Great Planes GPMA1065 User Manual

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 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:

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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.IT CONT AINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0202 for GPMA1065 V1.0 Entire Contents © Copyright 2004

Champaign, IL

[phone], Ext. 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 78.5in [2000mm]
Wing Area: 493 sq in [31.8dm

2

]

Weight: 3 – 3.5 lb [1360 – 1550g]
Wing Loading: 14 – 16 oz/sq ft [42 – 48g/dm

2

]

Length: 39in [990mm]
Radio: 3 – 4 channel
Motor: 550 - 600 brushed motor

200 - 500W brushless motor (1.45in [37mm] max dia.)

™

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

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

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................3

Motor Recommendations.............................................3

Using Lithium Batteries ................................................3

Lithium Battery Handling & Usage ..............................4

Radio Equipment.........................................................4

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

Hardware & Accessories .............................................4

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

Optional Supplies & Tools............................................4

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................6

METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................6

KIT CONTENTS .................................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WING.....................................................8

Attach the Wing Tips....................................................8

Install the Aileron Servos.............................................8

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELA GE.........................................10

Mount the Stabilizer...................................................10

Install the Motor.........................................................11

Brushless Motor Installation.......................................11

Brushed Motor Installation.........................................12

Receiver & Battery Installation ..................................12

Apply the Decals ........................................................13

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

Check the Control Directions.....................................13

Set the Control Throws..............................................14

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................14

Balance the Model Laterally......................................15

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................15

Identify Your Model.....................................................15

Charge the Batteries ..................................................15

Range Check.............................................................15

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................15

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................15

CHECK LIST ....................................................................16

FLYING.............................................................................16

Takeoff .......................................................................17

Flight..........................................................................17

Landing......................................................................17

The Great Planes Siren

™

ARF is a high-performance
electric sailplane that performs well on a standard brushed
motor while delivering great performance on a brushless
motor. This is an electric powered glider that is very agile
and likes to fly fast. It is not, therefore, an airplane for the
beginner, but one for pilots with some experience. Unlike
many airplanes of this type, the Siren ARF is an honest
airplane. It will fly where you point it and has absolutely no

bad tendencies. Stalls are straight and smooth. The Siren
ARF also has good thermaling capabilities.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Siren ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.g reatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then
select the Siren ARF. 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.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons to join
is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to flying at
contests or on the club field. It even applies to flying at
public demonstrations and air shows.Failure to comply with
the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the
manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the countr y.Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below:

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

1.Your Siren ARF 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 Siren ARF, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to you 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 unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

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

6.You must check 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
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. 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.

8.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use, if
the plane will be used for extremely high-stress flying, such as
competition, or if a motor larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high-stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

9. WARNING: The fuselage included in this kit is made of
carbon fiber, the fibers of which may cause eye, skin and
respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into the fuselage to
remove dust, as the dust will blow back into your eyes.
Always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber
gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding carbon fiber
parts.Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after
working with carbon fiber parts.

Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

The Great Planes Siren ARF can be built either as a sport
electric sailplane or as an entry level hotliner.To fly the Siren

ARF as a sport sailplane you need a 600-size Great Planes
brushed motor with an 8-cell NiMH and an 8x4 folding
propeller.This setup delivers 20° climb out angles with a full­throttle endurance of around 7 minutes.To fly the Siren ARF
as an entry level hotliner , you will need a K ontronik™Brushless
480 motor with gearbox, and a 10-cell NiMH battery turning a
13x7 APC folding propeller. With this setup the Siren ARF is
capable of three to four vertical climb outs at high speed.The
Siren ARF climbs to altitude in about 10 seconds. This is a
powerful setup that allows the airplane to deliver its full
performance potential, but it also demands more attention
from the pilot as extreme speeds are easy to achieve. Great
Planes offers both power packages as options. You must
choose a power package based on the performance you
expect out of the airplane. The motor mount installed on the
Siren ARF will fit both power packages.

Great Planes Brushed Sport Package

T-601 Ferrite Motor (GPMG0706)
Great Planes 8x4 folding propeller (GPMQ1650)
7-Cell 2000 mAh NiMH (GPMP0351)
8-Cell 2000 mAh NiHH (GPMP0352)
Great Planes Electrifly™C-30 Speed Control (GPMM2030)

Brushless Power Package

Kontronik 480 Brushless set (KONG5020) (includes motor,
gearbox, and speed controller)
APC 13x7 Folding Propeller (APCQ4357)
Great Planes Folding Propeller Spinner (GPMQ1651)
10-Cell 2000 mAh NiMH (GPMP0353)

In addition to the NiMH batteries specified above, Lithium
batteries can be used to power both power systems of the
Siren ARF. Using Lithium batteries will increase your flight
times substantially while decreasing the final weight of the
airplane slightly. the following are the recommended lithium
batteries for the Siren ARF.

Great Planes Brushed Sport Package

This power system requires two 7.4V 1500 mAh Li-Po
batteries wired in parallel for a 2S-2P configuration.

(2) Great Planes Lithium-Polymer 1500 mAh 7.4V 2-cell
pack (GPMP0830)
(2) W. S. Deans 2-Pin Ultra plug
(1) W. S. Deans Wet Noodle Flex 12-gauge red 2'/black 2'

Brushless Power Package

There are two options for this power package:
First Option:T w o 11.1 V 1500 mAh Li-Po batteries wired in

parallel for a 3S-2P configuration. This configuration will
deliver slightly less performance than the 10-cell NiMH
pack, but the run time will be increased to 5-6 minutes.

(2) Great Planes Lithium-Polymer 1500 mAh 11.1V 3-cell
Pack (GPMP0831)

Using Lithium Batteries

Motor Recommendations

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished 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.

3

(2) W. S. Deans 2-Pin Ultra Plug
(1) W. S. Deans Wet Noodle Flex 12-gauge red 2'/black 2'

Second Option: Four 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Po batteries wired
in series and parallel for a 4S-2P configuration. This
configuration will deliver the highest performance and 4-5
minutes of run time.

(4) Great Planes Lithium-Polymer 1500mAh 7.4V 2-cell
Pack (GPMP0830)
(4) W.S. Deans 2-Pin Ultra Plug
(1) W.S. Deans Wet Noodle Flex 12-gauge red 2'/black 2'

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with
this battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a Li-Po approved charger. NEVER use a
NiCd/NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead.NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150° F
(65° C).

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way
or puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

The Siren ARF requires a radio with a minimum of three
channels (throttle, elevator and ailerons). The transmitter
should have a throttle stick, not a slider, especially when using
the powerful brushless power package (the stick allows for
more precise throttle control).The motor speed control should
have a BEC to pow er the radio.The servos recommended for
this airplane are good quality servos with at least 16 oz-in
[1.2kg-cm] of torque such as the Futaba®S3107 Nano servo
or the Hobbico®CS-5 Micro servo. Should you choose a
different brand of servo, make sure they use slop-free gears
and that they center well and fit in place.Lower quality servos
can cause flutter and destroy an airplane quickly.

Futaba®S3107 Nano Servo (FUTM0025)
Hobbico CS-5 Servo (HCAM0090)

In addition to the items listed in the “

Decisions You Must

Make”

section, following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Siren ARF. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Small Phillips screwdriver (#1)
❏ (3) 24" Servo extension (HCAM2200 for Futaba)
❏ “Y” harness (FUTM4130 for Futaba)
❏ Transparent tape
❏ Great Planes 3/8" heat shrink tubing (GPMM1060)
❏ Trinity

®

pre-cut single cell heat shrink tubing (TRIC6074)

❏ Hobbico

®

1/4" [6mm] foam (HCAQ1000)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Siren ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue

are recommended.

❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Allen wrenches for the motor screws
❏ Flat screwdriver

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Siren ARF.

❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Threadlocker

™

thread-locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Hardware & Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Radio Equipment

Lithium Battery Handling & Usage

4

Machine screws are designated b y a number, threads per
inch, and a length – for example, 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" long with forty

threads per inch.

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.When a
specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use

either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

•

Photos

and

sketches

are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps
to get another view of the same parts.

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been f actory-built into this model.Howev er , some
technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway.To view this information, visit the web
site at

www

.greatplanes.com

and click on “Technical Data.”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fly, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge

LG = Landing Gear

" = Inches

mm = millimeters

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

5

6

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Siren ARF 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. If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also be ordered from Tower Hobbies at

www.towerhob

bies.com

, or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling [phone], or via f acsimile 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 and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

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 e-mail at

productsuppor

[e-mail]

,

or by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces.....................Contact Product Suppor t

Instruction manual...............Contact Product Suppor t

Full-size plans.....................Not available

GPMA2780 Wing Kit
GPMA2781 Fuse Kit
GPMA2782 Stabilizer
GPMA2783 Decal Sheet
GPMQ1650 Sport Spinner/Propeller
GPMQ1651 Brushless Spinner

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

................

Contact Your Hobby
Supplier to Purchase
These Items

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4