SCALE RADIO CONTROLLED ELECTRIC POWERED
GEARED BRUSHLESS - READY TO FLY
INJECTED FOAM “EXTREME 3D” AEROBATIC PLANE
OPERATION AND ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Includes Full Function 6 Ch. FM R/C System on Australian Approved 36Mhz.
With “C TICK” approval
12 Volt DC Balance Charger and Approved 12 Volt. Power Supply.
Complete with all hard ware, except 8 x AA batteries for the transmitt er.
Simple to assemble, factory painted Injection Moulded Foam.
Replacement Parts Available.
This model is not a toy.
Please read carefully and follow instructions
to ensure correct assembly of this model aircraft.
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INDEX
OVERVIEW…………………………………..…… 1
PRODUCT SPECIFCATIONS……………..……. 2
MAIN PARTS………………………………….….. 3
MAIN ACCESSORIES……………………..………3
SAFETY PROCEDURES BEFORE FLIGHT….. 3
LIMITATION OF FLYING AREA…………..…… 4
ASSEMBLY OF AIRCRAFT……………….……. 4
SETTING UP OF TRANSMITTER………….….. 5
CORRECT USE OF CHARGER………………..7
BEFORE FLYING THE MODEL………………..8
FIRSTS FLIGHTS……………………………… 8
TIPS FROM THE PROS…………………….…9
INTRODUCTION
The EXTRA 330L is a Scale Electric “EXTREME 3D” aerobatic ready to fly kit, which was developed by the
SAPAC company to represent the full sized Extra’s as flown by many pilots in the Red Bull air races and
aerobatic teams around the world. The design has incorporated style and functionality. Not only is the Extra
330L a great looking model it also has the performance to back up its aerodynamic lines. The combination of
the B2040 in-runner brushless motor, with a well matched 8:1 gearbox gives a nearly 2:1 power to weight
ratio. This makes it great for hovering and other 3D aerobatics. The 3 cell 1500ma 15c Li-Po battery gives
ample power and flight duration. Assembly is simple, flight is stable and predictable, and maintenance is
easy and convenient.
Excellent flight simulation of the Extra 330L, with a bright and easily distinguishable top and bottom
wing surface to allow for easy orientation during spins and tumbles, which also making it very easy
to see in the sky! The Extra 330L is suited to intermediate and advanced pilots, with outstanding
stability in both high and low speed flying. Its light wing loading and good power to weight ratio,
makes for a stable glide and will easily perform loops, inverted flight, rolls and other aerobatic
tricks.
CONTENTS:
SAFETY PROCEDURES BEFORE FLIGHT
Before each flight check your transmitter and flight pack battery for proper charge
levels to make sure you attain maximum flight time and safety. The transmitter will
make a warning sound if the battery level is low. If you hear this – immediately land
and replace the 8 AA transmitter batteries, or re-charge if using re-chargeable
batteries.
Always switch on your transmitter first and move the right hand throttle stick to the
low throttle position to avoid accid entally star ting the motor . Then only co nnect the
plane battery to the aircraft when you are going to fly. Match the red and black wires
up correctly. When you have finished the flight, unplug the LiPo flight battery before turning off the
transmitter. If the plane battery is connected without the transmitter being on, it can pick up signals from
other radio transmitters and cause your plane to respond unintentionally, controls will start to move as well
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as the motor revving up! This is not a malfunction of the system, but a standard behaviour for all radio
controlled mo del s.
Before turning on your transmitter, make sure no other people are flying other aircraft on the same frequency
you are using. This will cause interference and result in crashing the other pilot’s aircraft. The frequency of
your model may be determined by looking at the small orange label attached to the module in the back of the
transmitter. It will show a number, this the frequency of your radio in Mhz. make sure you do not operate the
model when another model of any type, or R/C car is on this frequency.
After switching on your transmitter and plane check the positions of the control surfaces on your plane.
Initially they all should be in a neutral position. Adjust to the correct position when needed by turning the
“kwick link” connectors attached to the push rods which operate the control surfaces.
Check if the controls are moving in the correct direction for the directions the sticks are moved. Do this for
ALL control surfaces! See transmitter setup below.
Avoid flying in bad weather conditions. Since you are flying a relatively light aircraft, it is not recommended to
fly in high winds as the plane can travel downwind very quickly and become very difficult to retrieve!
Always keep the aircraft within visual range. It is very important that you can see which direction the plane is
going. Also keep the plane away from people and objects.
If you notice that the plane is starting to loose power then it is suggested you land and recharge the LiPo
pack. If you continue flying and the power is suddenly lost, it will be hard to control and land the plane in a
controlled manner and could result in a crash and damage to the plane! The battery may also be damaged if
it is over discharged.
You can only become a good pilot if you realise that it is most important to operate your aircraft in a secure
and responsible manner. An out of control aircraft can cause damage to people and property!
LIMITATIONS OF FLYING AREA :
Only fly your plane in areas that are suitable or selected for remote controlled aircraft. You must realise that
certain public areas are not allowed to be used for flying remote controlled aircraft. Check with your local
Council for approval before flying on sports ovals or parkland!
Keep your plane away from high power/ high voltage cables as they can cause interference of the radio
control system. Interference can result in loosing control of your plane, ultimately leading to a crash.
Don’t fly over or towards spectators or their vehicles. Don’t fly over buildings or houses. Fly where there is
enough space to safely land anywhere in the surrounding area. Don’t fly where there are lots of trees in the
area. ( trees are magnets to model aeroplanes!)
Stay away from busy roads. Flying in these areas can distract drivers and lead to an accident.
Don’t fly wit hi n a 6 ki l o metre radius of any ai r p o rt or wh e r e f ul l s ized aircraft ar e f l y i ng.
ASSEMBLING THE AIRCRAFT:
Before starting, cover your work top with something soft like a bath towel so that the fragile surface of the
model does not get damaged while you are working on it. Additionally, if you obtain a polystyrene box from
your greengrocer and cut a semi-circular hole in the opposite ends, it will make a useful stand on which to
securely rest the model.
CAUTION! To avoid damage, do not connect the battery before you finish the assembly.
1. Take out the parts for the body and undercarri a ge from the b ox. In s e rt the ma in unde rca rri age into the slot in the front
section of the battery box in the underside of the fuselage. The battery box hatch clip also holds the underc arriage wire in
place. This makes it easy to remove for packing away or travelling in the car.
2. Unscrew the mounting self-tapping screw in the removable top section of the
fuselage. Remove the top section by flexing the nose downwards and sliding
the canopy section out from under the rear of the cowl.
3. Once the top section is removed, fit the wing in place and connect the
aileron lead into the second channel of the receiver. Use the supplied 4mm
nylon bolt to fix the wing in place, making sure the servo wires are lined up with
the cut out sections in the fuselage and also making sure they do no fowl the
aileron control linkages.
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4. Take out the stabilizer and remove the protective covering off the
double sided adhesive tape that is fitted to the underside of the
stabilizer. Line the stabilizer up and fit into place, making sure to
push it down firmly to assure good adhesion of the tape.
5. Take out the vertical stabilizer and fit it into place using the plastic
clips that are fitted to the front of the fin. This clips into the rear of
the fuselage.
6. Now fix the assembly in place with the two 1.7 x10 screws that
will screw through the top of the horizontal stabilized on each side of
the fin.
7. Fit the tail wheel in place to the bottom of the fuselage with the
screws provided and then screw the plastic activating rod to the
bottom of the rudder.
8. Adjust the rudder and elevator control rod lengths using the
clevises on the end of each rod. Adjust so that the rudder and
elevator sit level with the fixed sections of each control surface.
9. Fit the canopy section back in place and fix down with the
fastening screw. Your plane is now ready to test fly. Charge the Lipo
pack fully before the first flight!
SETTING UP THE TRANS M I T TE R
The Transmitter, requires eight AA dry cells to be fitted into the compartment on the back of the transmitter,
under the removable cover, being careful to observe correct polarity for each cell.
ONLY use good quality ALKALINE batteries. Typically these batteries will last 8 hours of use. However when
the “low battery” alarm sounds, replace them immediately.
Rechargeable NICAD or NIMH cells may be substituted for the alkaline batteries
Depending on the mode of the transmitter which came with your kit ( standard is Mode 1 ) you should be
aware of the differences between mode 1 and mode 2, which are:
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Mode 1 –
The left stick - 2, moved forward and back, gives down
and up elevator, forward for dive and back for climb;
moved left and right – 4 it gives left and right rudder.
The right stick - 3, moved forward and back gives high
and low throttle; 1 - moved left and right it controls the
ailerons, giving left and right bank.
Mode 2 – NOT STANDARD
The left stick, moved forward and back, gives high and low throttle, and moved left and right gives left and
right rudder.
The right stick , moved forward and back, gives down and up elevator - forward for dive and back for climb;
moved left and right it controls the ailerons, giving left and right bank.
Inboard and below the sticks there are four sliders - these are
the trims which are used to adjust three of the four functions
(aileron, elevator and rudder) to the neutral position and the
throttle to the full idle position; in flight they are used to trim
the model. On the ground the surfaces are adjusted by means
of the adjustable clevises on the control rods fitted to the
control surfaces.
At the bottom right-hand corner of the transmitter there is a
panel of switches.
The one marked “D/R” is the dual rate switch; in the upper
position, the ailerons, elevator and rudder are moved over a
greater range than when the switch is in the lower position.
The “A-Nor - MIX 1-2” switch is for use with a flying wing
design where aileron and elevator are mixed – leave it in the
lower position.
The remaining four switches marked “AIL, ELE, THR and RUD” are the reversal switches to reverse the
controls should it be necessary.
Low battery warning light and buzzer. When the battery is lower than 8.8V, the power light will blink once
every second, at the same time you will here a buzzing sound. When the battery voltage drops below 8.3 V,
the power light will blink once every half a second and the buzzer will sound continuously.
Checking Control Surfaces for Correct Direction of Travel – VERY IMPORTANT :
The direction the model will go, depends on the direction the control surfaces move when you move the stick
on the transmitter. Please check that the Ailerons ( wings ) and the Elevator ( Tail ) work in accordance with
the following diagrams.
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RANGE CHECKING BEFORE
FLIGHT:
The range of this radio set is about
300 to 400 metres. Before your first
flight, it is a very good idea to
check whether you will have the
maximum range possible. This is
achieved by getting a helper to hold
the plane while you walk away from
the plane while the set and plane
both turned on and the aerial on the
transmitter fully down. With
everything set up correctly you
should be able to walk 20 to 30 paces away before the servos begin to twitch around. If you only
achieve a short distance before erratic behaviour of the servos or motor then you must not fly and
check out and rectify the problem before attempting to fly. Re-routing the aerial away from the
battery and servo/ motor leads will often help!
Receiver instructions:
The FRP06 receiver is a six channel mini receiver. Each
channel is marked with a number (1 to 6). Also polarity for the
servos / ESC wires are shown on the receiver case. The
minus sign (-) is used to show the black (sometimes brown)
wire to. The plus sign(+) shows the connection for the red
wire and the “^” sign is used for the orange signal
wire(sometimes white). The receiver ant enna is best fully
extended and routed away from other wires where practical.
Run the antenna out of the fuselage and up to the top of the
fin for best results. Use some tape to hold in place.
DO NOT shorten, cut or roll up the antenna as this will reduce
the range of control.
Charging the Battery :
The LiPo battery provides power for the receiver, the servos and the motor.
The model operates on a “LiPo” battery (similar to your mobile phone batt.). Do not discharge these batteries
until “flat” - As soon as the model starts to loose power – Re charge the battery fully. Always charge the
battery before storage.
The battery is charged using the supplied “Balance Charger”.
The individual cells are charged separately to correctly balance the battery cells – so plug the 4 wire
connector into the purple charger.
The battery will take around 1.5 hours to charge from flat. The RED light
indicates all connections are correct and when the Green Charge light (Indicates
charging is underway) goes OFF - you know the battery is fully charged.
The Charger operates on 12 Vlt DC. The included 240 to 12 Volt adapter may be used to power the charger
from your home power points. Attach the GREEN plug from the selection and fit to the adapter lead. If the
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polarity is wrong – the RED charger light will not illuminate – reverse the co nnection to rectify. Plug the
adapter into the charger for charging. The charger may also be powered from a 12 Vlt. DC battery – like a
car battery, to enable charging away from the home. Attach the lead with “alligator” clips to the DC battery
( RED to + BLACK to - )
Then plug into the Purple charger for charging.
It is highly recommended to use a fireproof dish or bowl to contain the battery while charging - see photo –
this is a safety precaution in case of a fire. Always Charge the battery outside if possible and never leave
unattended. Disconnect the battery if it gets hot.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS for LiPo Batteries
Never leave Lithium Polymer batteries unattended whilst charging.
Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries inside a model; hot batteries can cause fires.
Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries inside a motor vehicle.
Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries on any surface which can catch fire e.g. wooden benches.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.
Do not allow batteries to get wet.
Do not use the batteries with positive and negative terminals reversed.
Do not short circuit the battery.
Do not pierce the battery or subject it to heavy knocks or impacts.
Do not use or store the battery inside motor vehicles during hot weather. Doing so may cause the
battery to overheat, risking fire or explosion.
If your battery balloons in size, is punctured or is malformed, take precautions to get the battery to a non-
flammable area for at least one hour. IN CASE OF FIRE. After several hours place the battery in salt
water.
Getting Ready to Fly:
Always ensure that the transmitter is switched on, that the antenna is extended fully , that the throttle lever is
set at its lowest point ( stick to the bottom on the gymbal ) and the model is being held securely before
connecting the battery, this will prevent unexpected start ups which could cause injury.
OK, so having done that, the battery can be placed in its compartment under the nose and its red plug
connected to the socket inside. After a pause you will hear some “beeping” telling you that the battery, the
electronic speed control and the motor are all in communication. When the beeping stops, slowly advancing
the throttle will cause the motor to start and continue to speed up until full throttle is reached.
Having checked the motor, stop it by bringing the throttle lever back to full low and then, by moving the
elevator, aileron and rudder sticks, check that all surfaces move in the correct direction and by the required
amount. If any of these move in the wrong direction there are reversing switches on the front of the
transmitter to correct the situation, With the trims, (they are the small sliders alongside the sticks), in the
central position, check that the ailerons, rudder and elevator are properly aligned; if not, make adjustments to
the appropriate clevises. Having the surfaces properly aligned with the trims in the central position will
ensure that the model on its first flight will be near to being “in trim” and any minor out of trim condition will
then be correctable by use of the trim sliders. You may wish to engage the assistance of a modeller with
some R/C experience to guide you through this all important phase and also to cast his eye over the model
to ensure all is correct.
The first task is to range check the radio equipment. Go to an area clear of trees and metal fences, like the
middle of a sports field to ensure clear reception.
Checking Radio Range :
Switch on the transmitter, extend fully the transmitter’s antenna and plug in the model’s battery; then with
someone holding the model up from the ground walk away to about 30 metres, having your helper observe
for any flutter of the control surfaces – they should not move until you operate the controls. Then, all being
well, start the motor, once again having your helper check for any untoward movement of the surfaces. This
can all be done on a day while you are waiting for the best weather and an experienced radio flyer is
available to give you a hand.
First Flights:
It will be VERY helpful if you are able to obtain help from an experienced model pilot during your first flights.
It is a very good idea to find a model club in your area or at least someone that can fly RC planes. They can
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help with the final setup and flight testing of your plane. Making sure it is an enjoyable experience and not a
disaster!
Flying a radio controlled model aircraft is difficult, due to the good hand to eye co-ordination required. Good
eyesight is needed to see what the model is doing and a basic knowledge of the theory of flight is useful.
Practice – like anything worthwhile is required to master the skills for the hobby.
Accidents DO occur and damage WILL be caused to the model when this happens. So if you are not
prepared to accept this – do not attempt to fly this model.
That is the bad news ! But the development of new and exciting skills and the enjoyment of seeing your own
radio controlled model obeying your every command is well worth it !!
This is a great hobby for all ages and abilities, so ENJOY !!
Now, if the day has arrived when there is practically no breeze and you have found an area about the same
size as a football oval with a smooth surface, place the model on the ground, facing directly into that slight
breeze and have your helper hold it.
After checking again that the control surfaces are moving in the correct direction, extend the transmitter
antenna, give your helper the nod and start your take off by slowly advancing the throttle to full power, at the
same time holding in some up elevator to prevent a nose-dive and being ready to apply aileron to correct any
tendency to roll .
Once airborne and at about 100 feet altitude, commence your first turn by the application of aileron ( Right
hand stick ) and a small amount of up elevator ( pull back on the Left hand stick ) to hold the nose into the
turn. If you find that the model is getting too high, reduce throttle, then continue making turns left and right to
familiarise yourself with its flight characteristics, keeping the model within clear view at a distance of no more
than 200 metres. After a few minutes you’ll be ready to land, so reduce the throttle setting to about 10% and
prepare to land into the breeze at the end of a sweeping 180 degree approach, being ready to increase
power if you are about to land short, or reduce it further if the model is about to overshoot.
TIPS FROM THE PRO’s
If you have a computer flight simulator, it is a good idea to practice with it before actually flying the Extra
330L.
It is a good idea to taxi the plane around on the ground with a moderate amount of throttle. This will help you
get use to the rudder ground controls.
You must learn to use only gentle movements of the controls. When using proportional radio control
systems, only slight corrections are necessary to change the direction of the plane.
Do not push the joysticks to maximum deflection for more than three seconds. This will result in a crash!
It is a very good idea to find a model club in your area or at least someone that can fly RC planes. They can
help with the final setup and flight testing of your plane. Making sure it is an enjoyable experience and not a
disaster!
Make sure the elevator movement is no more than 10mm up and down for the first test flight. Use low rate
setting on the transmitter.
Take off and land into the wind. Always try to keep the model in front of you.
Extra motor batteries are available – so one can be charging while flying with the other. After market
chargers are available to make charge times faster.
A complete range of spare parts are available from where you purchased this product. See the Instruction
manual for a list in g of pa rt sets.
Some parts may not be “in stock” at the time of enquiry.
If a part of the airframe is damaged or broken – most times it may be repaired by using Epoxy – like Araldite
or Foam Compatible Super glues like MERCURY foam safe – most other glues will melt the foam. The use
of tape – like duct tape and packing tape – is also very effective in repairing broken parts. If the part is not
repairable, then most parts are available separately.
Warranty:-
The SAPAC models have a 30 day warranty against faulty manufacture. This does not cover wear and tear
from use or accidental damage.
A repair and spare parts service is available.
Please contact your local retailer or the Australian distributors – Tates Hobbies – Ph 03 52224201
E Mail sales@tates.com.au
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Spare Parts List for EXTRA330L
Part No Description
23816 EX SPINNER - EXTRA 300
23808 EX FUSE & CANOPY SET - NO COWL
23809 EX MAIN WING & DECAL & MOUNTS
23810 EX FIN SET - RUDDER HORN DECAL
23811 EX TAILPLANE SET - HORNS+DECAL
23812 EX LANDING GEAR - MAINS+SPATS
23813 EX COWL - EXTRA 300
23817 EX ACCESSORY PACK - EXTRA 300
23814 EX MOTOR REDUCT DRIVE+MOUNT+GR
23821 EX MOTOR SHAFT WITH GEAR
23815 EX PROP 11X4.7 - EXTRA 300
23820 EX BRUSHLESS MOTOR KV5400
23818 EX ESC 20A BRUSHLESS- EXTRA300
23819 EX LIPO BATTERY 3S 11.1V1500MA
23822 EX MOTOR REDUCER BRACKET
23823 EX MOTOR MOUNT FIREWALL BRAKET