Tower Hobbies VISTA GRANDE EP Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

®

WINGSPAN

100 in [2540 mm]

LENGTH

49.5 in [ 1257mm ]

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
modication. 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

WARRANT Y

without notice.

In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the nal assembly or
material used for nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accept­ed for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the nal 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, contact: airsupport @hobbico.com

14.1– 15.7 oz/ ft2 [43.0– 47.9 g/dm2]

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL

WING AREA

616 sq in [39.7 dm2]

WING LOADING

BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

WEIGHT

3.8– 4.2 lb [1724–1905g]

RADIO

4+ Channel

IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY

AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

TOWER HOBBIES

®

WARNING! This product may use a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Improper handling may result in FIRE! You are responsible for
following all safety precautions as outlined in this instruction manual.

© 2018 Tower Hobbies .® A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

TOWA2045 v1.1

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . 3

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

REQUIRED ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Radio Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Covering Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

WING ASSEMBLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you
are responsible for the operation of this vehicle and the safety
of those around you. Please contact your local authorities
to  nd out the latest rules and regulations.

In the United States, please visit:

knowbeforeyou y.org faa.gov/uas

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the TOWER HOBBIES
Vista Grande powered glider! The Vista Grande is the largest
of the Tower Hobbies Vista sailplane series. The Grande
boasts a long 100" wingspan with a dedicated spoiler and
comes equipped with the powerful RimFire .32 (42-50-800)
brushless outrunner motor, 13.5 x 7 folding propeller and
capable 70A ESC that will get your glider to soaring altitude in
seconds! No need to bring along any launching equipment…
all you need is a charged up LiPo battery and you’re ready
for some thermal hunting. The huge wing area of the Vista
Grande will collect the rising air and your glider will coast
effortlessly for long  ying sessions. When you’re ready to
land,  ip a switch on your transmitter to raise the spoiler and
make the perfect touch down right on your target!

FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Preparing to Balance the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Mount the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

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
 ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid  ying near or over
groups of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Vista Grande 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,
this model, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.

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  y at AMA clubs.

Though joining the AMA provides many bene ts, one of the

primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to  ying at contests or on the club  eld. It even applies
to  ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure
to comply with the Safety Code may endanger insurance
coverage. Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right

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 un 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.

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

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in  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.

2

6. You must check the operation of the model before every
 ight to ensure 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  own this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your  rst  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 model has been  ight tested to exceed normal
use, if a motor larger than the one recommended is used,
the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the
high stress points and/or substituting hardware more
suitable for the increased stress.

WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding, or machining

wood products can expose you to wood dust, a
substance known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other
safeguards for personal protection. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood

We, as the ARF manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested plane and instructions, but ultimately
the quality and  yability of your  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 that is straight and true.

ELECTRIC MOTOR

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING! A spinning propeller has the potential to cause
serious and permanent injury.

WARNING! Once the motor batteries are connected, the
propeller can start spinning at any time. Make sure the fail
safe is set on your radio to prevent the motor from starting
if the signal is lost.

WARNING! Stand clear of the propeller when handling
the aircraft. Make sure the aircraft is held securely until the
battery has been disconnected.

ALWAYS remove the propeller if the motor batteries will be
connected while working on your plane.

ALWAYS remove the motor batteries from the plane
when charging.

ALWAYS switch on the transmitter  rst, then the receiver.
ALWAYS unplug the motor batteries  rst before switching

off the receiver then transmitter.

NEVER touch the motor during or right after operation. The
motor gets HOT!

NEVER switch off the transmitter with the motor batteries
plugged in.

NEVER reach through the arc of the propeller when plugging
the battery into the ESC.

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING!

This product requires the use of a lithium polymer

(LiPo) battery. Improper handling of a LiPo battery

could result in FIRE! A lithium battery  re has the
potential to ignite surrounding areas and may cause property
damage or cause personal injury.

For safe LiPo handling, follow ALL of these guidelines:
MOST IMPORTANT! Never leave the battery or charger

unattended during charging or discharging.

WARNING: Read the entire instruction sheet included with
your motor batteries. Failure to follow the instructions could
cause permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings
and cause bodily harm!

ALWAYS follow the charging instructions included with your
charger for charging LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries can cause
serious damage or  re if misused.

ALWAYS use a LiPo-approved charger.
ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the

battery volts.

ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a  reproof location.
ALWAYS balance charge the battery.
ALWAYS store and transport LiPo batteries in a  reproof

container away from combustible materials.

ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
ALWAYS keep LiPo batteries out of the reach of animals. A

punctured battery may cause a  re.
ALWAYS disconnect the battery and unplug the charger

after the charge is complete.
ALWAYS keep a supply of sand accessible when charging

a LiPo battery. Dumping sand on the battery will assist in
extinguishing a LiPo chemical  re.

ALWAYS remove the batteries from the plane after a crash.
Set them aside in a safe location for at least 20 minutes. If
the batteries are damaged in the crash, they could catch
 re. If the battery starts to swell, quickly move the battery to
a safe location, preferably outside away from combustible
material. Place it in a bucket, covering the battery with sand.

NEVER use water to try and extinguish a LiPo  re.
NEVER charge or use a battery that is deformed, bent,

crushed, swollen, or has any type of visible damage.

3

NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger to charge a
LiPo battery.

NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell unless the battery
is rated for a higher voltage.

NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C unless the battery
is rated for a higher charge rate.

NEVER trickle-charge a LiPo battery.
NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 140°F (60°C).
NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way

or puncture the cells, as this may result in a  re.

NEVER discharge below 3.2V per cell.
NEVER charge the battery or set the charger on combustible

materials.
NEVER charge the battery inside a vehicle or in a location

that could be damaged in the event of a LiPo  re.

NEVER put a LiPo battery in the pocket of any clothing.
NEVER charge the batteries in the plane. Disconnect the

batteries and remove them from the plane immediately
after landing.

NEVER allow the battery to short circuit by touching exposed
wires together. This may cause a  re.

NEVER operate or store batteries below 40˚F (4˚C) or above

110˚F (43˚C) ambient temperature.

Battery and Charger

The Vista Grande can use a 4S 14.8V 2200-3600mAh

LiPo battery. A smaller capacity battery will bene t you by
being lighter weight and the Vista will balance close to the
recommended C.G. without the need for ballast. A larger
battery will give you more motor power time but the glider will
 y heavier with a more forward C.G. NOTE: There are many
other batteries that will  t. Provided here are two batteries
with acceptable capacity and discharge rate.

❍ ONXP2269 LiPo 4S 14.8V 2200mAh 30C
❍ ONXP3363 LiPo 4S 14.8V 3600mAh 50C

A charger capable of charging LiPo batteries is required.

The Triton EQ (GPMM3155) is a suitable charger as it has

plenty of power for charging the LiPos recommended for the
Vista Grande (and larger LiPos as well). The Triton EQ is also
recommended for its versatility in charging all other types of
batteries used in RC and may be powered by either a 12V DC
power source or 110V AC. For an inexpensive alternative we
recommend the Onyx 225 (DTXP4225) charger. It is not as
feature packed as the Triton EQ but we like its easy-to-use
programming and digital display.

Adhesives and Building Supplies

REQUIRED ITEMS

Radio Components

At least 4 channels are needed to operate the Vista Grande
controls. Because the spoiler needs to be operated by a
switch, dial, or slider, we recommend the Tactic TTX610
transmitter as a capable, inexpensive radio system suitable
for this type of model. If it’s likely you will grow your radio
control interest beyond the Vista Grande in the future, we
recommend the TTX660. This is a computerized transmitter
which has a 30 model memory and several built-in mixing
functions along with programmable mixes and many other
convenient features. These functions will suf ce for most
types of radio control models in addition to the Vista Grande.
NOTE: The TTX610 includes the 6-channel receiver but it is
a separate purchase with the TTX660.

You’ll also need (2) 36mm long mini servos for the elevator

and rudder and (1) 23mm long micro servo for the spoiler.
NOTE: The opening in the plywood servo tray for the tail
servos can be lengthened some if the servos of your choice
are slightly longer than 36mm. A nylon servo tray for the
spoiler servo is included and will not accommodate a micro
servo longer than 23mm.

❍ TACJ2610 Tactic TTX610 6-Channel SLT System

(includes TR625 receiver)

❍ TACJ2660 Tactic TTX660 6-Channel Computer

Transmitter (does not include receiver)

❍ TACL0625 Tactic TR625 6-Channel SLT Receiver
❍ TACM0220 Tactic TSX20 Mini High-Speed 2BB Servo
❍ TACM0205 Tactic TSX5 Micro High-Speed Servo
❍ FUTM0004 Futaba S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo
❍ FUTM0414 Futaba S3114 Micro High-Torque Servo

❍ Tower Hobbies 6-minute Epoxy (TOWR3806)
❍ Tower Hobbies 30-minute Epoxy (TOWR3810)
❍ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❍ Tower Hobbies Build-It CA Thin Glue (TOWR3800)
❍ Tower Hobbies Build-It CA Medium Glue (TOWR3801)
❍ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean-up)
❍ Masking Tape
❍ 1/16" [1.5mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.5mm] drill bits
❍ Drill
❍ Phillips Head Screwdriver
❍ Wire Cutters
❍ Pliers
❍ Stick-on Segmented Weights (GPMQ4485)
❍ CG Machine (GPMR2400)
❍ Paper Towels
❍ #1 Hobby Knife (RMXR6903)
❍ #11 Blades (5-pack, RMXR6930)
❍ Clamp

Covering tools

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)
❍ Top Flite Hot Sock Iron Cover (TOPR2175)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote Trim Seal Iron (TOPR2200)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote Heat Gun (TOPR2000)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)
❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron (COVR2750)

4

Optional Supplies and Tools

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Vista Grande.

❍ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Servo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)
❍ AccuThrow De ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

Covering Material

The  lm covering on this model is not a product that is

packaged and sold separately. Fortunately, if you need to
repair the covering on your Vista Grande, TopFlite MonoKote
offers colors that are a close match and are readily available
from Tower Hobbies or your local R/C hobby supplier. The
rolls are sold in either 6' or 25' lengths (part numbers for
the 6’ lengths are provided below) and are great to keep on
hand for quick repairs. Please note: These colors are not a
perfect match. We recommend replacing damaged covering
in complete “panels” so the slight difference in color shades
between the original covering and the MonoKote cannot be
seen. For example, if the red wing tip becomes damaged,
replace all of the red covering on that wing tip.

Missile Red 6' (TOPQ0201)
Jet White 6' (TOPQ0204)

Aluminum 6' (TOPQ0205)
Sky Blue 6' (TOPQ0206)

● Anytime a sheet metal screw is installed in wood,  rst

install the screw, remove the screw and apply a couple of
drops of thin CA in the hole to harden the threads. After
the CA has cured, reinstall the screw.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the step they

refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps
to get another view of the same parts.

● You will see this symbol anytime cyanoacrylate

glue is required.

.

● You will see this symbol anytime a threaded

screw or nut is installed.

● You will see this symbol anytime

epoxy is recommended.

● Anytime a hole needs to be drilled you will see

this symbol with the recommended size drill bit.

● When you see this symbol, use a glue of your

choice.

Building Stand

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.
We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402).

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts are available from Tower Hobbies for
your Vista Grande. Our order assistance representatives are
ready to answer your questions or to place your order. Call
us at [phone].

Order No. Description

TOWA2081
TOWA2082
TOWA2083
TOWA2084
TOWA2085
TOWA2086
GPMA5307
GPMA5308
GPMA5310
GPMA5311
GPMG4700
GPMM2160

Wing
Fuselage
Tail Surface Set
Canopy
Decals
Spoiler Hardware Set
Propeller Adapter
Spinner Set
Complete Folding Propeller Set
Folding Propeller Blade Set 13.5" x 7
Great Planes RimFire .32 42-50-800 Outrunner Brushless
60A 2S-6S Programmable 5V BEC ESC

KIT INSPECTION

If any parts are missing or damaged, consult Tower Hobbies
Order Assistance.

Note: All parts are one per kit unless otherwise stated.

Toll Free Order Assistance . . . . .800 637-6050

or [e-mail]

5

CONTENTS

1

1. Center Wing w/ Spoiler

2. Outer Wing Panels

3. Fuselage

4. Canopy Hatch

5. Horz. Stab w/Elevator

6. Vert. Fin w/Rudder

7. Wing Joiners

2

8. ESC

9. Spinner Cone

12

3

11

5

6

14

13

15

7

17

8

4

10. Folding Prop Blades

11. Spoiler Servo Tray

12. Wing Dowels, Bolt

9

Plate, Alignment Pins

13. Vert. Fin Gussets

14. Hook & Loop Material

10

15. Hinge Tape

16. Tail Pushrods

16

PREPARATION

WING ASSEMBLY

17. Hardware Bag

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.

1. You will need to make two wing joiners. Each joiner

❏

should be made from one piece of plywood and one piece
of aluminum. Look at the pieces and notice that they can
only match up one way (be sure you will be joining the layers
together correctly). Coat one side of one of the pieces with
epoxy (6-minute or 30-minute) and sandwich them together.

6