Great Planes GPMA1550 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 41 in [1040mm]
Wing Area: 353 in
Weight: 29 – 32 oz [820 – 910g]
Wing Loading: 11.8 – 13.1 oz/ft2 [36 – 40g/dm2]
Length: 39.5 in [1005mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum with micro receiver
Motor: RimFire™ 35-30-1250 out-runner

2

[22.8dm2]

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 modifi cation. 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 fi nal assembly or
material used for fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the fi nal 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.

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 n umber,
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]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008 GPMZ1550 for GPMA1550 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA

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

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

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

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

Radio Equipment ..............................................................3

Motor Recommendation ...................................................3

Propeller ...........................................................................3

Electronic Speed Control ..................................................3

Battery Pack ......................................................................3

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

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................................4

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

METRIC CONVERSIONS ......................................................5

KIT INSPECTION ...................................................................6

KIT CONTENTS .....................................................................6

PREPARATIONS ....................................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WING P ANELS ..........................................7

INST ALL THE WING P ANELS ...............................................9

ASSEMBLE THE T AIL SECTION ........................................10

INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS & PUSHRODS ......................12

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR ..........................................13

MOUNT THE MOTOR, ESC & RECEIVER ..........................14

INSTALL THE COWL, CANOPY & SPINNER .....................16

Apply the Decals .............................................................18

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ......................................18

Check the Control Directions ..........................................18

Set the Control Throws ...................................................18

Balance the Model (C.G.) ...............................................19

Balance the Model Laterally............................................19

PREFLIGHT .........................................................................19

Identify Your Model ..........................................................19

Charge the Batteries .......................................................20

Balance Propellers ..........................................................20

Range Check ..................................................................20

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................20

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE ........................20

AMA SAFETY CODE (excepts) ..........................................21

CHECK LIST ........................................................................21

FLYING .................................................................................22

Takeoff ............................................................................22

Flight ...............................................................................22

Landing ...........................................................................22

3D FLYING ...........................................................................23

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes
E-Performance Edge 540 EP ARF! Like the other models in
the E-Performance line, the Edge 540 EP ARF will deliver
the precision performance that 3D pilots are looking for. It’s
a great sport plane for the casual fl ier. As a new feature,
the Edge 540 EP ARF is designed with removable wing
panels around a carbon fi ber wing tube for transporting
convenience. The wingspan of the Edge 540 EP ARF will,
however, allow the plane to fi t into most vehicles without
removing the wings.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Edge 540 EP ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Edge 540 EP 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 gov erning body of model
aviation and membership is required to fl y at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It ev en applies
to fl ying 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:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

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.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Edge 540 EP 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 Edge 540 EP ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. Y ou must assemble the model accor ding 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 ma y
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the wr itten
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 fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
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.

2

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight 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 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.

❏ Futaba R114F FM Micro Receiver (Low Band – FUTL0442,

High Band – FUTL0443)

❏ Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal (Low Band –

FUTL62**, High Band – FUTL63**)

❏ (2) Futaba C-25 Extension Slim Wire 150mm (FUTM4506)
❏ (2) Futaba 16" [400mm] Servo Extension Futaba

J (FUTM3955)

❏ Futaba 6" Dual Servo Extension J (FUTM4130)

Motor Recommendation

8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, 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 cowl included in this kit is made of
fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye, skin and
respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part to remove
fi berglass 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 fi berglass parts.
V acuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after working
with fi berglass parts.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, 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.

The recommended motor for the Edge 540 EP ARF is:

❏ Great Planes RimFire

Out-runner Motor (GPMG4595)

Note: Motors from other manufacturers may work with the
Edge 540 EP ARF, however the included motor mounting
components are designed to work specifi cally with the Great
Planes motor listed.

™

35-30-1250kV Brushless

Propeller

The recommended propeller for the Edge 540 EP ARF when
using the Great Planes RimFire 35-30-1250kV motor is:

❏ APC 10" x 7 Thin Electric Propeller (APCQ4123)

Electronic Speed Control

A brushless electronic speed control (ESC) is required for
this plane. We recommend using the Great Planes Silver
Series 35A Brushless ESC 5V/2A BEC (GPMM1830).

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Edge 540
EP ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane. The servos and receiver
shown in the manual are Futaba® S3114 micro servos and
the Futaba R114F micro receiver. Two 6" [150mm] servo
extensions, two 16" [400mm] servo extensions, and a
Y-harness are also required. Order numbers for these items
are provided below.

❏ (4) Futaba S3114 Micro High Torque Servo

7.7g (FUTM0414)

Battery Pack

The Edge 540 EP ARF has been tested with 11.1V LiPo
packs ranging from 1250mAh to 2100mAh. Order numbers
are provided for packs of this siz e. The lighter 1250mAh pack
is suggested for maximum performance.

❏ Great Planes LiPo 1250mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0609)

❏ Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0613)

❏ Great Planes LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0617)

Note: Do not use Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 3S 8C
Discharge (GPMP0831). This battery pack is not capable
of supporting the current draw of the recommended
power systems.

3

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required
to fi nish the Edge 540 EP ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Denatured alcohol
❏ Drill bits: 1/8" [3mm]
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Hobbico

®

Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)

❏ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ 220-grit Sandpaper

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Edge 540 EP ARF.

❏ 21st Century

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Panel line pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Hobbico fl exible 18" ruler stainless steel (HCAR0460)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and motor thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
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 fl y,
please expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Edge 540 EP ARF are
available using the order n umbers in the Replacement P arts
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.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile 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:

• When you see the term test fi t in the instructions,
it means that you should fi rst position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify
or custom fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.

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

• Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specifi ed it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epo xy, 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.

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 [e-mail],
or by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available

4

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA3155 Wing Set
GPMA3156 Fuselage
GPMA3157 Tail Surface Set
GPMA3158 Landing Gear
GPMA3159 Wheel Pants
GPMA3160 Cowl
GPMA3161 Canopy
GPMA3162 Wing Joiner Tube
GPMA3163 Decal Sheet
GPMA3164 Battery Hatch

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Fin
LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood
" = Inches
mm = Millimeters
SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw
ESC = Electronic Speed Control

METRIC CONVERSIONS

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

1/64" = .4mm
1/32" = .8mm
1/16" = 1.6mm
3/32" = 2.4mm
1/8" = 3.2mm
5/32" = 4.0mm
3/16" = 4.8mm
1/4" = 6.4mm
3/8" = 9.5mm
1/2" = 12.7mm
5/8" = 15.9mm

3/4" = 19.0mm
1" = 25.4mm
2" = 50.8mm
3" = 76.2mm
6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762.0mm
36" = 914.4mm

5

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are 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

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

2

1

4

5

1 Cowl
2 Canopy
3 Fuselage
4 Spinner
5 Main Landing Gear (L&R)
6 Wheel Pants (L&R)
7 Main Wheels (2)
8 Horizontal Stabilizer
9 Elevator Halves (L&R)
10 Carbon Fiber Wing Tube
11 Tail Skid

3

5

6

9 9

7

13 14

8

10

11

12

Kit Contents

12 Vertical Fin & Rudder
13 Left Wing Panel with Aileron
14 Right Wing Panel with Aileron

6

PREPARATIONS

❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major parts

of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts
are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 6.

❏ 2. Carefully remove the tape and separate all the control

surfaces. Use a co v ering iron with a covering sock on medium
heat to tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the cov ering to the wood.

❏ 2. Insert the CA hinges halfway into the slots in the wing

panels. Push small T-pins through the middle of the hinges to
keep them centered. Insert the ailerons onto the other ends
of the hinges. Align the outer tips of the ailerons fl ush with the
wing tips. Pull the ailerons away from the panels far enough
to confi rm that the hinges remained perpendicular with the
hinge line. If not, use a hobby knife or small screwdriver to
nudge them straight.

ASSEMBLE THE WING P ANELS

❏ 1. Test fi t the pre-cut CA hinges into the slots in the wing

panels and ailerons. If any are diffi cult to install, enlarge the

slots with a hobby knife.

❏ 3. When satisfi ed, carefully remove the T-pins from the

hinges. Adjust the ailerons so there is a small gap between
the LE of the aileron and the wing. The gap should be small,
just enough to see light through the gap or slip a piece of
paper through. Use thin CA glue to secure the ailerons by
applying 6 to 7 drops onto both sides of each hinge.

❏ 4. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron

servo and wrap the connection with transparent tape or heat
shrink tubing (not included).

7

7

❏ 5. Trim the covering from the aileron servo bays on the

undersides of the wing panels. Also trim the covering from
the control horn slots in the ailerons.

❏ 7. Locate tw o double-sided servo arms that fi t the output

splines of your aileron servos and four adjustable clevises.

❏ 8. Temporarily connect your aileron servos and battery

pack to your radio and center the servos and trim levers on
the transmitter. Test fi t the double-sided servo arms parallel
to the aileron hinge line. If the servo arm does not fi t onto
the servo spline parallel to the hinge line, remove it from the
servo and rotate it 180°. Decide which way fi ts best (closest
to parallel) and cut off the arm that isn’t used. The remaining
arm should point toward the wing tip. Be sure to make a left
and right servo arm.

❏ 6. Insert the servo leads into the servo bays and pull them

through the wing ribs. The ser vos can be installed using the
hardware included with the servos or they can be glued in
place. If installing the servos in place with screws, thread a
mounting screw (included with the servo) into each hole you
drilled and remove it. Apply a couple drops of thin CA glue to
each hole to harden the wood. If gluing the servos in place,
slit or puncture the covering just beneath the servo mounting
tabs where they will contact the wing. This will ensure that
the servo will be glued to the plywood servo bay, not just the
covering. Roughing up the underside of each servo mounting
tab with sandpaper will also improve glue adhesion. Glue the
aileron servos into the servo bays using epoxy or CA glue
with the servo splines facing the LE of the wings. After the
glue has cured, confi rm that the servos are properly secured
to the wings and reinforce with extra glue if necessary.

❏ 9. Fit an adjustable clevis onto both 2 x 90mm carbon

fi ber aileron pushrods. Push/rotate the clevis from each
pushrod into the outer holes of the servo arms.

8

8