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Vulcan Raven
Manual V2.0
Propellers:
Propellers should always be balanced prior to use, and changed if they show any signs
ofdamage whatsoever.
It is critical that propellers are tight and cannot come loose during flight, so if a single
nut attachment is used, self locking nuts should always be used to attach propellers.
Nuts should be tight but take care not to over tighten. Doing so can result in damage
to the propeller hub which can lead to failure in flight. Over tightening can also cause
damage to the propeller retaining nut and propeller shaft thread, which could also lead
to loss of a propeller during flight.
Never use any kind of sharp object pushed into the motor to hold it still during tighten-
ing.
Take great care not to allow propellers to come into contact with objects when on the
ground, for example when loading or unloading from a vehicle, as this can easily result
in damage.
Motors:
Motors contain powerful magnets, and they should always be kept well clear of small
metal objects. It is very easy for a motor magnet to pick up something small like a
washer, bolt, or even small shards or filings of metal with their magnets. If this occurs
it can prevent the motor turning smoothly and operating correctly, can cause excessive
and premature wear of moving parts, can induce a short circuit within the motor, which
in the worst case, can lead to instant and catastrophic failure during flight.
The most common source of problems for motors is wear of the bearings, which can
lead to vibration, reduction in performance, and in extreme cases to motors failure dur-
ing flight.
Motors should always be checked for smooth operation, and early signs of wear to the
bearings. Check motors regularly for play, or sideways or up and down movement in
the motor shaft.
Motor bearings have are specified with a Mean Time to Failure (MTTF). Motors should
be changed at 50% of this specified average bearing life span.
One of the clearest signs of upcoming bearing problems is a change in the sound of a
motor during flight. Familiarise yourself with the sound of your aircraft and always
take care to listen for any deviation in sound from normal.
Abnormal noise from vibration can also be a good indicator of something coming loose.
Always land immediately if you notice a change in the sound of your aircraft.
Lithium Polymer Batteries:
Lithium Polymer batteries (LiPos), can be extremely dangerous, and must be handled
with care.
Always charge your battery on a hard, non flammable surface, and store in a fireproof
container or LiPo bag.
