Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 1 Instruction Manual TM
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 2
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 3 Welcome to the World of Congratulations! You have the easiest flying radio control airplane ever: the Firebird Outlaw TM from HobbyZone. Our mission at HobbyZone is to make sure you have success with the Firebird Outlaw to have safe fun and learn a few things along the way. You re going to be surprised how easy it is to fly this radio control airplane. There s one catch, though. You gotta read and follow the directions! Ready to get started? So are we. Let s go! First, watch the included instructional video cd to make assembly and flying of the Firebird Outlaw even easier. Remember, crash damage is not covered under the warranty. Be sure to read the warranty on page 25 and Warnings and Safety on pages 21 22 before you proceed to Step 1
4 Back Remove battery compartment cover, replace battery and replace cover. The LED wil flash when the battery needs to be replaced. To test, switch on the transmitter the LED should glow brightly. 9V battery (preinstalled in your transmitter) On Step 1 Needed for Step 1 Transmitter Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 4 Switch
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 5 Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Needed for Step 2 Rubber Bands (x2) Landing Gear Mounting the Landing Gear 1.Insert the landing gear into the slot on the bottom of the fuselage. Attaching the Wing 1.Center the wing on the fuselage by aligning the center dot on the wing s leading edge with the fuselage seam and by centering the half circle on the wing s trailing edge over the fuselage center seam. 2.Secure the wing in place with two rubber bands. 3.Before each flight, make sure the leading and trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered on the fuselage. 5Step 2
6 3.The Firebird Outlaw TM has a throttlearming feature. If you were to plug in the battery with the transmitter throttle on, the motors would not run. The receiver must see the throttle at center before it will arm the motors. The throttle-arming feature will be activated each time the battery is plugged into the airplane. 2.Install the flight battery in the fuselage slot and plug in the connector. 5.When finished with the motor test, be sure to disconnect the flight battery first, then turn off the transmitter. 1.With the control sticks in their center position, turn the transmitter on. Do not touch the sticks for two seconds while the onboard computer calibrates the controls. 4.Push the throttle stick forward to run the motors at high speed until the throttle shuts off in order to fully discharge the battery. If there is not enough charge in the battery to power the propellers, then proceed to the next page. WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propellers. A moving propeller can cause injury. ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED Note: If the flight battery is too low on power, the throttle stick may not function, and the steering may or may not function. If this is the case, proceed to Charging the Airplane Battery. Step 3 Motor Test and Battery Discharging Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 6
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 7 Charging the Airplane Battery Note: Never charge a hot battery or a battery that is already charged. Always discharge before every charge. See Step 2 (page 6) for instructions on discharging. The charger supplied with the Firebird Outlaw has a built-in timer. Plug the battery into the charger, then plug the charger into the wall. The LED indicator should glow constantly. After about 2 1-2 hours, the LED will turn off. At this time the battery is charged and ready to use. Important: For best performance, the Firebird Outlaw battery should be charged shortly before flying. If it has been longer than 24 hours since fully charging, give the battery a booster charge by charging it for an extra 20 minutes prior to flying. Do not leave the battery unattended during the booster charge. Or discharge the battery and charge it again. To charge another battery, the charger must be unplugged from the wall to reset the timer (then start over). 7Step 4
8 RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT 4 5 6 3.Hold the plane securely by the tail boom, making sure everything is clear of the propellers. 6.Move the right stick to the left. The right propeller should spin and the left propeller should not. 2.Install the flight battery in fuselage and plug in the connector. 5.Move the right stick to the right. The left propeller should spin and the right propeller should not. 1.Switch on the transmitter make sure the LED is lit, indicating the transmitter has power. Do not touch the sticks for two seconds while the controls calibrate. 4.Move the left stick forward. Both propellers should spin rapidly. Step 5 WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propellers before starting the control test because the propellers will spin. Note: The Firebird Outlaw has propellers that spin in opposite directions to cancel problematic torque effects. It is normal for the propellers to spin in opposite directions. Steering Control Test Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 8
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 9 Choose a Large Open Grassy Field The Firebird Outlaw flies approximately 18 mph, so it covers ground fast. A large, open grass area with soft ground is required, and the bigger the field, the better! It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of 300 feet of clear space in all directions from the pilot. Flying the Firebird Outlaw in a more restricted space will most likely end in crashes and damage. IMPORTANT: To keep people, property and the Firebird Outlaw safe, do not fly over or near people, buildings, power lines, highways, train tracks, vehicles, trees, water, pavement or other hard surfaces and objects. Crash damage is not covered by the warranty. 9Step 6
10 4.If the angle between the antenna and the flag is less than 25, it s too windy for your first flights with the Firebird Outlaw. You want to fly! If you wait until the day is right, you will have a successful flight. 3.If the flag hangs down, you re good to fly. 4 2.Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna is parallel to the ground and note how much the flag moves in the wind. 1.Tie the included red flag to the end of your transmitter antenna. 2, 3 To check wind conditions: On your first flights with the Firebird Outlaw, do not fly if the wind is more than 5 mph! Step 7 SUCCESS TIP: Flying in too much wind is by far the #1 reason for crashes and/or lost planes. Follow these guidelines to protect the Firebird Outlaw you ll be glad you did. 1 Choose a Calm Day Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 10
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 11 Range Test You will need two people to do the range test: one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane. 1.One person holds the transmitter; the other person walks 80 paces away with the airplane. 2.Extend the transmitter antenna completely and turn the transmitter on. 3.Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch cover. 4.Advance the throttle, throttle back and then advance the throttle once more. 5.As the first person moves both the transmitter controls at the same time, the other person watches to be sure the airplane s motors operate smoothly. WARNING: The person holding the airplane should hold it so that the propellers do not come in contact with any part of their body. If model does not range test correctly, do not fly. Call Horizon Product Support staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for directions on how to proceed. 11 Step 8
12 Step 9 Before taking your first flight, check to see if tail trim tabs are level with rest of the tail surface. If not, adjust the trim tabs by gently flexing them until they are level. Making Initial Adjustments-Leveling the Tail Trim Tabs Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 12
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 13 Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff IMPORTANT: Before launching, you ll need to determine the wind direction by watching which way the red transmitter ribbon is blowing. Always launch straight into the wind. WARNING: Keep the spinning propeller away from your hair, head and hands or injury may occur. Hand Launch (Best over a grass surface) 1.On first flights, have a second person (adult recommended) launch the Firebird Outlaw while the pilot controls from the transmitter. Adult assistance is always recommended with pilots 12 years of age or younger. 5.Take a couple of steps and launch model directly into wind. Keep wings level. Use a light to medium force. Do not throw it up or down. Point it level with the ground when releasing. Keep holding full throttle and making steering corrections until safe altitude is acheived. 2.Make sure the battery is fully charged. 3.Test the motors with full throttle to make sure the battery is connected and the motors are armed. 4.While holding the transmitter in one hand, push the throttle stick to full on (up) with thumb. 13 Step 10
14 3.If the battery is fully charged, the Firebird Outlaw should lift off the ground in approximately 35 feet. Keep holding full throttle and making steering corrections until a safe altitude is achieved. 2.Apply full power and adjust the right control stick as necessary to keep the Firebird Outlaw headed directly into the wind. 1.Stand behind the Firebird Outlaw and point it directly into the wind on smooth asphalt or concrete. Step 10 continued Runway Takeoff (If a smooth, hard surface pointed into the wind is available) Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 14
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 15 Flying 1.After launching, the Firebird Outlaw will begin climbing at full throttle. Keep throttle full on. 2.Make right and left adjustments of the control stick to keep it flying straight into the wind. Don t attempt a turn until the Firebird Outlaw reaches 50 feet of altitude. Turning 1.Move the stick in the direction you want the model to turn. Practice making turns to the left and to the right. The amount you move the stick determines the tightness of the turn. You do not have to move the stick all the way over! 3.Control range is 1500 feet. Don t let the plane fly too far away. Keep upwind, especially if wind is over 8 mph, or the wind may carry it out of sight and/or control range. 15Step 11
16 No Throttle 50% Throttle Full Throttle 3.To descend, reduce or ease back on the throttle. 2.Once you ve climbed to the desired level, slowly ease back on the throttle stick until the plane stops climbing and flies level. Step 12 1.Push the throttle stick all the way forward to make the Firebird Outlaw climb. Note: The Firebird Outlaw has good maneuvering capabilities, regardless of the throttle position. Throttle Adjustment Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 16
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 17 Landing 1.When you notice the Firebird Outlaw no longer climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 8 to 10 minutes), your battery is getting low, and it s time to land. 2.Line the Firebird Outlaw up, heading directly into the wind toward the desired landing spot. You can descend with the throttle mostly off, and apply a bit of power and steering to adjust you touchdown point. At about 2 3 feet high, let go of the control sticks to stop power to the propellers, the Firebird Outlaw will glide in for a landing. WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the airplane or injury may result. Be sure to turn motor off before you touch down or damage can occur to your wing and propeller. Always land directly into the wind. Smart Auto Cut-Off Feature When motor battery gets low enough, this feature will automatically shut off the motor throttle function and save enough battery to power the radio and steering function so you can land safely. If the throttle cuts off, prepare to land immediately. For a safe landing, steer into the wind before touchdown. 2 3 ft 2-3 Feet Release Control Sticks At 2 3 feet, release control sticks 17 Step 14
18 B 3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the above procedure, adding 1/32" each time until it flies straight. A 2. Test fly. 1. Flex the outer left tail trim tab down about 1/16" and flex the right tail trim tab up about 1/16". A. If the Firebird Outlaw keeps turning to the right with the steering control stick at neutral: 3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the above procedure, adding 1/32" each time until it flies straight. 2. Test fly. Important: If there is a bend (even a small one) in the tail or wing or a tear near the flap area, it may be impossible to have correct flight control. Replace the damaged part immediately! See page 26 replacement parts list. 1. Flex the outer right tail trim tab down about 1/16" and flex the left tail trim tab up about 1/16". If the Firebird Outlaw keeps turning to the left with the steering control stick at neutral: Step 14 B. Making Adjustments-When the Firebird Outlaw Keeps Turning to the Left or the Right Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 18
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 19 Making Adjustments to the Climb Rate If the Firebird Outlaw climbs too fast with full throttle by climbing at a steep angle, stalling, and keeps repeating the sharp climb and stalling, do the following: 1.Flex both outer* tail trim tabs down about 1/16 from their current position. 2.Test fly. 3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves the desired climb rate. If the Firebird Outlaw dives with full throttle and will not keep flying, do the following: 1.Flex both outer* tail trim tabs up about 1/16 from their current position. 2.Test fly. 3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves the desired climb rate. Problem Problem 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/16 Solution Solution NOTE: If adjusting the outer trim tabs isn t enough to solve the problem, then adjust the inner tabs also. 19 Step 15
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 20 If a Crash Occurs 1.If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing or tail surface breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces. 2.If damage is severe or if wing or tail is bent, replace damaged parts immediately. See page 26 for a complete replacement parts list. 3.Check the tail trim tabs to make sure they have not flexed out of alignment. NOTE: If you ever need to replace your Outlaw propellers, please remember there is a left and a right propeller. The one that goes on the pilots left has a small (L) molded into its hub. The right propeller has a small (R) molded in its hub. 20
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 21 Warnings and Safety Precautions 1.Read and follow this manual and the included video completely, observing all instructions and safety directions. Otherwise, serious injury and damage can occur. Think safety first. 2.Keep propellers away from body parts, even when it isn t spinning, as it could be turned on by accident. Beware of hair becoming entangled in the propellers, especially when launching the Firebird Outlaw on a windy day or injury may occur. 3.Do not fly when it s too windy or you may lose control and crash, causing injury or damage. Never fly the Firebird Outlaw near people, vehicles, highways, train tracks, buildings, power lines, water, hard surfaces or trees. Never allow anyone to attempt to catch the Firebird Outlaw while it s in flight, or serious injury can result. 4.Adult supervision is recommended for ages 12 and under. 5.Battery Charging: Only use a battery charger intended for use with the Firebird Outlaw battery. Never leave the charger unattended while charging. This will help prevent over charging. While charging, place the battery on a heat-resistant surface. Do not lay it on carpet or furniture while charging. When battery becomes noticeably warm, charging is complete. Stop charging immediately. If you are not certain how much charge is in your battery, always fully discharge it first before giving a full charge. 6.Never cut into the battery, charger, or airplane wires, or serious injury can occur. Causing the battery to short out (crossing negative and positive bare wires) can cause a fire, serious injury and damage. 21
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 22 Warnings and Safety Precautions continued 7.When operating the Firebird Outlaw, always turn on the transmitter before you plug the flight battery into the Firebird Outlaw. When you finish flying the Firebird Outlaw, always unplug the flight battery before you turn off the transmitter. 8.Never fly on the same frequency as another RC vehicle/plane in your area. The frequency of the Firebird Outlaw is shown on stickers on the back of the transmitter and on the side of the fuselage. To learn more about flying radio control model airplanes, location of the nearest AMA club, AMA safety code, frequency guidelines, and much more, we highly recommend that you contact: Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 East Memorial Drive Muncie, Indiana 47302 www.modelaircraft.org 22
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 23 Troubleshooting PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION Unit does not operate 1. Transmitter 9V battery is depleted or installed incorrectly, this is indicated by either a dim, unlit or flashing LED on transmitter 2. No electrical connection 3. Firebird Outlaw flight battery not charged 4. Crash has damaged the radio inside the Firebird Outlaw 1. Check installation or replace with a fresh 9V battery 2. Push connectors together until they click 3. Charge the battery fully 4. Replace the fuselage Aircraft keeps turning in one direction 1. Tail trim tabs need adjustment 2. Wing is not centered over the fuselage 1. Adjust tail trim tabs down (see page 18) 2. Center the wing before each flight Aircraft is difficult to control 1. Tail trim tabs aren t adjusted properly 2. Wing or tail is damaged 1. Adjust tail trim tabs (see page 18) 2. Repair or replace Aircraft keeps pitching up steeply 1. Tail trim tabs need adjustment 2. Wind is too gusty or strong 1. Adjust tail trim tabs down (see page 19) 2. Postpone flying until wind is more calm 1. Battery isn t fully charged Aircraft won t climb 2. Tail needs adjustment 1. Charge battery shortly before flying 2. Adjust trim tabs up (see page 19) 23
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 24 Success Tips 1.Don t fly in winds over 5 mph! Your first flights especially should be on a very calm day. 2.Do choose your flying field carefully grass and soft ground with 600-foot diameter is optimal to fly and will lengthen the life of your Firebird Outlaw. 3.Remember, holding the right stick over fully for too long could potentially cause the Firebird Outlaw to spiral dive and descend rapidly. Should this ever occur, at the very first sign, immediately release the steering stick and give the opposite turn control to the spiral. Because of its design, a properly maintained and adjusted Firebird Outlaw should not spiral dive. 5.Keep the Firebird Outlaw upwind, especially on windy days, to prevent it from flying away. The wind is normally stronger at higher altitude, than it is on the ground. Flying into the wind at reduced power while descending slightly can help you make progress against higher winds at altitude. 6.Keep your plane in front of you so you don t have to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid flying directly overhead. 7.Purchase an extra battery pack (HBZ4545) for added fun at the flying field. 8.Purchase the HobbyZone DC Peak charger (HBZ1026) for faster (40-minute) charges from an automobile at your flying site. 24 4.Position yourself at your flying field to keep the sun at your back and out of your eyes. Wear sunglasses on bright days.
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 25 Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures Due to the nature and operation of this product, the warranty does not extend beyond the initial preflight testing. Carefully check the parts and operation before your first flight. Damage incurred during flying, landing, crashing, or modification is not covered under the warranty. Please do not return product to the store. Contact HobbyZone at Horizon Hobby at 1-877-504-0233 or www.hobbyzonesports.com Warranty Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship. If you discover defects during the very first preflight testing (Steps 1-5), do not return product to store, please call our Product Support staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for technical support. If you are directed by them to return the product to our Service Center, you will be provided with a Return Authorization number. If, in our opinion, after inspecting the product, we determine it to be defective, we will repair or replace it at our discretion. If you are directed by our Product Support staff to return the Firebird Outlaw, please follow these instructions: Unplug the battery from the airplane. Pack the complete Firebird Outlaw (all components) in the original box and put it into a sturdy shipping carton for protection. Include your complete name and address information inside the carton, as well as clearly writing it on the outer label/return address area. Include detailed information explaining the nature of the problem(s) encountered. Please date your correspondence and be sure your complete name, address, and daytime phone number appear on this enclosure. Please include original dated sales receipt. Mail to the address below: Horizon Service Center Attn: HobbyZone Dept. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 25
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 26 Replacement parts Keep the Firebird Outlaw in the air! Spare parts are available from your local hobby dealer. To find the nearest dealer or obtain parts from Horizon Hobby, go to www.hobbyzonesports.com. Please check with your dealer first by supporting your local hobby dealer, they ll be there when you need them. Item # Description Retail Item # Description Retail HBZ4510 Decal Sheet: Firebird Outlaw $2.99 HBZ4551 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 1, 26.995 $27.99 HBZ4515 Instruction Manual: Firebird Outlaw $0.99 HBZ4552 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 2, 27.045 $27.99 HBZ4516 Instructional Video Disk: Firebird Outlaw $2.99 HBZ4553 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 3, 27.095 $27.99 HBZ4522 Standard Wing: Red Firebird Outlaw $8.99 HBZ4554 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 4, 27.145 $27.99 HBZ4523 Standard Wing: Green Firebird Outlaw $8.99 HBZ4555 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 5, 27.195 $27.99 HBZ4526 Red Rubber Bands (3): Firebird Outlaw $0.99 HBZ4556 Firebird Outlaw Fuselage Black: CH 6, 27.255 $27.99 HBZ4527 Green Rubber Bands (3): Firebird Outlaw $0.99 HBZ4561 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 1, 26.995 $15.99 HBZ4531 Tail w/accessories: Red Firebird Outlaw $5.99 HBZ4562 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 2, 27.045 $15.99 HBZ4532 Tail w/accessories: Green Firebird Outlaw $5.99 HBZ4563 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 3, 27.095 $15.99 HBZ4533 Tail V-Brace (black): Firebird Outlaw $1.59 HBZ4564 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 4, 27.145 $15.99 HBZ4538 Canopy cover w/hook and screw $1.99 HBZ4565 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 5, 27.195 $15.99 HBZ4540 Propeller Set (left and right) $2.49 HBZ4566 Firebird Outlaw Transmitter: CH 6, 27.255 $15.99 26 HBZ4541 Landing Gear Set $2.99 HBZ4545 6V 300mAh Ni-MH Flight Battery $12.99 HBZ4549 Transmitter Battery Cover $1.99 HBZ4547 2-1/2 Hour Wall Charger $9.99 HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (optional) $19.99
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 27 More Fun with the Firebird Outlaw After a little practice flying the Firebird Outlaw, you ll be ready to take on the added challenge of Firebird Outlaw Games shown below. Whether you participate in a competition you organize for family members and friends or an official Firebird Outlaw Frenzy organized by your local hobby shop or flying club, you ll find these easy-tosetup events a great way to increase your flying skills, while also having a blast. Try them today! 1. Limbo 2. Pylon 3. Spot Landing 4. Duration Be sure to visit www.hobbyzonesports.com for more fun and updates! 27
Firebird Outlaw Ins. Man 1/17/03 4:52 PM Page 28 HBZ4515 www.hobbyzonesports.com 6 05482 14215 8 2003 Horizon Hobby, Inc. HobbyZone products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822 www.horizonhobby.com 5483