GRAUPNER mx-24s, Programming Manual

Page: 5 / 216

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 accurate-
ly, smoothly and freely. It is particularly important that
all servo output arms can move to their full extent wit-
hout fouling or rubbing on anything, or being obstruc-
ted mechanically at any point in their travel.
It is important that you can 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 mo-
del. Metal-to-metal contact causes electrical “noise”
which can interfere with the correct working of the re-
ceiver.
Always extend the transmitter aerial fully before
operating your model
Transmitter fi eld strength is at a minimum in an ima-
ginary line extending straight out from the transmit-
ter 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 ad-
jacent channels, the pilots should always stand to-
gether 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-fl ight checking
If there are several modellers at the site, check ca-
refully with all of them that you are the only one on
“your” channel before you switch on your own trans-
mitter. 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 wre-
cked model.
Before you switch on the receiver, ensure that the
throttle stick is at the stop / idle end-point.
Always switch on the transmitter fi rst, and only
then the receiver.
Always switch off the receiver fi rst, and only then
the transmitter.
If you do not keep to this sequence, i. e. if the recei-
ver is at any time switched on when “its” transmitter
is switched off, then the receiver is wide open to sig-
nals from other transmitters and any interference, and
may respond. The model might then carry out uncon-
trolled movements, which could easily result in perso-
nal 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 fi tted 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.
Gyros can generate such high voltages as they
run down that the receiver picks up apparently
valid throttle commands, and the motor could re-
spond by accelerating unexpectedly.
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 re-
spond correctly and in the appropriate direction to the
transmitter commands, at a suitable ground range.
Repeat this check with the motor running, while an
assistant holds the model securely for you.
Operating your model aircraft, helicopter, boat or
car
Never fl y directly over spectators or other pilots, and
take care at all times not to endanger people or ani-
mals. Keep well clear of high-tension overhead cables.
Never run your model boat close to locks and full-
size boats. 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 com-
pletely discharged. In the case of the transmitter this
means – at the very latest – when the message “
Bat-
tery 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 fl at you
may notice the servos running more slowly, but it is
by no means safe to keep fl ying or running your mo-
del 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 a longer peri-
od than stated. Do not leave batteries on charge un-
supervised.
Never attempt to recharge dry cells, as they may ex-
plode.
Rechargeable batteries should always be rechar-
ged before every session. When charging batteries
it is important to avoid short-circuits. Do this by con-
necting the charge lead banana plugs to the charger
fi rst, taking care to maintain correct polarity. Only then
connect the charge lead to the transmitter or receiver
battery.
Disconnect all batteries and remove them from your
model if you know you will not be using it in the near
future.
5 Safety notes