HobbyZone Mini Apprentice S Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual • Bedienungsanleitung • Manuel d’utilisation • Manuale di Istruzioni

Mini

Apprentice® S

Mini Apprentice® S

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.

• Always keep aircraft in sight and under control.

• Always use fully charged batteries.

• Always keep transmitter powered on while aircraft is powered.

• Always remove batteries before disassembly.

• Always keep moving parts clean.

• Always keep parts dry.

• Always let parts cool after use before touching.

• Always remove batteries after use.

• Always ensure failsafe is properly set before ﬂ ying.

• Never operate aircraft with damaged wiring.

• Never touch moving parts.

Charging Warnings

CAUTION: All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly. Mis-

handling of Li-Po batteries can result in a ﬁ re, personal injury, and/or property damage.

• NEVER LEAVE CHARGING BATTERIES UNATTENDED.

• NEVER CHARGE BATTERIES OVERNIGHT.

• 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 sun-

light. 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 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.

NOTICE

All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date product literature, visit www.horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.

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 use with incompatible components or alter this product in any way outside of the instructions provided by Horizon Hobby, LLC. 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.

AGE RECOMMENDATION: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.

WARNING AGAINST COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS: If you ever need to replace your Spektrum receiver found

in a Horizon Hobby product, always purchase from Horizon Hobby, LLC or a Horizon Hobby authorized dealer to ensure authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, LLC disclaims all support and warranty with regards, but not limited to, compatibility and performance of counterfeit products or products claiming compatibility with DSM or Spektrum.

RTF

Mini Apprentice® S

Speciﬁ cations

Transmitter

Battery and Charger

Included in the Box

For more information and to register your product online, visit www.hobbyzonerc.com

Table of Contents

Charging the Flight Battery .............................................................4

Transmitter .....................................................................................4

Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) Technology .........................5

Hi/Low Rate Switch (Dual Rates) .....................................................7

Transmitter and Receiver Binding ....................................................7

Assembly .......................................................................................8

Control horn and servo arm settings ...............................................9

LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) ...............................................................11

Center of Gravity (CG) Veriﬁ cation .................................................11

Control Direction Test ...................................................................12

Flight Control ................................................................................13

Trimming the Aircraft ....................................................................14

Choose a Flying Field ....................................................................14

Range Test ...................................................................................15

Flying Tips ....................................................................................15

Preﬂ ight Checklist .........................................................................15

Takeoff .........................................................................................16

Flying ...........................................................................................17

Landing ........................................................................................17

Post Flight ....................................................................................18

Service and Repairs ......................................................................18

Service of Power Components ......................................................19

Optional Floats (Water Takeoff and Landings) ................................20

Optional Transmitter Setup ............................................................20

AMA National Model aircraft Safety Code ......................................21

Trouble Shooting Guide for SAFE Technology .................................22

Trouble Shooting Guide .................................................................22

Limited Warranty ..........................................................................24

Contact Information ......................................................................25

FCC Information ............................................................................25

Compliance Information for the European Union ............................25

Replacement Parts ........................................................................95

Optional Parts ...............................................................................96

AC Adapter

Motor: 370 BL Motor, 1300Kv with 3.5mm

Bullet Connectors (PKZ6316)

Installed

ESC: 18A BL (PKZ1814) Installed

Servos: (2) Ailerons (PKZ1081),

(2) Rudder and Elevator (PKZ1090)

Installed

Receiver: SPMAR636A Installed

Battery: 3S 1300mAh Li-Po

(EFLB13003S20)

Included

Battery Charger: 3S Li-Po DC balancing

charger V2r (HBZ1003B)

Included

AC Adapter: (EFLA109) Included

Transmitter: Spektrum™ DXe with full

range DSMX

technology

Included

25.9 oz (735 g)

34.2 in (869mm

48.0 in (1220mm)

341.80 sq in (22.05 sq dm)

As of this printing, you are required to register with the FAA if you own this product.

For up-to-date information on how to register with the FAA, please visit https:// registermyuas.faa.gov/.

For additional assistance on regulations and guidance on UAS usage, visit knowbeforeyouﬂ y.org/.

DXe

Mini Apprentice® S

Installing the Transmitter Batteries

Your Spektrum DXe comes pre bound to the aircraft.

Remove the battery cover, install the four included batteries (noting proper polarity) and reinstall the battery cover.

Low Battery Alarm

When the battery voltage drops below 4.7 volts, an alarm sounds and the voltage LEDs ﬂ ash. The batteries must be replaced immediately. If this happens while ﬂ ying, land your aircraft as soon and as safely as possible.

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.

WARNING: 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 model control, injury or property damage.

For more information on the transmitter, go to www.horizonhobby.com/products/SPMR1000 and click on the support tab for the Spektrum DXe to download the instruction manual.

Charging the Flight Battery

CAUTION: When connecting the battery to the battery

charger, make sure the connectors are aligned as shown. Failure to connect the battery properly could cause the terminals to short and result in ﬁ re, personal injury and/or property damage.

Charger Features

• Charges 3-cell lithium polymer battery packs

• LED charge status indicator

Charger Speciﬁ cations

• Input power: 10–14V

• Max output voltage: 11.1V

• Fixed charge current: 1.3A

• Balances and charges 3S Li-Po cells with a minimum capacity of 1250mAh

This charger may be connected to the AC adapter (included with your model).

Flashing (Charging)

Solid (Charged)

1 hour

Transmitter

Elevator/

Aileron

Throttle/Rudder

Throttle Trim

SAFE Mode

Switch

Power Switch

Aileron Trim

Elevator

Trim

Mode 2 shown

Rudder Trim

Hi / Low Rate

Switch

Bind/Panic

Recovery Button

Trainer Port

Throttle Cut

Switch

Explanation of DXe Transmitter LEDs, Switches and Modes for the Apprentice.

Trainer/Bind/Panic Button : This button is used as both the trainer and bind

button as well as the Panic button for your Mini Apprentice S. For complete binding instructions, refer to the binding section below. When using the trainer function, connect the trainer cord (SPM6805) into the trainer port in both the master (instructor) and the slave (student) transmitters. The master transmitter must be powered ON and bound to the receiver. The slave transmitter must be powered OFF. Any time you press and hold the trainer button on the master, it will give control authority to the slave. Releasing the trainer button returns control to the master.

IMPORTANT: The slave transmitter must always have the same settings as the master. See Flight Training section for setup of other Spektrum Transmitters.

IMPORTANT: The DX4e and DX5e cannot be used as a slave transmitter when using a DXe as a master transmitter. See your transmitters instruction manual for further information regarding buddy box setup.

Hi/Lo Rate Switch :

This switch supports high and low rate functions on aileron, elevator and rudder channels. In the upper, or “HI” position, servo travel is 100% on these channels. In the lower, or “LO,” position, servo travel decreases to 70%. This switch lets you quickly change control rates from high for aggressive maneuvers to low for smooth, precise maneuvers. When learning to ﬂ y, use low rate.

Flight Mode Switch :

This switch is used to select the SAFE Flight mode. For other conventional receivers, this switch controls a servo connected to the Channel 5/Gear port.

Throttle Cut Switch :

This switch is used to arm and disarm the throttle control.

LEDs :

Flashing with beeps Bind mode when Trainer (Bind) switch is held and the transmitter is powered on (see Binding instructions). Pulsates with one low tone beep every 2 seconds (when transmitter battery voltage drops below 4.7 volts). Replace the batteries immediately. If this happens while ﬂ ying, land your aircraft as soon and as safely as possible.

Programming

Port

RTF

Mini Apprentice® S

You control the help SAFE® technology provides while you learn to ﬂ y. As your ﬂ ying skills grow, decrease SAFE technology assistance. Change aircraft response at any time by moving the Channel 5 (SAFE Flight mode) switch on your transmitter.

IMPORTANT: These instructions are for the included DXe transmitter (or similar transmitters) with a 3-position switch for Channel 5. If you ﬂ y this aircraft with a Spektrum transmitter other than the included DXe, refer to Optional Transmitter Setup and Receiver Setup.

Panic Recovery Mode

If you get into distress while ﬂ ying in any mode, press and hold the Panic / Trainer Button and move the control sticks to their neutral position. The SAFE technology will return the aircraft to a stable attitude, if the aircraft is at a sufﬁ cient height with no obstacles in its path. Release the Panic Button to turn off Panic mode and return the current SAFE ﬂ ight mode. If you get into trouble and need to go back to Beginner mode for maximum stability, remember to fully move back the Channel 5 switch.

Activating SAFE Technology

SAFE technology is not active until you advance the throttle past 25%. Once the SAFE technology is active, the control surfaces may move on the aircraft. This is normal. The SAFE technology will remain active until the ESC is turned off.

Understanding Oscillation

In some ﬂ ight conditions, you may see oscillation. If oscillation occurs, decrease the airspeed. If oscillation still persists, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for more information.

CAUTION: Flying in level forward ﬂ ight and calm wind conditions

at full throttle in any mode or long high-speed dives may result in strong oscillation that can damage the aircraft. If there is oscillation in any mode, decrease throttle immediately. If oscillation persists, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide.

CAUTION: Beginner, Intermediate, and Panic modes are intended

for the training environment. Flying continuous high-G maneuvers (such as loops) in Experienced mode for an extended period of time may lead to inconsistent ﬂ ight envelope and Panic mode behavior. If this occurs, land in Experienced mode and power cycle the receiver before ﬂ ying again.

Launch and Landing Assistance

Take off and landings can be better managed by using the Beginner mode. If the model is launched incorrectly, or is landing at a less than perfect attitude, pull and hold the Panic Switch. The model can correct and help to prevent a crash. See the Take Off and Landing sections in this manual.

IMPORTANT: A level runway is required for takeoffs in Beginner mode due to throttle climb assistance.

Failsafe

In the unlikely loss of radio connection, failsafe will turn the aircraft in a descending circle to the ground, unless the radio connection is restored.

Front

In= ON

Out = OFF

Back

Channel 5 Switch

(SAFE Flight Mode)

Trainer/ Panic Button

SAFE

Take Off

SAFE

Landing

y, y

SAFE Technology makes this aircraft a better learning tool,

but you must set yourself up for success in ﬂ ying:

• SAFE technology is designed as ﬂ ight assistance, not an autopilot. The pilot

is always in control and required to ﬂ y the aircraft at all times

• Follow the instructions provided in this manual to maintain your aircraft in

top ﬂ ying condition

• Seek qualiﬁ ed model ﬂ ying instruction through your local model ﬂ ying club. A

qualiﬁ ed ﬂ ight instructor can propel your advancement in this hobby

• Wind and environment can affect SAFE technology ﬂ ight performance

• Ensure you have no distractions so you beneﬁ t from every moment of ﬂ ight time

• You must still ﬂ y the aircraft away from obstacles and at an altitude that will

allow for a safe recovery

SAFE Flight Modes Channel 5 Switch Position

Beginner Mode Position 0 Intermediate Mode Position 1 Experienced Mode Position 2

Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) Technology

Mini Apprentice® S

Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) Technology

SAFE technology is a revolutionary ﬂ ight training system designed to give you a stable platform for safely developing your ﬂ ying skills. This is not an autopilot or self-guiding robot. The sensors and software in this system help you ﬂ y the aircraft where you want to go while decreasing the risk of an out-of-control crash. You can progress through the Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced ﬂ ight modes as your skills increase, all with the conﬁ dence of an optional Panic recovery mode. At any time during a ﬂ ight you can switch between the 3 ﬂ ight modes or use Panic recovery to get your aircraft to a safe ﬂ ying attitude.

Beginner Mode

• Envelope limit: Pitch (nose up and down) and Roll (wing tips up and down) angles are limited to help you keep the aircraft airborne

• Self-leveling: when the pitch and roll controls are returned to neutral, the aircraft returns to level ﬂ ight

• Stability assisted takeoff and landing

• Throttle based climb and descent

Intermediate Mode

• Natural Flight Experience: In normal training ﬂ ight conditions, the pilot experiences natural AS3X

ﬂ ight for smooth handling and outstanding

precision

• Large Flight Envelope: The pilot is only prevented from entering extreme ﬂ ight conditions outside the training ﬂ ight envelope

Experienced Mode

• Natural Flight Experience: The pilot experiences natural AS3X ﬂ ight for smooth handling and outstanding precision

• Unlimited Flight Envelope: No limit on Pitch and Roll angles (airframe limited)

Panic Recovery

• Immediate recovery to a safe ﬂ ying attitude

• Return all transmitter controls to neutral for the quickest recovery

• This mode is intended to provide the pilot with the conﬁ dence to continue to improve their ﬂ ight skills

AS3X® technology

Horizon Hobby has always made RC sport, scale and unique aircraft with the kind of performance experts appreciate. Now the exclusive Artiﬁ cial Stability 3 axis (AS3X) system helps take performance expectations in aircraft a quantum leap higher. Based on the successful use of MEMS sensor technology within the AS3X Stabilization System essential to Blade® ultra micro ﬂ ybarless helicopters, the speciﬁ cally tuned AS3X System for airplanes helps invisibly correct for turbulence, torque and tip stalls when encountered. Furthermore, the outstanding control agility delivers an ultra smooth, locked-in feel that obeys your every command with performance that’s natural feeling. It’s so gratifying, in fact, that it’s as though you’re the RC pilot of an expertly tuned, giant-scale aircraft. AS3X will change the way you’ll want to ﬂ y now and in the future. To see what we mean, go to www.E-ﬂ iteRC.com/AS3X.

RollPitch

1. Pilot loses control of the aircraft in any ﬂ ight mode.

2. Pilot presses and holds the Panic Recovery button and returns all other controls to their neutral position. The aircraft will roll wings level and pull out of a dive...

3. ...once the aircraft is ﬂ ying

straight and level, the pilot releases the Panic Recovery button and continues a gentle climb to a safe altitude.

IMPORTANT: Aircraft will recover to a safer attitude even if sticks are held. Some control input is still used with panic activated.

SAFE Flight Modes

RTF

Mini Apprentice® S

Transmitter and Receiver Binding

IMPORTANT: The included receiver has been

programmed for operation only in this aircraft.

The included RTF transmitter should be bound to the aircraft at the factory, but if you need to re-bind, follow the binding procedure as shown.

* The throttle will not arm if the transmitter’s throttle control is not put at the lowest position. If you encounter problems, follow the binding instructions and refer to the transmitter troubleshooting guide for other instructions. If needed, contact the appropriate Horizon Product Support ofﬁ ce.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the throttle cut switch is not in the “ARM” position.



Binding Procedure Reference Table

1. Make sure the transmitter is powered off.

2. Make sure the transmitter controls are neutral, the throttle and throttle trim are in the low position, and the aircraft is immobile.

3. Install a bind plug in the receiver bind port.

4. Connect the ﬂ ight battery in the aircraft, then place the aircraft upright and on its wheels. The receiver LED will begin to ﬂ ash.

5. Press and hold the trainer button on the top of the transmitter while turning on the power switch.

6. When the receiver binds to the transmitter, the light on the receiver will turn solid and the ESC will produce a series of three ascending tones. The tones will indicate the ESC is armed, provided the throttle stick and throttle trim are low enough to trigger arming.

7. Remove the bind plug from the bind port.

8. Safely store the bind plug (some owners attach the bind plug to their transmitter using two-part loops and clips).

The receiver should retain the binding instructions received from the transmitter until another binding is done.

The included DSMX full range transmitter features a dual rates switch which lets you change between high and low control rates for the aileron, elevator and rudder.

When powered ON, this transmitter is automatically set to high-rate mode.

Hi/Low Rate Switch (Dual Rates)

Mode 2 Mode 1

BIND PLUG

High-rate mode

In high-rate mode, the controls can reach their maximum values. This mode is typically preferred by experienced pilots for maximum control authority.

Low-rate mode

In low-rate mode, the controls are reduced to approximately 70% of their maximum values. This mode is typically preferred by (and best for) beginner pilots or others interested in smoother and more easily controlled ﬂ ight.

Mini Apprentice® S

Assembly

Landing Gear Installation

1. Install the main landing gear assembly (A) into the slot

on the bottom of the fuselage.

2. Place the 2 landing gear brackets (B) into location as

shown, noting the Right and Left indicators.

3. Secure the landing gear assembly into place using 4

screws (C).

4. Install the front straps (D) using the 4 screws (E) to

ensure that they do not become lost. The front straps are required to install the Optional Float set (HBZ7390) and Float Mounting wires (HBZ3113).

IMPORTANT: Do Not use the propeller that is included with the ﬂ oat set.

Tail Installation

1. Install the horizontal tail (A) on the fuselage under the

linkages as shown.

2. Carefully insert the 2 pins (B) of the vertical ﬁ n (C)

through the horizontal tail holes into the fuselage holes.

3. Under the fuselage, install the 2 screws (D) into the

fuselage and the vertical ﬁ n pins. Tighten the screws, but do not break the plastic.

4. Connect the respective clevises in the outermost holes in the rudder and elevator control horns. Refer to the clevis adjustment instructions to center the rudder and elevators.

Disassemble in reverse order.

E D

For video assistance regarding assembly, visit the Mini Apprentice product page at www.Horizonhobby.com

RTF

Mini Apprentice® S

Wing Installation

1. Connect the aileron servo connectors to the included

Y-harness (A) in the fuselage. The left and right servos can be connected to either side of the Y-harness. Ensure the Y-harness is connected to the Port 2 of the receiver.

2. Install the wing on the fuselage.

CAUTION: DO NOT crush or otherwise damage the wiring when attaching the wing to the fuselage.

3. Install 6 rubber bands (B) on the front and back rods

to complete the installation.

Disassemble in reverse order.

IMPORTANT: Correct operation of the SAFE system requires connection of both ailerons to the included Y-harness and the Port 2 of the receiver.

Control horn and servo arm settings

The Illustration shows the factory hole settings in servo arms and control horns.

NOTICE: Moving a linkage to another position may block the servo arm or affect SAFE technology functionality.

Elevator Ailerons Rudder

ArmsHorns

Nose Gear

Rudder

+ 19 hidden pages

HobbyZone Mini Apprentice S Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual