Hobbico Spectrum Assembly Instructions Manual

90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

If you, as the original owner of this model, discover defects in parts and workmanship within 90-days of purchase, Hobbico will repair or replace it - at the option of our authorized U.S. repair facility, Hobby Services - without charge. Our liability does not include the cost of shipping to us. However, Hobby Services will pay shipping expenses to return your model to you. You must provide proof of purchase, such as your original purchase invoice or receipt, for your model’s warranty to be honored. This warranty does not apply to damage or defects caused by misuse or improper assembly, service or shipment. Modifications, alterations or repair by anyone other than Hobby Services voids this warranty. We are sorry, but we cannot be responsible for crash damage and/or resulting loss of kits, engines, accessories, etc.

Your Spectrum ARF must be returned directly to Hobby Services for warranty work. The address is: Hobby Services, Attn: Service Department, 1610 Interstate Drive, Champaign, IL 61822-1067. Phone: (217) 398-0007. Please follow the instructions below when returning your model. This will help our experienced technicians to repair and return it as quickly as possible.

1. ALWAYS return your entire system, including airplane and radio.

2. Disconnect the receiver battery switch harness and make sure that the transmitter is turned off. Disconnect all batteries and drain all fuel.

3. Include a list of all items returned and a THROUGH, written explanation of the problem and service needed. If you expect the repair to be covered under warranty, also include your proof of purchase.

4. Include your full return address and a phone number where you can be reached during the day.

if your model is past the 90-day warranty period or is excluded from warranty coverage, you can still receive repair service through Hobby

Services

at a nominal cost. Repair charges and postage may be prepaid or billed COD. Additional postage charges will be applied for non-

warranty returns. All repairs shipped outside the United States must be prepaid in U.S. funds only. All pictures, descriptions and specifications found in this instruction manual and on the product package are subject to change without notice. Hobbico maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Take a moment now to match the box contents with the items listed below. Following the Spectrum assembly instructions will be

quite

easy if you

identify and organize the parts before you begin.

Replacement Parts Available

HCAA3710...Wing Kit HCAA3714....Canopy

HCAA3711 ...Fuselage Kit HCAA3715....Landing Gear Set

HCAA3712...Fin Set HCAA3716....Spinner

HCAA3713...Cowl

Landing Gear

Part # Quantity

5 Landing Gear Blocks.................2

6 Landing Gear Struts (L&R) .......2

7 Wheels ......................................2

8 Tail Wheel..................................1

9 Landing Gear Cover Plates.......2

10 Plastic Gear Cover ....................2

Wing Assembly

Part # Quantity

11 Wing Joiner..............................................1

12 Right Wing Panel .....................................1

13 Left Wing Panel .......................................1

14 Wing Bolt Plate ........................................1

15 Aileron Servo Covers ...............................2

16 Retract Wheel Wells ................................2

17 Wing Mounting Plate................................1

18 Aileron Servo Tray ...................................2

19 Front Root Ribs........................................2

20 Rear Root Ribs ........................................2

* Clevises ...................................................2

* 4 x 35mm Bolt..........................................2

* 4mm Washer............................................2

Clevis

4mm

Washer

You’re about to build in just hours what took aviation

pioneers years—a powered machine that flies. Specially created for you and other experienced radio control modelers, Hobbico’s Spectrum offers nearly all the excitement of piloting a real airplane...and develops skills that will take you anywhere you want in your hobby.

*Parts marked with an asterisk are found on the plastic parts tree.

Know Your Model’s Parts

Engine Mounting Parts

Part # Quantity

1 Engine Mount ....................................1

2 Pushrod Tubes ..................................2

3 Pushrod Wire.....................................2

4 Pushrod Tubes ..................................2

4 x 35mm

Bolt

Tail Assembly

Part # Quantity

23 Stabilizer and Elevator ..................1

24 Rudder and Fin .............................1

* Control Horns .................................2

* 2mm x 18mm Machine Screws ......4

* Clevises.........................................3

* Pushrod.........................................2

Clevis

2 x 18mm

Machine Screw

Fuse Parts

Part # Quantity

25 Fuselage ............................................1

26 Stab Base ..........................................1

27 Lower Wing Fairing ...........................1

28 Spinner ..............................................1

29 Cowl Decal ........................................2

30 Engine Mount Spacers ......................2

31 Cowl Side (L) .....................................1

32 Cowl Side (R) ....................................1

33 Cowl Top............................................1

34 Pilot....................................................1

35 Tuned Pipe Mount .............................1

Parts shown smaller than actual size (out of proportion).

Fuel Tank & Parts

• Parts Shown Below Part # Quantity

21 Fuel Tank ...........................................1

22 Foam Fuel Tank Collar.......................2

* 3 x 18mm Screw ................................1

* Silicone Fuel Line...............................1

* Plastic Stopper Compression Disks

(One Large and One Small)...............2

* Fuel Pick-up Weight (Clunk) ..............1

* Rubber Tank Stopper.........................1

* Aluminum Fuel Tubing

(One Short and One Long) ................2

Plastic

Parts Tree

Plastic Stopper

Compression

Disks

Pushrod

Rubber Tank

Stopper

Silicone Fuel Line

Aluminum

Fuel Tubing

Clunk

3 x18mm

Screw

Foam Tank

Collar

Control

Horns

Getting Ready for Flight

1. While building your Spectrum, make sure to follow 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 differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the instructions are correct.

2. You must install all components so the model operates on the ground as well as in the air.

3. You must check the operation of the model before EVERY flight to ensure all equipment is operating, and the model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check the clevises and other connectors often and replace them if they show signs of wear or fatigue

4. When you are preparing to go and fly your model, make sure to fully charge the radio system the night before, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fully prepare your field box, making sure you have the necessary items for starting your engine. Remember to take along spare propellers and glow plugs, as well as some epoxy and CA glue, just in case. Being prepared at the field will make your flying experience much more enjoyable.

Other Items You’ll Need:

Glues

Choose 6-minute and 30-minute epoxy, such as Great Planes

Pro™Epoxy, which has been formulated especially for R/C model building. Pro Epoxies offer a strong bond and a variety of curing times suited for every step of assembly. You’ll also need a thin instant-setting CA (cyanoacrylate), medium CA+, plus rubbing alcohol for easy epoxy cleanup. Great Planes Pro Threadlocker is also recommended to secure threaded fasteners.

Model Engine

Power your Spectrum with a hot 2-stroke such as an O.S

. .46 FX, or SuperTigre®GS-45. If you prefer a 4-stroke, an O.S. FS-70 is an ideal choice. Your choice of 2-stroke or 4-stroke will determine the location of the throttle servo and throttle pushrod exit on the firewall, so plan ahead.

Radio Equipment

In selecting a radio system for your Spectrum, you’ll need at least a 6-channel radio system with five standard servos. Many of the 6-channel radios offered include only four servos, so it may be necessary to purchase an extra servo along with your radio system. Unless you are planning to use a computer radio and mix the throttle servos, you will also need a “Y” harness for your Spectrum. The servos and receiver will be mounted on-board your model and need to be cushioned from shock and vibration. One-half inch thick foam rubber sheets (HCAQ1050) are available from your hobby dealer for this purpose

Hardware

Tools and accessories required for assembly include a hobby knife; small and large Phillips screwdrivers; needle nose pliers; drill with 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 11/64", and 7/32" bits; ruler; 2 feet of medium (3/32") fuel tubing; and 150 to 200-grit sandpaper.

Other General Items Required

Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8062) Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055) Clothespins 1/4" Foam Rubber (HCAQ1050) T-Pins (HCAR5150) Masking Tape String Felt-Tip Pen Sanding Block Adjustable Wrench Paper Towels Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) Plastic Wrap or Wax Paper Round Toothpicks Wire Cutter Thread Locking Compound 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Small Hobby Clamps Razor Saw

Your Hobbico Spectrum is not a toy, but rather

a sophisticated, working model that

functions very much like an actual airplane. Because of its realistic performance, the

Spectrum, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage property.

If this is your first low wing sport model, or if you are uncomfortable in making the initial flight of your Spectrum, it is recommended that you get help from an experienced, knowledgeable modeler with your initial flights.

You may also want to contact the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered clubs across the country.

Through the AMA, you should either be able to locate a modeler nearby that can help, or at least be able to phone one that can verbally instruct you for any potential problems that could occur. Contact the AMA at

the address or

phone number

below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Office: (765) 287-1256

Toll Free: (800) 435-9262

Fax: (765) 741-0057

Internet:http://www.modelaircraft.org

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others... Follow This Important Safety Precaution

WARNING! This is not a Toy! Please follow these safety precautions:

Before you fly:

1. Make sure that no other fliers are using your radio

frequency.

2. Your radio transmitter must be the FIRST thing you

turn ON, and the LAST thing you turn OFF.

3. Double check all control surfaces.

4. Make sure that the transmitter & receiver batteries are

fully charged.

Fuel storage and care:

1. Do not smoke near your engine or fuel.

2. Store all engine fuel in a safe, cool, dry place, away

from children and pets. Model fuel will evaporate, so make sure that you always store it with the cap secure.

When starting and running your engine:

1. Always wear safety glasses.

2. Make certain that your glow plug clip is securely attached to the glow plug and cannot pop off, possibly falling into the spinning propeller.

3. Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine – NOT your fingers.

4. Make sure that the wires from your starter and glow plug clip cannot become tangled with the spinning propeller.

5. Do not stand at the side of the propeller when you start or run the engine. Even at idle speed, the spinning propeller will be nearly invisible.

6. If any engine adjustments are necessary, approach the engine only from behind the spinning propeller.

JOIN THE AMA

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

Inch Scale

Metric Scale

❏ 1. If you are planning to install retracts, remove

the wood from both wing panels for the retract servo location. The wood has been partially precut for exact location.

❏2. Test fit the plywood forward center rib and the

balsa aft center rib on the left wing panel. The ribs should not protrude beyond the top and bottom of the wing. The forward plywood rib will extend beyond the leading edge of the wing. This extension will lock the front of the wing into the fuselage. Do not cut off the extension on the plywood forward center rib. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the center ribs to the left wing panel. Repeat this step for the right wing panel.

❏ 3. Draw a centerline on both sides of the wing

joiner. Test fit the wing joiner into both wing panels.

A snug fit is desirable. If the joiner does not fit properly, lightly sand any uneven surfaces from the joiner edges and sides. Note: The wing joiner has a slight dihedral angle on one edge. This angle will be on the bottom of the wing.

❏4. Test fit the wing halves with the wing joiner. If

necessary, sand any high spots on the root end of the wing panels so there is no gap when you join them. The top of the wing is flat, with the taper on the bottom of the wing acting as dihedral. Because of this, the wing can be joined with the top of the wing laying flat on your work surface.

Note: The dihedral angle is established by the angle of the root ribs and the dihedral brace. As long as the wing halves fit together tightly, you will have set the correct amount of dihedral.

Make a dry run of the following step without using any glue so you will know how to clamp your wing together.

❏ 5. Tape a piece of wax paper or plan protector

over your work surface. Thoroughly coat the joiner pockets and the mating ends of both wing halves

with 30-minute epoxy. Set the wing halves aside and proceed quickly. Coat all surfaces of one half of the wing joiner with 30-minute epoxy and place it in one of the wing halves. Coat the other half of the joiner with 30-minute epoxy and join the other wing. Use a piece of balsa or cardboard to wipe away excess epoxy. Use masking tape to tightly tape the wing together. Use a tissue dampened with alcohol to wipe away any more epoxy that oozes out of the wing, then set the wing aside. Do not disturb the wing until the epoxy has fully cured.

Wing Assembly

❏1. Remove the upper fuselage and lower

fuselage pieces from the main fuselage. Set these aside in a safe location for use later in the assembly of your model.

❏2. Locate the three plywood wing mounting plates.

Separate them and sand off any rough edges. Drill

7/32" [5.5mm] hole at the punch marks on the

plates.

❏3. Glue the three plates together in a stack with

the shortest on the top. Make sure the holes and front edges are lined up with each other and wipe off any excess epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Use clothes pins to clamp the plates together while the epoxy cures.

❏ 4. Install the blind nuts into the holes from the

bottom side of the mounting plate. (The short plate is on the top.) Gently press the blind nuts into position with a pliers or vise. Secure the blind nuts into position with a drop of CA on the flange and prongs of the nuts. Care must be taken not to get CA into the threads of the blind nuts.

❏5. Test fit the wing mounting plate into position. Once

satisfied with the fit, secure it using 6-minute

epoxy.

❏ 6. Place the wing on the fuselage. Measure

from the aft center of the fuselage to one wing tip and record the distance. Measure from the same point to the opposite wing tip, and compare it to the first measurement. If the measurements are not the same, adjust the wing and re-measure until they are equal. Place a mark on the wing so it can be repositioned for the following step.

❏ 7. Insert the 4mm x 25mm wing bolts from the

under side of the wing mounting plate. The bolts should slightly extend above the wing saddle so they can lightly touch the wing when it is placed in position. Paint the tips of the bolts with a slow drying paint. Before the paint dries, place the wing into the saddle, making sure it is in alignment. Press the wing against the bolts so the paint

transfers

onto the wing, marking the location of the bolts.

A=A

Wing Installation

❏ 8. Drill a 11/64" [4.5mm] hole at each paint

mark. The drill should be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the wing while drilling. The bolts must thread into the blind nuts squarely.

❏ 9. Position the wing bolt plate onto the bottom

of the wing. The plate should be positioned to equally cover both holes. Trace around the outside of the plate using a felt-tip marker. Carefully remove the covering from the wing where the plate will be installed, making sure not to cut into the underlying wood. Secure the wing bolt plate using medium CA. Once the CA has cured, drill the plate using a 11/64" [4.5mm] drill bit using the holes drilled in the wing as a guide.

❏1. Place the two plywood engine mount spacers

behind the engine mount if you are using a 2-stroke engine. Use four 3mm x 20mm machine screws to secure the engine mount to the firewall. Blind nuts have already been installed in the firewall for this purpose. (If you are using a 4-

stroke engine, the spacers are not required.) Coat the firewall, engine mount spacer and all other bare wood around the firewall with fuelproof paint or 30-minute epoxy thinned with alcohol. Fuelproof other areas of bare wood in the fuselage that may be exposed to fuel or engine exhaust such as the fuel tank area and the front and back of the wing saddle. Avoid getting epoxy in the threads of the blind nuts in the back of the firewall.

❏ 2. Temporarily attach the engine mount plates

to the engine mount using four 3mm x 12mm machine screws. Adjust the width of the plates to fit the engine, leaving a 1/16" [1.5mm] gap between the engine and plates. Tighten the screws so you can mark the engine mounting holes without moving the plates.

❏ 3. Position the engine on the engine mount

plates so the propeller thrust washer (or spinner backplate) is 4-3/4" [121mm] ahead of the firewall. Use a sharpened piece of wire to scribe the four

Engine Installation

engine mount holes onto the rails. Use a center punch at the marks to prevent the drill bit from wandering, then drill 1/8" [3.1mm] holes through the plates. Be sure to hold the drill perpendicular to the rails. If you have access to a drill press, this is a good tool for this purpose. Use four 3mm x 14mm machine screws, four 3mm nuts and four 3mm lock washers to secure the engine to the mount. Use threadlock on the nuts to prevent loosening.

❏ 4. Use the four 3mm x 12mm machine screws

and four 3mm lock washers to secure the engine mount plates to the engine mount. Use threadlock on the nuts to prevent loosening.

❏ 5. There is a 9/64" [3.6mm] hole in the firewall

for the throttle pushrod. Depending on your engine selection, you may drill a new 9/64" [3.6mm] hole for better pushrod placement.

❏ 6. Roughen the outside surface of the 13-3/4"

[350mm] throttle pushrod tube with coarse grit sandpaper. Insert the pushrod tube through the hole in the firewall which is in line with the throttle arm on your engine. Push it in until about 1/4" [6mm] of the tube is left exposed forward on the

firewall. Use medium CA to glue the tube to the firewall, but leave it free inside the fuselage until the servos are installed.

Note: There are three holes in the fuel tank stopper but not all of the holes go all the way through and only two are used for this model. Do not puncture the third hole in the stopper.

❏ 1. Push the two aluminum tubes through the

rubber stopper until 1/2" [13mm] protrudes from the front of the stopper. You will need to puncture the rubber stopper on the back to push the tubes through. Slide the large cap onto the front of the stopper, and the small cap onto the back. Push one end of the silicone pickup tube all the way onto the clunk, and the other end all the way onto the short aluminum tube. Insert the stopper screw into the center hole in the front cap, then screw it through the stopper into the aft stopper cap. Just start the threads in the aft cap or you won’t be able to insert the stopper into the tank.

❏ 2. Bend the long aluminum (vent) tube upward

at about a 45-degree angle, being careful not to

Fuel Tank Installation

+ 19 hidden pages

Hobbico Spectrum Assembly Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual