Great Planes Escapade EP/GP ARF - GPMA1200 - Manual (Page 3)

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3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and
all components before every fl ight.
5. 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. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.
6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.
7. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust, as the dust
will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a
particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and
sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work
area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends
on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Escapade
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
The most important decision you may be thinking about is
whether to go electric or glow. Here are some considerations
that may help you:
Almost always, glow power provides the longest fl ight times
(in the Escapade, approximately 12 minutes with a glow
engine and approximately 6 – 8 minutes with electric motor).
Usually, it is an achievement if one can get the power of an
electric motor to equal that of a comparable glow engine.
Of course, with glow motors there is never any waiting for
batteries to charge (it takes one hour to charge a LiPo battery).
You may purchase multiple batteries and charge them at
home the evening before you go fl ying, but then the number
of consecutive fl ights will be limited by the number of battery
packs you own—and battery packs (and all the associated
chargers, power supplies, cell balancers, connectors) can be
expensive. Finally, with a glow engine, it is usually easier
to accurately determine your fl ight time. Sometimes, with
electric motors, fl ight times can be inconsistent due to the
number of variables that can have an effect on a battery’s
condition, thus causing fl ights to end sooner than expected.
However, glow engines are messy. With an electric motor,
there will never be any oily exhaust residue to clean off the
model. Electric motors are easier on the airframe because
there is little vibration (and again, no fuel or oily exhaust
residue that can leak into the structure). Electric motors
are simple to operate—they don’t require starting (other
than advancing the throttle stick on your transmitter!). Over
the long haul, and depending on how much you fl y, electric
motors can be more economical than glow because you’ll
never have to buy fuel (although, most LiPo batteries have a
life cycle of approximately two years). Finally, electric motors
are pure and quiet.
Motor vs. Engine
An engine is a device that converts heat energy (in a
fuel) into mechanical energy that can do work. A motor is
powered by electricity or a mechanism (such as a spring
in a wrist watch).
Motor/Battery/ESC Recommendations
If powering your Escapade with an electric motor, it performs
superbly on a RimFire
™ .46 motor (GPMG4725) and a single, 4S
(four, single cells) 3200mAh 14.8V LiPo battery. If experimenting
with different batteries, make certain they are rated for at least a
20C discharge (as is the recommended battery).
A 60A ESC (electronic speed controller) is also required. The
Great Planes Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC (GPMM1850)
is recommended.
Following are the other suggested items if powering
your Escapade with an electric motor:
❏
Suitable propeller and spare propellers (APC 12" x 6"
thin electric propeller – APCQ4130)
❏
12V power supply (Hobbico ® 12 Volt Power Supply
– HCAP0250)
❏
Adhesive-backed Velcro ® (GPMQ4480)
❏
LiPo battery charger (Great Planes PolyCharge4 ™ DC
LiPo charger – GPMM3015)
❏
(1) Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox ™ LiPo Cell
Balancer (GPMM3160) for each battery to be charged
simultaneously