E-flite Odyssey EP Electric Glider User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Specifications:

• Wingspan:................................................................................................................ 87 in (220 cm)

• Overall Length:...................................................................................................... 41 in (104 cm)

• Wing Area:................................................................................................ 566 sq in (36.5 dm sq)

• Weight (Approx.) (with 6-cell batter y pack): ................................ 52-55 oz (1473-1550 g)

• 90% ARF almost ready-to-fly

• Precovered with Solarfilm

™

• All hardware included

• Prewired switch harness and motor installed

Table of C on ten ts

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Notes & Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Additional Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Field Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Optional Field Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Required Tools, Supplies, and Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section 1. Joining the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Section 2. Installing the Rudder and Elevator Control Horns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Section 3. Installing the Tail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Section 4. Installing the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Section 5. Installing the Control Linkages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Section 6. Installing the Canopy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Section 7. Control Throw Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Section 8. Balancing the Odyssey™EP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Section 9. Thermal Soaring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Section 10. Preflight Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 11. Test Glide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Section 12. In-Flight Adjustments for Performance and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Pitch Attitude Minimum Sink Speed Maximum Lift/Drag (L/D) Speed

Best Penetration Speed

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

AMA Safety Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Introduction

E-Flight’s Odyssey™ EP offers the modeler an ARF (almost ready-to-fly) electric-powered sailplane that is prebuilt to a high level of craftsmanship. It is unique in that it comes with the electric motor installed, complete with preassembled wiring harness saveing a significant amount of construction time. The precovered and trimmed Odyssey EP is a high-quality 2-meter sailplane that can be flight ready in an hour.

The world of electric-powered sailplanes is extremely challenging and rewarding. It is your skill and knowledge of the surrounding atmosphere combined with the design capabilities of your model that will result in your ability to defy the laws of gravity and produce flights of unbelievable distance and duration. With the electric motor, you can climb to 300-500 feet (thermal hunting altitude) several times, resulting in flight times of up to an hour or more as you soar from thermal to thermal. Flight times are limited only by the capacity of the receiver, transmitter batteries, and your endurance.

WARNING

An R/C aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas, preferably AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio. Always assume the electric motor can come on at any time so use extreme caution.

Caution

When launching the Odyssey EP, be sure you do not launch near power lines. You should find a large open area to fly your model in. Be especially careful not to get near the propeller of the aircraft until you have disconnected the battery or disengaged the safety switches.

Preassembly

We strongly suggest that before you begin assembly you read through this instruction manual so you can become familiar with the parts and the assembly sequence. Please assemble the kit according to the sequence provided in the instruction manual. Do not attempt to modify or change the kit design as doing so could adversely change the flying characteristics.

Seek Expert Assistance

If you are new to R/C, we suggest you find an experience pilot to check out your aircraft and help you with the first few flights. This will help prevent damage to your model and will speed up the learning process. You can contact local R/C clubs or your dealer to obtain the names of experienced R/C pilots who would be willing to help you with your first few flights.

Note: Due to changes in weather, wrinkling of the covering may occur. This is the nature of the covering film of the model and can be easily eliminated using a heat gun or sealing iron. In case of wrinkle, use a heat gun or sealing iron on the wrinkled area. Then rub the surface with a soft cloth until the surface is smooth again.

If you have any questions concerning the construction of the Odyssey EP, please feel free to contact our Ser vice Technicians at (217) 355-9511. Horizon’s mailing address is:

Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822

Thank you again for purchasing the E-Flight Odyssey EP sailplane. We believe you will have many enjoyable hours of challenging and rewarding flight.

Radio Equipment

• 3 channels (minimum)

• 3 standard ser vos

• On/Off switch

• 6- or 7-cell sub-C batter y

• 270-600mAh receiver-pack

You will need at least a 3-channel radio system with three servos on an aircraft frequency for use in your Odyssey EP. A standard radio system (4 channels with standard servos) will work fine. Standard size servos will fit into the fuselage of the Odyssey EP. A wood adaptor plate is provided for use with micro servos. A micro switch to control operation of the electric motor is also provided .

A 6 or 7-cell sub-C will be required for motor operation. The battery fits under the wing.. A separate battery pack (270mAh to 600mAh) is required for the receiver.

Recommended JR®System

• JR XF421EX System with 3 standard ser vos

Recommended Battery

• HAN9510 6-Cell1500mAh Batter y

Optional Equipment

• EFLA102 Maxx 25 Speed Control W/Arm Switch

• HAN9512 Hi-Thrust Pack 800 7C Hump Ni-Cd

• HAN9511 Duration Pack 2400 6C Flat Ni-Cd

Additional Required Equipment

JR XF421EX

HAN9510

EFLA102

TX/RX Quick Charger

It’s helpful to have a quick charger that can be used at the field to recharge your transmitter and reciever batteries after long flights. There are many types, but look for one that can be used off of an external power supply such as a 12V battery. Before using any fast field charger, check the operating instructions for the charger.

Required Tools

(not included in kit)

• Hobby knife

• Phillips screwdriver

• Medium sand paper

• Felt-tipped pen

• Blue locktite

• Drill

• Drill Bit: 1/16"

• Ruler

Adhesives

• Scotch tape

• Double-sided tape or Velcro

• Masking tape

Motor Battery/Charger

A standard 6/7-cell battery pack (7.2 - 8.4 v/1500mAh) is suggested to be used to power the electric motor in the Odyssey EP sailplane. The Hangar 9 Aero Peak™ charger can be used to fast charge the motor battery.

Field Equipment Needed

HAN114

HAN9500

Optional Field Equipment

Main Parts

Other Parts

A. #64 Rubber bands (4) B. Clevis (2) C. Control horn plate (2) D. Control horn (2) E. Double sided tape F. 2 mm control horn screws and nuts (4) G. Micro switch mount H. Allen wrench I. Micro server adapter plate J. Micro switch servo mount

Kit Contents

1. Left wing

2. Right wing

3. Horizontal stabilizer/elevator

4. Vertical stabilizer/rudder

5. Fuselage w/motor and wiring harness

6. Canopy

7. Wing joiners

Parts Needed

• Right wing panel

• Left wing panel

• Aluminum wing joiners (Braces)

Tools and Adhesives Needed

• Scotch tape

Step 1. Locate the two wing panels and aluminum wing joiners.

Step 2. Trial fit the two wing joiners (dihedral braces) into one of the wing halves. They should insert smoothly. Now slide the other wing half onto the wing joiners until the wing halves meet.

Step 3. Tape the wing halves together using scotch tape. This allows for easy breakdown of the wing for transportation.

Section 1: Joining the Wing

Parts Needed

• Horizontal stabilizer with elevator attached

• Vertical stabilizer with rudder attached

• Nylon control horns (2)

• Nylon backplates (2)

• 2 mm screws (4)

• 2 mm nuts (4)

Tools and Adhesives Needed

• Medium Phillips screwdriver

• Felt-tipped Pen

• Drill Bit: 1/16"

• Drill

Step 1. You will attach the rudder and elevator control horns next. Locate the two nylon control horns, the two backplates and the four 2 mm control horn screws and nuts

Step 2. Install the elevator control horn first. It will be located on the bottom of the elevator, as shown in the photo below. Please note that the trim is located on top of the elevator.

Step 3.Mark the post where the horn will be placed using a felt-tipped marker and drill the marked locations using a 1/16" drill bit.

Step 4. Mount the rudder control horn to the vertical fin/rudder using the two screws and nuts provided. Mount the control horn on the left side of the rudder using the same method as above.

Section 2: Installing Rudder and Elevator Control horns

+ 17 hidden pages