Carl Goldberg Products Electra User manual

CARL GOLDBERG PRODUCTS, LTD.
WARNING
While this aircraft is an excellent first choice for novice pilots, a radio-controlled model is not a toy and is not intended for
persons under 16 years old. Keep this kit out of the reach of younger children, as it contains parts that could be danger-
ous. A radio-controlled model is capable of causing serious bodily injury and property damage. It is the buyer’s respon-
sibility to build this kit correctly and to properly install the motor, radio, and all other equipment. Test and fly the finished
model only in the presence and with the assistance of another experienced R/C flyer. the model must always be operat-
ed and flown using great care and common sense, as well as in accordance with the Safety Code of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics (5151 Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302), 1-800-435-9262). We suggest you join the AMA and
become properly insured prior to flying this model. Also, consult with the AMA or your local hobby dealer to find an
experienced instructor in your area. Per the Federal Communications Commission, you are required to use only those
radio frequencies specified “for Model Aircraft”.
P.O. Box 818 Oakwood, GA 30566 Phone # [phone] www.carlgoldbergproducts.com
The Electra ARF sailplane was designed to be a gentle trainer for the beginning R/C modeler, yet possess an electric motor to so
that it can be flown almost any where. Electra ARF is a very efficient machine, she reacts quickly to rising air ( called lift, or
thermals) so that long flight times are easily achieved. Electra ARF can circle very tightly without falling off so stay in the ther-
mal. . The Electra ARF has good penetration into the wind and can really “cruise” when desired. Before starting to build, read
through these instructions and familiarize yourself with this booklet.
ARF
'Copyright 2003
If this is your first electric plane, then you will need make a decision. Do you want to turn on the motor and fly till the bat-
tery runs out of power (2 channel radio required)? Or do you want to use an electric speed control that will let you stop and
start the electric motor when you want too (3 to 4 channel radio required). Both methods are included in this booklet. You
will need to do some soldering of wires but the Electra ARF will perform great either way you build it.

2
Items needed to complete this kit.
1 Radio Guidance system( 2 channel
minimum required)

1 2oz. bottle CA glue

1 CA accelerator

1 30 minute epoxy

1 Box #64 Rubber bands.

1 1/4 x 8 x 12” CGP Foam Padding
For Engine Power
7 cell 1500 to 1900 mAh battery
Optional: C-20 ESC or C-30 Mini ESC speed control (Great
Planes MFG.)
Selecting Radio Control
Equipment
Radio sets are battery powered with either dry cells or the more
reliable, rechargeable nickel-cadmium (ni-cad) batteries.
Although ni-cad powered units are more expensive, the cost of
routinely replacing worn out batteries may be much higher in the
long run. Many of the radio systems now available feature
“servo reversing” switches which allow you to reverse the
response of the servo. This simplifies radio installation and is
worth considering. Exponential or dual rates are popular features
which , if used properly, can help smooth out the flight of a sen-
sitive model. Your local hobby dealer should be able to help you
select the proper radio for your needs and skill level. And be
sure to get a system designed for aircraft, as only certain fre-
quencies are available for model aircraft.
Necessary Tools and Supplies.

Roll of waxed Paper

Modeling Knife and Single Edge Razor Blade

Pins

Electric Drill

Various Drill Bit

Small Screwdriver

Masking Tape

30-60 Degree x 6” Triangle

Pencil
Limited Warranty
Carl Goldberg Products takes pride in the care and attention
given to the manufacture of components for its model airplane
kits. The company warrants replacement of any materials found
to be defective for their intended use, prior to their use in con-
struction of the aircraft, provided the buyers requests such
replacement within a 90 day period from the date of purchase
and provided the defective part is returned, if so requested by
the company.
No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the
company with respect to this kit. The buyer hereby assumes full
responsibility for the risk and all liability for personal or proper-
ty damage or injury arising out of the buyer’s use of the compo-
nents of this kit.
Important Information
Covering coming loose is not COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Due to temperature
changes the plane may develop some wrinkles in the covering that you will need to
remove with an iron. Be sure to seal the edges down first so that you do not cause the
covering to shrink and leave exposed areas of wood. Please inspect the plane before
beginning to assemble to make sure you are happy with it. After assembly has begun you
cannot return the kit. If you find a problem before beginning to assemble the plane you
must contact us, please do not return it to the dealer.

3
Using This Instruction Manual
Before you start gluing take some time to look through this entire
instruction booklet. It is designed to guide you through the con-
struction process step by step, so build in the order given in this
book. Radio selection and installation , balancing and flying the
model are all covered.
Like a full-size airplane, the Electra ARF is built from basic
structures (stabilizer, fin, wing, etc.), which are then assembled
into the complete airplane.
Special procedures or comments will usually be explained before
a step, so you will be prepared. If a step begins with a statement
like “Note,” “Warning,” or “Important,” it is a good idea to read
through the step before doing it.
A check-off box appears at the beginning of each step. Check
these boxes as you build, so you can tell at a glance what steps you
have completed.
Some of the instructions deal with general procedures. Boxes are
not needed for these sections.
Preparing For Assembly
You will need a area approximately 18” x 80” in order to build
the Electra ARF. Place a sheet of waxed paper or plastic kitchen
wrap over the work area to prevent CA from sticking to your table.
Construction Tips
If you have never assembled a built-up model before, the follow-
ing tips will prove helpful.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ A FEW STEPS AHEAD. This
will alert you to coming instructions and will help you plan
accordingly.
You may find it convenient to empty all of the small parts from
the hardware bags into a common container, such as a margarine
tub. This will help you find items quickly.
When drilling any 1/16” holes in balsa, you may find it easier to
twist the drill between your thumb and index finger. This proce-
dure allows more control in positioning the drill on the center
mark.
Parts Identification
Stabilizer (Stab)
Left Wing Panel
Fin
Fuselage
Rudder
Right Wing Panel
Elevator
Additional Items included in the kit:
(2) Control Horns
(2) Control Horn Bases
(4) 2-56 x 1/2” Pan Head Screw
(2) Wire
(2) Snap Links
(2) Snap Link Retainers
(2) Pushrod Connectors
(1) Wood wing Joiner
(1) Prop hub assembly
Wing Assembly
1. Collect the following parts:
(1) Left wing panel
(1) Right wing panel
(1) Wing Joiner
2. Holding the wing joiner with the angle cut facing up,
insert them into the joiner pockets in both wing
halves. The joiners should fit easily in the pockets
and the wing halves should meet in the middle, with
the wing dihedral forming a broad "V".
3. Working on a protected surface, and with a paper
towel handy for cleaning fingers, THOROUGHLY
mix 1-2 large (soup) spoons each from bottle A and
bottle B of epoxy.(Use equal amount of each part
and mix with a stick in a plastic or paper cup, or on
a sheet of waxed paper.)
Cowl Canopy
Motor
Prop
Spinner

3. Trial fit the stab in place on the fuselage. Place a
piece of making tape across the fuselage in front of
were the stab mounts.
Measure across the fuselage and mark the center.
4. Place two strips of masking tape along the edge of
the stab, next to the both outer stab tips and above
the hinge line.
Using a T-square or triangle, draw a line from the
front center point of the stab to the rear hinge line.
Measure 9-1/2” out ("B") from each side of the cen-
terline and make a mark on the masking tape.
5. Measure from the marks on the stab to the polyhe-
dral breaks on the wing adjust as necessary to line
up with wing.
Mark the stab and fuse with matching line-up points.
4
Spread the epoxy in the joiner pockets and in the
dowel hole and spread a thin layer of epoxy along
one side of the entire center joint area.
Immediately proceed to the next step.
4. Working rapidly, so that the epoxy does not set
before you are finished, slide the wing joiner into
one wing pocket.
Then slide the wing halves together until they are
touching. Make sure the rear dowel slides into the
dowel hole.
5. With masking tape, tape the wing halves together at
the trailing edge and close to the leading edge, as
shown. This will help keep the wing from twisting.
Place additional tape at several locations across the
center seam of the wing, so that the halves stay
firmly together while the epoxy sets.
Allow the epoxy to dry thoroughly.
Note: Both outer wing tips should be about
6-3/8” off the table top.
Stab Assembly
1. Mount the wing on the fuselage using the rubber
bands provided
Measure carefully from the fuse sides out to the
polyhedral breaks (arrows ‘A’) to be sure that the
wing is centered.
2. Now measure from the polyhedral to the back end
of the fuselage(arrow ‘B’) to make sure wing is
square to the fuselage.
Mark the wing and the fuselage with matching line-
up points.
1. Collect the following parts:
(1) Fuselage
(1) Stabilizer
(1) Fin
(2) Control Horn
(4) Screws
7. Make sure the stab is level (parallel) with the wing
and insert paper strip shims, if necessary.
Elevator Mark
8. When satisfied with the alignment of the stab, tem-
porarily tape securely in place.
Turn over the plane and mark the area on the bot-
tom of the stab where it rests on the fuse.

5
Remove the stab from the fuse and, working 1/4"
inside the drawn lines, carefully remove the cover-
ing from the bottom of the stab. BE CAREFUL TO
AVOID CUTTING THE WOOD
Mark the center of the elevator and remove the ele-
vator from the stab
9. Spread epoxy on both the bottom of the stab and
the stab platform of the fuse.
Replace the stab on the platform and, after again
checking the alignment of the stab to the wing, allow
the epoxy to dry thoroughly.
1.Collect the following items:
(1) Fin
(1) fuselage
(1) Control Horn
(2) Screws
2. Slide the fin mounting posts into the top of the stab.
Check the fit. The fin should fit easily into each slot
and should stand upright by itself. Enlarge the
holes, if necessary.
3. As shown above, mark where the fin touches the
fuselage.
Fin Assembly
4. With the rudder sitting on the fin, as shown, place
the horn on the bottom of the rudder.
Mark the holes.
Drill the holes for the control horn.
Again using two machine screws, secure the control
horn to the rudder.
4. Place the control horn on the bottom of the elevator
over the center mark you made.
Mark the screw hole locations.
Drill the holes for the control horn.
Using two machine screws, secure the control horn
to the elevator.
Remove the rudder from the fin and set to the side.
TAKING CARE NOT TO CUT INTO THE WOOD
STRUCTURE UNDERNEATH, and working inside
the drawn lines, carefully remove the covering
where the fin mounts on the fuse and stab.
5. Remount the fin on the fuse and, using a 90º trian-
gle, make sure the fin is perpendicular to the stab.
When satisfied with the fit, remove fin and mix up a
couple of spoonfuls of epoxy.
Apply a THIN, even coat of epoxy on the bottom of
the fin and along both sides of the fin mounting
posts. Avoid too much glue, which will squeeze out
from underneath the fin.
Mount the fin on the fuse and place the triangle
against the fin to make sure it is perpendicular.

6
Mounting Rudder and
Elevator
1. Collect the following items:
(1) Rudder with control horn
(1) fuselage
(1) Elevator with control horn
(2) long wire with “Z” bends
(7) Hinges
1. Remount the the hinges back into the rudder. Place
one of the long wires onto the control horn using the
“Z” bend.
Use masking tape to secure the fin and triangle in
position until the epoxy is thoroughly dry. Make sure
not to glue the triangle!
Rudder Pushrod
Exit Hole
Elevator
Pushrod
Exit Hole
Rear of Fuselage
2. Insert the wire into the hole on the top of the fuse-
lage and slide the wire down into the tube.
3. Insert the hinges into the slots of the fin.
Hint: Place a pin in the center of the hinge so that
the hinge will insert half way into the fin and the rud-
der.
When satisfied with the fit then place one drop of
thin CA glue on each side of all the hinges. Remove
the pins and set aside for about 10 minutes.
Repeat this process for the elevator. DO NOT FOR-
GET THE PUSH ROD WIRE.
Making sure that the servo arms are as shown
above. Insert the set screw into the top of the
pushrod connecter and tighten onto wire.
5. Place the receiver in the front of the servos.
Plug the servos into the receiver as shown in
your radio instructions.
Installing the Radio
1. Collect the following items:
(2) Servos with screws(Supplied with Radio)
(2) Servo Arms
(1) fuselage
(2) Pushrod connector
(2) Nylon Snap Nut
(2) Set Screws
Nose
1. Mount your servos as shown above.
2. Insert the Pushrod connector through the hole on
the servo arm and install the snap nut on the bottom
as shown above.
3. Slide the rudder pushrod wire through the hole and
mount the servo arm on the rudder servo.
Hint: Do not screw the servo arm on the servo at
this time.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the elevator servo arm.
4. Place tape on both the elevator and the rudder to
hold them both straight and level to the fin and sta-
bilizer.
Rudder Servo
Elevator Servo
Set Screw
Push Rod Connector
Nylon Set Nut
Cut Off Extra Arms

7
4.Carefully cut through the side of the fuselage
and mount your receiver switch as shown.
Plug the switch into the receiver as shown in
your radio instructions.
Wrap the receiver and the battery pack in foam
and place in the nose. Plug the battery into the
switch.
Installing Motor Switch
Note: We recommend that you use a electric
speed control for your electra. You will get
better performance and have more control
over the airplane while flying.
1. Your Electra ARF comes with a 20 amp fuse in
the wire that runs from the battery plug and the
motor. This fuse will prevent the motor from
being damaged by any obstruction that might
stop the propeller from turning.
The following steps are for 2 channel opera-
tion. This will allow you to run the motor till the
battery runs out of power.
2. Slide the motor wires from the front through
the forward former.
Press the motor down into the motor tray.
Wrap 2 rubber bands around the motor.
3. Drill a hole into the side of the fuselage and
mount the motor switch.
NOTE: If you will launch the plane using your right
hand, mount the motor switch on the left
side of the fuselage.
The motor system is designed with a safety fuse to pro-
tect the system from excessive motor loads. During
motor operation, if the propeller should hit an object, the
sudden surge of battery current will blow the fuse and
prevent motor/battery burn out or other damage. Use
only a 15 or 20 AMPfuse to connect the fuse terminals.
DO NOT BY-PASS THE FUSE or directly connect the
terminals together. If using another brand of motor,
make sure it is equipped with a fuse. If it isn’t, ask your
hobby dealer how to install one. DO NOT OPERATE
YOUR ELECTRA MOTOR SYSTEM WITHOUT A
FUSE!
Operate motor ONLY with propeller securely installed.
Without propeller, the motor may “over-rev” and be per-
manently damaged.
Make sure that the amount of movement you
have for both the elevator and the rudder does
not exceed the following measurements for the
first flight.
Elevator 5/16” up and down
Rudder 1” right and left
20 Amp Fuse Here

8
IMPORTANT!
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS CAN
LEAD TO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOUR-
SELF OR OTHERS, AND CAN RESULT IN PROPER-
TY DAMAGE.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
WHEN OPERATING THE MOTOR:
ALWAYS wear eye protection!
KEEP AWAY from spectators!
KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN. DO NOT allow
children to operate without adult supervision.
PROPELLER must be properly installed to pre-
vent excessive RPMs.
MOTOR BATTERY SHOULD BE DISCON-
NECTED except when ready to fly or when nec-
essary for checking electrical operation and
maintenance.
OPERATE MOTOR ONLY WITH PROPELLER
INSTALLED.
BATTERY HAZARD!
The battery size used to power the Electra ARF motor
stores a lot of electrical energy. Be careful to prevent
shorting it out. A dead short can cause a powerful surge
of electrical current which can ruin your battery and gen-
erate enough heat to start a fire. It can also cause burns
to you and others.
The motor/battery system used to power the Electra
ARF is very powerful. To avoid injury, always disconnect
and remove the motor battery when you are not flying
the airplane.
PROPELLER HAZARD!
When switched on, the motor instantly reaches full
power and maximum propeller RPM. An electric motor
pulls more battery energy as its work load is increased.
This means, for example, that if the prop hits your
hand, it not only smacks you at high speed, it also
draws more battery power to overcome the added
load. Therefore, the impact force and injury are
increased. It is extremely important that you are aware
of these dangers and take precautions to prevent acci-
dentally switching on the motor. This is especially
important while working on the model or when storing
it. Always remove the battery when storing the model
and make sure it is kept away from children and any-
one else who is not familiar with its safe operation.
REMEMBER: ALWAYS DISCONNECT AND
REMOVE BATTERY WHEN WORKING ON THE
MODEL, TRANSPORTING, OR STORING IT. DO
NOT LEAVE THE BATTERY CONNECTED EXCEPT
WHEN FLYING!
1. Remove both wires from the back of the
motor.
Follow the instructions that came with your
particular speed control at this time.
The following steps are for 3 channel opera-
tion. This will allow you to control the motor till
the battery runs out of power. This also allevi-
ates the need for a separate receiver battery
pack.
We will be showing the installation of Great
Planes ElectriFly C-30 Mini ESC. Follow the
instructions that come with your speed control
to assure proper installation.

9
3. Thread a #4 socket set screw in the prop
mount and turn a few times.
Open the spinner supplied by carefully insert-
ing a small screwdriver straight into each of the
slots. DO NOT TWIST! JUST PRY OPEN.
NOTE: Carefully read the instructions included with
your spinner.
When the spinner backplate has been
removed, place it on the propeller mount.
#4 SET SCREW
LARGE WASHER
Installing Cowl and Prop
1. Place the cowl on the nose of the fuselage. Try
to keep the bottom of the cowl as close to the
bottom of the fuselage.
Using a 1/16” drill, make 2 holes on both sides
of the cowl. Try to drill into the side of the front
former.
2. Using #2 x 3/8” screw, mount the cowl on the
fuselage.
4. Place the propeller on top of the backplate so
that it lines up with the pin, as shown above.
Place a large washer on top of the prop and then
install, using a #4 x 1/2” machine screw. CAU-
TION: DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN, as this may
cause the threads to strip out.
PIN
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
Radio Layout

10
ALLEN
WRENCH
5. Align the spinner cone with the prop/backplate
and press pins firmly into the holes. One way to
do this is to have the cone pointing downward on
a table and press until all pins are seated.
Install the prop/spinner assembly on the motor
shaft and securely tighten the set screw with a
.050 Allen wrench.
Canopy and Battery Hatch
1. Find the holes on the side of the fuselage and
cut a “X” pattern in the covering over the holes.
You will find two holes on each side of the
fuselage.
2. Insert a dowel into the front and back hole till
equal amounts are showing on both sides of
the fuselage.
When satisfied glue the dowels in place.
3. Insert the battery hatch into the bottom of the
fuselage. The tongue on the hatch goes for-
ward.
In the rear of the hatch drill a 1/16” hole in the
middle.
Screw the hatch to the fuselage by using a #2
x 3/8” screw.
4. Remove the hatch from the fuselage and care-
fully cut out each of the air holes
Note: Reinforce the hatch with small sticks if
using 7 cell batteries
NOTE: The air holes let the battery cool for better
performance.
5. Slide the canopy under the cowl. The rear of
the canopy will sit on top of the wing with the
rubber bands holding the wing will also hold
the canopy.
Warning: A spinning propeller
can cause injury. Wear safety
glasses and operate away
from spectators.