Tower Hobbies VistaBL Instruction Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
®
Tower
Hobbies®
guarantees
this kit to be
free from defects
in both material and
workmanship at the
WARRANTY
date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover any
component parts damaged by
use or modification. In no case
shall Tower Hobbies’ liability exceed
the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the final
assembly or material used for final assembly, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage
resulting from the use by the user of the final
user-assembled product. By the act of using the
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the
use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in
new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at
the address below:
Hobby Services • 3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1 • Champaign IL 61822 • USA
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information
as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description
of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the
problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.
WINGSPAN
78.5 in [1995mm]
MOTOR
Included
LENGTH
41 i n [ 10 4 0 m m]
WING AREA
678 sq in [43.7 dm2]
WEIGHT
35–38 oz [992 –1077g]
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL
BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.
IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE
ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
WING LOADING
7.5 – 8.0 oz/ft2 [23– 24 g/dm2]
RADIO
3-Channel, Two Standard Servos
or Two Mini Servos with
at least 35 g of torque.
TOWER HOBBIES
Champaign, Illinois
(217) 398-8970 ext. 5
airsupport@hobbico.com
®
®
© 2014 Towe r Hob bies .
A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.
TOWA4020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Radio Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Join the Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Join the Stabilizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Join the Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hook Up the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mount the Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Check the ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Install the Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Charge the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mount the Wing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
––––––––––––––––––
AMA
We u rge you t o joi n the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membersh ip is req u i red to fl y at AMA clubs. Though
joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the primary
reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to
fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies to fl ying at
public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to comply with the
Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the manual) may
endanger insurance coverage. Additionally, training programs
and instructors are available at AMA club sites to help you get
started the right way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs
across the country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free
phone number that follows.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT: Two of the most important things you can do to
preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near
full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS…
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Vista BL EP ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Vista BL ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself
or spectators and damage to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in
an unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions
may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the
written instructions should be considered as correct.
––––––––––––––––
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the TOWER HOBBIES Vista™ BL
EP ARF motor glider. Identical in construction to the Vista
ARF sailpane, this BL version features a 35mm brushless motor
that eliminates the need to lay out the Hi-Start launch system
typically required for thermal soaring. This BL version therefore
requires less space and time to get into the air! Easy-to-fl y
electric-powered motor gliders such as this are a great way for
beginners to get into the hobby–they are relatively inexpensive
and they fl y and react slowly enough to give novice fl yers time
to think and react. And when those rising air currents (thermals)
appear, the Vista BL EP ARF can still soar with the best of them.
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2
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
6. You must check the operation of the model before every
fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights.
If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has
information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.
8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress fl ying
the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the
high-stress points.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends on how
you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representations
are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of
your completed model.
REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
–––––––
(required for monitoring the condition of your batteries and
calculating how long you can fl y).
Adhesives and Building Supplies
■ Tower 30-minute epoxy (TOWR3810)
■ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
■ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
■ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
■ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
■ Masking tape
■ Drill
■ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm]
■ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
■ #1 Hobby knife (TOWR1010)
■ #11 blades (5-pack, TOWR1015)
■ Medium T-pins (HCAR5150)
■ CG Machine (GPMR2400)
■ Paper towels
Radio Components
A minimum 3-channel radio (elevator, rudder and ESC control)
and two standard or mini servos with 35oz. of thrust are required
to fl y the Vista BL EP ARF. The Tactic TTX404 4-channel or
Futaba 4YF 4-channel radio system are great low cost radio
systems perfect for the Vista BL EP ARF.
■ TACJ2404 TTX404 4-channel radio system
■ TACM0235 (TSX35) standard servo
■ TACM0220 TSX20) mini servo
■ FUTK4200 4YF 4-channel radio system
■ FUTM0031 (S3003) standard servo
■ FUTM0415 (S3115) micro precision servo
■ TOWM4525 (TS-53) standard servo
Battery and Charger
■ A 3S 11.1V 1800mAh – 2200mAh LiPo battery is required
to power the Vista BL EP ARF
■ ElectriFly 1800mAh 30C (GPMP0855)
■ ElectriFly 2200mAh 30C (GPMP0861)
■ FlightPower 2200mAh 30C (FPWP3223)
■ FlightPower 2200mAh 50C (FPWP5223)
Most modelers may already have a suitable LiPo charger, but
for those that do not, the Duratrax Onyx 235 AC/DC Advanced
Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is one of the suitable chargers
recommended. The Onyx charger is perfect for 3S batteries
used with the Tower Vista BL EP ARF and may be powered
either by an external DC power source (such as a 12V battery),
or a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also has an adjustable charge
rate to charge your batteries in as little as a half-hour or less
(depending on the condition of your batteries and manufacturer’s
specifi ed charge r ate). T he Ony x ca n also charge large r batteries
and batteries other than LiPo, so it is a versatile charger you can
grow into. The 235 also has and LCD digital display screen, so
you can see how much capacity it took to recharge the battery
Hardware and Accessories
■ Spare #64 rubber bands (TOWQ1220)
■ 21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
■ 21st Century Hot Sock (COVR2702
KIT INSPECTION
Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is
complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable
quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or
if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support.
When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names
exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.
Hobbico Product Support Ph: (217) 398-8970 ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: (217) 398-7721
Champaign, IL 61822
E-mail: airsupport@hobbico.com
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Tower Hobbies Vista BL EP ARF are
available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts
List that follows. The fastest, most economical service can be
provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.
hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu
on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided on
the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.
Parts may be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling
(217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, but full retail
prices and shipping and handling charges will apply. Illinois
and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering
via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and expiration
date for payment.
–––––––––––––––––––––––
––––
3
Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822
Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal
check only; no C.O.D.
If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product
Support by e-mail at productsupport@hobbico.com, or by
telephone at (217) 398-8970.
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order No. Description
TOWA4021
TOWA4022
TOWA4023
TOWA4024
TOWA4025
TOWA4026
TOWA4027
TOWA4028
Fuselage
Wing
Tail Surfaces
Motor
Folding Prop Assembly
Folding Blade Set
Decals
ESC 30A
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
10
11
12
CONTENTS
1
9
8
2
3
7
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
5
6
4
1. Fuselage
2. Left Wing
3. Right Wing
4. Horizontal Stabilizer
5. Vertical Stabilizer
6. Fin Braces
4
7. Servo Rails
8. Wing Joiner
9. Wing Dowels
10. Prop and Spinner
11. Prop Adapter
12. #64 Rubber Bands
ASSEMBLY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Preparations
1. Use a model airplane covering iron with a protective
❏
covering sock to remove any wrinkles present in the covering.
The best temperature setting, with a covering sock on the iron,
is approximately 300° F. If this doesn’t seem to be enough
heat to shrink the wrinkles, increase iron temperature in small
increments until the wrinkles disappear.
2. Place a sheet of wax paper on your workbench and gather
❏
all the items required for joining the wings: 30-minute epoxy,
a mixing cup, an epoxy mixing stick, an epoxy brush, paper
towels and denatured alcohol for epoxy clean up. Hint: To cut
down on waste, cut the paper towels into several small squares
as shown in the photo.
Caution: Do not use 5-minute epoxy for joining the wing
halves. It will not provide enough working time.
Join the Wings
1. Without using any glue, test fi t both wing halves together
❏
with the wing joiner. Make sure the halves fi t together well
and there is no gap. If there is a problem with the fi t, look for
obstructions such as glue bumps or wood slivers inside the
wings where the joiners fi t. Make any adjustments necessary
to get a good fi t.
Read steps 3 and 4 all the way through before proceeding. It
is important to use the proper technique for joining the wing
halves to ensure a strong wing.
3. Separate the wings and take out the joiner. Mix up
❏
approximately 1/2 oz. [15cc] of 30-minute epoxy. Use an epoxy
brush to coat both ends of the wing and one half of the joiner
all the way around. Pour a generous amount of epoxy into one
of the wings where the joiner goes, and then slowly insert the
epoxy-coated half of the joiner. Wipe away excess epoxy as it
is forced out of the wing. Note: There must be no “empty space”
inside the wing where the joiner fi ts–the cavity must be fi lled
with epoxy. If no epoxy “oozes” out when you installed the joiner,
remove the joiner and add more epoxy. Then reinstall the joiner.
Proceed rapidly to the next step.
5
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