Horizon Hobby DRACO 2.0m Users guide

DRACO 2.0m

Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di Istruzioni

SAFE® Select Technology, Optional Flight Envelope Protection

EN

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 horizonhobby.com or towerhobbies.com and click on the support or resources 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:
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, collateral damage, and serious injury OR create a high

probability of superficial injury.

CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND little or no possibility of 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.

14+

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, traffic 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 specifically 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.

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 technology.

• 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 flying.

• Never operate aircraft with damaged wiring.

• Never touch moving parts.

2

DRACO 2.0m

Box Contents

Quick Start Information

1. Blank (Acro) Model

Transmitter Setup

Dual Rates*

Exponential

Center of Gravity (CG)

Flight Timer Setting 5 minutes

2. Servo Reversing: Set all to normal

3. Travel Adjust (All Surfaces): 100%

High Rate Low Rate

Aileron

Elevator

Rudder

Flaps

Aileron 10% 5%
Elevator 10% 5%
Rudder 10% 5%

100mm +/- 5mm back from leading edge

p = 45mm
q = 25mm
p = 30mm
q = 30mm
 = 40mm
 = 40mm

Full Half

q = 40mm q = 20mm

High Rate Low Rate

of wing slat.

EN

p = 30mm
q = 20mm
p = 20mm
q = 20mm
 = 30mm
 = 30mm

Motor: 5065 Brushless Outrunner: 12 Pole (EFLM5065D)
ESC: Smart 100-Amp ESC (SPMXAE1100) Installed Installed
Servos:

Aileron: A332 9g Sub-Micro MG Servo: 170mm Lead (2)
Rudder: A332 9g Sub-Micro MG Servo: 170mm Lead (2)
Elevator: A332 9g Sub-Micro MG Servo: 170mm Lead (2)
Flaps: A332 9g Sub-Micro MG Servo: 170 Lead (2)

Receiver: Spektrum™ AR637TA 6-Channel AS3X/SAFE
Telemetry Receiver (SPMAR637T)

Recommended Battery: 22.2V 5000mAh 6S 30C Smart
LiPo Battery: IC5 (SPMX50006S30)

Recommended Battery Charger:
S1100 Spektrum Smart AC Charger 1x100W
(SPMXC1080)

Recommended Transmitter:

Full-Range 2.4GHz 6+ Channel with Spektrum™ DSM2®/
DSMX® technology with programmable mixing and
adjustable dual rates

RECEIVER BIND INFORMATION

Channels 6
Frequency 2404 – 2476 MHz
Compatibility DSM2 and DSMX

77.7 in (1973mm)

53 in (1345mm)

Included Included

Installed Installed

Installed

Required

Complete

Required

Complete

Required

Complete

Required to

Complete

Required to

to

Complete

Required to

to

Complete

Required to

to

Complete

8.5lbs
(3.86kg)

10.0lbs
(4.53kg) with
Spektrum 6S
5000mAh
battery

Table of ContentsSpecications

Preflight ............................................................................................. 4

Transmitter Setup ..............................................................................4

Binding .............................................................................................. 5

Model Assembly ................................................................................6

PNP Receiver Selection and Installation ...........................................10

Battery Installation and ESC Arming ................................................. 11

Control Surface Centering and Adjusting a Ball Link .........................12

Control Horn and Servo Arm Settings ...............................................12

SAFE® Select Switch Designation ....................................................13

Smart Technology Telemetry ............................................................13

Control Direction Test .......................................................................14

AS3X Control Response Test ...........................................................15

Center of Gravity (CG) ......................................................................15

In-Flight Trimming............................................................................15

Flying Tips and Repairs ....................................................................16

SAFE® Select Flying Tips ..................................................................16

Post Flight .......................................................................................17

Motor Service .................................................................................. 17

Servo Service ..................................................................................18

Troubleshooting Guide AS3X ............................................................18

Troubleshooting Guide .....................................................................19

Replacement Parts ...........................................................................20

AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code .........................................20

Recommended Parts ........................................................................20

Optional Parts ..................................................................................20

Limited Warranty .............................................................................21

Contact Information .........................................................................21

FCC Information ............................................................................... 22

IC Information .................................................................................. 22

Compliance Information for the European Union ............................... 22

If you own this product, you may be required to register with the FAA. 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 knowbeforeyoufly.org/.

3

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Preight

1 Remove and inspect contents.
2 Read this instruction manual thoroughly.
3 Charge the flight battery.
4 Setup Transmitter using transmitter setup chart.
5 Fully assemble the airplane.
6 Install the flight battery in the aircraft (once it has been fully charged).
7 Check the Center of Gravity (CG).
8 Bind the aircraft to your transmitter.

Transmitter Setup

IMPORTANT: After you set up your model, always rebind the transmitter and

receiver to set the desired failsafe positions.

The BNF Basic version of this model has a built in aileron to rudder mix, when
the ailerons are deflected the rudder will move.

IMPORTANT: The included receiver has been programmed specifically for
operation in this aircraft.

If your transmitter allows it, enable the throttle cut feature. Always engage
throttle cut before approaching the aircraft.

Dual Rates

Low rate is recommended for the initial flights.

NOTICE: To ensure AS3X® technology functions properly, do not lower rate
values below 50%. If lower rates are desired, manually adjust the position of
the pushrods on the servo arm.

NOTICE: If oscillation occurs at high speed, refer to the Troubleshooting
Guide for more information.

Exponential

After first flights, you may adjust expo in your transmitter.

Transmitter Telemetry Setup

If the transmitter that you intend to use with this aircraft is not displaying
telemetry data, visit Spektrumrc.com and update your firmware. With the latest
firmware installed on your transmitter the telemetry option should now be
functional on your transmitter.

†

Some of the terminology and function locations used in the iX12 and iX20

programming may be slightly different than other Spektrum AirWare™ radios.
The names given in parentheses correspond to the iX12 and iX20 programming

terminology. Consult your transmitter manual for specific information about
programming your transmitter.

‡

The settings provided above for the DX6 and DX6e do not allow for the use of a SAFE Select

switch. To use a SAFE Select switch on these systems see the section below for transmitter
setup and operation information.

9 Make sure linkages move freely.
10 Perform the Control Direction Test with the transmitter.
11 Perform the AS3X Control Direction Test with the aircraft.
12 Adjust flight controls and transmitter.
13 Perform a radio system Range Test.
14 Find a safe open area to fly.
15 Plan flight for flying field conditions.

Computerized Transmitter Setup

Start all transmitter programming with a blank ACRO model (perform a model reset),
then name the model.

2 Position switch 3 Position switch

Set Dual Rates to

Set Servo Travel to 100%
Set Throttle Cut to -100%
DXe Refer to spektrumrc.com for the appropriate download setup.

1. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP

2. Set MODEL TYPE: AIRPLANE

3. Set WING TYPE: 1 AIL 1 FLAP

4. Go to CHANNEL ASSIGN:
CHANNEL INPUT CONFIG
AUX2 Switch A
SELECT GEAR: INH

5. Go to the FUNCTION LIST

6. Go to Digital Switch Setup:
DX7S
DX8

DX6e
DX6 (Gen2)
DX7 (Gen2)
DX8e
DX8 (Gen2)
DX9
DX10t
DX18
DX20
iX12
iX20
NX6

NX8
NX10

Switch: Switch A
Pos 0: -100
Pos 1: -100 no motor reversing
OR
Pos 1: 100 motor reversing

7. Set FLAP SYSTEM: Choose Flap

NORM: -100% FLAP 0% Elevator
MID: -20% FLAP 10% Elevator
LAND: 9% FLAP 16% Elevator
SPEED 2.0S:
SWITCH = FLAP

1. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP (Model Utilities)

2. Set MODEL TYPE: AIRPLANE

3. Set AIRCRAFT TYPE (Model Setup, Aircraft Type)†:

WING: 1 AIL 1 FLAP

4. Go to CHANNEL ASSIGN:

CHANNEL INPUT CONFIG
AUX2 Switch A

Not available on DX6 or DX6e transmitters

5. Go to the FUNCTION LIST (Model Adjust)†

6. Go to Digital Switch Setup:

Switch: Switch A
Pos 0: -100
Pos 1: -100 no motor reversing
OR
Pos 1: 100 motor reversing

Not available on DX6 or DX6e transmitters

7. Set FLAP SYSTEM:

SELECT SWITCH D:
POS 0: -100% FLAP* 0% Elevator
POS 1: -20% FLAP* 10% Elevator
POS 2: 9% FLAP* 16% Elevator
SPEED 2.0

HIGH 100%

LOW 50% LOW 50%

HIGH 100%
MID 70%

†

4

DRACO 2.0m

Binding

General Binding Tips

• The included receiver has been specifically programmed
for operation of this aircraft. Refer to the receiver manual
for correct setup if the receiver is replaced.

• Keep away from large metal objects while binding.

• Do not point the transmitter’s antenna directly at the receiver while binding.

• The orange LED on the receiver will flash rapidly
when the receiver enters bind mode.

General Binding Tips

The BNF Basic version of this airplane includes SAFE Select technology, enabling you to choose the level of flight protection. SAFE mode includes angle limits and
automatic self leveling. AS3X mode provides the pilot with a direct response to the control sticks. SAFE Select is enabled or disabled during the bind process.

With SAFE Select disabled the aircraft is always in AS3X mode. With SAFE Select enabled the aircraft will be in SAFE Select mode all the time, or you can assign a
switch to toggle between SAFE Select and AS3X modes.

Thanks to SAFE Select technology, this aircraft can be configured for full-time SAFE mode, full-time AS3X mode, or mode selection can be assigned to a switch.
IMPORTANT: Before binding, read the transmitter setup section in this manual and complete the transmitter setup table to ensure your transmitter is properly

programmed for this aircraft.
IMPORTANT: Move the transmitter flight controls (rudder, elevators, and ailerons) and the throttle trim to neutral. Move the throttle to low before and

during binding.
You can use either the bind button on the receiver case or the conventional bind plug to complete the binding and SAFE Select process.
When using the auxiliary BEC from an ESC installed in the bind port of the receiver, unplug it to use bind plug.
A bind plug extension has been provided in BNF models. It will be labeled and located in the battery compartment for easy access.

• Once bound, the receiver will retain its bind settings
for that transmitter until you re-bind.

• If the receiver loses transmitter communication, the failsafe will
activate. Failsafe moves the throttle channel to low throttle. Pitch
and roll channels move to actively level the aircraft in flight.

• If problems occur, refer to the troubleshooting guide or if needed,
contact the appropriate Horizon Product Support office.

EN

Using Bind Button Using Bind Plug

SAFE Select Enabled

Connect PowerLower Throttle

SAFE Select Enabled: The control surfaces cycle back and forth twice with
a slight pause at neutral position every time the receiver is powered on.

SAFE Select Disabled

Press and hold Bind
Button

Release Bind ButtonOrange Flashing LED Bind TX to RX

Press Bind ButtonLower Throttle Connect Power

SAFE Select Enabled

BIND

Install Bind Plug

SAFE Select Enabled:
slight pause at neutral position every time the receiver is powered on.

Lower Throttle Connect Power

BIND

Remove Bind Plug

The control surfaces cycle back and forth twice with a

Bind TX to RXOrange Flashing LED

SAFE Select Disabled

BIND

Install Bind Plug Connect PowerLower Throttle

Orange Flashing LED

SAFE Select Disabled: The control surfaces cycle back and forth once
every time the receiver is powered on.

* Failsafe

If the receiver loses transmitter communication, the failsafe will activate. When activated, failsafe moves the throttle channel to its preset
failsafe position (low throttle) that was set during binding. All other channels move collectively and actively to place the aircraft in a slow descending turn.

Bind TX to RXRelease Bind Button

Orange Flashing LED

SAFE Select Disabled: The control surfaces cycle back and forth once
every time the receiver is powered on.

Bind TX to RX

BIND

Remove Bind Plug

5

EN

Model Assembly

Landing Gear Installation

1. Install two 5mm ID washers (A) and one wheel onto each axle of the

landing strut.

2. Secure the wheels in place with one 3.5mm ID washer (B) and M5 nylon
locknuts (C), using a 5mm nut driver.

3. Install the landing gear assembly (D) on the fuselage and secure in place
using M4 x 20mm screws (E).

4. Remove the paper from the double side stick tape and install the foam
cover (F) onto the center of the main gear assembly.

Disassemble in reverse order.

F

A

B

3.5mm washer

5mm washer (2)

C

5mm
lock nut

E

M4 X 20mm (4)

D

Tail Wheel Installation

1. Remove the two screws to remove the two small plastic covers (A) (left and

right side).

2. Install the tailwheel assembly (B) with two M3 x 20mm screws and M5

nylon locknuts.

IMPORTANT: Do not over tighten the 3mm screws and M5 nuts. Over
tightening will prevent the tail gear from pivoting up and down.

3. Reinstall the small rear plastic covers. (extra set in parts bag are the same
as removed from the aircraft).

4. Install the tailwheel springs (C) using needle nose pliers. Attach each spring
to the tail wheel assembly steering arm first, then attach the other end to
the steering arm on the fuselage.

Disassemble in reverse order.

A

B

C

5mm lock nut

M3 X 20mm

6

DRACO 2.0m

Model Assembly Continued

Horizontal Stabilizer Installation

1. Slide the horizontal tail (A) into the slot at the rear of the fuselage until the
retaining clip clicks. Ensure the control horn and the two support struts are
facing down.

2. Snap the left and right support struts (B) onto the ball-links (C).

3. Bind your aircraft to the model and power on the aircraft to ensure the
elevator servo is centered before adjusting and connecting the elevator
linkage.

4. Snap the elevator control linkage (D) on the ball-link (E).

5. Ensure the elevator and rudder servo arms are in the correct position, then
adjust the linkage to center them.

Disassemble in reverse order.

EN

A

Aileron Counterbalance and Wing Tip Guard
Installation

1. Carefully press the included wing tip guard (A) into the wing slot until it is
fully seated.

2. Carefully align the counterbalance (B) and seat it into the recess.

3. Secure the counterbalance into place with the included

2.5 x 6mm screw (C).

4. Repeat aileron counterbalance and wing tip guard installation for the
opposite wing.

Disassemble in reverse order.

D

E

C

B

C

B

2.5 X 6mm

A

Handle Installation

1. Carefully apply medium CA to the handle. Use only one or two drops to
prevent CA glue from running.

2. Carefully press the handle (A) into the recess in the wing until the handle is
fully seated.

A

7