Instruction Manual•Bedienungsanleitung•Manuel d’utilisation•Manuale di Istruzioni
®
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NOTICE
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product
literature, visit www.horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language:
Meaning of Special Language:
The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when operating this product:
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, collateral damage, and serious injury OR create a high
probability of superfi cial injury.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the product before operating. Failure to operate the product
correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property and cause serious injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use
by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components or augment product in any way without the
approval of Horizon Hobby, Inc. This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions
and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.
EN
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating in a manner that does not endanger yourself and others or result in damage to the product or
the property of others.
• Always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model to avoid collisions or injury. This model is controlled by a radio signal subject to interference
from many sources outside your control. Interference can cause momentary loss of control
• Always operate your model in open spaces away from full-size vehicles, traffi c and people.
• Always carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.).
• Always keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
• Always avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifi cally designed and protected for this purpose. Moisture causes damage to electronics.
• Never place any portion of the model in your mouth as it could cause serious injury or even death.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
Firebird Stratos
Page 3
EN
3
Included in the Box
Transmitter
Battery and Charger
Number Decal Sheet
42.0 inch (1070 mm)
Your HobbyZone® Firebird Stratos™ aircraft includes everything you need to enjoy the adventure
and excitement of Radio Control fl ight. Even if
you’ve never been at the controls of a quality
hobby-grade aircraft, state-of-the-art electronic
assistance from the on-board Virtual Instruc-
™
tor
technology will help you quickly master the
controls to soar into the sky. Advanced features
allow you to progress gradually into aerobatics
and perfect three-point landings.
Completely designed and developed in the
United States, the easy-to-fl y HobbyZone Firebird
Stratos is the creation of multi-national and World
RC Aerobatic Champion Quique Somenzini, in
cooperation with Mirco Picorari of Aircraft Studio
Design and George Hicks, renowned aeronautical
engineer. Their painstaking infl uence and expertise
means that you can expect performance even an
RC expert can appreciate.
Contact Information ................................22
FCC Information ......................................22
Compliance Information for the
European Union ......................................22
Parts Contact Information .......................85
Replacement Parts ..................................85
Optional Parts .........................................85
30.0 inch (765mm)
17.0 oz (482 g)
To register your product online, visit www.hobbyzonerc.com
Specifi cations
Motor: (2) 180 brushed
Battery: 2S 1300mAh Li-Po
Battery Charger: DC powered 2S
balancing fast charger
Transmitter:
2.4 GHz Transmitter
Instruction Manual
Page 4
4
Charging the Flight Battery
Your aircraft comes with a DC Flight Battery
charger that is specifi cally designed to charge
the included 2S Li-Po battery.
1. Insert charger into car outlet.
2. Connect battery to charger.
3. Charge battery for approximately 1 hour
(LED solid red).
4. Disconnect battery after charging (LED off).
CAUTION: When connecting the battery to the
battery charger, make sure the two connectors
are correctly oriented. Failure to do so could
cause the battery terminals to short, resulting
in fi re, which could lead to property damage
and injury.
Charger Specifi cations
• Input power: 10–14V
• Max output voltage: 8.4V
• Fixed charge current: 1.5A
• Balances and charges 2S Li-Po cells with a
minimum capacity of 1300mAh
Charging Warnings
EN
1
2
• By handling, charging or using the included
Li-Po battery, you assume all risks associated
with lithium batteries.
• If at any time the battery begins to balloon or
swell, discontinue use immediately. If charging
or discharging, discontinue and disconnect.
Continuing to use, charge or discharge a battery that is ballooning or swelling can result
in fi re.
• Always store the battery at room temperature
in a dry area for best results.
• Always transport or temporarily store the
battery in a temperature range of 40–120º F
(5–49º C). Do not store battery or aircraft in a
car or direct sunlight. If stored in a hot car, the
battery can be damaged or even catch fi re.
• Always charge batteries away from fl ammable
materials.
• Always inspect the battery before charging and
never charge dead or damaged batteries.
• Always disconnect the battery after charging,
and let the charger cool between charges.
• Always constantly monitor the temperature of
the battery pack while charging.
• ONLY USE A CHARGER SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO CHARGE LI-PO BATTERIES. Failure
to charge the battery with a compatible charger may cause fi re resulting in personal injury
and/or property damage
• Never discharge Li-Po cells to below 3V under
load.
• Never cover warning labels with hook and loop
strips.
• Never leave charging batteries unattended.
• Never charge batteries outside recommended
levels.
• Never attempt to dismantle or alter the charger.
• Never allow minors under the age of 14 to
charge battery packs..
• Never charge batteries in extremely hot or cold
places (recommended between 40–120° F or
5–49° C) or place in direct sunlight.
3
1 hr
4
CAUTION: All instructions and warnings must
be followed exactly. Mishandling of Li-Po
batteries can result in a fi re, personal injury,
and/or property damage.
Firebird Stratos
Page 5
EN
5
Transmitter
Installing the Transmitter Batteries
2
1
3
4
Insert included batteries in the transmitter as
shown.
CAUTION: If using rechargeable batteries, charge only rechargeable batteries.
Charging non-rechargeable batteries may
cause the batteries to burst, resulting in injury to persons and/or damage to property.
CAUTION: Do not pick up the transmitter by the antenna. Do not alter or put
weight on the antenna. Damage to antenna
parts can decrease transmitter signal
strength, which can result in loss of aircraft
control, injury or property damage.
Throttle
Throttle
Trim
Power
Switch
Elevator
Elevator
Trim
Mode 2
Mode 1
Elevator/
Steering
(Rudder)
Steering
(Rudder)
Trim
Elevator
Trim
LED
Throttle/
Steering
(Rudder)
Steering
(Rudder)
Trim
Throttle
Trim
Understanding the Controls of the
Transmitter
The diagram to the left shows the transmitter
controls for Mode 2 and Mode 1 transmitters.
Power
Switch
LED
Instruction Manual
Page 6
6
Flight Control
For smooth control of your aircraft, always make
small control moves. All directions are described
as if you were sitting in the aircraft.
For example, when the aircraft’s nose is pointing toward you, left steering (rudder) will turn
the aircraft left (your right while holding the
transmitter).
• Flying faster or slower: When your aircraft
is stable in the air, push the throttle stick up
to make the aircraft go faster, and pull the
throttle stick back to slow down. The aircraft
will climb when the throttle is increased.
• Elevator up and down: Push the elevator
stick forward to make the aircraft go down
and pull the elevator stick back to go up.
• Steering right and left: Move the steering stick
right to make the aircraft go right and move
the steering stick left to go left (as if you are
seated in the cockpit).
For the fi rst fl ights, make sure the transmitter is
set in low rate (LED slowly blinking).
Mode 2Mode 1
EN
Steering
(Rudder)
Speed
(Throttle)
Virtual Instructor™
Technology
The Virtual Instructor™ technology
features 4 assisting systems:
Wing Leveling–Uses a stabilization
sensor to keep the wings level during
normal fl ight.
What you will see...after the throttle is
increased above 50%, the propellers
will turn when rudder is applied or the
aircraft is moved.
Rudder to Elevator Mixing–Assists with
stability during turns.
What you will see...the elevator moves
when the rudder is moved.
Throttle to Elevator Mixing–Aids in
control during descending and landing.
What you will see...the elevator moves
when the throttle stick is moved
below 50%.
Rudder to motor (differential thrust)
mix–Supports wing leveling to make
more powerful corrections.
What you will see...after the throttle is
increased above 50%, the propellers
will turn when rudder is applied or the
aircraft is moved.
Elevator
Steering
(Rudder)
Speed
(Throttle)
These automatic systems work together
to help prevent the kind of situations
experienced by new pilots, such as overcorrection, that can lead to accidents.
Online
For ADVANCED Flying tips go online and visit
www.hobbyzonerc.com to see Quique’s Tips.
Firebird Stratos
Elevator
Page 7
EN
7
Flight Trimming
Steering (Rudder) Trim
Elevator Trim
Steering (Rudder) trim:
• When the aircraft drifts left or right while
the steering stick is at the neutral position
(centered), push the steering trim button by
one “beep” increments OPPOSITE the direction of drift.
• Adjust trim so the aircraft fl ies straight when
the control stick is neutral.
Elevator trim:
Only trim the aircraft at half throttle. When
trimmed correctly, your aircraft climbs steadily at
full throttle and will fl y level at half throttle.
• When the aircraft’s nose drifts up or down
while the elevator stick is at neutral (centered)
position, push the elevator trim button by
one or two “beep” increments OPPOSITE the
direction of drift.
• Adjust trim so the aircraft fl ies straight and
level when the elevator stick is neutral.
You can return any trim setting to neutral by
holding down the opposite trim button until
the neutral (3 beep tone) occurs.
Tip!
A
The LED Indicator
The LED (A) on the transmitter displays two
functions.
Function 1: Indicates the transmitter is in High
or Low Rate (for more information see the Dual Rates section). The transmitter’s default Dual
Rate position is low rate.
LED Slow Blinking – Indicates that the transmitter is in low rate.
LED Solid – Indicates that the transmitter is in
high rate.
Function 2: LED fl ashing with beeps indicates
that the transmitter has been put into bind mode
(for further explanation see Binding section).
Instruction Manual
Page 8
8
Installing the Tail
To install the tail onto the fuselage of your
aircraft, start by following the two easy steps
below:
1. Insert the tail into the slot of the fuselage.
Center it by using the centering guides (A)
located on the top side of the tail.
2. Once the tail is in place and centered, apply
8 pieces of tape (included) to secure it into
position, four on top and four on the bottom.
EN
1
2
A
Attaching the Clevis to the
Control Horn.
Finish the installation of the tail by connecting
the control rod with the clevis on the tail
control horn.
1. Open the clevis and put the pin in the top hole of the control horn.
2. If adjustment of length is needed, hold the
connector with pliers or hemostats and turn
the clevis clockwise or counterclockwise on
the connector.
3. Close the clevis onto the control horn and
slide the tube towards the horn to tighten
the clevis.
Clevis
Control Horn
1
2
Firebird Stratos
3
Page 9
EN
9
B
A
2
Lower throttle and throttle trim (Mode 2 shown)
1
To achieve the lowest throttle
trim setting, hold down the
throttle trim button until the
tones stop.
Once arming of the ESC is
complete, return the throttle
trim to neutral by holding
down the top button until
the neutral (3 beep tone)
occurs.
Connect the Flight battery to the aircraft
2
C
Installing the Flight Battery
Locate the battery compartment on the bottom
of the aircraft.
1. Turn the latch (A) and remove battery
door (B).
2. Install the fl ight battery (C) in the forwardmost portion of the battery compartment
using hook and loop strips.
– Do Not connect the wires at this time –
3. After connecting the battery, replace the
door on the battery comparment and turn
the latch.
Arming the Electronic Speed
Control (ESC)
Arming the ESC is required every time you
perform a motor test or are ready to fl y. To Arm
the ESC, follow the steps below:
1. Lower the throttle stick and throttle trim to
their lowest settings and power on your
transmitter.
2. Connect the fl ight battery to the aircraft
3. Once the battery is connected, the aircraft
must be immobile for 5 seconds.
CAUTION: Always keep hands away
from the propeller. When armed, the motor
will turn the propeller in response to any
throttle movement.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the LiPo fl ight battery from the aircraft receiver
when not fl ying to avoid over-discharging
the battery. Batteries discharged to a voltage lower than the lowest approved voltage
may become damaged, resulting in loss of
performance and potential fi re when batteries are charged.
Immobilize for 5 seconds
3
LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff)
LVC is a mechanism built into your ESC to
protect the battery from over-discharge. When
the battery charge is too low, LVC limits power
supplied to the motor. The aircraft will begin to
slow and you will hear the motors pulse.
Battery Precautions for Flight
• Keep the aircraft close until you get familiar
with fl ight time.
• Do not fl y to LVC (motors pulsing) repeatedly.
This may result in battery damage.
• Always disconnect and remove the fl ight
battery from the receiver when fi nished
fl ying.
Instruction Manual
Page 10
10
EN
Tail Control Surface
Control Surface Test
The purpose of performing the tail control test is
to confi rm that all of the control surfaces move
correctly according to your stick movements.
1. Power on the transmitter.
2. Install a fully charged fl ight battery and allow
the aircraft’s ESC to initialize.
Reminder!
Every time the aircraft is turned on,
immobilize the aircraft for 5 seconds.
Test the Elevator
• Test your Elevator control by moving your
elevator stick down and up. Make sure that
the elevator responds according to
the illustrations.
Test the Rudder
• Test your rudder control by moving your
rudder stick left and right. Make sure that the
rudder responds according to the
illustrations.
Mode 2
Up
Elevator
Down
Elevator
Left
Rudder
Mode 1
When testing the Rudder, Virtual Instructor
will cause the Elevator to move as well.
Control Surface Centering
Before the fi rst fl ights, or in the event of an
accident, make sure the control surfaces
(Rudder and Elevator) are centered (aligned)
with the rest of the surface. If the control
surfaces are not centered, centering can be
achieved by following the steps below:
1. Ensure all trims are neutral. Push the throttle
stick all the way up to neutralize the elevator
to throttle mix.
2. Large centering adjustments can be made by
lengthening or shortening the clevis on the
control rod (see “Attaching the Clevis to the
Control Horn” step 2).
3. Small centering adjustments can be made by
pushing the transmitter’s trim buttons.
Use of transmitter trim may not correctly
Tip!
center the aircraft control surfaces due to
the mechanical limits of linear servos.
Right
Rudder
Centered Rudder
Example
Reminder! When you fully lower the throttle, the elevator will move up.
Reminder! Before making adjustments, make sure that your trims are neutral.
Centered Elevator
Example
Firebird Stratos
Page 11
EN
1
A
2
B
11
Installing the Wing
1. Insert the carbon tube (A) into the hole in the
left wing, then slide the right wing onto the
carbon tube. Tabs on the left and right wings
should align once the wings are properly
joined.
2. Secure the wing assembly by installing the
Top Wing Plate (B) with the included brackets
and screws on the top and bottom side of the
wing assembly.
3. Install the wing fi ns (C) on the right and left
wing tips by opening the back side of the
wing fi n and sliding it into the slot on the
top of the wing. Secure the fi ns using the
included 8 pieces of tape (D).
3
4
E
5
C
Wing skids (E) help prevent damage to
propellers and wings while learning to fl y.
4. Connect the motor wire connectors from the
wing to the correct ESC connectors in the
fuselage of the aircraft.
5. Attach the wing assembly by aligning the
front tab with the fuselage, then aligning the
rear magnets.
Make sure all the wires are inside the
fuselage. Stray wires could prevent the
wing from seating properly.
6. Insert the pin (F) fl at side up, onto the wing
plate. Lock the pin into place with 2 screws.
D
Switch on your transmitter and
attach the fl ight battery. Arm the
ESC as described in the Arming the ESC
section above, then test the throttle to
confi rm that the motors have been correctly
connected to the ESC.
CAUTION: Always keep hands away
from the propeller. When armed, the motor
will turn the propeller in response to any
throttle movement.
Tip!
Tip!
Reminder!
6
F
Customize your aircraft by appling selfadhesive number decals on top of the right
wing and on both sides of the vertical fi n.
Instruction Manual
Tip!
Page 12
12
Choose a Flying Field
EN
In order to have the most success and to protect
your property and aircraft, it is very important
to select a place to fl y that is very open. Consult
local laws and ordinances before choosing a
location to fl y your aircraft.
The site should:
• Have a minimum of 600 feet (183m) of clear
space in all directions.
• Stay clear of pedestrians.
• Stay free of trees, buildings, cars, power lines
or anything that could entangle your aircraft or
interfere with your line of sight.
Remember, your aircraft can reach speeds
of up to 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h), so it can
cover ground quickly.
Plan on fl ying in an area that gives you more
space than you think you need, especially with
fi rst fl ights.
Range Test
Stand here
Fly in this area
(upwind of pilot)
600
feet (183 m)
Wind
Before you start fl ying, we suggest you make
sure the aircraft responds to your transmitter.
You will need two people to do the range test—
one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the
aircraft.
1. Power on the transmitter for 5 seconds
or more.
2. With the throttle stick and trim low, plug in
the aircraft battery and keep the aircraft immobile for 5 seconds.
3. One person holds the aircraft while in a
crouched position from the tail of the aircraft
while the other person walks 100 paces
away with the transmitter on.
4. Move the transmitter tail controls and throttle
to ensure they operate smoothly at
100 paces.
CAUTION: While holding the aircraft during the
Range Test, always keep body parts and loose
items away from the propeller. Failure to do so
could cause personal injury.
If your aircraft does not range test correctly, do
not attempt to fl y it. Refer to the contact table
at the end of the this manual to contact Horizon
product support.
In good visibility conditions, we recommend
fl ying your aircraft no more than 400 meters
(approximately 1310 feet) from you. This will
help to prevent loss of orientation as well keep
your aircraft in control range of your radio
system.
1
2
3
100 paces
4
Firebird Stratos
Page 13
EN
Flying Conditions
A good fl ying day is calm, with winds that
are less than 5–7 mph (8–11km/h). Flying in faster winds than this could make
fl ying diffi cult and result in a crash.
Wind near the ground can be less than
the wind at the elevation where your
aircraft fl ies.
Prefl ight Checklist
1. Charge fl ight battery.
2. Install fl ight battery in aircraft
(once it has been fully
charged).
3. Make sure linkages move
freely.
4. Perform Control Direction Test
with transmitter.
Prefl ight Checklist
5. Make sure control surfaces
are centered.
6. Find a safe and open area.
7. Perform a radio system Range
Check.
8. Plan fl ight for fl ying fi eld
conditions.
13
Flying Tips
• Resist the desire to fl y at full throttle. Flying
slowly at fi rst allows for greater response time
should anything go wrong.
• Always keep your aircraft in plain sight and up
wind from you.
• Gain experience by fi rst fl ying in large circles
high off the ground. Once you feel comfortable, gradually progress to more advanced
maneuvers.
• Do not attempt your fi rst turn at low altitude.
Higher altitudes allow for greater possibility of
correction.
• Control stick movements are quite sensitive. Avoid pushing the control sticks to their
endpoints until you become more familiar with
your aircraft.
• To recover from a nose dive or loss of control,
decrease throttle and release the aileron stick.
Pull the elevator stick back a small amount to
pull up the nose of the aircraft.
Online
For additional Flying tips, go online and visit
www.hobbyzonerc.com to see Quique’s
Tips for First Flights.
12
1
Full throttleReduced throttle
50% throttle
Wind
Hand Launch
For fi rst fl ights, hand launch your aircraft without
landing gear installed. A dimple on each side of
the lower fuselage shows where the aircraft can
be held for hand launching.
When hand-launching your aircraft alone, hold
the aircraft in one hand and the transmitter in
the other.
1. Carefully increase transmitter throttle control
to FULL (100%).
2. Throw the aircraft into the wind while keep-
ing the aircraft’s wings parallel to the ground.
Flying
1. Let the aircraft rise at full throttle, into the
wind, until the aircraft gets about 200 feet
(61meters) above the ground, then decrease
the throttle to half (50%).
Your aircraft’s wing design causes a climb
at full throttle without use of elevators.
Try to make only small and gentle movements
of the control sticks so you can see how the
aircraft responds. Your aircraft is designed to
climb and turn well.
Tip!
Instruction Manual
Page 14
14
Flying (continued)
Flying with the nose pointed toward you is one of
the hardest things to do when learning to fl y.
To practice piloting the aircraft with the nose
pointed toward you, try fl ying in large circles
high off the ground.
Wing leveling system
Your aircraft will automatically level its
wings to help you stay in the air. If you feel
you are losing control, release the rudder
stick to allow it to slowly return to level
fl ight.
Landing
The aircraft can fl y for approximately 10 minutes
on one battery charge. This fl ight time is based
on the recommended fl ying style shown in
this manual.
EN
When you notice that the aircraft no longer
climbs while under full power or the motors
begin to pulse, the battery is getting low and it is
time to land.
1. Decrease the throttle and bring the aircraft’s
nose into the wind. Do not be afraid to fully
reduce the throttle and let the aircraft glide
unpowered.
2. While gliding into the wind, little or no elevator and rudder should be required. If you
think the aircraft will land short of your
target area, gently add a small amount
of throttle.
3. Once the aircraft is 3–4 feet above ground,
slowly pull back the elevator stick. At this
speed, this should result in a “fl are”, causing
the nose to rise without increasing altitude
but losing speed.
4. Allow the aircraft to come to a stop on
its belly.
Active control mixing
A mix of throttle to elevator helps you so
as you decrease the throttle (and speed),
elevator increases in order to keep the
aircraft’s nose level. A mix of rudder to
elevator helps keep altitude in turns.
These mixes can be removed as your
skill increases by powering off the Virtual
Instructor.
1
Wind
2
10 FT
NOTICE: When fi nished fl ying, never keep the aircraft in the sun. Do not store
the aircraft in a hot, enclosed area such as a car. Doing so can damage the foam.
3
5
Tip!
As you get more experienced at
fl ying, try adding a bit of UP elevator
(pull back on the elevator stick) just
before touchdown to “fl are” the aircraft.
With some practice, your landings will be
smooth and on target.
CAUTION: Never catch a fl ying aircraft in
your hands. Doing so could cause personal
injury and damage to the aircraft.
Firebird Stratos
Post Flight Checklist
1. Disconnect fl ight battery from
aircraft (Required for Safety)
2. Power off transmitter
3. Remove fl ight battery from
aircraft
4. Recharge fl ight battery
5. Repair or replace all
damaged parts
Post Flight Checklist
6. Store fl ight battery apart from
aircraft and monitor the
battery charge
7. Make note of fl ight conditions
and fl ight plan results, planning
for future fl ights
Page 15
EN
15
Mode 2 Mode 1
Before you power off the Virtual Instructor, we recommend:
• Making several successful fl ights (including several soft landings).
• For your fi rst fl ights without the Virtual Instructor, fl y only on calm days with little or no wind.
• If your fl ying area permits, making several successful landings with landing gear installed.
Advanced User Setup
Powering off Virtual Instructor (VI)
Out of the box, VI is always active. Powering
off VI disables wing leveling and all the mixes
except for differential thrust. To power off VI,
perform the following steps (an additional person
may be required):
1. Remove the wings and disconnect the
motors.
2. Power on the transmitter, connect the battery to the receiver and ensure the aircraft
responds to controls.
3. Put the control sticks in the positions shown
in the illustration for your transmitter (Mode 1
and Mode 2 transmitters are shown).
4. While holding the control sticks in the positions as shown, disconnect the battery from
the receiver, wait a few seconds and connect
the battery to the receiver again.
5. After 5 seconds, the receiver LED will blink 3
times, then turn solid. Release the transmitter
sticks. VI should now be disabled.
6. Disconnect the battery, re-connect the motors and install the wings on the aircraft.
Installing the Landing Gear
1. Install the nose gear mounts under the nose
of the fuselage using four screws. The coils
of the nose strut will face the rear of the
aircraft and the wheel will be on the left side
of the aircraft.
2. Push together the legs of the rear gear strut.
3. Insert the top of the strut in the slot in the
3
1
2
bottom of the fuselage.
4. Release the legs of the strut and pull on the
strut to ensure the rear strut is fully installed
in the fuselage.
5. Where needed, disassemble in reverse order.
6. Remove the wing skids when you are
confi dent you can land and take off without
tipping the wings and striking the propeller
on the ground.
Runway Takeoff
To take off from a runway:
1. Correctly install the landing gear on your
aircraft.
2. Place the aircraft on its landing gear in a
large, open area with smooth asphalt or con-
Wind
5–7 mph
(10–11km/h)
crete. The aircraft’s nose should point into the
wind (in no greater than 5–7 mph (8–11km/
hr) wind).
3. Stand behind your aircraft so you can see the
rudder, elevators and wheels.
4. Slowly move the throttle stick to FULL (100%)
while gently pulling back on the elevator
stick. Use the rudder to keep the aircraft’s
nose pointed into the wind.
5. With a full battery in calm wind, your aircraft
should rise off the ground in approximately
20 feet (7 meters).
Using UP elevator will allow the aircraft to
takeoff in a shorter distance, however, too
much UP elevator will result in a stall.
Instruction Manual
Tip!
Page 16
16
Increasing Elevator Surface Area
1. There are two small foam blocks on the right
and left sides of the top and bottom of the
elevator. When desired, cut away the foam
blocks so the hinge runs seamlessly across
the entirety of the horizontal stabilizer. Gently
bend these new panels at the hinge so that
they move up and down freely.
2. Use two pieces of tape to attach these
panels to the main elevator. Apply the tape so
the entire elevator moves freely.
The larger elevator makes the aircraft more
responsive to elevator input. This will allow you
to do tighter turns and some basic aerobatics.
See Quique’s ADVANCED Flying tips online at
www.hobbyzonerc.com/fi rebirdstratos for more
information.
A larger elevator surface may also cause your
aircraft to nose up more at slow speeds, which
could result in a loss of lift or stall.
EN
1
Dual Rate
The transmitter default rate setting is low rate.
It is recommend that you fl y your fi rst fl ights in
low rate. High rate should be used only after you
successfully perform several landings.
To change between rates;
1. When the transmitter is powered on, push the
right control stick into the case until it clicks.
A beep will confi rm the activation.
Red LED solid = high rate
Red LED fl ashing = low rate
2
Tip!
High Rate: Allows for maximum control
surface movement.
Low Rate: Reduces the control surface
movement for lower response to stick input.
Firebird Stratos
1
Page 17
EN
17
Settings for the Control Horns
5
Rudder
Elevator
To achieve the lowest throttle
trim setting, hold down the
throttle trim button until the
tones stop.
Once binding is complete,
return the throttle trim to
neutral by holding down the
top button until the neutral
(3 beep tone) occurs.
6
The Illustration shows recommended hole settings of the clevises on the control horns.
When you are able to fl y well, clevises may
be moved to other control horn holes for
greater rudder and elevator movement.
Binding
If your aircraft does not respond to the transmitter when the batteries in the aircraft and
transmitter are fully charged, your aircraft and
transmitter may need to be re-bound using the
instructions below.
Binding Procedure Reference Table
1. Disconnect the fl ight battery from
the aircraft.
2. Power off the transmitter.
3. Connect the fl ight battery in the
aircraft. The receiver LED will begin
to fl ash (typically after 5 seconds).
4. Make sure the transmitter controls
are neutral, the throttle and throttle
trim are in the low position, and the
aircraft is immobile.
5. Push the left control stick into the
case until it clicks, as you power on
the transmitter. The transmitter will
beep twice and the LED will fl ash.
Release after 2 seconds.
6. After 5 to 10 seconds, the receiver status LED will begin fl ashing
slowly and the transmitter will stop
beeping, indicating that the receiver
is bound to the transmitter.
Tip!
Service and Repairs
Thanks to the Z-Foam™ construction of your
aircraft, repairs to the foam can be made using
virtually any adhesive (hot glue, regular CA
(cyanocrylate adhesive), epoxy, etc).
NOTICE: Crash damage is not covered under
warranty.
When parts are not repairable, see the Replacement Parts List for ordering by item number.
Use of CA accelerant on your aircraft can damage paint. DO NOT handle aircraft until accelerant fully dries.
Instruction Manual
Page 18
18
Motor Service
CAUTION: DO NOT handle a propeller, motor or
ESC while the fl ight battery is connected to the
ESC. Personal injury could result.
Disassembly
1. Remove the wings from the fuselage (see
installing the main wing section).
2. Remove the spinner (A) by carefully pulling it
away from the propeller (B). Remove residue
from the spinner and propeller if applicable.
3. To remove the propeller from the motor shaft,
use a pair of hemostats to hold the motor
shaft (C) in place, then carefully pull the
propeller from the motor shaft.
4. Remove 5 screws (D) from the motor cowling
under the wing.
5. Carefully remove the cowling (that contains
the motor) from the wing. Paint may keep the
cowling attached to the wing.
6. Remove 2 screws (E) from the front of the
cowling that secures the motor.
7. Remove the motor (F) and motor wires from
the wing.
Assembly
Assemble the aircraft by following the instructions above in reverse. To install a new propeller, carefully push on a new undamage propeller.
EN
NOTICE: Make sure the propeller size numbers
(4.75x2.5R for right side and 4.75X2.5L for left
side) face out from the motor.
Correctly center and attach the spinner to the
propeller hub using CA (cyanocrylate adhesive).
A
E
B
D
C
F
Firebird Stratos
Page 19
EN
Trouble Shooting Guide
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Unit does not operateThere is no link between the transmitter and receiverRe-Bind the system following directions in this manual
Transmitter AA batteries are depleted or installed incorrectly as indicated by a dim or unlit LED on the transmitter or the low battery alarm
No electrical connectionPush connectors together until they are secure
Flight battery is not chargedFully charge the battery
Crash has damaged the radio inside the fuselageReplace the fuselage or receiver
Aircraft keeps turning in
one direction
Aircraft is difficult to control Wing or tail is damagedReplace damaged part
Aircraft nose rises steeply
at half throttle
Aircraft will not climbBattery is not fully chargedFully charge battery before flying
Aircraft is diffi cult to launch
in the wind
Flight time is too shortBattery is not fully chargedRecharge battery
Aircraft vibratesPropeller, spinner or motor loose or
Aircraft keeps turning
sharp and does not respond well to steering trim
or stick
Rudder or elevators do not
move freely
Rudder or rudder trim is not adjusted correctlyAdjust stick trims or manually adjust rudder position
Damaged propellerLand immediately and replace damaged propeller
Damaged propellerLand immediately and replace damaged propellers
Wind is too gusty or strongPostpone flying until the wind calms down
Elevator is trimmed ‘up’ too muchIf trim must adjusted more than 8 beeps when pushing the
Battery is not installed in the forward-most portion of the
battery compartment
Elevator may be trimmed ‘down’Adjust elevator trim ‘up’
Propeller damaged or installed incorrectlyLand immediately, replace or install propellers correctly
Launching the aircraft down wind or into a cross windLaunch the aircraft directly
Flying at full throttle for the entire fl ightFly at just above half throttle to increase fl ying time
Wind speed too fast for safe fl ightFly on a calmer day
Propeller damagedReplace propeller
damaged
Propeller, spinner or motor damageLand immediately and make sure propellers, spinners and
Damaged or blocked push rods or hinges Repair damage or blockage
Check polarity installation or replace with fresh AA batteries
trim button, adjust push rod length
Move the battery in the battery compartment to the
correct position
into the wind
Tighten or replace parts, including centering and gluing a
spinner to a propeller hub
motors are correctly installed and connected to the aircraft
19
Instruction Manual
Page 20
20
AMA National Model aircraft Safety Code
EN
Effective January 1, 2011
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained
fl ight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and
is intended exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition. All model
fl ights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any
additional rules specifi c to the fl ying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be fl own:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.
2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid Guidance.)
(c) Not fl y higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level
within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the airport
operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffi c patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in
compliance with the AMA Large Model aircraft program. (AMA Document 520-A)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identifi ed with the name and address or AMA
number of the owner on the inside or affi xed to the outside of the
model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft fl own indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous
boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA
Document #555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the infl uence of alcohol or
while using any drug which could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to
safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which
explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any
object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are
securely attached to the model aircraft during fl ight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be
used provided they remain attached to the model during fl ight.
Model rockets may be fl own in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft.
• Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to
use devices and practices as defi ned within the Team AMA Program
Document (AMA Document #718).
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with
the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).
3. Model aircraft will not be fl own in AMA sanctioned events, air shows
or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully
demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the
specifi c event.
(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.
4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and
fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved
or comply with comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL
1. All pilots shall avoid fl ying directly over unprotected people, vessels,
vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others.
2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the fi rst
fl ight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which
all fl ying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field
Layout):
(a) Only personnel associated with fl ying the model aircraft are al-
lowed at or in front of the safety line.
(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be
established.
(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for specta-
tors.
(d) Intentional fl ying behind the safety line is prohibited.
4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently
allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only
individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any
pre-existing fl ying site without a frequency-management agreement
(AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency
Management Agreement)
6. With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA Competition
Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may
be fl own outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the
pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the fl ight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model
aircraft in fl ight while it is still under power, except to divert it from
striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft fl own
indoors.
8. RC night fl ying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire fl ight, maintaining visual contact
without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for
the pilot.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV)
only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document
#550.
Firebird Stratos
Page 21
EN
Limited Warranty
What this Warranty Covers
Horizon Hobby, Inc. (“Horizon”) warrants to the original purchaser that the
product purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the date of purchase.
What is Not Covered
This warranty is not transferable and does not cover (i) cosmetic damage,
(ii) damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
commercial use, or due to improper use, installation, operation or maintenance, (iii) modifi cation of or to any part of the Product, (iv) attempted
service by anyone other than a Horizon Hobby authorized service center,
or (v) Products not purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer.
OTHER THAN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY ABOVE, HORIZON MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY
AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY
MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
21
Inspection or Services
If this Product needs to be inspected or serviced, please use the Horizon
Online Service Request submission process found on our website or call
Horizon to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton. Please note that
original boxes may be included, but are not designed to withstand the
rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon
is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at our
facility. An Online Service Request is available at www.horizonhobby.com
under the Support tab. If you do not have internet access, please contact
Horizon Product Support to obtain a RMA number along with instructions
for submitting your product for service. When calling Horizon, you will be
asked to provide your complete name, street address, email address and
phone number where you can be reached during business hours. When
sending product into Horizon, please include your RMA number, a list of
the included items, and a brief summary of the problem. A copy of your
original sales receipt must be included for warranty consideration. Be sure
your name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside of
the shipping carton.
Purchaser’s Remedy
Horizon’s sole obligation and purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy shall
be that Horizon will, at its option, either (i) service, or (ii) replace, any
Product determined by Horizon to be defective. Horizon reserves the right
to inspect any and all Product(s) involved in a warranty claim. Service
or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. Proof of
purchase is required for all warranty claims. SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT
AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
Limitation of Liability
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR
COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM
IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY
OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF HORIZON HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Further, in no event shall
the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the Product on which
liability is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, fi nal assembly, modifi cation or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted
for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly,
the user accepts all resulting liability. If you as the purchaser or user are
not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of the Product,
purchaser is advised to return the Product immediately in new and unused
condition to the place of purchase.
Law
These terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to confl ict of law
principals). This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state. Horizon reserves the
right to change or modify this warranty at any time without notice.
Notice: Do not ship LiPo batteries to Horizon. If you have any issue
with a LiPo battery, please contact the appropriate Horizon Product
Support offi ce.
Warranty Requirements
For Warranty consideration, you must include your original sales
receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided warranty condi-
tions have been met, your Product will be serviced or replaced free of
charge. Service or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion
of Horizon.
Non-Warranty Service
Should your service not be covered by warranty service will be
completed and payment will be required without notifi cation or
estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the
retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for service you are agreeing
to payment of the service without notifi cation. Service estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your item submitted
for service. Non-warranty service estimates will be billed a minimum of
½ hour of labor. In addition you will be billed for return freight. Horizon
accepts money orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. By submitting any item to Horizon
for service, you are agreeing to Horizon’s Terms and Conditions found on
our website www.horizonhobby.com/Service/Request/.
Warranty Services
Questions, Assistance, and Services
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty
support or service. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been
started, you must contact your local distributor or Horizon directly. This
will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in
the event that you may need any assistance. For questions or assistance,
please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call
877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a Product Support representative. You
may also find information on our website at www.horizonhobby.com
Instruction Manual
Page 22
22
Contact Information
Country of PurchaseHorizon Hobby AddressPhone Number/Email Address
Horizon Service Center
United States of
America
United KingdomHorizon Hobby Limited
GermanyHorizon Technischer Service
FranceHorizon Hobby SAS
ChinaHorizon Hobby – China
(Electronics and engines)
Horizon Product Support
(All other products)
4105 Fieldstone Rd
Champaign, Illinois
61822 USA
4105 Fieldstone Rd
Champaign, Illinois
61822 USA
Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
Staple Tye
Harlow, Essex
CM18 7NS
United Kingdom
Christian-Junge-Straße1
25337 Elmshorn, Germany
14 Rue Gustave Eiffel
Zone d’Activité du Réveil Matin
91230 Montgeron
Room 506, No. 97 Changshou Rd.
Shanghai, China 200060
FCC InformationCompliance Information for the European
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifi cations not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which
has been tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations
governing a radio transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency
range.
Antenna Separation Distance
When operating your transmitter, please be
sure to maintain a separation distance of
at least 5 cm between your body (excluding fi ngers, hands, wrists, ankles and feet)
and the antenna to meet RF exposure
safety requirements as determined by FCC
regulations.
This illustration show the approximate 5 cm
RF exposure area and typical hand place-
ment when operating your transmitter.
Instructions for disposal of WEEE by users in the
European Union
This product must not be disposed of with other waste.
Instead, it is the user’s responsibility to dispose of their
waste equipment by handing it over to a designated
collections point for the recycling of waste electrical and
electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling
of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to
conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled
in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city offi ce, your household waste disposal
service or where you purchased the product.
The object of declaration described above is in conformity with the
requirements of the specifi cations listed below, following the provisions
of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and EMC Directive 2004/108/
EC:
EN 300-328 V1.7.1
EN 301 489-1 V1.7.1: 2006
EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2: 2008
EN 60950-1:2006+A11
EN55022: 2010
EN55024: 2010
Steven A. Hall
Signed for and on behalf of:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Champaign, IL USA
December 23, 2011
International Operations and
Vice President
Risk Management
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Firebird Stratos
Page 23
83
Parts Contact Information • Kontaktinformationen für Ersatzteile
• Coordonnés pour obtenir de piéces détachées • Recapiti per i ricambi
Country of PurchaseHorizon Hobby AddressPhone Number/Email Address
United States of
America
Sales
United KingdomHorizon Hobby Limited
GermanyHorizon Hobby GmbH
FranceHorizon Hobby SAS
4105 Fieldstone Rd
Champaign, Illinois 61822 USA
Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
Staple Tye
Harlow, Essex
CM18 7NS, United Kingdom
Christian-Junge-Straße1
25337 Elmshorn, Germany
14 Rue Gustave Eiffel
Zone d’Activité du Réveil Matin
91230 Montgeron
800-338-4639
Sales@horizonhobby.com
+44 (0) 1279 641 097
sales@horizonhobby.co.uk
+49 4121 46199 60
service@horizonhobby.de
+33 (0) 1 60 47 44 70
infofrance@horizonhobby.com
ChinaHorizon Hobby – China
Room 506, No. 97 Changshou Rd.
Shanghai, China 200060
+86 (021) 5180 9868
www.horizonhobby.com.cn
Replacement Parts • Ersatzteile • Piéces de rechange • Pezzi di ricambio