2.4GHz Module Manual
Hitec RCD Optima 6, 7 & 9ch Receiver Manual

Aurora A9 - Module Pinouts and Compability Hitec Spectra, standard and other brand modules are not compatible. Details and pictures.
Aurora A9 - Balance with Neck Strap "#55843 Transmitter Weight Balancer". Provides best Neck Strap Balance position for Hitec 2.4Ghz Transmitters - available May 2010
Aurora A9 - Simulator function Set-up
Aurora A9 - Trainer / Buddy system Master & Slave function Set-up
Aurora A9 - Transfer Model Memory from Eclipse 7, Optic 6, Flash 4&5 and others
Aurora A9 - Transmitter Mode & Stick Tension Change.
Aurora A9 - Battery is not charged. Charge before first use so as not to damage battery. Battery is 1300 mAh_charge rate is 80 mAh (to minimise damage if left on to long at any time) = 19-20 hours for first full charge - please read the further details.
Aurora A9 - Battery Installed ex Factory is part #54128 "TX NiMH battery (6 cell) Pack (Flat Type) for AUR (RA9) 7.2v / 1300 MAh"(not an Eneloop 2000)...... NB: see note re fitting alternate batteries.
Aurora A9 - Battery Compartment Fit Lipol battery and connectors.
Aurora A9 & Optima RX - Battery - 2S Lipo Voltage Capabilities.
Aurora A9 - Lipo User Adjustable Voltage sets Shut Down = TURNS TX OFF to save damage to Lipo Battery and/or TX
(Audible Battery Warning is still at 6.9V with Lipo which provides say 10-20 min before shutdown.)
Aurora A9 - Warning Alarms Battery types, voltage levels and consumption - with Power/Battery Management Screen Shots. CAUTION - Leave Auto Power Off as "Never" when using Lipo Battery. "Auto Power Off" is Hibernation Mode only (as with laptops). TX Does Not Switch Completely OFF and batteries will be completely drained if TX switch is not manually moved to the off position in good time. Will read as 'Auto Hibernation mode' with next update. As with all similar items, Hitec RCD recommend battery be removed and stored separately if TX is to be stored or unused for a period.
Aurora A9 - RX Voltage on Screen SPC voltage has preference over BEC voltage if using tap.
Aurora A9 - 110/230 Vac charger Charge Plug/adaptor sizes. [Red LED does not change to Green simply dims out but charge continues same rate].
Aurora A9 - Diode in TX Charge Circuit Never Jump TX Charge Circuit Diode - Hitec FAQ.
Aurora A9 - Lipo Charging. includes Field / Fast Charge Aurora, Eclipse 7, Flash 4&5, Laser, Optic 6, Prism 7 etc.
Aurora A9 - Countdown Countup Timer Set On/Off % of Throttle Stick Movement and different reset procedures for V1.04<V1.07.
Aurora A9 - On Screen "C" <> "S" & "T.App ". "C" is combined so if you want the same setting in different flight condition use it... "S" is for single so as to make the setting unique to the condition ( refer "Acro Menu" Video - 8 min 39 sec) T.App is Trim Apply - activate this if trims are to be the same in all conditions.
Aurora A9 - OST & ACC - OST = Servo Offset. ACC = Acceleration (for asymmetrical servo travel)
Aurora A9 - Resolution In depth explanation
Aurora A9 - Replace Switches with Push Buttons pictorial.
Aurora A9 - Screen Polarised Filter. View at angle when using Polaroid type sunglasses in bright sunlight .
Aurora A9 - Screen Touchlock - Included upgrade from V1.05 to V1.06
Aurora A9 - Screen Protectors - Included as an example, due to requests, there may be other suppliers.
Aurora A9 - Servos - Use Any Modern Servo with 1.5ms Neutral Position.
Aurora A9 - Servos - Speed Adjustment, Control Movement Monitor & Servo Auto Test.
Aurora A9 - Slider DIY Centre Detente (Notch) Slider for (Aurora pre Mar10). Center/Beep out of synch with Detent Aurora post Mar2010.

Aurora A9 - Helicopter Set Up -Finless Bob's Helifreak Tech Room - Review Tips and how-To Videos
Aurora A9 - Heli Swash (Cyclic) Ring to be included in a future Firmware Update.
Aurora A9 - Gyro Set-up - How to interpret numbers & modes on screen.
Aurora A9 - Gyro Heading Hold etc set up 450 Heli - a.
Aurora A9 - Gyro set up 450 Heli - b.

Aurora A9 - Flight Conditions - Explanation, Use and order of Priority - Video x 2.
Aurora A9 - Butterfly - Crow Set Up - procedure updated V1.06.
Aurora A9 - Butterfly - Crow Switch/Slider assignment - includes V1.05 and V1.06 downloadable files.
Aurora A9 - Delta Wing - set up EPA, D/R & EXP w/photos
Aurora A9 - DLG Set up guide with many screen shots for setting Camber, P.Mixes, Flap Control etc ***
Aurora A9 - Dual Elevator - Set Up.
Aurora A9 - Dual Rates, Cambermix uses and assignments Posts 227 & 249.
Aurora A9 - Flapperon - Flaps - Set up.
Aurora A9 - Flap (Landing) Mix see also sailplane below
Aurora A9 - Four Aileron Bipe - Set Up independent Aileron Servos.
Aurora A9 - P-Mix Tips: 6,7,8 use 7 point curves where 1-5 are linear.
Aurora A9 - Rudder-Elevator PMix In Flight Trimming
Aurora A9 - Sailplane - Fullhouse Glider - Electric Power Setup (inc motor_flaps on/off at low throttle) many screen shots.
Aurora A9 - Sailplane_Glider Flap Mixing - assign flap channel to a 3 position switch First (refer posts 208,209 & 210).
Aurora A9 - Retract Servo Slow - Video of Heli Tri gear set up. (NB use analogue or digital servo as retract servos are 180* On/Off only and cannot be slowed)post #5121. - Retract Curves post #5706.
Aurora A9 - Retracts and Flaps Set up with Various Flight Conditions - posts #2052 & #2054.
Aurora A9 - Test Mode - is inhibited if Throttle Lock On.
Aurora A9 - Throttle Lock (Hold) & Transmit Yes-No Features & Use. - How to use Icon and/or Switch method (operates when in transmit mode only)
Aurora A9 - Throttle Cut & Idle Down Set-Up
Aurora A9 - Throttle Curve & Throttle Expo Set-Up. [NB: Hitec TX use Minus (-) Expo wherever JR/Spektrum use Plus (+) Expo]
Aurora A9 - Throttle Control - Glow Driver &/or Ignition On/Off post #2239
Aurora A9 - Trim Certain Mixes In-flight
Aurora A9 - Throttle>Smoke. a) - Video PMix Tutorial (from text "how to" post #2104)
Aurora A9 - Throttle>Smoke. b) with own 7-point curve. Assigned a two position switch with identical curve on throttle-1 & zeroed out the curve on throttle-2 one position to turn the pump off. posts #1698 & #1699
Aurora A9 - Trim Step Adjustable 1-200 with 12 default (Approx.0.025deg ~ 5deg / Step) - Effect.
Aurora A9 - Trim Twin EP Motors

Aurora A9 - Giant Scale set up Brandon Chitty's 42% Aeroworks Yak - Video presentation of set up.
Aurora A9 - Latency and Expo Demo - Brandon Chitty's 35% Extra set up for giant scale. Video.
Aurora A9 - BoneDoc's 3D Clinic #20 - VIDEO - Snap to Hover (5 min 36 sec) + J.Yee & Basic set up videos

AFHSS - Normal & Scan Modes Explained includes Redundant (Dual) Receivers.
AFHSS - How To Select Optimum Channels - For Your Field
AFHSS - ID-Setup A.K.A, binding or linking & Range Testing Spectra Pro Module <> Optima Receiver
AFHSS - Aurora, Spectra Pro & Optima - Fail-Safe Settings
AFHSS - Power Down - Procedure for Normal Mode & Scan Mode for Range Check.
Power Down for Range Check is 1mw - tested to at least 1/4 mile.

LED Status Card - What the colours/combinations are indicating.
. Digital .pdf copy which can be printed and inserted as a page in manual or extra cards made.

Hitec 2.4 GHz System Firmware Update Manual .pdf
Hitec Programmers - Download Software for HPP-21 & HPP-21+ for Digital Servos.
Hitec Programmers - Download Station for HPP-22- Enables update to Aurora, Optic Sport, Spectra Pro Modules and Optima Transceivers.
HFP-20, HPP-21 & HPP-21+ - Manuals (.pdf bottom each page)
Hitec HPP-22 2.4GHz Programmer - Manual, FAQ - How to install & Use Instructions (with screenshots).
Aurora - Model Set Up & Templates Program Templates. (If you have an HPP-22, download these files and transfer them into your Aurora. Save and share your own set ups. This way you could have more than one set of eyes look at your set up and possibly come up with other solutions).
Aurora A9 - Programing Spreadsheet - Put all your model settings into a printable spreadsheet.

Aurora A9 - Software Wish List Thread
Aurora A9 - Firmware Update V1.06 Details.
Aurora A9 - Firmware Update V1.07 & Spectra Pro V2.0 - Effective 13Jul10.
Aurora A9 - Firmware Update V1.07 Details, Observations, FAQ & Video update 14Jul10.
Optima 7 & 9 - Firmware update V1.02 available, requires an HPP-22, from 23Jun2010

Aurora A9 Telemetry - Flying Range
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Range test Using Segway & GPS - Video - Demonstrates remarkable 2100+ft not only through large obstacles but also with Heli sitting in ground effect.
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Screens & Displays
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Full installation in Skylink 50cc - Video( 6 min 29 sec)
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Screens & Displays - Video
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Download Demo 2D Graphic Flight displays of an actual flight. NB: GPS updates every .5 sec and will be fairly accurate for level flight but not dive speed since it is using ground coordinates for the calculation.
Aurora A9 Telemetry - Compatibility & Open Source - status
Telemetry - Spectra Pro_Alternate TX Connections. (USB device to pick up telemetry data wirelessly to the PC due near future)

Optima Transceiver (RX) - Installation RX, BODA Antenna & Range Test Results. {Regularily Updated with Q&A}
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Independent Comprehensive Range Test "The Hitec system worked as well as any I have tested and better than most. It performed better than the Futaba FASST, the Airtronics, the XPS and the JR low end receivers. It performed at least as good as my reference receiver, the JR AR7000."
Carbon Fiber Fuse... Report - from well known Glider Pilot and Fly RC author Mike Lee
Carbon Fibre Fuse...Report - High Speed DS
Optima Transceiver (RX) - BODA Antenna explained - as good, arguably better than a two antenna system.
BODA Antenna Tip - If a concern, secure with dab "Shoe Goo" or Heatshrink tube. (Receivers pre Apr10.)

Optima Transceiver (RX) - Basic Telemetry Includes Battery Voltage Level but not "Range Out warning".
Optima Transceiver (RX) - A123 2S Cell - Low Battery Warning not adjustable V1.04<06. How to set alert voltages V1.07. Warning regarding use of Eneloop & A123 2S as RX batteries.
Optima Transceiver (RX) - GP Receiver packs - using NiMH
Optima Transceiver (RX) - PowerExpander Connections
Optima Transceiver (RX) - SPC - SPC connection & Lead Detailed plus Optima Current Draw/Amps
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Light Weight Receivers and Caseless Weights for 6 & 7ch Optima.
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Conversion for Indoor and Park-Flyers pending release of Minima 2.4GHz series. Hitec "Factory Pilot" Brandon Chitty uses the Optima 7 in his indoor competition aircraft (Fancy Foam Maxima) that weighs 8oz, as well as his 170CC DA powered 42% Aeroworks Yak.
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Multiple Batteries may be installed Dual batteries for redundancy or even one for each servo.
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Servo Move Slower Than Usual -Rebind. Switched between Normal <> Scan mode with power off before process completed.
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Servo Wag When RX Turned On Reason & Prevention of Servo Wag (especially when switching on some ESC) .
Optima Transceiver (RX) - Servos Stepping - Battery pack (power supply) failing under load.

Spectra Pro and Optima RX - FCC Approval Specifications and Test Results.
Spectra Pro Antenna Mast Fitting to other than Aurora TX.
Spectra Pro Antenna Mast DIY Remote TX Mounting for 2.4GHz Antenna (Dual Std & 2.4)
Spectra Pro Antenna - Hide coaxial cable inside TX. This if not intending to ever use 72Mhz or other modules.
Spectra Pro 2.4GHz - original Prism 7 not 7X requires minor fix.
Spectra Pro 72MHz PPM/QPCM Module Delayed until at least 2nd quarter 2010
Spectra 2.4GHz DSSS Module #28724 - not for use with Optima RX / aircraft
Spectra 2.4GHz DSSS Module and Atom 3 RX Manual - for Surface use only.

JR - Spectra Pro Module - 2.4Ghz AFHSS module for JR transmitters. - update Jun10.
Multiplex Evo 2.4 conversion with Hitec AFHSS

Special Offers from Hitec USA. These offers are only available to Hitec customers in the USA, Canada & Mexico
Coupons, Validity/Expiry & Pricing Comparisons

Hitec Service Bulletins

Team Hitec pages on Facebook & YouTube

Regards
Alan Tong (Hitec NZ).
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[wollins]

Originally Posted by A.T.

Aurora A9 - Lipol User Adjustable Voltage sets Shut Down = TURNS TX OFF to save damage to Lipol and/or TX
(Battery Warning is still at 6.9V and provides an extra 10-20 min before shutdown.)

Link appears to be dead.

[wollins]

Ok, more than one appear to be dead

[A.T.]

x 2 corrected. tks. Alan.

[Tentacle]

Do you have a list of tips for the flash 5 x?

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by Tentacle

Do you have a list of tips for the flash 5 x?

Hitec - Flash 4&5 FAQ
see also
Hitec - Product Support

Please, if change of topic, always start a new thread.

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[Comm69]

Alan,

Have you modded any of the EVO's yet?

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by Comm69

Alan, Have you modded any of the EVO's yet?

Not personally. However, conversion is well detailed by Mike in separate thread:
Multiplex Evo 2.4 conversion w/Hitec AFHSS
regards
Alan T.

[orcrest]

Hey Alan

What a great idea for a thread, I don't know where you came up with it. HAHA
I still reserve the right to claim kudos for the thread name!

Cheers

Da Orc


P.S.

You are doing a much better job collating all the links, I haven't had much time lately!

[Colonel Tom]

subscribe

[A.T.]

Previous posts amalgamated for ease of reference:

Flight Preserver and Tips

"Best to mount 2.4 GHz BODA antenna vertically inside any model for best overall radiation/reception in relation to signal spread of a 2.4 system. Just the wire tip requires to be poked out of a carbon fibre fuselage". Secure antenna with velcro patch (for quick change between modelsl) or zip tie.
However, as shown in photos and video of Brandon Chitty's large models, horizontal mounting does not appear to make any difference.
Install twin antenna of Optima 9 at 90* if possible, otherwise not as critical as some other brands.
As always, TX On First - Off Last and Range Check before flying..


“On larger or carbon planes, all you need to expose out of them is the boosted omni-directional antenna (the metal tip with the short wire exiting). With Balsa or foam planes, you can keep the antenna in the fuselage., Tony Ohm”
“Actually only the tag end needs to be outside on a carbonfiber fuse. We've also tried mounting the antenna every which way and it doesn't seem to have any affect on range checks. Mike”.

Carbon Fuse sailplane
Q. Must I cut "big" hole to get the antenna to the outside of the fuselage on my carbon sailplanes?]
A. No, just a small hole for the tag end coming off the booster. Mike --as shown
Carbon Fiber Fuse... Report - and photos from well known Glider Pilot and Fly RC author Mike Lee

Optima RX with BODA Antenna Range Test
“FYI: We did a power down range test today using a motorcycle because we could not get to the limit in 90 seconds on foot. 1320' (1/4 mile!)
I knew this system was good, but I was blown away! A good range check on 72 was 100'-150'. Mike.“

Brandon Chitty's 42% Aeroworks Yak - Mike's Video of RX and antenna in two large models. Antenna is mounted horizontally with tape to fuselage center cross brace.

Optima 6 shadowed? - Q & A

Joe Manor accompanied by aviation icon/living legend Burt Rutan flew a full carbon wing with carbon/Kevlar fuse D80 to speeds over 350 Mph with the single antenna Optima 7 mounted inside the fuse. He did mount it vertically though.

Heli notes:
"The boda antenna is sensitive to static discharge" - Ground carbon boom where necessary or keep antenna well clear of boom.
Pictures of suggested Antenna Placement

Warning: As per Hitec RCD Optima 6, 7 & 9ch Receiver Manual, “RX Antenna should not be placed placed near Engine, Metal Parts or High Current Batteries”. The other warning notes should also be adhered to.

BODA Antenna Tip - If tip's plastic sleeve appears separated at base and is a concern, secure with dab "Shoe Goo" or Heatshrink tube. (The base is soft solder and does not abraid the tip wire.)

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[RENATOA]

Undocumented feature: the new module pinout:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...8&postcount=11

doesn't seem so digital as claimed...

[4*60]

Page 2 of manual...

Poser Supply from the AC/DC....

[michalss]

I'm very interesting to upgrade my Multiplex Royal Evo 9 emettor with the new 2.4gHz Spectra module or buy an Aurora 9.

But i live in france. I know Spectra module module for french country respect this law but could you tell me kow :

-> Output power < 100mW
-> Bandwidth : 2400 to 2483,35 MHz
-> 100mW for lower band (2400 et 2454 MHz) and 10mW for the higher band (2454 to 2483,5 MHz)

My main question is Spectra Module adapted to french law only emits from lower band or it is emits on the higher band at 10mW. In the second case it may be dangerous to fly with planes and helicopters outdoor (random week range !).

My second question is when the french law will be over in 2012 will it be possible to update spectra module or Aurora 9 tx to be able to use all the width of the band from 2400 to 2483,35 MHz at 100mW.

Thanks by advance. Stan

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by michalss

I'm very interesting to upgrade my Multiplex Royal Evo 9 emettor with the new 2.4gHz Spectra module or buy an Aurora 9.
But i live in france. I know Spectra module module for french country respect this law but could you tell me kow :
-> Output power < 100mW
-> Bandwidth : 2400 to 2483,35 MHz
-> 100mW for lower band (2400 et 2454 MHz) and 10mW for the higher band (2454 to 2483,5 MHz)
My main question is Spectra Module adapted to french law only emits from lower band or it is emits on the higher band at 10mW. In the second case it may be dangerous to fly with planes and helicopters outdoor (random week range !).
My second question is when the french law will be over in 2012 will it be possible to update spectra module or Aurora 9 tx to be able to use all the width of the band from 2400 to 2483,35 MHz at 100mW. Thanks by advance. Stan

Spectra Pro and Optima RX - FCC Approval Specifications and Test Results contains the technical details.
For all other information, please refer to your local distributor, France Model Racing Car, mrcfrance@wanadoo.fr, or Mutiplex as no information relating to European current or pending laws is held by other distributors.

Aurora A9 Undocumented Features - Mixes, Setups, Tips. (includes Spectra Pro and Optima RX features. {frequently updated}

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links