Great Planes GPMA1574 User Manual

Wingspan: 52.75 in [1340mm]
Wing Area: 589 in2 [38dm2]
Weight: 3 – 3.5 lb [1360 – 1587g]
Wing Loading: 11.7 – 13.6 oz/ft2 [36 – 42g/dm2]
Length: 45.5 in [1155mm]
Radio: 4-channel radio system with three micro servos

(minimum 30 oz.-in. [2.5kg-cm of torque]
Motor: RimFire™ 42-40-1000 or 42-50-800

™

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Great Planes

®

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from def ects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover an y 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 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 b uy er 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 CONTAINS
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

WARRANTY

CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008 GPMZ1574 for GPMA1574 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA

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

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

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

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

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

Power System Recommendations ......................................... 3

Battery & Charger Options ....................................................3

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

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

Accessories & Building Supplies ........................................... 3

Optional Supplies & Tools ...................................................... 3

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

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

KIT INSPECTION ........................................................................ 5

KIT CONTENTS .......................................................................... 5

METRIC/INCH RULER ................................................................ 5

PREPARATIONS ......................................................................... 6

ASSEMBLY ................................................................................. 6

Assemble the Wing ................................................................ 6

Optional - Dual Aileron Servos .............................................. 7

Assemble the Fuselage ......................................................... 8

Install the Elevator & Rudder Pushrods & Servos ............... 10

Out-runner Motor, Battery & Radio Installation .................... 11

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

Install & Connect the Motor Battery ..................................... 13

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

Set the Control Throws ........................................................ 13

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

Balance the Model Laterally ................................................ 14

PREFLIGHT .............................................................................. 14

Identify Your Model .............................................................. 14

Charge the Batteries............................................................ 14

Balance Propellers ..............................................................15

Ground Check .....................................................................15

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

MOTOR & BATTERY PRECAUTIONS ..................................... 15

PROPER CARE OF YOUR MOTOR ......................................... 15

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE .............................16

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .............................................. 16

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

FLYING ...................................................................................... 17

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

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.

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 ElectroStik 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 ElectroStik 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 may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the wr itten
instructions should be considered as correct.

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes ElectroStik EP
ARF. The “Stick” (or “Stik”) model is a popular and proven
design that has been around for many years with very little
change. Now we’ve brought this model into the 21st century
as an electric powered ARF that can be assembled in
minutes and fl ight ready in less than a day!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes ElectroStik EP ARF visit the Great Planes web
site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link and
then select the ElectroStik 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.

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 motor, 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.

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.

2

We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide 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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

(GPMM3015). The Great Planes Triton2 charger will only
charge one pack at a time, but is capable of charging NiCd,
NiMH, LiPo, and lead acid batteries. Order numbers for the
battery packs are provided below:

• Great Planes LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge
w/Balance (GPMP0623)

Note: A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery pack
listed above.

• Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox™ LiPo 1 to 5 Cell
Balancer (GPMM3160)

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

Radio Equipment

The ElectroStik EP ARF requires a minimum 4-channel radio
system and three micro servos with a minimum of 30 oz.-in.
[2.5kg-cm] of torque.

• 6" [152.4mm] servo extension for the aileron servo

Power System Recommendations

The recommended motor size for the ElectroStik EP ARF is a
RimFire™ C42-40-1000kV or a RimFire™ C42-50-800kV brushless
out-runner motor. Motor order numbers are pro vided below:

• Great Planes RimFire 42-40-1000kV brushless
out-runner motor (GPMG4675)

• Great Planes RimFire 42-50-800kV brushless
out-runner motor (GPMG4700)

If using the recommended brushless motor, the Great Planes
SS-45 brushless ESC is required.

Propeller

If using the Great Planes RimFire 42-40-1000kV or RimFire
42-50-800kV brushless out-runner motor, we suggest using
an 11" x 8.5 propeller.

• PowerFlo w 11" x 8.5E electric propeller (GPMQ6801)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Accessories & Building Supplies

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

❏ 1 oz. [28g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6002)

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Hook & Loop material (GPMQ4480)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Pliers (HCAR0625)
❏ Wire cutter (HCAR0627)
❏ Clear tape

• Great Planes Silver Series 45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A
BEC (GPMM1840)

Battery & Charger Options

The Great Planes ElectroStik EP ARF is designed for use
with LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) batter ies only. All LiPo batteries
require a charger specifi cally designed for charging LiPo
batteries. The use of a charger not designed for charging
LiPo batteries will result in damage to the batteries and
possibly a fi re. We recommend the use of the Great Planes
Triton™2 DC Peak Charger (GPMM3153) or f or charging more
than one battery at a time, the ElectriFly™ PolyCharge4™

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional items mentioned in the manual that
will help fi nish the ElectroStik EP ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Top Flite
❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ C.G. Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision magnetic prop balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ Threadlocking compound (GPMR6060)

3

❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 1/8" [3.2mm]
❏ Panel line pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ AccuThrow
❏ Hobbico

™

defl ection gauge (GPMR2405)

®

pin vise 1/16" collet w/6 bits (HCAR0696)

❏ Hobbico 7-piece ball tip hex L-wrench

metric (HCAR0521)

❏ Great Planes clevis installation tool (GPMR8030)

…And If You Really Want to Go Nuts

❏ Cooler fi lled with ice and soda
❏ Folding table
❏ Lawn chairs
❏ EZ-up or canopy for shelter
❏ First-aid kit
❏ Paper towels
❏ Spray-on glass cleaner
❏ Sunglasses
❏ Sun block

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• 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) 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 ElectroStik EP ARF is factory-covered with T op Flite
MonoKote fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote
can be patched with additional MonoKote purchased
separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls, but
some hobby shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small
piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied
with a model airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a
regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full
instructions for application. Following are the colors used on
this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

• 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. T o vie w 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 ElectroStik 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.

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:

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

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA3300 Wing Set
GPMA3301 Fuselage
GPMA3302 Tail Set
GPMA3303 Landing Gear
GPMA3304 Tail Wheel
GPMA3305 Carbon Fiber Wing Joiner Tube
GPMQ4404 10-24 Nylon EZ Bolts
GPMQ4273 4mm Low Profi le Landing Gear Axles

Missle Red – TOPQ0201
Jet White – TOPQ0204

4

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 Great Planes 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

Kit Contents

1

1 Fuselage
2 Right Wing Panel w/Aileron
3 Spinner
4 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevator

2

4

5 Left Wing Panel w/Aileron
6 Vertical Fin & Rudder

3

6

7 Landing Gear
8 Main Wheels (2)
9 Carbon Fiber Wing Joiner Tube

5

9

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

7

8

5

5

PREPARATIONS

Use a covering iron with a covering soc k on medium/high heat
to tighten any loose covering if necessary . Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the cov ering to the wood.

ASSEMBLY

Assemble the Wing

❏ 4. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets that were

included with the servo and place it in the aileron servo tray
as shown. Note: You may need to use a bent paper clip to
pull the servo connector out of the wing.

❏ 1. Install the 20-7/8" [530mm] carbon fi ber wing joiner

tube and the 1" [25.4mm] steel alignment pin into the right
wing panel as shown.

❏ 2. Carefully slide the left wing panel in place as shown.

❏ 5. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each mounting

hole location. Do not drill all the way through the wing;
the holes should be just deep enough to accommodate the
length of the servo mounting screws.

❏ 3. Fasten the wing halves together using the two included

nylon straps and four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws
as shown.

❏ 6. Install the servo into the aileron servo bay using the

servo mounting screws that came with your servos, with the
servo spline toward the front of the wing.

66

6