APC EP Zero ARF User Manual

WARRANTY

Great Planes®Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Fur ther, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for
any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product.By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user
accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit
immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number,
e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will
be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.IT CONT AINS IMPOR T ANT INSTR UCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0184 for GPMA1195 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 34.75 in [883 mm]
Wing Area: 337 sq in [21.7dm2]
Weight: 15 – 16 oz [425-455g]
Wing Loading: 6.7 – 7.1 oz/sq ft [20-22g/dm2]
Length: 35 in [889 mm]
Radio: 4-channel w/ three micro ser vos and 20 Amp ESC
Motor: Supplied S380 Motor w/ 5:1 gearbox

2

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................2

AMA...................................................................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................3

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE .....................3

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE........................................3

Transmitter...................................................................3

Servos .........................................................................3

Receiver ......................................................................4

Battery.........................................................................4

Speed Control .............................................................4

Charger .......................................................................4

Battery Charging Leads ..............................................4

Glue.............................................................................4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................4

Radio Equipment .........................................................4

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

Optional Supplies & Tools ...........................................5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ......................................5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................5

METRIC CONVERSIONS .................................................5

KIT INSPECTION..............................................................6

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................6

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................7

Join the Wing Halves...................................................7

Join the Wing to the Fuselage.....................................7

Install the Tail Surfaces................................................8

Hinge the Ailerons.......................................................8

Install the Servos.........................................................9

Install the Control Horns and Pushrods....................10

Install the Motor & Speed Control.............................11

Final Setup................................................................12

Optional Combat Setup.............................................13

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .................................13

Check the Control Directions ....................................13

Set the Control Throws..............................................13

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................14

Balance the Model Laterally ......................................14

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................15

Identify Your Model ....................................................15

Charge the Batteries .................................................15

Balance the Propellers..............................................15

Ground Check...........................................................15

Range Check.............................................................15

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................15

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................16

General......................................................................16

Radio Control ............................................................16

CHECK LIST ...................................................................16

FLYING ............................................................................16

Launch.......................................................................17

Flight..........................................................................17

Landing......................................................................17

The Great Planes Fun Force

™

EP Zero ARF is an excellent
way to enjo y 3D aerobatics and combat dogfighting without the
cost and headaches of larger, high-pow ered models.A couple
of hours on the workbench, and your EP Zero ARF will be
ready for sport aerobatics and some mild 3D-type maneuvers,
and more! If you tire of aerobatics, strap a streamer onto the
supplied combat mount and experience the thrill of close-in
combat dogfighting.With two or more of the Fun Force series
combat aircraft, you can recreate classic dogfights of history!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
EP Zero ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then
select the EP Zero ARF. If there is new technical information
or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in
the upper left corner of the page.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club.The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger insurance
coverage.Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Your EP Zero ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the EP Zero ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
(ESC, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5.You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air .

6.You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights.If you’ re not a member of a club, your local hob by
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress flying,
such as racing, or if an motor 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 .

Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

WARNING!! Failure to follow all instructions could cause

permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a

NiCd/NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge

through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’ s output v olts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed

50°F (65°C).

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or

puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave

unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

In the hands of a capable pilot the EP Zero ARF is an
impressive 3D performer. But for the EP Zero ARF to
perform to its full potential, it must be properly equipped with
all the right gear (servos, batteries, receiver, and speed
control). There may be more than one type and brand of
radio equipment that can be used, but based on extensive
testing, following is the equipment we recommend so you
can get the most performance out of your EP Zero ARF and
assemble it as shown in this instruction manual.

With a standard, four-channel radio the EP Zero ARF is
capable of all the basic 3D maneuvers. However, some
advanced pilots who are already familiar with handling
“foamies”may pref er to fly the EP Zero ARF with a computer
radio capable of endpoint adjustments (for fine-tuning
control throws), exponentials (f or “softening”the throws near
the center of the travel), and various mixing functions (such
as rudder-to-elevator mixing for extended knife-edge flight).

The EP Zero ARF requires three

micro

servos with a minimum
torque rating of 15 oz-in. Futaba®S-3108 micro servos
(FUTM0042) are ideal because they meet the torque and weight
requirements. Although there may be other servos that will
physically fit in the model, those outside the recommended

Servos

Transmitter

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

weight and torque specifications will adversely affect flight
performance and are not recommend. Note: Dur ing assembly
when it’s time to mount the servos, y ou will be instructed to glue
them in. Do not be alarmed as this is a common practice with
this type of lightweight, high-performance model. Should ser vo
removal e v er be necessary for repair, replacement or transf er to
another model this can be done by prying them out with a hobby
knife or a small screwdriver.

The lightest, four-channel receiver is recommended and must
be compatible with whatever servos will be used (not all servos
are compatible with all receivers–even servos and receivers
within the same brand). The Futaba R-114F

Micro

receiver is
recommended and is compatible with the 3108 servos
recommended.Note:Futaba receivers are sold on high and low
bands and come without crystals. Following are the order
numbers for the R-114F receiver and compatible crystals:

Low Band High Band

(Channels 11-35) (Channels 36-60)

R114F Receiver FUTL0442 FUTL0443
Crystal FUTL62** FUTL63**

**Replace the “**” in the order number for the crystals with
the preferred channel number .For example, if you want to fly
on channel 33, order a low band receiver and crystal
number FUTL6233.

The EP Zero ARF requires a 3-cell (11.1V), 1250–1500mAh
lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery capable of providing 7A
continuous discharge current. The ElectriFly™3-cell,

3-Series

1250mAh battery pack is recommended (GPMP0823).

An electronic speed control capable of handling a minimum
of 15A continuous current is required. Additionally, the
speed control should be as light as possible.The ElectriFly
C-25 High-Frequency ESC w/BEC (GPMM2025) is suitable.

A charger capable of charging 3-cell (11.1V) LiPo batteries
such as the ElectriFly PolyCharge 1 to 3-cell LiPo charger
(GPMM3010) must be used. If using another charger, it
must be a LiPo charger or have a LiPo charge mode.Never
charge LiPo batteries with chargers not intended for LiPo
batteries or chargers on NiMH or NiCd settings.
Overcharging or explosion may result. In addition to the
PolyCharge, the ElectriFly Triton™(GPMM3150) or Accu­Cycle Elite™(HCAP0280) are also suitable chargers.

Many chargers (including the Triton and Accu-Cycle Elite
listed above) do not include charging leads, but rather have
banana jacks to plug the leads into. If this is the case with
your charger, you will need to purchase a charge lead to
match your battery.

Although it is safe to use foam-saf e CA, it is not recommended
for assembly of the main fuselage components as it may
wrinkle the lightweight covering and cause the covering to
come loose from the foam. Therefore, epoxy should be used
throughout the building process unless foam-safe CA is
recommended for a particular step.

To complete the EP Zero ARF you will need the following.

❏ 4-channel radio with (3) micro servos (0.3 oz [9g] or less

each) (FUTM0042)

❏ Micro receiver (FUTL0442 low band or FUTM0443

high band)

❏ One 6" [153 mm] servo extension (HCAM2000)
❏ One 12" [305 mm] servo extension (HCAM2100)
❏ 25 Amp br ushed ESC (GPMM2025)
❏ 3-cell LiPo or Li-Ion battery pack, 1500mAh (GPMP0831),

640mAh (GPMP0805), or 1250mAh (GPMP0823)

❏ Hobbico

®

Accu-Cycle Elite charger (HCAP0280)

❏ Lithium-Polymer Charger (GPMP3150, GPMP3010)

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the EP Zero ARF.

❏ Great Planes Pro

™

6-minute epoxy (GPMR6042)

❏ Great Planes Pro foam-safe CA (GPMR6072)
❏ 60/40 Tin/lead solder
❏ Solder ing iron
❏ Hobby knife with #11 blade
❏ 1/8" [3.2 mm] Dr ill bit

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Radio Equipment

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Glue

Battery Charging Leads

Charger

Speed Control

Battery

Receiver

4

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the EP Zero ARF.

❏ Great Planes C.G. Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Clear packing tape

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue and then slightly modify
or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When a
specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation. Since this model is
constructed from foam, we recommend the use of foam-safe
CA glues and epoxy only. Do not use standard CA glue on

this model as it will dissolve the structure.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified, you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

•

Photos

and

sketches

are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps
to get another view of the same parts.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes EP Zero ARF are
available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts
List that follows.The fastest, most economical service can be
provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at

www.hob bico .com

.Choose “Where to Buy”at the bottom of the
menu on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions
provided on the page to locate a U.S ., Canadian or International
dealer.If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may
also be ordered from Tower Hobbies®at

www.to werhob bies.com

,

or by calling toll free [phone].
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by

calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone],
but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will
apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged
sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard

®

number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in
the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or
personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact
Product Support by e-mail at

[e-mail]

,

or by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support

Full-size plans Not available
GPMG0215 Gear Drive Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMG0860 Replacement Shaft Contact Hobby Supplier

with Spur Gear
GPMG0311 Replacement Motor Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMQ1682 10x4.5 Propeller Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMQ4620 Prop Saver Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2792 Hardware Bag Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMG0216 Motor/Gear Drive Assembly Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMQ4619 Prop Saver Rubber Bands Contact Hobby Supplier

1" = 25.4 mm (conversion factor)

METRIC CONVERSIONS

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

5

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm

1/2" = 12.7 mm

5/8" = 15.9 mm

3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm

6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm

6

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly ,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive , Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

Kit Contents Photographed

1. Fin & Rudder

2. Fuselage

3. Elevator Halves (L&R)

4. Horizontal Stabilizer

5. Pushrods & Carbon Rods

6. Propeller

7. Prop Saver

8. Motor/Gearbox Assembly

9. Hook & Loop Material

10. Wing Halves (L&R)

11. Ailerons (L&R)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

Streamer Bag
Pushrod Bag

Hardware Bag (includes)

Single Servo Arm Extenders (2)
Double Servo Arm Extender (1)
Snap Keepers (4)
Black Control Horns w/ Backplates (4)

Kit Contents

KIT CONTENTS

1

5

4

3

10

10

11

11

6

2

7

8

9