Great Planes GPMA1870 User Manual

INSTRUCTION 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 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Wingspan: 26.5 in [675mm]
Wing Area: 168 sq in [10.8 dm2]
Length: 24 in [610mm]
Weight: 12.5-13.5 oz [350-380g]
Wing Loading: 10.7-11.6 oz/ft2 [33-35g/dm2]
Radio: 3-Channel (minimum) with micro receiver

and 2 micro servos

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.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2007

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMZ1870 for GPMA1870 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA

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

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................3

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE ................ 3

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

Radio Equipment and Electronics .............................. 3

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

Motor ..........................................................................3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEFORE YOU BEGIN ....................................................... 6

ASSEMBLE THE AIRPLANE ........................................... 6

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................... 9

Check the Control Directions ..................................... 9

Set the Control Throws .............................................. 9

Balance the Model (C.G.).........................................10

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 11

Identify Your Model ................................................... 11

Charge the Batteries ................................................ 11

Range Check ........................................................... 11

AMA SAFETY CODE (Excerpts) ................................... 11

CHECK LIST ................................................................... 11

FLYING ..............................................................Back Cover

Launch .......................................................Back Cover

Flight ..........................................................Back Cover

Landing ......................................................Back Cover

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

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 peple.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the exciting world of EDF (Electric Ducted Fan)
airplanes! Continuing on the great success of the fi rst pair
of planes to use the Great Planes EDF unit, the MiGLET
and the XPD-8, comes a sleek new design with a racing
paint scheme. Molded in fi nger grips on the underside of the
plane will allow you or a partner to launch the plane into the
air, while the thrust of the EDF unit immediately increases
airspeed to climb to altitude. After the fl ight, the magnetic
canopy hatch removes easily for a fast battery pack change.

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

1. Your Synapse 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 Synapse, 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 correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.

5. 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
pushrod connectors or servo arms often and replace them if
they show any signs of wear or fatigue.

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6. 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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

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

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.

LITHIUM BATTERY

HANDLING & USAGE

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with
the battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a NiCd/
NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150° F (65° C).

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave unattended
during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Radio Equipment & Electronics

The Synapse ARF requires a transmitter that supports elevon
mixing, a micro receiver, and two micro servos (9g or less). If
you already have a transmitter you are going to use to fl y the
Synapse, you can get the receiver and servos separately:

❏ Futaba R114F 4-channel FM micro receiver w/o crystal

(low band - FUTL0442, high band - FUTL0443)

❏ Futaba FM single conversion receiver crystal for R114F

(low band - FUTL62**, high band - FUTL63**)

❏ Futaba S3114 micro HT servo (FUTM0414)

Or, you can purchase a complete system (including transmitter)
specially packaged for park fl yers. If purchasing a complete
system, the Futaba 3FR Skysport (FUTJ53**) single-stick
radio is suitable. It comes with a micro receiver and two Futaba
S3108 micro servos. The transmitter is also equipped with a
rechargeable NiCd battery pack.

A lithium-polymer battery pack and suitable charger are
also required. Although there are different battery packs and
chargers available that will work with the Synapse ARF, the
economical choices recommended by Great Planes are:

❏ Great Planes 11.1V 910mAh LiPo 20C Discharge

(GPMP0605)

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly DC Lithium Polymer Charger

(GPMM3010)

❏ Great Planes Equinox

Note: The Great Planes 11.1V 1250mAh 20C LiPo with
balance connector (GPMP0609) will also fi t inside the radio
compartment of the Synapse. The 1250mAh pack will result
in a forward C.G. position, and the 910mAh pack will provide
a more aft C.G. position.

™

Cell Balancer (GPMM3160)

Speed Control

A brushless electronic speed control with BEC (Battery
Eliminator Circuitry) is required. The BEC allows both the
motor and the radio system to be powered by the same
battery (thus eliminating the on-board receiver battery). The
Great Planes Silver Series 25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A BEC
(GPMM1820) is recommended.

Motor

For optimum performance, the Great Planes 20-40-3500
Ammo Brushless Motor (GPMG5140) is recommended. If
you plan to use the Great Planes Silver Series 25A Brushless
ESC, you will also need to purchase the Great Planes Bullet
Adapters 3.5mm Male/2mm Female (GPMM3122).

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ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Foam safe CA glue can be used anywhere “CA” is called for
in the building instructions. Use only foam safe CA where
foam safe is specifi ed (regular CA may be used everywhere
else). 6-Minute epoxy is also used in the assembly of the
Synapse ARF. Order numbers are provided below.

❏ Great Planes Pro

(GPMR6042)

™

Epoxy 6-Minute Formula 4 oz.

❏ Great Planes Pro Foam Safe CA– Thick Glue 1 oz.

(GPMR6072)

❏ Great Planes Pro CA– Thick Glue 1 oz. (GPMR6014)
❏ 1/16" [1.6 mm] drill bit.
❏ K&S Round Brass Tube 3/32" (K+SR1268)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Synapse ARF.

❏ Great Planes Double-Sided Servo Tape 1"x3' (GPMQ4442)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏ AccuThrow Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❏ CG Machine
❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

™

(GPMR2400)

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Synapse 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
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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

Replacement Parts List
Order # Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces .........Contact Product Support

Instruction manual ...Contact Product Support

Full-size plans ...........................Not Available

®

or MasterCard

®

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 30­minute 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.

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA2744 Canopy
GPMA2745 Duct Cover
GPMA2746 Rear Duct Ring
GPMG3910 HyperFlow Ducted Fan

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