E-FLITE Mini ShowTime 4D User manual

Specifications
Wingspan: 43 in (1090mm)
Length: 42 in (1065mm)
Wing Area: 414 sq in (26.7 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 23–24 oz (650–680 g)
Weight w/Battery: 26–29 oz (795–820 g)
Radio: 6 channels w/ 4 servos
Mini ShowTime 4D ARF
Assembly Manual

2 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Introduction
Based on the popular Hangar 9®ShowTime 4D ARF, E-flite's
Mini ShowTime 4D is designed to excel at high-perfromance
artistic aerobatics. And it comes out of the box with the
fiberglass cowl and wheel pants already painted for you. All
you need are your electronics and a couple of evenings of
assembly to get flying.
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make assembly
easier to understand, and to provide breaks between each
major section. In addition, check boxes have been placed next
to each step to keep track of each step completed. Steps with
a single circle () are performed once, while steps with two
circles () indicate that the step will require repeating, such
as for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
UltraCote Trim Scheme
True Red HANU866
Bright Yellow HANU872
Deep Blue HANU873
Lite White HANU973
Transparent Blue HANU954
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................2
Using the Manual.................................................................2
UltraCote Trim Scheme .........................................................2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout..................................................3
Required Tools and Adhesives...............................................3
Optional Accessories............................................................3
Required Radio Equipment....................................................4
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC .........................................4
Important Information About Motor Selection.........................4
High Power Outrunner Setup ................................................4
Notes on Lithium Polymer Batteries ........................................5
Warning..............................................................................5
Warranty Period ..................................................................5
Limited Warranty .................................................................5
Damage Limits .....................................................................6
Safety Precautions ................................................................6
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs .......................................6
Inspection or Repairs ............................................................6
Warranty Inspection and Repairs ..........................................6
Non-Warranty Repairs .........................................................7
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ........................................7
Landing Gear Installation......................................................8
Outrunner Motor Installation ...............................................10
Cowling Installation ............................................................11
Aileron Hinging .................................................................15
Aileron Servos and Linkages...............................................17
Wing Installation................................................................20
Stabilizer and Elevator........................................................21
Rudder and Fin ..................................................................24
Rudder and Elevator Servos................................................26
Final Assembly...................................................................28
Optional Side Force Generator Installation ..........................31
Control Throws...................................................................32
Center of Gravity ...............................................................33
Range Test Your Radio ........................................................33
Preflight .............................................................................34
Flying Your Mini ShowTime.................................................34
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ....35

3E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Large Replacement Parts:
EFL2501 Wing Set w/Ailerons
EFL2502 Fuselage
EFL2503 Tail Set
EFL2504 Main Landing Gear
EFL2505 Cowling
EFL2506 Wheel Pants
EFL2507 Pushrod Set
EFL2508 Side Force Generators
EFL2510 Canopy
EFL2511 Battery Hatch
EFL2512 Receiver Hatch
EFL2513 Wing Tube
Small Replacement Parts:
EFLA200 Micro Control Horns
EFLA203 Micro Control Connectors
EFLA219 Steerable Tailwheel Assembly
EFLA222 Foam Park Wheels, 1 3/4-inch
EFLA213 E-flite/JR/Horizon Decals
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
EFLA250 Park Flyer Tool Assortment, 5-piece
Or Purchase Separately
EFLA257 Screwdriver, #0 Phillips
(or included with EFLA250)
EFLA251 Hex Wrench: 3/32-inch
(or included with EFLA250)
Nut driver: 1/4-inch
Card stock
Side cutters
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm), 1/8-inch (3mm)
Masking tape
Felt-tipped pen
Needle-nose pliers
Medium grit sandpaper
T-pins
Paper towels
Hobby knife
Ruler
Square
String or dental floss
Pliers
Adhesives
6-minute epoxy
Canopy glue
Thin CA
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
HAN172 Hangar 9 Digital Servo and
Rx Current Meter
EFLA214 Micro Pull-Pull Set

4 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Required Radio Equipment
You will need a minimum 6-channel transmitter (for proper
mixing and dual rate capabilities), crystals, micro receiver, and
four sub-micro servos. You can choose to purchase a complete
radio system that includes all of these items or, if you are using
an existing transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment
separately. We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free
Spektrum™DX7 2.4GHz DSM2™7-channel Microlite system,
which includes a micro receiver and 3 sub-micro S285 servos.
If using your own transmitter, we recommend the use of a JR
SPORT™6-channel UltraLite receiver and E-flite®S75 Sub-Micro
servos.
If you already own the Spektrum DX7 radio, just add the AR6100
DSM2®6-channel receiver and four of our E-flite S75 Sub-Micro
servos (EFLRS75).
Complete Radio System
SPM2720 DX7 DSM 7Ch Microlite w/3-S285 with
one additional S285 servo (JRPS285)
required
Or Purchase Separately
JSP30610 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal, Positive
Shift JR/AIR (72MHz)
JSP30615 6-Channel UltraLite Rx w/o Crystal,
Negative Shift Fut/HRC (72MHz)
JRPXFR** FM Receiver Crystal (JR only,
not Spektrum receivers)
Or
SPM6000 AR6000 DSM 6CH Parkflyer Receiver
(for DX6 only)
Or
SPM6100 AR6100 DSM2 6CH Rx (for DX7 only)
And
EFLRS75 E-flite S75 sub-micro servo (4)
JSP98110 6-inch (150mm) Servo Extention (2)
JSP98120 18-inch (458mm) Servo Extention (2)
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC
WARNING: Use of servos other than those we recommend may
overload the BEC of the recommended Electronic Speed Control
(ESC). We suggest the use of only the servos we recommend
when utilizing the recommended ESC’s BEC, or the use of a
separate BEC (like the UBEC) or receiver battery pack when
using other servos.
Important Information About Motor
Selection
We recommend the E-flite Park 480 Brushless Outrunner,
1020Kv (EFLM1505) to provide you with excellent sport
and aerobatic power and a worry-free outrunner motor. The
Mini ShowTime does not include a propeller.
High Power Outrunner Setup
EFLM1505 Park 480 Brushless Outrunner Motor,
1020Kv
EFLA312B 40-Amp Brushless ESC
APC12060E 12 x 6 Electric Prop
EFLAEC302 EC3 Battery Connector, Female (2)
EFLC3005 Celectra™1- to 3-cell Li-Po Charger
THP13203SPL 1320mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po, 16GA
Or
THP21003SPL 2100mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po, 16GA
This is a high power performance setup for strong 3D flights.
Note: The use of the Thunder Power 11.1V 1320mAh
pack with wide open throttle will discharge the battery at
a very high rate. Proper throttle management is required
to achieve optimum performance and prevent shortened
battery life.

5E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Notes on Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more
volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries used
in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions
and warnings must be followed closely. Mishandling
of Li-Po batteries can result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of Lithium
Polymer batteries.
Warning
An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious
bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas,
preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved
flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio.
Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away
from the prop, including loose clothing, or other objects such as
pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from
the propeller.
Warranty Period
Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products
purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Limited Warranty
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser
("Purchaser") and is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those
Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third
party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of
purchase is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without
notice and disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NON-
INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED
THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder
shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii)
replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
In the event of a defect, these are the Purchaser's exclusive
remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all
equipment involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty
does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of
God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use,
or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty
does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation,
maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than
Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved
in writing by Horizon before shipment.

6 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Damage Limits
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY
CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS
BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT
LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon
exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability
is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final
assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be assumed
nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of
use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are advised
to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition
to the place of purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to
conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be
operated with caution and common sense and requires some
basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the
Product or other property. This Product is not intended for use
by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual
contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is
essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in
the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate
correctly and avoid damage or injury.
Questions,Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly.
This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and
service you in the event that you may need any assistance.
For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
[e-mail], or call 877.504.0233 toll
free to speak to a service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for
a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes
may be included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors
of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and
is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available
at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not
have internet access, please include a letter with your complete
name, street address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA number,
a list of the included items, method of payment for any non-
warranty expenses and a brief summary of the problem.
Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty
consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number
are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original
sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided
warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be
repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.

7E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair
will be completed and payment will be required without
notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense
exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item
for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without
notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You
must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In
addition you will be billed for return freight. Please advise us
of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money
orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay
by credit card, please include your credit card number and
expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90
days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of
accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is only available
on electronics and model engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should
be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
As the user of this product, you are solely 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.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is
necessary to always keep a safe distance in all directions
around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions
or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars,
traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or
damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated
areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of
the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure
to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for
this purpose.

8 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage
Main landing gear
Wheel pant (L&R)
13/4-inch (45mm) wheel (2)
4-40 x 3/8-inch socket head screws (2)
#4 black washers (6)
4-40 nut (2)
4-40 locknut (4)
4-40 x 1-inch socket head screw (2)
2mm x 6mm wood screws (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Felt-tipped pen
Phillips screwdriver (small)
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16-inch
Needle-nose pliers
Nut driver: 1/4-inch
Hex wrench: 3/32-inch
Note: You may consider using a larger diameter wheel,
such as 2 1/4-inch (58mm) (EFLA224), if your flying site
has rough terrain. By using a larger wheel, you will not
be able to use the included wheel pants.
1. Place the landing gear onto the bottom of the fuselage.
It will angle forward when installed in the correct
direction. Attach with two 4-40 x 3/8-inch socket head
screws and two #4 black washers.

9E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
2. Slide the 4-40 x 1-inch machine screw through one of
the 13/4-inch wheels. Slide a black #4 washer so it fits
against the wheel. Next secure a 4-40 lock nut against
the washer. Make sure the wheel still spins freely. Thread
a 4-40 nut onto the bolt. This nut will fit inside the wheel
pant and keep the wheel pant from rotating.
3. Attach the wheel to the landing gear using a black
#4 washer and 4-40 lock nut.
4. With the fuselage level to the work surface, rotate the
wheel pant so it is also level to your work surface. Mark
the location for the attachment screw using a felt-tipped
pen.

10 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
5. Use a drill and 1/16-inch drill bit to make a hole at the
location made in the previous step.
6. Secure the pant to the landing gear with a 2mm x
6mm wood screw.
7. Repeat Steps 2 through 6 for the remaining wheel
and wheel pant.
Outrunner Motor Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage
Brushless motor
4-40 x 3/8-inch socket head screw (4)
#4 black washer (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hex wrench: 3/32-inch
Screwdriver (Phillips #0)
Note: This section covers the installation of the
recommended Park 480 Outrunner motor. The holes in
the firewall match the mounting pattern of the X-mount.
1. Attach the supplied aluminum motor X-mount to the
motor using the screws provided with the motor. The
wider section of the mount will be positioned toward
the motor wires.

11E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
2. Attach the Outrunner motor to the front of the firewall
using four black #4 washers and four 4-40 x 3/8-inch
socket head screws.
Cowling Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage w/motor installed
Cowling
2mm x 8mm wood screw (4)
Propeller
Spinner
Prop adapter (for outrunner motor)
Electronic speed control
Required Tools and Adhesives
Drill
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 1/8-inch (3mm)
Card stock
Masking tape
Screwdriver (Phillips #0)
Hook and loop material
Important Information About Your Brushless ESC
Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also, be sure
to use an ESC with the proper 9V cutoff when using 3-cell Li-Po
packs, or 6V cutoff when using 2-cell Li-Po packs.
Important Information About Your Propeller
It is also very important to check to be sure the propeller is
balanced before installing onto the shaft. An unbalanced
propeller may strip the gears or cause poor flight characteristics.

12 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
1. Solder any connectors to the speed control to connect
to the motor battery and motor if necessary. Connect the
ESC to the motor and secure it to the bottom of the motor
box using hook and loop material. Actual ESC location
may vary but proper air flow and cooling is important.
2. Connect the speed control to the radio system and
motor battery. Check that the motor is rotating in the
correct direction. It will rotate counterclockwise when
viewed from the front of the aircraft. Use the instructions
with your speed control to correct a motor that is
operating in the wrong direction.
3. Slide the propeller adapter through the hole in
the propeller.
4. Slide the 1/2-inch (13mm) plastic washer onto the
adapter.

13E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
5. Slide the spinner backplate onto the adapter. Thread
the propeller nut onto the adapter, but do not tighten it
at this time.
6. Tape four pieces of card stock to the fuselage to
indicate the locations for the cowl attaching screws and
the front edge of the fuselage.
7. Slide the cowling on the fuselage. With the propeller
adapter on the motor shaft, position the cowl so there is
a gap between the spinner and cowling.
8. Use a 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to drill holes through
the cowling and into the sides of the fuselage.

14 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
9. Enlarge the holes in the cowling ONLY using a
1/8-inch (3mm) drill bit. Slide the cowling onto the
fuselage. Secure the cowling using four 2mm x 8mm
sheet metal screws.
Hint: Use thin CA to harden the holes drilled into the
cowl mounting tabs. This will help to prevent the screws
from vibrating loose in flight.
10. Place the propeller back on the motor shaft
and tighten the adapter. Snap the spinner cone onto
the spinner.
Note: Make sure to check the balance of the propeller
after enlarging the hole in the propeller.

15E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
Aileron Hinging
Required Parts
Wing (left and right)
Aileron (left and right)
CA hinges (8)
Required Tools and Adhesives
T-pins Thin CA
Drill Paper towel
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
1. Locate the positions for the hinges. Drill a 1/16-inch
(1.5mm) hole in the center of each slot of both the wing
and aileron. This creates a tunnel for the CA, allowing
the CA to penetrate into the hinge better, bonding the
hinges more securely.
2. Slide four hinges into the slits in the aileron. Center
the slot in the hinge with the hole drilled in Step 1. Place
a T-pin in each hinge to prevent it from being pushed into
the wing when installing the aileron.
Note: Do not use CA accelerator during the hinging
process. The CA must be allowed to soak into the hinge
to provide the best bond. Using accelerator will not
provide enough time for this process.

16 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
3. Slide the aileron into position. Check to make sure
it can move without interference at the wing root and
wing tip. Remove the T-pins and apply Thin CA to each
hinge. Make sure the hinge is fully saturated with CA.
Use a paper towel to clean up any excess CA from the
wing and aileron. Make sure to apply CA to both sides
of the hinge.
Note: Placing a #11 hobby blade between the aileron
leading edge and wing trailing edge to position the
aileron will result in a nice free-moving hinge for 3D
throws without any binding.
4. Firmly grasp the wing and aileron and gently pull on
the aileron to ensure the hinges are secure and cannot
be pulled apart. Use caution when gripping the wing and
aileron to avoid crushing the structure.

17E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
5. Work the aileron up and down several times to work
in the hinges and check for proper movement.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the remaining aileron.
Aileron Servos and Linkages
Required Parts
Wing panel (right and left)
Micro control connector (2)
2mm x 4mm screw (2)
4-inch (102mm) pushrod (2)
Control horn and backplate (2)
Servos: S75 Sub-micro servo (2)
6-inch (150mm) servo extension (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Side cutters
Hobby knife
6-minute epoxy
String or dental floss
Phillips screwdriver (small)
Note: We suggest using the long 3D servo arms for
the Mini ShowTime. Replace all existing arms before
installing the servos.
 1. Attach a 6-inch (150mm) servo extension. Use string
or dental floss to secure the servo lead and extension to
prevent them from unplugging in flight.

18 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
 2. Place the servo in the wing. Guide the servo lead out
through the opening at the wing root.
 3. Secure the aileron servo using the screws provided
with the servo.
 4. Use a hobby knife to enlarge the inboard hole in
the control horn to fit the 4-inch (102mm) long aileron
pushrod wire.

19E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the other wing panel.
6. Use 6-minute epoxy to attach the control horn to the
aileron. Attach the control horns for both the right and
left ailerons at this time.
7. Attach the micro control connector to both servo arms.
Be sure to use the included retainer to secure the micro
control connector to the servo arms.

20 E-flite Mini ShowTime ARF Assembly Manual
 8. Turn on the radio system and center the aileron trim
and stick. Make sure the aileron servo is operating
properly using the transmitter. Slide the pushrod wire
through the micro connector. Install the servo arm parallel
to the aileron hinge line. Center the aileron, and secure
the position of the wire using the 2mm x 4mm screw and
a Phillips screwdriver.
9. Use side cutters to remove any excess wire, leaving
about 1/4(5mm) excess wire past the control connector.
Wing Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Wing (right and left)
Wing tube #4 washer (silver) (2)
4-40 x1/2-inch socket head screw (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Hex wrench: 3/32-inch
6-minute epoxy Pliers
1. Slide the wing tube into a wing panel.
2. Remove the hatch from the bottom of the fuselage
using a 3/32-inch hex wrench.