Great Planes GPMA1552 User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Wingspan:
Length:
Weight:
Wing Area:
Wing Loading:
38 in [965mm]
41.5 in [ 1055 m m ]
28– 32 oz [795– 905 g]
2
375 in
10.8– 12.3 oz/ft
[24.2 dm2]
2
[33–38 g/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
Radio: Four channel (minimum)
Five channel computer radio
with mixing capabilities
(for separate ailerons)
Motor: RimFire .10 (35-30-1250)
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.
Entire Contents © 2013 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.
Champaign, Illinois
(217) 398-8970, Ext 5
airsupport@greatplanes.com
GPMA1552 Mnl
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ESC (Electronic Speed Control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Flight Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Required Adhesives & Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install the Ailerons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Elevator & Rudder Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Stab and Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Install the Motor, Speed Control and Receiver. . . . . . 11
Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Install the Wheel and Wheel Pants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Finish the Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
INTRODUCTION
The Factor 3D EP ARF was designed from the ground up to
provide one of the best fl ying 3D airplanes available today.
Whether you are just learning to fl y 3D or are already an
expert, you will love this airplane.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Factor 3D EP ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then select
the Factor 3D 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.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
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 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 even 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 country. 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. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS...
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Factor 3D 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 Factor 3D, if not assembled and operated
2
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.
Transmitter
❍ 4-channel radio (minimum)
Receiver
❍ 617FS FASST 2.4 GHz receiver [FUTL7627]
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-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
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.
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.
Servos
❍ (4) Futaba® S3156 Servos [FUTM0656] [ 28 oz-in (2.0
kg-cm) @ 4.8 V of torque]
Connectors
❍ (1) “Y” harness [FUTM4130]
❍ (2) 16" extensions [FUTM3955]
Motor Recommendations
The Factor EP ARF comes with a mounting box for the Great
Planes RimFire brushless out-runner motor. The motor has
been tested with this plane and works well.
❍ Great Planes RimFire .10 (35-30-1250) Brushless Out-
runner Motor [GPMG4595]
ESC (Electronic Speed Control)
A brushless ESC (electronic speed control) is required for
the recommended motor set-up. We recommend using the:
❍ Great Planes Silver Series SS-35A Brushless ESC
[GPMM1830]
Propeller
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Factor 3D
EP ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build.
Radio Equipment
❍ A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and
receiver are required for this plane.
The servos and receiver shown in the manual are Futaba®
S3156 Servos (FUTM0656) and the Futaba 617FS FASST™
2.4GHz receiver (FUTL7627)
For our testing we used the:
❍ Great Planes 10 4.5 SF propeller. (GPMQ6660)
❍ APC 10 4.7 SF propeller. (APCQ5015)
Flight Battery
We recommend:
❍ Great Planes Power Series™ LiPo 2200 mAh, 11.1V, 30C
battery (GPMP0861)
or
❍ Flight Power® 2200 mAh 11.1V (FPWP6198)
3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Required Adhesives & Building Supplies
● 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.
This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required to
fi nish the Factor 3D EP ARF. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.
❍ 1/2 oz. [15 g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15 g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6 mm], 5/64" [ 2 mm]
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)
Optional Supplies and Tools
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Factor 3D EP ARF 580 EP.
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ 2 oz. [ 57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron [COCR2700]
❍ 21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
● There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number six screw
that is 3/4" [19 mm] long.
Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example
4-40 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number four screw
that is 3/4" [19 mm] long with
forty threads per inch.
● 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.
● We recommend 30-minute epoxy only, because you will
need the working time 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.
KIT INSPECTION
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 Ph: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: (217) 398-7721
E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Factor 3D EP 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.towerhobbies.com,
or by calling toll free (800) 637-6050.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, 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 Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822
4
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 productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at (217) 398-8970.
KIT CONTENTS
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order No. Description
GPMA2100
GPMA2101
GPMA2102
GPMA2103
GPMA2104
GPMA2105
GPMA2106
GPMA2107
GPMA2108
GPMA2109
GPMA2110
GPMA2111
Fuselage
Wing Set
Tail Surface Set
Canopy Hatch
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Spinner
Tail Wheel Wire
Wing Bolts
Wing Tube
Decal Sheet
11
5
3
2
4
66
10
4
12
8
9
7
1
Kit Contents
1. Fuselage
2. Cowl
3. Spinner
4. Wheel Pants
5. Wheels
6. Wing Bolts
7. Elevator
8. Stabilizer
5
9. Tail Wheel Set
10. Wing Tube
11. Left Wing
12. Right Wing
PREPARATIONS
Hinge Line Hinge Line
Correct Incorrect
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 4.
2. Remove the tape and separate the elevators from the
❏
stab. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on medium
heat to tighten the covering on the wings, fuselage, etc. if
necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly
bond the covering to the wood. Caution: The Factor 3D EP
ARF was designed to be strong where needed, but light weight
for excellent fl ight performance. Care must be taken when
assembling the plane to avoid damage.
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS
Install the Ailerons
wing. Install and then remove a servo mounting screw into
each of the holes you have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA
into the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has cured
install the servo into the servo opening. Center the servo and
then install a servo arm as shown. The arm should be pointing
towards the wing root.
Do the right wing fi rst so your work matches the photos
the fi rst time through.
Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods
1. Inside the servo bay a string is taped. Carefully
❏ ❏
remove the tape and string from the servo bay. Tie the string
to the servo lead. Pull the string and the servo lead through
the wing. Untie the string from the lead.
2. Install the servo into the servo opening. Drill a 1/16"
❏ ❏
[1.6mm] hole though the servo mount, into the wood in the
3. Drill a 5/64" [2 mm] hole through the hole in the servo
❏ ❏
arm as shown.
4. Thread a nylon clevis, 20 turns, onto a 6" [152 mm]
❏ ❏
wire pushrod.
Refer to this picture for steps 5-7.
❏ ❏
mounting plate from
the control horn.
Attach the clevis in the
outer hole of a nylon
control horn. Place
the control horn in line
with hole you drilled in
the servo arm. When
positioned properly
the control horn will
rest on a hardwood
plate in the aileron.
Mark the location of
the mounting holes
onto the aileron. Drill
a 1/16" [1.6 mm] hole
on the marks, drilling
through the plywood
plate but not through
the top of the aileron.
5. Cut the
6
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