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ASSEMBLY MANUAL
MS: X68
Specifications:
Wing span ---------------------------35.4in (90cm).
Wing area --------------235.6sq.in (15.2sq dm).
Weight ---------------- 1.4-1.9lbs (0.63-0.85kg).
Length -----------------------------29.6in (75.2cm).
Speed control (ESC)------------15A-30A amp.
Motor -------------------------------------- 450-480.
Radio ----------- 4 channels with 4 mini servos.
Battery 3-cell 1800mAh to 2100mAh Li-Po.
10 x 5E Electric Prop.
“Graphics and specifications may change without notice”.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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INTRODUCTION.
Thank you for choosing the MINI SPARROWHAWK EP ARTF by SEAGULL MODELS COMPANY
LTD. The MINI SPARROWHAWK EP 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 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 motor mount has been fitted and the hinges are pre-installed . Flying the MINI
SPARROWHAWK EP 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 MINI SPARROWHAWK EP . 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.
KIT CONTENTS
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KIT CONTENTS.
1 Fuselage
2 Canopy
3 Left wing panel
4 Right wing panel
5 Tail set
6 Carbon fiber wing tube
7 Pilot
8 Fiberglass cowl
9 Hardware bag included.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.
Motor 450-480
4 channel radio with 4 mini servos
Propeller to suit engine
Protective foam rubber for radio
system
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 C/A glue.
HINGING THE AILERONS .
Note:
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.
Hinge.
T-pin.
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
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.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP 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.
7) Repeat this process with the other wing
panel, securely hinging the aileron in place.
6) Using C/A remover/debonder and a
paper towel, remove any excess C/A glue that
may have accumulated on the wing or in the
aileron hinge area.
5) Turn the wing panel over and deflect the
aileron in the opposite direction from the
opposite side. Apply thin C/A glue to each
hinge, making sure that the C/A penetrates into
both the aileron and wing panel.
Work the aileron up and down several
times to “work in” the hinges and
check for proper movement.
Note:
HINGING THE ELEVATORS.
4) Deflect the aileron and completely
saturate each hinge with thin C/A glue. The
ailerons front surface should lightly contact the
wing during this procedure. Ideally, when
thehinges 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.
Hinge.
The hinge is constructed of a special
material that allows the C/A to wick
or penetrate and distribute
throughout the hinge, securely
bonding it to the wood structure of
the wing panel and aileron.
Note:
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.
1) Carefully remove the elevator from one
of the horizontal stabilizer panels. Note the
position of the hinges.
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Glue the elevator hinges in place using the
same techniques used to hinge the ailerons.
HINGING THE RUDDER.
Glue the rudder hinges in place using the
same techniques used to hinge the ailerons.
INSTALL THE AILERONS CONTROL
HORN.
Hinge.
Epoxy.
Aileron control horn .
INSTALL ELEVATOR CONTROL HORN.
Apply epoxy glue.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOS.
Elevator servo.
1) Install the rubber grommets and brass
collets onto the throttle servo. T est fit the servo
into the aileron servo mount.
2) Secure the servos with the screws provided with your radio system.
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.
INSTALL RUDDER CONTROL HORN.
Rudder control horn.
Elevator control horn.
Epoxy.
Cut.
Epoxy.
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Rudder servo.
Servos.
Small weight.
Thread.
INST ALLING THE AILERON.
2) Place the servo between the mounting
blocks and space it from the hatch. Use a pencil
to mark the mounting hole locations on the
blocks.
3) Use drill bit in a pin vise to drill the mouting
holes in the blocks.
1) Using a small weight (Weighted fuel pick-up
works well) and string, feed the string through
the wing as indicated.
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.
4) Apply 2-3 drops of thin C/A to each of the
mounting holes. Allow the C/A to cure without
using accelerator.
6) Secure the servo to the aileron hatch using
Phillips screwdriver and the screws provided
with the servo.
5) Use dental floss to secure the connection
so they cannot become unplugged.
7) Apply 1-2 drops of thin C/A to each of the
mounting tabs. Allow the C/A to cure without
using accelerator.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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ELECTRIC POWER INST ALLA TION.
1) Locate the items neccessary to install the
electric power installation.
2) Attach the electric motor box to the firewall
suitable with the cross lines drawn on the electric
motor box and firewall. Using epoxy and balsa
stick to secure the motor box to the
firewall.Please see pictures below.
8) A string has been provided in the wing to
pull the aileron lead through to the wing root.
Remove the string from the wing at the servo
location and use the tape to attach it to the
servo extension lead. Pull the lead through the
wing and remove the string.
9) Set the aileron hatch in place and use a
Phillips screw driver to install it with four wood
screws.
Aileron servo.
15A-30A.
450-480.
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Battery.
M3 x 15mm.
Electric motor.
1 10mm.
4mm.
4) Locate the plywood battery tray to the
fuselage.
3) Attach the motor to the front of the electric
motor box using four 3mm blind nut, four
M3x15mm hex head bolts to secure the motor.
Please see picture shown.
Battery.
Epoxy .
Balsa.
Epoxy.
1800mAh-2100mAh.
Speed control.
5) Attach the speed control to the side of the
motor box using two-sided tape and tie wraps.
Connect the appropriate leads from the speed
control to the motor. Make sure the leads will
not interfere with the operation of the motor.
1) Slide the fiberglass cowl over the motor and line up the back edge of the cowl with
the marks you made on the fuselage then trim
and cut as shown.
COWLING.
15A-30A.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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INST ALLING THE HORIZONTAL ST ABILIZER.
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.
Because of the size 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 1mm 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.
Trim and cut.
Machine screw M2x6mm.
2) While keeping the back edge of the
cowl flush with the marks, align the front of
the cowl with the crankshaft of the motor. The
front of the cowl should be positioned so the
crankshaft is in nearly the middle of the cowl
opening. Use the spinner backplate as a guide.
Hold the cowl firmly in place using pieces of
masking tape.
INSTALLING THE SPINNER.
Install the spinner backplate, propeller and
spinner cone.
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.
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Pen.
Cut.
3) Slide the stabilizer into place in the precut slot in the rear of the fuselage. The stabilizer should be pushed firmly against the front
of the slot.
4) 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.
2) Using a modeling knife, carefully remove
the covering at mounting slot of horizontal stabilizer ( both side of fuselage).
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.
Trim and cut.
5) Remove the stabilizer. Using the lines
you just drew as a guide, carefully remove the
covering from between them using a modeling knife.
6) Using a modeling knife, carefully remove 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.
Epoxy.
7) 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 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.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP 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.
90º
Vertical
Stabilizer.
Horizontal
Stabilizer.
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.
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.
INSTALLING VERITICAL FIN.
1) Using a modeling knife, remove the
covering from over the precut hinge slot cut
into the lower rear portion of the fuselage.
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.
Pen.
Cut.
4) Remove the stabilizer. Using a mod-
eling knife, remove the covering from below
the lines you drew.
C/A glue.
Hinge.
Cut.
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ELEVATOR - RUDDER PUSHROD HORN
INSTALLATION.
Rudder control horn.
1) Install the elevator control horn using
the same method as with the aileron control
horns.
2) Position the elevator control horn on
the both side of elevator.
Elevator control horn.
Wing.
Aileron.
AILERON PUSHROD HORN INSTALLA TION
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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M2x12mm.
1
1
5
4) Slide a wheel onto the axle. Prepare a
second wheel collar with a machine screw and
threadlock then install it on the axle to retain
the wheel.
3
1mm.
1
2
1
Pen.
Cut.
INSTALLING WIRE LANDING GEAR.
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1
2
3
5
2) Remove the covering from over two main
landing gear mounting slots located in the
bottom of the wing.
3) Fit the main landing gear legs into the slots
in the underside of the wing panels. Position
two nylon landing gear straps over each landing
gear leg as shown. Mark the location of the screw
holes onto the wing and drill holes at your marks
using a drill bit. Secure the landing gear legs to
the wing panels using the nylon landing gear
straps and self-tapping screws as shown.
1) Locate the items necessary to attach the
main landing gear.
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5
Epoxy.
1
4
Screw.
M2x12mm.
3.5mm.
Repeat the procedure for other landing
gear.
5) Installation wheel cover as shown:
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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INSTALLING THE BATTERY-RECEIVER.
Receiver.
Battery.
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.
3) Route the antenna in the antenna tube
inside the fuselage and secure it to the bottom of fuselage using a plastic tape.
Tie wrap.
ATTACHMENT WING-FUSELAGE.
APPLY THE DECALS.
1) If all the decals are precut and ready to
stick. Please be certain the model is clean and
free from oily fingerprints and dust. Position
decal on the model where desired, using the
photos on the box and aid in their location.
2) If all the decals are not precut, please use
scissors or a sharp hobby knife to cut the
decals from the sheet. Please be certain the
model is clean and free from oily fingerprints
and dust. Position decal on the model where
desired, using the photos on the box and aid
in their location.
INST ALLATION PILOT FIGURE.
1.
3.
2.
C/A glue.
C/A glue.
1.
3.
2.
3.
1.
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Wing bolt.
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 GRA VITY IS LOCATED
55MM BACK FROM THE LEADING EDGE
OF THE WING AT THE WING ROOT.
3) Turn the airplane upside down. Place
your fingers on the masking tape and carefully
lift the plane .
2) Mount the wing to the fuselage. Using a
couple of pieces of masking tape, place them
on the top side of the wing
55mm back from
the leading edge of the wing at the wing root.
Accurately mark the balance point on the top
of the wing on both sides of the fuselage. The
balance point is located
55mm back from the
leading edge of the wing at the wing root. This
is the balance point at which your model
should balance for your first flights. Later , you
may wish to experiment by shifting the balance
up to 10mm forward or back to change the
flying characteristics. Moving the balance
forward may improve the smoothness and
arrow- like tracking, but it may then require
more speed for take off and make it more
difficult to slow down for landing. Moving the
balance aft makes the model more agile with
a lighter and snappier ”feel”. In any case,please
start at the location we recommend .
With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts
of the model installed ( ready to fly), and empty
fuel tanks, hold the model at the
marked balance point with the stabilizer level..
CONTROL THROWS.
Ailerons: 10mm - 12mm up.
10mm - 12mm down.
Elevator: 10mm - 12mm up.
10mm - 12mm down.
Rudder: 15mm - 20mm left.
15mm - 20mm right.
55mm.
Lift the model. If the tail drops when you lift,
the model is “tail heavy” and you must add
weight* to the nose. If the nose drops, it is
“nose heavy” and you must add weight* to the
tail to balance.
*If possible, first attempt to balance the model
by changing the position of the receiver battery
and receiver. If you are unable to obt ain good
balance by doing so, then it will be necessary
to add weight to the nose or tail to achieve the
proper balance point.
MINI SPARROWHAWK EP Instruction Manual.
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7) Check the receiver antenna. It should
be fully extended and not coiled up inside the
fuselage.
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.
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 .
2) Check every bolt and every glue joint
in the MINI SPARROWHAWK EP to ensure
that
everything is tight and well bonded.
1) Completely charge your transmitter
and receiver batteries before your first day of
flying.
PREFLIGHT CHECK.
We wish you many safe and enjoyable
flights with your MINI SPARROWHAWK EP.
4) Check the control surfaces. All should
move in the correct direction and not bind in
any way.
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.
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.
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.
Check the operation and direction of the
elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.
FLIGHT PREPARATION.
A) Plug in your radio system per the
manufacturer's instructions and turn everything on.
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