PROPELLER:
Brushless motors of this size typically use
propellers from 16 to 20 inch diameter. However, with electric
powered models, there are many factors that have a bearing on
what propeller to use. The best place to start answering the
question is in the instructions that come with your motor.
Another fine source of information is one of the electric flight
calculators that are available for you to use free online (there is
a good one on Castle Creations web site).
Caution:
You must always match your propeller size to your
motor and to the cell count of your lipo battery pack, to avoid
drawing too many amps and damaging your ESC or motor.
ARMING SWITCH:
We strongly recommend the use of an
arming switch (not supplied) for your motor system. An arming
switch mounts in the side of your airplane and it disconnects the
positive wire between the battery pack to the ESC. With the
arming plug out the motor cannot start up. The battery pack can
be loaded into the airplane and plugged into the system before
going to the flight line. Once you're on the flight line with the
radio on, ready for takeoff, you "arm" the system by plugging in
the arming plug, completing the circuit. Shown is a typical
arming switch harness, this one sold by Maxx Products
®
(www.maxxprod.com).
BATTERY CHARGER
FOR SAFETY AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE, CHARGE LIPO
BATTERIES ONLY WITH A LIPO BATTERY CHARGER!
In addition to providing the critical charging profile needed to
safely charge lipo batteries, a lipo battery charger also includes
the capability of "balancing" the available voltage in the cells,
ensuring that the battery pack is at peak capacity at the end of
the charge cycle. This translates to better flight times and a
longer life from the battery pack.
CHECK THE INTERNET FORUMS
Since the RASCAL 110 has an almost 10 year history, there is
a wealth of good how-to information available on the internet
model airplane forums, like RC GROUPS, RC UNIVERSE, and
FLYING GIANTS on many engine installations. If you do an
internet search of the words "Rascal 110" and the engine
you are considering, you will most likely find good first-hand
experience from flyers who have already done that particular
installation.
RADIO SYSTEM:
DECISION TIME: FLAPS OR NO FLAPS?
Before talking about the radio system, you need to decide if you
are going to use the optional flaps. The first generation
RASCAL 110 did not have flaps. With its long wing and light
wing loading, it could be a real "floater" on landing. If your
engine idle speed was a bit too high, it didn't want to come
down! Several flyers expressed interest in having flaps, so this
new generation RASCAL 110 has been built with flaps.
Whether to use them or not is your decision. If you don't want
operating flaps for whatever reason (maybe you don't want to
buy two more servos), you can simply glue, tape, or some other
way of your own design, secure them securely in the up
position. Clear tape or covering material is a good method
because it can be removed later if you change your mind.
Whatever you do, if you aren't using the flaps, make sure they
are secure and cannot move from neutral position.
CHANNELS
The RASCAL 110 requires a minimum 5-channel radio system
when using the flaps, or a 4-channel radio system without
the flaps. We highly recommend the use of a modern
programmable computer radio. Such radio systems allow you
to easily set and adjust every channel and additionally program
various flight functions to suit your individual style of flying. How
many servos you need will depend on what type of powerplant
you are using and whether or not you are using the flaps.
SERVO REQUIREMENTS
Ailerons - two (2) heavy-duty servos with at least 75 in/oz of torque
Flaps
- two (2) heavy-duty servos with at least 75 in/oz of torque
Elevator - one (1) heavy-duty servo with at least 75 in/oz of torque
Rudder
- one (1) heavy-duty servo with at least 75 in/oz of torque
Throttle - one (1) standard servo with 40-60 in/oz of torque
SERVOS FOR GLOW OR GAS ENGINE POWER
If using the flaps, you will need total of 7 servos - ailerons(2),
elevator(1), rudder(1), flaps(2) throttle(1).
If not using the flaps, you will need total of 5 servos -
ailerons(2), elevator(1), rudder(1), throttle(1).
SERVOS FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR POWER
If using the flaps, you will need total of 6 servos - ailerons(2),
elevator(1), rudder(1), flaps(2).
If not using the flaps, you will need total of 4 servos -
ailerons(2), elevator(1), rudder(1).
SERVO CORDS NEEDED
Ailerons - two (2) 24" long servo extension.cords
one (1) standard Y-harness cord (plugged into the rx)
Flaps
- two (2) 6" long servo extension cords
one (1) reversing Y-harness* cord (plugged into the rx)
Elevator - one (1) 36" long servo extension cord
Rudder - no extra cords needed
Throttle - no extra cords needed
* We used a Maxx Products
®
"Miracle-Y" Reversing Y-Harness
Cord.
Some of you may prefer to wire your aileron or flap servos into
your receiver by a different method, which will change the above
list. For instance maybe you prefer to eliminate the Y-harness
and plug your flap servos directly into two different ports on their
receiver, and then link them with your programable radio. Plan
out your installation in advance and acquire the cords you will
need.
SERVO ARMS
We like to use Du-Bro
®
after-market servo output arms. These
are exceptionally strong and always seem to be the right shape
and geometry for most of our applications. Du-Bro
®
makes their
output arms to fit any available servos, just use the right part
number for your particular brand of servos. Because our
assembly manual model is using Hitec
®
servos, we chose the
Du-Bro
®
#675 set.
RECEIVER BATTERY PACK
Do not attempt to fly the RASCAL 110 with a 4-cell (4.2 volt)
nicad or nimh battery pack. That is not enough volts for an
airplane this large with as many as 7 high torque servos. The
old standard 4-cell 500-600 mAh receiver packs are intended
for 40-60 size airplanes with only 4 servos.
Use a 5-cell (6.0
volt) nicad or nimh battery pack, or a 2-cell (7.4 volt) lipo
pack in your RASCAL 110 to run the receiver and servos.
Otherwise you risk a low-voltage situation that could send your
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