miniature aircraft X-cell Spectra-G 125-100c Operator's Manual
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miniature aircraft usa
Phone (352)-383-3201 FAX (352)-383-3204
Website: www.miniatureaircraftusa.com
31713 Long Acres Drive
Sorrento, FL 32776
E-Mail: minair@earthlink.net
XCell Spectra-G Model – Additional Operators Guide
Page 2 of 16 Copyright 12/5/2004
Miniature Aircraft USA
XCell Spectra-G Model – Additional Operators Guide
Table Of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 4
2. SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?........................................................................................... 4
3. SETUP GUIDELINES......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1. FUEL SYSTEM............................................................................................................................... 6
3.2. EXHAUST SYSTEM........................................................................................................................ 6
3.3. AIR FILTER.................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4. SPARK PLUGS............................................................................................................................... 7
3.5. INITIAL CARBURETOR SETUP – ZENOAH G231 ............................................................................. 7
3.6. THROTTLE SETUP......................................................................................................................... 8
3.7. THROTTLE GOVERNORS ............................................................................................................... 8
3.8. ROTOR BLADES ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.9. HEAD DAMPING ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.10. PITCH CURVES ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.11. ANTENNA ROUTING....................................................................................................................... 9
3.12. RECEIVER CRYSTALS ................................................................................................................... 9
3.13. CARBURETOR MOUNT BOLTS....................................................................................................... 9
3.14. SERVO SUPPORT BRIDGES......................................................................................................... 10
3.15. MUFFLER MOUNTING.................................................................................................................. 10
3.16. WIRE CONNECTORS ................................................................................................................... 10
4. OPERATING GUIDELINES............................................................................................................. 11
4.1. FUEL........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2. OIL ............................................................................................................................................. 11
4.2.1. Oil for Engine Break-In.......................................................................................................... 11
4.2.2. Oil for Normal Operation....................................................................................................... 11
4.2.3. Excessive Oil.......................................................................................................................... 11
4.3. OPERATION DURING BREAK-IN................................................................................................... 12
4.4. NORMAL OPERATION .................................................................................................................. 12
4.4.1. Normal Carburetor Settings.................................................................................................... 12
4.4.2. Mixture Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 13
4.4.3. Hover Settings........................................................................................................................ 13
4.4.4. Full Power Settings................................................................................................................ 14
4.5. STOPPING THE MOTOR............................................................................................................... 14
4.6. ENGINE/MUFFLER HEAT ............................................................................................................. 14
4.7. COOLING THE ENGINE................................................................................................................ 14
5. TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................................... 15
Page 3 of 16 Copyright 12/5/2004
Miniature Aircraft USA
XCell Spectra-G Model – Additional Operators Guide
1. Introduction
This document is provided as an addendum to the standard instruction guide for the XCell
Spectra-G.
This guide is based on the experiences of our design team and is intended to help our customers
with the setup/operation of the model when using a Zenoah G231 engine.
Due to the flexible design of the model, other brands/types of engines may be used however this
document and its contents are focused on use of the Zenoah engines.
2. So What Do You Need to Know?
The instructions are very thorough concerning the construction and setup of this model. Please
follow them as written. The content of this guide will address questions that may come up as you
get ready to fly your new XCell Spectra-G model.
a) I’m new to gasoline powered models, what can I expect to be different from a glow
powered model?
Other than the fuel, sound and smell, it will operate pretty much like any other powered
helicopter.
Once properly adjusted, the model will fly almost 30 minutes on a tank of gas.
There will always be some vibration. The nature of large single cylinder motors is that they
will vibrate some. When properly adjusted and broken-in they will run almost as smooth as
glow motors, but never as smooth.
Once setup properly though, they will run for a very long time with little attention. It’s not
unheard of to have over 100 gallons of fuel through these motors with just normal
maintenance. That’s a lot of flying time.
As with glow motors, when the correct setup and mixture has been reached, the model will
have a particular sound and behavior. This can’t really be better explained, but over time you
will get used to hearing it and realize when it has changed.
The model is heavier than a standard glow model, so it will fly heavier. It will be steadier in a
hover, especially when it’s windy and will react slightly slower to massive pitch changes. This
doesn’t affect WHAT the model will do, only they way in which it does it.
b) Is there any special setup that may be required?
The instructions provided with the kit do a good job of covering the assembly. There are
some additional recommendations in this manual in the section that follows entitled “Setup
Guidelines”.
c) What do I need to know before starting the model for the first time?
Follow all the instructions about assembling the model and setting up the electronics. Then
read the section “Operating Guidelines” that follows. There is enough information here to
make the model work properly.
Page 4 of 16 Copyright 12/5/2004
Miniature Aircraft USA
XCell Spectra-G Model – Additional Operators Guide
d) So what do I need to start this model?
The Zenoah motors are supplied with a pull starter. This can be permanently mounted or
made removable. This is one way to start the motor.
In addition, you can use a standard spin starter on the start shaft above the clutch. The
G231/G26 motors can be started in this method using a typical starter for .90 size glow
motors and the Pro-Flex starter wand. This works so well, it is the recommended method.
e) So how do I go about starting the model?
Develop a routine and follow it every time:
Depress the primer bulb on the carburetor until there are no bubbles or air in the fuel
line. This will take a few pumps.
Make sure the throttle is set at the starting position, about 10% open from full closed.
You may need to adjust the throttle trim as necessary.
If you’re using a pull starter, the engine will need to be choked (by closing the choke
lever) and pulled through 4-5 times. Then open the choke and the motor should start
with 1-2 pulls.
If you’re using the recommended spin starter, you won’t need the choke.
Always hold on to the rotor head with one hand when starting the motor to prevent it
from accidentally hitting you.
Any time that the motor has been sitting for a few hours, it will idle at a much higher
RPM than the trim is set for. As the motor warms up, it will slow down and settle in to an
idle. The clutch has been designed to allow for this. It is a normal part of the startup
routine.
If the motor does not start and you have set the mixture to the initial settings try
increasing the idle trim slightly, however do not increase too much or the model may
start and get away from you.
f) What if I have problems?
First, look at the section “Troubleshooting” that follows in this document to see if your
questions are answered.
If your situation is not covered, then contact Miniature Aircraft USA via their Technical
Support forum on the website (this forum is monitored regularly by the design team who will
be happy to help), via e-mail or call the shop.
Page 5 of 16 Copyright 12/5/2004
Miniature Aircraft USA
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