GREAT PLANES U-Can-Do 3D Ep 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 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-assemb led 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 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 WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY
AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0303 for GPMA1275 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 33.5 in [850mm]
Wing Area: 369 sq in [24 dm2]
Weight: 14-15 oz [380–400 g]
Wing Loading: 5 oz/sq ft [17–20 g/dm2]
Length: 36.5 in [925mm]
Radio: 4-channel w/ 4 micro ser vos and 30A brushed ESC
Power System: Ball-bearing 280-sized motor, 5:1 reduction gearbox (included)

™

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies.................................3

Optional Supplies and Tools ........................................3

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE AIRFRAME ...........................................6

SET UP THE RADIO SYSTEM..........................................8

INSTALL THE PROPULSION SYSTEM..........................11

APPL Y THE DECALS ......................................................12

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................12

Check the Control Directions.....................................12

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

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................13

Balance the Model Laterally......................................13

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

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

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

Range Check.............................................................14

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................14

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................14

CHECK LIST ....................................................................15

FLYING.............................................................................15

Launch.......................................................................15

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

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

Crashing......................................................Back Cover

Whether you’ re just learning aerobatics or are a seasoned 3D
veteran, you’ll enjo y the U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF.This airplane
combines the proven flight characteristics of the U-CAN-DO
3D family with inexpensive, easy-to-operate electric power
and an extremely resilient structure. When your airplane is
capable of bouncing back from unintended impacts with

terra

firma

, it’s just that much easier to learn to do maneuvers like

torque rolls, harriers, high-alpha rolls, etc.
The EPP material that the U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF is made

of allows it to bounce back from most crashes – just pick it
up, dust it off, and launch it again.Just because the airplane
is capable of withstanding crashes doesn’t mean it is
completely indestructible, however. If you drive the airplane
straight down into the ground at full throttle, y ou will probably
be making some repairs.

Take care to build straight and true as you complete the
airplane. Misaligned parts will hur t the airplane’s ability to
perform the extreme aerobatics it is designed for.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, then

select the U-CAN-DO 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.

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 fly at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefits, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to flying at contests or on the club field. It even applies
to flying 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
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

1.Your U-CAN-DO 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 U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF, 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 unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-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
flight 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 flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights.If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobb y
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or if an engine 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.

Remember:Take y our time and f ollo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with

this battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a Li-Po 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 fireproof location.

• NEVER tr ickle charge.

• NEVER allow the 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.

Recommended part numbers are include in parentheses.

❏ 4-Channel radio
❏ 4 Micro ser vos (0.3 oz [9g] or less each) (FUTM0042)
❏ Micro receiver (FUTL0442-3)
❏ Two 6” servo extensions (HCAM2000)
❏ Two 12” servo extensions (HCAM2100)
❏ 30-amp brushed ESC (GPMP2030)
❏ 1500mAh 3-series Lithium Polymer battery (GPMP0831)
❏ Deans Ultra Male plug (WSDM1302)
❏ Lithium Polymer Charger (GPMP3150, GPMP3010)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF.

❏ Low-temperature hot-melt glue and glue gun
❏ 60/40 tin/lead solder
❏ 1/2 oz Pro

™

CA for the carbon pushrods (GPMR6001)

❏ Covering iron (or household iron)
❏ Hobby knife with #11 blade

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the U-CAN-DO 3D EP ARF.

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Robar t Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Radio Equipment and Electronics

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

LITHIUM BATTERY

HANDLING AND USAGE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide y ou with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished 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.

4

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.When
a specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation. We recommend

using low-temperature hot melt glue for construction, but
some silicone adhesives (Shoe Goo, Goop, etc.) also work
well. When using hot-melt glue, it is possible to
disassemble parts after construction. Simply heat your
glue gun, and run the tip along the glue joint without
squeezing new glue into the joint.The glue will soften and
you can pull the apart the joint.

Do not use standard CA

glue on this model as it will dissolve the structure.

• 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.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes U-CAN-DO 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 Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.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 [phone].

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

Order Number Description How to Purchase

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

Instruction manual...........................................Contact Product Support

Full-size plans.................................................Not available

Kit parts listed below .......................................Hobby Supplier

GPMG0215.............Gear Drive

GPMG0860.............Replacement Shaft with Spur Gear

GPMG0239.............Pinion Gear

GPMG0311.............Replacement Motor

GPMA2786 .............11x4.7 Propeller

GPMQ4620.............Prop Saver

GPMA2785 .............Hardware Bag

GPMA2787 .............Decal Set

GPMG0216.............Motor/Gear Drive Assembly

GPMA2788 .............Cowl

GPMA2789 .............Wing

GPMA2790 .............Fuselage

GPMA2791 .............Tail Set

5

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 y ou need assistance with assemb ly,
contact Product Support. When repor ting 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 INSPECTION

1 Wing
2 Ailerons (2)
3 Fuselage
4 Stabilizer
5 Elevator Halves (2)

6 Elevator Joiner
7 Propeller
8 Rubber Bands
9 Prop Saver

10 Motor/Gearbox Assembly

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Control Horns (4)
Control Horn Retainers (4)
Z-Bend Clevises (8)
Small-Spline Servo Arms (4)
Medium-Spline Servo Arms (4)
Large-Spline Servo Arms (4)

1x130mm Carbon Aileron Pushrods (2)
1x150mm Carbon Rudder Pushrod
1x80mm Carbon Elevator Pushrod
Nylon Pinned Hinges (8)
Hook-and-Loop Fastener
Gearbox Screw

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

1

10

2

3

6

8

9

7

2

5

5

4