Tower Hobbies VistaBL, Instruction Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ––––––––––––––––––
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
AMA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Radio Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
KIT INSPECTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CONTENTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
ASSEMBLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Join the Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Join the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Join the Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hook Up the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mount the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Check the ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PREFLIGHT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AMA SAFETY CODE
(excerpts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CHECK LIST
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FLYING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mount the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INTRODUCTION ––––––––––––––––––––––––
Thank you for purchasing the TOWER HOBBIES Vista ™ BL
EP ARF motor glider. Identical in construction to the Vista
ARF sailpane, this BL version features a 35mm brushless motor
that eliminates the need to lay out the Hi-Start launch system
typically required for thermal soaring. This BL version therefore
requires less space and time to get into the air! Easy-to-
fl y
electric-powered motor gliders such as this are a great way for
beginners to get into the hobby–they are relatively inexpensive
and they
fl y and react slowly enough to give novice fl yers time
to think and react. And when those rising air currents (thermals)
appear, the Vista BL EP ARF can still soar with the best of them.
AMA ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership is required to
fl y at AMA clubs. Though
joining the AMA provides many bene fi ts, one of the primary
reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to
fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies to fl ying at
public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to comply with the
Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the manual) may
endanger insurance coverage. Additionally, training programs
and instructors are available at AMA club sites to help you get
started the right way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs
across the country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free
phone number that follows.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT:
Two of the most important things you can do to
preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near
full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ––––––––––––––––
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS…
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Vista BL EP ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Vista BL ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself
or spectators and damage to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions .
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in
an unsafe or un fl yable model. In a few cases the instructions
may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the
written instructions should be considered as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong .
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
fi rst fl ights.