Please read through this instruction booklet to THOROUGHLY familiarize yourself with the assembly and flight characteristics of this airplane prior
to assembly. Please inspect all parts carefully before starting assembly! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you have any questions
about the assembly or flying of this airplane, please call us at (217) 398-8970 and we’ll be glad to help. This product is suitable only for people
of 14 years and older.
Hobbico® Inc. 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 Hobbico’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further,
Hobbico, Inc. reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice. In that Hobbico, Inc. 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 userassembled 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:
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.
ASSEMBLE ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION
WARRANTY
FCC REQUIREMENT
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
CE COMPLIANCE INFORMATION FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION
Instructions for Disposal of Waste Equipment by Private Users in the European Union: This symbol on the product
or its packaging indicates this product must not be disposed of with other household waste. Instead, it is the user’s
responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling
of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the
time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health
and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact
your local city office, your household waste disposal service or location where you purchased the product.
Tactic TTX402 transmitter and Tactic TR421 receiver: The objects
of the declaration described here are in conformity with the
requirements of the specifications listed below, following the
provisions of the European 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive:
EN 60950-1:2006 Safety
The objects of the declaration described here are in conformity
with the requirements of the specifications listed below, following
the provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1995/5/EC:
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1 Technical requirements for radio equipment
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1, 301 489-17 V1.3.2 General EMC
requirements for radio equipment
™
Tactic
c/o Hobbico, Inc.
2904 Research Road
Champaign, IL USA 61826
The associated regulatory agencies of the following
countries recognize the noted certifications to this
product as authorized for sale and use.
UKDEDKBGSEFIFR
EELVLTPLCZSKHU
ROSIATITESPTIE
NLLUMTCYGR
PRECAUTIONS
Your Playmate 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
Playmate, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly
cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.
1. Operate the plane according to instructions. DO NOT alter
or modify the model. If you make any modifi cations, you void
your warranty.
2. Test the operation of the model before each fl ight to ensure
that all equipment is operating properly and that the model remains
structurally sound.
3. Fly only indoors or on very calm days (with wind speeds
less than 5mph) and in large open areas free of trees, people,
buildings, or any other obstacles.
4. Although the Playmate is designed to be successfully fl own by the
fi rst time pilot, you may still benefi t from the assistance of an
experienced pilot for your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of an
R/C club, your local hobby shop has information about clubs in your
area whose membership includes experienced pilots. You can also
contact the National Academy of Aeronautics (AMA) which has over
2,500 chartered clubs across the country. Instructor training
programs and insured newcomer training are available through any
of these clubs. Contact the AMA at the following address or toll-free
phone number:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
www.modelaircraft.org
The R/C model hobby becomes more and more enjoyable as your
experience grows. Your chances for success and graduation to
higher levels are very good if you take your time and follow the
fl ying instructions carefully and completely. We hope you enjoy
fl ying your Playmate plane.
2
GLOSSARY
• Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery: Rechargeable battery which is
used to power the airplane. LiPo batteries are lighter and smaller
than most other types of rechargeable batteries.
• Transmitter (TX): This is the hand-held unit that sends the
signal to the control unit, or RX.
• Rudder: Controls turning direction.
• Elevator: Controls altitude.
UNP A CK THE BOX
TRANSMITTER CAUTIONS
• Do not use rechargeable (NiCd) batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
(NiCd) batteries.
CHARGING THE PLANE’S LIPO BATTERY
Check the parts against those shown below. If any parts are
damaged or missing, give us a call at: (217) 398-8970.
GET THE MODEL READ Y TO FL Y
PREPARE THE TRANSMITTER
1. Remove the battery
cover on the back of the
transmitter and insert fi ve
“AA” batteries according
to the diagram printed in
the battery compartment.
Reinstall the battery door.
1. Open the charge lead door on the back of the transmitter by
sliding it out and then swinging it open.
IMPORTANT!
NEVER LEAVE A CHARGING BATTERY UNATTENDED!
WARNING!! Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!
• ONLY use the Playmate transmitter or optional 1S charger to
charge the LiPo battery.
• ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.
• NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150°F [65°C].
• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.
• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave unattended
during charge or discharge.
• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Unplug the battery if it gets warm, even if the left LED has
not gone out.
• WARNING: Misuse or malfunction may overheat the battery
and charger, resulting in personal injury or damage to
surroundings.
3
2. With the power switch on the transmitter set to “OFF”, connect
the battery to the charge port inside the charging compartment.
FIRST FLIGHT
INSTALL THE AIRPLANE BATTERY
1. Be sure your transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries installed. Turn
on the transmitter by moving the switch up.
3. If the battery is in a discharged state, the green charge LED will
illuminate. If the battery is already charged, the LED will remain off.
4. When the charging process has been completed, the LED will
go out.
5. After each fl ight, remove the battery pack from the airplane and
allow it to cool completely before recharging.
6. Do not leave the battery connected to the Playmate for an
extended period of time. This can cause permanent damage
to the battery.
BATTERY RECYCLING
ATTENTION: The product you have purchased is powered by a
rechargeable battery. At the end of the battery’s useful life, under
various state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this
battery into the municipal waste system. Check with your local
solid waste offi cials for details in your area for recycling options
or proper disposal.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer.
2. Connect the battery to the airplane and press it into the battery
compartment. The hook and loop material will hold it in place
4
during fl ight. NOTE: Always stay clear of the propeller when the
battery is plugged into the airplane!
CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS
1. When the right control stick is moved down, the elevator
should move up.
3. With the left control stick in the down position, the propeller
should not be rotating. To test the operation of the motor, be sure
to have a fi rm grasp of the airplane with your hands clear of the
rotational arc of the propeller. Be sure to point the nose of the
airplane away from people or obstructions. Note: When the LiPo
battery is fi rst plugged into the Playmate, the propeller will
not rotate until the left control stick is fi rst moved all the way
to the down position and you hear a single beep. Move the left
control stick all the way up to full throttle and you will hear
another single beep. Return the left control stick all the way
down and you will hear two beeps (the propeller will slowly
rotate over during this procedure). Once this is done, the motor
is considered “armed” and will rotate if the left control stick
(throttle) is moved up.
If any of the control surfaces need to be reversed using the
procedure in Step 4, we recommend unplugging the LiPo battery
from the airplane to prevent accidental rotation of the propeller.
Turn off the transmitter.
2. When the right control stick is moved to the left, the rudder
should move to the left.
5
4. If the elevator does not move in the correct direction according
to step #1, you can reverse its movement by pressing and holding
either elevator trim button and switching on the power to the
transmitter. You will hear three fast beeps confi rming the change.
5. If the rudder does not move in the correct direction according
to step #2, you can reverse its movement by pressing and holding
either rudder trim button and switching on the power to the
transmitter. You will hear three fast beeps confi rming the change.
ADJUSTING THE CONTROL TRIMS
6. If the rudder is operating on the left control stick, turn off the
transmitter, move the left control stick to the upper left position,
the right control stick to the upper right position, and then turn
on the transmitter. The transmitter will make three quick beeps
followed by one or two longer beeps. Test the operation of the
rudder and confi rm the change. This procedure toggles the
rudder function between the left and right control sticks.
1. Before making your fi rst fl ight, use the trim buttons for the right
control stick to center the elevator and rudder. Adjust the trim as
necessary using the trim buttons until the elevator and rudder are
inline with the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fi n as shown.
2. If additional trim is required beyond what the trim buttons
are capable of (when the maximum trim has been reached, the
6
transmitter will make a continuous fast beeping), the bends in
the pushrods can be adjusted to “mechanically” change the trim
of the control surfaces. When setting up the trims for the fi rst
fl ight, be sure that you will have trim movement available in both
directions so you can make fi ne adjustments during the fl ight.
Do not make your fi rst fl ight with any of the trim buttons set at
their maximum position. Mechanically trim the control surfaces
as necessary if this is the case.
CHOOSE A GOOD FLYING SITE
The Playmate should be fl own indoors, but can also be fl own
outside only when the wind speed is 5 mph [8km/h] or less. If
the wind is calm or very light, the Playmate will be docile and easy
to control. Also, fi nd an area clear of trees, power lines and other
structures. A fl ying fi eld for R/C planes is best. Don’t fl y around
groups of people, especially children.
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF
1. Find an open area free of buildings, trees, power lines and
people. If fl ying indoors, we recommend a minimum fl ying area
of 60' x 60' [18m x 18m] with a 12' [4m] ceiling. A single court
gymnasium would be a good choice.
2. For your fi rst few fl ights, fl y only when the wind is calm. After
you are comfortable with the airplane, you can fl y in winds that
are no more than 5 miles per hour [8km/h]. If fl own in stronger
winds, the plane will be very diffi cult to control or may be blown
downwind and not have enough power to get back.
3. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged and that the
transmitter has fresh “AA” batteries installed.
FL YING THE PLA YMA TE
1. Perform a range check on your radio system before each
fl ight. Switch on the transmitter and then connect the battery
to the plane. Have a helper hold the airplane. CAUTION: Keep
your hands behind the propeller. Walk 50' [15m] away from
the airplane (or the maximum distance your fl ying site allows),
holding the transmitter with the antenna pointing up. Move the
right control stick, checking that the control surfaces respond.
Arm the propeller and move the throttle stick up to check the
motor. If you still have control of the airplane, it is safe to fl y. If
you do not have control of the plane, make sure the batteries in
the transmitter are fresh and the battery in the plane is charged.
2. With the throttle stick in the full up position, hand launch the
Playmate into the wind (or if inside, launch in a direction that
will provide you with the largest available space to make your
fi rst turn), at a slight upward angle. NOTE: For the fi rst couple of
fl ights, we recommend having a helper hand launch the airplane.
3. Your transmitter controls the altitude, direction and speed of
the airplane. The right control stick controls the direction and
altitude and the left stick controls the throttle. After you become
comfortable with the fl ight characteristics of the Playmate, the
plane can fl y comfortably at 1/2- to 3/4-throttle.
4. When your airplane is moving away from you, moving the
right control stick to the left will make your plane turn to the left.
Moving the stick to the right will make the airplane turn to the
right. To stop the turn, move the stick the opposite direction until
the airplane is fl ying straight.
5. When the airplane is coming toward you, moving the right
control stick left still causes left rudder, but your airplane goes to
your right. In short, you have to reverse the way you control the
rudder. Here’s a good way to familiarize yourself with the controls:
When the airplane is coming toward you, turn your body so that
you are facing the same direction the airplane is going, looking
over your shoulder at the airplane. Now when you move the right
control stick left, the plane will go to your left.
6. Don’t let the airplane get too far away from you. The farther
away it is, the harder it is to see what the airplane is doing.
7. When learning to fl y, it is best to keep the airplane high enough
so that if you make a mistake, you have enough altitude to correct
the mistake.
8. When you have become comfortable with the fl ight
characteristics of the Playmate, it can takeoff from the ground. A
smooth surface is required for the wheels to roll.
LANDING THE PLA YMATE
It’s a known fact among fellow R/C pilots that your airplane will
land. It is up to you as to where and how it lands.
1. For your fi rst couple of fl ights we recommend that you attempt
to land before the motor stops. When the battery voltage becomes
low during fl ight, the motor will stop rotating to protect the battery
from being discharged to an unsafe voltage. Flight speed will
begin to decrease before this occurs. Land the Playmate when
you notice a decrease in fl ight speed.
2. When the transmitter battery power gets low, the transmitter
will make a continuous beeping. When this happens, it’s time to
land your Playmate.
3. During your fi rst fl ight, while at a high altitude, turn the motor
off by moving the left control stick down and note how the
Playmate reacts. This will give you an idea of how the airplane
will react during a landing without power.
4. To land the Playmate, fl y downwind, past the landing area.
Gently turn into the wind and gradually reduce the throttle so that
the airplane starts to slow into a smooth, descending path. Adjust
the throttle as needed to reach the landing area, but not fl y past it.
7
5. Just before landing, at about 1 foot [0.3m] above the ground,
move the throttle control stick all the way down and apply some
up elevator (right control stick down) to land the Playmate safely
on the landing gear and tail skid.
CAUTION: If, during a rough landing, the propeller on the
Playmate should become jammed and cannot rotate with
the throttle in the run position, the battery and airplane
electronics could become damaged. Immediately lower the
throttle to stop the motor.
AFTER THE FLIGHT
Disconnect and remove the battery from the airplane. Then,
switch the transmitter off. Allow the motor and battery to cool
before recharging. Check the airplane over to make sure nothing
has come loose or may be damaged.
REPAIRS
Even the best R/C pilots in the world damage their airplanes every
now and then. In the unfortunate event that you damage your
airplane, repairs are fairly simple to make yourself. If there are
any cracks in the wing or fuselage, apply 6-minute epoxy, white
glue, or foam-safe CA glue to the broken areas and hold them
together with clear packaging tape. Let the glue cure, leaving the
tape in place for added strength.
REINST ALLING THE PROPELLER
1. Use the tip of a hobby knife (a paring knife would suffice)
to cut the side seam of the Playmate (either side may be cut).
Be careful to only insert the tip of the knife into the seam, as
penetrating too far may damage the internal components of
the Playmate.
2. Open the fuselage of the Playmate by using the uncut seam as
a hinge. If the uncut seam separates, simply reglue it when
performing Step 7.
8
3. If the spring is still attached to the propeller, carefully remove
it from the propeller. Do not stretch the spring. If you no longer
have the spring, contact Product Support at (217) 398-8970,
extension 5.
4. Slide the spur gear onto the pinion gear and move the shaft
forward to the full extent. Next, reinstall the spring onto the
prop shaft.
5. Apply a small amount of CA into the small mounting hole in
the propeller. Quickly move onto step 6 before the CA
fully cures.
6. Using your index finger (or pliers) to hold the spur gear and
shaft into the forward position, press the propeller onto the
shaft and hold for one minute. Inspect the fit and make sure
the propeller is secure and that the spur gear is meshed with
the pinion gear.
9
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
To order replacement parts for your Playmate, use the order
numbers in the list below. Replacement parts are available only
as listed. Replacement parts are not available from Product
Support, but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/
Internet order fi rms. If you need assistance locating a dealer to
purchase parts, contact:
Product Support
Phone: 217-398-0007
Fax: 217-398-7721
E-mail: productsupport@hobbico.com
Stock # Description
HCAA6300 Wing
HCAA6301 Tail Set
HCAA6302 Fuse Set
HCAA6303 Landing Gear
HCAA6304 Pushrods and Control Horns
HCAA6305 Propeller with Spinner
HCAA6306 Motor with Gearbox
HCAA6307 Motor
HCAA6308 Gearbox
HCAA6309 130 mAh LiPo Battery
TRCJ2402 Tactic TTX402 2.4GHz 4-Channel Mini Transmitter
TACL1424 Tactic TR424 Micro Rx
w/PZ Servos Mounted Onboard
7. Add a small amount of foam-safe CA to the previously cut
seam and close the fuselage halves, being sure not to bind the
tail control linkages.
8. Small strips of clear tape may be used to secure the seams of
the fuselage halves.
HCAA6420 1S Micro LiPo Charger (Optional)
10
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEMCAUSE/SOLUTION
The power LED on the
transmitter does not
illuminate when the switch
is moved to the ON position.
The transmitter is emitting
a continuous beep.
The plane control surfaces
or throttle do not respond
to control stick inputs from
the transmitter.
The control surfaces do not
move in the correct direction.
The rudder is controlled by
the left stick.
The AA batteries in the transmitter are exhausted. Replace with new AA batteries.
The AA batteries in the transmitter are installed incorrectly. Reinstall the batteries
correctly as described on page 3.
The AA batteries in the transmitter are low. Replace with new AA batteries.
The LiPo battery is depleted. Charge the battery.
The LiPo battery is not properly connected to the airplane. Disconnect the battery
and reconnect it, ensuring it is fully engaged in the connector in the
correct orientation.
The transmitter has become “unbound” with the airplane (the transmitter and
airplane can no longer communicate with each other). To rebind the transmitter to
the airplane, turn the transmitter switch to the ON position. Connect the LiPo battery
to the airplane. The TTX402 will autobind with the Playmate. Confirm operation of
the airplane with the transmitter. If the binding procedure fails, disconnect the
battery and turn off the transmitter. Move the plane and transmitter apart with at
least 2 feet (0.6m) between them and then repeat the procedure. Contact Product
Support if it still fails to bind.
The transmitter control functions need to be reversed. Follow the reversing
procedure described on page 5.
Follow the procedure described on page 6, Step 6.
For any other problems not addressed here, please contact Product Support.
11
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.