Flite Test Aura Lite
Stability meets agility with the 6-axis Aura 5 Lite Controller. Easy configuration, powerful features, flexible design and set-up.
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Flite Test Aura Lite
At Flite Test we believe every aircraft has unique characteristics and we want every pilot to be able to fully experience them! The 6 Axis FT Aura 5 Lite board was created through a special collaboration between Flite Test and Flex Innovations to make a stabilization system that is flexible and does not eliminate the personality of the aircraft but enables you to get the most out of it no matter what your skill level is. For pilots that have experience with stabilization in their aircraft, the benefits of the FT Aura 5 Lite may be obvious, but to someone who is new to the concept, here's what you can expect:
EASY CONFIGURATION, POWERFUL FEATURES, FLEXIBLE DESIGN AND SIMPLE SET UP -This stabilization system can be taken out of the packaging, and installed directly into an aircraft without advanced configuration. Multiple profiles come pre-installed on the board with a generic Sport profile ready for most aircraft. Simply plug your servo leads into the appropriate ports and mount the control board in the proper orientation indicated on the included Quick Start Guide. Using the two buttons on the control board, you can easily navigate basic features like servo reversing, gyro testing and even aircraft configuration (conventional, elevons, etc). Beginner Assist modes can even be activated without connecting the board to the Aura Config Tool.
SMOOTH FLIGHT EXPERIENCE -On a windy day or in less than ideal weather, stabilization helps to react to forces on control surfaces that are not being input by the pilot. This gives you an experience of more control and authority over your aircraft.
CLEAN RESPONSES -The Aura is designed to enhance the pilot's experience, while not interfering with the pilot's control. Your aircraft will fly as if it were bigger, and in less wind, even though it is as agile as you want it to be.
PROGRAMMING AND MIXING -All the power of your mixing, subtrims, wing configuration and even differential thrust is contained within the board on your aircraft which makes it so even the most simple transmitters can fly an advanced configuration. It may seem intimidating but all of these features are configured through the Aura Config Tool. The configuration is as simple or as complex as you would like it to be based on your needs.
SMALL HARDWARE SIZE - It was important that the size of the stabilization board would be able to fit in even the smallest aircraft. With a 33x28mm footprint and weighing only 5 grams this control board is designed to fit in sub 250g micros all the way up to giant scale aircraft. (See notes below) Even with the small size, the FT Aura 5 Lite can control up to 5 outputs based on the configuration you need.
FLEXIBILITY - The FT Aura 5 like other Aura systems is capable of flying any protocol, such as Futaba, Spektrum, FrSky, Hitec, Graupner, etc. With multiple ports for a serial connection, many receiver brands can connect with just a single cable. (DSM2/DSMX Satellites, Futaba S.Bus, or SRXL (Spektrum, JR Mode B, Jeti UDI 12, Jeti ExBusand Graupner SumD)
Beginner Friendly Features
LAUNCH ASSIST-This mode makes launching or taking off your model a breeze! Launch Assist helps the pilot concentrate on flying their airplane rather than the concerns of poor technique when taking off or hand launching. The default climb rate of launch assist can also be modified within the Aura Config Tool to allow for shallow or steep climbs based on your preference. Launch Assist established a fixed climb rate while keeping the wings level and instantly return control to the pilot once elevator or aileron inputs are made on the transmitter. Launch assist is enabled by default.
LEVEL ASSIST-This feature helps bring the aircraft back to a level position when the pilot is not actively giving input. A lot of work has been done with this tune to make sure it doesn't feel unnatural or mechanical. Rather the pilot will feel like they are flying a well designed trainer that will smoothly correct to a level attitude. The speed and behavior of level assist can also be adjusted from Its default in the Aura Config Tool. Level assist is disabled in the default setup.
BANK LIMIT ASSIST-Something we have found while training new pilots is the tendency to over correct a mistake which turns into an unrecoverable situation for the pilot's skill level. Bank Limit Assist keeps the pilot from crossing a threshold while still enabling them to feel in control of the airplane. For pilots that fly in smaller areas, the default Bank Limit Assist can be adjusted easily in the Aura Config Tool. Bank assist is disabled by default.
EASY PROFILE LOADING FOR ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES:
Aircraft Profiles - One of the features we are most excited about is the ability to easily load a profile for a specific aircraft model. While the FT Aura 5 Lite will work Its magic on any aircraft, having specific tunes, mixes and custom settings for specific airplanes will make this system shine even more. We anticipate providing easy configuration profiles for Flite Test aircraft but are also excited to empower our talented community to create and share custom profiles of their favorite model of any kind or brand. These profiles will be hosted online in a manner that is easy to find, search and share new profiles. THE AURA CONFIG TOOL , a free Windows Application, can be used to fine-tune and perfect your model. Its been designed with the Pilot's ease of use in mind. With the New Config File Wizard and example Aura Config Files available for download, you'll be able to quickly setup the Aura specifically for your aircraft.
Flex Innovations is known for Its world class gyro stabilization systems, but is also known for easy programmability backed by a deep feature set for advanced users. Flite Test's goal was to combine our vision of making a board that not only gives a great flight experience but can help new pilots through our 6 axis modes. Level assist, launch assist and bank assist are all created to not remove the disciplines of flight but to give peace of mind and the best experience possible from wheels up to wheels down. The FT Aura 5 Lite is a great introduction to more advanced flight control systems. Starting with this board will help you understand the characteristics and features that we have come to love and you will be able to continue to grow with the Aura brand as your needs become more complex.
Beginner Friendly Features
- Enhanced Stability and Control for all types of Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Connects easily to receivers or satellites from all major radio brands
- Custom tuning through Windows PC, Laptop, Tablet or onboard through Quick Change Mode
- 3+ Flight Modes allow precise or aggressive settings to be selected in the same flight
- All flight modes are selectable with gyros on or off
- 3 Axis Gyro modes for Precision and 3D Aerobatics. Gyro can be turned on and off and ships in "Gyro Off" mode
- 6 Axis Sensor and powerful 32-bit processor for Beginner Assist Features
- Quick Trim feature allows simplified storage of trim offsets inside of Aura for optimum flight performance
- 24 Channel internal architecture makes Aura powerful and allows the user to setup an incredible variety of control solutions
- The Aura 5 also supports Jeti ExBus and the manufacturer owns the code so new features such as SRXL2 and other new protocols can be added in the future
Ports
- Five Servo Ports can be individually configured as (PWM) Inputs or Outputs
- Dedicated port for Genuine Spektrum DSM?? Satellites
- Dedicated input port for single wire digital connection via S.Bus?? (Futaba??) or SRXL (Spektrum??, JR?? Mode B, Graupner SumD) or analog PPM stream
- Micro USB Port for loading model programs, user programming, and firmware updates (Cable Included)
Package Includes
- (1) Aura Lite Stabilization Board
- (1) USB programming cable
- (1) Male to Male Servo lead
- (2) Adhesive foam mounting pads
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR USE WITH GIANT-SCALE AIRPLANES(80-inch span for monoplanes and 60-inch span for biplanes)
- A serial receiver (like SRXL on the AR8010T, or a Futaba SBUS RX) must be used
- The A5 must be properly mounted for giant scale use. This means not just taped down, but secured with a Velcro strap around the Aura, and using the 3d-printed platform for the Aura
- Power consumption must be considered. Each servo connector is typically only good for about 3A continuous. On giant scale aircraft some high-power servos can exceed 3A for a single servo. The Aura 5 will need to be supplied with adequate power for the entire system
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Fantastic!
Absolutely worth it! Using it with Flysky FS-i6x transmitter. You don’t need anything special to make it work just look for you tube videos. Flying an FT Tenet with my kids and loving it. Works like a charm. Takes our to if h builds and makes them rock solid in the air. Without it we may not have gotten off the ground! Can turn it down or off as you like mid flight or as you get better skilled.
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FT Aura 5
I’m normally not for gyros on FT planes, though I’m not opposed to them either. I just don’t want to take all the time programming and setting gains.
But I put this board with a Spektrum Serial receiver in my Scout XL and I have level assist activated. It has completely changed my way of teaching people to fly, especially kids. I have let 3yr olds fly it and never once took my hand off the button.
And even when I’m flying it for fun, the high rate, gyro on mode makes her feel so locked in and responsive, even in higher winds.
I know many people are paranoid about gyros and that’s fine. But I feel that as long as this board is secured properly, with the stock tune you have nothing to fear. Give it a try! -
Not Bad!
These are not bad, and can be a life saver for new pilots. That said, trying to set one up with the common and cheap FlySky 6xi can be a little more work than expected. Once done, the Aura Lite works as expected.
Mounting using the double-sided tape isn't as secure as one might hope. the bottom of the board isn't flat, rather having all the prongs of the various components extending from the board. This makes it more difficult for the tape to get a good grip. As such, the board tends to work its way free eventually. Beware of this, as the board MUST be fixed in place solidly to do its job!
There are some 3D printed holders for the board available; I strongly recommend them. Get the file and print one. Check with your library, they may have a 3d printer you can use as mine does.
Cheerio, Dave & Capt Fishbones (the cat)