Ares Decathlon User manual

Wingspan 29.25 in. (743mm)

Wing Chord 5.25 in. (133.3mm)

Wing Area 152 sq. in.

Length 22.75 in (578mm)

Flying Weight 12.6 oz. (357 grams)

Baery    3S 600mAh w/JST

Motor Brushless 1400Kv

ESC 15A Brushless

Instruction Manual

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS�� 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS�� 3

INTRODUCTION�� 3

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS �� 4

DECATHOLON 350 RTF CONTENTS �� 5

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE RFR �� 5

LiPo BATTERY WARNING�� 6

LiPo BATTERY CHARGING�� 7

AIRPLANE ASSEMBLY�� 8

INSTALLING FLIGHT BATTERY�� 10

CENTERING CONTROL SURFACES ��11

TRANSMITTER DETAILS �� 12

NFP OVERVIEW �� 12

NFP MODE SWITCH �� 13

NFP TRIM BUTTON�� 14

ESC (ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL)�� 15

FLIGHT CONTROLS�� 16

CONTROL THROWS �� 17

CENTER OF GRAVITY �� 17

FIRST FLIGHT CHECKLIST �� 18

FLYING�� 18

USING ALTERNATE RADIO SYSTEMS �� 19

NFP CONTROL UNIT�� 21

WARRANTY �� 22

DECATHLON REPLACEMENT PARTS �� 23

3

The Ares Advantage Decathlon 350 is the ideal airplane for learning to y RC because it includes

both the technology that helps teach you how to y and the capability to make ying fun once you’ve

learned. The technology is the innovative new Aegis Natural Flight Progression (NFP) system with

3 different ying modes (Beginner, Intermediate, and Unassisted) that provide the stable assistance

you need to learn to y on your own. The capability comes from a powerful 1400KV brushless motor

and 15A BL ESC combo that combined with the included 3S 600mAh Lipo battery provide plenty of

power and long ight times.

The NFP technology in the Decathlon is controlled from a 3-position switch on the transmitter that

allows you to select one of either Beginner, Intermediate, or Unassisted Mode. Beginner Mode limits

the bank angle during ight and automatically helps pilots make coordinated turns. Intermediate

Mode allows greater bank angles and helps you learn how using rudder can help with controlling the

airplane. In either Beginner Mode or Intermediate Mode, all you have to do if you feel you’ve lost

control is let go of the sticks and the airplane quickly returns back to straight and level ight. After

your ying skills have progressed to the point that you’re ready to turn off the NFP system and y in

Unassisted Mode, the technology is still there to “rescue” you if the airplane gets into trouble. All you

need to do is ip the NFP control switch back into either Beginner or Intermediate Mode and you’re

back in level ight!

Another feature of the Aegis NFP system in the Decathlon 350 is revolutionary “Tail-Lock”

technology. This feature is designed into both Beginner and Intermediate Modes and provides the

benet of automatically making coordinated ight turns look easy, even in rough air. Plus, with the

NFP system on, take-offs and landings automatically become straight, smooth and stress-free,

even on rough, bumpy runways.

The Decathlon 350 has an attractive scale trim scheme and comes complete with everything needed

to y included in the box. In addition to the Decathlon 350 airframe, you get a 2.4GHz standard size

4-channel transmitter, a powerful LiPo battery, an AC charger, and even the AA batteries needed to

power up the transmitter. A Ready-for-Receiver (without transmitter, receiver, battery, and charger)

version that works with some other best-selling radio systems and includes the Aegis NFP control

board is also available. With nothing extra to buy with the RTF version, you can be making your rst

ight toward years of RC fun within minutes of opening the box!

INTRODUCTION

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Failure to use this product in the intended manner as described in the following instruction can result

in damage and/or personal injury. A Radio Controlled (RC) airplane/helicopter/quadcopter is not a toy!

If misused it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property.

Keep items that could become entangled away from the propeller, including loose clothing, tools, etc.

Be especially sure to keep your hands, face and other parts of your body away from the propeller.

As the user of this product you are solely and wholly responsible for operating it in a manner that does

not endanger yourself and others or result in damage to the product or the property of others.

This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to possible interference from a variety

of sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is

advisable to always keep a safe distance from objects and people in all directions around your model

as this will help to avoid collisions and/or injury.

4

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• Never operate your model if the voltage of the batteries in the

transmitter is too low.

• Always operate your model in an open area away from obstacles,

people, vehicles, buildings, etc�

• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional

support equipment

(chargers, rechargeable batteries, etc.).

• Keep all chemicals, small parts and all electronic components out of

the reach of children�

• Moisture causes damage to electronic components. Avoid water

exposure to all electronic components, parts, etc. not specically

designed and protected for use in water.

• Never lick or place any portion of the model in your mouth as it could

cause serious injury or even death�

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

Caution: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been

tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio

transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency range.

The associated regulatory agencies of the following countries recognize the noted

certications for this product as authorized for sale and use: USA

FCC INFORMATION

5

Item    Descripon

Not Available Separately .........Decathlon 350 RTF Airframe

AZSZ2608AMD2.......................6-Channel HP Airplane Transmier, 2.4GHz,

with Aegis NFP Technology, Mode 2

Not Available Separately ..........AA Baeries (8pcs)

AZSB6003S20J ..........................600mAh 3-Cell/3S 11.1V 20C LiPo Baery, JST Connector

AZSC305C .................................3-Cell/3S 11.1V LiPo, 0.5 DC Balancing Charger

AZSC1305PS..............................100-120V AC to 13V DC Adapter, 0.5A Power Supply

DECATHOLON 350 RTF CONTENTS

DECATHOLON 350 RFR CONTENTS

Item   Descripon

Not Available Separately .........Decathlon 350 RFR Airframe with NFP Control Board

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE RFR

The Decathlon 350 RFR requires the following to complete using Spektrum products:

• 6+ channel Programmable DSM2 or DSMX Transmitter

• DSM2 or DSMX Satellite Receiver

• 600mAh 3-cell Lipo battery with JST connector

• Suitable LiPo Balance charger

The Decathlon 350 RFR requires the following to complete using Futaba products:

• 6+ channel computer radio

• 6+ channel S-Bus receiver

• Ares adapter for Futaba S-Bus receiver (AZSZXXXXX)

• 600mAh 3-cell LiPo battery with JST connector

• Suitable LiPo Balance charger

6

LiPo BATTERY WARNING

IMPORTANT NOTE: Lithium Polymer batteries are signicantly more volatile than the

alkaline, NiCd or NiMH batteries also used in RC applications. All instructions and

warnings must be followed exactly to prevent property damage and/or personal injury

as mishandling of LiPo batteries can result in re. By handling, charging or using the

included LiPo battery you assume all risks associated with LiPo batteries. If you do

not agree with these conditions please return the complete product in new, unused

condition to the place of purchase immediately.

You MUST charge the LiPo baery in a safe area away from

ammable materials.

NEVER charge the LiPo baery unaended at any me. When

charging the baery you should A LWAY S remain in constant

observaon to monitor the charging process and react immediately

to any potenal problems that may occur.

Aer ying/discharging the baery you must allow it to cool to

ambient/room temperature before recharging.

To charge the LiPo baery you MUST use only the included 305C

balance charger or suitable LiPo baery charger. Failure to do

so may result in a re causing property damage and/or personal

injury. DO NOT use a NiCd or NiMH charger.

If at any me during the charge or discharge process the baery

begins to balloon or swell, disconnue charging or discharging

immediately. Quickly and safely disconnect the baery, then place

it in a safe, open area away from ammable materials to observe

for at least 15 minutes. Connuing to charge or discharge a baery

that has begun to balloon or swell can result in a re. A baery that

has ballooned or swollen even a small amount must be removed

from service completely.

Store the baery at room temperature, approximately 68–77°

Fahrenheit (F), and in a dry area for best results.

•

When transporng or temporarily storing the baery, the

temperature range should be from approximately 40–100°F. Do not

store the baery or model in a hot garage, car or direct sunlight

whenever possible. Ifstoredinahotgarageorcarthebaerycan

bedamagedorevencatchre!

Do not over-discharge the LiPo baery. Discharging the LiPo baery

too low can cause damage to the baery resulng in reduced

power, ight duraon or failure of the baery enrely.

•

7

LiPo cells should not be discharged to below 3.0V each under load.

In the case of the 3-Cell/3S 11.1V LiPo baery used to power the

Decathlon, you will not want to allow the baery to fall below 9.0V

during ight.

The electronic speed control (ESC) has low voltage cuto (LVC)

protecon. When the ight baery voltage drops below a set point

the throle gradually is reduced. At this point the airplane will need

to be landed and the baery recharged.

•

LiPo BATTERY CHARGING

PLACE THE 305C CHARGER ON A FLAT, SMOOTH AND HEAT-RESISTANT SURFACE.

It’s important that air is able to circulate through the charger during the charging process in order to

keep it from over-heating. It’s especially important that the vent openings on the

bottom and sides of the charger are not blocked. DO NOT place the charger on carpeted or other

similar surfaces that may block the vent openings. Also, DO NOT place the charger in direct sunlight

before, during or after use.

It will take approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours to fully charge a mostly discharged ight battery.

For faster charging see the Radient Ascend AC-DC charger available at your local Hobby Town store.

Plug power supply into 305C charger. Plug

power supply into main AC power.

Maintain correct polarity when plugging in

4-pin balance connector.

Plug 4-pin balance connector of ight

battery into 305C charger.

Both red and green LED’s will light during

charge. Only red LED will remain lit when

charge is complete.

Important Charging Notes

8

AIRPLANE ASSEMBLY

Assemble the vertical tail to the horizontal

tail�

Place the tail assembly into position on the

fuselage.

Insert the two 5/16” (8mm) long screws

from the tail screw bag into the holes on

fuselage bottom and tighten.

Connect the plastic clevis to the rudder

control horn in the outermost hole and

snap closed� Repeat for elevator clevis�

Photo shows clevis connected to the eleva-

tor control horn in the outermost hole. The

clevis keeper is in correct position.

Install the tail wheel bracket with two small

screws.

Slip plastic clevis keeper onto clevis. This

is to prohibit the clevis from popping open

during ight.

Photo shows clevis connected to the rud-

der control horn in the outermost hole. The

clevis keeper is in correct position.

9

Locate the landing gear assembly and in-

sert into slot at the rear of the battery box.

Locate the main wing and check that the

aileron pushrods are located in the fourth

hole from the center on the control arm.

After plugging aileron servo in, the servo

plugs should all align smoothly indicating

that the plugs are correctly connected.

Locate the 1-3/16” (30mm) long machine

screw and insert it at rear of wing.

Using two washer head screws, secure the

landing gear to the fuselage.

Plug the aileron servo into the control board

in the second from the front position. Be

aware of correct wire orientation.

Place the wing into position with the foam

tongue to the front. Be careful to tuck the

aileron servo wire into fuselage.

Tighten the screw with a Phillips screw-

driver, do not overtighten, just snug up till

secure.

IMPORTANT NOTE

For the NFP system to function properly it is important that the pushrods be installed

in the correct position on the control horns. The outer hole on the control horn is the

correct position for both elevator ane rudder pushrod.

10

Screw one plain 3mm nut onto motor shaft.

Seat it as far down the threads as possible.

Tighten the plain 3mm nut, then snug the

3mm locking nut. A small wrench or pliers

are suitable for this.

Slide propeller onto shaft followed by a

plain washer, a plain 3mm nut and a 3mm

locking nut to complete.

Slide the spinner onto the motor shaft and

slide back into position.

INSTALLING FLIGHT BATTERY

The included 600mAh 3-cell 11.1V LiPo battery

is a perfect t for the battery box located on the

bottom of the fuselage. The ight battery installs

with the base of the battery facing forward and

inserts until it is fully enclosed in the battery box.

Tuck the balance connector wires into the battery

box and when ready to y, plug the male JST

connector from the ight battery into the female

JST connector from the ESC. Please make sure

to maintain the correct polarity when plugging the

battery in. The plug is keyed but can be forced

to plug in incorrectly. Once correctly plugged in,

the battery hatch door can be re-installed and the

latches turned to lock in place.

11

Rudder Centered

Elevator Centered

Rudder Not Centered

Elevator Not

Centered

CENTERING CONTROL SURFACES

Before your rst ight it is important to center all your control surfaces to their neutral positions.

Turn on the transmitter with the throttle stick in the lowest (OFF) position and plug in the ight bat-

tery. This will initialize the servos. Make sure that the mode switch on the upper right shoulder of

the transmitter is in the OFF position, away from the front of the transmitter. Slide the 4 trim sliders

to their center neutral positions. The control surfaces for the elevator, rudder and ailerons should

be in their neutral position and not deected in any direction. If they are not in their neutral position

you will need to adjust the length of the pushrod by screwing the clevis in or out. To open, gently

pry the clevis arms apart using a at blade screwdriver. Disengage the clevis from the control horn

and screw in or out as appropriate so that when re-attached to the control horn the control surface

is in its neutral position. When satised that they are correct, snap the clevis’s shut and slide the

clevis keepers back into position to keep them secure.

Center all on the trim sliders on the

transmitter to their neutral positions.

If the rudder is off to the left you will need

to unscrew the clevis. If off to the right you

will need to screw the clevis in.

If the elevator is down you will need to un-

screw the clevis. If it is up, you will need to

screw the clevis in.

Un-snap the clevis using a at blade screw-

driver and disengage the clevis from the

control horn�

When the rudder is straight with the clevis

attached, snap it shut and slide the clevis

keeper back into position.

When the elevator is straight with the clevis

attached, snap it shut and slide the clevis

keeper back into position.

12

TRANSMITTER DETAILS

NFP Mode Switch

Elevator/Aileron

Control Stick

Elevator Trim

Aileron Trim

ON/OFF Switch

Delta/Elevon Mix

Switch

Servo Reversing

Switches

Rudder Trim

Throttle/Rudder

Control Stick

Throttle Trim

NFP Trim Button

Low Voltage LED Power ON LED

The Decathlon 350 RTF version includes a 6NFP 6-Channel HP Airplane Transmitter equipped

with 2.4GHz technology, trim levers, servo reversing switches and optional use “delta/elevon”

mixing (the RFR version requires a 6+ channel transmitter/receiver).

The transmitter is also equipped with a 3-position switch and a push button that are part of the

NFP (Natural Flight Progression) technology that is included in the Decathlon 350.

NFP OVERVIEW

NFP stands for Natural Flight Progression. This innovative new technology is built into the

Decathlon 350 and is designed to aid in learning to y and assist and enhance your ying

even after you are an accomplished pilot.

HOW IT WORKS

When the NFP technology is turned ON (in Beginner or Intermediate Mode) it assists the pilot

in maintaining controlled ight by providing self correcting wing leveling and pitch control when

the transmitter sticks are released to neutral. Another important part of the NFP system is the

unique “tail-lock” feature. This helps the pilot maintain a straight line on take off and assists in

maintaining a smooth roll out on landing.

In the following sections a detailed and complete explanation is provided to help you become

familiar with each of the modes and how to use them for a great learning and ying experi-

ence�

13

NFP MODE SWITCH

The Natural Flight Progression Mode Switch is

located on the right shoulder of the transmitter.

It is a 3-position switch. When ipped toward

the front of the transmitter it is in Beginner

Mode, the middle position is Intermediate Mode

and when ipped to the rear the NFP assis-

tance is turned completely off.

In either of the assisted modes the airplane is

prevented from ying inverted, doing a loop or

a roll. The goal is to help you maintain orienta-

tion and control as you begin learning to y.

Beginner Mode

In this mode the bank angle of the wings is re-

duced and the climb and dive angle is limited. In

addition the rudder is mixed with the aileron so

that turns with aileron input only will still result in

a coordinated turn. Take off is simplied due to

the “tail-lock” technology that helps keep the air-

plane tracking straight for stress-free ying. The

airplane will return to level ight at any time by

simply taking your ngers off of the control sticks.

Landings are simple just reduce the throttle and

the plane will maintain a smooth glide to touch-

down and roll out.

Intermediate Mode

As you progress to Intermediate Mode the

allowable bank angle of the wings increases as

does the dive and climb angles. The amount of

rudder mixing is reduced so that you can begin

to experience adding the rudder input to your

turns yourself. As with the beginner mode, if

you lose control or orientation simply remove

your ngers from the control sticks and the

model will instantly recover to level ight. Take

offs and landings are assisted in this mode as

well.

NFP OFF

When you are ready to attempt full aerobat-

ic ight switch the NFP Mode to OFF. In this

mode you receive no ight assistance. The

airplane is free to perform all maneuvers, rolls,

loops, inverted ight, snap rolls, spins. You can

explore these with the condence that if you

get into trouble you can always ip the mode

switch into one of the stabilized modes and the

airplane will return to level upright ight ready

for you to continue to explore aerobatic ying.

Flip it back into stabilized mode for smooth

easy landings.

14

NFP TRIM BUTTON

2. Move the stick in

direction of desired trim

1. Press and

Hold Button

2. Move control stick in direction of

desired trim response

Now that your airplane is assembled and

you’ve centered the servos mechanically

as described on page 11, for optimum

performance of the NFP system, you’ll need

to center the servos in stabilized modes

electronically.

To start this process, turn the transmitter

on and place the throttle in the lowest

position. Then, plug in the ight battery and

turn the mode switch to Beginner. Note

the location of the NFP trim button on the

left shoulder of the transmitter. You will be

using this a little later in the process.

3-1/2”

(89mm)

Next, raise the rear of the Decathlon to approximately ying position, about 3-1/2” (89mm).

At this point, please refer back to

page 11 diagrams showing the

control surfaces in neutral positions.

Elevator Trimming

Step 1 – Note the position of the el-

evator. If it is not in neutral position,

start to trim by pressing and holding

the NFP Trim button.

Step 2 - If the elevator needs to be

trimmed down, move the control

stick from center to top and back

to center. Each time you do this

one “click” of down elevator trim is

NFP Trimming Elevator

applied. Repeat until the elevator is in neutral position. Then, release the NFP button. If the elevator

needs to be trimmed up, you will need to move the control stick from center to bottom and back to

center, as needed, until the elevator is in neutral position.

IMPORTANT NOTE – Trimming in stabilized modes is done electronically. Do NOT try to adjust

the mechanical trims on the transmitter when in stabilized modes!

15

1. Press and

Hold Button

NFP Trimming Rudder

2. Move control

stick in direction

of desired trim

response

Rudder Trimming

Step 1 – Note the position of the

rudder. If it is not in neutral position,

start to trim by pressing and holding

the NFP Trim button.

Step 2 - If the rudder needs to be

trimmed left, move the control stick

from center to left and back to center.

Each time you do this one “click” of left

rudder trim is applied. Repeat until the

elevator is in neutral position. Then

release the NFP button. If the rudder

needs to be trimmed right, you will

need to move the control stick from

center to right and back to center, as

needed, until the rudder is in neutral

position�

1. Press and

Hold Button

NFP Trimming Rudder

2. Move control

stick in direction

of desired trim

response

1.

Press and

Hold Button

2.

Move control

stick in direction of

desired trim

response

NFP Trimming Ailerons

Aileron Trimming

Step 1 – Note the position of the

ailerons. If they are not in neutral

position, start to trim by pressing and

holding the NFP Trim button.

Step 2 - If the aileron needs to be

trimmed left, move the control stick

from center to left and back to center.

Each time you do this one “click” of

left aileron trim is applied. Repeat

until the ailerons are in neutral

position. Then, release the NFP

button. If the ailerons need to be

trimmed right, you will need to move

the control stick from center to right

and back to center, as needed, until

the ailerons are neutral position.

ESC (ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL)

The factory installed 15A brushless motor ESC arms when the ight battery is plugged in and

the ESC receives a valid low throttle signal from the receiver. If the throttle is not in its lowest

position the ESC will not arm, even though the servos may be active. When a valid low throttle

signal is received the ESC will emit a series of beeps and then become active. Once active be

very careful around the propeller.

The ESC includes a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that provides electrical power to the receiv-

er, servos and NFP Unit. This power is from the ight batteries and no additional receiver batter-

ies are required.

The ESC also has a Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC). When the voltage in the ight batteries reaches

a level that is approaching 3V/cell the LVC will reduce the power to the motor gradually. If you

feel that the airplane is beginning to lose power, land immediately and change or recharge your

ight battery.

IMPORTANT – note that when in electronic center trim position, the control system will “twitch” once.

This does NOT necessarily mean that the control surface will be centered in neutral at this point.

For more details on the Decathlon 350 and the NFP control system, visit the Ares website

at www.ares-rc.com.

16

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

UP

DOWN

UP

DOWN

FLIGHT CONTROLS

The aileron stick is moved to the right to initiate a right bank. The right aileron will move upward and the

left downward. When the aileron stick is moved to the left, the opposite will occur.

The rudder stick is moved to the right to yaw the nose of the airplane to the right. The rudder will move

to the right. When the rudder stick is moved to the left, left rudder will be applied.

The elevator stick is moved to the bottom to pitch the nose of the airplane upward. The elevator will

move up. When the elevator stick is moved to the top down elevator will be applied.

THE EXAMPLE SHOWS A MODE 2 RADIO SYSTEM

Ailerons

Rudder

Elevator

17

CONTROL THROWS

For the proper operation of your Decathlon with NFP technology it is important that the controls

be set correctly. Check to see that the pushrods for rudder and elevator are in the third hole from

the center on the control arm at the servo. At the control surface the pushrods should be in the

outermost hole on the control horn. The aileron pushrods should be in the fourth hole from the

center on the servo control arm. With the setup as described, the control throws will be correct for

use both with and without the NFP system.

Pushrod in third hole from cen-

ter on control arm at the servo.

Pushrod in outer hole of control

horn at rudder and elevator.

Pushrod in fourth hole from cen-

ter on aileron servo control arm.

CENTER OF GRAVITY

40mm

+5mm

The RTF Decathlon’s CG is set just by installing the supplied 600mAh battery. If you are using

a different battery or other components check to see that you have maintained the correct CG.

Measured from the leading edge of the wing the CG is 40mm +/- 5mm.

18

FIRST FLIGHT CHECKLIST

• Airplane assembled and mechanically trimmed with NFP switch in OFF posion.

• Electronic trim procedure complete with NFP switch in Beg or Int posion.

• Flight baery fully charged

• Control surfaces move in correct direcon when control sck is moved.

• NFP switch is in Beginner mode

• Airplane is facing into the wind

• The ying site is free of people and obstrucons and is of suitable size

Congratulations you are now ready for ight!

FLYING

We recommend ying your Decathlon in a large enough space for relaxed ying. The area required

should be about the size of a ball eld and be free of obstructions. We suggest that initial ights be car-

ried out when the wind conditions are light. Once you are familiar with the Deathlon you will easily be

able to y in less favorable conditions with the assistance of the NFP technology.

For your rst ights we suggest that you set the NFP mode switch to Beginner mode and take full

advantage of the innovative NFP assistance. To take off, place the airplane on a smooth surface with

the nose of the airplane into the wind and smoothly advance the throttle. The “tail-lock” assistance on

the rudder channel will help keep the ground tracking straight. Ease back on the elevator stick and the

Decathlon will smoothly climb out. Use the aileron stick to initiate a turn and continue to climb to a com-

fortable altitude. In Beginner mode the rudder is electronically mixed with ailerons to make coordinated

turns with only aileron inputs. As you advance you will start to learn how to do this without the aid of the

technology. The Decathlon has the power for agressive climbs and aerobatic ight so full power will not

be necessary or desired in the beginning. Once airborne you can reduce the throttle to 1/2 to 2/3 for a

good cruising speed. The rst steps are to gain some condence in controling the ight of the airplane.

Do this by turning the airplane to keep it within easy visual range. You can be condent that in Beginner

mode you will not be able to roll the airplane inverted or climb or dive too steeply. Always remember

that if you want the airplane to return to level ight, just let go of the sticks and the NFP technology will

level the airplane for you. Once back to level ight you can return to controlling the airplane and getting

used to the feel of ight.

Landing can be intimidating for novice pilots but with NFP technology the landing process is simpli-

ed. Landings should always be made into the wind, so y the airplane downwind of your location and

then turn the nose into the wind and reduce the throttle to 1/4 power or less, the NFP unit will maintain

the airplane’s glide and the “tail-lock” function will help maintain the direction. The airplane will gently

descend to a landing with a minimum of anxiety. If you are going to land shorter than you intended,

add some power to extend the glide. If you are going to overshoot the landing zone, reduce the pow-

er further. If you are still going to overshoot you may need to go around for a second attempt, simply

increase the power and y another pattern.

As you gain experience and condence in ying in Beginner mode you can advance to the next step

and switch to Intermediate mode. You will now be able to bank the wings more agressively and climb

and dive more steeply. You will still have the peace of mind knowing that if you lose orientation all you

have to do to recover is let go of the sticks. In Intermediate mode you will still not be able to roll invert-

ed or do a loop. You will be able to make steep banks and learn to use the rudder to coordinate your

turns. In Intermediate mode rudder is still electronically mixed with aileron input but to a lesser degree

19

USING ALTERNATE RADIO SYSTEMS

Instructions for use with Spektrum™ DSM2® or DSMX® Transmitter and

Satellite Receiver

INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION

To y your Decathlon using a Spektrum™ compatible radio system, you will need a DSM2® or

DSMX® compatible satellite receiver and a Spektrum™ compatible transmitter in Airplane mode with

6 channels or more. Connect the Spektrum™ DSM2® or DSMX® satellite receiver to the receiver

port on the NFP control unit and secure it in an appropriate location in the fuselage using double-

sided adhesive�

Assign the channels on the transmitter as follows:

Channel 1: Throttle

Channel 2: Aileron

Channel 3: Elevator

Channel 4: Rudder

Channel 5: NFP mode selection switch

Channel 6: Stabilized Mode Trim

The directions for Throttle, Aileron, Elevator, and Rudder should be normal (not reversed). We

recommend a -100 to 100 setting for these channels, although you are welcome to change these

settings or use dual rate switches to optimize ight experience.

If possible, Channel 5 should be assigned to a three-position switch. If no such switch is available,

a two-position switch can be used, although only two of the NFP ight modes will be available. If a

three-position switch is available, the NFP mode selection switch should output 100% when ipped

all the way down (NFP Beginner Mode), 0% in the middle position (NFP Intermediate Mode), and

-100% when ipped all the way up (NFP Off). If a two-position switch is used, only two modes can be

selected, and the pilot will have to decide which settings they prefer.

If possible, Channel 6 should be assigned to a contact switch that returns to the normal position

when released. The channel should be congured such that it assumes a value of 100% when the

button/switch is depressed. In this case, the Decathlon will be in the normal ight mode. When the

button/switch is depressed, the channel should assume a value of -100%, and the airplane will be in

NFP trim mode.

than in Beginner mode. This means that in order to y coordinated turns you will need to apply some

rudder along with the aileron input to make a smooth turn. If you do not add some additional rudder

input in the direction of the turn the airplane will still turn but it will not be as coordinated a turn as you

were doing in Beginner mode. As you gain some condence and experience in adding some rudder

during your turns you will see an improvement in how smoothly you are ying. Take off and landing

in Intermediate mode are similar to Beginner mode, the NFP technology is active and assists in both

aspects of the ight.

When you are comfortable with Intermediate mode you are ready to move on to Unassisted mode

where all the NFP technology is turned off. In this mode the stabilization and “tail-lock” functions are

inactive. In this mode the airplane is totally aerobatic and can perform loops, rolls, inverted ight and

many other maneuvers. You can begin to explore this expanded realm of ight with the total con-

dence that if you become disoriented or lose control of the airplane that you can be back to level

ight with the ip of a switch. While learning expanded ight maneuvers always give yourself suf-

cient altitude to recover from the unexpected.

We hope that you enjoy learning to y the Decathlon and have many enjoyable ights.

20

Instructions for use with Futaba® Transmitter and S.BUS Receiver

INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION

To y your Decathlon with a Futaba® radio system, you will need a programmable Futaba®

compatible transmitter in airplane mode with 6 channels or more and a Futaba compatible S.BUS

receiver with 6 channels or more. The Decathlon supports both S-FHSS and FASST radio protocols.

You will also need an adapter to connect the receiver to the S.BUS receiver (AZSZ2607).

Connect the S.BUS adapter to the NFP control unit using the AZSZ2607 S.BUS adapter cable.

Make sure to use the correct polarity such that the brown GROUND wire on the adapter connects

to the GROUND pin on the S�BUS adapter� DO NOT connect the servo outputs on the S.BUS

receiver to the control unit, as doing so may damage the devices and will cause the airplane to

function incorrectly. Secure the receiver in an appropriate location in the fuselage using double-sided

adhesive�

Channel 1: Aileron

Channel 2: Elevator

Channel 3: Throttle

Channel 4: Rudder

Channel 5: NFP mode selection switch

Channel 6: Stabilized Mode Trim

Channels 1 and 2 should be in the Reverse mode, and channels 3 and 4 should be Normal. We

recommend a -100 to 100 setting for these channels, although you are welcome to change these

settings or use dual rate switches to optimize ight experience.

If possible, Channel 5 should be assigned to a three-position switch. If no such switch is available,

a two-position switch can be used, although only two of the NFP ight modes will be available. If a

three-position switch is available, the NFP mode selection switch should output 100% when ipped

all the way down, 0% in the middle position, and -100% when ipped all the way up. If a two-position

switch is used, only two modes can be selected, and the pilot will have to decide which settings they

prefer�

If possible, Channel 6 should be assigned to a contact switch that returns to the normal position when

released. Then channel should be congured such that it assumes a value of 100% when the button/

switch is depressed. In this case, the Decathlon will be in the normal ight mode. When the button/

switch is not depressed, the channel should assume a value of -100%, and the airplane will be in

NFP trim mode.

BINDING

For instructions for binding Futaba® compatible radio systems, please refer to the appropriate

instruction manuals.

BINDING

If you are using the DSM2® protocol, you will need to place a Spektrum™ Bind Plug on the Aux/Bind

servo connector on the NFP control unit before binding. If you are using the DSMX® protocol, this is

not necessary. To enter bind mode, with the transmitter powered off, press and hold the button on the

NFP control unit while plugging in the battery. The receiver will start to blink rapidly to indicate that it is

in bind mode. Then, power on the transmitter in bind mode. The LED indicator on the receiver should

become solid to indicate a solid link. You can now remove the Bind Plug (if connected). You will need

to unplug the battery and plug it back in to re-initialize the system. If the bind is not successful at rst,

please repeat the process�

You can also use a separate system to bind the receiver and transmitter and then install the already

bound receiver into the airplane.

*Spektrum, DSM2, and DSMX are registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby

Ares Decathlon User manual

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