FMS Sbach 342 User guide

WARNING!

Read th e E NTIRE ins truct i on manua l t o b e come fam iliar wit h t he featur es of the prod u ct WARNIN G:

!

operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal before
property and cause serious inj ury.
Th is is a sophi sticated hob by product and NOT a toy. It must be op erated with ca ution and c ommon sense
and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner

coul d re sult in injur y o r d a mage to the prod u ct or other pro p erty. Thi s p r oduct is not int ended for use by

children without direct adul t supervision.

This ma nual contains i nstruct ions for safety, oper ation and m aintenance. I t is essential to r ead and follow
all th e i nstru ction s a nd warni ngs in this m anual pr ior to asse mbly, se tup, or use , i n o rder to op erate
cor rectly

Safety Precautions and Warnings

As th e u ser of thi s produ ct, you ar e s olely respons ible for o perat ing in a mann er that do es not end anger
yoursel f a nd othe rs or resu lt in dama ge to the pro duct or th e prope rty of oth ers. Th is mode l i s contr olled
by a rad io sign al subject to interfer ence fro m many sou rces ou tside your cont rol. This inter feren ce can
cause mome ntary l oss of con trol so i t is advis able to al ways kee p a s afe dist ance in all dire ction s
your model , as this margin wil l help avo id collision s o r injur y.
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. Th is is not a toy.

• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.

•Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic or people.

• Avoid operati ng yo ur mo del in the street where injury or damage can occur.

• Never operate the model in the street or in populated areas for any reason.

• Carefully f o l l o w the directions a n d wa r n i n g s for this a n d any optional s u p p o r t equipment (chargers,

rechargeable battery packs, etc.) 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.

• Never lick or place any portion of your model in your mouth as it could cause serious injury or even death.

an d avoi d damage or serio us injury.

aro und

FMS MODEL Friendly Reminder

Thank you for purchasing a FMS MODEL product.
Our goal is to provide high quality products and
offer great customer service. If you have any
problems with your product or want to offer
suggestions for improvements (such as plane
design, packaging, building instructions, etc.)
please feel free to contact us at

[e-mail]

Table of contents

Kit contents 1

The spare parts list 1

Spare parts list content
The illustration of the spare parts

Kit Inspection 3

Charging the Flight Battery 3

Low Voltage Cutoff 4
Assemble the plane 4

Install the main landing gear
Mount the rudder

Install the control horn

Install the horizontal stabilizer

Install the wing fillet

Mount the main wing

Install the receiver
Install the battery
Install the servo arm and the linkage rod

Get your model ready to fly 11

Important ESC and plane information
The transmitter and model setup
Check the control throws

Check the motor rotating direction
Install the propeller set

Check the C.G. (Center of Gravity)

Before the model flying 17

Find a suitable flying site
Perform the range check of your plane
Monitor your flight time

Flying course 18

Take off
Flying

Landing
Maintenance

Troubleshooting 19

AMA 20

Kit contents

Kit contents

1. The fuselage assembly (With the motor, the canopy, the electronic parts, ESC)

2. Rudder ( With hinges installed)

3. Horizontal stabilizer

4. Landing gear set

5. Propeller and spinner

6. Spare parts bag

7. Main wing tube and the tail wing tube

The spare parts list

Replacement parts for the FMS Sbach 342 are available using the order numbers
in the Spare parts list that follows. The fastest, most economical service can be provided
by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

Spare parts list content

Spare parts list content
SY 101 Fuselage ( With all the plastic parts and rudder installed)
SY 102 Main wing set ( With the control horn in stored)
SY 103 Horizontal stabilizer ( With the elevator connector installed)
SY 104 Cowl
SY 105 Canopy (The plastic canopy)
SY 106 Pilot
SY 107 Main landing gear set ( With the strut and the wheel pants)
SY 108 Rear landing gear set

page1

Kit inspection

Charging the Flight Battery

The Battery Charger is designed to safely charge the Li-Po battery,

Caution:

batteries can result in fire, personal injury, or property damage.
Battery warning:

By handling, charging or using the included Li-Po battery

you assume all risks associated with lithium batteries.

If at any time the batteries begin to swell, or balloon, discontinue use immediately!

Charging or discharging a swelling or ballooning battery can result in fire.

Always store the batteries at room temperature in a dry area to extend the life of
the battery. Always transport or temporarily store the battery in a temperature range of
40-120 F. Do not store battery or model in a car or in direct sunlight. If stored in a hot car,

the battery can be damaged or even catch fire.

Never use a Ni-Mh charger. Failure to charge the battery with a compatible charger may

cause fire resulting in personal injury and property damage.

Never discharge Li-Po cells to below 3V.
Never leave charging batteries unattended.
Never charge damaged batteries.

Charging the flight battery

When charging the battery, make certain the battery is on a heat-resistent surface, charge
the battery before assembly of the airplane. Install the fully charged battery to perform
control tests and binding.

All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly. Mishandling of Li-Po

o

page3

Low voltage cut off (LVC)

When a Li-Po is discharged below 3V per cell, it will not hold a charge. The ESC protects

the flight battery from over-discharge using Low Voltage Cutoff. Before the battery charge
decreases too much, LVC removes power from motor in two ways: (1) Reduces power ­ESC reduces motor power (recommended), (2) Hard cutoff - ESC instantly cuts motor
power when the pre-set Low Voltage Protection Threshold value is reached. These
settings can be changed using the ESC programing guide.

page4

Get your model ready to fly

Important ESC and model information

The ESC included with the Sbach 342 has a safe start. If the motor battery is connected to

1.

the ESC and the throttle stick is not in the low throttle or off position, the motor will not
start until the throttle stick is moved to the low throttle or off position. Once the throttle
stick is moved to the low throttle o off position, the motor will a series of beeps.
Several beeps with the same tune means the ESC has detect the cells of the battery.
The count of the beeps equal the cells of the battery. The motor is now armed and will
start when the throttle is moved.

The motor and ESC come pre-connected and the motor rotation should be correct.

2.

If for any reason the motor is rotating in the wrong direction, simply reverse two of the
three motor wires to change the direction of rotation.

The motor has an optional brake setting. The ESC comes with the brake switched off

3.

and we recommended that the Sbach 342 be flown with the brake off . However, the brake
could be accidentally switched on if the motor battery is connected to the ESC while the
throttle stick is set at full throttle. To switch the brake off, move the throttle stick to full
throttle and plug in the motor battery. The motor will beep Move the throttle
stick to low throttle or the off position. The motor is ready to run and the brake will be
switched off.

4. Battery Selection and Installation.

battery. If using another battery, the battery must be at least a 14.8V 2600mAh 25C
battery. Your battery should be approximately the same capacity ,dimension and
weight as the 14.8V 2600mAh 25C Li-Po battery to fit in the fuselage without changing
the center of gravity significantly.

5. The specification of the model list as fellow:

Wing span: 1300mm/51.2in
Length: 1310mm/51.6in
Motor : 3648-KV760
ESC : 50A with integrated 3A BEC
Battery : 14.8V 2600mAh 25C
Servo : 17g*4
Approx flying weight: 1880g
Propeller: 13*5 three blades scale propeller
Wing area: 37.5dm
Wing loading: 50.1 g/dm

2

2

r emit

one time.

We recommend the 14.8V 2600mAh 25C Li-Po

page11

Get your model ready to fly

The transmitter and model setup

Before getting started, bind your receiver with your transmitter. Please refer to your

Transmitter Manual
CAUTION

motor shaft while testing the control surfaces . DO NOT arm the ESC and do not turn on
the transmitter until the instructs you to do so.

: To prevent personal injury, DO NOT install the propeller assembly onto the

for proper operation.

Transmitter Manual

Tips:

elevator, ailerons) and the throttle in the OFF position. Make sure both ailerons
move up and down (travel) the same amount. This model tracks well when the
left and right ailerons travel the same amount in response to the control stick.

1. Move the controls on the transmitter to make sure aircraft control surface move
correctly. See diagrams below. If controls respond in the opposite direction reverse
the direction for operation of flight controls. Refer to your transmitter’s instructions
for changing direction of transmitter flight controls.

Make sure all control sticks on your radio are in the neutral position (rudder,

page12

Get your model ready to fly

Adjust the servo arms mechanically make sure all servo arms are fully vertical. If not,

2.
adjust the servo arm by using the trim function on your radio.

Note: For computerized transmitters, use the servo/channel sub-trim feature to make each

servo arm fully vertical. Make sure the trims and the sub trims in neutral position before
making some mechanically trim.

3. The standard hole settings for linkage connections are shown by the black arrows in the
the diagram below. You can move the linkage to different hole positions to increase
control surface travel and increase the aerobatics of the airplane.

4

4.

Align the control surfaces well by adjusting the linkage rod in the control connector.
The ailerons align with the wing root fillet, the counterbalance leading edge of the
elevator with the horizontal stabilizer leading edge and the
edge of the rudder with the vertical stabilizer leading edge.

Note

: Use a drop of thread lock on the grub screws before securing the linkage rod.

counterbalance leading

page13

Get your model ready to fly

Check the control throws

1. Adjust ATV/travel adjustment on your transmitter until you obtain the following control
surface travel. Do not adjust dual rates until you have correctly adjusted the total travel.

Ailerons: 60 to 70mm up and down (both ailerons), measured at the aileron root.

Elevator: 48 to 50mm up and down, measured at the counterbalance leading edge.

Rudder: 60 to 65mm left and right, measured at the counterbalance leading edge.

2. The dual rates and the Exponential setting for intermediate flyers of FMS Sbach 342 are
based on the ATV set in previous step.

High Rate Expo Low Rate Expo

Aileron 100% 65mm up/down 60% 30% 19mm up/down 30%
Elevator 100% 50mm up/down 50% 22% 11mm up/down 25%
Rudder 100% 60mm left/right 50% 60% 36mm left/right 25%

Note: 1. This control throws were developed by FMS TEAM for the best performance
of the Sbach 342. The small mount of elevator throw on low rate is capable of extreme
aerobatics.

At first flight, fly the model in low rate. The first time you use high rates, be sure to fly

2.
at low to medium speeds. High rates, as listed, are only for EXTREME maneuvering.
switch to high rate when the plane is flying at slow speed. Never fly at high speed
at full air speed. This plane is very responsive and pilot can easily lose orientation. Get
familiar with the plane first and then try high rate.

3. For take off and landing, low rate in all control surfaces is strongly recommended.

Only

Check the motor rotating direction

1. The motor should rotate counterclockwise
when viewing the plane from the front.

1

page14

Before the model flying

Find a suitable flying site

Find a flying site clear of buildings, trees, power lines and other obstructions. Until you
know how much area will be required and have mastered flying your plane in confined
spaces, choose a site which is at least the size of two to three football fields – a flying
field specifically for R/C planes is best. Never fly near people– especially children who
can wander unpredictably.

As a precaution, an operational ground range test should be performed before the
first flight each time you go out. Performing a range test is a good way to detect
problems that could cause loss of control such as low batteries, defective or
damaged radio components, or radio interference. This usually requires an
assistant and should be done at the actual flying site you will be using.

First turn on the transmitter, then install a fully-charged battery into the fuselage.
Connect the battery and install the hatch.

Remember, use care not to bump the throttle stick, otherwise, the propeller / fan
will turn and possibly cause damage or injury.

Note: Please refer to your Transmitter Manual that came with your radio control
system to perform a ground range check. If the controls are not working correctly
or if anything seems wrong, do not fly the model until you correct the problem.
Make certain all the servo wires are securely connected to the receiver and the
transmitter batteries have a good connection.

Monitor your flight time

Monitor and limit your flight time using a timer (such as one on a wrist watch or in your
transmitter if available). When the batteries are getting low you will usually notice a
performance drop before the ESC cuts off motor power, so when the plane starts flying
slower you should land. Often (but not always) power can be briefly restored after the
motor cuts off by holding the throttle stick all the way down for a few seconds.

To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your first flight, set your timer to a
conservative 4 minutes. When your alarm sounds you should land right away.

page18

Flying course

Take off

While applying power slowly steer to keep the model straight, the model should accelerate
quickly. As the model gains flight speed, you will want to climb at a steady and even rate.
The Sbach 342 model will climb out at a nice angle of attack (AOA).

Flying

Always choose a wide-open space for flying your plane. It is ideal for you to fly at a
sanctioned flying field. If you are not flying at an approved site, always avoid flying near
houses, trees, wires and buildings. You should also be careful to avoid flying in areas
where there are many people, such as busy parks, schoolyards, or soccer fields. Consult
laws and ordinances before choosing a location to fly your aircraft. After takeoff, gain some
altitude. Climb to a safe altitude and begin to trim the model till it’s tracks well through all
aspects of flight, including high speed passes, inverted flight, loops, and point rolls.

Landing

Land the model when you hear the motor pulsing (LVC) or if you notice a reduction in
power. If using a transmitter with a timer, set the timer so you have enough flight time to
make several landing approaches.

Recharge the battery and repair the model as needed. The model’s three point landing gear
allows the model to land on hard surfaces. Align model directly into the wind and fly down to
the ground. Fly the airplane down to the ground using 1/4-1/3 throttle to keep enough energy
for proper flare. Before the model touches down, always fully decrease the throttle to avoid
damaging the propeller or other components. The key to a great landing is to manage the power
and elevator all the way to the ground and set down lightly on the main landing gear. After a
few flights you will find the model can be set down lightly on the mains and you can hold the
nose wheel off balancing the model on the mains till it slows and gently settles the nose.

Maintenance

Repairs to the foam should be made with foam safe adhesives such as hot glue, foam
safe CA, and 5 min epoxy. When parts are not repairable, see the Spare Parts List for
ordering by item number.
Always check to make sure all screws on the aircraft are tightened. Pay special attention
to make sure the bullet of the rotor adaptor is firmly in place before every flight.

page19

Troubleshooting

Problem

Aircraft will not
respond to the
throttle but responds
to other controls.

Extra propeller noise
or extra Vibration.

Reduced flight time or
aircraft underpowered.

Control surface does
not move, or is slow to
respond to control
inputs.

Possible Cause Solution

- ESC is not armed.

- Throttle channel is reversed.

- Damaged spinner, propeller,
motor, or motor mount.

- Loose propeller and spinner
parts.

- Propellor installed backwards.

- Flight battery charge is low.

- Propeller installed backward.

- Flight battery damaged.

- Control surface, control horn,
linkage or servo damage.

- Wire damaged or connections
loose.

- Lower throttle stick and throttle
trim to lowest settings.

- Reverse throttle channel on
transmitter.

- Replace damaged parts.

- Tighten parts for propeller
adapter, propeller and spinner.

- Remove and install propeller
correctly.

- Completely recharge flight
battery.

- Replace flight battery
and obey flight battery
instructions.

- Replace or repair damaged
parts and adjust controls.

- Do a check of connections for
loose wiring.

Controls reversed.

- Motor loses power.

- Motor power pulses
then motor loses power.

LED on receiver
flashes slowly.

Channels are reversed
in the transmitter.

- Damage to motor, or battery.

- Loss of power to aircraft.

- ESC uses default soft Low
Voltage Cutoff(LVC).

Power loss to receiver.

Do the Control Direction Test
and adjust controls
for aircraft and transmitter.

- Do a check of batteries,
transmitter, receiver, ESC,
motor and wiring for damage
(replace as needed).

- Land aircraft immediately and
Recharge flight battery.

- Check connection from ESC to
receiver.

- Check servos for damage.

- Check linkages for binding.

page20

AMA

AMA

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join, The AMA is the governing body
of model aviation and membership provided liability insurance coverage, protects
modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fly 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

Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code

A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained

A. GENERAL:

flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended
exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition.
All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any
additional rules specific to the flying site.

1. Model aircraft will not be flown:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.

2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate.
(AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid Guidance.)
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400
of an airport, without notifying the airport operato
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic
base except where there is a mixed use agreement.
(e) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA number of
the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft.
(This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors).
( f ) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for
helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA Document #555.
(g ) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any
drug which could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.
(h ) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode or burn,
or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard
to persons or property.

feet above ground level within three (3) miles

r.

patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane

page21

AMA

Exceptions:

◆ Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to
the model aircraft during flight.

◆ Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and
practices as defined within the Team AMA Program Document (AMA Document #718).

3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows or model
demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully demonstrated all
maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the specific event.
(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.

4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened.
They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply with
comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)

1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or
structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others.

2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model
aircraft.

3. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by
the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.

4. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site
without a frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF
Interference; #923- Frequency Management Agreement)

5. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations,
excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than
25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at the
flight line.

6. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight
while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.

7. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the
model’s attitude and orientation at all times.

8. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without
enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV) only in accordance
with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550.
C. FREE FLIGHT

1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking when the
model aircraft is launched.

2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics, officials, and other fliers.

3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any fuse on the model aircraft after the
fuse has completed its function.

page22

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