This guide presumes you are upgrading a FlightBox system assembled from a kit or purchased as an assembled, running system (FB1X). If you are using a generic Stratux system the process may differ.
Before installing the hardware upgrade you will need to make sure your FlightBox is running the latest FlightBox software. You will need at least version 1.3r1, and preferably version 1.4r4. There are four options for updating the software on your FlightBox system:
The video above walks you through the manual update process. For assistance with the other options, please see the Support section, or place an order on the web store.
Please watch the installation / upgrade video before starting on the installation process.
If you purchased a new data card or are going to re-image the card you will need to disassemble the system further to remove the old card and replace it. To do so:
Step 2.2: IF YOU ARE INSTALLING A GPS
If you purchased either the internal or remote GPS module, now is the time to install it. To do so:
Please see the following video for assistance enabling the AHRS features:
YOU MAY HAVE TO DO A HARD REFRESH ON YOUR BROWSER TO GET THE NEW PAGES TO LOAD. Use Ctrl + F5 on Windows or Command + Shift + R on Mac. You may need to do this on each of the pages in the web admin.
After the update is complete you may need to go to the settings page and turn on the “Attitude Sensor” and “Altitude Sensor” buttons. This will enable the drivers that read the AHRS and altimeter. Once you have the sensor buttons enabled you can check the Status and GPS / AHRS pages on the web interface to make sure the system recognizes the board.
The GPS will immediately begin searching for satellites to track and you should see a fix / lock within 2 – 3 minutes (presuming the system can receive signals in your location – metal hangar roofs are notoriously impervious to GPS signals).
To test the attitude sensors, go to the AHRS / GPS page and observe the AHRS test indicator (attitude indicator). When you move the FlightBox you should see the indicator display the attitude corresponding to the box’s orientation in space. To adjust the orientation of the system for your preferred mounting, please see below.
Two minor features of the AHRS board are status annunciation and control of the cooling fan. The board has three LEDs, one for power, one for GPS status, and one for ADS-B status.
Power – indicates green when the board is receiving power and the core software is running. The LED typically takes 20 – 30 seconds after power is applied to turn on.
GPS – blinks orange while the system is attempting to acquire a fix; solid orange once a fix has been established. This LED will remain off (dark) until the GPS gets an initial lock.
ADS-B – off indicates no reception on either band; blinking blue indicates reception on one band within the past 60 seconds; solid blue indicates receiving on both bands within the past 60 seconds.
Fan – automatically comes on when the CPU temperature reaches 40° C. The fan will turn on periodically after several minutes operating in a room-temperature environment.
The current version of the firmware allows you to select your own preferred orientation (i.e. the “forward” and “up” for the system). Please see the video linked here to set the orientation. Below is the default orientation for the system:
The system should be mounted as securely as is practical / legal. Vibration and motion relative to the airframe decrease the accuracy of the attitude solution provided by the system. With regard to pitch, the unit should be mounted at or very near the aircraft’s level pitch attitude in level flight. (Note that this can be significantly different from the aircraft’s pitch while parked on the ground.)