Tower Hobbies Vista EP User Manual

WARRANTY

TOWER HOBBIES

®

guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the 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-assemb led 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2006 V1.0 TOWZ0004 for TOWA4015

TOWER HOBBIES

P.O.Box 9078

Champaign, IL 61826

[phone]

www.towerhobbies.com

Wingspan: 78.5 in [2000mm]

Wing Area: 678 sq in [43.7dm

2

]

Weight: 45 – 50 oz [1275 – 1415g]

Wing Loading: 9.6 – 10.6 oz/sq ft [29 – 32g/dm

2

]

Length: 41 in [1035mm]

Motor: Included 550

Radio: Three-channel, two standard ser vos

™

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................2

AMA............................................................................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...........................................................2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED..............................................3

Radio Components..............................................................3

Battery & Charger................................................................3

Adhesives & Building Supplies............................................3

Optional Supplies & Tools....................................................3

Hardware & Accessories......................................................3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................3

Replacement Parts List........................................................3

KIT INSPECTION.......................................................................4

KIT CONTENTS .........................................................................4

METRIC/INCH RULER ...............................................................4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................................5

Preparations.........................................................................5

Join the Wings .....................................................................5

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELA GE ...................................................6

Join the Stabilizer.................................................................6

Join the Fin ..........................................................................7

Hook Up the Controls ..........................................................9

Mount the Receiver............................................................10

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..........................................11

Check the ESC ..................................................................11

Check the Control Directions.............................................12

Set the Control Throws......................................................12

Balance the Model (C.G.)..................................................13

PREFLIGHT..............................................................................14

Identify Your Model.............................................................14

Charge the Batteries..........................................................14

Range Check.....................................................................14

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..........................................14

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts).............................................14

CHECK LIST ............................................................................15

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY.................................................15

FLYING .....................................................................................15

Mount the Wing..................................................................15

Takeoff................................................................................15

Flight ..........................................................Back Cover Page

Landing ......................................................Back Cover Page

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the TOWER HOBBIES Vista™EP
ARF motor glider.Identical in construction to the Vista ARF
sailpane, this EP version features a standard, 550-size
electric motor that eliminates the need to lay out the Hi-Start
launch system typically required for thermal soaring. This
EP version therefore requires less space and time to get
into the air! Easy-to-fly electric-powered motor gliders such
as this are a great way for beginners to get into the
hobby–they are relativ ely ine xpensive and the y fly and react
slowly enough to give novice flyers time to think and react.
And when those rising air currents (thermals) appear, the
Vista EP ARF can still soar with the best of them.

AMA

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons to join
is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to flying at
contests or on the club field. It even applies to flying 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.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or
over groups of people.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF &

OTHERS.....FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Vista 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 EP 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 unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first­class 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
flight 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 flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. 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 flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress flying the
modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the
high-stress points.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

2

Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Radio Components

A minimum 3-channel radio (elevator, rudder, motor control)
and two standard servos are required to fly the Vista EP
ARF.The TOWER HOBBIES System 3000™4-channel radio
system is suitable and includes NiCd batteries and a battery
charger for the radio system.

❍ TOWJ41** (System 3000 4-TH 4-channel FM radio

system, no servos)

❍ TOWM4525 (TS-53 standard servo)

Battery & Charger

The TOWER Vista EP ARF comes with an electr ic motor and
ESC (electronic speed control), but the battery is not included.
Any 7-cell (8.4 Volt) battery pack made from “sub C” class
NiMH (nickel metal hydride) or NiCd (nickel-cadmium)
rechargeable batteries with a Dean’s brand battery connector
is suitable–the higher the capacity (mAh, or “mili Amp hour”
rating), the longer the motor can run for longer flight times.To
make multiple flights without waiting for the battery to charge,
more than one battery may be purchased.The recommended
battery is the Great Planes ElectriFly™7-cell 8.4 Volt 2,000mAh
NiMH battery with the Dean’s connector (GPMP0351). Any
other battery that meets the specification described may be
used.A battery without a Dean’s connector ma y be used, b ut a
Dean’s-to-Tamiya battery adapter connector (GPMM3130) will
also be required.

Powered by the battery recommended, motor run time will be
approximately four min utes. Even without the aid of a breeze or
rising air currents, this should be enough run time for at least six­to eight-minute flights.Motor run time and flight time can be extended
by using batteries with higher capacity, but do not use batteries
with higher voltage (more cells) as they will not fit in the model.

A battery charger will also be required to charge the motor
battery .There are dozens of suitable chargers a v ailab le , but the
one of the best values is the Great Planes ElectriFly Peak 400

™

1- to 10-cell D/C Peak Charger .This charger must be connected
to a 12 Volt power source (such as a car battery) and will detect
when the motor battery is fully charged and automatically shut
off (peak charge). It will charge both NiMH and NiCd batteries.
Since the recommended battery comes with a Dean’s
connector and the charger comes with a Tamiya connector, a
Dean’s-to-Tamiya battery adapter connector (GPMM3130) will
be required.

Adhesives & Building Supplies

❍ TO WER HOBBIESBuild-It™30-minute epoxy (T OWR3811)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (TOWR1010)
❍ Spare #11 blades (5-pack, TOWR1015)
❍ Drill and 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit

Optional Supplies & Tools

❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❍ Denatured alcohol for epoxy clean up
❍ CG Machine™(GPMR2400)
❍ Medium T-pins (HCAR5150)

Hardware & Accessories

❍ Spare #64 rubber bands (TOWQ1220)
❍ 1" [25mm] Double-sided foam mounting

tape (GPMQ4442)

❍ V elcro®strips (1" x 6" [25 x 150mm], (GPMQ4480)

-or- (see step 3 on page 10)

❍ 1/4" [6mm] R/C foam rubber (HCAQ1000)
❍ Custom Sealing Iron (TOWR3250)
❍ Hot Sock™iron cover (TOPR2175)

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Vista EP ARF are available using
the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List.
Replacement Parts may be ordered from TOWER HOBBIES
at www.towerhobbies.com or by calling [phone].

Parts may also be ordered from Hobby Services by calling
[phone], or via facsimile at [phone], 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.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

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 [e-mail],
or by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support

Full-size plans Not available
TOWA4016 Wing Kit Contact Hobby Supplier
TOWA4017 Fuselage Kit Only Contact Hobby Supplier
TOWA4018 Tail Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2343 550 Electric Motor Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMQ1690 8x4 Propeller Assembly Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2345 *ESC Contact Hobby Supplier

*Note: This ESC will require that the Dean’s style plug be removed
from the ESC that was included with this model and soldered onto the
replacement part ESC.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished 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.

3

4

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, 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 y ou need assistance with assemb ly,
contact Product Support. When repor ting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list on this page.

TOWER HOBBIES PRODUCT SUPPORT

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax:[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Kit Contents

1. Fuselage
2 Wing Dowels (2)

3. Wire Pushrods (2)

4. Aluminum/Wood Wing Joiner

5. Servo Rails (2)

6. Tri-Stock Vertical Stabilizer Braces (2)

7. Vertical Stabilizer (Fin) w/Rudder

8. Left Wing Panel

9. Right Wing Panel

10. Horizontal Stabilizer (Stab) w/Elevator

Kit Contents (not photographed)

Bag 1

(2) 4" [100mm] Velcro Strips
(1) 1/8" x 3/8" x 8" [3 x 9.5 x 200mm] Balsa Stick
(1) Small Rubber Band

Bag 2

(2) Control Horns
(2) Clevises
(2) 90° Pushrod Connectors
(1) Tail Skid
(2) Clevis Retainers
(1) 1.5mm Hex Wrench
(4) 2 x 10mm Screws

1

10

9

8

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

2

3

4

5

6

7

ASSEMBLY

Preparations

❍

1. Remove the protective foam from the tail.

❍

2. Remove the radio hatch and the battery hatch.

❍

3. 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 (about “1-3/4” on a TOWER Custom
Sealing Iron). If this doesn’t seem to be enough heat to shrink
the wrinkles, increase iron temperature in small increments
until the wrinkles disappear.

❍

4. Cut the covering from the holes in the battery hatch,
from the bottom of the fuselage and from the air inlets on
both sides of the fuselage.

Join the Wings

❍

1. Without using any glue, test fit both wing halves
together with the wing joiner. Make sure the halves fit
together well and there is no gap. If there is a problem with
the fit, look for obstructions such as glue bumps or wood
slivers inside the wings where the joiners fit. Make any
adjustments necessary to get a good fit.

❍

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.

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