HobbyZone Aerobird Xtreme User manual

Instruction Manual
HobbyZone®products are distributed exclusively by
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
©2004 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
www.hobbyzonesports.com
6293
HBZ6515
605482 14265 3
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 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 Aerobird Xtreme™ is equipped with some exciting features,
including a Multi-Mode Flight Control system. The default Sport
Mode is great for pilots transitioning from 2-channel planes and for
those who want a more relaxed flying experience. The Pro Mode
changes the Aerobird Xtreme’s flying characteristics, and allows
more aggressive maneuvers for those who want it.
The Aerobird Xtreme is also equipped with HobbyZone’s exclusive
X-Port™ feature. X-Port lets you add exciting plug-n-play acces-
sories like the Sonic Combat Module™ (HBZ4020) for aerial combat
and the Aerial Drop Module™ (HBZ6023) that includes a parachute
jumper and two streamer bombs you can carry aloft and release.
Your Aerobird Xtreme™ 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
Xtreme 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 for your first few flights.
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 2

Step 2
5
Step 1
4
1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down
with your thumbs, as indicated.
2. Install the included “AA” batteries according to the
diagram in the battery compartment.
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 Attaching the Tail Your Aerobird Xtreme™ comes nearly ready to fly. You
simply need to attach the tail, wing, and landing gear
prior to flight.
To attach the tail:
1. Locate the fuselage and carefully remove from the packing carton. Use caution when removing the fuse-
lage. (Note: The tail is not mounted on the fuselage, but the control lines that exit the fuselage are
attached to the control surfaces of the tail).
2. Locate the two included screws that will mount the tail to the tail boom.
3. Be sure lines are not twisted and hold the tail in place.
4. Secure the tail as shown in diagram (a) using the two screws. Attach rubber bands on bottom of tail as
shown.
5. Turn on the transmitter and install the fully charged flight battery pack.
6. Make certain the control stick and trim levers on the transmitter are centered as shown in the diagram
on page 10.
7. With the radio system on and the transmitter stick at neutral, both tail
control surfaces should be level with the rest of the tail.
8. Give transmitter input. The control surfaces should react as illustrated
in the diagrams on page 11.
9. If you find that the control surfaces are not functioning properly (ie. too
much slack in the line, not level with the tail in neutral position) DO
NOT FLY. Instead, perform the following procedure:
a. Turn the transmitter on, plug in flight battery and center the right
control stick and trim levers.
b. Use your fingers or a small flat screwdriver to turn the slotted spool
on the control horn. Depending upon which direction you turn the
spool, this will lengthen or shorten the control line.
c. While applying some tension to the control line, adjust until the
control surfaces are level with the rest of the surface.
d. If the control surfaces react the exact opposite as shown in the dia-
gram on page 11, the lines have been reversed and will need to be
corrected.
a.
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 4

Step 4
7
Step 3
6
FASTER
OFF
FULLON
Motor Test
1. Be sure throttle slider is in the Off position.
2. Turn the transmitter on.
3. Install the battery and plug in the connector.
4. The Aerobird Xtreme’s built-in throttle-arming
feature will not allow the prop to spin until
the throttle slider has been moved to the Off
position first.
5. Keep all objects clear of the propeller, advance the
throttle forward and the propeller will start to turn.
The throttle arming feature will need to be
activated each time the battery pack is plugged
into the airplane. (If the motor does not run,
proceed to Step 5: “Charging the Aircraft Battery”)
6. When finished with the motor test, disconnect the
battery before turning off the transmitter.
During the motor test, make sure to keep everything
clear of the propeller and hold the plane securely. A mov-
ing propeller can cause severe injury. Adult supervision is
strongly recommended for those 14 and under.
Mounting the Landing Gear
1. Insert the landing gear into the slot on bottom
of the fuselage.
Rc
Attaching the Wing
1. Center the wing onto the fuselage by
aligning the molded dimples on the trailing edge
of the wing symmetrically with the top of the
fuselage when it is attached.
2. Once you're satisfied that the wing is centered,
attach it to the fuselage 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 the rear attach points as you did with
the first two. Once the rubber bands are in
place, confirm the wing is securely attached.
Needed for Step 2
Wing
Rubber Bands (x6)
Main Landing Gear
Wing and Landing Gear Attachment
Before each flight, make sure the front and trailing edges
of the wing are exactly centered on the fuselage. If the
wing is not centered properly, it is impossible to have
correct flight control.
Success Tip:
Safety First!!
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 6

Step 5
9
Step 5
8
Charging the Aircraft Battery continued
Charging HobbyZone®Battery Packs
1. When charging a stock Ni-Cd battery pack (HBZ6510),
completely discharge the battery prior to charging.
This will ensure that your battery will get a full
charge and will help prevent it from false peaking.
2. Using the dial indicator on the side of the charger, set
the charge rate as indicated in the chart below.
Success Tip
The Aerobird Xtreme™ battery should be charged
shortly before flying. If the battery sits for more than
12 hours prior to flying, you will need to “re-peak”
the battery before you fly by repeating the steps on
on this page. This will ensure you get the maximum
amount of flying time per charge.
Safety First!!
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 bat-
tery pack. Do not allow children to charge batteries unless
they are supervised by a responsible adult.
Battery Capacity Maximum Typical
Charge Rate Charge Time
Stock Aerobird Xtreme Battery
1700mAh 7.2V Ni-Cd 1.8 amps 55 minutes*
Optional Xtreme Battery
3000mAh 7.2V Ni-MH 1.8 amps 105 minutes*
*charge times are only estimates. Actual charge times may vary.
Charging HobbyZone Ni-CD and Ni-MH Battery Packs
The Aerobird Xtreme’s charger uses 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. During the charge cycle, it continuously
monitors the battery’s charge curve and automatically
stops charging when the peak charge is detected.
DC Peak Detect Charger Features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.5–1.8 amp charge rate
• Trickle charge
• Automobile 12V power outlet DC adapter
(with alligator clip adaptor)
• Tamiya-style connector
• Charges 6- and 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs
• LED charge indicator
1.6
1.8
1.8
.5A-1.8A
HBZ6519
.5
1.2
1.4
3. Connect the battery pack to the charger.
4. Connect the charger to the 12V power outlet in
your automobile. The LED will continually blink
slowly while the battery charges.
5. Charging is finished when the LED indicator
glows steadily.
NOTE: Your Aerobird Xtreme also comes with a
special adapter so you can power your charger with
a 12V power supply, or an automobile battery.
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 8

Step 6
11
Tail Control Test continued
Step 6
10
Moves Up
Moves Up
Moves Down
Moves Up
Pull Back for
“Up” Elevator
Push Forward for
“Down” Elevator
Tail Control Test
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. Each flap must be level with the rest of the tail
surface when the trim levers are centered. Adjust
the control lines until they are level.
Safety First!!
Elevator Trim
Rudder Trim
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 10

Step 8
13
Step 7
12
Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field
•Alarge, open grass field is required. The
Aerobird Xtreme™flies approximately
30 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 Xtreme safe.
Crash damage is not covered by the warranty.
Choose a Calm Day
To ensure success on your first flights, DO NOT FLY in
winds of more than 8 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 Xtreme™—you’ll be glad you did.
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 12

Step 10
15
Step 9
14
Range Test 1. One person holds the transmitter; the other
person walks 100 paces away with the airplane.
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.
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 XL™,
Firebird Commander™, or Aerobird Challenger™, then you
should be ready for the Aerobird Xtreme™. The Aerobird
Xtreme can be controlled in a similar manner as a 2-channel
plane, such as the Firebird XL or Firebird Commander, 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 Xtreme should seek the assistance
of an experienced RC flyer until they’ve mastered the pitch
function. Once again, crash damage is not covered under
the warranty.
The flying characteristics of the Aerobird Xtreme should not
be altered for your first flights. Once you are comfortable flying
the plane in the standard “out-of-the- box” configuration, only
then should you attempt to change the flying characteristics
of the Aerobird Xtreme by changing hole positions in the
control horns.
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 14

Step 11
16
Hand Launch
1. On first flights, have an experienced second
person (adult recommended) launch the Aerobird
Xtreme™while the pilot controls with the
transmitter. Adult assistance is always recom-
mended with pilots 14 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.
Launch firmly. 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.
Keep the spinning propeller away from your hair,
head and hands or injury may occur.
Step 12
17
Safety First!!
Runway Takeoff
(Not recommended for inexperienced pilots)
1. Stand behind the Aerobird Xtreme™ 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 Xtreme
headed directly into the wind.
3. If battery is fully charged, your Aerobird Xtreme
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 Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 16

Step 13
19
Step 13
18
Flying
Turning
Gently move the stick in the direction you want the model
to turn. Avoid holding full right or full left for more than
two seconds as this can cause the plane to spiral dive
and crash.
Sharp Turns
Move the stick in the direction you want to turn and
pull the stick back at the same time. The plane will
make a sharper banking turn. This is an advanced
maneuver and shouldn’t be attempted until you’ve
mastered the use of pitch.
Once you’ve reached a safe altitude, make right and
left adjustments of the control stick to keep it flying
straight into the wind. Never attempt a turn until the
Aerobird Xtreme reaches at least 50 feet of altitude.
Control range is 2500 feet. Don’t let the plane fly too
far away. Keep it upwind from you or the wind may
carry it away from you and out of sight and/or control
range.
Success Tip:
Flying continued Rudder Trim
If the Aerobird Xtreme™ seems to drift in one direc-
tion when the control stick is in the neutral (centered)
position, gradually move the trim control lever below
the control stick in the OPPOSITE direction of the drift
until the plane flies straight with the control stick at
neutral. See page 23 if additional adjustments are
needed.
Elevator Trim
The Aerobird Xtreme should have a steady, shal-
low climb at full throttle with the control stick in
the neutral (centered) position. If, however, the
Aerobird Xtreme seems to drift up or down when
attempting straight and level flight at reduced
throttle settings, gradually move the trim control
lever on the left side of the control stick in the
SAME direction of the drift until the plane flies
level with the control stick at neutral. See page 23
if additional adjustments are needed.
With the throttle stick set at low or off
(gliding), the plane will not turn as fast as
when the throttle is set on high.
Success Tip:
5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 18