Tribute Fx 3D ARF
Specifications
Wingspan: 39 in (990mm)
Length: 44 in (1120mm)
Wing Area: 345 sq in (22.3 sq dm)
Weight w/Battery: 17.5–19 oz (495–540 g)
Radio: 6-Channel with 4 sub-micro servos
Assembly Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specifications .........................................................................1
Introduction ............................................................................2
Using the Manual ...................................................................
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout ....................................................
Required Radio Equipment ......................................................
Important Information About Motor Selection ...........................
High Power Outrunner Setup ..................................................
Lightweight Outrunner Setup ...................................................
Optional Accessories ..............................................................
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ...........................................
Required Tools and Adhesives .................................................
Warning ................................................................................5
Warranty Period ....................................................................
Limited Warranty ...................................................................
Damage Limits .......................................................................
Safety Precautions ..................................................................
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs .........................................
Inspection or Repairs ..............................................................
Warranty Inspection and Repairs ............................................
Non-Warranty Repairs ...........................................................
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ..........................................
Aileron Servo Installation ........................................................
Wing and Stabilizer Installation ............................................
Rudder and Elevator Servo Installation ...................................
Motor Installation .................................................................
Receiver and Battery Installation ............................................
Landing Gear Installation ......................................................
Control Throws .....................................................................
Center of Gravity .................................................................
Range Test Your Radio ..........................................................
Preflight ...............................................................................26
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ......
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Designed by ETOC champ George Hicks, the Tribute Fx 3D
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combines the lightweight, fly-anywhere freedom of a profile
foamie with full-fuselage rigidity on par with balsa planes. It
also features a full-form symmetrical airfoil wing that lets you
fly 3D maneuvers in the kind of wind that would ground most
profile foamies. In short, this is a fantastic-flying freestyle 3D
machine that is just as at home at the flying field as it is at the
park. For freestyle fun that knows no bounds, this is the plane.
Using the Manual
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This manual is divided into sections to help make assembly
easier to understand, and to provide breaks between each
major section. In addition, check boxes have been placed next
to each step to keep track of each step completed. Steps with
a single circle (
circles (
as for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
) indicate that the step will require repeating, such
) are performed once, while steps with two
2 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Required Radio Equipment
Large Replacement Parts
EFL2151 Main Wing
EFL2152 Fuselage w/Rudder
EFL2153 Horizontal Tail Assembly
EFL2154 Canopy Hatch
EFL2155 Cowl
EFL2156 Wheel Pants
EFL2158 Landing Gear Wire
Small Replacement Parts
EFL2157 Pushrods
EFLA213 E-flite/JR/Horizon Decals
You will need a minimum 6-channel transmitter, crystals, micro
receiver, and four sub-micro servos. You can choose to purchase
a complete radio system that includes all of these items or, if
you are using an existing transmitter, just purchase the other
required equipment separately.
Complete Radio System
SPM2460 DX6 DSM
w/4-S75 Servos
Note: We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free
Spektrum® DX6 2.4GHz DSM 6-Channel System, which
includes a micro receiver and 4 sub-micro servos.
Or Purchase Separately
SPM6000 AR6000 DSM DuaLink™ 6-Channel
Park Flyer Rx
Or
JSP30610 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal,
Positive Shift JR/AIR (72MHz)
Or
JSP30615 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal,
Negative Shift FUT/HRC (72MHz)
JRPXFR** FM Receiver Crystal
EFLRS75 7.5-Gram Sub-Micro Servo (4)
®
6CH Park Flyer
And
JSP98100 3" (76mm) Servo Extension (2)
JSP98120 18" (457mm) Servo Extension (2)
3E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Important Information About Motor
Optional Accessories
Selection
We recommend the E-flite® Park 450 Brushless Outrunner,
890Kv (EFLM1400) to provide you with excellent high-power
motor system, or the Park 400 Brushless Outrunner 920Kv
(EFLM1305) for sport power and a worry-free outrunner motor.
The Tribute Fx 3D does not include a propeller.
Lightweight Outrunner Setup
EFLM1305 Park 400 BL Outrunner, 920Kv
EFLA311B 20-Amp Brushless ESC
THP9103SJPL 910mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po
APC11038SF 11 x 3.8 Slow Flyer Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female
EFLC3005 Celectra 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
This is a lightweight sport setup with adequate power for 3D flights.
High Power Outrunner Setup
EFLM1400 Park 450 BL Outrunner, 890Kv
EFLA311B 20-Amp Brushless ESC
THP13203SPL 1320mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po
APC12060E 12 x 6 Electric Prop
EFLAEC303 EC3 Device & Battery Connector,
Male/Female
EFLC3005 Celectra 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po Charger
This is a high-power performance setup for strong 3D flights.
EFLA110 Power Meter
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more
volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries used
in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions
and warnings must be followed closely. Mishandling
of Li-Po batteries can result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of Lithium
Polymer batteries.
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
EFLA250 Park Flyer Tool Assortment, 5-piece
Or Purchase Separately
EFLA257 Screwdriver, #0 Phillips (or included
with EFLA250)
EFLA251 Hex Wrench: 3/32” (or included
with EFLA250)
6-minute epoxy
Cardstock
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm)
Felt-tipped pen
Foam-safe accelerator
Foam-safe CA
Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Hot glue
Low-tack tape
Paper towels
Ruler
Side cutters
String
T-pins
Threadlock
4 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Warning
Limited Warranty
An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious
bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas,
preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved
flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio.
Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away
from the prop, including loose clothing, or other objects such as
pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from
the propeller.
Warranty Period
Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products
purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser
("Purchaser") and is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those
Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third
party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without
notice and disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED
THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder
shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii)
replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
In the event of a defect, these are the Purchaser's exclusive
remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all
equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty
does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of
God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use,
or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty
does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation,
maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than
Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved
in writing by Horizon before shipment.
5E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Damage Limits
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY
CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS
BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT
LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon
exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability
is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final
assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be assumed
nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of
use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are advised
to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition
to the place of purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to
conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be
operated with caution and common sense and requires some
basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the
Product or other property. This Product is not intended for use
by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual
contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is
essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in
the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate
correctly and avoid damage or injury.
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly.
This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and
service you in the event that you may need any assistance.
For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll
free to speak to a service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for
a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes
may be included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors
of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and
is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available
at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not
have internet access, please include a letter with your complete
name, street address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA number,
a list of the included items, method of payment for any nonwarranty expenses and a brief summary of the problem.
Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty
consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number
are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original
sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided
warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be
repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
6 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Non-Warranty Repairs
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair
will be completed and payment will be required without
notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense
exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item
for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without
notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You
must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In
addition you will be billed for return freight. Please advise us
of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money
orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay
by credit card, please include your credit card number and
expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90
days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of
accordingly.
on electronics and model engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should
be shipped to the following address:
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.
Please note: non-warranty repair is only available
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for
operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself
and others or result in damage to the product or the property
of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is
necessary to always keep a safe distance in all directions
around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions
or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars,
traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or
damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated
areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of
the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure
to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for
this purpose.
7E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
Wing Servo w/long servo arm (2)
Control horn (2) Control connector
Connector backplate Linkage wire, 4
2mm x 4mm machine screw (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hot glue 6-minute epoxy
Drill Drill bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm)
Side cutters Low-tack tape
Threadlock
1. Remove the tape holding the string inside the wing.
Pull enough of the string out of the wing to tie it to the
servo lead.
1
/4 in (108mm) (2)
2. Use the string to pull the servo lead through the
wing and out the opening at the center section. Use
tape to secure the servo lead so it won't fall back into
the opening.
3. Use hot glue to secure the servo in the wing. The output
of the servo faces toward the aileron.
8 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
4. Install the control horn in the aileron using 6-minute
epoxy. Allow the epoxy to fully cure before continuing
to the next step.
5. Drill a 1/16 in (1.5mm) hole through the outside hole in
the servo arm. Slide the control connector through the hole
and secure it using the connector backplate.
6. Plug the aileron servo into the receiver. Power up the
transmitter and receiver. Center the aileron stick, trim, and
any programmed sub-trim values. Install the arm on the
servo so it is parallel to the aileron hinge line.
7. Attach the Z-bend of the 4 1/4 in (108mm) linkage wire
to the control horn.
9E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
8. Slide the linkage wire through the control connector.
Center the aileron and use a 2mm x 4mm machine screw
to secure the linkage. Use threadlock on the screw to
prevent it from loosening during flight.
9. Use side cutters to remove any excess wire extending
beyond the connector.
Wing and Stabilizer Installation
Required Parts
Wing Fuselage
Belly pan Stabilizer assembly
Required Tools and Adhesives
3 in (76mm) servo extension (2)
String Low-tack tape
T-pin Foam-safe CA (thick)
Foam safe accelerator
1. Remove the canopy by lifting from the rear. A magnet
holds the canopy in position at the rear.
10. Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for the remaining aileron
servo and linkage.
10 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
2. Attach the 3 in (76mm) servo extensions to the aileron
servo leads. Secure the extensions to the leads using tape
or string so they don't come unplugged.
4. Position the fuselage on the wing. Measure the distance
from the fuselage to the wing tip on both sides. The
measurements must be equal,. If not, adjust the position of
the fuselage on the wing.
3. Rest the fuselage on the wing. Guide the servo
extensions above the former as shown.
5. Place a T-pin at the rear of the fuselage as shown. Tie a
string to the T-pin that is long enough to reach beyond the
wing tip.
11E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
6. Wrap a small piece of tape on the string where it
90 Degrees
crosses the wing tip. Mark the tape to indicate the exact
location of the wing tip. Swing the tape over check the
position of the opposite wing tip. If these are not equal,
reposition the wing and tape and repeat until the mark on
the tape aligns with both wing tips.
7. Place low-tack tape on the wing against the fuselage as
an indicator for the wing alignment.
8. Check the alignment of the wing to the vertical stabilizer
to make sure the wing is perpendicular to the wing. Lightly
sand the fuselage wing saddle if there is an alignment
correction to be made.
9. Apply thick foam-safe CA to the fuselage where
it contacts the wing. Position the wing back onto
the fuselage.
12 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
10. Place a support under the wing so the fuselage is not
touching the work surface. Use weights to hold the fuselage
tight against the wing while the CA cures.
12. Slide the stabilizer through the slot in the
fuselage. Measure each side of the stabilizer to
make sure it is centered.
11. Use thick foam-safe CA to glue the belly pan to the
wing. It may be necessary to lightly sand the belly pan to fit
perfectly to the contour of the wing.
13. Place a T-pin at the front of the fuselage as shown.
Tie a string to the T-pin that is long enough to reach
beyond the stabilizer tip.
13E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
14. Wrap a small piece of tape on the string where it
Parallel
crosses the stabilizer tip. Mark the tape to indicate the
exact location of the stabilizer tip. Swing the tape over
check the position of the opposite stabilizer tip. If these are
not equal, reposition the stabilizer and tape and repeat
until the mark on the tape aligns with both stabilizer tips.
15. Check the alignment of the stabilizer to the wing. The
stabilizer must be parallel to the wing. If not, lightly sand
the opening in the fuselage to correct any alignment issues.
16. Use foam-safe CA to glue the stabilizer to
the fuselage.
14 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Rudder and Elevator Servo Installation
Required Parts
Airframe Elevator (left)
Hinge tape Servo w/long servo arm (2)
Control connector (2) Control connector backplate (2)
Control horn (2) Control horn backplate (2)
18 in (457mm) servo extension (2)
Linkage wire, 6
Linkage wire, 5 in (127mm)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Foam-safe CA Threadlock
Hot glue Drill
Drill bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm)
1. Apply a piece of the hinge tape to the top of the
left elevator. Center the tape width-wide on the hinge
line of the elevator.
7
/8 in (175mm)
2. Position the elevator against the stabilizer. Check to
make sure the elevator can move without any binding
before securing the tape. Use the remaining piece of
hinge tape on the bottom of the elevator to complete the
hinging process.
3. Use foam-safe CA to glue the elevator joiner rod to
the left elevator half. Allow the CA to fully cure before
continuing with your assembly of the Tribute.
Hint: Use low-tack tape to hold the two elevator halves
in neutral while the CA fully cures to ensure they are in
alignment with each other.
15E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
4. Prepare the elevator and rudder servos by attaching 18
in (457mm) servo extensions to each servo. Drill a 1/16
in (1.5mm) hole in the outer hole in the servo arm. Install
a control connector in the long servo arms and secure
them using the control connector backplates. Use the radio
system to center the servos before attaching the servo arms
to the servo.
5. Install the elevator servo in the fuselage using hot glue.
Make sure the output of the servo faces toward the rear of
the fuselage.
6. Slide the control horn through the pre-cut slot
in the elevator. The shoulder on the horn rests tight
against the elevator.
7. Slide the control horn backplate down on the control
horn from the top side of the elevator. The backplate
rests tight against the elevator. Use foam-safe CA on the
backplate to complete the control horn installation.
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8. Attach the Z-bend of the 5 in (127mm) linkage wire to
the control horn. Slide the linkage wire through the control
connector. Center the elevator and use a 2mm x 4mm
machine screw to secure the linkage. Use side cutters to
remove any excess wire that extends beyond the connector.
Use threadlock on the screw to prevent it from vibrating
loose in flight.
9. Install the rudder servo using hot glue. Make sure the
output of the servo faces toward the rear of the fuselage.
Slide the control horn through the pre-cut slot in the rudder.
The shoulder on the horn rests tight against the rudder.
Slide the control horn backplate down on the control horn
on the opposite side of the rudder. The backplate rests tight
against the rudder. Use foam-safe CA on the backplate to
complete the control horn installation. Attach the Z-bend of
6 7/8 in (175mm) linkage wire to the control horn. Slide
the
the linkage wire through the control connector. Center the
rudder and use a 2mm x 4mm machine screw to secure
the linkage. Use threadlock on the screw so it won't vibrate
loose in flight. Use side cutters to remove any excess wire
that extends beyond the connector.
17E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Motor Installation
Required Parts
Airframe Cowling
Brushless motor Outrunner stick mount w/hardware
Electronic speed control 1.5mm x 10mm sheet metal screw
Hook and loop tape 2mm x 6mm sheet metal screw (4)
Spinner Spinner backplate
Motor adapter 1/2 in (13mm) washer
Required Tools and Adhesives
Phillips screwdriver Drill
Drill bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm) Cardstock
Low-tack tape
1. Mount your particular motor to the outrunner stick mount
using the hardware provided with the mount. There are
spacers provided with the mount to use with the E-flite
Park 450 Outrunner, which has the collar on the back of
the motor.
2. Plug the motor leads into the electronic speed control.
Important Information About Your Brushless ESC
Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also,
be sure to use an ESC with the proper 9V cutoff when
using 3-cell Li-Po packs, or 6V cutoff when using 2-cell
Li-Po packs.
18 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
3. Slide the electronic speed control into the fuselage. Slide
the stick mount on the motor mount stick.
4. Use a drill and 1/16 in (1.5mm) drill bit to drill a
pilot hole for the screw into the motor stick. Use the
1.5mm x 10mm sheet metal screw to secure the mount
to the stick.
5. Check the operation of the motor using the radio
system. The motor should rotate counterclockwise when
viewed from the front. Follow the instructions included with
the speed control if necessary to reverse the direction of
rotation of the motor. Secure the speed control inside the
fuselage using hook and loop tape.
Note: Never check the motor rotation on the bench
with the propeller installed. The plane could move and
cause serious injury. Always check the motor without the
propeller to avoid injury.
6. Tape four pieces of cardstock onto the fuselage (two on
each side of the fuselage) to indicate the locations of the
hard points inside the fuselage for mounting the cowling.
19E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
7. Slide the cowling onto the fuselage.
8. Slide the propeller adapter through the hole in
the propeller.
Important Information About Your Propeller
It is very important to check to be sure the propeller is
balanced before installing onto the shaft. An unbalanced
propeller may strip the gears or cause poor flight
characteristics.
Note: If it is necessary to enlarge the hole in the
propeller, make sure to check the balance of the
propeller afterwards.
9. Slide the 1/2 in (13mm) washer onto the adapter.
20 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
10. Slide the spinner backplate on the adapter. Thread
the propeller nut onto the adapter, but do not tighten it
at this time.
11. Slide the spinner assembly onto the motor shaft.
Align the cowling with the spinner backplate, leaving a
1/8 in (3mm) gap between the spinner and cowl. Use a
1/16 in (1.5mm) drill bit to drill four holes through the
cowling and into the hard points in the fuselage.
12. Secure the cowling to the fuselage using four
2mm x 6mm sheet metal screws.
13. Snap the spinner in place on the spinner backplate.
21E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Receiver and Battery Installation
Required Parts
Airframe Receiver
Motor battery Canopy
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hook and loop tape Hook and loop strap
1. Mount your receiver inside the fuselage using hook
and loop tape. Route the receiver antenna following the
instructions provided with your radio system.
2. Secure the battery inside the fuselage using the hook
and loop tape, then use a hook and loop strap to secure.
3. Position the canopy back in position on the fuselage.
Note: Never cut the receiver antenna as this will greatly
reduce the range of your radio system.
22 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Airframe Tail skid
Main landing gear Plywood landing gear retainer
Wheel retainer (4) Wheel pant (2)
Wheel pant strap (2) 2mm x 4mm sheet metal screw (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Foam-safe CA Drill
Drill bit: 1/16 in (1.5mm)
1. Use foam-safe CA to glue the tail skid into the pre-drilled
holes near the rudder.
2. Slide the main landing gear in the slot in the fuselage.
3. If the landing gear is loose, or you choose to
permanently attach the gear, use foam compatible CA
to glue the plywood landing gear retainer into the slot.
23E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
4. If you choose not to use the wheel pants, you can secure
the wheels on the landing gear using the wheel retainers.
Use hot glue or foam compatible CA to glue the retainers
onto the landing gear. Use care not to glue the wheel to the
landing gear.
6. Position the wheel pant so it is not touching the
work surface when the plane is resting on the tail skid
and wheels.
5. Install the wheel pants and wheels. Use needle-nose
pliers to insert the wheel retainers on the ends of each
of the axle portions of the landing gear inside of the
wheel pant.
7. Each wheel pant is secured using two 2mm x 6mm sheet
metal screws and a wheel pant strap. Drill the holes for
the screws into the wheel pants using a drill and 1/16 in
(1.5mm) drill bit.
24 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Control Throws
Center of Gravity
1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver of your aircraft.
Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter.
When the stick is moved right, the rudder should also
move right. Reverse the direction of the servo at the
transmitter if necessary.
2. Check the movement of the ailerons using the
transmitter. When the stick is moved right, the right
aileron will move up and the left aileron will move
down. Reverse the direction of the servo at the transmitter
if necessary.
3. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio
system. Moving the elevator stick down will make the
airplane elevator move up.
4. Use a throw gauge to adjust the throw of the elevator,
ailerons and rudder. Adjust the position of the pushrod
at the control horn, or the travel/endpoint adjustments
of your computer transmitter, to achieve the following
measurements when moving the sticks to their endpoints.
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly
balancing the model.
Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!
The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location is
4 3/4" (120mm) for Precision to 5 1/8" (130mm) for 3D behind
the leading edge of the wing against the fuse.
Ailerons:
1
High/3D Rate: 2
/2 in (63mm) up and down.
Low/Sport Rate; 1 in (26mm) up and down.
Elevator:
1
High/3D Rate: 3
Low/Sport Rate: 1
/2 in (89mm) up and down.
1
/4 in (32mm) up and down.
Rudder:
1
High/3D Rate: 3
Low/Sport Rate: 1
/2 in (89mm) left and right.
1
/2 in (38mm) left and right.
25E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
Range Test Your Radio
Preflight
1. Before each flying session, be sure to range check
your radio. This is accomplished by turning on your
transmitter with the antenna collapsed. Turn on the
receiver in your airplane. With your airplane on the
ground and the engine running, you should be able to
walk 30 paces (approximately 100 feet) away from your
airplane and still have complete control of all functions.
If not, don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment
checked out by the manufacturer.
2. Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder
and throttle) move in the correct direction.
3. Be sure that your transmitter batteries are fully
charged, per the instructions included with your radio.
Check Your Radio
Before going to the field, be sure that your batteries are fully
charged per the instructions included with your radio. Charge
both the transmitter and receiver pack for your airplane. Use
the recommended charger supplied with your particular radio
system, following the instructions provided with the radio. In
most cases, the radio should be charged the night before going
out flying.
Before each flying session, be sure to range check your radio.
See your radio manual for the recommended range and
instructions for your radio system. Each radio manufacturer
specifies different procedures for their radio systems. Next, start
the motor. With the model securely anchored, check the range
again. The range test should not be significantly affected. If it is,
don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked out by
the manufacturer.
Note: Keep loose items that can get entangled in
the propeller away from the prop. These include
loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and
screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the
propeller.
Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder and
throttle) move in the correct direction.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the control
surfaces are moving correctly (i.e. the correct direction and with
the recommended throws). Test run the motor and make sure
it transitions smoothly from off to full throttle and back. Also
ensure the engine is installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, and it will operate consistently.
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises to make
sure they are secure and in good condition. Replace any items
that would be considered questionable. Failure of any of these
components in flight would mean the loss of your aircraft.
26 E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
GENERAL
1) I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows
or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be
airworthy by having been previously, successfully flight tested.
2) I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet within 3
miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will give
right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
Where necessary, an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying
to avoid having models fly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the flying
site I use, and I will not willfully or deliberately fly my models in a
careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4) The maximum takeoff weight of a model is 55 pounds, except
models flown under Experimental Aircraft rules.
5) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and
address or AMA number on or in the model. (This does not apply
to models while being flown indoors.)
6) I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or with
gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter their internal
combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models with extremely
hazardous fuels such as those containing tetranitromethane or
hydrazine.
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground range
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I
become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.
3) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be established
in front of which all flying takes place with the other side for
spectators. Only personnel involved with flying the aircraft are
allowed at or in front of the flight line. Intentional flying behind the
flight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)
5) Flying sites separated by three miles or more are considered safe
from site-to-site interference, even when both sites use the same
frequencies. Any circumstances under three miles separation
require a frequency management arrangement, which may be
either an allocation of specific frequencies for each site or testing
to determine that freedom from interference exists. Allocation plans
or interference test reports shall be signed by the parties involved
and provided to AMA Headquarters.
Documents of agreement and reports may exist between (1) two or
more AMA Chartered Clubs, (2) AMA clubs and individual
AMA members not associated with AMA Clubs, or (3) two
or more individual AMA members.
6) For Combat, distance between combat engagement line
and spectator line will be 500 feet per cubic inch of engine
displacement. (Example: .40 engine = 200 feet.); electric motors
will be based on equivalent combustion engine size. Additional
safety requirements will be per the RC Combat section of the
current Competition Regulations.
7) At air shows or model flying demonstrations, a single straight line
must be established, one side of which is for flying, with the other
side for spectators.
8) With the exception of events flown under AMA Competition rules,
after launch, except for pilots or helpers being used, no powered
model may be flown closer than 25 feet to any person.
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a
powered model in flight.
27E-flite Tribute Fx 3D ARF Assembly Manual
9767
© 2007 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
(877) 504-0233
horizonhobby.com
E-fliteRC.com
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