PARKZONE Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub RTF, Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub BNF, PKZ3900 RTF, PKZ3980 BNF Instruction Manual

Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub RTF & BNF

Instruction Manual

PKZ3900 RTF

PKZ3980 BNF

© 2010 Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, IL 61822

USA

Horizon Hobby UK

Units 1-4, Ployters Road

Staple Tye

Harlow, Essex

CM18 7NS

United Kingdom

Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH

Hamburger Strasse 10

25335 Elmshorn

Germany

ParkZone® products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Multiple patents pending

US patent 7,391,320
US patent D578,146

PRC patent number ZL 2007 2 0069025.2

DSM and DSM2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.

The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.

Futaba is a registered trademark of Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation of Japan.

www.parkzone.com

16438 Printed 11/09

Specifications
Length: 12.2 in (310mm)
Wingspan: 18.1 in (460mm)
Weight: 0.85 oz (24.0 g)
Battery: 3.7V 120mAh Lithium Polymer

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J-3 Cub Introduction

Table of Contents

Specifications ............................................1

J-3 Cub Introduction ........................................3

Battery Warnings and Guidelines ...............................4

Battery Charging ..........................................7

Additional Safety Precautions and Warnings .......................9

J-3 Cub RTF Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

J-3 Cub BNF Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

First Flight Preparation .....................................12

Flying Checklist ..........................................12

Installing the Flight Battery ..................................13

Transmitter and Receiver Binding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Transmitter Specific Binding Instructions ........................15

Transmitter Control Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Additional Binding Information ................................18

Control Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Receiver Control Unit Description, Arming and Motor Control Test ......23

Reversing Flight Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Stock Control Throw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Choosing a Flying Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Flying the J-3 Cub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Replacing the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Replacing the Prop Shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Optional Parts ...........................................31

Troubleshooting Guide .....................................32

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Compliance Information for the European Union ...................38

One of the most popular civilian aircraft of all time, the J-3 Cub
is often seen around airshows and classic events today. Now
indoor and backyard flyers can experience the fun of shooting
touch and goes on a smaller scale with this incredible scale
3-channel reproduction from ParkZone.

This J-3 Cub offers classic Cub looks and performance in an
ultra-micro sized package featuring Spektrum’s 2.4GHz DSM2™
control. With a flying weight of only 0.85 oz (24.0 g), the J-3 can
be flown at a gym or in your yard without having to make a trip
to the flying field. The J-3 Cub is designed for experienced pilots
that have previously flown 3-channel aircraft. Your J-3 comes
100% factory-assembled and is ready to fly with everything
included (except a transmitter for BNF only). Also included in the
box is the lithium polymer flight battery and convenient DC Li-Po
battery charger, along with 4 AA batteries for the charger.

The DSM2 technology offers freedom from frequency
restrictions and allows the J-3 Cub to be flown just
about anywhere.

Although the J-3 Cub is nearly ready-to-fly right from the box,
please take time to read through this manual for tips on battery
safety and charging, control setup and more before making your
first flight. It is important that you only charge the included 3.7V
120mAh 14C Li-Po battery (PKZ1035) with the included 1S 3.7V
DC Li-Po Battery Charger (PKZ3240). You can also use the
E-flite® Celectra™ 4-Port Charger (EFLC1004). This charger safely
charges four 3.7V packs independently. Attempting to charge
the battery using another Li-Po battery charger or non-Li–Po
compatible charger could result in serious damage.

As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for
operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself
and others or result in damage to the product or the property
of others.

Product Registration

Register your product online at www.parkzone.com/register.

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While the 1S 3.7V DC Lithium Polymer Battery Charger
(PKZ3240) included with your J-3 Cub has been
specifically designed to safely charge the included 1S

3.7V 120mAh 14C Li-Po Battery (PKZ1035), you MUST
read the following safety instructions and warnings before
handling, charging or using the Li-Po battery.

Note: Li-Po batteries are significantly more volatile
than the alkaline, Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries used in RC
applications. All instructions and warnings must be
followed exactly. Mishandling of Li-Po batteries can
result in fire.

By handling, charging or using the included Li-Po battery
you assume all risks associated with lithium batteries.
If you do not agree with these conditions, return your
complete J-3 Cub model in new, unused condition to the
place of purchase immediately.

• You must charge the included 1S 3.7V 120mAh 14C Li-Po

battery in a safe area away from flammable materials.

• Never charge the battery unattended. When charging the

battery you should always remain in constant observation
to monitor the charging process and react to potential
problems that may occur.

• After ight, the battery must be cooled to ambient
temperature before charging.

• You MUST use the included 1S 3.7V DC Li-Po Battery

Charger (PKZ3240). Failure to do so may result in
a fire causing personal injury and/or property

damage. You can use the E-ite Celectra 4-Port
Charger (EFLC1004) to safely charge the 3.7V

battery pack as well. DO NOT use an Ni-Cd or
Ni-MH charger.

• If at any time during the charge or discharge process

the battery begins to balloon or swell, discontinue
charging or discharging immediately. Quickly and
safely disconnect the battery, then place it in a safe,
open area away from ammable materials to
observe it for at least 15 minutes. Continuing to
charge or discharge a battery that has begun to
balloon or swell can result in a fire. A battery that
has ballooned or swollen even a small amount must
be removed from service completely.

• Store the battery at room temperature in a dry area for

best results.

• When transporting or temporarily storing the battery,

the temperature range should be from 40–120 degrees
Fahrenheit. Do not store the battery or model in a car or
direct sunlight whenever possible. If stored in a hot car, the
battery can be damaged or even catch fire.

• Do not over-discharge the Li-Po ight battery.
Discharging the battery too low can cause damage
to the battery resulting in reduced power, duration or
failure of the battery entirely. (See below for details.)

Li-Po cells should not be discharged to below 3V each
under load. In the case of the 1S Li-Po battery used for
the J-3 Cub, you will not want to allow the battery to fall to

below 3V during ight.

The J-3 Cub receiver unit features a soft low voltage
cutoff (LVC) that occurs when the battery reaches 3V

under load. When the soft cutoff occurs, the ESCs of the

receiver unit will reduce power to the motor (regardless
of the power level you have set with the throttle stick) in
order to prevent the voltage of the battery from dropping
below 3V. This reduction in power usually requires that
you land the model immediately, at which point you should

power down the model and unplug the ight battery. While
it is possible to power the model up and to y again after

the soft LVC occurs, this is NOT recommended as this will
over-discharge the battery. Continued discharging to the
soft LVC will cause permanent damage to the Li-Po
battery that results in lost power and duration when using
the battery for subsequent ights, or failure of the
battery entirely. Continued attempts to further discharge

Battery Warnings and Guidelines

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the battery may also result in loss of control while the
motor is running, as the voltage of the battery may drop
below the minimum operating voltage of the receiver and
other electronics.

Also, you should not y to the soft LVC every time you y.

Instead, you should be aware of the power level of the

battery/airplane throughout the ight, and if at any time

the airplane begins to require more throttle than typical to

maintain ight, you should land the airplane immediately.

Routinely discharging the battery to the soft LVC can still
cause permanent damage to the battery.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the
handling, charging and/or use of the included Li-Po battery,
please contact the Horizon Support Team at 877-504-0233,
Horizon Hobby UK at [phone] or Horizon
Technischer Service, Germany at [phone].

It is important that you charge the included 1S 3.7V 120mAh
14C Li-Po Battery (PKZ1035) with the included 1S 3.7V DC Li-Po
Battery Charger (PKZ3240) or the E-flite Celectra 4-port Charger
(EFLC1004). Attempting to charge the battery using another
Li-Po charger or non-Li–Po compatible charger could result in
serious damage. Please familiarize
yourself thoroughly with the Battery Warnings and Guidelines
section before continuing. Follow these steps to charge the Li-Po
battery with the included charger.

• Remove the cover on the bottom of the charger and install

four of the included AA batteries, noting proper polarity.
Replace the cover after the AA batteries are installed.

• Slide the battery into the slot on the charger. The end cap

of the battery has been specifically designed to allow the
battery to be slid into the slot easily one way (usually with
the label on the battery facing outward) to prevent reverse
polarity connection. However, please be sure to check for
proper alignment and polarity before proceeding to the
next step.

• Gently press the battery and its connector into the charge

jack/connector located at the bottom of the slot in the
charger. Again, be sure to check for and to achieve proper
polarity before making the connection.

• After you make the connection successfully, the LED light

on the charger will turn solid red, indicating that charging
has begun.

Battery Charging

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• It takes approximately 30–40 minutes to charge a fully dis­charged (not over-discharged) battery. As the battery nears
full charge, the LED light will begin to blink. When
the battery is fully charged, the LED light will blink
approximately every 20 seconds or will go out entirely.

Note: The Li-Po battery included with your J-3 Cub will arrive

partially charged. For this reason the initial charge may
only take 15–20 minutes.

Note: You can expect to charge the Li-Po flight battery

approximately 15–20 times before it will be necessary
to replace the AA batteries in the charger. Replacing
the included batteries with alkaline batteries will result
in more charge cycles than with the included batteries.

Note: If LED remains on for longer than 40 minutes

while charging and/or 5 seconds after removing the
Li-Po flight battery, please replace the AA batteries in
the charger.

This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is
advisable to always keep a safe distance in all directions around
your model, as this margin will help avoid collisions or injury.

Age Recommendation: 14 years or over. This is not a toy.
This product is not intended for use by children without
direct adult supervision.

• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.

• Always operate your model in an open area away from

cars, traffic, or people.

• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or

damage can occur.

• Never operate the model in the street or in populated

areas for any reason.

• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any

optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable
battery packs, etc.) that you use.

• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out

of the reach of children.

• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water

exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and
protected for this purpose.

• Never lick or place any portion of your model in your mouth

as it could cause serious injury or even death.

Additional Safety Precautions
and Warnings

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• J-3 Cub RTF airplane

• 2.4GHz DSM2 transmitter

• 120mAh 1S 3.7V 14C Li-Po battery

• 1S 3.7V Li-Po battery charger, 0.3A charge rate

• 8x AA batteries

• Landing gear

No additional equipment is needed for your J-3 Cub.

J-3 Cub RTF Contents J-3 Cub BNF Contents

• J-3 Cub BNF airplane

• 120mAh 1S 3.7V 14C Li-Po battery

• 1S 3.7V Li-Po battery charger, 0.3A charge rate

• 4x AA batteries

• Landing gear

A DSM2 compatible aircraft transmitter is required to complete
your J-3 Cub.