Flyzone micro calypso Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

™

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Total Length:

Weight:

24.8 in [ 630 mm ]

19.1 in [485 mm]

1.90 oz [54 g]

IMPORTANT

This radio controlled model is not a toy!

•

This model must be assembled and operated according to the instructions.

•

It may cause serious injury to persons or property if not used responsibly.

•

Not suitable for children under 14 years old.

WARRANTY

Flyzone® 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 Flyzone’s liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Flyzone reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Flyzone 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

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.

For warranty claims contact Hobbico Product Support:

Hobbico Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA

Telephone: [phone] ext. 6
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

For more info, go to the YouTube Hobbico how-to channel.

© 2016 Flyzone,® a Hobbico company.

®

FLZA3050 RTF / FLZA3052 TxR

WARNINGS

Radio Control System Warnings

FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ AND
UNDERSTAND THESE WARNINGS.

Radio control models are not toys. Serious injury to
persons or damage to property can result if they are not
used in a responsible manner.

Read all instructions carefully prior to assembling
and before flying this model. Seek advice should
any information be unclear. You assume all risk and
responsibility when using this model.

General Warnings

● Never fly your aircraft from the street or at night. Always fly

in an open area free of obstructions.

● When flying, make sure any spectators are behind you.

● Always be conscious of the spinning propeller. Be careful

not to allow loose clothing to be drawn into the propeller.

● Because your aircraft is operated by radio control, it is

important to make sure you are always using fresh and/or
fully charged batteries. Never allow the batteries to run low,
or you could lose control of the aircraft.

● Always turn on your transmitter before turning on

the aircraft and always remove the battery from
the aircraft before turning off your transmitter.

● Always unplug the battery when not flying the aircraft.

● Never cut the receiver antenna shorter, or you could lose

control of the aircraft during flight.

● Never attempt to disassemble or modify any of the radio

control system components.

LiPo Battery Warnings

YOU MUST READ THIS BEFORE

CHARGING THE BATTERY

● All instructions, warnings, and cautions must be followed at

all times. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or fire.
Do NOT use this product before reading and understanding
all directions and warnings.

● Do NOT use or charge if the battery is hot or swollen.

● Do NOT leave in direct sunlight or in a hot car or storage

area. Do NOT get wet or expose to moisture.

● Never attempt to disassemble any of the aircraft’s components,

especially the electronics.

● Do not allow any of the electrical components to get wet,

or electrical damage may occur.

● You should complete a successful range check of your radio

equipment prior to each new day of flying, or prior to the
first flight of a new or repaired aircraft.

● If your aircraft gets dirty, do not use any solvents to clean it.

Solvents will damage the foam and plastic. Use a dry cloth
to clean any dirt from outside of the aircraft.

● This product includes small and sharp-edged parts. Always

assemble and keep this product out of children’s reach.

● Do not fly your airplane on days with strong winds or

side winds.

● When not using the model, always take the battery out of

the plane and switch off the transmitter. Also, remove the
batteries from the transmitter as batteries may overheat or
leak, causing damage.

● Do not store this model in a high-temperature/humidity area

or in direct sunlight.

● The wing is designed to pop off in a crash to minimize

damage. Prolonged vertical dives with abrupt “pull-outs”
should be avoided.

● Do NOT overcharge. Maximum voltage for each battery

must be followed.

● Do NOT short-circuit the battery. Check polarity, then connect

the battery to the charger.

● Do NOT leave the battery connected when not in use.

● Do NOT operate or charge unattended.

● Do NOT use the battery if you do not understand the

warnings and proper use of the battery.

● Always let the battery cool and “rest” between uses and

charging. Do NOT charge inside your car or inside your house.

● Inspect the battery before each use for swelling or other

malformation. If the battery has swelled, it MUST be discarded.

● Do NOT poke, bend or damage the battery. The outer casing

is soft and can be damaged.

● The battery must never exceed 71° C (160° F) for any reason.

Battery Recycling

ATTENTION: The Micro Calypso 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 officials for details in your area for recycling options or
proper disposal. We encourage contacting your local recycling
center for more information.

2

ITEMS INCLUDED

PARTS GUIDE

Completely Assembled
Fuselage

Tape Strips

3.7V - 200 mAh Lithium
Polymer Battery

2.4G Radio
System
(RTF Only)

Wing

Tail
Surfaces

Charger

(TxR Only)

AA Alkaline

Batteries x 4

(RTF Only)

USB

Vertical

Elevator

Rudder
Control

Rod

Wing

Propeller

Stabilizer

Elevator

Control

Rod

Rudder

Horizontal

Stabilizer

RTF TRANSMITTER

MODE 2 SHOWN. SEE PAGE 9 FOR MODE 1.

Tx-R ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

❍ 4-channel SLT Protocol Transmitter

The Micro Calypso can be flown with Tactic transmitters (SLT

protocol). When doing this please refer to the Tactic radio
instructions and be aware some channels may need to be
reversed or re-assigned for proper operation. This includes
the throttle channel, so extra care must be taken to be sure
the throttle direction is correct.

TACJ2403 Tactic TTX403 4-Channel SLT Mini Transmitter
TACJ2410 Tactic TTX410 4-Channel SLT System
TACJ2610 Tactic TTX610 6-Channel SLT System
TAC J265 0 Tactic TTX650 6-Channel SLT Computer

Tran sm i tt er

AVAILABLE PARTS

FLZA6470 Fuselage
FLZA6471 Wing
FLZA6472 Tail Surface Set
FLZA6473 Folding Prop Set
FLZA6474 Prop Blade Set
FLZA6475 Spinner/Hub
FLZA6476 Motor Set
FLZA6477 Pushrod Set
FLZA6478 Nose Cone
FLZA6479 USB Charger
FLZA6480 Receiver/Servos
FLZA6481 Gearbox Set
FLZA6482 Motor Shaft Set
FLZA6483 LiPo 3.7V 200 mAh
FLZA6484 Transmitter

1 Mode Change Switch

2 Power Switch

3 Elevator Trim (Up/Down)

Adjust up/down so plane flies horizontal.

4 Elevator Stick (Up/Down)
Controls plane’s upwards/downwards movement.
Rudder Stick (Left/Right)
Controls plane’s left/right movement.
5 Rudder Trim (Left/Right)
Adjust left/right so plane flies straight.
6 Throttle Trim (Up/Down)
Adjusts throttle so motor will not move at the down

position.

7 Throttle Stick (Up/Down)
Controls propeller speed.

8 Function Selector

Additional details on page 7.

123456

RUDDER ELEVATOR D/R-Dual Rate

REVERSERREVERSER

9 Power Indicator
10 Charge Lamp
11 Battery Cover
12 Charger Cover

3

BEFORE OPERATING

Batteries for Transmitter

AA Alkaline

Batteries x 4

Remove

Battery

Cover

Conrm

Polarity

Markings

Re-Install

Battery

Cover

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Use caution and care when assembling the parts so
that you do not damage them.

Tail Assembly

1. Install the horizontal stabilizer onto the tail of the fuselage.
Make sure the assembly keys onto the fuselage as shown.

Align the stabilizer 90° to the fuselage.

3. Use the included tape strips to secure the aligned
horizontal stabilizer in place. Make sure the tape strips
wrap from the top of the horizontal stabilizer to the
bottom of the horizontal stabilizer and cover the front
plastic elevator supports.

4. Attach the elevator pushrod into the control horn on the
elevator and make sure that it snaps into place. Start
off by installing the elevator pushrod in the lower hole
for lower control throws (less responsive). Once you
become familiar with how the Micro Calypso flies, you
can install the elevator pushrod in the upper hole for
higher control throws (more responsive).

2. Install the vertical stabilizer onto the tail of the plane and
gently press it down until it locks into place.

5. Attach the rudder pushrod into the control horn on the rudder
and make sure that it snaps into place. Start off by installing
the rudder pushrod in the outer hole for lower control throws
(less responsive). Once you become familiar with how the
Micro Calypso flies, you can install the rudder pushrod in
the inner hole for higher control throws (more responsive).
Center and adjust wire bends.

4

Charging the Battery (RTF)

● Read the LiPo battery warnings on page 2

carefully and charge the battery accordingly.

● Use only the battery charger specified.

● Do not attempt to charge a damaged or swollen

battery. This may cause fire or serious damage.

● For safety reasons, batteries with a high voltage

cannot be recharged. Run down the battery
completely and then recharge.

● Do not leave the charger unattended while charging.

NOTE: There is a clear band securing the throttle and elevator
pushrods in place on the fuselage. DO NOT remove this band.

The band keeps the pushrods from flexing during flight.

Wing Assembly

1. Insert the wing tab into the fuselage.

1. Remove the charger door from

the transmitter.

2. Connect the 3.7V 200 mAh LiPo

battery to the charge socket. (A)

3. The charge lamp (B) lights up

4. After the charge lamp goes off,

NOTE: When the transmitter

3.7 V

200 mAh

LiPo

Battery

Charge

Lamp

Up label visible.

and charging starts. A fully
discharged battery takes about
40 minutes to charge.

charging is complete.

batteries are dead, the battery
can not be charged. The battery

can be charged whether the
transmitter power is switched
ON or OFF. If you have an

additional Micro Calypso battery,
you can charge while flying.

USB Charger Instructions

(Tx-R Version Only)

2. Lower the back of the wing down onto the fuse until the
magnets lock it in place.

NOTE: Make sure the wing is properly seated before each
flight.

Approximate charge time is 1 hour.

1. Plug the Micro Calypso USB charger into a USB charge
port on your computer or USB adapter (like the one used
for cell phones).

2. Plug the Micro Calypso battery into the charger. The red
LED on the charger should illuminate.

3. Once the battery is charged the red LED will shut off.

4. Once the red LED shuts off remove the battery and charger
from the USB port.

5. Do not leave the charger unattended while charging.

5

Flight Battery Installation,

Linking and ESC Arming

WARNINGS

● Always turn the transmitter’s power switch ON before

plugging the battery into the plane.

● The motor will not operate unless the throttle stick is

first moved to the lowest position.

● Keep clear of propeller to prevent bodily harm.

NOTE: The Micro Calypso is equipped with an auto-linking
feature. This means the transmitter will automatically link
to the plane after they are turned on.

1. Move the throttle stick all the
way down.

2. Switch the power ON.

3. The red LED lights up and a

“beep” will be heard.

4. Connect the battery to the
ESC plug in the bottom of the
plane. Observe the correct
polarity.

P

E

5. Secure the battery on the

E

B

bottom of the Micro Calypso
fuse using the hook and loop
material.

Right

Stick

Elevator

Right

Stick

Rudder

LED Display (Located Behind Flight Battery)

When

the

Rx

LED

inside

the

plane

Tx

LED

Steady

Slow

Flash

Fast

Flash

Fast

Flash

is

on

this means

the

Tx & Rx are

linked & ready.

The throttle’s in

the Hi position

(The motor will

not activate).

The battery

is low.

The battery

is low.

Yo u

should

Move the throttle stick to

the lowest position, until the

LED is steady ON. Then

the motor will activate.

Charge the

battery.

Replace the
Tx batteries.

RTF SERVO REVERSING

The rudder and elevator servo direction can be reversed by

simply switching the location of the reversing switches.

REVERSED

NORMAL

123456

RUDDER ELEVATOR

DUAL RATES

The Micro Calypso transmitter (RTF only) is equipped with

a dual rate switch which allows you to adjust the amount
of throw the elevator and rudder have. With the dual rate
switch down, you can fly on high rates (more elevator/rudder
throw for experienced pilots) or you can move the dual rate
switch up and fly on low rates (less elevator/rudder throw
for inexperienced pilots) to make the plane easier to fly.

You can also adjust the elevator and rudder throw by

changing the position of the linkage at the mounting point
on the elevator and rudder. Moving the elevator linkage to
the upper hole will increase throw and elevator response.
Moving the rudder linkage to the inner hole will increase
rudder throw and rudder response.

6. Move the elevator/rudder stick (right stick) and confirm
the elevator and rudder respond correctly.

Throttle

7. Move the throttle stick (left

Left

Stick

stick) up gently to confirm the
motor/prop spin.

CAUTION: Do not run the Micro Calypso motor for more
than 15 seconds when not in flight. Running the motor for
extended times while the plane is not flying could cause
damage to the motor.

Low Rates

1234

56

High Rates

RUDDER/ELEVATOR CONTROL

SURFACE CENTERING

Before your first flight or after a crash you will need to check
the centering of the rudder and elevator control surfaces.

To prevent excessive transmitter trim you should first make

mechanical adjustments to the rudder and elevator servo
linkages. The linkages have a “U” shaped section in them
that can be compressed or expanded to adjust the control

6

surfaces when the transmitter trims are centered. Be careful
to only make slight adjustments. Once you get the mechanical
trim close you can use the transmitter trim to fine tune the
rudder and elevator trim.

CHOOSING YOUR FLYING FIELD

The flying field you choose should be a large, open field with

grass. There should not be any vehicles, buildings, power
lines, trees, large rocks or anything else that your model can
crash into.

CHOOSING A DAY TO FLY

Light

Wind

Calm weather with either no wind or wind speed of 1– 5 mph

is suitable for flying.

Strong

Wind

PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

1. Check for any bends or
damaged parts on the main

wing, fuselage or tail wing.

TAKEOFF

1. Before takeoff, check again
to see if the plane responds
properly to control signals.

2. Apply 3/4 throttle while facing into the wind. Hold the plane
horizontally and launch straight and level with a gentle
pushing motion.

3. After launching, use the rudder
to keep the wings level. Climb
to an altitude of about 50 feet
[15.24 m], begin circling the
plane. (If the battery is not
charged properly, the plane
will not ascend).

Use the elevator stick and throttle to adjust the climb and altitude.

Put the throttle stick to the lowest position when
crashing to avoid damage to the airplane and
radio equipment. Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.

2. Be sure the wing, propeller &
spinner are properly attached!

3. Switch the transmitter ON,
connect the battery, and
advise any people nearby.
Make sure there is no one
near the propeller.

4. In case the motor starts

rotating accidentally, have an

assistant hold the rear part of
the plane securely.

5. Check to see if the plane

responds properly to control

signals. See page 6.

6. Test the range of the radio
signal. Step back about 30 ft

About

30 ft

[10m] and check for any
unusual behavior.

FLIGHT

Continue circling in an oval pattern until you’re accustomed
to flying. If the plane nose dips, add a slight amount of up
elevator control.

Release the
elevator stick.

Move the

control sticks

slowly.

7

ADJUSTING TRIMS

p

Beeeep Beeee

Adjusting trim for horizontal flight.

Beep Beep Beep Beep

Beep

Beep Beep Beep

LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff)

The Micro Calypso has a built in LVC to protect your LiPo

battery from discharging too low while flying. Once the battery
reaches LVC, the power to the motor will shut off and you need
to land the Micro Calypso.

Make sure to always disconnect the flight battery from the
plane to prevent the battery from discharging any further. The
LVC does not prevent from over discharging when the plane
is not in use.

Rudder
Trim

Take your finger off of the rudder stick and if the plane flies

to the right, adjust the rudder trim to the left side.

Elevator
Trim

Take your finger off of the elevator stick and if the plane

flies upwards, adjust the elevator trim upward.

Adjust the elevator and rudder
trims so the plane flies straight
and horizontal when the sticks
are free.

LANDING

AFTER LANDING

1. Always disconnect the
battery before turning off
the transmitter. Hold the

connector when disconnecting
the battery. Do not pull on the
cord.

2. Then, switch the transmitter
OFF.

CAUTION: The battery may be hot after a flight! Allow
the battery to cool down before recharging.

Landing
Course

When landing, make a wide turn with the wind, and then land

directly into the wind.

When you’re ready to land or the
battery runs low, the propeller
will stop spinning. Flight times
will be 5–7 minutes depending
on full throttle use, presence of
thermals, outside temperature,
and battery condition.

AFTER-FLIGHT MAINTENANCE

1. Remove the battery from the
airplane when not in use. Fully
charge the flight battery before
storing it. Also remove the
batteries from the transmitter.

2. For the next flight, check that
no screws have loosened and
replace any scratched or
damaged parts.

3. Clean away any dirt etc.
and perform any needed
maintenance.

8

TRANSMITTER MODE SELECTION

Neutral

As supplied, the transmitter is in Mode 2.

NOTE: The transmitter can be used in Mode 1 or Mode
2 with the mode change switch. After the Mode has been
changed, the throttle stick spring is cancelled.

Position

1. Move the left and right sticks
to the neutral position.

2. Make sure the Mode change
switch is moved all the way to
the end.

Mode Stick Functions

Throttle

Elevator

Mode 1 Transmitter Information

1 Mode Change Switch

2 Power Switch

3 Throttle Trim (Up/Down) MODE 1 SHOWN

Adjusts throttle so motor will not move at the down

position.

4 Throttle Stick (Up/Down) MODE 1
Controls propeller speed.

Rudder Stick (Left/Right) MODE 2
Controls plane’s left/right movement.

5 Rudder Trim (Left/Right)
Adjust left/right so plane flies straight.

6 Elevator Trim (Up/Down) MODE 1 SHOWN
Adjust left /right so plane flies straight.

7 Elevator Stick (Up/Down) MODE 1 SHOWN
Controls plane’s upwards/downwards movement.

8 Function Selector

Rudder

● The Mode change switch will only slide if the

throttle stick is in neutral.

● Be sure to slide the Mode change switch all the way to

the end. The sticks will not move correctly unless the
switch is moved all the way to the end.

123456

RUDDER ELEVATOR CH1 CH2

REVERSERREVERSER

9 On/ Off Indicator

10 Charge Lamp

11 Battery Cover

12 Charger Terminal Cover

LOW

HIGH

D/R-Dual Rate

9

REPAIR

If your Micro Calypso becomes damaged you can use white

glue, foam safe CA glue or clear tape to make repairs. You
can also order replacement parts (found on page 3 of this
manual) if your parts are beyond repair.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM: Transmitter LED does not illuminate when

turned on.

Solution: Batteries are installed into the transmitter incorrectly.

Remove batteries and check polarity markings on transmitter.

Solution: The transmitter batteries are bad. Replace the
batteries.

PROBLEM: Micro Calypso does not power up.

Solution: Micro Calypso battery needs to be charged.

PROBLEM: Rudder or elevator control surfaces are not

neutral when the trims on the transmitter
trims are centered.

Expand

Compress

Solution: The “U” shaped servo linkage needs to be adjusted.

Compress or expand the “U” portion of the linkage until the

control surfaces are neutral. Use the transmitter trim to fine
tune the control surfaces.

PROBLEM: Rudder or elevator moves in the opposite

direction it is supposed to.

Solution: Adjust the servo reversing on the transmitter.

PROBLEM: Flight time is short.

Solution: The flight battery was not fully charged. Charge again.

Solution: Flying conditions may be too cold (below 60 degrees

Fahrenheit [15.56 degrees Celsius]).

Solution: The flight battery needs to be replaced.

Solution: Replace the transmitter batteries with fresh batteries.

10

NOTES

11

™