# Getting started

# Getting started

## 1. Unboxing and Preparation

1. Take the AstroNav Nano out of the box.
2. Connect the flight controller, the programming board, and the flat cable together via the connectors.

:::note[📸 PHOTO]
📸 *[PHOTO: Close up showing the Nano, programming board, and flat cable properly connected]*
:::

3. Plug the programming board into a PC or laptop via USB.

---

## 2. Software Configuration

1. Install and open the [**AstroNav MC** software](/software/astronav-mc/).
2. When the software starts, it will automatically connect to the USB device.
3. Check the [overview page](/software/astronav-mc/#overview) to verify the device is healthy under **"Device Health"**.
4. Navigate to the [**"Settings"** page](/software/astronav-mc/#settings).
5. Fill in your estimated flight data using the [recommended configuration workflow](/configuration/#recommended-configuration-workflow). Interface text to look for:
  * `Configuration group: Flight estimation`
  * `Configuration group: Launch detection`
6. Click **"Save changes"**.

:::caution[⚠️ WARNING]
Do not unplug the device yet!
:::

7. Go to your USB devices in Windows and click **"Eject device"**.

:::danger[🛑 CRUCIAL WINDOWS STEP]
The AstroNav Nano only saves settings internally after it detects this exact eject command. You will see the LED change to confirm this.
:::

:::note[📸 PHOTO]
📸 *[PHOTO: Screenshot of the Windows Eject device menu]*
:::

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## 3. Installation and Calibration

1. Disconnect the flat cable from the AstroNav Nano.

:::danger[⚠️ WARNING]
Always ensure the power is completely disconnected before removing the flat cable!
:::

2. Place the Nano along with your 1S or 2S LiPo battery into the included 3D printed case.

:::note[📸 PHOTO]
📸 *[PHOTO: AstroNav Nano and LiPo battery fitting perfectly inside the 3D printed case]*
:::

3. **Calibration:** Hold the AstroNav Nano inside the case in the exact orientation it will fly (top pointing towards the nose cone). Power it on in this position so it can boot and calibrate.

:::caution[⚠️ WARNING]
Keep the device as still as possible during startup, otherwise it will display an error (indicated by a red LED).
:::

4. Connect the pyro, but *only* if you enabled this setting in the software.

:::danger[⚠️ SAFETY WARNING]
Always consider your own safety and read the [Pyro Safety Disclaimer](/safety/#pyro-output) page first. Review the [Pyro output safety guidance](/safety/#pyro-output) before continuing.
:::

5. Add the flash cotton and securely load the module into the hull.

:::note[📸 PHOTO]
📸 *[PHOTO: Safe pyro wiring inside the hull]*
:::

---

## 4. Launch and Data Retrieval

1. Launch your rocket!
2. After landing, check the LED on the module. A rapid green flash means it detected the landing and successfully saved the flight data. You can now safely disconnect the LiPo battery.
3. Carefully remove the AstroNav Nano from the case.

:::danger[⚠️ WARNING]
Power must be OFF during this step!
:::

4. Connect the flight controller back to the PC via the flat cable and open [**AstroNav MC**](/software/astronav-mc/).
5. Open the [**"Flights"** page](/software/astronav-mc/#flights-and-the-mission-archive) to view your saved flights. Download the file and click play to resimulate the flight data. See [Reviewing a flight](/flight-logs/#reviewing-a-flight) for more information.

:::note[📸 PHOTO]
📸 *[PHOTO: Screenshot of the Flights page showing a successful flight graph]*
:::

:::tip[🚀 Coming Soon]
Data overlay functionality to export your flight stats directly over your recorded launch video!
:::