Topic: Hitec Aurora 9 Review

Is there any plans that anyone is aware of to increase the number of channels on a future firmware upgrade as futaba have done on the 8fg.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

How you finding things after a few months of use Nigel. You still feeling the same about your radio and not had any problems i hope.
I ve used two now thats turned up at our site with new members and i must admit i really like the feel. So much so it looks like it will be my xmas present from the wife and kids.
So watch this space for a job lot a spectrum receivers going up for sale

I'm still really liking it - in fact the more I use it, the more I find it can do.  Still playing around with telemetry

Hi

Am I correct in assuming that the Aurora 9 has a digital throttle trim? I really like a mechanical trim there but guess I could get used to it

Tim.

Yes it's digital trims all round.  One of the things I like is that you have the ability to set the trim step-rate so, for example, if you're trimming a new model and you think you may have to shovel-in a lot of trim, set it to a coarse value and it might just save a panic!

Is there a vario sensor yet for this? I assume you get rx batt telemetry with this without any additional sensors. Thx.

There is a vario on the way, I don't think it's launched yet?   Yes, the battery telemetry is standard across the AFHSS equipment with no add-ons required.

What's the era of the vario? Do you know?

Yes it's digital trims all round.  One of the things I like is that you have the ability to set the trim step-rate so, for example, if you're trimming a new model and you think you may have to shovel-in a lot of trim, set it to a coarse value and it might just save a panic!

It's also very useful to be able to set the trims for tiny amounts when trimming and flying an elevator sensitive plank or delta...

I thought that was fairly standard on most radios tbh.

Wiz and everyone, this is an excellent thread. I've been chatting to Hitec Aurora owners lately and I've yet to meet an unhappy one. I can't say the same thing about other manufacturers. I think we have had one faulty set, it was sorted out super fast. No strange unexplained crashes that I know off.

Personally if I hadn't invested so much in Spektrum I think Hitec would have swayed me. I 'went' Spektrum as Futaba initially got 2.4 ghz very wrong. Ok it's all sorted now and it's reliable gear but the Rx price puts many folk off ( I must admit I need lots of RXs).

Spektrum - Generally I cant fault Horizon for service. Amerang were always excellent regard Hitec problems . JP are doing a good job with ourselves . The couple of problems we've had with JP product has been sorted out very quickly.

I had / have a Dx 7 flown little.

Also a DX6 on DSM2 c I have bought a couple of AR 500 s that let me down, but generally good service out of that set. With the event the X technology - one my mates had a new DX6 x  and he'd lost confidence in it  after a couple of problems.

The DX6x set went back for the updates and when it cameback, I had it as hed lost confidence.

Unfotunatley I've had a couple of crashes with the new DX 6x  I got from him and now I'm using my DX8 which so far has been trouble free, but I admit to having my confidence knocked and now for bigger outdoor aeroplanes, I'm thinking maybe I should go for Hitec. The smaller RXs are as cheap as cheapskate Ste (me). That would also suit my park flyers.

http://www.servoshop.co.uk/index.php?pid=JP2226600&area=RADIO

Sorry it's my own link , I just knew where it was. Easyvto find. Plenty of other retailers will have similar deals. I cant see the 3 packs on our site, again it seems like there's loads of dealers with this excellent bit of kit
http://www.servoshop.co.uk/index.php?pid=HITECJP2228510&area=RADIO

Voice Module , when I went back to look at this, I must admit I went one step further to going Hitec. I think I may end up with DX 8 for park fly and indoors and maybe  Hitec for my out door stuff. I have admit I'm very tempted. I can't see me letting my Spektrum go as there's the bnf stuff and indoor stuff. It just might be I operate 2 main rc types. I'm going give it serious thought. I'm nearer to going for a Hitec set when I started to realise theres nothing to stop me having two systems.

Good thread Wiz


Steve

Ps the Hitec 9 has sold to mainland Europe really well, I'm not 100%,sure, but I'd guess more sold export than we have sold in th UK. That's a peculiar and interesting fact. Sweden loves the Aurora 

Having played about with one of our members set I'd have one in a minute but until they hide that awful cable i'll keep my money in my pocket. C'mon Hi-Tec, what are you thinking about
Regards
Styk

Having played about with one of our members set I'd have one in a minute but until they hide that awful cable i'll keep my money in my pocket. C'mon Hi-Tec, what are you thinking about. Regards Styk     

The Aurora was designed to be multi purpose.
There are still many being sold with 72Mhz PPM module:
Hitec Aurora 9 Synthesized 72MHz Tx & Freedom 9Ch Synthesised RX.
Other A9 users also buy the PPM module separately so as not to throw out all their existing receivers.
Spectra Pro 35, 36, 40 & 41 Mhz PPM/QPCM Modules - Hitec.  (see also post 11621)
Spectra Pro 35. 36. 40 & 41 MHz PPM/QPCM Module - DIY Convert Standard Crystal Based HPF-MIM Module, see also Post #54

RF Cable is not noticeable in use and none known have been replaced to date except for one where user
chose to DIY an internal fit and was a little heavy  when using a scalpel.
Spectra 2.4GHz Antenna - Hide coaxial cable inside TX. This if not intending to ever use 72Mhz or other modules.

ex Hitec USA Support Forum Sticky:
Aurora 9, AFHSS Spectra Modules, Optima Transceivers, Minima Receivers & Telemetry - FAQ & Undocumented Features
- Mixes, Setups, Tips.  {Individual Links often updated}

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

Point taken AT but the way i look at it is it is trying to be everything to everybody. A Tx should not have a cable hanging out of it like that or that you should have to modify it yourself. So as i said i'll give it a swerve no matter how good a set it's claimed to be
Regards
Styk

i ve used mine for 4 flying sessions now and im really getting on with it wire included and to be quite honest its just not noticed and is heavy enough to stand up to anything you might throw at it bar ripping from the back of the set.
a couple of accessories id like to see perkins release for it are a swing out stand that mounts on the handle and a stick on screen protector. also a replacement rx aerial mouting kits would be an idea

Point taken AT but the way i look at it is it is trying to be everything to everybody. A Tx should not have a cable hanging out of it like that or that you should have to modify it yourself. So as i said i'll give it a swerve no matter how good a set it's claimed to be
Regards
Styk

You don't have to modify it. It's a total non issue in reality. It's not the neatest design solution, but that's about it.

It's extremely sturdy cable with a good robust sleeve, and with the placement of the metal grab handle protecting that area, as Tom says, it's a non-issue.

Z

I must admit, having used the Aurora 9 for a few months not once have I snagged the cable or even noticed it's there!  From an ergonomic perspective yeah of course it would be better without it but in reality, it's a non-issue.

It doesn't bother me and I'm the world's biggest moaner! 

ok guys you've half convinced me I'm gonna go down to the lms and have another look at it as i do really fancy one
Regards
Styk

Sorry, posted in error - me and my fat fingers... 

(The Aurora does look bloomin good though I have to admit!)

Out of interest have any of the Aurora 9 users adjusted the balance point? I've been using the aurora for a while and feel it sits a bit too low at the base for comfort when using the neck strap.

I debated different balance adjusters but settled for the Hitec job (pricy for a bit of aluminium though - £17!). Just waiting for it to turn up, will let you know how I get on.

Does anyone know of a source of toggle switch covers that will fit over aurora switches? Fancy colour-coding them to remind me what they are for.

Rich

Just got one - only had the thing for two days but what a piece of kit. Solidly built, robust switches. The wire at the back as stated above is a complete non issue.

Programming the thing is an absolute nightmare - there are so many choices!! 

The fact that you can assign anything to anywhere is brilliant - the touch screen is a nice feature and it goes a long way, with nicely designed guid, to make setting up and programming very intuitive.

To fully explore its features and capabilities is going to take months (and a few new models).

Does anyone know of a source of toggle switch covers that will fit over aurora switches? Fancy colour-coding them to remind me what they are for.

Rich

Coloured fuel tubing works.

Thinking about it I'm sure Ive seen flourescent rubber tubing for dressing flies and lure making :

http://www.4fishin.com/SURGICAL_TUBE.jpg

You can get the stuff over here as well...

Out of interest have any of the Aurora 9 users adjusted the balance point? I've been using the aurora for a while and feel it sits a bit too low at the base for comfort when using the neck strap.

I debated different balance adjusters but settled for the Hitec job (pricy for a bit of aluminium though - £17!). Just waiting for it to turn up, will let you know how I get on.

Rich

I ve fitted the hitec neckstrap balance to mine and balance is spot on with the standard battery

sent from my desire HD. my smart phone is more clever than me

<snip>Does anyone know of a source of toggle switch covers that will fit over aurora switches? Fancy colour-coding them to remind me what they are for. Rich    

. Aurora 9 - Transmitter Tray & Bling

. Bling for Transmitters - Coloured Bezel (Nut) & Switch Caps.

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links     (quick search = Ctrl+F)

Thanks all. Just to report the neck balance strap is spot on  Not cheap but worth it.

With the electric flying I'm doing at the moment the throttle lock function is proving to be an excellent safety device.

Only slight issue I have had is the rear left slider is acting upon my flaperons, moving both ailerons up and down. I can't see any menus that specify that would happen. Havn't had chance to really look into it yet but noticed it the other day when I knocked the slider. Just wondering if anyone else has seen the same thing?

This is pretty normal on any Tx that is set to flapperons, the slider is controlling the flap function, I haven't got a Hitec but all you need to do is set flap travel to zero and then moving the slider won't cause them to move.

Thanks all. Just to report the neck balance strap is spot on  Not cheap but worth it.

With the electric flying I'm doing at the moment the throttle lock function is proving to be an excellent safety device.

Only slight issue I have had is the rear left slider is acting upon my flaperons, moving both ailerons up and down. I can't see any menus that specify that would happen. Havn't had chance to really look into it yet but noticed it the other day when I knocked the slider. Just wondering if anyone else has seen the same thing?

When you switch on select spanner, in that menu select channel.You will see your flaps are controled by left slider just select null it will stop.

Thanks all. Just to report the neck balance strap is spot on  Not cheap but worth it.

With the electric flying I'm doing at the moment the throttle lock function is proving to be an excellent safety device.

Only slight issue I have had is the rear left slider is acting upon my flaperons, moving both ailerons up and down. I can't see any menus that specify that would happen. Havn't had chance to really look into it yet but noticed it the other day when I knocked the slider. Just wondering if anyone else has seen the same thing?

assign the control for the flap servos as "null".

Bruce has done a review of the Aurora 9 on RC Modelreviews:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4xmpn9i6eo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4xmpn9i6eo</a>

Tom