V1.25 6-AXIS UPDATE AND QUICK FLIP GUIDE

Aura – NOW with beginner friendly features and additional peace of mind!

Our tested and flight proven 6-Axis features from the Aura 5 are now available on our Aura 8 and Aura Pro products after updating to Aura Firmware v1.25+. After updating the firmware, any existing Aura will be automatically retrofitted to allow the pilot to use the 6-Axis Level Assist and Launch Assist features without any additional PC programming.

These new 6-Axis features are OFF by default. The pilot will have an identical configuration and feel until they enable the 6-Axis features with our new Quick Flip procedure.

What does 6-Axis mean?

Our original Aura 8/Aura Pro systems used 3 Axis (roll, pitch, and yaw rate gyro data) to help reject unintended disturbances like wind. “6-Axis” means we incorporate 3 additional measurements (X, Y, and Z acceleration data) to calculate drift-free Roll and Pitch angles.

What are the new 6-Axis features for Aura?

Since we now have drift-free inertial measurements of Roll and Pitch attitude angles, we can use our 6-Axis Level Assist Mode and Takeoff/Launch Assist feature:

• Level Assist Mode – With sticks centered, the airplane maintains level flight. With a full stick hold, it will bank or pitch to a pre-programmed angle and not exceed it. Level Assist commands an attitude angle ([deg]) rather than a rotational rate ([deg/sec]). It’s tuned for enough authority to maneuver in tighter spaces—great for beginners learning speed/altitude management, and for experienced pilots wanting a more relaxing flight, extra reassurance on landing, or quick recovery from loss of orientation.
• Takeoff/Launch Assist Mode – Ideal for runway takeoffs or hand launches. Activate by holding Left Aileron and Up Elevator with Throttle Low and Rudder centered. Aura will hold wings level and try to climb at ~25–30°. Any movement of the Aileron or Elevator stick immediately exits the mode and resumes normal control.

What is the Quick Flip Procedure?

Quick Flip enables or disables the 6-Axis features without needing a PC or transmitter programming. After updating to firmware v1.25+, follow the Quick Flip steps to set Flight Mode 1 to 6-Axis Level Assist and allow Takeoff/Launch Assist. If you don’t like it, just repeat Quick Flip to revert to your previous configuration.

In most Aura profiles, Flight Mode 1 is Gyro Off. In Custom or Expert profiles, Flight Mode 1 may be 3Axis Low Gain. Quick Flip changes Flight Mode 1 to 6-Axis Level Assist. Using Quick Flip on any older Aura retrofitted with Firmware v1.25+ leaves Flight Mode 2 and 3 unchanged. Future Super PNP aircraft designed for 6-Axis may also change Flight Mode 2 and 3 via Quick Flip as detailed in their manuals.

Quick Flip Procedure

How to turn On/Off 6-Axis features for Flight Mode 1 Level Assist and Takeoff/Launch Assist:

1. Unplug the battery from the airplane and turn OFF your transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to power up the airplane. The Blue LED will flash indicating Gyro Calibration. After it stops flashing, orient the model with a straight nose-down attitude and keep it still.
3. The Aura will detect this orientation and flip the 6-Axis features after a few seconds.
4. The servos will power up and center. The elevator will then move 6 times to indicate 6-Axis features have been Enabled or 3 times to indicate they have been Disabled.
5. Once the elevator deflections are complete, return the airplane to a level attitude and disconnect the battery.
6. Turn ON your transmitter and connect your battery as normal. Use your flight mode switch to confirm Flight Mode 1 performs as expected and go fly!
7. To switch back to the original configuration, repeat this procedure.

How to Check Flight Mode 1 Level Assist after Quick Flip

6-Axis Level Assist will self-level the airplane when the control sticks are released to center. Bank and Pitch angles are limited at full stick deflection. This mode is excellent for beginners (confident throttle/altitude management with lower risk) and helpful for advanced pilots in wind or for recovering from loss of orientation. To test:

1. Set your Flight Mode switch to Flight Mode 1 and center the aileron/elevator sticks.
2. Roll the airplane and hold it still — the ailerons should stay deflected to return to wings level.
3. Pitch the airplane nose up/down and hold — the elevator should stay deflected to return to level.
4. The Rudder remains a 3Axis control and centers when there’s no nose rotation. There is no Rudder Heading Hold in 6-Axis Level Assist.

How to Activate Launch Assist after Quick Flip

Launch Assist helps during challenging takeoff conditions by controlling roll and pitch to keep wings level and command a brisk climb-out to a safe altitude. To activate:

1. Hold your transmitter sticks for at least 3 seconds: Throttle low, Rudder centered, full Left Aileron, full Up Elevator. The airplane must be still/stationary to enter Takeoff/Launch Assist.
2. When active, you’ll see the elevator go up and the ailerons work to keep the model level. You can return the aileron and elevator sticks to center. The Red LED on the Aura will slowly flash to indicate Launch Assist is activated.
3. If activation is difficult, ensure all trims are centered and keep the airplane stationary with low Throttle and sticks centered for at least 5 seconds before again holding the controls as noted above.
4. Advance the throttle to take off and use Rudder to steer. Takeoff/Launch Assist will be deactivated if you move the Aileron or Elevator sticks from center after advancing the throttle.
5. At a comfortable altitude, move the Aileron or Elevator stick to disable Takeoff/Launch Assist and resume normal control.