Great Planes Evader EDF Sport Jet EP ARF - GPMA1800 - Manual (Page 19)

19
This is where the Evader should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G.
1/4" [6.4mm] forward or 1/4" [6.4mm] back to change
the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will
improve stability, but the model will then not slow as much
for landing requiring a longer approach. Moving the C.G.
aft will allow for slightly slower landing speeds, but the
model will then be more responsive. In any case, start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
At this stage the Evader should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the components in place including the complete
radio system, fan unit, motor and the motor battery.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, and all parts of the
model installed (ready to fl y), lift the Evader upside-down with
one fi nger of each hand on the balance lines you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and ballast
will be required in the nose. If the nose drops the model
is “nose heavy” and ballast will be required in the tail. If any
ballast is required it will probably be only 1/4–1/2 oz. [7–14g]
which is not enough to adversely affect the Evader’s fl ight
performance. To fi nd out how much weight will be required
lay segments of Great Planes Stick-On Lead (GPMQ4485)
on the nose over the location where it will be placed inside
or on the tail until you can get the model to balance. A good
place to add nose weight is to the battery tray all the way in
the front of the fuselage and a good place to add tail weight
is to the bottom of the stab next to the fuselage. Once you
have determined the amount of weight required it can be
permanently attached.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
Balance the Model Laterally
❏
1. With the wing level, lift the model under the nose and
tail of the fuselage. Do this several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops, it means that side is heavy.
Add stick-on weight to the bottom of the wing under the light
wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced will
track better in loops and other maneuvers.
PREFLIGHT
Identify Your Model
No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have your
name, address, telephone number and AMA number on or
inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites
and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation
tag on page 14 and place it on or inside your model.
Charge the Batteries
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should
always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the
night before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended
by the radio manufacturer.
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.
Run the Motor
If you haven’t yet done so, complete the fan unit break-in
procedure and test-run the system at full throttle. If for
some reason you suspect that the system is not making full
power, usually the fi rst component to suspect is the battery.
To check the battery, operate the system at full rpm with an
Amp meter (such as an R/C Electronics brand Watt’s Up watt
meter – RELP0100) connected between the battery and the
ESC. Note the current draw. The battery should be providing
a current of approximately 33 Amps. If the motor is drawing
much less it is possible the battery is faulty.