Great Planes GPMA1128 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

32 in
[815mm]

Wing Area: 274 in

2

[17.5 dm2]

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

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

6.0 – 6.3 oz
[170 –180 g]

3.2 – 3.3 oz/ft
[10 –11 g /dm2]

Length: 35 in [890 mm]

Radio: 4- channel

2

Motor: RimFire

™

250

outrunner brushless motor

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 CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

© 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. GPMA1128 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

Indoor Motor & Battery Recommendations . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

BUILD THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

RADIO INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

INSTALL CARBON TRUSS RODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ADJUST THE PUSHRODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

INST ALL THE MOTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

INTRODUCTION

Following on heals of the highly successful Great Planes Extra
330SC is the Edge 540. With the Edge 540 fl ight performance
has been taken to the next level. The Edge 540 is capable of
mild to all out wild 3D maneuvers and even some you may
have never seen before. The Edge 540 will make any pilot

look good. So, let’s get this plane built and go have some fun.

OPTIONAL AILERON BALANCE SPADES . . . . . . . . . . 15

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MOTOR & BATTERY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . 17

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE . . . . . . . . . . 18

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

http://www.modelaircraft.org
http://www.modelaircraft.org/parkfl yer.aspx

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.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Edge 540 visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.
com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Edge 540
Indoor Foam Plane. 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.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

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. The AMA
has two classes of membership available: Open membership
or their Park Pilot Program, which this aircraft qualifi es for. The
Park Pilot Program is for people fl ying electric aircraft and
gliders under two pounds and which fl y slower than 60mph.

This will enable you to enjoy most AMA benefi ts and organize

clubs and fl ying sites in more congested areas.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

SAFETY PRE CAUTION S

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others …
Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Edge 540 Indoor Foam Plane 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 Edge 540, 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. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model

and all components before every fl ight.

2

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this
type of model 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.

6. Carefully read and follow all the instructions included with
your LiPo battery and battery charger. LiPo batteries are
not forgiving like NiCd or NiMH batteries. Overcharging or

charging the LiPo battery at too high a current will damage

the battery and could damage property.

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.

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

DECISI ONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Edge 540

Indoor Foam Plane that may require planning or decision
making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided

in parentheses.

Indoor Motor and

Battery Recommendations

For best indoor fl ight performance, a lightweight battery is

recommended. We recommend:

(1) Great Planes

❍

20C LiPo battery (GPMP0700)

(1) FlightPower

❍

LiPo battery (FPWP4014)

(1) RimFire

❍

(1) ElectriFly

❍

FlightPower 10amp Brushless ESC (FPWM0210)

(1) 8 × 3.5 PowerFlow

❍

Outdoor Motor and Battery Recommendations:

(1) Great Planes Competition Series 11.1 volt 300mAh

❍

20C LiPo battery (GPMP0701)

(1) FlightPower EON-X Lite 11.1 volt 350mAh 25C

❍

LiPo battery (FPWP4015)

(1) RimFire 300 (GPMG4505)

❍

(1) 8amp Brushless ESC is recommended

❍

(GPMM1800)

(1) 8 × 3.5 PowerFlow Propeller (GPMQ6608)

❍

®

Competition Series 7.4 volt 300mAh

®

EON-X™ Lite 7.4 volt 350mAh 25C

™

250 (GPMG4502)

™

8amp Brushless ESC (GPMM1800) or

™

Propeller (GPMQ6608)

Radio Recommendations

A 4-channel radio system is required.

(3) Futaba

❍

(FUTM0414)

(1) Futaba R6004FF Mini Receiver (FUTL7624)

❍

®

S3114 Micro High Torque servos

Charger

A LiPo compatable charger is required to charge LiPo batteries.

The Great Planes ElectriFly PolyCharge4™ is designed for

LiPo packs only; however, it is able to charge four LiPo packs
simultaneously. The ElectriFly Triton2™ and AC/DC Triton2 EQ
chargers will only charge one pack at a time, but are capable
of charging NiCd, NiMH, Pb acid and LiPo batteries. Order
numbers are provided below.

Great Planes PolyCharger4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo

❍

Charger (GPMM3015)

OR

Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Comp Peak

❍

Charger (GPMM3153)

OR

Great Planes AC/DC Triton2 EQ Charger/Balancer

❍

(GPMM3156)

Throughout the life of a LiPo battery, the individual cells

located inside the battery may become unbalanced. These
unbalanced cells can shorten the life of the battery or cause
it to malfunction. For this reason, it is always recommended
that a cell balancer be used when charging LiPo batteries.

The Electrifl y Equinox™ is a cell balancer that may be used

with any LiPo charger and is capable of maintaining the cell
balance of the battery. Note: The AC/DC Triton2 EQ does
not require a cell balancer.

Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox LiPo Cell Balancer

❍

(GPMM3160)

ADD ITIONAL ITEMS R EQ UI RE D

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies that are

required to fi nish the Edge 540 Indoor Foam Plane

(1) UFO Foam Safe Thin CA 1oz. (HOTR1040)

❍

(1) CA Activator Foam Safe 2oz. pump (GPMR6035)

❍

(1) Hobby Knife with 5 blades (XACR3511)

❍

(1) Phillips head screwdriver

❍

Hobbico

❍

Straightedge

❍

®

Soldering Iron 30 Watt (HCAR0775)

3

Optional Supplies

KIT IN SPE CTIO N

Here are optional tools that will help you build the Edge 540.

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❍

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❍

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

❍

Waxed Paper

❍

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• 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.

KIT CONTENTS

1

Carefully remove the major parts from the kit. Take an inventory
to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make
sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are damaged
or 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.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

6

4

5

Kit Contents

1. Vertical Fuselage

2. Aft Horizontal Fuselage

3. Forward Horizontal Fuselage

2

3

4. Landing Gear

5. Vertical Fuselage Doubler

6. Upper Motor Doubler

4

BUILD THE FUSELAGE

1. Locate the two ABS landing gear supports. Glue a

❏

landing gear support to each side of the fuselage in the

location shown.

2. Remove the ten fuselage alignment crutches from the

❏

surrounding foam. Note: Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the

crutch pieces from the surrounding foam, trimming the tabs
fl ush with the edges of the crutches.

4. Glue the forward horizontal fuselage (wings) to the aft

❏

horizontal fuselage (stabilizer). Make sure the joint between

the two parts is tight. Lay a straightedge along the center slots

to make sure the parts are straight before gluing. Note: It only

requires a small amount of thin CA to glue the parts together.
Excessive amounts of CA will only wick through the joint and
harden on the bottom surface of the parts.

3. To prevent the parts from adhering to your building table,

❏

place a piece of waxed paper, or the clear plastic bag the
parts came in, on your table. Use foam-safe CA to glue the

ten alignment crutch feet to the alignment crutches. Make

sure the crutches and feet are fl at against the building table
and that the crutches are perpendicular to the table.

5. Use a sharp hobby knife to remove the four joiner tabs

❏

holding the top and bottom of the fuselage together. Do not
cut the aft end of the fuselage apart. Insert the aft end of the
horizontal fuselage into the front end of the vertical fuselage.
Key the horizontal and vertical fuselages together.

5

6. On your building table, place the four top crutches with

❏

the feet on them underneath the fuselage in the locations
shown. Note that the plane is positioned upside down and
the vertical fi n is hanging over the edge of the table. Crutch
#1 is positioned in front of the radius at the front of the wing.
#2 is positioned under the carbon fi ber strip in the wing. #3

is positioned at the third hole in the side of the fuselage and

#4 is positioned under the carbon fi ber strip in the stabilizer.

9. Make sure the horizontal and vertical fuselages are keyed

❏

together and the crutches are fl at on your building table. Glue
the horizontal and vertical fuselages together by applying thin
foam-safe CA along the joint on the bottom of the horizontal
and vertical fuselages. Be careful when gluing around the

crutches. DO NOT glue the crutches to the fuselage. Allow the

CA to cure for a few minutes before moving the plane. The use
of foam-safe accelerator will quicken the curing of the CA, but
use it sparingly. Excessive amounts of accelerator can cause
the CA to cure quickly, causing it to get hot and melt the foam.

7. Test fi t the #1 and #3 bottom crutches over their

❏

corresponding top crutches. Install the ABS motor mount
onto the front of the fi rewall, but DO NOT glue it in place at

this time. Check that all the crutches are seated against the
fuselage and the horizontal and vertical fuselages are keyed
together. Then, glue the top and bottom of crutches #1 and #3
together by applying a small amount of foam-safe CA to the

tabs of the crutches. Be careful not to glue the crutches

to the fuselage.

8. Position the two wing tip crutches under the wing tips at

❏

the outer spade hole in the aileron and the bottom crutches
#2 and #4 over the carbon fi ber strip in the wing and stabilizer.

10. Carefully turn the Edge 540 over and position the

❏

bottom crutches #2 and #4 under the carbon fi ber strips in
the wing and stabilizer. Check that the crutches are fl at on
the building table and the horizontal and vertical fuselages
are keyed together. Use thin foam safe CA to glue the top of
the horizontal and vertical fuselages together.

11. Turn the plane back over so that it is sitting upside down.

❏

Locate the two ABS brace supports. There is a slot located

in the center of each wing. Glue the ABS brace supports
into the slots, perpendicular to the underside of the wing. It
is possible that, during manufacturing, some glue may have

gotten into the slot. If this has happened, DO NOT FORCE

the supports into the slot. Use a sharp hobby knife to remove
any excess glue.

6