Great Planes GPMA1345 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 user­assembled 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.
While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such as racing, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the high stress points.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
GPMZ0226 for GPMA1345 V1.0© Copyright 2000
P.O. Box 788 Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 398-8970
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
A. R. F.
Almost Ready to Fly
Introduction ......................................................................2
Precautions.......................................................................2
Radio System Requirements...........................................3
Engine Selection ..............................................................3
Additional Items Required...............................................4
Hardware and Accessories ..........................................4
Adhesives and Building Supplies ................................4
Optional Supplies and Tools........................................4
General Inspection.......................................................4
Important Building Notes ................................................4
Parts List......................................................................5
Metric / Inch Scale.......................................................5
Build the Wing..................................................................6
Join the Wing Halves...................................................6
Hinge the Ailerons........................................................7
Hook up the Ailerons...................................................7
Mount the Landing Gear..............................................8
Join the Control Surfaces to the Fuse...........................9
Install the Stab.............................................................9
Install the Fin .............................................................10
Hook up the Controls .....................................................11
Connect the Pushrods ...............................................11
Mount the Tail Gear ...................................................13
Join the Tail Fairings..................................................14
Mount the Engine.......................................................15
Mount the Cowl ..........................................................16
Finish Radio Installation.............................................17
Final Scale Details..........................................................18
Mount the Wing Struts...............................................18
Finish the Cockpit......................................................18
Get the Model Ready to Fly ...........................................19
Check the Control Directions.....................................19
Set the Control Throws..............................................19
Balance the Model.....................................................20
Balance the Model Laterally......................................20
Preflight...........................................................................21
Identify Your Model....................................................21
Charge the Batteries ..................................................21
Balance Propellers.....................................................21
Ground Check............................................................21
Range Check.............................................................21
Engine Safety Precautions ............................................21
AMA Safety Code (Excerpt)...........................................22
General......................................................................22
Radio Control.............................................................22
IMAA Safety Code (Excerpt)..........................................22
Check List.......................................................................24
Flying...............................................................................24
Fuel Mixture Adjustment............................................25
Takeoff .......................................................................25
Flight..........................................................................25
Landing......................................................................25
Engine Mount Template.................................................27
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Ryan STA ARF. When we assembled the first Ryan prototype in our R & D shop, we could tell right away that this was going to be a popular model. Its classic outline and friendly-looking proportions, not to mention the striking black-and-white checkers with red trim, cannot be resisted by veterans and new modelers alike. Experienced builders will appreciate the quality glasswork and paint job on the cowl and wheel pants, knowing that it takes hours in the shop to duplicate the same result.
When it's time to fly your Great Planes Ryan STAARF, rest assured. Its flight performance more than lives up to its great looks. This model is definitely one of the most gentle, honest, enjoyable ARFs around! Even in mild crosswinds, you'll find yourself putting on a show while others watch as you shoot touch-and-goes and smooth landings (on pavement or grass!).
Enough talk. Let's start building so you can see for yourself...
While the Great Planes Ryan ARF is easy to build and flies well, it is not intended to be a beginner's model. It lacks the self-recovery characteristics of a good basic trainer such as a Great Planes PT
model. However, if you have learned the basics of R/C flying, the Ryan STA ARF is an excellent choice to try your skills at flying a large-scale model.
Your Ryan STAARF is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its realistic performance, the Ryan ST A ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.
To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable, if this is your first “giant” R/C model, we recommend that you get the assistance of a pilot who has experience with this type of plane for your first flights. If you're not currently a member of an R/C club, your local hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose membership includes experienced pilots.
If you're not currently an AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) member, we strongly urge you to join. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its members who fly at sanctioned sites and events. Additionally, training programs and instructors are available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way. Contact the AMA at the following address or toll-free phone number:
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THIS
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION
INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
The Great Planes Ryan STA is an excellent sport-scale model. Its size makes it eligible to fly in IMAA events. The IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant scale models. You can contact the IMAA at the address or telephone number below.
IMAA
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401
(913) 823-5569
If you plan to attend an IMAAevent, refer to the IMAA Safety Code and recommendations in the back of this manual.
1. 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 instances the written instructions should be considered as correct.
2. Take time to build straight, true and strong.
3. Use an R/C radio system that is in first-class condition and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout your building process.
4. You must properly install the R/C radio system and other components so that the model operates properly on the ground and in the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before every flight to insure that all equipment is operating and you must make certain that the model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they show signs of wear or fatigue.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
Before starting to build, compare the p art s 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 (217) 398-8970, or e-mail us at productsupport@greatplanes.com. If you are contacting us for replacement parts, please be sure to provide the full kit name (Great Planes Ryan ARF) and the part numbers as listed in the Parts List.
Y ou can also check our web site at www
.greatplanes.com
for the latest Ryan ARF updates.
Because the Ryan uses dual elevator servos and because the servos must move in opposite directions (due to the way they are mounted in the fuse), they cannot be connected with a “Y” connector (unless you have a “reverse” servo). Therefore, to fly the Ryan a radio system capable of electronic servo mixing is required, so that one of the elevator servos can be reversed. If you do not have a radio with programmable mixing, there is another solution. MPI (Maxx Products, (847) 438-2233), located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, offers an electronic servo mixing device called the Miracle Y. When the elevator servos are connected to the Miracle Y they will operate in opposite directions.
A receiver battery with a capacity of at least 1000 mAh is also recommended for a model of this size.
There are several engines that will work well in your Ryan STAARF. The official engine size recommendation range is .91 to 1.20 two-stroke or four-stroke. If you select an engine in the upper end of the size range, remember that the Ryan is a scale model that is intended be flown in a scale manner at scale speeds, so prudent throttle management must be practiced. Our prototype, powered by an O.S.®MAX .91 FS, flew smoothly and most scale-like at about 3/4 throttle. We also found that a 14 x 8 prop was perfect for this engine and model combination. Other engine sizes may require different size props, so start with the manufacturer’s recommendations that came with the engine.
ENGINE SELECTION
RADIO SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the quality 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.
PRECAUTIONS
IMAA INFORMATION
3
This is the list of hardware and accessories used to assemble the Ryan. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Five-channel radio (see Radio System Requirements)Three servos that have at least 45 oz.-in. or more of
torque (1 rudder, 2 elevators)
Three standard servos (1 throttle, 2 ailerons)(2) 24" Servo extensions for ailerons (HCAM2200
for Futaba®)
6" Servo extension for aileron (HCAM2000 for Futaba)“Y” connector for ailerons (FUTM4130 for Futaba)Engine (see engine selection)Propeller & spare propellersMedium Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131)4" Main wheels (ROBQ1537)2-3/4" White spinner (GPMQ4525)Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)Fuel filler valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160)Model Products #021 Remote glow plug adapter
(MODP1221)
R/C foam padding (1/4" HCAQ1000, or 1/2" HCAQ1050)Williams Bros. #62500 1/4-scale Standard pilot
(WBRQ2625)
Black fuelproof paint for cockpitOptional: 3/16" x 3/8" x 14" (or a similar size)
basswood stick and (6) #2 x 1/2" screws for removable forward servo tray (see step 8 on page 12).
In addition to common household tools (screw drivers, drill, etc.), this is the list of most important items required to build the Ryan. We recommend Great Planes Pro™CAand Epoxy glue.
1/2 oz. Thin CA(GPMR6002)1/2 oz. Medium CA(GPMR6008)CAApplicator Tips (HCAR3780)30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)Threadlocker (GPMR6060)Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line (for
stab alignment)
Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)Masking Tape (TOPR8018)Silver solder (GPMR8070)Small metal fileDrill bits: 1/16", #48 (or 5/64"), 3/32", 1/8", #29 (or
9/64"), 3/16", 7/32", 17/64" (or 1/4") drill and 8-32 tap or Great Planes 8-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8103)
Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)Covering sock (TOPR2175)
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual.
CADebonder (GPMR6039)6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)Milled Fiberglass (GPMR6165)Microballoons (TOPR1090)R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)Easy-Touch
Bar Sander (GPMR6170, or similar)
Felt-Tip Marker (TOPQ2510)Rotary tool such as DremelRotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)Curved Tip Canopy Scissors for Trimming Plastic
Parts (HCAR0667)
Hook and Loop Material (GPMQ4480)Dead Center
Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)
1/4" White Kwik Stripe striping tape (GPMQ1610)1/8" Chrome Kwik Stripe striping tape (GPMQ10884)Great Planes AccuThrow Deflection Gauge (for
measuring control throws, GPMR2405)
If you haven't done so already, remove all the major components such as the wings, fuselage, tail surfaces, cowl and wheel pants from their bags. Inspect all items closely to check for any damage. If any damage is found, contact the place where your Ryan STA was purchased, or Hobby Services, for a replacement of the damaged items.
There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6 x 3/4"
This is a number six screw that is 3/4" long.
Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per inch and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4"
This is a number four screw with forty threads
per inch that is 3/4" long.
Building Notes
General Inspection
Optional Supplies & Tools
Adhesive and Building Supplies
Hardware and Accessories
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
4
5
Parts List
1 Wing and Ailerons 2 Fuselage 3 Stab and Elevators 4 Fin and Rudder 5 Cowl 6 Cowl Ring 7 Wheel Pants 8 Rudder Fairing
9 Turtledeck 10 Fin Fairing 11 Stab Fairings 12 Wing Bolt Plate 13 Forward Wing Joiner 14 Wing Struts 15 Dorsal Fin 16 Engine Mount 17 Fuel Tank 18 Windscreen 19 Cockpit Coaming 20 Wing Dowels 21 Cowl Mount Blocks
Not Pictured:
Main Landing Gear Tail Gear with Tailwheel Aft Wing Joiner Forward Servo Tray Aft Servo Tray Instrument Panel Decal Hardware Bag
Replacement Parts:
GPMA2200 Wing Set GPMA2201 Fuse Set GPMA2202 Tail Set GPMA2203 Cowl Set GPMA2204 Windscreen GPMA2205 Landing Gear Set GPMA2206 Wheel Pants GPMA2207 Wing Struts GPMA2208 Rudder Fairing
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 epoxy is specified you may use either 30­minute epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When 30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that you use only 30­minute (or 45-minute) epoxy because you will need the working time and/or the additional strength.
When you get to each step, read that step completely through to the end before you begin. Frequently there is important information or a note at the end of the step that you need to know before you start.
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.
To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4
(1) 60-120 Engine mount (2) Metal solder-on clevis (2) Brass body for screw-lock
pushrod connector (4) Large nylon control horns (2) 1/4-20 x 2" nylon wing bolts (3) Nylon clevis (2) Hump strap for 1/8" wire (2) Trees of 4 flat nylon LG straps (1) Ball link (2) Nylon retainers for screw-lock (1) CA hinge strip (2) Nylon faslinks (2) 6-32 torque rod horn (2) 4-40 hex nuts (4) 8-32 blind nuts (1) 0-80 hex nut (1) 3/16" x 36" guide tube (7) Silicone retainers (2) 6-32 set screws (2) 6-32 x 1/4" cap screws
(7) #4 x 5/8" screws (1) 0-80 threaded ball (4) 2-56 x 3/4" cap screws (4) 8-32 x 1-1/4" cap screws (4) 8-32 x 1" cap screws (2) 4-40 x 1/8" cap screws (36)
#2 x 1/2" screws (4) 3/16" wheel collars (1) 2-56 x 12" threaded pushrod (1) 2-56 x 36" threaded pushrod (2) 2-56 x 6" threaded pushrods (2) 4-40 x 36" threaded pushrods (1) 6-32 x 1-1/2" threaded rod (3) #4 flat washer (8) #8 lock washer (4) #8 flat washer (2) Axles
Parts List
Hardware
10
7
1
18
16
17
11
15
5
8
12
2
19
6
3
4
9
7
13
1
21
20
14
Inch Scale
0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
Metric Scale
1. Use epoxy to glue the three plywood forward wing
joiners together. Wipe away excess epoxy before it hardens.
Refer to this photo for the following two steps.
2. Cut the covering from the pre-drilled holes in both wing
halves for the servo cords, the wing dowels and the wing bolts. Route the end of the string through the servo wire hole in the top of both wing halves and tape the end of the string to the top of the wing.
3. Test join the wing halves using the forward wing joiner
you glued together in the first step and an additional plywood aft wing joiner that fits in the slot near the trailing edge. Make adjustments where necessary for a good fit. There should be no gap between the wing halves. When one wing half is lying flat on the workbench the tip of the other half should be approximately 6-5/8" from the workbench.
4. Separate the wings and remove the joiners. Thoroughly
coat all mating surfaces, including the inside of the wings where the joiners fit, with 30-minute epoxy , then glue the wings together. Use masking tape to tightly hold them together until the epoxy has hardened. Excess epoxy that gets on the covering can be easily removed before it hardens with a tissue dampened with denatured alcohol or other suitable solvent.
5. Round one end of both hardwood wing dowels. Use
epoxy to glue the dowels into the wing with the rounded ends forward. Be certain approximately 1/2" of the dowels protrudes from the wing. While you've got some epoxy mixed up, lightly coat the dowels to fuelproof them.
6. Use a sharp, new #11 blade to trim the covering from
the bottom of the wing for the 1/8" plywood wing bolt plate.
6-5/8"
Join the Wing Halves
BUILD THE WING
6
Use care to cut just through the covering, while not cutting into the wood. Glue the wing bolt plate into position. Af ter the glue hardens, use the holes in the top of the wing as a guide to drill 17/64" (or 1/4") holes through the wing bolt plate.
Do the right aileron first.
❏ ❏ 1. Drill a 3/32" hole 1/2" deep in the center of the
hinge slots in the right wing panel and right aileron. A drill does the job okay , but a high-speed tool like a Dremel works better. Insert a #11 knife blade into the slots, working it back and forth a few times to clean them out.
❏ ❏ 2. Cut the covering from the hinge slots.
❏ ❏ 3. Cut four 3/4" x 1" hinges as shown in the sketch
from the supplied CA hinge strip.
❏ ❏ 4. Test fit the aileron to the wing with the hinges. If the
hinge slots are too tight, remove the hinges and use a #11 blade to slightly open the slots. If necessary, insert a small pin through the center of the hinges so they remain centered when joining the aileron to the wing.
❏ ❏ 5. With the aileron joined to the wing, remove any pins
used to center the hinges. Be certain there is a small gap between the leading edge of the ailerons and the wing—just enough to slip a piece of paper through or to see light through.
❏ ❏ 6. Apply six drops of thin CA to both sides of all the
hinges. Allow a few seconds between drops to allow the hinge slots to fully absorb the CA.
7. Join the left aileron to the wing the same way.
Do the right aileron first.
1. Cut the covering from the right aileron hatch in the
bottom of the wing.
2. Connect a servo extension cord to your aileron servo
wire. Secure the connection with vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing, or special clips intended for that purpose.
3. Tie the end of the string that is taped inside the wing
to the end of the servo wire. Pull the wire through the ribs and out of the hole in the middle of the wing.
Hook Up the Ailerons
1" 1"
3/4"
AWAY FROM THE SLOT
CUT THE COVERING
DRILL A 3/32" HOLE
1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER
OF HINGE SLOT
Hinge the Ailerons
7
Refer to this photo for the following two steps.
4. Drill 1/16" holes in the wing for mounting the aileron
servo. Add a few drops of thin CA to the holes and allow to harden, then mount the servo to the wing. Note that, for the right aileron servo shown in the photo, the servo arm points towards the middle of the wing and the output shaft on the servo is toward the trailing edge of the wing. When instructed to mount the left aileron servo, it should “mirror” the right servo with the servo arm pointing toward the middle of the wing and the output shaft toward the trailing edge.
5. Make the aileron pushrod as shown in the photo using
a 2-56 x 6" threaded one-end pushrod, a nylon clevis, a large nylon control horn, two #2 x 1/2" screws, a nylon Faslink and a silicone retainer. After drilling 1/16" holes in the aileron for the #2 x 1/2" screws, harden the holes by adding a few drops of thin CA and allowing it to harden before mounting the control horn. After you make the “L” bend in the pushrod wire for the nylon Faslink, trim the end of the wire so that approximately 1/16" protrudes from the Faslink as shown in the sketch. If necessary, enlarge the holes in the servo arm with a #48 (or 5/64") drill.
6. Mount the left aileron servo and connect it to the left
aileron the same way . Be cert ain you've inst alled the screws that hold the servo arms to the servos when you're done hooking up the ailerons!
Do the right one first so yours looks like the photos.
❏ ❏ 1. Cut the covering from the grooves in the landing
gear rails in the bottom of the right wing panel. Trim the aft rail (as indicated by the arrow in the photo) to accommodate the aft strut where it “angles up” toward the main strut. Trim the edge of the hole in the forward rail (as indicated by the arrow in the photo) to accommodate the bend in the main strut. Test fit the right landing gear into the wing.
❏ ❏ 2. Place an axle on the landing gear so it is parallel
with the leading edge of the wing. Temporarily tighten a 6-32 x 1/4" cap screw that holds the axle on.
❏ ❏ 3. Loosen the screw and remove the axle from the
landing gear. Remove the landing gear from the wing. File a flat spot on the landing gear where the screw made its mark.
Flat Spot
Mount the Landing Gear
8
❏ ❏ 4. Reposition the axle onto the gear and tighten the
screw. Be certain that the screw has “landed” on the flat spot and that the axle has remained parallel with the leading edge of the wing. If not, remove the axle and adjust the flat spot as necessary . Securely mount the axle to the landing gear with the 6-32 x 1/4" cap screw and a drop of threadlocker on the screw.
❏ ❏ 5. Fit of the right wheel pant over the gear. (The right
wheel pant is the one that fits the right wing best when fit over the landing gear.) Slip a wheel collar followed by a 4" wheel and another wheel collar onto the axle. Adjust the position of the wheel collars until the wheel is centered in the opening in the wheel pant. Temporarily tighten the outer wheel collar to the axle with a 6-32 set screw.
Refer to this sketch for the following two steps.
❏ ❏ 6. With the wheel pant positioned on the wing so the
wheel is centered in the opening, drill 1/16" holes through the wheel pant into the landing gear blocks where indicated by the arrows in the sketch. Enlarge the holes in the wheel pants only with a 3/32" drill, then mount the pants to the wing with four #2 x 1/2" screws.
❏ ❏ 7. Drill 1/16" holes into the wing over the landing gear
rails for the landing gear straps. Secure the landing gear to the wing with four nylon landing gear straps and eight #2 x 1/2" screws.
❏ ❏ 8. Now that the final position of the wheel pant, wheel
and wheel collars has been determined, remove the wheel pant and the wheel from the landing gear. File a flat spot on the axle for the set screw in the wheel collar that holds on the wheel. Reassemble all the parts using a drop of threadlocker on the set screw in the wheel collar.
8. Return to step 1 and mount the left landing gear and
wheel pant to the wing the same way.
While working on the fuse, it helps to have a stand or a cradle. We use a Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402).
1. Trim the covering from the fuse over the slots for the
stab and fin and over the holes for the rudder control cables.
2. View the aft former through the slot for the rudder.
Check to see if there is a balsa hinge block glued to the former for the bottom rudder hinge. If there isn't one, make a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1-1/2" (or a similar size) hinge block from a balsa stick and glue it into position as shown in the sketch.
3. Temporarily install the stab in the fuse. At the trailing
edge, measure the distance between the tips and the fuse. Position the stab until both measurements are equal and the trailing edge of the stab is centered.
1/4" x 1/4" x 1-1/2"
Balsa Hinge Block
Aft Former
Install the Stab
JOIN THE TAIL SURFACES
TO THE FUSE
Top of Wheel Pant Where
It Contacts the Wing
Landing Gear
Straps
Landing Gear
Blocks
9
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