Great Planes GPMA0050 User Manual

TM

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 35 in Wing Area: 350 sq in

Weight (Ready to Fly): 13-16 oz

Wing Loading: 5.3-6.6 oz/sq ft

Fuselage Length: 30 in

IN

MADE USA

WARRANTY

Great Planes Model Manufacturing Co. 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 Great Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes 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 buyers are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, they are advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

READ THROUGH THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL FIRST. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

P.O. Box 788 Urbana, IL 61801 [phone]

[e-mail]

FUNDP03 for GPMA0050 V1.1

Printed In USA

Entire Contents © Copyright 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Motor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Battery Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chargers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Common Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Types of Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DIE-CUT PATTERNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GET READY TO BUILD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BUILD THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BUILD THE AILERONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Build the Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Build the Stab and Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

BUILD THE FUSELAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Prepare the Fuselage Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Build the Landing Gear (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Mount the Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

COVER THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Prepare the Model for Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cover the Wing and Ailerons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cover the Tail Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FINAL ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Mount the Control Horns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mount the Stab and Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mount the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mount the Motor and Speed Control. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Mount the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PREPARE THE MODEL FOR FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Balance the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ground Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

PERFORMANCE TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Cycle the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Examine the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Motor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 AMA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover ROG Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

INTRODUCTION

The Fundango is a fun to fly, aerobatic electric airplane that can be flown in small spaces (see Find a Safe Place to Fly on page 23). Depending on your level of expertise, this plane can either be a slow “Park Flyer” or an aerobatic model capable of tight loops, inverted flight and fast rolls. Although the Fundango uses only ailerons and elevator, with practice you will be able to perform wing-overs and hammer-heads which traditionally require a rudder. The Fundango was not designed to look like a “real” airplane; instead it was designed for exceptional aerobatic performance and we think you'll agree that it meets this objective.

IMPORTANT: Though the Fundango is a small, lightweight model that is capable of flying slowly, due to its aerobatic design it is not intended for beginners. If you are new to R/C airplanes, do not attempt to learn to fly with the Fundango. You MUST learn to fly a trainer model first. Information about R/C clubs and instructors is provided later in this manual.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF & OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1.Even though the Great Planes Fundango is a small, lightweight model, if it is not assembled and operated correctly it could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.

2.Build the plane according to the plans and instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the plans and written instructions should be considered as correct.

3.Take time to build straight, true and strong.

4.Use an R/C radio system that is in first-class condition. The Fundango requires mini servos, a micro receiver and a micro speed control that is capable of handling at least 15 amps.

5.You must properly install all R/C and other components so that the model operates properly on the ground and in the air.

6.You must test the operation of the model before every flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check connectors often and replace them if they show signs of wear or fatigue.

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Before starting to build, compare the parts in this kit with the Parts List and note any missing parts. Also inspect all parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you have any questions about building or flying this airplane, please call us at [phone] or e-mail us at:

[e-mail].

If you are contacting us for replacement parts, please be sure to provide the full kit name (Fundango) and the part numbers as listed in the Parts List.

For the latest Fundango updates, you can also check our web site at:

www.greatplanes.com

	Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a						DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
	top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the
	quality and flyability of your finished model depends on					This is a list of items required to finish the Fundango that
	how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
						must be purchased separately. For some of these items
	guarantee the performance of your completed model and
						there is more than one option which may require some
	no representations are expressed or implied as to the
						decision making ahead of time. Order numbers (in
	performance or safety of your completed model.
						parentheses) are provided for your convenience.
Remember: Take your time and follow directions to end
							Radio Equipment
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
If you're an inexperienced modeler, we recommend that						The Fundango requires three mini servos and a micro receiver.
you get assistance from an experienced, knowledgeable						Futaba® S3101 (FUTM0033) or Hobbico® CS-35 (HCAM0120)
modeler to help you with assembly and your first flights.						®
						micro servos and Hitec's Feather Receiver (HRCL1535) are
You'll learn faster and avoid risking your model before you're suitable. The Feather Receiver comes without a receiver
truly ready to solo. Your local hobby shop has information						crystal, so the crystal must be purchased separately. The order
about flying clubs in your area whose membership includes						number for the Hitec receiver crystal is HRCL23**. Substitute
qualified instructors.						the “**” with the channel number you require. For example, if the
						transmitter you plan to fly your Fundango with is on channel 44,
You can also contact the national Academy of Model						order receiver crystal HRCL2344.
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered
clubs across the country. Through any one of them,
							Speed Control
instructor training programs and insured newcomer training
are available. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free
phone number below.						An electronic speed control with BEC (Battery Eliminator
						Circuitry) is required. The BEC allows both the motor and the
						radio system to be powered by the same battery (thus
						eliminating an additional battery typically required to power
						the radio). The Great Planes ElectriFly™ C-20 High Frequency
						Electronic Speed Control (GPMM2020) is recommended for
						the Fundango. If you purchase the complete motor and gear
						drive system, the speed control is included (refer to the
	Academy of Model Aeronautics					“Motor System” section that follows).
	5151 East Memorial Drive
	Muncie, IN 47302-9252
							Motor System
	Tele. [phone]
	Fax [phone]
	or via the Internet at http://www.modelaircraft.org

The Fundango is designed to use the Great Planes ElectriFly T-400GD ESC motor system and gear drive for electric flight (GPMG0400). This system includes a T-400 Ferrite Motor, S-400 3:1 ratio gearbox, 3mm prop adapter, APC 10 x 7 propeller and the ElectriFly C-20 High Frequency Electronic Speed Control w/BEC. The same components are also available without the speed control by ordering number GPMG0415.

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Battery Recommendation

Each individual Nicd or Nimh cell that makes up a battery is 1.2 volts. An 8-cell battery pack is 9.6 volts. Batteries are also rated by their capacity in mAh (milli-Amp-hours), or how much energy they store. A 600 mAh battery can supply 1 Ampere for .6 hours (about 36 minutes). A 1200 mAh battery pack has twice the capacity of a 600 mAh battery pack.

The battery pack recommended for the Fundango is the 8- cell (9.6 volt) 600 mAh NiCd pack (HCAP6000). A 300 mAh charger is included with the battery. If you already have a charger, or if extra battery packs are required, the battery is available separately (HCAP6005).

Do not attempt to fly the Fundango with 1200 mAh “sub-C” battery packs, as they are too heavy.

Battery Warning

ATTENTION: The product you have purchased is powered by a rechargeable battery. At the end of its 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 officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.

This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Chargers

The best type of charger to use is a peak charger, because it charges the batteries until they are fully charged, then automatically switches to a trickle charge mode. The Hobbico Accu-Cycle™ Plus (HCAP0270) is suitable for peakcharging the battery pack recommended.

The batteries may also be peak-charged by using a volt meter to monitor the voltage while the batteries charge. The voltage increases as the batteries charge. When the voltage begins to decrease the batteries are fully charged (“peaked”).

The 9.6 volt 600 mAh battery recommended for the Fundango may be charged at a rate no higher than 400 mAh. At this rate, it will take 90 minutes to charge a discharged battery. If the battery is not discharged (and you are not using a peak-charger), connect the battery to the motor on your model. Run the motor until the propeller is turning slowly, thus discharging the battery.

IMPORTANT: While charging, monitor the temperature of the battery frequently. If the battery becomes warm, disconnect it from the charger.

Covering

Though the Fundango is a small, lightweight model, it isn't a floater, so using ultra-light coverings isn't a necessity. Some weight can be saved by using Top Flite® EconoKote® or Coverite™ Micafilm™ , but the overall savings is minimal and has no noticeable effect on the way the Fundango performs. Our prototypes covered with Top Flite MonoKote® film performed very well.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Building Supplies

In addition to the equipment listed in the “Decisions You Must Make” section, following is the “short list” of the most important building supplies required to build the Fundango.

We recommend Great Planes Pro™ CA and Epoxy glue.

1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)

1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

#11 blades (HCAR0211)

Single-edge razor blades (HCAR0212)

Soldering Iron (HCAR0776)

60/40 Resin core solder (or other solder suitable for electrical use)

Approximately 3' of light string

Small T-pins (HCAR5100)

Builder's triangle (HCAR0480)

Electric drill and drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm] (or 1/16" [1.6mm]), 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2 mm], 5/16" [7.9mm], #60 (.040") [1mm]

Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

Great Planes Plan Protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper

Sanding tools and sandpaper assortment

Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (or water for bending balsa sticks)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that may help you build the Fundango.

Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer™ (TOPQ5700)

Top Flite Hot Sock™ iron cover (TOPR2175)

Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)

Cutting mat (HCAR0456)

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Masking Tape (TOPR8018)

CA Debonder (GPMR6039)

CA Applicator tips (GPMR6033)

Great Planes 5-1/2" [140mm] Bar Sander (GPMR6169) and 150-grit adhesive back sandpaper (GPMR6183)

Top Flite 320-grit sandpaper (TOPR8030) and 400-grit sandpaper (TOPR8032)

Razor saw or Dremel® tool with cut-off wheel

Medium T-Pins (HCAR5150)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

For the best performance, the Fundango must be built light. Here are some tips to help you build neatly and light.

1.The easiest way to cut balsa sticks is with a single-edge razor blade. To do so, position the stick over the plan, then place the razor blade on the stick where you wish to cut it. Press down lightly on the razor blade to make a mark where the stick is to be cut.

2.Take the stick off the plan and cut it over a cutting mat or a leftover piece of wood (Okay, if you're careful you could go ahead and cut the stick right over the plan, but if you do, you may cut through the plan protector and allow the CA to soak through, gluing the structure to the plan).

3.Because of the small balsa sticks used in the tail, small T- pins may be used to hold the sticks to your building board, but only where necessary. Use small T-pins (HCAR5100) or small straight pins found in craft stores. Do not stick pins into the sticks near the ends, or the wood may split.

4. If you have difficulty with the T-pins splitting the small sticks, an alternate method is to use the “crossed-pin” technique. Insert the T-pins into the building board in a crisscross fashion to hold the sticks to the plan.

5.When applying CA, be careful to not glue your fingers to the structure. In the process of unsticking your fingers you can inadvertently damage the structure, thus requiring repairs and adding additional weight (not to mention the aggravation!).

6.Sanding requires a light touch to avoid damage. We found the best method for sanding is to use light strokes in the direction of the longest sticks. Be certain the sandpaper is thoroughly bonded to the bar sander. Lifted edges will catch the structure causing damage. Use medium-grit sandpaper such as 120 or 150.

7.One of the best ways to insure a lightweight model is to build neatly. Good-fitting glue joints with minimal adhesive are stronger, lighter and have a better appearance than poorfitting joints with too much CA. Of course, you should take this approach with all of your projects! Use CA applicator tips (GPMR6033) to control and pinpoint the amount of CA.

8.Build over a flat surface. Cover the plans with Great Planes Plan Protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper so the parts will not adhere to the plan.

Common Abbreviations

Fuse = Fuselage

LE = Leading Edge (front)

TE = Trailing Edge (rear)

Stab = Stabilizer

" = Inches

Elev = Elevator

LG = Landing Gear

Ply = Plywood

Types of Wood

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DIE-CUT PATTERNS

Metric Conversions

1/4"

=

6.4 mm

1/64"

=

.4 mm

3/8"

=

9.5 mm

6"

=

152.4 mm

1/32"

=

.8 mm

1/2"

=

12.7 mm

12"

=

304.8 mm

1/16"

=

1.6 mm

5/8"

=

15.9 mm

18"

=

457.2 mm

3/32"

=

2.4 mm

3/4"

=

19.0 mm

21"

=

533.4 mm

1/8"

=

3.2 mm

1"

=

25.4 mm

24"

=

609.6 mm

5/32"

=

4.0 mm

2"

=

50.8 mm

30"

=

762.0 mm

3/16"

=

4.8 mm

3"

=

76.2 mm

36"

=

914.4 mm

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GET READY TO BUILD

1. Unroll the plan sheet. Re-roll it inside out to make it lie flat.

2. Remove all parts from the box. As you do, figure out the name of each part by comparing it to the plans, the die page and the parts list. Save all leftovers. If any of the parts are difficult to remove from their die sheets, do not force them. Instead, cut around the part with a hobby knife. After removing the parts, lightly sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.

BUILD THE WING

1. Place the wing portion of the plan over your flat building board. Cover the wing plan with Great Planes Plan Protector or wax paper.

2. Locate the die-cut 1/16" [1.6mm] balsa ribs W1 through W4, the main web (MW) and the die-cut 1/16" [1.6mm] plywood parts.

3. Insert the right end of the main web into the opening in rib W1 as shown.

4. Place rib W1 into the notch shown on the plan by twisting it into position on the main web. W1 should be lined up with the spar notch. The top of the rib is the side with two spar notches. Be certain the rib is on the main web with these two notches up. Glue W1 perpendicular to the main web.

5. Using the same procedure, insert W3 onto the main web as shown on the plan. Glue W3 perpendicular to the main web.

6. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 for the left side of the wing.

7. Locate the two 1/8" x 1/4" x 36" [3.2 x 6.4 x 910mm] balsa sticks and cut them to 35" [889mm] in length. These make up the top and bottom spar.

8. Pin one of the spars in place over the plan. This will be the bottom spar.

9. Place the main web with the two W1 and two W3 ribs onto the bottom spar. Carefully align the ribs in place over the plan. Be sure that each rib is perpendicular to the building surface.

10. Glue rib W4 to the main web at each end of the bottom wing spar.

11. Glue each of the W2 half-ribs to the main web.

12. Make sure that ribs W1, W3, W4 and the main web are in contact with the bottom spar. Glue the ribs and the main web to the bottom spar with thin CA.

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13. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to remove the flashing from the shaped 36" balsa leading edge. NOTE: The leading edge is symmetrical – there is no top or bottom.

14. Cut the leading edge to a length of 35" [889mm].

15. Beginning on the right side of the wing, glue the leading edge to rib W4 with medium CA. Position the leading edge so it is centered on the rib. When the glue has set, glue the leading edge to W4 on the left side of the wing. Continue to glue the leading edge to each of the W2 and W3 ribs for the entire length of the wing, making sure that each rib is centered on the leading edge.

16. Position and glue the top spar in place in the notches on the top of the wing above the main web.

17. Cut one of the 3/16" x 3/16" x 36" [4.8 x 4.8 x 910mm] balsa sticks to a length of 35" [889mm] to make the wing trailing edge. Glue the trailing edge to ribs W1, W3 and W4.

18. Cut both 1/16" x 1/2" x 24" [1.6 x 13 x 610mm] balsa TE supports to fit between W1 and W3 and between W3 and W4. Do this for the left and right side of the wing, gluing them into place. Be certain the supports are centered vertically on the TE.

19. Fit the remaining 1/16" x 1/2" x 24" [1.6 x 13 x 610mm] balsa stick between the trailing edge and the leading edge at rib W4. When you are satisfied with the fit glue them into place. Do this for both the left and right end of the wing.

20. Glue the 1/8" x 1/4" x 2" [3.2 x 6.4 x 51mm] balsa servo support into the two remaining notches on ribs W1.

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