Great Planes Tracer 46 Kit - GPMA0400 - Manual (Page 39)

NOTE: The balance and control throws for the Tracer
have been extensively tested. We are confident that
they represent the settings at which the Tracer flies
best. Please set up your model to the specifications
listed above. If, after you become comfortable with your
Tracer, you would like to adjust the throws to suit your
tastes, that's fine. Too much throw can force the plane
into a stall, so remember, “more is not better.”
NOTE: This section is VERY important and must NOT
be omitted! A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
❏
1. Accurately mark the balance point on the top of the
wing on both sides of the fuselage. Use thin strips of tape
or a felt tip pen to make the marks. The balance point
(C.G.) is located 5-3/4" [146mm] back from the leading
edge at the fuselage as shown in the sketch and on the
wing plan. (Hint: Reference the full-size wing plan to help
you locate the proper balance point.)
This is the balance point at which your model should
balance for your first flights. After initial trim flights and
when you become more acquainted with your Tracer, you
may wish to experiment by shifting the balance up to 1/4"
forward or back to change the flying characteristics.
Moving the balance forward may improve the smoothness
and stability but the model may then require more speed for
takeoff and make it more difficult to slow for landing. Moving
the balance aft makes the model more agile with a lighter,
snappier “feel” and often improves knife-edge capabilities.
In any case, please start at the location we recommend
and do not at any time balance your model outside the
recommended range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed (ready to fly) and an empty fuel tank, hold
the model upside-down with the stabilizer level.
❏
3. Lift the model at the balance point. If the tail drops
when you lift, the model is “tail heavy” and you must add
weight* to the nose to balance the model. If the nose
drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must add weight* to the
tail to balance the model. NOTE: Nose weight may be
easily installed by using a “spinner weight” or gluing lead
weights to the firewall. Tail weight may be added by using
Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead weights. Later if
the balance is O.K., you can open the fuse bottom and glue
the weights in permanently.
*If possible, first attempt to balance the model by changing
the position of the receiver battery and receiver. If you are
unable to obtain good balance by doing so, then it will be
necessary to add weight to the nose or tail to achieve the
proper balance point.
Balance the plane at 5-3/4" (146mm)
back from the LE against the fuselage.
Great Planes CG Machine
Balance Your Model
We recommend the following control surface throws:
NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevators, rudder and ailerons. Adjust the position of the
pushrods at the control horns and servo horns to adjust the
amount of throw. You may also use the ATV's if your
transmitter has them, but the mechanical linkages should still
be set so the ATV's are near 100% for the best servo
resolution (smoothest, most proportional movement).
High Rate Low Rate
ELEVATOR: 7/16" up 5/16" up
7/16" down 5/16" down
RUDDER: 2-1/2" right 1-1/2" right
2-1/2" left 1-1/2" left
AILERONS: 1/4" up 3/16" up
1/4" down 3/16" down
NOTE: If your radio does not have dual rates, then set the control
surfaces to move between the high rate and low rate throws.
CARBURETOR WIDE OPEN
NOSE WHEEL TURNS RIGHT
RUDDER MOVES RIGHT
LEFT AILERON MOVES DOWN
RIGHT AILERON MOVES UP
ELEVATOR MOVES UP
4-CHANNEL
TRANSMITTER
(STANDARD MODE 2)
4-CHANNEL RADIO SETUP
TRANSMITTER
4-CHANNEL
TRANSMITTER
4-CHANNEL
TRANSMITTER
4-CHANNEL
Set the Control Throws
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