Traxxas Aton User manual

TRAXXAS •11
Note: The following instructions are for Mode 2 transmitters
(throttle stick on the left, ight control stick on the right).
Sport Mode
For those that want to go
beyond simply directing
Āton in the sky and explore
what it’s like to actually take
more control and fly, Āton is
equipped with Sport Mode.
Sport (Fast) Mode uses the full capability of the 6-axis flight control
system (auto leveling) for high-speed sport flying. Altitude hold is
disabled and both altitude and throttle are controlled by the throttle
stick (left stick, Mode 2). Sport Mode also enables trick functions.
To enter Sport Mode, the Āton should be powered on and disarmed .
Press to click the flight control stick (right stick) once to toggle the
Āton into Sport Mode. The transmitter will beep 2 times, the green LED
will begin flashing, and the LCD will display FAST.
Performing tricks
In Sport (Fast) Mode, Āton can perform automated expert flips and
rolls when you press the AUX1 button, and then enter a quick stick
command in the chosen direction. Do not attempt these flight
tricks until you are able to fly confidently in Sport Mode. Choose
an area that will provide a soft landing and maintain enough altitude
to allow room to recover control as you practice flipping the model.
The number of flips and rolls performed can be set using the Traxxas
Flight Link App (see page 14 for more information).
There are also menu functions in the transmitter that allow you to
customize the settings. Refer to the instructions online for using the
transmitter menu.
Note: Always remove camera frame and landing gear BEFORE
attempting flight tricks.
AIR BRAKES
If you lose control of Āton at any point, press and hold the Air Brakes
button and Āton will come to a stop and hover in place. When you are
ready, release the Air Brakes button and continue flying in the currently
selected mode (Film, Sport, or Expert).
RETURN TO HOME
The Return to Home button may be pressed at anytime to stabilize Āton
and return it to you. You may cancel return to home by pressing and
releasing the Air Brakes button. Āton will then be flying in Film Mode
under your control.
ADVANCED: CHANGING MODES DURING FLIGHT
Advanced pilots may find it helpful to be able to change modes during
flight. For example, if you are flying in Sport Mode, use Return to Home,
and then cancel return to home. Āton will then be flying in Film Mode.
You can switch back to Sport Mode and continue flying by pressing
and holding the Air Brakes button, and then pressing (clicking) the flight
control stick to toggle through the modes...one click for Sport Mode, 2
clicks for Expert Mode. Release the Air Brakes button to continue flying
in the selected mode.
Click Once Flashing
Selecting Sport Mode (while disarmed)
x1
x1
Front and Back Flips
Diagonal Front and Back Flips
Side Flips
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
Press AUX1
Press AUX1
Press AUX1
Front Flip
Left Flip Right Flip
Diagonal Front RightDiagonal Front Left Diagonal Back Right
Back Flip
Diagonal Back Left

12 •TRAXXAS
Expert Mode
In Expert Mode, the 6-axis
flight control system (auto
leveling) is disabled, allowing
the pilot to have full control
over all aspects of flight. Expert
Mode is truly for experts. If you
find yourself flying Āton out of
control, press and hold the Air Brakes button or press the Return to Home
button. When flying in Expert Mode, move the flight stick toward
the highest side of the helicopter (left or right) to level it. Choose a
location that allows you to fly over grass or another soft surface.
From Film Mode with the helicopter landed and disarmed, click the
flight stick twice to activate Expert Mode. The transmitter will beep
3 times, the green LED will begin double flashing, and the LCD will
display EXPERT.
WARNING: This mode is intended for expert level pilots only!
For more information on how to perform expert tricks and flips
and learn how to access the menu and advanced controls, visit
Traxxas.com for additional details and instructions.
CARING FOR YOUR HELICOPTER
• After each flight and immediately after any crash, inspect your model
for worn or damaged parts. If required, parts are available from your
local Traxxas hobby dealer or at Traxxas.com. For a complete parts list
and exploded view of your model, refer to the Service and Support
Guide in this manual.
• When not in use, store your model in its original packaging with the
batteries removed from the transmitter and helicopter.
• If you do not plan to fly your model for a week or more, store
the battery approximately 50% charged to maintain battery
performance and life. To achieve a 50% charge, fly the model until
the battery requires recharging. Charge the battery for half the time
typically required to fully charge the battery or fly the model until a
50% charge remains.
WARNING! Do not store or attempt to charge a swollen or
damaged battery! See “Safety Precautions”on page 5 for more
information on LiPo batteries.
ROTOR BLADE INSTALLATION
The Āton’s rotor blades
are not identical. Each
blade is labeled with an
A or B. When installing
replacement rotor blades,
be certain to install the
rotor blades with the
corresponding A or B
for each of the legs (A or
B labels for the legs are
molded on the LED lens).
The helicopter will not fly
if the rotor blades are not
installed in the proper locations.
LED STATUS BAR
The LED Status Bar on the model is your flight information center. The
chart below defines common Status Bar messages.
B
A
A
B
Front
Click Twice
(Click again to return to
Film Mode)
Double
Flashing
Selecting Expert Mode (while disarmed)
x2
x2
Home Button Fast Flashing:
Helicopter has landed away
from set home location
Arm/Disarm Button Flashing:
Helicopter is disarmed
Power Indicator Flashing:
Low batteries in transmitter;
land immediately
Home Button Slow Flashing:
Helicopter returning to home
landing location
TRANSMITTER CODES
Power GPS Home Info
On
(Working /
Available)
Linked to
transmitter
GPS signal
acquired
Home
location set
All systems
normal, Ready
to Fly
O
(Not Available)
Battery
disconnected –
Return to
Home not
available
Battery
disconnected
Slow Flashing
(Active)
Looking
for transmitter
signal
Searching
for satellites
Return to
Home active Low battery
Fast Flashing
(User Action
Needed)
Transmitter
signal lost –
Helicopter has
landed away
from the set
home location
–
Tone/Beep Pattern Name Description
Low-mid-high tone Return to Home Return to Home
button pressed
Low-mid-high tone +
1 beep
Out of Radio
Control Range Radio signal loss or interference
Low-mid-high tone +
2 beeps Geofence Breach
Āton has own beyond
GPS-controlled boundary
(geofence)
Low-mid-high tone +
3 beeps
Low-Voltage
Failsafe
Transmitter or helicopter battery
is nearly discharged.
RETURN TO HOME REFERENCE GUIDE

TRAXXAS •13
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
• The helicopter can’t find a satellite GPS signal.
1. Certain surfaces can cause signal interference between the
helicopter and GPS satellites. Move the helicopter to different
launch locations and away from buildings, parked cars, and
other obstructions until a signal can be established. We don’t
recommend flying without a GPS signal.
• The transmitter and the helicopter are on,
but the helicopter won’t fly.
1. The model is not armed or has timed-out. See step 6 of the
“Flying Your Model” section to arm your helicopter.
• The helicopter does not perform a trick when the AUX1 button is
pressed and then a stick command is given.
1. The transmitter is not in Fast Mode. See the “Flight Modes”
section.
• The helicopter landed by itself, and now the throttle will not respond.
1. The helicopter battery needs to be recharged (low voltage).
• The LED is blinking on the transmitter, and the transmitter will not
control the model.
1. The transmitter is in binding mode. Confirm that the helicopter is
powered on and the transmitter is in binding mode (blinking LED,
LCD displays rotating segments). Move the transmitter to within
one foot of the helicopter. The transmitter and helicopter should
bind (indicated by a tone from the transmitter, solid green LED
on the transmitter, solid green Power and Info Status LED on the
helicopter, and the Disarmed Flight Screen on the transmitter LCD).
2. There was a problem with the binding process. Power down the
transmitter and the helicopter, and then power them on again
(transmitter first, then helicopter). The transmitter and helicopter
should bind (indicated by a tone from the transmitter, solid green
LED on the transmitter, solid green Power and Info Status LEDs on
the helicopter, and the Disarmed Flight Screen on the transmitter
LCD).
3. The model is not armed or has timed-out. To arm your
helicopter, see step 6 of the “Preparing for Flight” section
on page 6.
• The transmitter settings have been adjusted incorrectly
for optimal flight.
1. Return the transmitter to the default settings.
A. Ensure the transmitter is off.
B. Press and hold the AUX2 button and the Menu Down button.
C. While holding both buttons, turn the transmitter on.
D. Continue holding both buttons for 3 seconds until the
transmitter beeps. Release both buttons.
E. The transmitter is reset and is in bind mode (blinking LED, LCD
displays rotating segments).
F. Confirm that the helicopter is powered on and is in binding
mode (Info Status LED blinking fast green).
G. Move the transmitter to within one foot of the helicopter. The
transmitter and helicopter should bind (indicated by a tone from
the transmitter, solid green LED on the transmitter, solid green
Power and Info Status LEDs on the helicopter, and the Disarmed
Flight Screen on the transmitter LCD).
• The helicopter battery is fully charged and the rotor blades are
spinning, but the helicopter will not lift off.
1. The rotor blades have been installed incorrectly. See “Rotor Blade
Installation.”
• The helicopter does not fly as expected or the helicopter performs
erratically in Film Mode.
1. The helicopter has lost the GPS signal. Fly the helicopter to a
suitable flying area with a clear view of the sky to reestablish the
GPS signal.
• The helicopter does not fly as expected or the helicopter performs
erratically in Fast or Expert Mode.
1. The accelerometer or flight compass needs to be reset. Go to
Traxxas.com for additional information and instructions or call the
Traxxas Technical Support Line toll-free at: 1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927).

14 •TRAXXAS
ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE
Programming your helicopter with your Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch,
or Android device
The Āton is equipped with Bluetooth®. This transforms your Apple®
iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or Android™ device into a powerful tool that
equips the Āton with an intuitive, high-definition, full-color graphical user
interface.
Traxxas Flight Link™ App
The powerful Traxxas Flight Link App (available in the Apple App Store℠
or on Google Play™) makes it easy to learn, understand, and access
powerful tuning and adjustment options. Use the app to verify flight
status and GPS connection or confirm transmitter and receiver radio
signal. Adjust flight controls and settings by simply touching and
dragging the sliders on the screen.
• Check helicopter flight status
• Adjust Film Mode speeds
• Navigate the transmitter Menu Tree
• Program the AUX1 button functions
• Modify geofence boundaries
• Adjust helicopter LED light settings
• Select and save user profiles
• Upgrade the helicopter firmware
The Traxxas Flight Link app contains step-by-step instructions for pairing
the app with your Āton via Bluetooth®.
If you do not have a smart phone or similiar device, the transmitter contains
a menu that allows you to adjust flight settings and customize buttons.
Visit Traxxas.com for a guide to using the built-in transmitter menu
functions.
Updating Firmware:
Your Āton has the ability to receive firmware updates that can add new
features and capabilities. Firmware updates are performed via a microSD
card (not included) that installs on the main board. The microSD card slot
can be accessed by removing the front canopy (two screws). Visit Traxxas.
com for the latest firmware updates and instructions for how to install
them on your model.
Ground Control Station:
Āton’s autonomous ight control is open source and it is compatible with
ground control station applications, such as Mission Planner, available
at www.dronecode.org. With Mission Planner you can review ight logs,
overlay your path onto maps, and see your altitude.*
*Viewing ight logs requires a desktop PC and installation of a micro SD
card (not included).
© 2016 Google – Map data © TeleAtlas, imagery © 2016 TerraMetrics
Āton software contains open source components. Please visit Traxxas.com/
open-source for license information.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
Compatible with:
iPod touch (5th generation
and later)
iPad (3rd generation and later)
iPad mini
Android 4.4 (and later)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5
iPhone 5C
iPhone 5S
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
Bluetooth®
button
LED