BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS STARLET. RC electric model for three 650 mah LiPo cells. This model requires a four-function HoTT radio control system

Transcription

1 Order No BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS STARLET RC electric model for three 650 mah LiPo cells This model requires a four-function HoTT radio control system - 1 -

2 Please be sure to read through the Safety Notes in the Appendix to these operating instructions. If you ever dispose of the model, it is important to pass on the complete building instructions to the new owner. Introduction The STARLET is an attractive electric-powered RC model aircraft which is easy to transport thanks to its compact dimensions. However, do not let its small size deceive you: the model requires some prior modelling experience if you are to assemble and operate it successfully. The aeroplane is highly pre-fabricated, but the work which you have to carry out is important, and must be done carefully. The model will only be strong and fly well if you complete your tasks competently. The all-up weight must not exceed 550 g. RC system accessories (not included) The following items are required to complete and fly the model. GRAUPNER MX-12 HoTT 2.4 GHz COMPUTER SYSTEM Order No Transmitter charge lead Order No.3022 COMPACT 260Z brushless motor Order No.7731 Spinner, 28 mm Ø Order No CAM SLIM PROP, 17 x 7.5 cm Order No ,5 BRUSHLESS CONTROL 8 speed controller Order No.7231 LiPo 3/650 flight battery, 11.1 V / 0.65 Ah Order No Charge lead with BEC connector Order No.3037 ULTRAMAT 16 S battery charger Order No.6468 DES 427 BB servo (four required) Order No Servo extension lead, 100 mm (two required) Order No Servo extension lead, 180 mm (two required) Order No Essential tools and adhesives (not included) Balsa knife Order No.980 Cyano-acrylate ( cyano ) Order No.5821 Cyano activator Order No UHU ALLESKLEBER Kraft Order No.1096 You will also need the following items: cross-point screwdriver, 8 mm A/F openended spanner, flat-nose pliers, side-cutters, 1.0, 1.6, 2.2 and 3.0 mm Ø drill bits, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm A/F allen keys, soldering iron and solder, heat-gun, glasspaper, setsquare, spirit felt-tip pen, adhesive tape, paper towel, rubber gloves, protective goggles. Building instructions Please read right through these building instructions before you start construction, so that you have a clear understanding of the sequence of assembly. Before you start on a particular stage, make sure you have all the requisite components, tools and adhesives to hand. When assembling the model always work on a clean, smooth, flat surface, or on a workbench with a foam overlay. Unless stated otherwise, use cyano adhesive with activator for all joints on this model. The best method is to apply cyano to one surface, then spray the opposite face with activator. Ensure that excess glue does not get onto your hands or the model s finished surfaces. Wipe off excess glue immediately using a piece of paper towel

3 Caution: never allow cyano to come into contact with any part of your body, and especially not your eyes. For this reason we recommend that you wear goggles when using these materials. Store the adhesive well out of the reach of children. For safety reasons we recommend that you only use the adhesive stated above. Be sure to read the operating instructions and safety notes supplied with all the accessory items used in the model. The wing First secure the aileron hinges, which are already in place in the wings, using UHU ALLESKLEBER Kraft adhesive. Let the glue set hard, then push the ailerons onto the projecting hinges, leaving an even gap about 1 mm wide along the hinge line. Unscrew the servo well cover from the wing, and check that the aileron servo fits. Cut off the superfluous arms from the servo output device, and drill out the outer hole in the remaining arm to 1.6 mm Ø. Set the servo to neutral (centre) from the transmitter, then push the output lever onto the shaft at right-angles to the case sides before fitting the retaining screw. Fix the servo to the mounting blocks with a drop of cyano at each mounting lug. Repeat the procedure with the second aileron servo. Connect the servo extension leads to the servo leads, and carefully draw the cables through the wing using the thread which you will find inside the structure. Place the servo well covers in the wing and secure them with the retaining screws. Complete the aileron pushrods as shown, connect the linkages, then glue the aileron horns in the slots

4 This picture shows the completed aileron linkage. Please note that the servo output arm should be at least 12 mm long, otherwise the clevis will foul the wing surface. The photo shows the servo extension lead projecting out of the underside of the wing. Note that the lead should first be run straight out of the opening in the root rib, and then doubled-back to pass through the hole in the underside. Carefully open up the hole in the wing using a sharp balsa knife. The fuselage and tail Attach the propeller driver, the cruciform mount and the retaining collet to the motor; you will find these parts in the pack of Order No The picture shows the component parts of the propeller driver and motor mount; take care to tighten all the screws fully. This picture shows the motor with the cruciform mount and the propeller driver fitted. Cut the motor wires to length, and strip the ends for a length of about 5 mm. Slip separate pieces of heat-shrink sleeve (included in Order No. 7731) over the three wires. Tin all the bare wire ends before soldering the pairs together in any order. Slip - 4 -

5 the heat-shrink sleeves temporarily over the soldered joints (don t shrink them), and carry out a check of the motor function: the motor should spin clockwise (to the right) as seen from the tail, looking forward. If not, swap over any two of the soldered joints, and only then use a heat-gun to shrink the sleeves over the soldered joints. Fix the motor to the firewall using four 3 Ø x 10 mm self-tapping screws (supplied with the motor). Place the cowl on the fuselage, then slip the spinner backplate on the propeller driver. At this point you can adjust the position of the motor using the variable firewall until the spinner lines up correctly with the front of the cowl. When you are confident that everything fits, drill 2.2 mm Ø pilot-holes in the cowl before attaching the moulding to the fuselage using three 2.2 Ø x 6.5 mm selftapping screws. The position of the bottom two screws can be seen in a later picture; please refer to the section entitled The undercarriage

6 Use your fingertips to locate the openings for the wing cabane under the covering film, and cut away the film with a balsa knife. Secure the cabane on both sides by tightening the M3 x 8 socket-head screws; the holes can later be covered with pieces of the coloured adhesive tape supplied in the accessory pack. The elevator and rudder servos can now be prepared for installation by drilling out the output arms to 1.0 mm Ø and pressing the rubber grommets and tubular metal spacers into the mounting lugs; the flange of the spacers should be on the underside. The servo mounting components are supplied in the servo accessory pack. This picture shows the servos installed in the servo plate, one with the pushrod connected, one ready to be connected. Unscrew the output levers to allow the push

7 rods to be engaged. The picture also shows the 10 x 6 mm opening in the fuselage turtle deck for the aileron servo extension leads. Glue the elevator and rudder hinges in place using UHU ALLESKLEBER Kraft, following the principle described earlier; glue the elevator joiner in both elevators at the same time, using cyano. Accurately mark the centreline of the tailplane using a setsquare and a spirit felt-tip pen, then mark on it the outlines of the joint surface for the fuselage and the fin. Melt the covering film along the marked lines using the tip of a hot soldering iron, and peel off the unwanted film. Glue the tailplane to the fuselage, keeping it exactly central and square. Cut a slit in the fuselage to accept the bottom rudder hinge, then glue the fin to the tailplane and fuselage, again keeping it exactly central and vertical

8 Bend the tail end of the rudder and elevator pushrods at right-angles using flat-nose pliers, and snip off the excess length. Fit the horns on the pushrods, then glue the horns in the rudder and elevator. The undercarriage Push the two undercarriage legs into the holes and slots on the underside of the fuselage, and secure them with the plastic saddle clamps as shown in the picture. This photo shows the parts required to mount the wheels and wheel spats on the undercarriage legs. Drill a 3.0 mm Ø hole in each wheel spat as shown in the picture. Now fit the wheel spat, a collet, the wheel and a second collet onto the wheel axle, keeping exactly to this sequence. Position the parts accurately, and glue the spat in place. Take care that no adhesive gets into the wheel hubs, as this would prevent them rotating. The picture shows one wheel spat glued to the undercarriage leg, and the strut fairing with mounting brackets. Sand the joint surface of the brackets before gluing them in place, after removing the film over the joint area of the strut fairing

9 The picture shows the completed undercarriage and the wing, secured to the cabane using four M3 x 6 pan-head screws. The pilot and windscreen have also been installed in this shot. If you wish, you can screw the wing struts in place at this point, as shown in the photo; these parts are only decorative, and are not required for airframe strength. Please note that the struts are handed, i.e. the left and right struts are different. Installing the HoTT receiver and the LiPo battery The first step is to connect the servo leads to the receiver; we recommend the following socket sequence: socket 2: left aileron servo; socket 3: elevator servo; socket 4: rudder servo, socket 5: right aileron servo; socket 6: speed controller. It is a good - 9 -

10 idea to connect 100 mm servo extension leads to sockets 2 and 5 permanently, as this makes it much easier to connect the aileron servos when you rig the aeroplane. At this point you should carry out a check of all the working systems, with the RC system transmitter switched on. Please bear in mind that the motor could burst into life when you first connect the BEC plug and socket, so remember to remove the propeller before switching on for the first time. Control surface travels The following control surface travels are our recommended starting point, but you may wish to adjust them to suit your personal preference: ailerons 16 mm up and 8 mm down; elevators 15 mm to both sides of neutral; rudder 22 mm to both sides. Balancing Assemble the model completely, ready to fly, i.e. with the LiPo flight battery in place. The Centre of Gravity range is 60 mm to 70 mm aft of the wing root leading edge, measured at the centre of the wing. You can set the correct CG by adjusting the position of the LiPo battery. Support the model at the stated CG position with two fingers under the wing roots, and allow it to hang freely: when balanced correctly, the fuselage will hang level. Flying For the initial test-flight wait for a day with very little or no wind, and assemble the model completely. Check that all control surfaces are at neutral. For a successful take-off from the ground a smooth, level strip pointing directly into wind is ideal. If your runway is not of that quality, switch the motor on, and give the aeroplane a hand-launch directly into any breeze; trotting forward for a few steps gains the necessary momentum. Initially use the aileron and elevator controls gently, just to correct any deviations from a straight flight path. Fine-tuning can be carried out by adjusting the trim sliders situated below and adjacent to the transmitter sticks. Always land the model directly into wind, with the motor throttled back. Just before touch-down, apply slight up-elevator to flare out and slow the machine down further. It is essential always to land straight into wind. All of us at GRAUPNER Modellbau wish you many fine flights with your new STARLET The prototype: a full-size STARLET, built in 1980 Modifications reserved. No liability for printing errors /2011

11 Safety Notes Before you fly the model for the first time it is essential (and a legal requirement) to take out an insurance policy designed to cover modelling risks. Be sure to read right through the instructions covering assembly and operation of your model before you attempt to operate it for the first time. You alone are responsible for the safe operation of your radio-controlled model aeroplane. Young people should only be permitted to build and fly this model under the instruction and supervision of an adult who is aware of the hazards involved in this activity. In legal terms our models are classed as aircraft, and as such are subject to statutory regulations and restrictions which must be observed. Our brochure Modellflugrecht, Paragrafen und mehr (Model Aviation Law, Legal Requirements and more) is available under Order No , and contains a summary of all these rules; your local model shop should have a copy which you can read. There are also Post Office regulations concerning your radio control system, and these must be observed at all times. You will find information on this in the operating instructions supplied with your radio control system. It is important to use only those parts included in the kit, together with other genuine Graupner accessories and replacement parts as recommended expressly by us. Even if you change a single component, you can no longer be sure that the whole system will work reliably, and such changes also invalidate your guarantee. Avoid short circuits and reverse polarity at all times. The high energy density of rechargeable batteries involves a constant risk of fire and even explosion. A radio-controlled model aircraft can only work properly and fulfil your expectations if it is built very carefully and in accordance with the building instructions. If you wish to avoid injuring people and damaging property it is essential to be careful and painstaking at all stages of building and operating your model. Nobody would climb into a full-size glider and try to fly it without completing a course of training first. Model flying is a skill which has to be learned in just the same way. However, we as manufacturer are not in a position to influence the way you build and operate your RC model aircraft. All we can do is expressly point out the hazards involved in this activity. We deny all liability. We suggest that you ask for help from an experienced model flyer, or join a model club or flight training school. Your local model shop and the specialist magazines are excellent sources of information. It is always best to joint a model flying club and fly at the approved flying site. Adhesives contain ingredients which can be injurious to health under certain circumstances. It is therefore important to read and observe the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer or these materials. The operator of the model must be in full possession of his or her bodily and mental faculties. As with car driving, flying a model aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is highly dangerous and not permissible under any circumstances. Make sure that all passers-by and onlookers are aware of the hazards involved in the operation of your model. Remind spectators to keep a safe distance from the model. Always maintain a safe distance between your model and other people or objects. Never fly low over people or directly towards them. Radio-controlled models should only be flown in normal weather conditions, i.e. a temperature range of -5 to +35 C. More extreme temperatures can lead to changes in battery capacity, material characteristics, the strength of glued joints and other unwanted effects. All model flyers should behave in a way which minimises the danger to people and property. Never act in any manner which will disturb other pilots, or have an adverse effect on safe, orderly flying at the site

12 Don t operate your model aeroplane in the vicinity of overhead power cables, industrial sites, residential areas, public roads, school playgrounds or sports fields etc. Pre-flight checks Check that the radio control system works correctly and at full range before every flight: switch on the transmitter and the receiving system, fit the transmitter aerial and extend it to its full length; walk away from the model, and check that all the control surfaces work smoothly and immediately at an appropriate distance; check also that they deflect in the correct sense in relation to the stick movements. Repeat the check with the motor running, while a friend holds the model securely for you. If you are a beginner to this type of model flying, we recommend that you enlist an experienced model pilot to help you check and test-fly the model. Please don t ignore our warnings. They refer to hazardous materials and processes which, if ignored, can result in fatal injury or serious damage to property. Propellers powered by a motor constitute a permanent hazard and represent a real risk of injury. Don t touch them with any part of your body. For example, a propeller spinning at high speed can easily cut your finger badly. Keep well clear of the rotational plane of the propeller. You never know when some part or even the entire propeller may come loose and fly off at high speed, hitting you or anybody else in the vicinity. In unfavourable circumstances this could result in serious injury. Ensure that the revolving propeller never comes into contact with any object. Make sure that it is impossible for any object to stall or block the propeller. Every time you intend to operate your model, check carefully that it and everything attached to it (e.g. propeller, RC components etc.) is in good condition and undamaged. If you find a fault, do not fly the model until you have corrected it. Satisfy yourself that your frequency is vacant before you switch on; don t switch on until you are sure of this! Radio interference caused by unknown sources can occur at any time without warning. If this should happen, your model will be uncontrollable and completely unpredictable. Never leave your radio control system unguarded, as other people might pick it up and try to use it. Do not switch the electric motor on unless you have checked that there is nothing in the rotational plane of the propeller. Never attempt to stop the propeller when it is spinning. Electric motors with propellers fitted must only be run when firmly mounted. If you are to fly your model safely and avoid problems, it is essential that you are aware of its position and attitude throughout each flight - so don t let it fly too far away. If you detect a control problem or interference during a flight, immediately land the model to prevent a potential accident. Model aeroplanes must always give way to full-size aircraft. Take-off and landing strips should be kept free of people and other obstacles. Your RC system can only work reliably if the batteries are kept fully charged. Never use hot, faulty or damaged batteries. It is important to observe the instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer. Before every flight ensure that all functions are working correctly, and carry out a range check. Always ensure that the throttle stick (or other throttle control) is at the motor OFF position before switching the transmitter on. To avoid the electric motor bursting into life unexpectedly, always switch the transmitter on first, followed by the receiving system. When switching off, reverse the order: receiving system first, then the transmitter. Remove the flight battery from the model after each flying session, and store it at a temperature of around +5 C to +25 C, well out of the reach of children

13 Please don t misunderstand the purpose of these notes. We only want to make you aware of the many dangers and hazards which can arise if you lack knowledge and experience, or work carelessly or irresponsibly. Provided that you take reasonable care, model flying is a highly creative, instructive, enjoyable and relaxing pastime. Manufacturer s declaration: If material defects or manufacturing faults should arise in a product distributed by us in the Federal Republic of Germany and purchased by a consumer ( 13 BGB), we, Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, D Kirchheim/Teck, Germany, acknowledge the obligation to correct those defects within the limitations described below. The consumer is not entitled to exploit this manufacturer s declaration if the failure in the usability of the product is due to natural wear, use under competition conditions, incompetent or improper use (including incorrect installation) or external influences. This manufacturer s declaration does not affect the consumer s legal or contractual rights regarding defects arising from the purchase contract between the consumer and the vendor (dealer). Extent of the guarantee If a claim is made under guarantee, we undertake at our discretion to repair or replace the defective goods. We will not consider supplementary claims, especially for reimbursement of costs relating to the defect (e.g. installation / removal costs) and compensation for consequent damages unless they are allowed by statute. This does not affect claims based on legal regulations, especially according to product liability law. Guarantee requirements The purchaser is required to make the guarantee claim in writing, and must enclose original proof of purchase (e.g. invoice, receipt, delivery note) and this guarantee card. The purchaser must send the defective goods to us at his own cost, using the address stated above. The purchaser should state the material defect or manufacturing fault, or the symptoms of the fault, in as accurate a manner as possible, so that we can check if our guarantee obligation is applicable. The goods are transported from the consumer to us and from us to the consumer at the consumer s risk. Duration of validity This declaration only applies to claims made to us during the claim period as stated in this declaration. The claim period is 24 months from the date of purchase of the product by the consumer from a dealer in the Federal Republic of Germany (purchase date). If a defect arises after the end of the claim period, or if the evidence or documents required according to this declaration in order to make the claim valid are not presented until after this period, then the consumer forfeits any rights or claims from this declaration. Limitation by lapse of time If we do not acknowledge the validity of a claim based on this declaration within the claim period, all claims based on this declaration are barred by the statute of limitations after six months from the time of implementation; however, this cannot occur before the end of the claim period. Applicable law This declaration, and the claims, rights and obligations arising from it, are based exclusively on the pertinent German Law, excluding the norms of international private law, and excluding UN retail law