Hobbico NexSTAR EP, NexSTAR EP Select Instruction Manual

Wingspan: 68.5 in [1740mm]
Wing Area: 722 sq in [46.6dm2]
RTF Weight: 7.0 – 8.5 lb [3175 – 3855g]
Wing Loading: 22 – 27 oz/sq ft [68 – 83g/dm2]
Length: 56 in [1410mm]
Motor: RimFire 42-50-800

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WARRANTY

Hobbico® 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 Hobbico’s

liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further,
Hobbico reserves the right to change or modify this warranty
without notice.

In that Hobbico 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 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 INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF

E-mail: [e-mail]

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2007 HCAA0935 for HCAA09** V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS (AMA) .............. 2

SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES ............... 3

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

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

Hardware & Accessories ............................................ 3

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

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS ........................................... 4

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

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

A GUIDE TO THE NEXSTAR EP SELECT FEATURES ... 6

Brushless Power System ........................................... 6

CenterCore™ Wing Rib ............................................... 6

SpinControl™ Airfoil Extensions ..................................6

SpeedBrakes™ Training Flaps .................................... 6

PivotFlex™ Wing Mounting System ............................7

EasyAlign™ Tail Mounting System .............................. 7

SnapGear™ Landing Gear .......................................... 7

Futaba® PA-2 Pilot Assist Link ................................... 7

RealFlight® NexStar Edition ....................................... 8

ASSEMBLY ....................................................................... 8

Charge the Batteries .................................................. 8

Assemble the Wing .................................................... 9

Install the Landing Gear ........................................... 10

Install the Tail Surfaces ............................................ 10

Install the Motor Batteries ........................................ 11

SET-UP ............................................................................ 12

Center the Control Surfaces.....................................12

Check Control Surface Directions ............................ 14

Arming the Motor .....................................................15

Check the Control Throws ........................................ 15

Identify Your Model ................................................... 15

Balance the Model (C.G. - Center of Gravity) .......... 16

Balance the Model Laterally ..................................... 16

Setting Up the Futaba® PA-2 Pilot Assist Link .......... 16

Adjusting the PA-2 from Your Transmitter .................19

FINAL PREPARATIONS ................................................. 20

Gather the Necessary Tools ..................................... 20

Other Useful Items ................................................... 20

At-The-Shop Check List ........................................... 20

FLIGHT PREPARATIONS ............................................... 20

Check the Frequency ............................................... 20

Check the Controls ..................................................21

Range Check the Radio ........................................... 21

FLYING ............................................................................ 21

Taxiing ...................................................................... 21

Takeoff ..................................................................... 21

Flight ........................................................................ 22

Landing .................................................................... 22

MAINTENANCE TIPS ..................................................... 22

Covering ...................................................................22

Propeller ...................................................................22

AFTER YOU MASTER THE NEXSTAR EP SELECT

IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM ................................................ 23

SpeedBrakes Training Flaps .................................... 23

SpinControl Airfoil Extensions .................................. 23

Dual Aileron Servos ................................................. 23

Flaperons ................................................................. 24

Dual Aileron Servos & Flaps .................................... 25

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .................................... 26

General .................................................................... 26

Radio Control ........................................................... 26

PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST ............................................ 26

NEXSTAR EP SELECT SUCCESS GUARANTEE ......... 27

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Hobbico NexSTAR™ EP Select,
the next generation in Radio Control Trainers. You’ve made
the right decision by purchasing a “real” model airplane
equipped with a state-of-the-art brushless electric motor, a
6-channel radio, the Futaba® PA-2 Pilot Assist Link system,
and the latest in aerodynamic and assembly technologies.
Once assembled and set up, there will be no fi ddling with a
temperamental engine or constant troubleshooting to fi gure
out how to get the model to fl y. Under the guidance of an
experienced fl ight instructor, all you’ll have to do is concentrate
on learning to fl y. And after you’ve mastered the NexSTAR EP
Select, the motor, ESC (electronic speed control), and radio
system may be transferred to your next model!

We at Hobbico know how exciting a new plane purchase can
be and we know you’re anxious to get started, but please
take the time to read these instructions before attempting to
build and operate your model.

There are three parts to this manual. The fi rst part contains
a guide to the unique features of the NexSTAR EP Select,
followed by four pages of easy assembly. Lastly, a set-up guide
takes you through initial adjustments and fl ight preparation. Do
not overlook any of the important set-up procedures and be
sure to follow the instructions all the way to the end. Anything
skipped in the shop will have to be done at the fi eld anyway.

ACADEMY OF MODEL
AERONAUTICS (AMA)

If this is your fi rst endeavor in the world of radio-controlled
fl ight, we strongly recommend that you 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. Joining the AMA provides many benefi ts
but one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
The AMA can also direct you to the closest R/C club whose
membership includes qualifi ed instructors.

The best thing you can do to insure success is to fi nd a fl ight
instructor who will inspect your model for air-worthiness
and provide fl ying lessons. It cannot be stated strongly
enough that, if you do not already know how to fl y an R/C
airplane, you will probably not be able to fl y this model by
yourself. It may appear to be easy, but over-controlling and
disorientation quickly overcome inexperienced fl iers, swiftly
ending their fi rst fl ight. Many have tried to teach themselves,
but most become discouraged and end up quitting the hobby,
or destroy several models before they are ready to solo.

2

Contact your local hobby shop and ask them to introduce you
to an instructor or an R/C club representative. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the USA. If there is no
club or experienced R/C pilot nearby, it would be worth even
a long drive to fi nd one–if only for just a few fl ight lessons
(then you’ll have an idea of what to expect). If there is no
hobby shop in your area, 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

• 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 drawings or sketches. In
those instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

• 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.

• If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you should
fl y the model only with the help of an experienced R/C pilot.

Insurance coverage provided by the AMA is not limited to
fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld, but even applies to fl ying
at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to comply with
the AMA Safety Code (excerpts can be found on page 26 of
this manual) may endanger insurance coverage.

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.

SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION

CHANGES

All pictures, descriptions, and specifi cations found in this
instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
Hobbico maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in
this manual.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for the
NexSTAR EP Select, visit the Hobbico web site listed below
and select the NexSTAR EP Select. A “Tech Notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page if there is new
technical information or changes to the kit.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality
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.

• Before starting to build, inspect the parts in this kit to
make sure that they are of acceptable quality. If any parts
are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with
assembly, contact:

Hobbico Product Support

Phone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

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 in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ITEMS

Hardware & Accessories

http://www.hobbico.com/airplanes/index.html

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Your NexSTAR EP Select 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 NexSTAR EP Select, if not assembled and
operated properly, could cause injury to yourself, spectators,
and/or damage to property.

The following is a list of accessories required to make the NexSTAR
EP Select operational. Order numbers are in parentheses.

❏ (2) 8-Cell 9.6V 3600 mAh NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)

battery packs (GPMP0362)

❏ Hobbico Dual Peak NiMH Charger (HCAP0255)

The NexSTAR EP Select can also be fl own with a 5-cell
Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) set up. If you decide to go with LiPo
batteries, you will need the following items:

❏ *2S 3200mAh 7.4V 20C Discharge w/Balance (GPMP0622)
❏ *3S 3200mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge w/Balance (GPMP0623)

(*Use them together for a 5S set-up)

3

A cell balancer is highly recommended for the battery
packs listed above:

❏ Great Planes Electrifl y

1 to 5 (GPMM3160)

A suitable charger is also required:

The Great Planes PolyCharge4™ (GPMM3015) is designed
for LiPo packs only, but is able to charge four LiPo packs
simultaneously. The Great Planes Triton™2 (GPMM3153)
charger will only charge one pack at a time, but is capable of
charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo and lead acid batteries.

™

Equinox™ Cell Balancer

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you prepare the NexSTAR EP Select for fl ight.

❏ C.G. Machine
❏ Precision Magnetic Propeller Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ Stick-On Segmented Lead Weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Top Flite
❏ Top Flite Hot Sock
❏ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

™

(GPMR2400)

®

MonoKote® Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

™

Iron Cover (TOPR2175)

If additional assistance is required for any reason, contact Product
Support by e-mail at [e-mail], or by
telephone at [phone].

Description How to Purchase

Missing Pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction Manual Contact Product Support
Full-Size Plans Not Available
Kit Parts (see Replacement Parts List) Hobby Supplier

Replacement Parts List

HCAA3770 Wing Kit
HCAA3771 Fuselage Kit
HCAA3772 Tail Set
HCAA3742 Landing Gear
HCAA3774 Decal Set
APCQ4120 Propeller
GPMQ4515 Spinner
GPMG4700 RimFire Brushless Motor
HCAA3773 ESC
HCAA3737 Spin Control/SpeedBrakes
HCAA3748 Tail Mounting Screw (2)
HCAA3745 CenterCore Wing Joiner
HCAA3746 PivotFlex Wing Bracket
HCAA3775 Cowling

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the NexSTAR EP Select 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.

If ordering via mail, send parts orders and payments by
personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

WARNING: The motor, ESC, and propeller supplied with the
NexSTAR EP Select are a matched set and must be used together.
Should you choose to change one or more of the supplied
components, you will void your warranty on this product.

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Fuse = Fuselage
Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Fin or Vertical Stabilizer
LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
" = Inches
mm = Millimeters
ESC = Electronic Speed Control
mAh = Milliamp Hours
NiMH = Nickel-Metal Hydride
LiPo = Lithium Polymer
NiCd = Nickel cadmium
Prop = Propeller
C.G. = Center of Gravity
SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List and indicate the quantity of each
item. Payment accepted by credit card or personal check only;
no C.O.D.

4

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, inspect the parts in this kit to make sure that they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are not of
acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly, contact:

Hobbico Product Support

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

3

10

1. Main Landing Gear (2 pcs.)

2. Fuselage

3. Vertical Stabilizer & Rudder

4. Elevators

5. Horizontal Stabilizer

6. SpeedBrakes Training Flaps (2 pcs.)

7. Right Wing Panel w/Aileron

8. CenterCore Wing Rib

9. Left Wing Panel w/Aileron

10. Wing Rod

2

1

6

7

12

11

8

14

4

6

9

13

4

5

15

11. Spinner

12. Cowl

13. RimFire Brushless Motor

14. Propeller

15. Nose Gear Assembly

5

A GUIDE TO THE NEXSTAR EP

SELECT FEATURES

Brushless Power System

Though electric R/C fl ying has been around a long time,
brushless motor technology has renewed interest in the
hobby for old-timers and sparked a whole new generation of
R/C modelers.

The brushless motor used on the NexSTAR EP Select is a
Great Planes RimFire™ 42-50-800. Deatils about this motor
can be found at www.electrifl y/rimfi re.com.

The electronic speed control (ESC) used on the NexSTAR
EP Select is a Great Planes Silver Series SS-55D. This is a
6S LiPo (or 16C NiMH) programmable 55 amp ESC.

CenterCore™ Wing Rib

SpinControl™ Airfoil Extensions

These are the extensions that are installed at the LE near the
tips of the wings. These extensions were developed by NASA
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to help light
airplanes prevent stalls and spins during landing approaches.
That is exactly what they do for your NexSTAR EP Select.
They slow down the airplane, increase its stall resistance
and prevent it from spinning, all desired characteristics of a
trainer airplane. The wing extensions can be removed after
becoming familiar with the NexSTAR EP Select for faster,
more aerobatic performance.

The CenterCore wing rib is a nylon part that comes preinstalled
onto one of the wing halves. It performs several functions; it
aligns the two wing halves; it is a mount for the aileron servo;
the incorporated wing dowel holds the wing in place; it holds
and aligns the wing bolt to the PivotFlex Wing Mounting
System. Joining the wing halves and wing installation on the
fuselage have never been easier.

SpeedBrakes™ Training Flaps

The SpeedBrakes Training Flaps were designed to allow
your NexSTAR EP Select to fl y slower, reduce top speed and
shorten the landing approach. Thanks to these fl aps, your
NexSTAR EP Select will bleed off speed quickly when throttle
is reduced so that long landing approaches are not necessary.
Additionally, the top speed is considerably reduced to make
the airplane easier to handle. These SpeedBrakes can also
be removed after acquiring some experience with the airplane
for faster, more aerobatic performance.

6

PivotFlex™ Wing Mounting System

SnapGear™ Landing Gear

The wings of most trainers are mounted with rubber bands.
This allows for some fl exibility in case of a hard landing.
Rubber bands work well, but they are just plain ugly and a
mess. The PivotFlex Wing Mounting System combines the
looks of a bolt-on system with the fl exibility of rubber bands.
The new system allows the wing to move under sudden loads
(such as a wing tip hitting the ground) and will release the
wing from the airplane under extreme loads such as a crash–
all that while looking great.

EasyAlign™ Tail Mounting System

The Easy-Align Tail Mounting System aligns the stab with
the fuselage and fi n while tightening the tail bolts. The tail
bolts slide into blocks in the fuselage, located under the stab.
These blocks automatically align the bolts. The stab then
slides into its slot in the fuselage together with the fi n. As
the tail bolts are tightened, both the fi n and stab are secured
while strengthening the aft area of the fuselage. No tools are
necessary for installation.

To speed and simplify assembly, the NexSTAR EP Select
comes equipped with the SnapGear Landing Gear. This new
gear offers effortless main landing gear installation with no tools
needed. It takes only a few seconds to install the landing gear
and it can also be removed from the fuselage in seconds.

Futaba® PA-2 Pilot Assist Link

The Futaba PA-2 Pilot Assist Link module has been
designed to help you earn your wings. This module scans for
differences in light around the model to know the airplane’s
fl ight attitude so that when you release the sticks, it sets it
back to straight-and-level fl ight. Let’s say that you are making
an aileron turn. The PA-2 will prevent the airplane from losing
or gaining altitude. If you lose sight of the airplane’s attitude
for a second, release your sticks and your airplane will go
back to fl ying straight and level in about one second. When
fl ying in wind, the PA-2 will make your plane fl y rock solid,
even when close to the ground. This is a great learning tool,
and as you learn, you can decrease its sensitivity until you do
not need it any more. Please see the “Setting up the Futaba
PA-2 Pilot Assist Link” section on page 16 of this manual
before using it.

7

RealFlight® NexSTAR Edition

On top of the previously mentioned items, there is still one
last treat in your NexSTAR EP Select package: A RealFlight
NexSTAR EP Edition CD-ROM. RealFlight is the best R/C
airplane simulator in the market, and it is a great learning tool.
Once installed in your computer, RealFlight will allow you to
use your own NexSTAR EP Select Radio Transmitter to fl y
your NexSTAR EP Select on your computer. Simulators are
great learning tools because they allow you to learn about
airplane orientation, fl ying speed, stalling performance, take
off and landing, and the whole spectrum of fl ight without any
risk. The physics of RealFlight are so close to reality that you
will be amazed. The RealFlight NexSTAR EP edition also
lets you practice with your transmitter and all the controls
in it. Learn to fl y with RealFlight, practice new maneuvers
and once you feel confi dent, get out there and enjoy your
NexSTAR EP Select.

❏ 1. The receiver battery pack and the motor batteries (not

included) can easily be accessed by opening the battery
compartment. Grasp the front windshield and lift carefully as
shown. The battery compartment cover is held in place with
two small, but powerful magnets.

❏ 2. Connect the plug from the receiver battery pack, labeled

“Battery 1,” to the plug from the on/off switch, labeled “Battery

2.” Do not force them together; they are designed to fi t together
only one way.

ASSEMBLY

Charge the Batteries

First, a word about the different batteries associated with
this airplane.

Generally, batteries are shipped with a partial or “residual”
charge. If you plan to assemble the plane now, this will probably
be enough of a charge to set-up your airplane but you will
need to give them a full charge before attempting to fl y. This
applies to the transmitter, receiver, and motor batteries. If you
plan to assemble the plane later, charge the radio system
batteries following the instructions in the instruction manual;
this is typically an overnight charge.

This would also be a good time to charge the motor batteries.
You will need to refer to your charger’s instruction manual for
proper charging procedures.

While the batteries are charging, feel free to begin assembling
the airplane.

❏ 3. When charging the receiver battery, connect the charger

to the plug labeled “Charge” inside the fuselage. Note: This
battery must be charged at least 15 hours with the charger
supplied with the radio system before use.

WARNING! Do not connect the motor batteries until
instructed to do so.

❏ 4. If you’d like, you may replace the battery compartment

cover and set the fuselage aside until assembly is complete.

8

Assemble the Wing

For this section you will need:

1-Left Wing
1-Right Wing
1-360mm [14-1/8"] Steel

Wing Rod
1-25mm [1"] Steel
Alignment Pin

Please note that all images show the bottom of the wing.

2-4 x 25mm Screws
6-4 x 8mm Screws
2-Fixed Flaps
1-Phillips Screwdriver

❏ 3. Use two 4 x 25mm screws to hold the two wing halves

together.

❏ 1. Install the 360mm [14-1/8"] wing rod and the 25mm [1"]

steel alignment pin into the right wing CenterCore wing rib.
The wire you see coming out of the servo is the servo lead.
This servo lead will not be used until the “Center the Control
Surfaces” section on page 12.

❏ 2. Carefully slide the left wing all the way onto the rod and

into the CenterCore wing rib. The wing needs to be pushed in
all the way until it stops.

❏ 4. Remove the tape that holds the aileron pushrods

together and install the left aileron pushrod on the left aileron
horn. Slip the clevis retainer onto the clevis.

❏ 5. Locate one of the SpeedBrake Training Flaps. There are

three small holes drilled into the TE of the wing near the center.
Install the fl ap to the wing using three 2 x 6mm screws. The
inner end of the fl ap should align with the end of the aileron.

9