Horizon Hobby Thunderbird F-16 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di Istruzioni

SAFE® Select Technology, Optional Flight Envelope Protection

Thunderbird F-16

with 70mm EDF

2

F-16 70mm EDF

EN

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.

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:
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.

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.

Safety Precautions and Warnings

14

+

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 technology.

3

EN

Required Adhesives:

Medium CA

SAFE® Select Technology (BNF Basic) ................................................4

Prefl ight .............................................................................................4

Transmitter Setup (BNF Basic) ............................................................4

Model Assembly ................................................................................5

Scale Accessories Optional ................................................................ 7

Battery Installation and ESC Arming ...................................................8

Transmitter and Receiver Binding /

Switching SAFE Select ON and OFF (BNF Basic) ................................. 9

SAFE Select Switch Designation ......................................................10

Control Horn and Servo Arm Settings ...............................................10

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

AS3X Control Direction Test (BNF Basic) ..........................................11

In Flight Trimming (BNF Basic) .........................................................11

Flying Tips and Repairs ....................................................................12

PNP Receiver Selection and Installation ...........................................12

Post Flight .......................................................................................13

Motor Service ..................................................................................13

Troubleshooting Guide AS3X ............................................................13

Troubleshooting Guide .....................................................................14

AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code .........................................15

Limited Warranty .............................................................................16

Contact Information .........................................................................16

FCC Information ...............................................................................17

IC Information ..................................................................................17

Compliance Information for the European Union ...............................17

Recommended Receivers ................................................................62

Replacement Parts ...........................................................................63

Optional Parts ..................................................................................64

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, visit https://

registermyuas.faa.gov/.
For additional assistance on regulations and guidance on UAS usage, visit

knowbeforeyoufl y.org/.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/content/e-fl ite-rc

Box Contents

Quick Start Information

Transmitter Setup

Set up your transmitter using the

transmitter setup chart

Travel and Dual

Rates

Hi Rate Low Rate

Ail

26mm 18mm

Ele

18mm 14mm

Rud

20mm 16mm

Center of Gravity

(CG)

90 – 110mm back from leading edge of

wing at the fuselage.

Flight Timer Setting

3 minutes

Table of Contents

Components

Motor:

Motor 2860 KV1850

(EFLM1850)

Installed Installed

ESC: 70A Brushless Switch Mode

(EFLA1070400EC5)

Installed Installed

Servos: (7) (SPMA380, SPMA380R) Installed Installed

Receiver: Spektrum™ AR636A 6-Channel

Sport Receiver (SPMAR636)

Installed

Required

to

Complete

Recommended Battery: 22.2V

3200–4000mAh 30C 6S LiPo with EC5
connector

Required

to

Complete

Required

to

Complete

Recommended Battery Charger:

6-cell Li-Po battery balancing charger

Required

to

Complete

Required

to

Complete

Recommended Transmitter:

Full-Range 2.4GHz with Spektrum

™

DSM2

®

/DSMX® technology and adjustable

dual rates

Required

to

Complete

Required

to

Complete

S

P

T

M

S

B

T

S

SCC

AIF

P

P

M

T

T

A

L

C

F

I

C

R

R

O

I

fFr

F

T

32 in (813mm)

49.53 in (1258mm)

73.7oz (2090g)

RECEIVER BIND INFORMATION

Channels

6

Frequency 2405 – 2476 MHz
Compatibility DSM2 and DSMX

4

F-16 70mm EDF

EN

Prefl ight

Transmitter Setup (BNF Basic)

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

receiver to set the desired failsafe positions.

Dual Rates

Take fi rst fl ights in Low Rate. For landings, use high rate elevator.

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.

Expo

After fi rst fl ights, you may adjust expo in your transmitter.

Retractable landing gear

Move the Channel 5 (gear) switch to raise or lower the retractable landing gear.

Computerized Transmitter Setup

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

Set Timer to 3 minutes

Set Dual Rates to

HIGH 100%

LOW 70%
Set Servo Travel to 100%
Set Throttle Cut to -130%
Set Gear Channel to Reverse

DXe Refer to spektrumrc.com for the appropriate download setup.

DX6i

1. Go to the SETUP LIST MENU

2. Set MODEL TYPE: ACRO

DX7S
DX8

1. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP

2. Set MODEL TYPE: AIRPLANE

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

1. Go to the SYSTEM SETUP (Model Utilities)

†

2. Set MODEL TYPE: AIRPLANE

SAFE® Select Technology (BNF Basic)

The evolutionary SAFE® Select technology can offer an extra level of protection so you can perform the fi rst fl ight with confi dence. No complex transmitter
programming is required. Just follow the simple bind process to make the SAFE Select system active. When activated, bank and pitch limitations keep you from
over-controlling and automatic self-leveling makes recovery from risky or confusing attitudes as simple as releasing the sticks. In fact, with the aileron, elevator
and rudder sticks in the neutral position, SAFE Select will automatically keep the airplane in a straight and level attitude.

Expand the advantage of what SAFE

®

Select technology offers by assigning it to a switch. No transmitter programming is required and you’ll be able to turn the
system ON and OFF with the fl ip of a switch. Turn it OFF in fl ight for unrestricted aerobatic performance, and turn it back ON when a buddy wants to try out your
cool aircraft. Turn SAFE Select ON for landings. It will help keep the correct pitch attitude and wings level during the fi nal approach. Whether you’re a beginner or
an expert, SAFE Select can make your fl ights a great experience.

When the normal bind process is followed, the SAFE Select system is disabled, leaving specially tuned AS3X

®

technology in place to deliver a pure, unrestricted

fl ight experience.

1. Remove and inspect contents.

2. Read this instruction manual thoroughly.

3. Charge the fl ight battery.

4. Setup Transmitter using transmitter setup chart.

5. Fully assemble the airplane.

6. Install the fl ight battery in the aircraft (once it has been fully charged).

7. Check the Center of Gravity (CG).

8. Bind the aircraft to your transmitter.

9. Make sure linkages move freely.

10. Test the landing gear operation.

11. Perform the Control Direction Test with the transmitter.

12. Perform the AS3X Control Direction Test with the aircraft.

13. Adjust fl ight controls and transmitter.

14. Perform a radio system Range Test.

15. Find a safe open area to fl y.

16. Plan fl ight for fl ying fi eld conditions.

†

iX12 terminology

e

5

EN

Model Assembly

Horizontal Tail Installation

1. Wipe the mounting areas on the horizontal tail halves and fuselage with a

paper towel to pick up any dust or loose paint before applying glue.

2. Use CA glue to attach the horizontal tail halves to the fuselage. Apply a thin

layer on the horizontal tail mounting surfaces of the fuselage.

3. Attach the horizontal tail halves to the fuselage as shown in the diagram.

4. Press the horizontal tail halves into position and wipe off any excess glue that

seeps out with a paper towel.

5. Leave the model level upside down hold the stabilizers in position while the

glue cures.

Sub Fin Installation

1. Wipe the mounting areas on the sub fi ns and the fan cover with a paper

towel to pick up any dust or loose paint before applying glue.

2. Use CA glue to attach the sub fi ns to the fan cover. Apply a thin layer in the

fi n mounting cavity on the fan cover.

NOTICE: Do not apply glue to the front half of the sub fi n where they meet
the fuselage. The sub fi ns should be glued to the fan cover only. If the
front half sub fi ns are also glued to the fuselage, the fan cover cannot be
removed for access to the ducted fan.

3. Insert the sub fi ns into the fan cover as shown in the diagram to the

right. Verify the sub fi ns are angles outward as shown below.

4. Press the sub fi ns into position and wipe off any excess glue

that seeps out with a paper towel.

5. Leave the model level upside and secure the sub

fi ns in position while the glue cures.

NO GLUE

Apply glue here

Rear view, upside down. Verify
the sub fi ns are angled outward.

Apply glue here

6

F-16 70mm EDF

EN

Model Assembly Continued

Nose Cone Installation

1. The nose cone held in place magnetically.

Vertical Tail Installation

1. Connect the rudder servo to the servo extension tucked into the cavity. Verify

the servo is operating correctly with your radio system before proceeding.

2. Wipe the mounting areas on the vertical tail and fuselage with a paper towel

to pick up any dust or loose paint before applying glue.

3. Tuck the rudder servo lead and connector back into the cavity .

4. Use CA glue to attach the vertical tail to the fuselage. Apply a thin layer in the

tail mounting cavity on the fuselage.

5. Attach the vertical tail to the fuselage as shown in the diagram.

6. Press the vertical stabilizer halves into position and wipe off any excess glue

that seeps out with a paper towel.

7. Leave the model level upright and ensure the vertical fi n is kept accurately

aligned while the glue to cures.

Apply glue here

90˚