EDGE - 540T
SEMI SCALE SPORT MODEL
Assembly
and
Operations Manual
Please review this manual throughly
Before assembling or Operating
The
VMAR EDGE - 540T
Semi scale sport model
EDGE - 540T
We’ve used our ULTRA TOUGH POLYCOTE ECS Enhanced Covering System
for this Model
TM
Liability Disclaimer
It is important that the following liability disclaimer be
READ BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT.
Model airplanes, model engines, model engine fuel, propellers and products such as the EDGE - 540T semi scale
sport model can be hazardous if improperly used. Be cautious and follow all safety recommendations when using
your Model . Keep hands, tools, clothing and all foreign objects well clear of engines when they are operating. Take
particular care to safeguard and protect your eyes and fingers and the eyes and fingers of other persons who may
be nearby. Use only a good quality propeller that has no cracks or flaws . Stay clear of the propeller and stay clear
of the plane of rotation defined by the propeller.
The Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and/or other suppliers of this product expressly disclaim any warranties or
representations, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of fitness for the pur-
poses of achieving and sustaining remotely controlled flight.
In no event will the Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and/or other suppliers of this product have any obligation aris-
ing from contract or tort, or for loss of revenue or profit, or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or other
damages arising from the use of this product.
In purchasing and/or using this product, the user accepts all responsibility for its use and accepts all liability asso-
ciated with such use.
Proceeding with assembly and use of this product
Indicates
Agreement With and Acceptance of the Liability Disclaimer .
CAUTION.
A Remote Control Model Aircraft is not a toy. It is a flying model that functions much like a full size airplane. If
you do not assemble and operate this product properly you can cause injury to yourself and others and damage
property. DO NOT FLY this model if you are not qualified.
You are ultimately responsible for the mechanical, aeronautical and electrical integrity of this model and it’s struc-
ture, control surfaces, hinges, linkages, covering, engine, radio, wiring, battery and all other components check
all components before and after each flight. Do not fly until it’s right!
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a VMAR product. VMAR Manufacturing is committed to delivering superior value to the
RC modeler. Your new EDGE - 540T is the market leader in features, ease of use and flexibility. Please review
these instructions before beginning the simple assembly procedure.
We’ve used metric measurements throughout these instructions. We know that some of you like metric while oth-
ers think that furlongs per fortnight makes a nifty velocity indicator. If you are in the furlong camp, bear with us….
It’s not a big deal…3 millimeters is stated as 3mm and 3mm is about 1/8 of an inch. Fire up your calculator and
you will find that 25.4 mm makes an inch. In places where you have to actually set up something according to a
recommended measurement, we’ve listed an approximate imperial measurement in inches in brackets.
Whenever we’ve used the directional terms left or right , they are with respect to the model when viewed as you
would when sitting in the cockpit…that is when viewed from the back looking forward.
2
INDEX.
Liability Disclaimer and Caution Page 2
Introduction Page 2
Check Out the Contents Page 3 - 5
Installing the wing Stage 1 Page 6
Fitting aileron servo Stage 2 - 3 Page 7 - 8
Installing the horizontal & vertical stabilizer Stage 4 - 11 Page 8 - 11
Installing the main landing gear Stage 12 Page 11
Installing the tail wheel Stage 13 Page 12
Installing the Fuel Tank Stage 14 Page 12
Installing the Engine Stage 15 Page 12 - 13
Fitting rudder and elelvator control horns Stage 16 Page 13
Installing the servos Stage 17 Page 14
Connecting the pushrods Stage 18 - 20 Page 14 - 15
Connecting the throttle control Stage 21 Page 15
Adjust control surface throw limits Stage 22 Page 15
Final RC setup Stage 23 - 24 Page 16
Installing radio equipment Stage 25 - 27 Page 16 - 17
Balancing the aircraft Stage 28 Page 17
Confirm mechanical integrity Stage 29 Page 17 - 18
CG and throw specifications Stage 29 Page 18
Cowl installation tips Page 18 - 20
Parts for your model Page 20
Notes Page 21 - 23
POLYCOTE ECS - What’s it all about ? Page 24
CHECK OUT THE CONTENTS.
You’ve taken the lid off the box and grabbed the instruction booklet…you are about 6-8 hours away being ready to
go flying! Now is the time to look over what’s in the box. Please go through the contents and make sure nothing
has been damaged in shipping. Damage or missing components must be reported to your vendor BEFORE any
assembly begins. Please DO NOT START if something is damaged or missing. As you can imagine, once you join
the wing halves or install your radio or engine your options for returns are very limited. Your vendor will not be able
to provide you with exchanges or replacements of parts that have been assembled. DO NOT START UNLESS IT’S
RIGHT!
3
CHECK OFF COMPONENTS AND PARTS INCLUDED.
Maijor components and sub-assemblies
Contents of master bag
Contents of main landing gear parts bag
4 mounting screws 2 Axle assemblies with wheel collars
Contents of wheel pants and landing gear fairing bag
1 landing gear cover 2 Wheel pants
Contents of wing parts bag
Contents of spinner parts bag
1 spinner with allen screws
1 Allen wrench
1 Spinner shaft collet set
Contents of control horn parts bag
Contents of tail wheel parts bag
1 Pre-assembled wire, wheel and bracked assembly
2 Mounting screws
Contents of miscellaneous parts bag
2 wood guide blocks with slot for control rod support
1 Allen wrench for control rod EZ connector of fitted
Contents of spare parts bag
Assortment of extra spare parts that are not required but may come in handy in service
In addition to the items in the parts bags the following items have been pre-installed or placed into the fuse-
lage at the factory.
1 Fuel tank assembly with stopper, clunk and pre-bent metal tubing
1 Universal adjustable servo tray with mounting screws and slider plates control rod assemblies including con-
necting hardware.
4
1 Fuselage
2 Wing halves (left and right)
1 Vertical stabilizer with pre-installed rudder.
1 Horizontal stabilizer with pre-installed elevator .
1 Fiber glass cowl
1 Fiberglass main landing gear
1 Documentation set including instruction booklet
1 Set of patch and/or trim sheets if required
1 Master bag
2 Engine mount T-beams (aluminum) with allen
screws
2 Ulatralight treaded wheels
1 Fibreglass main landing gear
1 Main landing gear parts bag
1 Wheel pants and landing gear cover
1 Wing parts bag
1 Spinner parts bag
1 Control horn parts bag
1 Tail wheel parts bag
1 Miscellaneous parts bag
1 Spare parts bag
1 Wood spar joiner
2 Wood alignment dowels
1 Small roil of wing joint tape
2 Aileron control rod assemblies with clevises
2 Plastic wing mouting bolts.
5 Metal bolts 3mm x 35-40mm
5 Metal nuts 3mm
5 Plastic control horns
5 Plastic T - nuts
5 Plastic beveled washers
CHECK OFF TOOLS AND SHOP MATERIALS NEEDED.
These tools and shop materials are not included and are required to complete and operate your EDGE - 540T and
most other remote control aircraft. For some specific recommendations and part numbers please see the attached
listing of tools and materials available in your market area.
CHECK OFF OTHER ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE EDGE - 540T SEMI SCALE SPORT MODEL
These items are not included and are required to complete and operate your VMAR MODEL and most other remote
control aircraft.
Medium fuel tubing appropriate for your choice of engine and fuel. 500 – 750 mm ( 24-36 in. )
Liquid thread locker
RC FM radio with at least four channels of control and on a frequency appropriate for your market area.
Five servos compatible with the RC FM Radio. Servos generally are sold with new radio systems
External Switch Actuator appropriate for your radio system ( optional )
Engine and muffler suitable for use in a remote control model aircraft. A two stroke glow fuel .40 -.53 cubic inch
engine is recommended.
Propeller suitable for the engine. See the engine instruction manual recommendation for diameter and pitch.
Engine glow plug
Engine glow plug igniter
Engine 4 way wrench
Fuel for the engine
“After run” oil for engine
RC Foam sheeting for wrapping radio receiver and battery pack.
CHECK OFF OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES.
These items are not included and are not required but make the operation of your EDGE - 540T and most other
remote control aircraft easier & more enjoyable.
Power Tote Deluxe field box # VMA-PT109D
Fuel pump and connecting tubing
Fueling valve
Chicken stick or electric starter
Stick on weights
Battery to power electric starter
Battery charger
Power Panel to manage starter and pump if electric.
Extra propellers
Extra Glow Plugs
Misc Tools
Engine test stand # VMA – ETS120
5
- Clean and flat table or work surface approximately
600 x 1800 mm ( 24 x 72 in. )
- 2.5 mm ball socket screw driver or Allen wrench
- 3.0 mm ball socket screw driver or Allen wrench
- 4.0 mm ball socket screw driver or Allen wrench
- Phillips ( cross head) screw driver small size
- Phillips ( cross head ) screw driver medium size
- Flat blade screw diver medium size
- Low tack masking tape, ruler or tape measure
- Side ( “ wire” ) cutters
- Pencil, pliers, hobby knife with #11 blade
- 30 minute Epoxy and 240 grit sandpaper
- Silicon Based Sealant (Dap – A – Goo )
- Epoxy mixing dishes, brushes and sticks
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Crescent wrench (optional )
- Heat gun and heat iron for covering (optional for cov
ering touch up )
6
INSTALLING THE PLUG-IN WING OF THE EDGE 540T
To install the plug-in wing of the EDGE - 540T to the
fuselage you will need the following parts.
- 1 front aluminum tube spar joiner 20 inch (510mm)
long and 2/3 inch (16mm) diameter
- 1 rear aluminum tube spar joiner 20 inch (510mm) long
and 2/3 inch (16mm) diameter
- 2 aluminum collars
- 2 steel nuts (4mm)
Stage 1
Step 1. Turn over the fuselage, by
remove screws and push slightly
to the other end of the hatch cover
to take out the cover (as shown)
Step 2. Insert the front wing spar
joiner and then the rear spar joiner (as shown 1.3 )
Step 3. Remove the nut and aluminum collar from the wing root
(opposite end of the wing tip)
Step 4. Carefull insert the 2 wing
spar joiner tube into the wing.
Notice that you will not forget to
acess the wiring harness of the
aileron through the hole (as
shown)
Step 5. Repeated this procedure
to another side of wing
Step 6. Tighten the wing bolt
1.1 Removed hatch cover
1.2 Wing spar joiner location
Hatch cover
Aileron servo wire exit hole
Rear spar joiner hole
Rear spar joiner hole
1.3 Install wing spar joiner tube to
the fuselage
1.4 Wing root with the aileron
servo extension
Front / rear wing
joiner tube location
1.5 Plug-in both wing panels 1.6 Insert the aluminum collar
then tighten the wing bolt
Aluminum collar
1.7 Hatch cover in it position
Wing bolt
Hatch
cover
7
FITTING AILERON SERVOS
To install the aileron servos into the wing you will need the
following items :
- Servos
- Servos mounting screws and grommets as supplied with
servos.
- Servo control arms as supplied with the servos.
- Two aileron control rod assemblies supplied with the kit.
The assemblies consist of a metal rod with a plastic clevis
screwed onto both ends.
- Low tack masking tape.
- 2 aileron control horn assemblies
2.1 Prepare the servos by fitting the rubber
grommets & ferrules supplied with your radio
Stage 2
Carefully remove the white cover plates from the aileron
servo cavities. Ensure you know which cover plate is for the
right wing and which is for the left. Remove the white cover
plates and retain the mounting screws. Notice that there are
wooden servo rails pre-installed into each servo cavity end.
Locate the wiring harness tubes that are protruding slightly
into each aileron servo cavity. The tube can be moved slightly at this point. Check out the other end of each tube for a
clean position and then using C/A glue secure the wiring harness tubes at the aileron servo cavity end.
Install a servo in each aileron servo cavity and connect the
servo wire to the servo extension wires and run the extension
wires through wiring harness tubes to the centre of the wing
Install the aileron control horns
2.3 Aileron servos mount 2.4 Srew servo in position 2.5 Install aileron control horn
Aileron servos cavity
2.2 Aileron servos location
Step 1 Consult your radio instruction manual and center each aileron servos by plugging it into the aileron channel
in the receiver. Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver. Center the aileron trim lever on the transmitter.
Remove the servo arm mounting screw and the servo arm.
Step 2 Mount the servo arm back on the servo. Position the arm to be parallel with the back edge of the wing. Screw
the arm into place with the servo arm mounting screw supplied with the servo.
Locate the two aileron control rods in the hardware bag. Ensure the clevises are screwed well onto the threaded
portion of the rod. Rotate and tug aggressively on the clevises and ensure that they are not loose on the rods.
Tape the ailerons into their neutral position so that they are even with the trailing edge of the wing and not pointing
either up or down.
Stage 3
8
Step 3 Ensure that the aileron control horns are screwed onto the threaded aileron control horn bolts and that both
control horns are in approximately the same place on their respective bolts.
Step 4 Connect the aileron servo rods to the aileron control horns. If one of the two clevises on each rod has a
metal pin or screw, attach that clevis to the servo output arm.
Step 5 Connect the other clevis to the servo output arm
Step 6 Remove the masking tape holding the ailerons.
Step 7 In the case of computer radios the servos together by connecting them to the appropiate receiver channel
. In the case of analog radios couple the servos together using a Y harness
Step 8 Turn on your radio and activate the ailerons, using the aileron stick and ensure a smooth full motion can be
achieved.
Step 9 With the wing top side up and viewed from the back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the
left raises the left aileron and lowers the right aileron. Movement of the stick to the left will roll the aircraft to the left.
(Counterclockwise roll of the wing when viewed from the back ).
Step 10 With the wing top side up and viewed from the back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the
right raises the right aileron and lowers the left aileron. Movement of the stick to the right will roll the aircraft to the
right.
3.1 Aileron control rod assembly 3.2 Aileron control horn assembly 3.3 Aileron control installed
FITTING THE HORZONTAL AND VERTICAL STABILIZERS
To install the stabilizers to the fuselage you will need.
- Fuselage
- Vertical stabilizers with pre-installed rudder
- Horizontal stabilizers with pre-installed elevator
4.2 The completed fuselage slot should look like
this
Vertical slot
Horizontal slot
4.1 Horizontal stabilizers with pre-installed elevator
4.3 Vertical stabilizers with pre-installed rudder
Stage 4
9
Check the fit of the horizontal stabilizer
in its slot. Make sure the tail is square
and centred to the fuselage by taking
measurements as shown in the diagrams on the right, but don’t glue anything yet.
Equal
distance
Equal distance
90
0
5.1 Trial fit the horizontal stabilizer in
its slot
With the horizontal stabilizer correctly aligned, mark the shape of the
fuselage on the top and bottom of
the tailplane using a water solublenon-permanent felt-tip pen as
shown here.
6.1 Mark the top of the horizontal
stabilizer
6.2 Followed by the bottom
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
Now remove the horizontal stabiliz-
er and, using a sharp knife and a
ruler CAREFULLY cut 2mm inside
the marked lines and remove the
covering on the top and bottom of
the tail as shown. Make sure you
only cut the film and not the wood,
otherwise the horizontal stabilizer
wiil be severely weakened.
7.1 Marked lines on horizontal
stab
7.2 Cutting inside the lines
7.3 Removed covering from top
surface
7.4 Exactly the same underneath 7.5 Clean off any traces of pen
10
Now apply sufifciant epoxy to the top and bottom of the
horizontal stabilizer. Use 30 minute epoxy to ensure a
strong bond and give yourself plenty of working time.
Insert the horizontal stabilizerl in its slot in the fuselage
and re-check the alignment as in Stage 9. Excess epoxy
should be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.
8.1 Apply plenty of epoxy 8.2 Slide the horizontal stabilizer
in place
8.3 Wipe off excess epoxy
Check the fit of the vertical stabilizer in its slot.
To make sure that it is glued square to the horizontal stabilizer and fuselage
FITTING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WITH RUDDER
9.1 Trial fit the vertical stabilizer onto fuselage.
Stage 8
Stage 9
10.1 Mark both sides of the verti-
cal stabilizer
10.2 Carefully cut through the
covering
10.3 Remove covering from both
sides
Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left and right
sides of the vertical stabilizer using a felt-tip pen. Now
remove the vertical stabilizer and, using a sharp knife
& ruler, CAREFULLY cut just 2mm inside
the marked lines and remove the covering on both
sides of the fin, just as you did with the horizontal stabilizer, taking sure you only press hard enough to cut
the covering, not the vertical stabilizer.
Stage 10
11
Now apply sufficient epoxy to both sides and the bottom
of the vertical stabilizer. Use 30 minute epoxy to ensure
a strong bond and give yourself plenty of working time.
Insert the vertical stabilizer in its slot in the fuselage
and re-check the alignment. Excess adhesive should
be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.
11.1 Apply plenty of epoxy 11.2 Slide the fin in place 11.3 Insert the pre-installed hinge
to the rudder
FITTING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR
Identify the main landing gear components shown
below
- 1 fiberglass main landing gear
- 2 axle assembly
- 2 main wheels ( 60mm x 20mm)
- 2 wheels pants
- 1 Landing gear cover
- 4 sheet metal screws 5 x 35 mm with washers
- 1 tail wheel assembly with 2 (3 x 15mm) sheet metal
screws.
12.1 Main landing gear components
Stage 11
Stage 12
12.2 Turn over the fuselage to
located the 4 pre-drilled main
landing gear mounting holes
12.4 Install the wheel pan and
wheel to the main landing gear
12.5 Use 4 metal sheet screws (5 x
35mm) to mount the main landing
gear onto the fuselage
12.6 Drill a hole to install the main
landing gear cover
12.3 Install the axle and wheel
12.7 Main landing gear cover
installed
12
FITTING THE TAIL WHEEL
13.1 Insert the tail wheel steering
wire into the steering guide tube
13.2 Screw the tail wheel assembly to the fuselage
13.3 Trim off the excess tail steering wire
Install the tail wheel assembly. Note that the tail wheel
assembly has a loose wire end. Slide the loose wire
end into the sleeve tube that has been installed into
bottom of the rudder. Position the plastic bracket on
the bottom of the fuselage. Mark the location of the
screw holes. Tap the holes with the screws and then
fasten the plastic bracket to the fuselage. See the
illustration below.
FITTING THE FUEL TANK
To assemble the fuel tank you will need the following
items:
- The fuel tank and fuel stopper assembly (supplied)
- The clunk (supplied)
- About 7” (20 cm) of medium ID silicone fuel line (DUB
197 or similar)
- Cross head Philips screw driver
Stage 13
Stage 14
14.1 Use 100 mm (4 in) for fuel line
and 50 mm (2 in) for pressure line
14.2 Illustration of fuel line positioning inside the tank
14.3 Fuel tank installed on the
power module
100 mm (4 in) for fuel line
50 mm (2 in) for pressure line
fuel line
pressure line
fuel line
pressure line
INSTALLING THE ENGINE
The engine and the fuel tank are installed onto the
power module. First remove the power module from
the fuselage by removing the 4 nuts & washers
power module
Stage 15
13
15.1 Aluminum engine mount 15.2 Power module assembly 15.3 Engine thrust line
fuel tank
holder dowel
Engine thrust line
15.4 Engine and engine mount
recommentdation orientation.
15.5 Engine and fuel tank positioned on the power module
15.6 Throttle control connect to
the engine
fuel line
pressure line
Throttle control rod
15.7 See cowl installation tips on
page 20 & 21
15.8 Install the muffer and connect the fuel and pressure line
15.9 Install the suitable prop and
spinner
fuel line
pressure line
FITTING ELEVATOR AND RUDDER CONTROL HORN
The elevator control is fitled on the underside of both right and left
of the elevator halves. Pierce the covering over the pre-drilled hole
for the control horns installation as shown.
16.2 Elevator control horn location 16.3 Rudder control horns location 16.4 Elevator and rudder control
horn connected to the contrrol rod
16.1 Control horn assembly
Elevator
control horn
location
Stage 16
14
INSTALLING THE SERVOS
Install the rubber servo grommets and brass ferrules supplied with your radio
equipment. The three servos that control the elevator, rudder and throttle are
Installed in the servo tray mounted in the fuselage. Remove servo tray from
the fuselage, mounting the servos to the servo tray as shown.
17.1 Universal servo mount
17.2 Note the orientation and positions of the
three servos in their tray
Throttle servo
Elevator servo
Rudder servo
17.3 Throttle, elevator and rudder servos connected to their push rod
18.1 Consult the picture showing how the throttle, rudder
and elevator servos are positioned and connected to the
pushrods.
CONNECTING THE PUSHRODS TO THE THROTTLE, RUDDER AND ELEVATOR SERVOS
Stage 17
Stage 18
18.2 Pre-installed elevator and
rudder pushrod
18.3 Connecting clevise to the
servo arm
18.4 Connecting the elevator
pushrod to the elevator servo arm
Connect the elevator servo to the receiver and turn on your transmitter. Confirm that the
neutral positions of the elevator servo are sustained as per illustration 22.4
CONNECTING THE PUSHRODS TO THE ELEVATOR
Stage 19
15
CONNECTING THE PUSHRODS TO THE RUDDER
Connect the rudder servo to the
receiver and turn on your transmitter. Confirm that the neutral positions of the rudder servo are sustained as per illustration 22.4
20.1 Rudder control horn installed
and shown in position
20.2 Connecting the rudder
pushrod to the rudder control
horn
CONNECTING THE THROTTLE CONTROL
19.1 Two independent elevator
control horn shown in position
19.2 Connecting the elevator
pushrods to the control horns
19.3 Loosen collars to align elevator
surfaces. Tighten collars
securely
Elevator
control horn
Stage 20
Rudder
control
horn
Stage 21
21.1 Typical throttle control rod connection
Connected to the engine throttle arm
engine throttle arm
21.2 Throttle control rod connected to the engine throttle arm
Connect the clevis to the engine throttle arm
at roughly half throttle. Look into the throat of
the engine carburettor as you rotage the throttle arm and select a position where the throttle opening is about half what it is when fully open.
Connected to the servo arm
Adjust the deflection of the control surfaces to match the specifications on page 19
You can reduce the amount of throw by doing either or both of the following:
From the servo end, move the clevis or EZ connector to a hole in the servo arm that is closer to the servo output
shaft.
From the control horn end, move the horn out further on the threaded bolts. Always confirm that the horn is still thoroughly engaged with the threaded bolt after you have adjusted it.
ADJUST CONTROL SURFACE THROW LIMITS.
Stage 22
16
FINAL R/C SET-UP
Before starting the final
set-up of the model,
switch on the radio and
ensure that all trims are
in their neutral positions. Check that the
ailerons, elevator and
rudder are centred. If
any adjustments are
needed, do these by
uncoupling the relevant
clevis and turning it
clockwise to shorten
the linkage or couter clockwise to lenthen it.
Only when each control
surface has been centred mechanically in
this way should you
begin adjusting the surface movement (or
throw)
Now confirm
that the control surfaces
are moving
in the correct
direction.
Use the
servo reversing swiches
on your
transmitter to
reverse the
direction of a
servo if necessary. The
most popular
transmitter
mode (with
the throttle
on the left,
with ailerons
and elevator
on the right)
is shown
here.
Stage 24
ELEVATOR
UP
ELEVATOR
DOWN
AILERON
UP
AILERON
DOWN
AILERON
DOWN
AILERON
UP
RUDDER
RIGHT
RUDDER
LEFT
Stage 23
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER BATTERY
Stage 25
25.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions
about hooking up your receiver battery, receiver and switch harness.
25.2 Wrap the battery pack securely in foam suitable for RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated pack in a plastic bag or cling wrap.
25.3 Thread the battery pack connector back through from beneath the fuel tank to the radio compartment by passing the battery connector through an opening beside the fuel tank.
25.4 Connect the battery connector to your radio system according to the radio manual.
17
Stage 26
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER
Stage 27
COMFIRM RADIO OPERATION
26.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about hooking up your receiver.
26.2 Plan where you are going to put the receiver with consideration for routing the antenna safely.
26.3 Wrap the receiver securely in foam suitable for RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated receiver in a plas-
tic bag or cling wrap.
26.4 Generally in the absence of specific instructions from the radio manufacturer, it is recommended that the
receiver should be placed where it is least likely to have impact during a crash. Keep the battery pack and other
heavy loose items ahead of the receiver.
27.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about testing and operating your radio system.
27.2 Pay particular attention to charging your radio system batteries and range testing the system before and after
each flight.
Check that all controls are working correctly
before and after each flight.
Stage 28
The CG for your EDGE 540T is located at 90 to 95 mm (3 1/2 “ to 3.3/4 inch ) back from the leading edge of the
wing when the wing has been attached to the fuselage.
For the initial flight, the CG should be located at 3 1/2” (90mm) back from the leading edge of the wing when
the wing has been attached to the fuselage.
The CG is measured with the engine, radio gear and all other components installed but WITH NO FUEL IN THE
TANK.
Set up the CG as it will be when you fly it BUT WITH NO FUEL IN THE TANK.
It is very important to have the CG correct. Flying your model with the CG too far will likely lead to loss control and
a crash.
If you discover that after you have assembled your model and installed your radio and engine that the CG is incorrect you must bring the CG to the correct location by doing the following BEFORE FLYING :
- Move the battery pack fore or aft.
- Move other components fore or aft.
- Change engine to a lighter or heavier model.
- Add weight to the nose or tail. If adding it to the nose, try to make it useful by going to a heavier duty engine
or adding a spinner with a heavy metal backing plate. As a last resort, add stick on “dead” weight where appropriate.
BALANCING THE AIRCRAFT.
29.1 Once you have confirmed that the CG is cor-
rect, you should do a thorough review of the entire
model before your first flight. Check everything
twice! Every hook up, every coupling, everything!
Do it twice!!
29.2 Before your first flight , have an experienced
flyer review your work. Do not fly your model until it
has been checked out by a third party who knows
how to fly and how to set up a model aircraft
29.3 Once you have completed your first flight, get
in the habit of checking your model over before and
after each flight! Don’t fly if you find something that
is not right!
Stage 29
CONFIRM MECHANICAL INTEGRITY
90 - 95 mm
3 1/2 - 3 3/4”
CG
Cowl Installation Tips
You may have your own method to adapt and install the cowl to fit your model, your choice of engine and your
choice of engine orientation... here is one method to add to your bag of tricks!
1) Use a sheet of card stock or better yet a sheet of clear thin plastic like that used to protect documents. Using
a clear sheet is strongly recommended.
2) Wrap the sheet as close as possible around the cowl, preferably tapered slightly towards the front. Tape the
sheet so that it stays in cylindrical shape approximating the cowl. Trim the aft edge of the sheet to approximately
match the aft edge of the cowl. Trim the front edge of the sheet to approximately match the front edge of the
cowl. Put a couple of registration marks on the dummy cowl and real cowl so that you can apply the dummy
cow over the real cowl and real cowl in a similar manner again. Now remove the sheet from the cowl, in once
piece if possible. If it is not possible to remove the sheet in one piece, use a felt tip pen to mark the sheet so
that you can untape it, the remove it from the cowl and then retape it back together into the cylindrical approximation of the cowl. In effect you now have a rough dummy cowl that can be used to make a template to help
you later fit the real cowl.
3) Now install the engine on the engine mounts and measure the distance from the back of the engine mount
to the front of the thrust washer
4) Draw a vertical line on the forward face of the firewall so that it is in the middle of the firewall and at right
angles to the horizontal line drawn on the firewall at the factory. If there is no horizontal line on the firewall, check
the set up specs for this model and draw the horizontal thrustline at the location indicated.
5) Install the real cowl on the model and slide the cowl back until the distance from the firewall to the cowl bose
ring hole is similar to the distance measured in step 4 AND that at least 1/4 in (6mm) of the edge of the cowl
overlaps the front of the fuselage. Carefully square the cowl with respect to the fuselage so that it looks aligned
from the top, sides, bottom and front. Look through the cowl nose ring hole and try to align the centre of the cowl
nose ring hole with the intersection of the vertical and horizontal thrust lines onthe front face of the power module. Measure the distance from the forward face of the firewall to the nose ring hole in the cowl. Use low tack
masking tape to hold the cowl loosely in place while you adjust it. Once you have the cowl squared up and set
where you want if fore and aft, apply a line of low tack masking tape around the circumference of the fuselage
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Elevator
Aileron
Rudder
5/8”
13mm
5/8”
13mm
1/4”
8mm
1/4”
8mm
1/3”
7mm
1/3”
7mm
NOTE : The throws are measured at the widest part of the elevator, rudder and aileron. Adjust the position of the
pushrods at the control/servo horns to control the amount of throw. You may also use the ATV’s if your transmitter
has them but the mechanical linkages should still be set so that the ATV’s are near 100% for best servo resolution.
High rate Low rate
ELEVATOR 1/2 “ ( 12mm) up 1/3” (7mm) up
1/2 “ ( 12mm) down 1/3” (7mm) down
RUDDER 1 “ (25mm) right 5/8” (13mm) right
1” (25mm) left 5/8” (13mm) left
AILERON 3/8” (11mm) up 1/4” (8mm) up
3/8” (11mm) down 1/4” (8mm) down.
Note: If your radio does not have dual rates, then set the control surfaces to move al the low rate throws.
so that the forward edge of the masking tape just butts up against theaft edge og the cowl.
6) Remove the real cowl from the model.
7) Install your engine mount and engine and muffer onto the model. Orient the engine to the possition you
want...i.e upright, rotated 45 degrees inverted ect. Make sure the muffer and the carburetor are installed. When
selecting which orientation you want for the engine you need to keep inmind operational considerations... the
muffer for examle must clear the sides of the fuselage by at least 5mm and carburetor throttle arm must be connectable to the thottle control rod running forward through the firewall from the throttle servo. Lastly, the fuel
lines coming through the stopper hole in the run to the muffer pressure tap and the carburetor fuel nipple.
8) Once you have positioned your engine mount and engine, secure them to the forward firewall of the power
module and install the forward firewall onto the model using the four mounting studs, nuts and washers. We recommend setting the forward firewall at zero degrees offset thrust for now. Use the same number of washers and
nuts on all four studs. You can adjust a bit of right or down thrust into the firewall later if required.
9) Remove the muffer and carburetor from the engine. Set the muffer and carburetor aside. Be careful not to
lose any parts.
10) Now try to fit the dummy cowl on to the fuselage. You will find that the dummy cowl will likely be obstructed
by the engine as you try to install it. Assuming you are using the recommended clear sheet material you will be
able to see whre the obstruction begins. Using a left tip marker mark the area onthe dummy cowl to fit over the
engine.
11) Remove the dummy cowl and cut away the area that you have marked. We suggest cutting away less than
you think at first and expanding the cut out area in small incremental steps. Repeat this trial and error process
until the dummy cowl can be installed with rear edge of the dummy cowl aligned with the forward edge of the
line of tape onthe fuselage. You will have to repeat this process numerous times and we recommend working
in small steps. If you overdue a cut, use masking tape to ftll in the over cut area.
12) Once you can install the dummy cowl over the engine, remove the dummy cowl and install the carburetor
back on the engine.
13) Now try to fit the dummy cowl on to the fuselage with the carburetor in place. You will find the carburetormay obstruct the dummy cowl as you try to fit the dummy cowl into place. Mark the arear on the dummy cowl
where you have to make a cutout for the carburetor...remove the dummy cowl, cut out the area carefully and try
again. Repeat this trial and error process until the dummy cowl can be installed over the engine and carburetor
properly. Now check that you have acess to the needle valve and idle mix screws and any other carburetor
adjustment settings...cut out access holes and areas to provide access.
14) We are just about done with the dummy cowl work.. one more step! Install the muffer back on to the engine.
15) Now try to fit the dummy cowl on to the fuselage with the muffer in piace. You will find that the muffer will
obstruct the dummy cowl as you try to fit the dummy cowl into place. Mark the area on the dummy cowl where
you have to make a cutout for the muffer... remove the dummy cowl, cut out the area careflly and try again.
Repeat this trail and error process until the dummy cowl can be installed over the engine, Carburetor and muffer properly.
16) Once you have the dummy cowl fitting onto the fuselage over the engine muffer and carburetor you are
ready to work on the real cowl. Take the dummy cowl and apply it over the real cowl. Align the registration marks
you made earlier. Using a fetl tip non-permanent marker, trace around the inside of the cutout areas of the
dummy cowl...transferring the outline of the cutout areas to the real cowl.
17) To carve the cut out areas in the fiberglass cowl we recomment using a half inch drum sander and a Dremel
tool. Usee glasses and avoid the fiberglass dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Work in an erea with good ventilation. If you do not have a drum sander and Dremel tool, use a 1/8” drill to make a series of filot holes around
the cut area and then enrlage the drill holes until you can insert a rough hand file. Then expand the cut out areas
using the file. In either case, start from the interior of a cut out area and work outwards towards the perimeter
line you drew on the cowl with the marker. Trial fit the cowl onto the engine and fuselage frequently as you go.
Expand the cut out areas until the cowl fits with its aft edge adjacent to the tape line that you applied to the fuselage.
18) Now adjust the alignment of the cowl so that the engine crankshaft is centered in the hole in the front face
of the cowl.
19) Remove the tape line from the fuselage and move the cowl fore or aft until the foreward face of the engine
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thrust washer is just forward of the cowl. Reapply a low tack masking tape line around the circumference of the
fuselage so that the forward edge of the tape butts against aft edge of the cowl.
20) Plan on drilling three pilot holes in the cowl for mounting screws. You want the screws to go into centre of
edge of the rear firewall not the forward removable firewall. Plan on having one screw go through the rear edge
of the top of the cowl and one on each side. Mark the locations of the holes onthe cowl.
21) Drill a 1/32” pilot hole in the cowl and into the edge of the rear firewall. Adjust locations slightly if needed
and drill a 1/6” hole. Use three # 2 or # 3 x 1/2” (wood screws to mount the cowl. We recommend drilling oversize holes in the cowl and fitting rubber grommets to provent the screws fron chaffing and expanding the cowl
screw holes.
22) Now apply any trim sheets that are specified for this model. Check out the box artwork and instructions.
Align the trim lines to the fuselage if required.
Picture of EDGE 540T cowl decoration
Parts for this VMAR Model
In the event that you require replacement parts for you EDGE 540T, you can order parts from your retailer or
from the VMAR On - line store at www
.richmondrc.com.
Fuselage #VMA-E160XF (with servo tray & all rods)
Wing set #VMA-E160XW (a set of left and right with joiner ect)
Tail set #VMA-E160XT (contains horizontal and vertical stabilizers)
Cowl #VMA-E160XL (fiberglass)
Canopy set #VMA-E160XN (canopy and frame)
Main gear #VMA-E160XMG (fiberglass main landing gear with axle set)
Wheel pant set #VMA-E160XWP (with main gear fairing set)
Covering set #VMA-E160XV (POLYCOTE ECS)
Wing parts bag #VMA-E160XWPB (spar joiner, aileron rods ect)
Master bag #VMA-E160XMB (as in kit)
For aftermarket parts and other information related to this model see VMAR On - line at
www
.richmondrc.com.
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Your VMAR EDGE 540T Model is covered in POLYCOTE ECS.
The new ULTRA TOUGH POLYESTER covering from VMAR !
WHAT’S IT
ALL ABOUT ?
POLYCOTE ECS is an Enhanced Covering System Engineered in
Canada and Available only from VMAR. With POLYCOTE ECS the
graphics are inside the covering... not stuck on top. No Decals! No
Layers! No Strips! No Stripes! VMAR Models using POLYCOTE
ECS have very few seams and our proprietary SURE SEAL system
ensures that the seams stay down! Best of all, POLYCOTE itself is
a totally fuel proof ULTRA TOUGH POLYESTER
EDGE 540T
TM
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