❏
2. With all the parts of the model installed (ready to run)
and an empty fuel tank, lift the model at the balance point.
If the transom of the boat drops, the model is “tail heavy”
and you must add weight to the front to balance the model.
If the bow drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must add weight
to the rear of the boat to balance the model.
Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all the
controls respond correctly to the transmitter inputs. The
engine operation must also be checked by confirming that
the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly to
full power and maintains full power, indefinitely. The engine
must be “broken-in” following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Make sure that all screws remain tight,
that the linkages are secure and that the prop is on tight.
Whenever you go to the pond, check the operational range of
the radio before the first run of the day. First, make sure no one
else is on your frequency (channel). With your transmitter and
receiver on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet away
from the model and still have control. While you work the
controls, have a helper stand by your model and tell you what
the control surfaces are doing. If the control surfaces are not
always responding correctly, do not run your boat! Find and
correct the problem first. Look for loose servo connections or
corrosion, loose bolts that may cause vibration, a defective
on/off switch, low battery voltage or a defective receiver battery,
a damaged receiver antenna, or a receiver crystal that may
have been damaged.
Note: Failure to follow these safety precautions may result
in severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel; and remember that the engine
exhaust gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide.
Do not run the engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced modeler when learning to
operate engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running engines. Do
not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand; the
propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away
from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you start and
run the engine.
Keep these items away from the prop: loose clothing, shirt
sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects such as
pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket
pockets into the prop.
Use an electric starter to start the engine. Do not use your
fingers to flip the flywheel. Make certain the glow plug clip
or connector is secure so that it will not pop off or otherwise
get into the running propeller.
Make sure that any wires from your glow plug clip or starter
are clear of the propeller before starting the engine.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or right after
operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel
will not leak onto a hot engine, causing a fire.
To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off
the fuel line or following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Do not use hands, fingers or any other
body part to try to stop the engine. Do not throw anything
into the propeller of a running engine.
If you have followed all of the previous instructions and find
everything to be operating properly, your Top Speed should
now be ready to run! Here is the procedure that should be
followed (some of these steps may already be completed):
❏
1. If your radio system has rechargeable batteries, charge
the transmitter and receiver batteries, according to the radio
manufacturer’s instructions.
❏
2. Turn on the transmitter and receiver (in that order).
❏
3. Check to make sure the throttle and steering are
operating properly. NOTE: Looking at the boat from the rear,
the aft edge of the engine must move to the right when the
transmitter steering wheel/stick is turned right (clockwise).
❏
4. Ask yourself, “If the boat becomes dead in the water,
will I be able to retrieve it either by waiting for the wind to
blow it in to shore, or by using a retrieval boat?” There is
always a chance of something going wrong and the boat
going “dead”; therefore, you should always have a plan for
retrieval in that event.
Caution: If you go out in a boat to retrieve a model boat, be
sure to wear an approved floatation device. Never swim or
wade in the water to retrieve a model boat!
Operating Procedures
Engine Safety Precautions
Range Check Your Radio
Operation Check
13
