Flyzone FLZA3014 User Manual

SENSEI

S

S

Wi

:

58 in

[

]

Wing

Area:

566 in

2

[

m

2

]

Weight:

3.25 lb

[

g]

:

t

2

m

2

]

h:

n

]

™

SPECIFICATIONS

PECIFICATION

58 in
[1475mm]

1475 m m

2

566 in
[36.5 dm2]

36.5 d

™

Wingspan:

ngspan

Wing

Area:

™

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WARRANTY

Hobbico 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 reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Hobbico 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

Weight:

Wing

Wing

Loading:

Loading

engt

Length:

Radio:

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.

3.25 lb
[1470 g]

1470

13 oz/ft

13 oz/f
[40 g/dm2]

[40 g/d

48 i

48 in
[1220 mm]

6-channel
(required)

2

122mm

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

© 2011 Hobbico®, Inc. All rights reserved. HCAA2535RTF/ 2536RxR Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Radio Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Battery and Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Required Assembly Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Charge the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Battery Charging Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Battery Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Install the Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

ASSEMBLE THE SENSEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Install the Vertical and Horizontal Stabilizer . . . . . . . . .5

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Flyzone Sensei. The best method

to learn to fl y an R/C plane is with a stable trainer. To make it
even easier, the Sensei is electric. Just charge the batteries
and you’re ready fl y. When you’re done, just put the plane
away until the next time. Assembly is quick and easy. In the
RTF version, nothing else is needed to get you in the air. So
take a few minutes to read the instructions and let’s get this
plane in the air.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Sensei visit the Hobbico web site at
Open the “Airplanes” link, then select “Sensei”. 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.

www.hobbico.com

AMA

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The
AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership
provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights
and interests and is required to fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

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

Connect the Rudder and Elevator Controls . . . . . . . . .8

Install the Wing Joiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Check the Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Mount the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Check the C.G. (Center of Gravity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Important ESC Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Find a Suitable Flying Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Know Your Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Perform a Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Monitor Your Flight Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

TACTIC TTX600 RADIO INSTRUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . . .15

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Sensei 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 Sensei, 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 unfl yable 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. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own an
R/C plane before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights.
If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has
information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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.

2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

ORDER NO.

HCAA6380

HCAA6381

HCAA6382

HCAA6383

HCAA6384

HCAA6385

HCAA6386

HCAA6387

HCAA6388

HCAA6389

HCAA6390

HCAA6391

DESCRIPTION

Fuselage

Wing Set

Stab/Elevator Set

Vertical Fin

Main Gear

Nose Gear

ESC

LiPo Battery 2100mAh

Brushless Motor

Spinner

Propeller 10x5

Decal Set

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Radio Control System

The Sensei Rx-R (Receiver Ready) comes with the servos

installed, so all that is required is a 6-channel transmitter
and receiver. The Tactic™ TTX600 2.4GHz spread spectrum
6-channel radio control system (TACJ2600) is included with
the RTF (ready to fl y) version of the Sensei, so this same
radio system is ideal for your Rx-R version, too.

❍ Tactic TTX600 2.4GHz 6-channel system (TACJ2600)

❍ (4) AA batteries will be required to operate the

recommended transmitter (FUGP7308).

Battery and Charger

The Sensei RTF comes complete with a motor battery and

charger. The Sensei Rx-R version requires a 2100mAh 11.1V
LiPo battery and LiPo Charger. The Sensei was designed for
the Flyzone 2100mAh 11.1V LiPo battery (HCAP6387). Other
LiPo batteries similar in size with the same voltage and capacity
may also work, but they may not fi t properly in the battery
compartment or have the same type of battery connector. In
addition to a battery, a LiPo battery charger is also required and
there are several that will work (depending on your budget and
requirements). A safe, economical charger is the ElectriFly® 3S
(3-cell/ 11.1V) LiPo Smart Charger (GPMM3318). The Smart
Charger includes adapters to charge from a 110V wall outlet
or a 12V DC outlet from a car. The Smart Charger will take
approximately 4-1/2 hours to fully charge the battery. Some
pilots prefer to have several batteries and charge them faster
so they can fl y more. For charging up to four batteries faster at
the same time, the Great Planes PolyCharge4™ DC-powered
LiPo charger (GPMM3015) is recommended. But unlike the
Smart Charger, the PolyCharge4 does not have an internal
LiPo cell balancer which is a critical component in making sure
your LiPo batteries charge effi ciently and evenly. So, for each
LiPo battery you wish to charge simultaneously, one Great
Planes Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160) will also be
required. Finally, the PolyCharge4 does not have AC capability,
so if wall charging is a priority, a separate AC 12-Volt power
source must also be purchased separately. A suitable power
supply for the PolyCharge4 is the Great Planes 12V 12A DC
power supply (GPMP0901)

.

Other than common hobby tools this is the list of building

supplies that are required to fi nish the Sensei.

❍ Small needle-nose pliers (HCAR0625) or hemostats

❍ #1 Phillips screwdriver (DTXR0174)

❍ Small crescent wrench

❍ Great Planes stick-on lead weight (Optional, GPMQ4485)

Required Assembly Tool

(SQUR2502)

Replacement parts for the Hobbico Flyzone Sensei 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.

hobbico.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.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or fax 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 Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: 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 telephone at [phone], or by e-mail
at [e-mail].

3

KIT INSPECTION

LED SCHEME

Use this table to determine charge action.

RED LED

OFF

OFF

Solid ON

Solid ON

Flashing

GREEN LED

Solid ON

Flashing

Solid ON

OFF

Flashing

ACTION

No battery is connected

Conditioning battery

Battery charging

Charge complete

ERROR*

*Possible sources of battery error may include a highly unbalanced
pack, charger timed out, or one cell of the pack which is low voltage. In
the case of a battery error, please remove the battery pack from the
charger and inspect it carefully for swelling or any other damage, such
as broken wires.

Before starting to build, 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.

Hobbico Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

PREPARATIONS

Before starting to assemble the Sensei, we recommend
charging the motor battery. Then, when you are ready to set
up the radio system, the motor battery can be used to power
the receiver.

Charge the Battery

4. Disconnect the battery from the charger, wait for the GREEN

LED to be lit, and then reconnect the battery to the charger.

5. It will take approximately 1-1/2 hours more to complete

the charge. When the battery is fully charged, the GREEN
LED will turn OFF. Remove the battery from the charger
at this time.

6. Charging time depends on the level of discharge of the

battery and if the battery cells were unbalanced.

The following is an overview of how to charge your motor

battery using the ElectriFly Smart Charger. If you are using a
different LiPo charger, carefully follow the instructions included
with the charger.

1. Connect the input power to the charger. The GREEN LED
will be lit, indicating standby mode. The RED LED will be OFF.

2. Connect the battery to be charged to the balance plug.
The RED LED will also be lit, and remain RED during the

charging. Both LEDs should be lit solid while charging.

3. If the battery was completely discharged, the RED and

GREEN LEDs will start to fl ash after 2-hours and 40-minutes.

The charger has a built in safety timer.

Kit Contents

1. Wing Halves

2. Fuselage

3. Vertical Stabilizer
w/Rudder

4. Horizontal Stabilizer
w/Elevators

5. Transmitter

6. Charger

7. LiPo Battery

8. Propeller

9. Main Landing Gear

10. Spinner

11. Wing Joiner

12. Wing Connector

8

9

10

11

Battery Charging Precautions

● Be careful to avoid overcharging the battery. Only use a LiPo
approved charger. Never use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger.

● Remember to check the temperature of the battery during
the charge. The battery should not get hot. If it does, unplug
the battery from the charger.

● Charge the battery at a maximum charge rate of 2.1 amps.
A higher charge rate will cause the battery to get hot.

● Never place the battery on combustible material or leave it
unattended while charging.

KIT CONTENTS

1

12

4

5

2

3

6

4

7

1

● Never charge the battery in the plane.

● We recommend that a balancing charger be used to charge

the battery. A properly cared for battery will last a long time. If
the battery pack is continually charged without balancing the
individual cells, the life of the battery pack will be shortened.

Battery Recycling

Attention: The Sensei 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 the 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. We encourage contacting your local recycling center
for more information.

3. Plug the throttle into channel-3 on the Tactic receiver.

❏

If you will be using the drop doors, plug the servo into the
receiver’s retract channel or channel-5 on the Tactic receiver.

Install the Receiver

If you are assembling the Sensei RTF, skip to the next column
and start at ASSEMBLE THE SENSEI.

1. Plug the Y-harness into the aileron channel, channel-1

❏

on the Tactic receiver.

4. Peel the backing from one side of the double-sided tape.

❏

Attach it to the back of the receiver. Peel the backing from the

other side of the double-sided tape and attach the receiver to
the front of the servo compartment. Route the excess rudder
and elevator servo wires under the servo tray. The throttle and
drop door servo wires should be positioned so they do not
interfere with the rudder and elevator control rods.

ASSEMBLE THE SENSEI

Install the Main Landing Gear

2. Plug the elevator servo into channel-2 on the Tactic receiver.

❏

Plug the rudder servo into channel-4 on the Tactic receiver.

Attach the main landing gear to the fuselage using two

❏

3x16mm sheet metal screws. Note that the landing gear is
angled forward.

5

Install the Vertical and

Horizontal Stabilizer

1. Flex the elevators up and down a few times to loosen

❏

them up so they move easier.

2. Repeat the process to loosen the rudder.

❏

3. Insert the rudder control arm through the V-bend in the

❏

elevator joiner wire. Note that the plastic plate is on top of
the stabilizer.

4. Insert the three guide posts into the three recesses in

❏

the top of the horizontal stabilizer.

5. Slide the assembly into the recess in the top of the

❏

fuselage. Then, press the assembly down to seat it against
the fuselage.

6. Insert the 3 x 25mm machine screw into the hole in the

❏

bottom of the fuselage. Thread the 3 x 25mm machine screw
through the horizontal stabilizer and into the bottom of the
vertical fi n.

6

Connect the Rudder and

Elevator Controls

1. If you haven’t yet done so, familiarize yourself with the

❏

Tactic TTX600 radio control system by reading the instructions

starting on page 16.

2. Use a needle-nose pliers to unsnap the Faslinks from

❏

the rudder pushrod.

3. Insert the pushrod in the inner hole of the rudder control horn.

❏

4. Re-install the Faslink on the pushrod. Use a needle-nose

❏

pliers to snap the Faslink onto the wire.

5. Repeat the process to install the elevator pushrod in the

❏

outer hole of the elevator control horn.

7

Install the Wing Joiner

UPUP

DOWNDOWN

3. Insert the plastic wing connector in the top of the wing.

❏

Note that the connector is angled to match the angle of the
top of the wing. When correctly installed, the connector should
be fl ush with the top of the wing.

1. Holding the left wing half upright, carefully insert the wing

❏

joiner into the wing half until the wing bolt hole in the joiner
aligns with the wing bolt hole in the wing.

Check the Radio System

CAUTION: Do not install the propeller on the plane until
instructed to do so.

1. If using the Tactic TTX600 radio system read the Radio

❏

System Instructions section on page 16 in this manual. Then,
install the four AA alkaline batteries in the transmitter with
the correct polarity.

2. Insert the wing joiner in the right wing. Route the aileron

❏

servo wires out the bottom of the wing.

2. Check that the servo reversing switches are confi gured

❏

as shown.

8