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.

2

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).

3

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

4

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

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

1

4 5 6 7 8

1. Canopy Hatch

2. Fuselage

2

3. Lower Duct Channel Half

4. Aft Cone

3

5. Stator Extension

6. Ducted Fan Housing

7. Fan Rotor

8. Rotor Cone

5

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before building the model, please follow the assembly and
break-in instructions that can be found in the manual that
accompanies the included ducted fan unit.

ASSEMBLE THE AIRPLANE

1/4" [6mm] long and approximately 1/32" [0.8mm] to 3/64"
[1.2mm] wide and be perpendicular to the hinge line.

❏ 3. Cut away the front of the control horn base at the tab

of both control horns. Enlarge the outer holes of the elevon
control horns with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit.

❏ 1. Begin by gluing the elevon servos into the servo bays

with the servo splines facing forward. Thick foam safe CA
glue or epoxy can be used. Guide the servo wires down the
grooves molded into the ducted fan channel and through the
hole as shown.

❏ 2. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut slots for the control

horns 3/8" [9.5mm] from the inside edge of the elevons at
the leading edge just behind the bevel. The slots should be

❏ 4. Install the control horns onto the undersides of the elevons

by fi tting the control horn tabs into the slots you made. Secure
the control horns to the elevons with a couple drops of foam
safe CA. Clip the control horn backplates onto the tabs at the
tops of the elevons. Add another drop of foam safe CA to each
backplate to hold it in place.

6

❏ 5. Cut three arms from two four-armed servo arms. Enlarge

the outer holes in the servo arms with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit.

❏ 6. Attach a pushrod wire with a Z-bend at one end to

the outer hole of each servo arm. Secure the servo arms to
the servos parallel to the elevon hinge line using the servo
arm screws included with the servos. Attach a screw-lock
pushrod connector to each control horn using a screw-lock
pushrod connector retainer.

❏ 8. Attach 2mm female to 3.5mm male bullet adapters (not

included) to the leads on the brushless motor. Mix up a small
batch of 6-minute epoxy. Brush on a thin coat of epoxy inside
the duct channel between the mold lines for the ducted fan
unit. From the top of the plane, feed the motor leads on the
ESC through the same hole that the servo wires use and
connect the leads to the motor. Confi rm that the servo leads
are still positioned in the grooves in the duct channel. Fit
the ducted fan unit into position at the mold lines. The motor
leads should fi t into the notch just behind the hole that they
pass through. We suggest holding the ducted fan unit tightly
in place as the epoxy begins the hardening process.

❏ 7. Insert the other end of the pushrod wires into the screw-

lock pushrod connectors. Position the elevons in the neutral
position and thread a knurled thumb screw into the screw-lock
connectors. Tighten the screws against the pushrod wires.

❏ 9. After your model is assembled, the only way to remove

the ducted fan unit in case of repair or replacement is to cut

7

it out from the bottom. Because of this, we suggest marking
the location of the ducted fan unit on the underside of the
lower duct channel half. You can do this by pushing T-pins
through the inside of the duct channel half along the edges of
the mold lines. The holes left on the underside of the channel
half from the T-pins can be connected with a drawn line for
future reference. If at any time you need to remove the fan
unit, use a hobby knife to cut along the holes left by the T-pins
to extract the unit out of the bottom of the plane.

❏ 12. Connect the servos and ESC to the receiver. Install

the receiver and ESC in the locations shown. They can be
secured using small pieces of the included hook and loop
material or double-sided foam servo tape (not included).

❏ 10. Use thick CA glue or mix up approximately 3/8oz [5cc]

of epoxy to glue the lower duct channel half onto the fuselage.
Coat the area in duct channel half between the fan unit mold
lines with a thin coat of glue or epoxy. Coat the edges of the
duct channel half (being sure to use enough adhesive along
all contact surfaces) and press the piece into place aligning
the front air intake edges with the underside of the fuselage.
Wipe away any excess glue with a dry paper towel.

❏ 11. Glue the aft duct channel ring into place with thick CA

glue or epoxy.

❏ 13. The receiver antenna can be taped to the side of

the fuselage anywhere that it will not interfere with the duct
channel or canopy. For a clean look, we drilled a 3/32" [2.4mm]
diameter hole from the front of the lower duct channel where
it meets the fuselage up to the radio compartment. Be very
careful not to drill into the duct channel. Feed the receiver
antenna through the hole and out the bottom of the fuselage.
The antenna can then be tucked into the seam between the
lower duct channel and the fuselage. A few drops of thick CA
glue will prevent the antenna from falling out of the seam.

8

HOW TO CUT HOLES IN FOAM

❏ A. Using a brass or aluminum tube with a diameter of the

size hole you wish to make. Use a rotary tool with a cutoff
wheel to bevel a sharp edge onto one end of the tube. If you
do not have a rotary tool, a hobby knife can also be used to
carve the inside of the tube until the edge is sharp.

❏ B. Press the tube into the foam and twist. The sharp end

will cut a clean hole through the foam without tear out.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Check the Control Directions

❏ 1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and center the trims.

❏ 2. With the transmitter and receiver still on, check all the

control surfaces to see if they are centered. If necessary,
adjust the pushrods by the knurled thumb screws in the
screw-lock pushrod connectors, repositioning the pushrods,
and re-tightening the thumb screws.

3-CHANNEL RADIO SETUP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

ELEVONS MOVE UP

RIGHT ELEVON MOVES UP

LEFT ELEVON MOVES DOWN

FULL THROTTLE

❏ 3. Make certain that the control surfaces and the throttle

respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram.
If any of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use
the servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos
connected to those controls. Be certain the control surfaces
have remained centered. Adjust if necessary.

Set the Control Throws

❏ 14. Use the included hook and loop material to secure the

battery pack in the front of the radio compartment. Test fi t
the canopy hatch onto the plane and confi rm that it fi ts well.
If any of the electric components interfere with the hatch
seating properly, move the components or enlarge the inside
of the compartment or hatch as necessary until it fi ts well.

Use a Great Planes AccuThrow (or a ruler) to accurately measure
and set the control throw of each control surface as indicated in
the chart that follows. If your radio does not have dual rates, we
recommend setting the throws at the low rate setting.

9

NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevons (not including the fl ared inside tips of the elevons).

These are the recommended control surface throws:

High Rate Low Rate
ELEVATOR: 1/4" [6mm] up 3/16" [4.8mm] up

1/4" [6mm] down 3/16" [4.8mm] down

AILERONS: 3/8" [9.5mm] up 1/4" [6mm] up
3/8" [9.5mm] down 1/4" [6mm] down

IMPORTANT: The Synapse ARF has been extensively fl own
and tested to arrive at the throws at which it fl ies best. Flying
your model at these throws will provide you with the greatest
chance for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have become
accustomed to the way the Synapse fl ies, you would like to
change the throws to suit your taste, that is fi ne. However, too
much control throw could make the model diffi cult to control,
so remember, “more is not always better.”

❏ 1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately

mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 1-15/16" [49mm] back from

the leading edge of the wing at the fuselage (the seam
where the wing panels have been joined to the fuselage).

This is where your model should balance for the fi rst fl ights.
Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up to
1/8" [3mm] forward or 1/8" [3mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may be more diffi cult
to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the model
more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become too
diffi cult to control. In any case, start at the recommended
balance point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the specifi ed range.

Note: When setting the neutral points of the elevons, place a
straight edge on the underside of the wings from the carbon
tube back to the elevons. For your fi rst few fl ights, position the
neutral points of the elevons level with the wings as shown.

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point)
can have the greatest effect on how a model fl ies, and
may determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unfl yable.

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the systems in place including the receiver, ESC,
and battery pack.

❏ 2. With all parts of the model installed (ready to fl y), place

the model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine, or
lift it upside down at the balance point you marked.

❏ 3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery

pack and/or receiver must be shifted to balance. If the nose
drops, the model is “nose heavy” and the battery pack and/or
receiver must be shifted to balance. This model is very weight
sensitive. Do not add any weight to achieve the suggested
balance point. Instead, shift the battery pack and receiver
forward or aft to alter the C.G.

10

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fl y somewhere on your own, you should always have your
name, address, telephone number and AMA number on or
inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites
and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation
tag on page 4 and place it on or inside your model.

Charge the Batteries

Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should
always charge your transmitter and motor batteries the night
before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended by
the manufacturer.

General

1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events,
air shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has
been proven to be airworthy by having been previously,
successfully fl ight tested.

2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying
in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary,
an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid
having models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the

fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.

5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note:
This does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.

7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).

CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using
the slow-charger that came with the radio system.
This will “condition” the batteries so that the next charge
may be done using the fast-charger of your choice. If the
initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries
may not reach their full capacity and you may be fl ying
with batteries that are only partially charged.

Range Check

Ground check the operational range of your radio before the
fi rst fl ight of the day. With the transmitter antenna collapsed
and the receiver and transmitter on, you should be able to
walk at least 100 feet away from the model and still have
control. Have an assistant stand by your model and, while
you work the controls, tell you what the control surfaces are
doing. Repeat this test with the motor running at various
speeds with an assistant holding the model, using hand
signals to show you what is happening. If the control surfaces
do not respond correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct the
problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or broken
wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, poor solder
joints in your battery pack or a defective cell, or a damaged
receiver crystal from a previous crash.

AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERPTS)

Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy
of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety
Code refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site or
the Code that came with your AMA license.

Radio Control

1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.

2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.

3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with
fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight
line. Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.

4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies

currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles

of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with
the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the complete

AMA Safety Code].

9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the
ground, except while landing.

CHECK LIST

During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before
the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided
to make sure these important areas are not overlooked.
Many are covered in the instruction manual, so where
appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions.
Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.

11

❏ 1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements

provided in the manual.

❏ 2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely

mounted in the fuse.

❏ 3. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction

and the throws are set up according to the manual.

❏ 4. Check the operation of the ducted fan unit prior to

each fl ight.

❏ 5. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the servos

with the screws included with your radio.

❏ 6. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone

number on or inside your model.

❏ 7. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before your

fi r s t fl i g h t .

❏ 8. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.

FLYING

IMPORTANT: If you are an inexperienced modeler we
strongly urge you to seek the assistance of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot to check your model for airworthiness
AND to teach you how to fl y. No matter how stable or
“forgiving” the Synapse is, attempting to learn to fl y on your
own is dangerous and may result in destruction of your
model or even injury to yourself and others. Therefore, fi nd
an instructor and fl y only under his or her guidance and
supervision until you have acquired the skills necessary for
safe and fully controlled operation of your model.

Launch

We recommend fl ying the Synapse EDF ARF when the wind
is no greater than 16 kmph [10 mph]. Less-experienced
fl yers should fl y the Synapse only in calm (less than fi ve
mile per hour) conditions. Frequently, winds are calm in the
early morning and early evening. Often these are the most
enjoyable times to fl y anyway!

Until you have the Synapse properly trimmed for level fl ight,
we recommend having an assistant hand-launch the model
instead of launching it yourself.

Turn on the transmitter and plug the battery into the speed
control. Turn on the receiver by following the instructions
that came with your speed control. Secure the canopy hatch
in place.

IMPORTANT: Confi rm that the transmitter operates the
controls properly by moving the sticks and watching the
surfaces respond.

the hand launcher should gently give the model a toss into
the air with a slightly nose-up attitude. Be certain the model
is being launched into the wind and be immediately ready to
make corrections to keep the airplane fl ying straight, level
and into the wind.

When the model has gained adequate fl ying speed under
its own power, gently pull the elevator stick back until the
airplane starts a gradual climb. Many beginners tend to pull
too hard causing the model to stall, so be gentle on the
elevator and don’t panic. If you do pull too hard and you
notice the model losing speed, release the elevator stick and
allow the model to regain airspeed.

Continue a gradual climb and establish a gentle turn (away
from yourself and others) until the airplane reaches an
altitude of 20 to 30 meters [75 to 100 feet].

Flight

The main purpose of the fi rst few fl ights is to learn how the
model behaves and to adjust the trims for level fl ight. After the
model has climbed to a safe altitude, reduce the throttle slightly
to slow the model, yet maintain altitude. The Synapse should fl y
well and maintain adequate airspeed at about 1/4-1/2 throttle.

Adjust the elevator trim so the model fl ies level at the throttle
setting you are using. Adjust the aileron trim to level the wings.
It may take a few minutes to get the trims adjusted, but this
should be your fi rst priority once at a comfortable altitude.
Continue to fl y around, executing turns and making mental
notes (or having your assistant take notes for you) of what
additional adjustments or C.G. changes may be required to
fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way you like.

Landing

Begin the landing approach by fl ying downwind at an altitude
of approximately 6 meters [20 feet]. When the airplane is
approximately 15 to 30 meters [50 to 100 feet] past you,
gradually reduce power and make the “fi nal” 180° turn into
the wind aligning the airplane with the runway or landing
area. Do not dive the airplane, as it will pick up too much
speed. Instead, allow the airplane to establish a gradual
descent. Concentrate on keeping it heading into the wind
toward the runway. When the plane reaches an altitude of
about 3 feet [1 meter], gently apply a little “up elevator” to
level the plane, but be careful as too much up elevator will
cause it to stall. While holding a slight amount of up elevator
the airplane will slow and descend as it loses fl ying speed,
thus touching-down on the runway.

When ready to launch, the assistant should hold the Synapse
by the fi nger grips in the lower duct channel half, with the
model in front of him and pointed into the wind. With the pilot
(that would be you!) standing behind the plane, fully advance
the throttle to start the motor. When the motor is at full power,

Until you are able to accurately judge how far the Synapse
can glide, it may be helpful to reserve some battery power to
run the motor so the plane can be fl own back to the runway.

Best of luck and happy fl ying!