21
Check the Controls
1.
Get the frequency clip from the frequency control board at
your fl ying site.
2.
Mount the wing to the fuselage with the nylon wing bolt
supplied with this kit.
3.
Turn on the transmitter and receiver. One at a time,
operate each control on the airplane using the sticks on the
transmitter. Make certain each control is responding correctly.
This
must
be done before
every
fl ight. There are several
types of malfunctions that can be discovered by performing
this elementary task, thus saving your model!
Range Check the Radio
A range check
must
be performed before the
fi rst
fl ight of
a new model. It is not necessary to do a range check before
every fl ight (but is not a bad idea to perform a range check
before the fi rst fl ight of each day). A range check is the fi nal
opportunity to reveal any radio malfunctions, and to be certain
the system has adequate operational range.
1.
Turn on the transmitter and receiver. Leave the transmitter
antenna all the way down. Walk away from the model while
simultaneously operating the transmitter controls. Have an
assistant stand by the model and tell you what the controls are
doing to confi rm that they operate correctly. You should be able
to walk approximately 100 feet from the model and still have
control without any “glitching” or inadvertent servo operation.
2.
If everything operates correctly, repeat this test with the
motor running at various speeds. If the control surfaces are
not always responding correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct
the problem fi rst.
Interference can be caused by many factors; here are some
things to look for:
• Loose servo connections
• Corrosion on connectors
• Loose hardware that may cause vibration
• Defective radio equipment
• Low battery voltage
• Damaged receiver antenna or receiver crystal
If the radio appears to only be affected when the motor is
running, try moving your receiver farther away from the motor
battery and motor.
FLYING
Do not attempt to fl y by yourself. The Hobbico NexSTAR EP
Select has many features that make fl ying R/C an easier
experience, but the help from an instructor is invaluable. An
instructor is going to be able to inspect your airplane to make
sure everything is working correctly and he will also be able to
give you a few tips and comments on how to improve your fl ying.
Also, make sure you fl y at an AMA sanctioned fl ying fi eld.
IMPORTANT:
Be aware of your proximity to R/C club sites.
If there is an R/C site within six miles of where you are
fl ying, and if you are operating your model on the same
frequency at the same time as somebody else, there is a
strong
possibility that one or both models will crash due
to radio interference. There is
great
potential for an out-
of-control model to cause property damage and/or severe
personal injury. We
strongly
urge you to fl y at a R/C club
site where frequency control is in effect so you can be
assured you will be the only one fl ying on your channel.
Taxiing
Remember, it is assumed that your instructor is operating
the model for you.
Before the model is ready for takeoff, it must fi rst be set up to
roll straight down the runway. Place the plane on the runway
and if your fl ying fi eld permits, stand behind the model.
Advance the throttle just enough to allow the model to roll.
If the model does not roll straight down the runway, shut the
power off and adjust the nose gear pushrod as necessary. Do
not use the rudder trim to correct the nose wheel because this
will also affect the rudder.
Note:
Crosswinds may affect the
direction the model rolls, so this test should be done in calm
conditions, or with the model facing directly into the wind.
Takeoff
If possible, takeoff
directly into
the wind. If you are experienced,
taking off in a crosswind is permissible (and sometimes necessary-
depending upon the prevailing wind conditions and runway
heading). Taking off into the wind will help the model roll straight
and also reduces ground speed for takeoff. Taxi the model onto the
runway or have an assistant carry it out and set it down, pointing
down the runway into the wind. When ready, gradually advance the
throttle while simultaneously using the left stick (rudder/nose wheel)
to steer the model. Gain as much speed as the runway and fl ying
site will practically allow before gently applying up elevator lifting
the model into the air. Be ready to make immediate corrections
with the ailerons to keep the wings level, and be smooth on the
elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a gentle climb to a
safe altitude before making the fi rst turn (away from yourself). Do
not “yank” back the elevator stick forcing the plane into too steep
