26
GET THE MODEL READY TO FL
Y
CAUTION:
Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the
initial
charge on
new
transmitter and receiver batteries should be done for 15
hours
using the slow-charger that came with the radio
system
. This will “condition” the batteries so that the next
charge may be done using the fast-charger of your choice.
If the initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries
may not reach their full capacity and you may be fl ying
with batteries that are only partially charged.
BALANCE PROPELLERS
Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers before you
fl y. An unbalanced prop can be the single most signifi cant cause
of vibration that can damage your model. Not only will engine
mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly with disastrous
effect, but vibration may also damage your radio receiver and
battery. Vibration can also cause your fuel to foam, which will,
in turn, cause your engine to run hot or quit.
We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes Fingertip
Prop Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our fl ight box.
GROUND CHECK
If the engine is new, follow the engine manufacturer’s
instructions to break-in the engine.
After break-in, confi rm
that the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly
to full power and maintains full power—indefi nitely. After you
run the engine on the model, inspect the model closely to make
sure all screws remained tight, the hinges are secure, the prop is
secure and all pushrods and connectors are secure.
RANGE CHECK
Ground check the operational range of your radio before the
fi rst fl ight of the day. With the transmitter antenna collapsed and
the receiver and transmitter on, you should be able to walk at
least 100 feet [30m] away from the model and still have control
(follow the instructions that came with your radio if you are
using a 2.4GHz system). Have an assistant stand by your model
and, while you work the controls, tell you what the control
surfaces are doing. Repeat this test
with the engine running
at various speeds with an assistant holding the model, using
hand signals to show you what is happening. If the control
surfaces do not respond correctly,
do not fl y!
Find and correct
the problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or broken
wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, poor solder
joints in your battery pack or a defective cell, or a damaged
receiver crystal from a previous crash.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS –––––––
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY TO
YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat, sparks
or fl ames, as fuel is very fl ammable. Do not smoke near the
engine or fuel; and remember that engine exhaust gives off a
great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore
do not run
the engine in a closed room or garage
.
Get help from an experienced pilot 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, scarves, long hair or loose objects such as pencils
or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into
the prop.
Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine. Do
not use your fi ngers to fl ip the propeller. 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 all engine adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.
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 fi re.
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, fi ngers or any other body
part to try to stop the engine. To stop a gasoline powered engine
an on/off switch should be connected to the engine coil. Do not
throw anything into the propeller of a running engine.
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING
AND USAGE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WARNING!!
Read the entire instruction sheet included
with your battery. Failure to follow all instructions could
cause permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings,
and cause bodily harm!
■
ONLY use a Li-Po approved charger. NEVER use a
NiCd/NiMH peak charger!
■
NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.
■
ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER
charge through the “discharge” lead.
■
NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.
■
ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery
volts.
■
ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.
■
NEVER trickle charge.
■
NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed
150° F (65° C).
