HobbyZone Aerobird Challenger User manual

HobbyZone®products are distributed exclusively by
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
©2003 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
www.hobbyzonesports.com
5723
HBZ3515
605482 16030 5
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 42

Welcome
to the World of
Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.
Be sure to read the warranty
on page 38 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 35 before you
proceed to Step 1.
The Pro Mode changes the Aerobird Challenger’s characteristics,
and allows more aggressive maneuvers for those who want it!
See page 26 for more on Multi Mode.
The Aerobird Challenger is also equipped with HobbyZone’s
exclusive X-port™ feature. This allows the attachment of exciting
accessories, including the Sonic Combat Module (HBZ4020) for
air-to-air and air-to-ground fighting, and the Aerial Drop Module
(HBZ6023), which allows items such as the parachute jumper
and streamer bombs to be dropped. See page 31 for more on
the X-port.
Be sure to read the warranty on page 38 and "Success Tips"
on page 36 before you proceed to Step 1.
Your Aerobird Challenger™adventures are about to begin. In
order to have a safe and successful experience, we’d like you
to do a couple of things first: watch the instructional Video
CD and read and follow the directions carefully.
While easy to fly, the Aerobird Challenger may be more than
the first-time pilot can handle. If you haven’t flown one of
HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 airplanes or any other radio
controlled aircraft, we recommend you seek the help of an
experienced radio control pilot during your beginning flights.
Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
The Aerobird Challenger is equipped with some
exciting features, including a Multi-Mode Flight Control
system. The computer onboard the plane is programmed
with two flight modes. The default Sport Mode is great for
pilots transitioning from 2-channel planes and for those who
want a more relaxed flying experience.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 2

2. Once you're satisfied that the wing is centered,
attach the wing using the 6 rubber bands
provided. Stretch two of the rubber bands from
the front to the rear attach points. Stretch the
next two diagonally across the middle. Stretch the
last two rubber bands from the front to rear attach
points as you did with the first two. Once the
rubber bands are in place, confirm the wing is
securely attached.
3. Before each flight, make sure the front and
trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered
on the fuselage.Rc
Step 2
5
Step 1
4
Mounting the Landing Gear
1. Insert the landing gear into the slot on bottom
of the fuselage.
Note: When flying without X-port™modules and
landing on grass, it is not necessary to have the
landing gear installed.
Attaching the Wing
1. Center the wing on the fuselage by aligning
the center dot on the wing with the fuselage
top seam and by centering the half circle on
the wing’s trailing edge over the fuselage
center.
1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down
with your thumbs, as indicated.
2. Install batteries. Use fresh 1.5V "AA" and watch
the polarity.
3. Replace the cover.
4. To test, switch on the transmitter—the LED should
glow brightly.
5. Replace the batteries when you hear
the low-battery alarm (beeping sound).
Needed for Step 1
8 "AA" Batteries (included)
Transmitter
Needed for Step 2
Rubber Bands (x6)
Main Landing Gear
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 4

Step 3
7
Step 2
6
Motor TestWing and Landing Gear Attachment continued
1. Be sure throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Turn the transmitter on.
3. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug
in the connector.
4. The Aerobird Challenger™has a built-in throttle
arming feature, which needs to “see” the throttle
slider in the Off position before it will spin the
propeller. First, keep all objects clear of the
propeller. Advance the throttle forward and the
propeller will start to turn. Since most batteries
come partially charged, the propeller should spin
at high speed. The throttle arming feature will
need to be activated each time the battery is
plugged into the airplane. (If the motor does
not run, proceed to Step 4: “Charging the
Aircraft Battery.”)
5. When finished with the motor test, be sure to
disconnect the battery first then turn off the
transmitter.
Attaching the Tail Wheel
• Installation of the included tail wheel is optional.
If added, be extremely careful to adjust the
tail screws and tail to their original positions.
Adult Supervision Required
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller
and hold the plane securely. A moving propeller
can cause severe injury.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 6

Step 4
9
Step 4
8
Charging the Aircraft Battery continued
DC Peak Detect Charger Features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2 amp charge rate
• Trickle charge
• Automobile 12V power outlet DC adapter
• HobbyZone®large battery pack connector
• Charges Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs
• LED charge indicator
Charging HobbyZone Ni-MH Battery Packs
1. Using the dial indicator on the side of the charger,
set the charge rate as indicated in the chart below.
2. Connect the battery pack to the charger.
3. Connect the charger to the 12V power outlet in
your automobile. The LED will continually blink
slowly while the battery charges.
4. Charging is finished when the LED indicator
glows steadily
Note: If you purchase the connector adapter
(HBZ1027), you can use your peak charger to
charge other HobbyZone airplane and boat
batteries. Use the charge rates from the chart
at the left.
Note: Damage to the charger and battery pack
will occur if you exceed the maximum charge
rates recommended in the chart.
Safety Precautions
Do not leave the battery and charger unattended
while in use. While charging, place the battery on
a heat resistant surface and constantly monitor
the temperature of the battery pack. Do not allow
children to charge batteries unless they are super-
vised by a responsible adult.
Battery Capacity Maximum Typical
Charge Rate Charge Time
Aerobird Challenger
900mAh 7.2 and 8.4V Ni-MH 1.2 amps 40 minutes*
Other HobbyZone Batteries
600mAh 4.8 and 6.0V Ni-MH 0.8 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
300mAh 6.0V Ni-MH 0.4 amps 40 minutes*
Requires connector adapter (sold separately)
* Above charge times are only estimates. Actual charge
times may vary.
Charging the Aircraft Battery
This charger uses a unique peak detection circuitry that
ensures an accurate charge every time and protects
your Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries from the dangers of
over-charging. This charger continually monitors the
battery’s charge curve and automatically stops charging
when the peak charge is detected. The peak detection
charger will help avoid damaging Ni-Cd and
Ni-MH cells.
Important:
The Aerobird Challenger™battery should be charged
shortly before flying.If you charge the battery 12 to
24 hours prior to flying, you will need to “re-peak”
the battery before you fly by repeating the steps
on page 9.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 8

Step 5
11
Tail Control Test continued
Step 5
10
Moves Up
Moves Up
Moves Down
Moves Up
Pull Back for
“Up” Elevator
Push Forward for
“Down” Elevator
Tail Control Test
Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller
before starting the control test in the event that
you accidentally turn on the motor.
1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Switch on the transmitter–check to make sure the
LED is lit, indicating the transmitter has power.
3. Install battery in fuselage and plug in
connector.
4. Move the stick side to side. The tail flaps
should move as shown on the following page.
5. Move the stick up and down. The tail flaps
should move as shown on the following page.
6. The small lever under and to the side of the
control stick are the trim levers and are used to
adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick.
It’s very important that this lever is centered
when performing these control tests.
7. If each flap is not level with the rest of the tail
surface when the trim levers are centered,
adjust the control lines so they are level
(see pages 12 and 24).
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 10

Step 7
13
Step 6
12
Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field
•Alarge, open grass field is required. The
Aerobird Challenger™flies approximately
20 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger
the field, the better!
•It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of
300 feet of clear space in all directions from
the pilot. If you ignore this direction, you will
regret it.
IMPORTANT: Do not fly over or near people,
buildings, power lines, highways, train tracks,
vehicles, trees, water, pavement, gravel, any hard
surface or any object you don't want to crash into.
Please take this warning seriously to keep people,
property and your Aerobird Challenger safe.
Crash damage is not covered by the warranty.
Making adjustments—Leveling the Tail Control Flaps
Before making your first flight, if tail control flaps
are not level with rest of tail surface, adjust them
so they are level by doing the following:
1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Turn the transmitter on, plug in the aircraft
battery and center the right control stick and
trim levers.
3. Use your fingers or a small flat screwdriver to
turn the slotted spool on the control horn.
Depending on the direction you turn, this will
lengthen or shorten the control line.
4. While applying some tension to the control
lines, adjust until the control surfaces are level
with the rest of the surface.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 12

Step 9
15
Step 8
14
Range Test 1. One person holds the transmitter; the other
person walks 100 paces away with the aiplane.
2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the off position.
3. Extend transmitter antenna completely and turn
transmitter on.
4. Plug in airplane battery and close hatch cover.
5. As soon as you move the throttle slider forward
the propeller should spin quickly
6. As the first person moves the transmitter
controls at the same time, the other person
watches to be sure the airplane’s motor and
tail controls operate smoothly.
Warning: The person holding the airplane
should hold it so that the propeller does not
come in contact with any part of their body.
You will need two people to do the range test:
one to hold the transmitter and one to hold
the airplane.
If model does not range test correctly, do not
fly. Call Horizon Hobby Product Support staff
toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for directions on
how to proceed.
Choose a Calm Day
You want to fly! If you wait until the day is right,
you will have a successful flight. On your first
flights, do not fly if the wind is more than 7 mph!
To check wind conditions:
1. Tie the included red flag to the end of the
transmitter antenna.
2. Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna is
parallel to the ground and note how much
the flag moves in the wind.
• If the flag hangs down,
it’s good to fly.
• If the angle between the antenna and
the flag is less than 20˚, it’s too windy
for your first flights.
SUCCESS TIP: Flying in too much wind is by
far the #1 reason for crashes and/or lost planes.
Follow these guidelines to protect the
Aerobird Challenger™—you’ll be glad you did.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 14

Step 10
16
Hand Launch
1. On first flights, have a second person
(adult recommended) launch the Aerobird
Challenger™while the pilot controls with the
transmitter. Adult assistance is always recom-
mended with pilots 12 years of age or younger.
2. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
3. While holding transmitter in one hand, push
throttle slider to full on (up) with thumb.
4. Take a couple of steps and launch the model
directly into the wind. Keep the wings level.
Use medium force. Do not throw it up or down.
Point it level (parallel) with the ground when
releasing. Think of it as a javelin that you are
throwing 20 feet away.
WATCH OUT! Keep the spinning propeller away
from your hair, head and hands or injury may
occur.
IMPORTANT: Before launching, determine the
wind direction by watching which way the red
transmitter ribbon is blowing.
Step 11
17
Seek Assistance from an Experienced
Radio Control Pilot VERY IMPORTANT
The 3-channel control system is designed for the experienced
radio control pilot and is not intended for the first time flyer. If
you can successfully fly the HobbyZone® Firebird Outlaw™
Firebird™, Firebird II™, Firebird XL™, or Firebird Commander™,
then you should be ready for the Aerobird Challenger™. The
Aerobird Challenger can be controlled in a similar manner as
a 2-channel plane, such as the Firebird, Firebird II, or Firebird
XL, by simply limiting control stick movements to the left or
the right and using the throttle to ascend or descend.
However, first-time pilots of the Aerobird Challenger should
seek the assistance of an experienced RC flyer until the addi-
tional third channel, pitch control has been competently
mastered. Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
The flying characteristics of the Aerobird Challenger should
not be altered for your first flights. Once you are comfortable
flying the plane in the standard configuration, i.e. the out-of-
the-box configuration, only then should you attempt to change
the flying characteristics of the Aerobird Challenger by
changing hole positions in the control horns and adding
wing streamers.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 16

Step 13
19
Step 12
18
Flying 1. After launching, the Aerobird Challenger™will
begin climbing at full throttle. Keep the throttle
full on.
2. Make right and left adjustments of the control
stick to keep it flying straight into the wind.
Don’t attempt a turn until the Aerobird Challenger
reaches 50 feet of altitude.
3. Control range is 2500 feet. Don’t let the plane
fly too far away. Keep upwind, especially if wind
is over 10 mph, or the wind may carry it out of
sight and/or control range.
Turning
Move the stick in the direction you want the model
to turn. Avoid holding full right or full left for more
than 2 seconds, as this will cause the plane to spiral
dive and crash.
IMPORTANT: Don’t hold the stick to the right
or left full over for more than 2 seconds. This
can cause the model to spiral dive and crash.
Do not try to climb too steeply, as very little
UP elevator (pull back on stick) should
be required.
Runway Takeoff
(Not recommended for inexperienced pilots)
1. Stand behind the Aerobird Challenger™
and point it directly into the wind on smooth
asphalt or concrete.
2. Apply full power and adjust the right control
stick as necessary to keep the Aerobird
Challenger headed directly into the wind.
3. If battery is fully charged, your Aerobird Challenger
should lift off the ground in approximately 35 feet.
Apply some UP elevator by pulling the stick back,
and the plane will lift off the ground in a
shorter distance.
5723_HBZ(fb cllngr. manual) 5/28/03 5:00 PM Page 18