Phoenix Model DECATHLON MK2 Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATION

- Wingspan: 1669mm (65.7in)

- Length: 1229mm (48.43 in)

- Flying weight: 3300-3400 gr

- Wing area: 44.2 dm2

- Wing loading: 67g/dm2

- Wing type: Naca airfoils

- Covering type: Genuine ORACOVER®

- Gear type: Aluminum main gear and

spring tail gear (included)

- Spinner size: Plastic 58mm (included)

- Radio: 4 channel minimum (not included)

- Servo: 5 standard servo: 2 aileron; 1 elevator;

1 rudder; 1 throttle (not included)

- Recommended receiver battery:

4.8-6V / 800-1200mAh NiMH (not included)

- Servo mount: 21mm x 42 mm

- Propeller: suit with your engine

- Engine: .46-.55 / 2-stroke or .52/4-stroke

glow engine (not included)

- Motor: brushless outrunner 1000-1400 W,
480 KV (not included)

- Gravity CG: 75 mm (2.9 in) Back from the
leading edge of the wing, at the fuselage

- Control throw Ailerons: Low: 8mm up/down,
10% expo; High: 10mm up/down, 10% expo

- Control throw Elevators: Low: 8mm up/down,
12% expo; High: 10mm up/down, 12% expo

- Control throw Rudder: Low: 25mm right/left,
15% expo; High: 40mm right/left, 15% expo

- Experience level: Intermediate

- Plane type: Scale Civilian
RECOMMENDED MOTOR AND BATTERY SET UP

- Motor: RIMFIRE .46-.55 (not included)

- Lipo cell: 6 cells / 4000 – 5500mAh (not included)

- Esc: 50-80A (not included)

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Medium C/A glue

• 30 minute epoxy

• 6 minute epoxy

• Hand or electric drill

• Assorted drill bits

• Modeling knife

• Straight edge ruler

• 2 bender plier

• Wire cutters

• Masking tape

• Thread lock

• Paper towels

• Rubbing alcohol

SUGGESTION

To avoid scratching your new airplane, do not unwrap
the pieces until they are needed for assembly. Cover
your workbench with an old towel or brown paper,
both to protect the aircraft and to protect the table.
Keep a couple of jars or bowls handy to hold the
small parts after you open the bag.

NOTE:

Please trial fit all the parts. Make sure you have the
correct parts and that they fit and are aligned properly
before gluing! This will assure proper assembly. The
DECATHLON MK2 GP/EP Size .46-.55 SCALE 1:6
ARF is hand made from natural materials, every
plane is unique and minor adjustments may have to
be made. However, you should find the fit superior
and assembly simple.

The painted and plastic parts used in this kit are fuel
proof. However, they are not tolerant of many harsh
chemicals including the following: paint thinner, C/A
glue accelerator, C/A glue debonder and acetone. Do
not let these chemicals come in contact with the
colors on the covering and the plastic parts.

SAFETY PRECAUTION:

• This is not a toy

• Be sure that no other flyers are using your radio

• Do not smoke near fuel

• Store fuel in a cool, dry place, away from

• Wear safety glasses.

• The glow plug clip must be securely attached to

• Do not flip the propeller with your fingers.

• Keep loose clothing and wires away from the propeller.

• Do not start the engine if people are near. Do not

• Make engine adjustments from behind the propeller

Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

3. Place the servo into the servo tray. Center the

INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVOS

1. Install the rubber grommets and brass eyelets

2. Using a modeling knife, remove the covering

4. Using the thread as a guide and using masking

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Medium C/A glue

• 30 minute epoxy

• 6 minute epoxy

• Hand or electric drill

• Assorted drill bits

• Modeling knife

• Straight edge ruler

• 2 bender plier

• Wire cutters

• Masking tape

• Thread lock

• Paper towels

• Rubbing alcohol

SUGGESTION

To avoid scratching your new airplane, do not unwrap
the pieces until they are needed for assembly. Cover
your workbench with an old towel or brown paper,
both to protect the aircraft and to protect the table.
Keep a couple of jars or bowls handy to hold the
small parts after you open the bag.

NOTE:

Please trial fit all the parts. Make sure you have the
correct parts and that they fit and are aligned properly
before gluing! This will assure proper assembly. The
DECATHLON MK2 GP/EP Size .46-.55 SCALE 1:6
ARF is hand made from natural materials, every
plane is unique and minor adjustments may have to
be made. However, you should find the fit superior
and assembly simple.

The painted and plastic parts used in this kit are fuel
proof. However, they are not tolerant of many harsh
chemicals including the following: paint thinner, C/A
glue accelerator, C/A glue debonder and acetone. Do
not let these chemicals come in contact with the
colors on the covering and the plastic parts.

SAFETY PRECAUTION:

• This is not a toy

• Be sure that no other flyers are using your radio
frequency.

• Do not smoke near fuel

• Store fuel in a cool, dry place, away from
children and pets.

• Wear safety glasses.

• The glow plug clip must be securely attached to
the glow plug.

• Do not flip the propeller with your fingers.

• Keep loose clothing and wires away from the propeller.

• Do not start the engine if people are near. Do not
stand in line with the side of the propeller.

• Make engine adjustments from behind the propeller
only. Do not reach around the spinning propeller.

1

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

1

PREPARATIONS

Use a covering iron with a covering sock on
high heat to tighten the covering if necessary.
Apply pressure over sheeted areas to
thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

INSTALLING THE AILERONS

1. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges.
If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin
through the middle of the hinge to hold it in
position.

TEMPORARY PIN

TO KEEP HINGE

CENTERED

2

C.A glue

2. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom
of each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After
the CA has fully hardened, test the hinges by
pulling on the aileron.

2

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

Servo lead

5

8

6

To the cowl

7

To the cowl

Remove the covering

3

4

3. Place the servo into the servo tray. Center the
servo within the tray and drill 1,6mm pilot holes
through the block of wood for each of the four
mounting screws provided with the servo.

INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVOS

1. Install the rubber grommets and brass eyelets

onto the aileron servo.

2. Using a modeling knife, remove the covering
from over the pre-cut servo arm exit hole on the
aileron servo tray / hatch. This hole will allow
the servo arm to pass through when installing
the aileron pushrods.

5. Place the aileron servo tray / hatch into the
servo box on the bottom of the wing and drill
1,6mm pilot holes through the tray and the
servo box for each of the four mounting screws.
Secure the servo tray in place using the
mounting screws provided ( 2mm x 12mm ).

6. Repeat step # 2 - # 5 to install the second
aileron servo in the opposite wing half.

4. Using the thread as a guide and using masking
tape, tape the servo lead to the end of the
thread: carefully pull the thread out. When you
have pulled the servo lead out, remove the
masking tape and the servo lead from the
thread.

INSTALLING THE CONTROL HORNS

1. One aileron control horn in positioned on each
aileron. Using a ruler and a pen, locate and
mark the location of the control horn. It should
be mounted on the bottom side of the aileron at
the leading edge, IN LINE with the aileron
pushrod.

2. Drill two holes through the aileron using the
control horn as a guide and screw the control
horn in place.

Instruction Manual

INSTALLING THE AILERON LINKAGES

1. Working with the aileron linkage for now, thread

3. Repeat step # 1 - # 2 to install the control horn

2. Attach the clevis to the outer hole in the control

3. Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire

4. Plug the aileron servo into the receiver and

5. Center the aileron and hold it in place using a

6. With the aileron and aileron servo centered,

7. Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend

Instruction Manual

3. Check the fit of the horizontal stabilizer in its

4. With the horizontal stabilizer correctly aligned,

2. Draw a center line onto the horizontal stabilizer.

3

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

9

13

11

12

Screw

Silicone Tube

10

INSTALLING THE AILERON LINKAGES

1. Working with the aileron linkage for now, thread
one nylon clevis at least 14 turns onto one of
the 2mm x 180mm threaded wires.

8. Insert the 90 degree bend down through the
hole in the servo arm. Install one nylon snap
keeper over the wire to secure it to the arm.
Install the servo arm retaining screw and
remove the masking tape from the aileron.

9. Repeat step # 4 - # 8 to install the second
aileron linkage. After both linkages are
completed, connect both of the aileron servo
leads using a Y-harness you have purchased
separately.

3. Repeat step # 1 - # 2 to install the control horn
on the opposite aileron.

2. Attach the clevis to the outer hole in the control
horn. Install a silicone tube on the clevis.

3. Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire
cutters, remove all but one of the arms. Using a
2mm drill bit, enlarge the third hole out from the
center of the arm to accommodate the aileron
pushrod wire.

4. Plug the aileron servo into the receiver and
center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the
servo. The servo arm should be perpendicular
to the servo and point toward the middle of the
wing.

5. Center the aileron and hold it in place using a
couple of pieces of masking tape.

6. With the aileron and aileron servo centered,
carefully place a mark on the aileron pushrod
wire where it crosses the hole in the servo arm.

7. Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend
down at the mark made. Cut off the excess
wire, leaving about 4mm beyond the bend.

RIGHT WRONG

HORIZONTAL STABILIZER INSTALLATION

1. Using a modeling knife, cut away the covering
from the fuselage for the stabilizer and remove it.

Remove the
covering

Installing The Wing To The Fuselage

Attach the wings to the joiner tube and secure

the wing to the fuselage.

4

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

Draw a center line

14

16

18

Glue with epoxy

17

Remove the covering

3. Check the fit of the horizontal stabilizer in its
slot. Make sure the horizontal stabilizer is
square and centered to the fuselage by taking
measurements, but don't glue anything yet.

4. With the horizontal stabilizer correctly aligned,
mark the shape of the fuselage on the top and
bottom of the tail plane using a water soluble /
non-permanent felt-tip pen.

!

5. Remove the stabilizer. Using the lines you just
drew as a guide, carefully remove the covering
from between them using a modeling knife.

When cutting through the covering to remove it,

cut with only enough pressure to only cut
through the covering it's self. Cutting into the
balsa structure may weaken it. This could lead
to possible failure during flight.

2. Draw a center line onto the horizontal stabilizer.

15

6. When you are sure that everything is aligned
correctly, mix up a generous amount of 30
minute epoxy. Apply a thin layer to the top and
bottom of the stabilizer mounting area and to
the stabilizer mounting platform sides in the
fuselage. Slide the stabilizer in place and
re-align. Double check all of your
measurements one more time before the epoxy
cures. Remove any excess epoxy using a
paper towel and rubbing alcohol and hold the
stabilizer in place with T-pins or masking tape.

7. After the epoxy has fully cured, remove the
masking tape or T-pins used to hold the
stabilizer in place and carefully inspect the glue
joints. Use more epoxy to fill in any gaps that
were not filled previously and clean up the
excess using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.

8. Installing the elevator using C.A glue as
installing the aileron.

19

C.A glue

Instruction Manual

Remove
the covering

Remove the covering

VERTICAL STABILIZER INSTALLATION

1. Using a modeling knife, remove the covering on

2. Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slot in the

3. Now, remove the vertical stabilizer and using a

4. Slide the vertical stabilizer back in place. Using

Instruction Manual

3. Using a modeling knife, carefully cut out two line

Just cut only one side of the wheel pant, where

4. Slide a 4.5mm nut/ two 16mm flat washers /

5. Slide the axle assembly into the wheel pant.
There are just one nut and two flat washers

6. Remove one nut, one flat washer. Attach the

7. Center both collars and wheel in the middle of

8. With the landing gear in place, tighten two nuts.

!

INSTALLING THE WHEEL PANTS

1. Locate the wheel pants from the hardware bag.

2. Using a 5mm drill bit, carefully drill two pilot

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

5

TAIL WHEEL INSTALLATION

1. Set the tail wheel assembly in place on the
plywood plate.

2.

Drill 2,6mm pilot holes through the plywood plate.

3. Secure the tail wheel bracket in place using two
3mm x 12mm screw.

4. Align the tail wheel wire so that the wire is
parallel with the bottom of the rudder. The
control clasp has a pre-drilled hole through the
top of it. Slide this hole on to the tail wheel wire
while sliding the clasp over the bottom of the
rudder.

20

Remove
the covering

21

23

24

Remove the covering

22

C.A glue

Glue with epoxy

5. When you are sure that everything is a aligned
correctly, mix up a generous amount of 30
minute epoxy. Apply a thin layer to the slot in
the mounting platform and to the vertical
stabilizer mounting area. Apply epoxy to the
lower rudder hinge. Set the stabilizer in place
and re-align. Double check all of your
measurements once more before the epoxy
cures. Remove any excess epoxy using a
paper towel and rubbing alcohol and hold the
stabilizer in place with T-pins or masking tape.
Allow the epoxy to fully cure before proceeding.

VERTICAL STABILIZER INSTALLATION

1. Using a modeling knife, remove the covering on
the top of the fuselage for the vertical stabilizer.

2. Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slot in the
mounting platform in the top of the fuselage.
Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left and
right sides of the vertical stabilizer using a
felt-tip pen.

3. Now, remove the vertical stabilizer and using a
modeling knife, carefully cut just inside the
marked lines and remove the film on both sides
of the vertical stabilizer. Just as you did with the
horizontal stabilizer, make sure you only press
hard enough to cut the film, not the balsa
vertical stabilizer.

4. Slide the vertical stabilizer back in place. Using
a triangle, check to ensure that the vertical
stabilizer is aligned 90 degree to the horizontal
stabilizer.

6. Installing the rudder using C.A glue as installing
the aileron.

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

3. Using a modeling knife, carefully cut out two line
from the margin of the hole onto the wheel pant.

Just cut only one side of the wheel pant, where

the main gear will install. Be sure to make a left
and right wheel pant.

4. Slide a 4.5mm nut/ two 16mm flat washers /

4.5mm nut / collar / wheel / collar onto the axle.

5. Slide the axle assembly into the wheel pant.

There are just one nut and two flat washers

outside of the wheel pant.

6. Remove one nut, one flat washer. Attach the
main landing gear to the axle.

7. Center both collars and wheel in the middle of
the wheel pant, lock both collars in place using
a hexagon 2mm screw.

8. With the landing gear in place, tighten two nuts.

27

6

!

Drill

Cut

26

INSTALLING THE WHEEL PANTS

1. Locate the wheel pants from the hardware bag.
Mark the locations of the mounting axles onto
the wheel pants. The locations of the two
mounting holes are the middle of the wheel
opening, on right side, left side and 10mm from
the bottom of the wheel pant.

2. Using a 5mm drill bit, carefully drill two pilot
holes through the wheel pant at the TWO
marks you made.

16mm flat washer

Screws

25

Clasps

!

After installing the wheel pant, apply a small

drop of thin C/A to the bottom nut.

9. Repeat step # 1-8 to install the second wheel
pant assembly.

MAIN GEAR INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR

1. Four nuts have been installed at the factory.

2. Install main landing gear into the fuselage using
(4) 4mm x 25mm machine screws and 16mm
flat washers provided in the kit.

28

Remove the covering

Instruction Manual

ENGINE INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE THROTTLE PUSHROD HOUSING

1. Install the engine mount into the fire wall using

2. Place the engine into the engine mount and

!

If your engine is equipped with a remote needle

3. Slide the pushrod housing through the hole in

4. Apply a couple of drops of thin C/A to the

5. Using a modeling knife, cut off the nylon pushrod

INSTALLING THE ENGINE

Locate the long piece of wire used for the throttle

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

7

29

ENGINE INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE THROTTLE PUSHROD HOUSING

1. Install the engine mount into the fire wall using
4mm x 25mm screw.

2. Place the engine into the engine mount and
align it properly with the front of the cowling.
The distance from the firewall to the front of the
engine thrust washer should 110mm.

30

!

If your engine is equipped with a remote needle

valve, we suggest installing it into the engine at
this time.

3. Slide the pushrod housing through the hole in
the firewall, through the hole in the forward
bulkhead, and into the servo compartment.

4. Apply a couple of drops of thin C/A to the
pushrod housing where it exits the firewall and
where it passes through the forward bulkhead.
This will secure the housing in place.

5. Using a modeling knife, cut off the nylon pushrod
housing 26mm in front of the servo tray.

INSTALLING THE ENGINE

Locate the long piece of wire used for the throttle

pushrod. One end of the wire has been
pre-bend in to a "Z" bend at the factory. This
"Z" bend should be inserted into the throttle
arm of the engine when the engine is fitted onto
the engine mount. Fit the engine to the engine
mount using the screws provided.

Screw

INSTALLING THE MOTOR AND BATTERY

This model can fly with electric, here is our
recommended for set up the system.

- Motor brushless: Rimfire .46 - .55

- Lipo cells: 6 cells / 4000 - 5500 mAh.

- ESC: 50A - 80A.

Installing the electric motor

31

60mm

35mm

16mm

32

34

33

Screw

Instruction Manual

SERVO INSTALLATION

INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOS

1. Install the rubber grommets and brass collets

2. Mount the servos to the tray using the mounting

INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR PUSHROD

1. Locate the pushrod exit slot on the right side

2. Carefully cut away the covering material from

6. When satisfied with the alignment of the stopper
assembly tighten the 3mm x 20mm machine
screw until the rubber stopper expands and
seals the tank opening. Do not over tighten the
assembly as this could cause the tank to split.

7. Using a modeling knife, cut 3 lengths of fuel line
150mm long. Connect 2 lines to the 2 vent
tubes and 1 line to the fuel pickup tube in the
stopper.

8. Feed three lines through the fuel tank
compartment and through the pre-drilled hole in
the firewall. Pull the lines out from behind the
engine, while guiding the fuel tank into place.
Push the fuel tank as far forward as possible,
the front of the tank should just about touch the
back of the firewall.

Blow through one of the lines to ensure the fuel

lines have not become kinked inside the fuel
tank compartment. Air should flow through
easily.

Do not secure the tank into place permanently

until after balancing the airplane. You may
need to remove the tank to mount the battery in
the fuel tank compartment.

9. Secure the fuel tank using the block of wood
and glue it by C.A glue.

!

5. Test fit the stopper assembly into the tank. It
may be necessary to remove some of the
flashing around the tank opening using a
modeling knife. If flashing is present, make
sure none of it falls into the tank.

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

!

When the stopper assembly is installed in the

tank, the top of the vent tube should rest just
below the top surface of the tank. It should not
touch the top of the tank.

8

FUEL TANK installation
INSTALLING THE STOPPER ASSEMBLY

1. The stopper has been pre-assembled at the
factory.

2. Using a modeling knife, cut one length of silicon
fuel line (the length of silicon fuel line is
calculated by how the weighted clunk should
rest about 5mm away from the rear of the tank
and move freely inside the tank). Connect one
end of the line to the weighted clunk and the
other end to the nylon pick up tube in the
stopper.

3. Carefully bend the second nylon tube up at a 45
degree angle (using a cigarette lighter). This
tube will be the vent tube to the muffler.

4. Carefully bend the third nylon tube down at a 45
degree angle (using a cigarette lighter). This
tube will be vent tube to the fueling valve.

35

ESC

36

Battery

Atter confirming the direction (see
front view of fuel tank). Insert and
tighten the screw.

5mm

41

7. Attach clevis to the third hole in the control
horn. Install a silicone tube on the clevis.

42

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

39

Elevator servo

Rudder servo

Throttle servo

SERVO INSTALLATION

INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOS

1. Install the rubber grommets and brass collets
into the elevator, rudder and throttle servos.
Test fit the servos into the servo tray. Trim the
tray if necessary to fit your servos

2. Mount the servos to the tray using the mounting
screws provided with your radio system.

INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR PUSHROD

1. Locate the pushrod exit slot on the right side
and left side of the fuselage. It is located
slightly ahead and below the horizontal
stabilizer.

2. Carefully cut away the covering material from
the slot.

3. Working from inside the fuselage, slide the
threaded end of the pushrod until it reaches the
exit slot. Carefully reach in with a small screw
driver and guide the pushrod out of the exit
slot.

4. Install the clevis on the elevator pushrod. Make
sure 6mm of thread shows inside the clevis.

5. The control horn should be mounted on the
bottom, left side and right side of the elevator at
the leading edge, in line with the elevator
pushrod.

6. Drill two holes through the elevator using the
control horn as a guide and screw the control
horn in place.

40

Control horn elevator

9

To carburator

To muffler

To vent Tube

38

37

Glue the block of wood

8. Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire

9. Plug the elevator servo into the receiver and

10. Be sure both elevator halves are flat. Center

11. Connect two elevator purshord to the metal

12. With the elevator halves and elevator servo

13. Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend

14. Insert the 90 degree bend up through the hole

15. Using thick CA glue, secure the pushrod

INSTALLING THE RUDDER PUSHROD

1. Locate the pushrod exit slot on the left of the

2. Carefully cut away the covering material from

3. Working from inside the fuselage, slide the

4. Install the clevis on the rudder pushrod. Make

Instruction Manual

2. Plug the throttle servo into the receiver and turn

3. Slide the adjustable metal connector / servo

4. Manually push the carburator barrel fully

5. Remove the excess throttle pushrod wire using

!

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE

1. Install one adjustable metal connector through

After installing the adjustable metal connector

Instruction Manual

Rudder rod

43

Metal domino

10

8. Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire
cutters, remove all but one of the arms. Using a
2mm drill bit, enlarge the third hole out from the
center to accommodate the elevator pushrod
wire.

9. Plug the elevator servo into the receiver and
center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the
servo. The servo arm should be perpendicular
to the servo and point toward the middle of the
fuselage.

10. Be sure both elevator halves are flat. Center
both elevator halves and hold them in place
using a couple of pieces of masking tape.

11. Connect two elevator purshord to the metal
domino connector and secure it. Insert the wire
pushrod into the metal domino connector and
secure it.

12. With the elevator halves and elevator servo
centered, carefully place a mark on the elevator
pushrod wire where it crosses the hole in the
servo arm.

13. Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend
up at the mark made. Cut off the excess wire,
leaving about 8mm beyond the bend.

14. Insert the 90 degree bend up through the hole
in the servo arm, install one nylon snap keeper
over the wire to secure it to the arm. Install the
servo arm retaining screw and remove the
masking tape the elevator halves.

15. Using thick CA glue, secure the pushrod
sleeves to the pushrod sleeve guide.

5. The control horn should be mounted on the left
side of the rudder at the leading edge, in line
with the rudder pushrod.

6. Drill two holes through the rudder using the
control horn as a guide and screw the control
horn in place.

7. Attach clevis to the third hole in the control
horn. Install a silicone tube on the clevis.

8. Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire
cutters, remove all but one of the arms using a
2mm drill bit, enlarge the third hole out from the
center to accommodate the rudder pushrod
wire.

INSTALLING THE RUDDER PUSHROD

1. Locate the pushrod exit slot on the left of the
fuselage.

2. Carefully cut away the covering material from
the slot.

3. Working from inside the fuselage, slide the
threaded end of the remaining pushrod down
the inside of the fuselage until the pushrod
reaches the exit slot. Carefully reach in with a
small screw driver and guide the pushrod out of
the exit slot.

4. Install the clevis on the rudder pushrod. Make
sure 6mm of thread shows inside the clevis.

44

9. Plug the rudder servo into the receiver and
center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the
servo.

10. Center the rudder and hold it in place using a
piece of masking tape.

11. With the rudder and rudder servo centered,
carefully place a mark on the rudder pushrod
wire where it crosses the hole in the servo arm.

12. Using a pliers, carefully make a 90 degree
bend up at the mark made. Cut off excess wire,
leaving about 8mm beyond the bend.

13. Insert the 90 degree bend up through the hole
in the servo arm. Install one nylon snap keeper
over the wire to secure it to the arm. Install the
servo arm retaining screw and remove the
masking tape from the rudder.

14.Using thick CA glue, secure the pushrod
sleeves to the pushrod sleeve guide.

45

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

Elevator rod

11

2. Plug the throttle servo into the receiver and turn
on the radio system. Check to ensure that the
throttle servo output shaft is moving in the
correct direction. When the throttle stick is
moved forward from idle to full throttle, the
throttle barrel should also open and close using
this motion. If not, reverse the direction of the
servo, using the transmitter.

3. Slide the adjustable metal connector / servo
arm assembly over the plain end of the
pushrod wire. Position the throttle stick and the
throttle trim at their lowest positions.

4. Manually push the carburator barrel fully
closed. Angle the arm back about 45 degree
from center and attach the servo arm onto the
servo. With the carburator barrel fully closed,
tighte the set screw in the adjustable metal
connector.

5. Remove the excess throttle pushrod wire using
wire cutters and install the servo arm retaining
screw.

!

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE

1. Install one adjustable metal connector through
the third hole out from the center of one servo
arm, enlarge the hole in the servo arm using a
2mm drill bit to accommodate the servo
connector. Remove the excess material from
the arm.

After installing the adjustable metal connector

apply a small drop of thin C/A to the bottom
nut. This will prevent the connector from
loosening during flight.

!

MOUNTING THE COWL

1. Remove the muffler and needle valve assembly
from the engine. Slide the fiberglass cowl over
the engine.

2. Measure and mark the locations to be cut out
for engine head clearance, needle valve,
muffler. Remove the cowl and make these
cutouts using a rotary tool with a cutting disc
and a rotary sanding drum attachment.

3. Slide the cowl back into place. Align the front of
the cowl with the crankshaft of the engine. The
front of the cowl should be positioned so the
crankshaft is in the middle of the precut
opening. Hold the cowl firmly in place using
several pieces of masking tape.

4. While holding the cowl firmly in position, drill
four 1,6mm pilot holes through both the cowl
and the side edges of the firewall.

5. Using a 3mm drill bit, enlarge the four holes in
the cowling.

Enlarging the holes through the cowl will prevent

the fiberglass from splitting when the mounting
screws are installed.

49

48

6. Slide the cowl back over the engine and secure it
in place using four 3mm x 12mm wood screws.

7. Install the muffler. Connect the fuel and pressure
lines to the carburator, muffler and fuel filler
valve. Tighten the screws completely.

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

Screw

47

Throttle rod

46

Rudder rod

INSTALLING THE SWITCH

1. The switch should be mounted on the fuselage

2. Cut out the switch hole using a modeling knife.

3. Secure the switch in place using the two

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER AND BATTERY

1. Plug the servo leads and the switch lead into

2. Wrap the receiver and battery pack in the

FINAL ASSEMBLY
INSTALLING THE SPINNER

Install the spinner back-plate, propeller and

The propeller should not touch any part of the

!

Instruction Manual

12

INSTALLING THE SWITCH

1. The switch should be mounted on the fuselage
side, opposite the muffler, close enough to the
receiver so the lead will reach. Use the face
plate of the switch cut out and locate the
mounting holes.

2. Cut out the switch hole using a modeling knife.
Use a 2mm drill bit and drill out the two
mounting holes through the fuselage side.

3. Secure the switch in place using the two
machine screws provided with the radio system.

50

Cowl area cutout
for proper airflow
to carburetor.

INSTALLING THE wing strut

The wing strut was installed as the picutre below.

- Install the aluminum plate.

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER AND BATTERY

1. Plug the servo leads and the switch lead into
the receiver. You may want to plug an aileron
extension into the receiver to make plugging in
the aileron servo lead easier when you are
installing the wing. Plug the battery pack lead
into the switch.

2. Wrap the receiver and battery pack in the
protective foam to protect them from vibration.
Use a rubber band or masking tape to hold the
foam in place.

FINAL ASSEMBLY
INSTALLING THE SPINNER

Install the spinner back-plate, propeller and

spinner cone. The spinner cone is held in place
using two 3mm x 20mm wood screws.

The propeller should not touch any part of the

spinner cone. If it dose, use a sharp modeling
knife and carefully trim away the spinner cone
where the propeller comes in contact with it.

!

51

Receiver

Battery

Switch

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

- Secure the two aluminum strut to the fuselage.

55

54

52

Aluminum plate

53

Aluminum plate

Screw

Screw

Instruction Manual

INSTALLING THE PILOT

1. Do not glue the pilot to the block of wood

- Remove the aluminum strut from the wing and

2. Glue the bloch of wood to the fuselage.

105mm

80mm

Instruction Manual

3. Turn the airplane upside down. Place your

4. If the nose of the plane falls, the plane is nose

BALANCING

1. It is critical that your airplane be balanced

THE CENTER OF GRAVITY IS LOCATED 75mm

2. Mount the wing to the fuselage. Using a couple

!

After you have balanced a plane on the C.G.

5. Turn the airplane upside down. Attach one loop

6. If one side of the wing fall, that side is heavier

LATERAL BALANCE

NOTE:

When flying with EP (Electric), please trim the leg
(or foot) of pilot figure. (Or remove the pilot figure
because they will touch the battery).

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

13

INSTALLING THE PILOT

1. Do not glue the pilot to the block of wood
because the pilot must be remove when
changing the battery.

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56

- Remove the aluminum strut from the wing and
hold the strut to the fuselage using rubber
band for easy to transport.

INSTALLING THE DOOR

1. That is the final working. Attach the door to the
fuselage by two CA hinge and glue the hinge
by C.A glue.

58

Velcro

Rubber band

Strut

59

Velcro

60

C.A glue

62

open and close the hatch

2. Glue the bloch of wood to the fuselage.

2. Secure the door using two screw.

61

Screw

475mm

490mm

105mm

80mm

Always operate in open areas, away
from factories, hospitals, schools,
buildings and houses etc. NEVER fly
your aircraft close to people or built
up areas.

NEVER fly in wet conditions or on
windy or stormy days.

DECATHLON MK2

Instruction Manual

14

75mm

3. Turn the airplane upside down. Place your
fingers on the masking tape and carefully lift
the plane.

4. If the nose of the plane falls, the plane is nose
heavy. To correct this first move the battery
pack further back in the fuselage. If this is not
possible or does not correct it, stick small
amounts of lead weight on the fuselage under
the horizontal stabilizer. If the tail of the plane
falls, the plane is tail heavy. To correct this,
move the battery and receiver forward or if this
is not possible, stick weight into the firewall.
When balanced correctly, the airplane should
sit level or slightly nose down when you lift it
up with your fingers.

BALANCING

1. It is critical that your airplane be balanced
correctly. Improper balance will cause your
plane to lose control and crash.

THE CENTER OF GRAVITY IS LOCATED 75mm

BACK FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF THE
WING, AT THE FUSELAGE. BALANCE A
PLANE UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE FUEL
TANK EMPTY.

2. Mount the wing to the fuselage. Using a couple
of pieces of masking tape, place them on the
top side of the wing 75mm back from the
leading edge, at the fuselage sides.

!

Ailerons : 8mm up 8mm down
Elevator : 8mm up 8mm down
Rudder : 25mm right 25mm left

1. We highly recommend setting up a plane using
the control throws listed.

2. The control throws should be measured at the
widest point of each control surface.

3. Check to be sure the control surfaces move in
the correct directions.

CONTROL THROWS

Aileron Control

8mm
8mm

Rudder Control

25mm
25mm

Elevator Control

8mm
8mm

PRE FLIGHT CHECK

1. Completely charge your transmitter and receiver

batteries before your first day of flying.

2. Check every bolt and every glue joint in your plane

to ensure that everything is tight and well bonded.

3. Double check the balance of the airplane

4. Check the control surface

5. Check the receiver antenna . It should be fully

extended and not coiled up inside the fuselage.

6. Properly balance the propeller.

We wish you many enjoyable flights with your
plane and once again thank you for your
choosing a Phoenix Model's product.

FLIGHT PREPARATION

After you have balanced a plane on the C.G.

You should laterally balance it. Doing this will
help the airplane track straighter.

5. Turn the airplane upside down. Attach one loop
of heavy string to the engine crankshaft and
one to the tail wheel wire. With the wings level,
carefully lift the airplane by the string. This may
require two people to make it easier.

6. If one side of the wing fall, that side is heavier
than the opposite. Add small amounts of lead
weight to the bottom side of the lighter wing
half's wing tip. Follow this procedure until the
wing stays level when you lift the airplane.

LATERAL BALANCE

I/C FLIGHT WARNINGS

Always operate in open areas, away
from factories, hospitals, schools,
buildings and houses etc. NEVER fly
your aircraft close to people or built
up areas.

THE PROPELLER IS DANGEROUS
Keep fingers, clothing (ties, shirt
sleeves, scarves) or any other loose
objects that could be caught or drawn
in, away from the propeller. Take care
at ALL times.

Keep all onlookers (especially small
children and animals) well back from
the area of operation. This is a flying
aircraft, which will cause serious
injury in case of impact with a person
or animal.

NEVER fly near power lines, aerials
or other dangerous areas including
airports, motorways etc.

NEVER use damaged or deformed
propellers or spinners.

DO NOT dispose of empty fuel
containers on a fire, this can lead to
an explosion.

NEVER fly in wet conditions or on
windy or stormy days.

ALWAYS adjust the engine from
behind the propeller, and do not allow
any part of your body to be in line
with the propeller.