Safety notes
4
Safety notes
Installing the servos
Always install servos using the vibration-damping
grommets supplied. The rubber grommets provide
some degree of protection from mechanical shocks and
severe vibration.
Installing control linkages
The basic rule is that all linkages should be installed in
such a way that the pushrods move accurately, smooth-
ly and freely. It is particularly important that all servo
output arms can move to their full extent without fouling
or rubbing on anything, or being obstructed mechani-
cally at any point in their travel.It is important that you
should be able to stop your motor at any time. With a
glow motor this is achieved by adjusting the throttle so
that the barrel closes completely when you move the
throttle stick and trim to their end-points.Ensure that no
metal parts are able to rub against each other, e.g. when
controls are operated, when parts rotate, or when motor
vibration affects the model. Metal-to-metal contact cau-
ses electrical „noise“ which can interfere with the correct
working of the receiver.
Always extend the transmitter aerial fully before
operating your model.
Transmitter field strength is at a minimum in an imagina-
ry line extending straight out from the transmitter aerial.
It is therefore fundamentally misguided to „point“ the
transmitter aerial at the model with the idea of obtaining
good reception.
When several radio control systems are in use on adja-
cent channels, the pilots should always stand together
in a loose group. Pilots who insist on standing away
from the group endanger their own models as well as
those of the other pilots.
Pre-flight checking
If there are several modellers at the site, check carefully
with all of them that you are the only one on „your“
channel before you switch on your own transmitter.If two
modellers switch on transmitters on the same channel,
the result is interference to one or both models, and the
usual result is at least one wrecked model.
Before
you switch on the receiver, ensure that the thrott-
le stick is at the stop / idle end-point.
Always switch on the transmitter first, and only then
the receiver.
Always switch off the receiver first, and only then
the transmitter.
If you do not keep to this sequence, i.e. if the receiver
is at any time switched on when „its“ transmitter is
switched off, then the receiver is wide open to signals
from other transmitters and any interference, and may
respond. The model could then carry out uncontrolled
movements, which could easily result in personal injury
or damage to property. The servos may run to their
end-stops and damage the gearbox, linkage, control
surface etc. Please take particular care if your model
is fitted with a mechanical gyro: Before you switch your
receiver off, disconnect the power supply to ensure that
the motor cannot run up to high speed accidentally. The
gyro can generate such a high voltage as it runs down
that the receiver picks up apparently valid throttle com-
mands, and the motor could respond by unexpectedly
bursting into life.
Range checking
Before every session check that the system works
properly in every respect, and has adequate range. This
means checking that all the control surfaces respond
correctly and in the appropriate direction to the transmit-
ter commands at a suitable ground range.
Repeat this check with the motor running, while a friend
holds the model securely for you.
Operating your model aircraft, helicopter, boat or car
Never fly directly over spectators or other pilots, and
take care at all times not to endanger people or animals.
Keep well clear of high-tension overhead cables. Never
operate your model boat close to locks and full-size ves-
sels. Model cars should never be run on public streets
or motorways, footpaths, public squares etc.
Checking the transmitter and receiver batteries
It is essential to stop using the radio control system and
recharge the batteries well before they are completely
discharged. In the case of the transmitter this means
- at the very latest - when the message „Battery must
be charged“ appears on the screen, and you hear an
audible warning signal. It is vital to check the state of the
receiver battery at regular intervals. When the battery
is almost flat you may notice the servos running more
slowly, but it is by no means safe to keep flying or run-
ning your model until this happens. Always replace or
recharge the batteries in good time. Keep to the battery
manufacturer’s instructions and don’t leave the batteries
on charge for longer than stated. Do not leave batteries
on charge unsupervised. Never attempt to recharge dry
cells, as they may explode.
Rechargeable batteries should always be recharged
before every session. When charging batteries it is im-
portant to avoid short-circuits. Do this by first connecting
the charge lead banana plugs to the charger, taking
care to maintain correct polarity. Only then connect the
charge lead to the transmitter or receiver battery.
