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DECATHLON
Hand-made Almost Ready to Fly R/C Model Aircraft
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Made in Vietnam.
Kit features
• Ready-made-minimal assembly & finishing required.
• Ready-covered covering.
• Factory-installed pushrods.
• Factory-installed engine mount.
• Comprehensive hardware pack including wheels, tank, spats,undercarriage& spinner.
• Photo-illustrated step-by-step Assembly Manual.
SPECIFICATIONS:
WING SPAN ----------------------------------------172CM -------------------------------- 67.75 in.
WING AREA --------------------------------------49.17Sq.dm -----------------------------762Sq.in.
WEIGHT ---------------------------------------3.17 - 3.62KG ----------------------- 7- 8lbs.
ENGINE SIZE ------------------------ .40 - .46 cu. in----------------------------------- 2-stroke.
------------ .50 - .72 cu. in----------------------------------- 4-stroke.
RECOMMENDED R/C --------------------------- 4 CHANNEL MINIMUM WITH 6 SERVOS.
FLYING SKILL LEVEL ----------------------------------------ADVANCED / INTERMEDIATE.
LENGTH -------------------------------------------127CM -------------------------------------50in.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the DECATHLON ARTF by SEAGULL MODELS. The DECATHLON was
designed with the intermediate/advanced sport flyer in mind. It is a semi scale airplane which is
easy to fly and quick to assemble. The airframe is conventionally built using balsa, plywood and
veneer to make it stronger than the average ARTF , yet the design allows the aeroplane to be kept
light. You will find that most of the work has been done for you already. The pushrods are pre-made
to the correct lengths, the motor mount has been fitted and the hinges are pre-installed and pinned
for security. Flying the DECATHLON is simply a joy.
This instruction manual is designed to help you build a great flying aeroplane. Please read this
manual thoroughly before starting assembly of your DECATHLON . Use the parts listing below to
identify all parts.
WARNING
Please be aware that this aeroplane is not a toy and if assembled or used incorrectly it is
capable of causing injury to people or property. WHEN YOU FLY THIS AEROPLANE YOU
ASSUME ALL RISK & RESPONSIBILITY.
If you are inexperienced with basic R/C flight we strongly recommend you contact your R/C supplier
and join your local R/C Model Flying Club. R/C Model Flying Clubs offer a variety of training
procedures designed to help the new pilot on his way to successful R/C flight. They will also be able
to advise on any insurance and safety regulations that may apply.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
✑ .40-.46 2-stroke engine.
.50-.72 4-stroke engine.
✑ Computer radio with six servos.
✑ Glow plug to suit engine.
✑ Propeller to suit engine.
✑ Protective foam rubber for radio
system.
✑ Silicone fuel line.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES NEEDED
✑ Thick cyanoacrylate glue.
✑ 30 minute epoxy.
✑ 5 minute epoxy.
✑ Hand or electric drill.
✑ Assorted drill bits.
✑ Modelling knife.
✑ Straight edge ruler.
✑ 2mm ball driver.
✑ Phillips head screwdriver.
✑ 220 grit sandpaper.
✑ 90° square or builder’s triangle.
✑ Wire cutters.
✑ Masking tape & T-pins.
✑ Thread-lock.
✑ Paper towels.
PARTS LISTING
FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY
✑ (1) Fuselage.
WING ASSEMBLY
✑ (1) Right wing half with pre-installed
aileron.
✑ (1) Left wing half with pre-installed
aileron.
✑ (1) Plywood wing dihedral brace.
✑ (1) Covering strip for centre section
joint.
Tail section assembly
✑ (1) Vertical stabilizer with pre-
installed rudder.
✑ (1) Horizontal stabilizer with pre-
installed elevator halves.
Some more parts.
HARDWARE PACK
COWLING.
Landing gear.....
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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NOTE: To avoid scratching your new aero-
plane we suggest that you cover your
workbench with an old towel. Keep a
couple of jars or bowls handy to hold
the small parts after you open the
bags.
Please trial fit all parts. Make sure you
have the correct parts and that they
fit and are aligned properly before
gluing! This will ensure proper assembly as the DECATHLON is
made from natural materials and
minor adjustments may have to be
made.
The paint and plastic parts used in
this kit are fuel proof. However, they
are not tolerant of many harsh chemicals including the following: paint
thinner, cyano-acrylate glue accelerator, cyanoacrylate glue de-bonder
and acetone. Do not let these chemicals come in contact with the colours
on the covering and the plastic parts.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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✑ 4)Deflect the aileron and completely
saturate each hinge with thin CA glue. The
ailerons front surface should lightly contact the
wing during this procedure. Ideally, when the
hinges are glued in place, a 1/64” gap or less
will be maintained throughout the lengh of the
aileron to the wing panel hinge line.
Note:
The control surfaces, including the
ailerons, elevators, and rudder, are
prehinged with hinges installed, but the
hinges are not glued in place. It is
imperative that you properly adhere the
hinges in place per the steps that follow
using a high-quality thin CA glue.
✑ 1) Carefully remove the aileron from one
of the wing panels. Note the position of the
hinges.
✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the wing panel
and aileron and place a T-pin in the center of
each hinge. Slide each hinge into the aileron
until the T-pin is snug against the aileron. This
will help ensure an equal amount of hinge is
on either side of the hinge line when the aileron
is mounted to the wing panel.
HINGING THE AILERONS
Note:
The hinge is constructed of a special
material that allows the CA to wick or
penetrate and distribute throughout the
hinge, securely bonding it to the wood
structure of the wing panel and aileron.
✑ 3) Slide the aileron on the wing panel until
there is only a slight gap. The hinge is now
centered on the wing panel and aileron.
Remove the T-pins and snug the aileron
against the wing panel. A gap of 1/64” or less
should be maintained between the wing panel
and aileron.
✑ 5) Turn the wing panel over and deflect the
aileron in the opposite direction from the
opposite side. Apply thin CA glue to each hinge,
making sure that the CA penetrates into both
the aileron and wing panel.
✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a paper
towel, remove any excess CA glue that may
have accumulated on the wing or in the aileron
hinge area.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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✑ 8) After both ailerons are securely hinged,
firmly grasp the wing panel and aileron to
make sure the hinges are securely glued and
cannot be pulled out. Do this by carefully
applying medium pressure, trying to separate
the aileron from the wing panel. Use caution
not to crush the wing structure.
Note:
Work the aileron up and down several
times to “work in” the hinges and check
for proper movement.
✑ 7) Repeat this process with the other wing
panel, securely hinging the aileron in place.
✑ 1) Carefully remove the elevator from one
of the horizontal stabilizer panels. Note the
position of the hinges.
✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the horizontal
stabilizer panel and elevator and place a T-pin
in the center of each hinge. Slide each hinge
into the elevator until the T-pin is snug against
the elevator. This will help ensure an equal
amount of hinge is on either side of the hinge
line when the elevator is mounted to the
horizontal stabilizer panel.
HINGING THE ELEVATORS
✑ 3) Slide the elevator on the horizontal
stabilizer panel until there is only a slight gap.
The hinge is now centered on the horizontal
stabilizer panel and elevator. Remove the Tpins and snug the elevator against the
horizontal stabilizer panel. A gap of 1/64” or
less should be maintained between the
horizontal stabilizer panel and elevator.
✑ 4)Deflect the elevator and completely
saturate each hinge with thin CA glue. The
elevators front surface should lightly contact
the horizontal stabilizer during this procedure.
Ideally, when the hinges are glued in place, a
1/64” gap or less will be maintained throughout
the lengh of the elevator to the horizontal
stabilizer panel hinge line.
Note:
The hinge is constructed of a special
material that allows the CA to wick or
penetrate and distribute throughout the
hinge, securely bonding it to the wood
structure of the horizontal stabilizer
panel and elevator.
✑ 5) Turn the horizontal stabilizer panel over
and deflect the elevator in the opposite
direction from the opposite side. Apply thin CA
glue to each hinge, making sure that the CA
penetrates into both the elevator and horizontal
stabilizer panel.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a paper
towel, remove any excess CA glue that may
have accumulated on the horizontal stabilizer
or in the elevator hinge area.
✑ 8) After both horizontal stabilizer are
securely hinged, firmly grasp the horizontal
stabilizer panel and elevator to make sure the
hinges are securely glued and cannot be pulled
out. Do this by carefully applying medium
pressure, trying to separate the elevator from
the horizontal stabilizer panel. Use caution not
to crush the horizontal stabilizer structure.
✑ 7) Repeat this process with the other
horizontal stabilizer panel, securely hinging the
elevator in place.
HINGING THE RUDDER
✑ 1) Carefully remove the rudder from one of
the vertical stabilizer panel. Note the position
of the hinges.
✑ 2) Remove each hinge from the vertical
stabilizer panel and rudder and place a T-pin
in the center of each hinge. Slide each hinge
into the rudder until the T-pin is snug against
the rudder. This will help ensure an equal
amount of hinge is on either side of the hinge
line when the rudder is mounted to the vertical
stabilizer.
✑ 3) Slide the rudder on the vertical stabilizer
panel until there is only a slight gap. The hinge
is now centered on the vertical stabilizer panel
and rudder. Remove the T-pins and snug the
rudder against the vertical stabilizer panel. A
gap of 1/64” or less should be maintained
between the vertical stabilizer panel and
rudder.
✑ 4)Deflect the rudder and completely
saturate each hinge with thin CA glue. The
rudder front surface should lightly contact the
vertical stabilizer during this procedure. Ideally,
when the hinges are glued in place, a 1/64”
gap or less will be maintained throughout the
lengh of the rudder to the vertical stabilizer
panel hinge line.
Note:
The hinge is constructed of a special
material that allows the CA to wick or
penetrate and distribute throughout the
hinge, securely bonding it to the wood
structure of the vertical stabilizer panel
and rudder.
✑ 5) Turn the vertical stabilizer panel over
and deflect the rudder in the opposite direction
from the opposite side. Apply thin CA glue to
each hinge, making sure that the CA penetrates
into the rudder and vertical stabilizer panel.
✑ 6) Using CA remover/debonder and a paper
towel, remove any excess CA glue that may
have accumulated on the vertical stabilizer or
in the rudder hinge area.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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WING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: We highly recommend using 30
minute epoxy as it is stronger and
provides more working time, allowing
the builder to properly align the parts.
Using fast cure epoxy when joining
the wing halves could result in the
glue drying before the wing halves
are aligned properly which may result
in failure of the wing centre section
during flight.
1. Locate the plywood wing dihedral
brace. Using a ruler, locate its centre
and draw a vertical line .
✑ 2. Test fit the dihedral brace into each
wing half. The brace should slide in
easily up to the centreline that you
drew. If not, use 220 grit sandpaper
with a sanding block and sand down
the edges and ends of the brace until
it fits properly.
✑ 4. Insert the dihedral brace into the dihe-
dral box up to the centreline. With
paper towels and rubbing alcohol,
wipe off any excess epoxy that may
have squeezed out of the joint. Next
pour some epoxy into the dihedral
box in the other wing panel. Apply
epoxy to the exposed portion the brace
and to the wing root of both wings.
Carefully slide the two wing halves together
and firmly press them together, allowing the
excess epoxy to run out. There should not be
any gap in the wing halves. Use rubbing
alcohol and a paper tower to clean up any
excess epoxy.
Centre line.
Epoxy.
Wing bottom.
Remove covering.
✑ 3. Remove the brace when satisfied
with its fit in each wing half. Coat both
sides of one half of the dihedral brace
with 30 minute epoxy. Next, pour
some epoxy into the dihedral box in
one wing panel. Make sure you cover
the top and bottom as well as the
sides of the dihedral brace. Use
enough epoxy to fill any graps.
Work the rudder up and down several
times to “work in” the hinges and check
for proper movement.
Note:
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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Use a small weight (Weighted fuel pick-up)
and thread to feed the servo connector
through the wing as shown.
INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVOS.
1) Remove servo tray from the each
panel of wing. Install servo and servo arm. See
pictures below.
Attach the string to one end of servo lead and
carefully thread it though the wing. Once you
have thread the lead throught the wing, remove
the string and repeat for the other servo lead.
Use masking tape to secure the leads to the
wing and prevent them from falling back into
the wing.
✑ 2) Install the rubber grommets and brass
collets onto the aileron servo. Test fit the servo
into the aileron servo mount.
Masking tape.
Small weight.
Thread.
Thread.
Small weight.
Thread.
Servo (2pcs).
2pcs of 12” extension servos.
Because the size of servos differ, you
may need to adjust the size of the
precut opening in the mount. The notch
in the sides of the mount allow the servo
lead to pass through.
Apply masking tape at the wing join to hold the
wing halves together securely. Allow the epoxy
to cure before installing the aileron servos.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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✑ 3) Install the aileron servo tray into the
servo mount.
Repeat the procedure for the other wing
half.
INSTALLING THE AILERON LINKAGE
✑ 1) Using a ruler & pen to draw a straight
line as below picture.
✑ 2) Locate nylon control horns, nylon con-
trol horn backplates and 2 control horns bolts
come with 2 nuts.
2MM x 20MM.
Thread.
Servo electric wire.
Plastic tape.
Servo arm.
Servo arm.
Line.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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✑ 3) Position the aileron horn on the bottom
side of aileron. The clevis attachment holes
should be positioned over the hinge line as
shown below.
✑ 4) Using a 1.5mm drill bit and the control
horns as a guide, drill the mounting holes
through the aileron halves.
✑ 6) Thread one clevis control horn onto
each aileron torque rod. Thread the clevis on
until they are flush with the ends of the torque
rods.
Control Horn.
Mounting Screws.
Mounting Plate.
✑ 5) Mount the control horns by inserting the
bolts through the control horn bases and
aileron halves, then into the mounting
backplates. Thread 2 nuts onto the bolt.
Do not overtighten the nut may crush the
wood.
Clevis.
Aileron Torque rod.
Mark point.
Control horn.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Attach the silicone fuel, feed and pressure pipe
to the tank. The lower pipe is the ‘feed’ and the
upper is the ‘pressure’ . The silicone fuel pipe
is the next of feed pipe.
Slide the tank into the fuselage from inside so
that the neck is at the top of the fuselage and
it locates through the engine bulkhead. Gently
secure it to the top horizontal former with the
cable tie .
INSTALLING THE STOPPER ASSEMBLY
✑ 1) Using a modeling knife, carefully cut
off the rear portion of one of the 3 nylon tubes
leaving 1/2” protruding from the rear of the
stopper. This will be the fuel pick up tube.
✑ 2) Using a modeling knife, cut one length
of silicon fuel line. Connect one end of the line
to the weighted fuel pickup and the other end
to the nylon pickup tube.
✑ 3) Carefully bend the second nylon tube
up at a 45º angle. This tube is the vent tube.
To set the angle of the vent tube use a lighter
or heat gun to heat the tube (do not melt the
tube).
PARTS REQUIRED
FUEL TANK
✑ {1} Molded Nylon Fuel Tank
✑ {1} Preassembled Stopper Assembly
✑ {1} Metal Weighted Pick-Up
✑ {1} Silicon tube
✑ 5) With the stopper assembly in place,
the weighted pickup should rest away from
the rear of the tank and move freely inside the
tank. The top of the vent tube should rest just
below the top of the tank. It should not touch
the top of the tank.
✑ 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
overtighten the assembly as this could cause
the tank to split.
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.
✑ 4) 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 falls into the tank.
You should mark which tube is the vent
and which is the fuel pickup when you
attach fuel tubing to the tubes in the stopper.
Once the tank is installed inside the fuselage,
it may be difficult to determine each of them.
Vent tube.
Fuel Pickup Tube.
Fuel fill Tube.
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MOUNTING THE ENGINE
✑ 1)Trial fit your engine on the motor mount.
The engine should be positioned so there is
ample clearance in the cowling for spinner
backplate mounted to the prop drive shaft.
✑ 2)Marking 4 points on the plastic motor
mount.
✑ 3)Screw 4 pilot holes with 5 mm diameter.
✑ 4) Your engine on the motor mount by
mounting with 4 bolts, 8 washers, and 4 nuts
provided.
A drop C/A glue on the bolt threads will help
prevent loosening in flight.
✑ 5) Attach the Z-Bend in the pushrod wire to
the throttle arm on the carburetor. You will need
to remove the throttle arm from the carburetor to be able to attach the Z-bend. When
complete, reattach the throttle arm to the carburetor.
WHEEL AND WHEEL PANTS
PARTS REQUIRED
Engine mount.
4MMx30MM.
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.
Pushrod wire.
112MM.
Exhaut hole needed to drill 20 - 30 mm
diameter.
Vent tube.
Fuel fill
Tube.
Fuel
Pickup Tube.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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✑ 1) Assemble and mounting the wheel pants
as shown in the following pictures.
✑ 2) Follow diagram below for wheel pant
installation:
✑ 4) A drop of C/A glue on the wheel collar
screws will help keep them from coming lose
during operation.
Repeat the process for the other wheel.
Landing gear.
✑ 3) You have to trim each axle using a toll
cutting and cut-off wheel.
Wheel Collar.
Axle.
Wheel.
Nut.
Wheel Pant.
Landing Gear.
Nut.
(2) Washer.
10 mm.
(2) Wheel Collar.
Axle.
Wheel.
Nut.
Nut.
(2) Washer.
53mm
Caution when cutting the axles and wear
protective goggles.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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COWLING
✑ 1) Slide the fiberglass cowl over the en-
gine and line up the back edge of the cowl with
the marks you made on the fuselage.
✑ 2) While keeping the back edge of the
cowl flush with the marks, 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 nearly the middle of the cowl
opening. Hold the cowl firmly in place using
pieces of masking tape.
Because of the diameter of the cowl, it
may be necessary to use a needle valve
extension for the high speed needle valve.
Make this out of sufficient length 1.5mm wire
and install it into the end of the needle valve.
Secure the wire in place by tightening the set
screw in the side of the needle valve.
3mm X 12mm.
✑ 3) Using the hardware provided, mount the
main landing gear to the fuselage.
✑ 1) The blind nuts are already mounted in-
side the fuselage.
✑ 2) The holes in the landing gear should be
to accept the mounting bolts.
INSTALLING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR
1.5mm wire
(needle valve)
Needle valve.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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ALIGNING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
✑ 1) Using a ruler and a pen, locate the
centerline of the horizontal stabilizer, at the
trailing edge, and place a mark. Use a triangle and extend this mark, from back to front,
across the top of the stabilizer. Also extend
this mark down the back of the trailing edge
of the stabilizer.
Center line.
✑ 4) Install the muffler and muffler extension
onto the engine and make the cutout in the
cowl for muffler clearance. Connect the fuel
and pressure lines to the carburetor, muffler
and fuel filler valve.
✑ 3) Slide the cowl back over the engine
and secure it in place using four wood
screws.See picture below.
✑ 5) It is recommended to install a Muffler
extension. ( this item is not include ).
INSTALLING THE SPINNER
✑ 1) Install the spinner backplate, propeller
and spinner cone. The spinner cone is held in
place using two 3mm x 12mm wood screws.
The propeller should not touch any part
of the spinner cone. If it does, use a
sharp modeling knife and carefully trim away
the spinner cone where the propeller comes
in contact with it.
Exhaut hole needed to drill 20 - 30 mm
diameter.
Muffler extension.
✑ 2) Slide the stabilizer into place in the pre-
cut slot in the rear of the fuselage. The stabilizer should be pushed firmly against the front
of the slot.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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VERTICAL STABILIZER
INSTALLATION
✑ 7) After the epoxy has fully cured, re-
move the masking tape or T-pins used to hold
the stabilizer in place. Carefully inspect the
glue joints. Use more epoxy to fill in any gaps
that may exist that were not filled previously
and clean up the excess using a paper towel
and rubbing alcohol.
✑ 6) When you are sure that everything is
aligned correctly, mix up a generous amount
of Flash 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 realign. Double check all of
your measurements once more before the epoxy cures. Hold the stabilizer in place with Tpins or masking tape and remove any excess
epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
✑ 3) With the stabilizer held firmly in place,
use a pen and draw lines onto the stabilizer
where it and the fuselage sides meet. Do this
on both the right and left sides and top and
bottom of the stabilizer.
✑ 4) Remove the stabilizer. Using the lines
you just drew as a guide, carefully remove the
covering from between them using a modeling knife.
Pen.
When cutting through the covering to re-
move it, cut with only enough pressure
to only cut through the covering itself. Cutting
into the balsa structure may weaken it.
move the covering that overlaps the stabilizer
mounting platform sides in the fuselage. Remove the covering from both the top and the
bottom of the platform sides.
✑ 5) Using a modeling knife, carefully re-
✑ 1) Using a modeling knife, remove the
covering from over the precut hinge slot cut
into the lower rear portion of the fuselage. This
slot accepts the lower rudder hinge.
Hinge.
Remove covering.
Hinge slot.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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✑ 5) Slide the vertical stabilizer back in
place. Using a triangle, check to ensure that
the vertical stabilizer is aligned 90º to the horizontal stabilizer.
✑ 6) When you are sure that everything is
aligned correctly, mix up a generous amount
of Flash 30 Minute Epoxy. Apply a thin layer to
the mounting slot in the top of the fuselage and
to the sides and bottom of the vertical stabilizer mounting area. Apply epoxy to the bottom and top edges of the filler block and to
the lower hinge also. Set the stabilizer in place
and realign. Double check all of your measurements once more before the epoxy cures. Hold
the stabilizer in place with T-pins or masking
tape and remove any excess epoxy using a
paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Allow the epoxy to fully cure before proceeding.
When cutting through the covering to re-
move it, cut with only enough pressure
to only cut through the covering itself. Cutting
into the balsa structure may weaken it.
90º
Vertical
Stabilizer.
Horizontal
Stabilizer.
✑ 2) Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slot
in the top of the fuselage. The rear edge of
the stabilizer should be flush with the rear
edge of the fuselage and the lower rudder
hinge should engage the precut hinge slot in
the lower fuselage. The bottom edge of the
stabilizer should also be firmly pushed against
the top of the horizontal stabilizer.
✑ 3) While holding the vertical stabilizer
firmly in place, use a pen and draw a line on
each side of the vertical stabilizer where it
meets the top of the fuselage.
✑ 4) Remove the stabilizer. Using a mod-
eling knife, remove the covering from below
the lines you drew. Also remove the covering
from the bottom edge of the stabilizer and the
bottom and top edges of the filler block. Leave
the covering in place on the sides of the filler
block.
Remove covering.
Hinge.
C/A glue.
Pen.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
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✑ 3) Using a 1.5mm drill bit and the control
horns as a guide, drill the mounting holes
through the elevator halves.
ELEVATOR - RUDDER PUSHROD INSTALLATION
CONTROL HORN INSTALLTION
✑ 1) Locate the two nylon control horns, two
nylon control horn backplates and four
machine screws.
✑ 2) Position the elevator horn on the both
side of elevator. The clevis attachment holes
should be positioned over the hinge line.
2MM x 20MM.
Control Horn.
Mounting Screws.
Mounting Plate.
Elevator control horn.
Rudder control horn.
Elevator pushrod.
Rudder pushrod.
✑ 4) Mount the control horns by inserting the
bolts through the control horn bases and elevator halves, then into the mounting backplates.
Do Not overtighten the nuts may crush the
wood.
✑ 5) Position the rudder control horn on the
left side of the airplane. Mount the control horn
parallel with the horizontal stabilizer, not inline with the rudder hinge line.
✑ 6) Install the rudder control horn using the
same method as with the elevator control
horns.
Elevator control horn right side.
Elevator control horn left side.
Rudder control horn.
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DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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✑ 2) Using a 3/32” drill bit, drill a hole
through the side of the fuselage, opposite the
muffler, even with the switch.
✑ 3) Make a push-pull lever out of scrap
wire. Attach the wire to the switch lever and
route the wire out the side of the fuselage,
through the hole you drilled.
Some switches come with a hole drilled
through the switch tab for this very purpose. If your switch does not, remove the
switch and drill a 3/32” hole through the middle
of the switch tab.
✑
4 ) Install the rubber grommets and brass
collets onto the elevator, rudder and throttle
servos. Test fit the servos into the preinstalled
servo tray. Because the size of servos differ, you may need to adjust the size of the
precut openings in the tray.
✑
5) Position the servos into the servo tray
with the output shafts orientated as shown
below. Drill 1/16” pilot holes through the tray
for each of the mounting screws.
INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOS
PARTS REQUIRED
{3} Standard size servos
{1} Receiver switch harness
INSTALLING THE SWITCH
✑ 1) Install the switch into the precut hole
in the servo tray, in the fuselage, from the bottom. Use the two screws provided with the
switch to secure it in place. Drill two 3/32”
holes through the tray for the screws to pass
through.
3. While holding the clasp firmly in place,
use a pen and outline the clasp onto the rudder.
4. Remove the clasp, and using a mod-
eling knife, remove the covering from inside
the lines you drew. Use 220 grit sandpaper
and carefully roughen the inside surface of the
nylon clasp.
5. Slide the clasp back into position and
carefully glue it into place using Kwik Bond Thin
C/A. Hold the clasp in place until the glue completely cures. Secure by 1 machine screw.
2. Using a ruler and a pen place a mark
onto the bottom of the rudder. The back edge
of the clasp should line up with this mark.You
may find it necessary to bend the tail wheel
wire down slightly so it lines up with the clasp
without binding.
Control Lap.
Machine Screw
2 MM x 20 MM.
1. Align the tail wheel wire so that the wire
is parallel with the bottom of the rudder. The
control clasp has a predrilled hole through the
top of it. Slide this hole onto the tail wheel wire
while sliding the clasp over the bottom of the
rudder.
MOUNTING THE CONTROL CLASP
3/ 32” Hole.
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DECATHLON Instruction Manual
20
✑ 9) Install servos arm to servos. Notice the
position of the servo arms on the servos. See
picture as below.
✑ 6) Install adjustable servo connector in
the servo arm.
✑ 7) Connect the elevator, rudder and throt-
tle servos to your radio’s receiver and turn on
the system. Set the trim tabs on the transmitter to neutral and center the servo arms. The
elevator, rudder and throttle servo arms should
be perpendicular to the servos.
✑ 8) One at a time, hold the pushrods in po-
sition over the respective servos to check for
proper servo direction. If any servo turns in the
wrong direction, switch your radio’s reversing
switches as necessary to achieve the correct
direction.
Adjustable Servo connector.
Servo arm.
C/A glue attached.
✑
1) Plug the five servo leads and the switch
lead into the receiver. Plug the battery pack
lead into the switch also.
✑ 2) Wrap the receiver and battery pack in
the protective foam rubber to protect them
from vibration.
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER AND BATTERY
✑
3) Position the battery pack in the fuel
tank compartment and the receiver just behind the fuel tank . Use extra foam pieces to
hold them in position.
Antenna
Rubber
Band
Modified
Servo Arm
Cut
FUSELAGE & WING INSTALLATION
Bolt the wing to fuselage.
When balancing the airplane you may
need to move the battery or receiver for-
ward or after to achieve proper balance.
✑
4) Using a 1/16” drill bit, drill a hole through
the side of the fuselage, near the receiver, for
the antenna to exit. Route the antenna out of
the fuselage and secure it to the vertical stabilizer using a rubber band and a modified servo
arm. See picture as below.
Throttle.
Elevator.
Rudder.
Elevator.
Page 21
DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
21
WING STRUT INSTALLATION
Parts requirement. See picture below:
4 pcs.
2 pcs.
Installing alumium plate follow picture below:
Alumium plate.
Alumium plate.
Page 22
DECATHLON Instruction Manual
22
✑ 3) When the elevator, rudder and aileron
control surfaces are centered, use a ruler and
check the amount of the control throw in each
surface. The control throws should be
measured at the widest point of each surface!
✑ 4) By moving the position of the adjust-
able control horn out from the control surface,
you will decrease the amount of throw of that
control surface. Moving the adjustable control horn toward the control surface will increase the amount of throw.
✑ 1) It is critical that your airplane be bal-
anced correctly. Improper balance will cause
your plane to lose control and crash. The center of gravity is located 8 - 9cm back from the
leading edge of the wing, measured at the
wing tip.
✑ 2) 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
sides 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 onto
the firewall or use a brass heavy hub spinner
hub. When balanced correctly, the airplane
should sit level or slightly nose down when you
lift it up with your fingers.
BALANCING
CONTROL THROWS
✑ 1) We highly recommend setting up the
DECATHLON using the control throws listed
at right. We have listed control throws for both
initial test/sport flying and aerobatic flying.
INITIAL FLYING/SPORT FLYING
Ailerons low rate - 3/8” up - 3/8” down
Ailerons high rate - 7/8” up - 7/8” down
Elevators low rate - 3/16” up -3/16” down
Elevators high rate - 3/8” up - 3/8” down
Rudder low rate - 3/4” left and right
Rudder high rate - 1 1/4” left and right
Do not use the aerobatic settings for
initial test flying or sport flying.
✑ 2) Turn on the radio system, and with the
trim tabs on the transmitter in neutral, center
the control surfaces by making adjustments
to the clevises or adjustable servo connectors.
The servo arms should be centered also.
FLIGHT PREPARATION
✑ A) Check the operation and direction of
the elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.
✑
B) Plug in your radio system per the
manufacturer's instructions and turn everything on.
✑ C) Check the elevator first. Pull back on
the elevator stick. The elevator halves should
move up. If it they do not, flip the servo reversing switch on your transmitter to change
the direction.
✑
D) Check the rudder. Looking from be-
hind the airplane, move the rudder stick to the
right. The rudder should move to the right. If it
does not, flip the servo reversing switch on
your transmitter to change the direction.
8 - 9cm
CG
Page 23
DECATHLON INSTRUCTION MANUAL
23
D) Check the throttle. Moving the throttle
stick forward should open the carburetor barrel. If it does not, flip the servo reversing switch
on your transmitter to change the direction.
E) From behind the airplane, look at the
aileron on the right wing half. Move the aileron
stick to the right. The right aileron should move
up and the other aileron should move down. If
it does not, flip the servo reversing switch on
your transmitter to change the direction.
A) The Rudder should move 3/4” left and
3/4” right from center. If it moves too far, turn
the adjustable control horn out away from the
rudder. Do the opposite if there is not enough
throw.
move too much, turn the adjustable control
horns out away from the wing. Do the opposite if there is not enough throw. It is important that both ailerons move the same amount,
both up and down.
D) Once the control throws and movements are set, tubing must be added to the
clevises to ensure they do not release in the
air. Cut a piece of fuel line into five 1/4” long
pieces. Unsnap the clevises and slip one
piece over each clevis. Snap the clevises back
in place and slide the tubing up over them.
PREFLIGHT CHECK
1) Completely charge your transmitter
and receiver batteries before your first day of
flying.
2) Check every bolt and every glue joint
in the DECATHLON to ensure that everything
is tight and well bonded.
We wish you many safe and enjoyable
flights with your DECATHLON.
8) Properly balance the propeller. An out
of balance propeller will cause excessive vibration which could lead to engine and/or airframe failure.
3) Double check the balance of the airplane. Do this with the fuel tank empty.
4) Check the control surfaces. All should
move in the correct direction and not bind in
any way.
5) If your radio transmitter is equipped
with dual rate switches double check that they
are on the low rate setting for your first few
flights.
6) Check to ensure the control surfaces
are moving the proper amount for both low
and high rate settings.
7) Check the receiver antenna. It should
be fully extended and not coiled up inside the
fuselage.
FLIGHT PREPARATION
1) Check the operation and direction of
the elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.
A) Plug in your radio system per the
manufacturer's instructions and turn everything on.
B) Check the elevator first. Pull back on
the elevator stick. The elevator halves should
move up. If it they do not, flip the servo reversing switch on your transmitter to change
the direction.
C) Check the rudder. Looking from behind the airplane, move the rudder stick to the
right. The rudder should move to the right. If it
does not, flip the servo reversing switch on
your transmitter to change the direction.
✑ E) Check the throttle. Moving the throttle
stick forward should open the carburetor barrel. If it does not, flip the servo reversing switch
on your transmitter to change the direction.
✑ F) From behind the airplane, look at the
aileron on the right wing half. Move the aileron
stick to the right. The right aileron should move
up and the other aileron should move down. If
it does not, flip the servo reversing switch on
your transmitter to change the direction.
C)The ailerons should move 3/16” up and
3/16” down from center. If the ailerons
B) Both elevator halves should move 5/
16” up and 5/16” down from center. If they
move too far, turn the adjustable control horns
out away from the elevator halves. Do the opposite if there is not enough throw. Both elevator halves should also travel the same
amount throughout their total movement.
2) Check Control Surface Throw.
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