Getting started

Before you begin, gather the hardware below and review the extra guidance linked at the end of this section.

1. What you need

What you need

Item	Requirement
LiPo battery	1S or 2S. Use a minimum 20C rating for pyro use.
AstroNav Nano	The flight controller itself
FFC flex cable	Long or short
USB programming board	For connecting the Nano to a computer
USB-C data cable	For connecting the programming board to a laptop or PC
Case	3D-printed or otherwise suitable for firmly mounting the Nano in the rocket

Optional:

Item	Requirement
E-match	Low-voltage type
Flash cotton	For pyro deployment

Read the Safety guidance before using E-matches, flash cotton, or any other hazardous hardware.

Extra help

For more information, see:

• Safety before connecting a battery or any hazardous hardware.
• Using the pyro function for the safe pyro workflow.
• Pre-flight for mounting, orientation, calibration, and final readiness checks.
• Firmware update to update the flight controller before configuration.
• Configuration for setting up the mission.
• AstroNav MC for the desktop software workflow.

2. Unboxing and Preparation

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

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

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3. Software Configuration

1. Install and open the AstroNav MC software.
2. When the software starts, it will automatically connect to the USB device and check for a firmware update. If AstroNav MC offers an update, select Install and wait for the device to restart.
3. Check the MC Overview to verify the device is healthy.
4. Navigate to the “Settings” page.
5. Fill in your estimated flight data using the recommended configuration workflow. Interface text to look for:

• Configuration group: Flight estimation
• Configuration group: Launch detection

6. Click “Save changes”.

Do not unplug yet

Keep the Nano connected until you have ejected it in the next step.

7. In AstroNav MC, click “Eject” in the top bar. You can also go to your USB devices in Windows and click “Eject device”.

Eject before unplugging

The AstroNav Nano only saves settings internally after it detects this exact eject command. You will see the LED change to confirm this.

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4. Installation and Calibration

1. Disconnect the FFC cable from the AstroNav Nano.

Disconnect power first

Always make sure the power is completely disconnected before removing the FFC cable.

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

Barometer venting

The part of the case where the flight controller is mounted must have a minimum of two venting holes. These holes let the air inside the rocket escape so the barometer can measure air pressure accurately. Make sure the holes are not blocked when the case is installed.

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.

Keep it still

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.

Pyro safety

Always consider your own safety. Read the Pyro output safety guidance before continuing.

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

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5. 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.

Power off

The battery must be disconnected during this step.

4. Connect the flight controller back to the PC via the FFC cable and open AstroNav MC.
5. Open the Flights page. Select Import locally to keep a copy of the flight on your computer, then select Open flight to replay it in Mission replay. See Reviewing a flight for what to look for.

Put your flight data on your launch video

Use Data overlay to export your flight stats directly over your recorded launch video. This feature is still experimental.