GRAUPNER ELEKTRO KADETT Instruction Manual

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to Order No. 9574
Building Instructions
ELEKTRO KADETT
For electric motor and two or three Li-Po cells
This model requires a four-function radio control system
Specification
Wingspan approx. 1600 mm
Fuselage length excl. spinner approx. 1100 mm
Wing area approx. 48 dm²
All-up weight according to fittings approx. 1500 g
Longitudinal dihedral 0.5°
General Safety Notes
You have acquired a kit which can be assembled into a fully working RC model when fitted out with
suitable accessories. However, we as manufacturers have no control over the way you build and
operate your RC model aircraft, nor how you install, operate and maintain the associated components,
and for this reason we are obliged to deny all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due
to the incorrect use of our products or due to incompetent behaviour on the part of the user, 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, damages due to
loss of business or turnover, interruption of business or other direct or indirect consequent damage
whose root cause was the operation of the model.
The total liability in all cases and under all circumstances is limited to the amount of money which you
actually paid for the model.
This model is built and flown at the sole and express responsibility of the operator. The only
way to avoid injury to persons and damage to property is to handle and operate the model with
the greatest care and consideration at all times.
According to the new regulation of §103 Paragraph 3 of the LuftVZO (German Aviation Approvals
Office), all model aircraft - whether slow-flyer, park-flyer, glider, or model aircraft propelled by any form
of power plant - must be insured before the model is operated. If you are not sure about this, please
ask at your local model shop where the staff will be glad to advise you.
These safety notes must be kept in a safe place. If you ever dispose of the model, be sure to pass
them on to the new owner.
Guarantee terms
The guarantee covers replacement of any parts which can be shown to exhibit manufacturing
faults or material defects within the guarantee period of 24 months from the initial date of
purchase. No other claims will be considered. Cost of transport, packing and freight are
payable by the purchaser. We accept no liability for damage in transit. When you send the
product to GRAUPNER, or to the approved Service Centre for your country, you must include a
clear and concise description of the fault together with the invoice showing the date of
purchase. The guarantee is invalid if the component or model fails due to an accident,
incompetent handling or incorrect usage.

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Caution: this model is not a toy!
If you are a beginner to this type of powered model, please ask an experienced model flyer for help
and support. If you attempt to operate the model without knowing what you are doing, you could easily
injure yourself or somebody else. Please keep your safety and well-being in mind at all times.
Important: before you start construction
Even if you have already built many RC model aircraft, please read right through these instructions
very carefully, and check that all the parts of the kit are present. We have taken great trouble to keep
the building effort required to an absolute minimum, without allowing any compromises in the area of
safety.
Note regarding the film covering
Minor creases or bubbles may develop in the film covering due to major fluctuations in weather
conditions (temperature, humidity etc.); in rare cases you may even find a slight warp in a component.
These minor faults are in the nature of film-covered built-up wooden structures, and can easily be
corrected using a heat gun, as commonly used for modelling.
Creases: Blow warm air over the area and rub down with a soft cloth.
Wing warp: Hold the panel twisted gently in the opposite direction to the warp, and apply warm
air to remove the creases from the covering.
Caution! do not heat the film more than is absolutely necessary. If the air or the iron is too hot, the film
may melt and holes may be formed.
This model is highly pre-fabricated and can be built in a very short time. However, the work which you
have to carry out is important and must be done carefully. The model will only be strong and fly well if
you complete your tasks competently.
Please work slowly and accurately!
When self-tapping screws have to be screwed into wood, apply a little white glue to prevent
them shaking loose: just squirt white glue into the hole and fit the screw.
Operating the ELEKTRO KADETT:
Before you attempt to operate the model it is essential to read right through the assembly and
operating instructions very carefully. You alone are responsible for the safe operation of your
radio-controlled model. Young persons under fourteen years of age should only be permitted
to operate this model under the instruction and supervision of an adult who is aware of the
hazards involved in this activity.
Please keep these operating instructions in a safe place. If you ever dispose of the model, be
sure to pass them on to the new owner.
If you have any questions regarding the safe operation of your RC model aeroplane, please
turn to your local model shop in the first instance, where the staff will be pleased to help you.
Radio-controlled model aircraft are very demanding and potentially dangerous objects. As
such they require a high level of technical knowledge and skill, together with a responsible
approach.
In legal terms our models are classed as aircraft, and as such are subject to legal regulations
and restrictions which must be observed at all times. Our brochure “Modellflugrecht,
Paragrafen und mehr” (Model Aviation Law, Legal Requirements and more) is available under
Order No. 8034.01, and contains a summary of all these rules. Your local model shop should
have a copy which you can read. There are also Post Office regulations concerning your radio
control system, and these must be observed. Refer to your RC system instructions for more
details.
Be sure to use only those parts included in the kit, together with other genuine Graupner
accessories and replacement parts as recommended expressly by us. Even if you change a
single component you can no longer be sure that the system will work reliably, and such
changes also invalidate your guarantee.

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Use only matching polarised electrical connectors. The flight battery, all cables and connectors
must be insulated carefully to prevent short-circuits, especially if you make them up yourself.
Never combine connectors with contacts of different materials, e.g. tin-plated and gold-plated,
as the connections will not be reliable in the long-term.
If you prefer to use a motor switch or speed controller with an integral receiver power supply
(BEC system), please use Graupner gold-contact connectors exclusively. Take great care to
avoid short-circuits and incorrect polarity.
The high energy density of Li-Po batteries involves a risk of fire and even explosion.
A radio-controlled model aircraft can only work properly and fulfil your expectations if it is built
very carefully and in accordance with the building instructions.
If you wish to avoid injuring people and damaging property it is essential to be careful and
painstaking at all stages of building and operating your model. Model flying needs to be
learned just like any other demanding skill.
As manufacturers we are not in a position to influence the way you build and operate your RC
model aircraft, and for this reason we deny all liability. All we can do is expressly point out the
hazards involved in this activity.
We suggest that you ask an experienced model flyer for help, or join a model club or flight
training school. Your local model shop and the specialist magazines are excellent sources of
information. If at all possible, it is always best to join a club and fly at the approved model
flying site.
You alone are responsible for the safe operation of your radio-controlled model. If you have
any questions regarding the safe operation of your RC model aeroplane, please turn to your
local model shop in the first instance, where the staff will be pleased to help you.
Adhesives and paints contain solvents which may be hazardous to health under certain
circumstances. Read and observe the notes and warnings supplied by the manufacturer of
these materials.
The operator of the model must be in full possession of his or her bodily and mental faculties.
As with car driving, operating a model aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not
permissible under any circumstances.
If there are passers-by or spectators at your flying site, make sure that they are aware of the
dangers inherent in your activity before you start the motor, and insist that they keep a safe
distance away - at least 5 m behind the rotational plane of the propeller.
Always keep a safe distance away from people and objects when flying; never fly low over
people’s heads, and never fly directly towards them.
Radio-controlled models should only be flown in “normal” weather conditions, i.e. a
temperature range of -5°to +35°C. More extreme temperature s can lead to changes in battery
capacity and material characteristics, weakened glued joints and other unwanted effects.
All model flyers should behave in a way that minimises the danger to people and property.
Never act in any manner which will disturb other flyers and jeopardise safe, orderly flying at
the site.
Never operate your model aircraft close to high-tension overhead cables, industrial sites,
residential areas, public roads, squares, school playgrounds, public parks or sports grounds
etc.
Don’t ignore our warnings. They refer to materials and situations which, if ignored, can result
in fatal injury or permanent damage.
Propellers and other rotating parts which are powered by a motor constitute a permanent
hazard and represent a real risk of injury. Don’t touch them with any part of your body. For
example, a propeller spinning at high speed can easily slice off your finger.

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Keep well clear of the rotational plane of the propeller. You never know when some part may
come loose and fly off at high speed, hitting you or anybody else in the vicinity.
Ensure that it is impossible for any object to stall or block the propeller.
Take care with loose clothing such as scarves, loose shirts etc. Flapping cloth can easily be
sucked into the area of the propeller and then get tangled in the blades; this is extremely
dangerous.
Every time you intend to operate your model check carefully that it and everything attached to
it (e.g. propeller, gearbox, RC components etc.) is in good condition and undamaged. If you
find a fault, do not fly the model until you have corrected it.
Whenever you are holding the model make sure that you are standing on a stable surface and
cannot slip. Wear shoes with high-grip soles, such as trainers.
Ask all the other model pilots at the flying site what frequencies they are using, and satisfy
yourself that your channel is vacant before you switch on. Radio interference caused by
unknown sources can occur at any time without warning. If this should happen, your model
will be uncontrollable and completely unpredictable. Never leave your radio control system
unguarded, as another person might pick it up and try to use it.
Do not switch on the electric motor unless you are sure that there is nothing in the rotational
plane of the propeller. Never attempt to stop the spinning propeller. Electric motors with the
propeller attached should only be run when firmly mounted.
If you are to fly your model safely and avoid problems, it is essential that you are aware of its
position and attitude throughout each flight - so don’t let it fly too far away! If you detect a
control problem or interference during a flight, immediately land the model to prevent a
potential accident. Models must always give way to full-size aircraft. Take-off and landing
strips should be kept free of people and other obstacles.
Your RC system can only work reliably if the batteries are kept fully charged.
Never use batteries which are hot, faulty or damaged. At all times heed the instructions
provided by the battery manufacturer.
Before each flight check that all functions on the model aircraft are working correctly, and that
the radio control system is in good order and operating at full range. Note that the motor
control (throttle) function on the transmitter must always be moved to the OFF position as the
first stage in preparing for a flight. To avoid the danger of the electric motor bursting into life
unexpectedly, always switch on the transmitter first, and only then the receiving system. The
opposite applies at the end of a flight: always switch off the receiving system first, and finally
the transmitter.
Check that the control surfaces follow the movement of the transmitter sticks:
When you move the aileron stick to the right, the right aileron should deflect up, the left aileron
down.
Pull the elevator stick back towards you, and the elevator should deflect up.
Move the transmitter controls smoothly at all times; don’t jerk the sticks about abruptly when
the model is in the air.
Please don’t misunderstand the purpose of these notes. We only want to make you aware of
the many dangers and hazards which can arise if you work carelessly or irresponsibly. If you
take reasonable care, model flying is a highly creative, instructive, enjoyable and relaxing
pastime.
Notes on building and flying the ELEKTRO KADETT

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Before you start construction:
If you are buying a radio control system for your new model, ensure that the transmitter and receiving
system are expressly stated to be suitable for use in model aircraft, and bear the appropriate
approval stickers.
The frequency bands used for the radio control of models are also employed by other radio
transmitting and RF equipment. For this reason it is not possible to be completely sure that no
interference will occur when you are flying your model.
No licence fee is payable for using approved RC equipment to control a model aircraft on the
appropriate channels in the 35 MHz band.
For more information on this subject please contact your local telecommunications centre, or ask at
your nearest model shop.
Instructions and warnings relating to the use of LiPo batteries
Please read the instruction sheet included with every battery pack for general information on the use
of LiPo batteries.
General warnings
These batteries must not come into contact with fire or ashes.
The cells must not be allowed to contact fluids such as fresh water, salt water or drinks. Avoid contact
with liquids of all types.
Individual cells and batteries are by no means toys, and must never be allowed to get into the hands
of children. Store cells and batteries well out of the reach of children.
Batteries must not be left within reach or in the vicinity of babies or toddlers. If a child should swallow a
battery, call for a doctor or emergency medical assistance without delay.
Batteries must not be placed in a microwave oven, nor subjected to pressure: the results may be
smoke and fire or worse.
Never attempt to dismantle Li-Po cells. Taking a battery apart can cause internal short-circuits, which
could result in gassing, fire, explosion and other problems.
The electrolyte and electrolytic vapours are injurious to health. Avoid direct contact with the electrolyte
at all costs. If the material gets in your eyes, on your skin or other part of your body, it is essential to
wash the affected area immediately with copious amounts of clean water. Consult a doctor as soon as
possible thereafter.
Batteries installed in a model should always be removed if it is not to be used again in the immediate
future. Always switch the model off after use to avoid discharging the cells to a dangerous level.
Recharge the batteries in good time. Store batteries on a non-flammable, heat-resistant and non-
conductive surface.
If you allow a Li-Po battery to become deep-discharged, it will inevitably be ruined, and must not be
used again.
During construction
The receiving system components and control surface linkages should be installed at the appropriate
stage of assembly, as it may be very difficult or even impossible to fit them later.
The building instructions
In basic terms the instructions reflect the correct sequence of assembly. The notes below are intended
to explain certain additional points.
You may wish to alter the order of assembly; this should not cause problems, but please think carefully
about the consequences of any change you make.
Bear in mind that tools such as balsa knives, modelling pins, the ends of thin wire etc. are sharp or
pointed, and can cause injury if not handled with due care.
Ensure that children do not have access to tools, adhesives and paints.
When using solvent-based adhesives be sure to work in a well-ventilated room.

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Take waste adhesives and paints to your nearest toxic waste collection point.
An unobstructed work area of generous size is very helpful for all types of modelling activity.
If you are a beginner to modelling and are not sure about any of the more difficult processes, ask an
experienced modeller for advice and help.
Rules of behaviour
Never fly your model from a public road, path or square, or in the vicinity of buildings or high-tension
overhead cables.
Don’t fly your ELEKTRO KADETT in nature reserves, protected areas or SSSIs (Sites of Special
Scientific Interest). Please have respect for the animals and plants which live in and around your flying
site.
Bear in mind that trees and bushes are the living space and nesting sites of birds, and should not be
disturbed unnecessarily.
Never endanger animals, spectators or other pilots.
Radio control system for the ELEKTRO KADETT
We suggest the following items as the minimum equipment for this model:
1 mc-12 computer RC system, 35 MHz band Order No. 4724 or 4724.B
4 DS 3728 servos Order No. 5158
1 R 700 micro-receiver Order No. 3551
1 COMPACT CONTROL 40 speed controller Order No. 2884
or
1 GRAUPNER GENIUS 40 speed controller Order No. 2896
2 Extension lead Order No. 3935.11
2 Extension lead Order No. 3935.32
1 Hook-and-loop (Velcro) tape Order No. 3368.1
Please see the main GRAUPNER FS catalogue for details of suitable battery chargers.
Motor and accessories
Motor
Order No.
Propeller
Order No.
Spinner
Order
No.
Propeller
adaptor
Order
No.
Flight
battery
Order No.
Speed
controller
Order No.
COMPACT
350
8.4 V
7713
28 x 12 cm
2945.28.12 50 mm
Ø
215.50
286 2 LiPo 2000
7.4 V / 2 Ah
7640.2 or
2 LiPo 3200
7.4 V / 3.2
Ah
7650.2
COMPACT
CONTROL 40
2884 or
GRAUPNER
GENIUS 40
2896
COMPACT
480
9.6 V
7714
28 x 15 cm
1318.28.15 1171 3 LiPo 2000
11.1 V / 2
Ah
7640.3 or
3 LiPo 3200
11.1 V / 3.2
Ah
7650.3
COMPACT
CONTROL 40
2884 or
GRAUPNER
GENIUS 40
2896
1 x M8 retaining nut Order No. 1077
1 x Propeller spacer Order No. 609 (part 8)
The model is very highly pre-fabricated, and is built to an extremely high standard. The kit includes a
GRP cowl. Please check the covering of the major components and run an iron over any areas of film
which have become slack. Iron down all edges, especially at the control surface hinges and where film

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panels overlap. We recommend that you apply clear adhesive tape over the faces into which the
hinges are to be glued, as damp tends to get under the film at these points and lift the edges.
Materials and tools required
Adhesives: Ponal (white glue) Order No. 969 Wood to wood
Cyano-acrylate (“cyano”) Order No. 5821 Wood to film
Wood to metal
UHU thread-lock fluid Order No. 952 Metal threads
Tools: 1.5 mm Ø drill
2.0 mm Ø drill
Sawblade Order No. 861 or 860
Cross-point and slot-head screwdrivers
1.5 mm A/F Allen key Order No. 5735.1,5
Pliers
File
Assembling the ELEKTRO KADETT
The wing
Mark the centre on the wing dihedral brace.
Glue the dihedral brace in the right-hand wing panel using plenty of glue. Allow the adhesive to set
hard, then glue the wings together.
Apply the self-adhesive tape over the wing centreline to conceal the joint.
Use a fingertip to locate the aileron servo openings, the cable openings and the retaining screw holes,
and run the tip of a hot soldering iron round them to melt away the unwanted covering film.
Press the rubber grommets and tubular rivets into the servo mounting lugs.
Extend the servo leads using extension leads, Order No. 3935.32, secure the connections (e.g. using
plastic retainer clips, Order No. 3503) and draw the leads through the wings.
Place the servos in the servo wells, drill 1.5 mm Ø pilot-holes through the mounting lugs and secure
them with the screws supplied with the servos.
Screw a plastic clevis on each of the aileron pushrods.
Set the aileron servos to centre by connecting the receiving system and switching on the transmitter
and receiver; check that the transmitter trims are at centre. Fit the output arms on the servos and
secure them with the output arm screws. Connect the plastic clevises to the servo output arms to allow
you to mark the position of the horns on the ailerons. Note that the 2 mm Ø holes in the ailerons for
the horn retaining screws must be positioned so that the clevis linkage point lines up exactly with the
aileron hinge pivot line.
Remove the pushrods, and fix the horns to the ailerons using the retaining screws and spreader plates
supplied. Sand or file back the screws flush with the spreader plates on the top surface.
Connect the clevises to the aileron horns. Set the servos and ailerons exactly to centre, and mark the
point on the pushrods where they cross the servo output arms. Bend the pushrods at 90° at the
marked point.
Fit the retainer clips on the pushrods, and cut off the unwanted pushrod material, leaving about 1 mm
excess.
Fit the pushrods in the servo output arms and engage the retaining clips to secure them.
Fit the plastic bushes in the screw holes in the wing to reinforce the holes. The wing can now be
attached to the fuselage using the plastic screws supplied.

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The fuselage
Assemble the motor mount from the five parts supplied, as shown in the photo, and glue the joints
thoroughly.
Allow the joints to set hard, then glue the motor mount to the nose bulkhead. Note that the projecting
tabs on the motor mount must engage fully in the slots in the bulkhead, and that the motor mount must
make good contact with the bulkhead on both sides.
Glue the triangular fillets in place to reinforce the joints, as shown in the photo.
Drill the holes in the motor mount to suit the motor you intend to use, and screw the motor to the
mount.
Make sure that all the glued joints are really hard, then place the cowl over the nose and fit the spinner
and propeller adaptor on the motor shaft.
Mark the rear line of the cowl on both sides of the fuselage.
Remove the spinner and cowl again, and mark the position of the cowl retaining screws. Ensure that
the holes are central to the nose bulkhead, otherwise the retaining screws may not “hold” properly.
Screw the two undercarriage units to the fuselage as shown in the photo; note that the legs should
face the rear (i.e. angled back).
Drill 4 mm Ø holes in both wheel spats, and file out the slots for the wheel axles. Take care to produce
a “handed pair” of spats, i.e. they are different right and left. The centre of the wheel axles should be
located about 7 mm above the bottom edge of the wheel spats.
Fit the wheel axles and wheels in the spats as shown in the photo, and screw these assemblies to the
undercarriage legs.
Use a fingertip to locate the slots for the tailplane and fin in the tail end of the fuselage, and melt the
excess film away using the tip of a hot soldering iron.
Fit the tailplane and fin in the slots, and centre them as shown in the photo.
Run a felt-tip pen along the outside of the fuselage to mark the areas of film on the tailplane and fin
which are to be removed.
Remove the panels and melt the film by running the tip of a hot soldering iron along a line just inside
the felt-tip markings. Peel the film away from the wood.
With the excess film removed, slide the tail panels into the slots in the fuselage again. Align and centre
them carefully, then glue them in place. Note that the fin must be exactly at right-angles to the tailplane
- check this with a setsquare.
As described for the ailerons, attach the rudder and elevator horns to the control surfaces with the
clevis linkage points exactly in line with the hinge pivot axis.
Screw clevises on one end of the two long pushrods and slip them into the sleeves from the tail end of
the fuselage. Connect the clevises to the horns. Cut rings from the silicone tubing and push them over
the clevises to prevent them springing open.
Mount the tailwheel unit on the fuselage, attaching it to the rudder at the same time, as shown in the
photos. Drill pilot-holes before fitting the retaining screws.
Install the rudder and elevator servos in the fuselage, as described for the aileron servos; drill pilot-
holes for the retaining screws beforehand. Position the servos in such a way that the pushrods have
as straight a run as possible. Bend the front end of both pushrods at right-angles and secure each with
a plastic retainer clip, as described previously.
The flight battery is fitted through the opening in the underside of the fuselage. It is secured using
hook-and-loop (Velcro) tape: glue one piece to the battery, the other to the mounting plate.

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Secure the receiver in the fuselage using the receiver mounting, Order No. 1665.
Assembling the ELEKTRO KADETT
We recommend that you permanently connect two short (100 mm) servo extension leads to the aileron
servo sockets on the receiver (channels 2 and 5), as this makes it much easier to rig the model at the
flying site.
Connect the aileron servos to the extension leads, fit the central wing locating tongue in the slot in the
fuselage former, and fix the wing to the fuselage using the two plastic screws supplied. Tighten the
screws just to the point where the wings are held securely to the fuselage - don’t overtighten them.
Balancing the ELEKTRO KADETT
Assemble the model completely, ready to fly (including flight battery), and support it on both sides of
the fuselage at a point about 90 mm aft of the wing root leading edge. The model should now balance
level, with the nose slightly down. Add lead ballast to the tail or nose if necessary. The model is now
ready to fly, but not before you have checked that all control surfaces are exactly at centre (neutral)
when the transmitter controls and trims are also at centre.
Control surface travels (normal flying)
Ailerons approx. 12 mm up, 12 mm down
Elevator approx. 10 mm up, 10 mm down
Rudder approx. 20 mm right, 20 mm left
We recommend that you set 35% EXPO on all control surfaces.
Important:
When fitting and adjusting the various linkages you should ensure that they move freely, without
binding, are able to move to their full extent - including trim travel - and are not obstructed
mechanically at any point.
When you move the rudder stick to the right, the rudder should also deflect to the right (left stick: left
rudder). Pull the elevator stick back towards you, and the elevator must deflect up (stick forward:
elevator down). If you move the aileron stick to the right, the right aileron should rise, the left aileron
fall. When you move the throttle stick forward, the motor should run at full power.
All that remains is to wish you many hours of pleasure flying your ELEKTRO KADETT!
Yours - the Graupner team.
GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
We reserve the right to introduce modifications. No liability for printing errors. 03/2006
Made in Vietnam