GRAUPNER SX-4000 User manual

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
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Operating instructions for the SX-4000 model boat, Order No. 2000
The model
During race events in the USA Hans Lehner’s SX-4000 established two world’s speed records at 149
km/hr in the 6-cell class, and 156 km/hr in the 7/8-cell class.
Straightway races are held over a 100 m course; the boat has to complete the course in both
directions from a flying start, and the average speed of the two passes is calculated.
The boat is designed for straight running only, and the primary purpose of the rudder is simply to
provide course correction.
The model features a carbon fibre hull and a GRP deck. It is supplied with the following parts factory-
installed: stern tube and propeller shaft, motor mount, rudder and steering linkage, servo mount, shaft
coupling (5.0 Ø x 1.5 mm) etc.
Specification
Length approx. 670 mm
Overall length approx. 700 mm
Beam approx. 285 mm
Empty weight approx. 450 kg
Manufacturer’s declaration from Graupner GmbH & Co. KG
Content of the manufacturer’s declaration:
If material defects or manufacturing faults should arise in a product distributed by us in the Federal
Republic of Germany and purchased by a consumer (§ 13 BGB), we, Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, D-
73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany, acknowledge the obligation to correct those defects within the
limitations described below.
The consumer is not entitled to exploit this manufacturer’s declaration if the failure in the usability of
the product is due to natural wear, use under competition conditions, incompetent or improper use
(including incorrect installation) or external influences.
This manufacturer’s declaration does not affect the consumer’s legal or contractual rights regarding
defects arising from the purchase contract between the consumer and the vendor (dealer).
Extent of the guarantee
If a claim is made under guarantee, we undertake at our discretion to repair or replace the defective
goods. We will not consider supplementary claims, especially for reimbursement of costs relating to
the defect (e.g. installation / removal costs) and compensation for consequent damages unless they
are allowed by statute. This does not affect claims based on legal regulations, especially according to
product liability law.
Guarantee requirements
The purchaser is required to make the guarantee claim in writing, and must enclose original proof of
purchase (e.g. invoice, receipt, delivery note) and this guarantee card. He must send the defective
goods to us at his own cost, using the following address:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, Service Department,
Henriettenstr. 94-96, D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany
The purchaser should state the material defect or manufacturing fault, or the symptoms of the fault, in
as accurate a manner as possible, so that we can check if our guarantee obligation is applicable.
The goods are transported from the consumer to us and from us to the consumer at the risk of the
consumer.
Duration of validity
This declaration only applies to claims made to us during the claim period as stated in this declaration.
The claim period is 24 months from the date of purchase of the product by the consumer from a dealer
in the Federal Republic of Germany (date of purchase). If a defect arises after the end of the claim
period, or if the evidence or documents required according to this declaration in order to make the
claim valid are not presented until after this period, then the consumer forfeits any rights or claims from
this declaration.

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
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Limitation by lapse of time
If we do not acknowledge the validity of a claim based on this declaration within the claim period, all
claims based on this declaration are barred by the statute of limitations after six months from the time
of implementation; however, this cannot occur before the end of the claim period.
Applicable law
This declaration, and the claims, rights and obligations arising from it, are based exclusively on the
pertinent German Law, without the norms of international private law, and excluding UN retail law.
Important safety notes
You have purchased a kit which can be assembled to produce a fully working RC model when fitted
out with the appropriate accessories. As manufacturers, we at GRAUPNER are not in a position to
influence the way you install, operate and maintain the model, nor the other components used in
connection with the model.
For this reason we are obliged to deny all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due to
the incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our products, or which are connected with such
operation in any way. Unless otherwise prescribed by binding law, the obligation of the GRAUPNER
company to pay compensation, regardless of the legal argument employed, is excluded. This includes
personal injury, death, damage to buildings, loss of trade or turnover, interruption of business or other
indirect or direct damages which are caused by the operation of the model.
Under all circumstances and in all cases the company’s overall liability is limited to the amount which
you actually paid for this model.
The model is operated at the sole risk of the operator. To avoid injury to
persons and damage to property please handle your model boat carefully and
operate it conscientiously at all times.
Before you run the boat for the first time it is important to check that your private third party insurance
policy provides cover when you are operating model boats of this kind. If you are not sure, take out a
special insurance policy designed to cover the risks of RC modelling.
These safety notes are important, and must be kept in a safe place. If you ever dispose of the model,
be sure to pass them on to the new owner.
The following points are important and must be observed at all times:
•If this model is fitted with the suggested power system, it must never be forgotten that it is capable
of extremely high speeds, and that the rudder is only capable of providing minor course
corrections. For this reason the boat should only be run if you have access to an unobstructed
water course at least 300 m long. It may only be run once in the ‘out’ direction, and once in the
‘back’ direction - that must be the end of the run. If you neglect this warning, there is a risk that the
high currents which flow in the power circuit could damage the motor, the speed controller or the
drive battery. A second attempt must not be made until the equipment has had a chance to cool
down thoroughly.
If you are aiming at maximum speed, it is also essential to run the boat in good weather
conditions, i.e. flat-calm and totally smooth, clean water. Please bear in mind also that the world’s
records were established by a pro-standard operator with forty years of experience behind him.
We recommend that you carry out the initial test-runs using a low-pitch carbon propeller, to allow
yourself a chance to become properly conversant with the boat’s handling characteristics.
Please note that the model’s handling varies substantially according to the type of batteries you
use, i.e. NiMH packs or LiPo packs. The latter are much lighter, and therefore alter the model’s
Centre of Gravity considerably.
•This model is not suitable for children or young persons under 18 years of age. It is only
appropriate for competition boat operators with plenty of prior experience. This model is totally
unsuitable for modellers without such experience, and it would be completely foolhardy and
irresponsible for such persons to attempt to operate it!
•Please be aware of the potential hazards when using tools.
•You must never operate this boat when there are persons or animals in the water, otherwise there
is a serious risk of causing injury.
•The model’s extremely high speed makes it easily capable of sliding up sloping banks, and

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
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injuring people and animals standing on them.
•Never run your boat in a protected site, an animal or plant sanctuary or a site of special scientific
interest (SSSI). Check with your local authority that the stretch of water you wish to use is suitable
for model boats.
•Do not run the model in salt water.
•Never run your boat in adverse conditions, e.g. rain, storm, strong wind, choppy water or strong
currents.
•Read and observe the recommendations and instructions supplied with your radio control system
and accessories.
•It is essential to use a radio control system set to SPCM mode, so that you can program a Fail-
Safe for the speed controller. This is a safety function which ensures that the model immediately
comes to a halt if interference should occur.
•Before you run the model, check that the radio control system is working reliably, and that all
connections are secure.
•If you insist on using dry cells as a power supply, please note that they must never be recharged.
Do not recharge any battery unless it is expressly stated to be ‘rechargeable’.
•The range of the radio control system must be checked before you even think about running this
boat. This involves carrying the model about 100 m from the transmitter, with both systems
switched on, while an assistant operates the transmitter for you. All functions must work perfectly
at all times, without the slightest hint of interference.
•Ensure that the channel you intend to use is not already occupied by other modellers. Never run
the boat if you are not certain that your channel is free.
•Remember that other radio equipment and transmitting apparatus may cause serious interference
to your model. If possible ensure that no such equipment is switched on in the vicinity, and is not
operated at any time while you are running the model.
•Do not work on the power system without first disconnecting the motor from the drive battery.
•When the drive battery is connected, keep well clear of the area around the propeller, as this
represents the greatest risk of accident and injury. Make sure any spectators do the same.
•Do not exceed the recommended voltage of the drive battery. Increasing the voltage may cause
the motor and / or the speed controller to overheat, and the electrical leads can even melt. In the
worst case this may cause the model to go up in flames and be completely ruined.
•Check that all the drive train components work smoothly and freely. This applies in particular when
you are running the model, as leaves and other detritus can get caught up in the power train. If
this happens and you do not remove the obstruction, the motor, speed controller or rudder servo
may be ruined due to overloading.
•Dry cells and rechargeable batteries must never be short-circuited. Do not allow them to come into
direct contact with water.
•Remove all batteries from the model and the transmitter prior to storing the boat.
•Do not subject the model to high levels of humidity, heat, cold, vibration or dirt.
•Secure the model, batteries and RC equipment carefully when transporting them. They may be
seriously damaged if they are free to slide about.
•Never operate the model on moving water (e.g. a river), as it could be washed away downstream
if the battery fails or a malfunction occurs.
•If you have to salvage the model, take care not to risk your own life or that of others.
•Check regularly that the hull is completely watertight, as any model boat may sink if too much
water enters the hull. Check the boat for damage before every run, and ensure that water cannot
penetrate the hull through the shaft or rudder openings.
•Open the boat and let it dry out thoroughly after each run.
•During the initial test-runs it is essential to check that the propeller shaft system is watertight. If
water penetrates through the shaft tube, dismantle the system and lubricate it with plenty of
grease (Order No. 570).

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
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Care and maintenance
•Clean the model carefully after every run, and remove any water which penetrates the hull. If
water gets inside the RC components, dry them out and send them to your nearest GRAUPNER
Service Centre for checking.
•Clean the model and RC components using suitable cleaning agents only. All you need is a lint-
free cloth. Never use chemical cleaners, solvents, white spirit, methylated spirit or similar.
•After each session lubricate the drive shaft with a small drop of oil applied to the bearings. The
external shaft bearings adjacent to the propeller must also be lubricated. Use only non-
contaminating, water-neutral oil (e.g. Order No. 206) to lubricate the power train. At the end of the
season the propeller shaft should be dismantled and re-lubricated using water-neutral grease (e.g.
Order No. 570).
•Assembly Instructions
•The first step is to solder three G3.5 connectors (Order No. 2970 - not included in the set) to the
motor wires.
The recommended speed controller is fitted with G3.5 connectors as standard. However, it is also
possible to fit G6 connectors to the motor, controller and battery at the builder’s discretion. The
motor is attached to the motor mount using two M3 x 6 mm socket-head machine screws. The
next step is to pack the stern tube with grease before fixing the shaft coupling to the motor shaft.
Slide the propeller shaft into the coupling from the stern. Check the length of the propeller shaft;
you may need to shorten it slightly.
•Place the rudder servo in the mount, and secure it with four self-tapping screws. Attach a swivel
pushrod connector to the servo output arm using an M2 nut. The steering pushrod is clamped in
the pushrod connector using the grubscrew provided.
•At the stern of the boat a connector system is installed which enables you to switch the power
supply to the receiver on or off if a separate receiver battery is used. However, if you are using a
speed controller with integral BEC system, the BEC facility must be disabled by withdrawing the
central pin (+ = red). This avoids the danger of supplying current to the receiver from both the
drive battery and the receiver battery. If you program the speed controller correctly (see drawing
on separate sheet), it is possible to switch the motor off externally in an emergency.
•If the power supply conductor to the receiver battery is interrupted (disabled), power is fed to the
speed controller when the drive battery is connected to it, but it receives no signal from the
receiver (see wiring diagram).
Fine-tuning the racing boat
This model racing boat requires fine-tuning to ensure that it runs at maximum efficiency. The following
points are particularly important if you are aiming at a boat which handles and runs well:
1. The Centre of Gravity should be located at a point 20 to 80 mm from the end of the trim tabs;
please note that the optimum balance point varies greatly according to the propeller you are
using. The crucial point is that the propeller must not skip when the boat is running at full speed.
2. The adjustable trim tabs should be set at an angle of about 4°.
3. The angle of attack of the propeller should be around 2°.
4. Since the boat spends more time flying across the water than passing through it, the all-up weight
should be kept as low as possible, and should not be greater than 1400 g. For this reason all the
components you install should be as light as possible.
Maiden run
Give the batteries a full charge, and test the model’s working systems in turn. Seal the hatch cover
with adhesive tape to ensure that water cannot penetrate. You should now be ready for the boat’s
maiden run. Take your time to get used to the model’s handling characteristics, bearing in mind that
this boat is capable of extremely high speeds, and is therefore not as easy to control as a slower
model.
Important:if you have to turn the boat, it is always best to bring it to a halt first, and then initiate a turn
- preferably to the left - at a low power setting.
We recommend that you only apply full-throttle when the boat is running straight ahead.
Particular care is required when switching the receiver battery on and off. Do not allow your fingers to
get anywhere near the propeller!

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
Keine Haftung für Druckfehler. Technische Änderungen vorbehalten! 03/2008
Recommended accessories
Motor and accessories
Drive motor Drive battery Speed controller Propeller
Order No. Order No. Order No. Order No.
Lehner Type 1920 NiMH GP 6N-4600 GENIUS 100 2299.37-3
6544 7.2 V / 4.6 Ah 7167 or
98946.6 or 2299.39
LiPo 5000/2
7.4 V / 5.0 Ah
7665.2
Servos
Type Order No. No. reqd.
C 351 5123 1
Radio control system
Min. mx-12, 40 MHz band, Order No. 4723
Receiver
smc-14 S, Order No. 7034