11
One little point to note for the perfectionists amongst you:
as is the case with all aeroplanes featuring this power
configuration, the model tends to roll around the longitudinal
axis in reaction to motor torque. The FunJet rolls slightly to
the left at full-throttle.
18. Default downthrust setting
The downthrust (inclination of the motor thrustline) can be
varied at the motor mount. For the first few flights select
the “0” setting. This is done by fitting the right and left locking
screws loosely, holding the motor bulkhead down with the
thumb, and setting the adjustor screw (bottom) to “0”. The
setting should always be read off on the external scale, at
the bottom of the motor mount.
Finally tighten the locking screws carefully until they rest
against the bulkhead, then tighten them by a further half-
turn.
Caution: on no account tighten the screws more than
this, as the result will be a deformed motor bulkhead.
19. Balancing - Centre of Gravity
The FunJet, like any other aircraft, must be balanced at a
particular point in order to achieve stable flying
characteristics. Assemble your model completely, ready
to fly, and install the flight battery.
You will find hemi-
spherical markings in the underside of the wing close
to the change in leading edge angle.
Support the model
at this point on two fingertips and it should balance level; if
not, adjust the position of the flight battery to balance the
model as described. Once you have established the correct
position, mark the location of the flight pack inside the model
to ensure that it is always replaced in the same position.
Fig. 18
20. Fine-tuning
The FunJet offers superb flying characteristics which can
be optimised by careful adjustment of the Centre of Gravity
(CG) and the motor downthrust. The new design of motor
mount is very helpful here, as it enables you to adjust the
downthrust easily, and the set thrust line can simply be
read off on a scale. Start by flying at full-throttle, and trim
the model accurately, i.e. straight and level “hands-off”. If
you now switch the motor off, the FunJet should make the
transition to a steady glide. If the model climbs and slows
down, the downthrust is too great - reduce the downthrust
angle. If the model goes into a dive, the downthrust is too
low - increase the downthrust slightly and add a little up-
trim before flying again. Repeat this procedure until the
model goes into a smooth descent when you close the
throttle, and responds to an open throttle by spontaneously
flying straight and level, with a slight tendency to climb.
Fine-tuning the CG: fly straight and level at full-throttle, then
abruptly roll inverted. You will need to apply down-elevator
to maintain level flight, and this should be about 15 - 20%
of full travel. If you need less down-elevator to hold level
inverted flight, the CG is too far rearward; if you need more
down-elevator, it is too far forward. In almost all cases you
will be able to correct the CG by adjusting the position of
the flight battery. If not, add a little ballast to nose or tail as
required.
If you have to alter the CG, you will need to re-check the
downthrust setting.
21. Gilding the lily - applying the decals
The kit is supplied with a multi-colour decal sheet
11
. Cut
out the individual name placards and emblems and apply
them to the model in the position shown in the kit box
illustration, or in an alternative arrangement which you find
pleasing. The cabin is completed by fitting the coloured
vacuum-moulded part.
22. Preparing for the first flight
For the first flight wait for a day with as little breeze as
possible. The early evening is often a good time.
Be sure to carry out a range check before the first
flight.
Just before the flight, charge up the transmitter battery and
the flight pack using the recommended procedures. Ensure
that “your” channel is not already in use before you switch
on the transmitter.
Ask your assistant to walk away from the model, holding
the transmitter. The aerial should be fitted but completely
collapsed.
Your assistant should operate one of the functions
constantly while you watch the servos. The non-controlled
servo should stay motionless up to a range of about 60 m,
and the controlled one should follow the stick movements
smoothly and without any delay. Please note that this check
can only give reliable results if the radio band is clear of
interference, and if no other radio control transmitters are
in use - even on different channels. If the range check is
successful, repeat it
with the motor running at ¼-throttle
.
There should be only a very slight reduction (10 - 15%) in
effective radio range with the motor turning.
Improving reception conditions:
1. Fit a separation filter between the speed controller and
the receiver.
2. Keep the speed controller / motor cables as short as
possible.
3. Do not deploy servo leads (including the speed controller
lead) parallel to the high-current power cables.
If you are not sure about any aspect of the system, please
do not risk a flight. Instead pack up the whole system
(including battery, switch harness and servos) and send it
to the equipment manufacturer for testing.
The first flight ...
Do not attempt to hand-glide this model!
The FunJet is designed for hand-launching only - always
launch it directly into wind.
If you are a beginner to model flying we strongly
recommend that you ask an experienced model pilot
to help you for the first few flights. The model should
be launched at ¾-throttle to full-throttle, with the wings
level and the nose angled up at an angle of 20 - 30°.
Don’t launch the model “down-hill”, like a glider!
