HobbyZone Firebird Outlaw User manual

Instruction Manual
TM
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Welcome
to the World of
Congratulations! You have the easiest flying radio control airplane ever: the Firebird OutlawTM from HobbyZone®. Our
mission at HobbyZone is to make sure you have success with the Firebird Outlaw—to have safe fun and learn a few things along the way. You’re going to be surprised how easy it is to fly this radio control airplane. There’s one catch, though. You gotta’ read and follow the directions! Ready to get started? So are we. Let’s go! First, watch the included instructional video cd to make assembly and flying of the Firebird Outlaw even easier.
Remember, crash damage is not covered under the warranty. Be sure to read the warranty on page 25 and “Warnings and Safety” on pages 21–22 before you proceed to Step 1
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Transmitter •To test, switch on the transmitter—the
LED should glow brightly.
•The LED wil flash when the battery
needs to be replaced.
•Remove battery compartment cover,
replace battery and replace cover.
Needed for Step 1
9V battery (preinstalled in your transmitter)
Back
On
Step 1
4
Switch
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Wing and Landing Gear Attachment Mounting the Landing Gear 1.Insert the landing gear into the slot on
the bottom of the fuselage.
Attaching the Wing 1.Center the wing on the fuselage by
aligning the center dot on the wing’s leading edge with the fuselage seam and by centering the half circle on the wing’s trailing edge over the fuselage center seam.
2.Secure the wing in place with two
rubber bands.
3.Before each flight, make sure the
leading and trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered on the fuselage.
Needed for Step 2
Rubber Bands (x2) Landing Gear
Step 2
5
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Motor Test and Battery Discharging
Note: If the flight battery is too low on power, the throttle stick may not function, and the steering may or may not function. If this is the case, proceed to “Charging the Airplane Battery.”
1.With the control sticks in their center
position, turn the transmitter on. Do not touch the sticks for two seconds while the onboard computer calibrates the controls.
2.Install the flight battery in the fuselage
slot and plug in the connector.
3.The Firebird OutlawTM has a throttle-
arming feature. If you were to plug in the battery with the transmitter throttle on, the motors would not run. The receiver must see the throttle at center before it will arm the motors. The throttle-arming feature will be activated each time the battery is plugged into the airplane.
ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propellers. A moving propeller can cause injury.
4.Push the throttle stick forward to run
the motors at high speed until the throttle shuts off in order to fully discharge the battery. If there is not enough charge in the battery to power the propellers, then proceed to the next page.
5.When finished with the motor test, be sure
to disconnect the flight battery first, then turn off the transmitter.
Step 3
6
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Charging the Airplane Battery
Note: Never charge a hot battery or a battery that is already charged. Always discharge before every charge. See Step 2 (page 6) for instructions on discharging.
Important: For best performance, the Firebird Outlaw battery should be charged shortly before flying. If it has been longer than 24 hours since fully charging, give the battery a “booster charge” by charging it for an extra 20 minutes prior to flying. Do not leave the battery unattended during the booster charge. Or discharge the battery and charge it again.
•The charger supplied with the Firebird
Outlaw has a built-in timer. Plug the battery into the charger, then plug the charger into the wall. The LED indicator should glow constantly. After about 21
-
2hours, the LED will turn off. At
this time the battery is charged and ready to use.
•To charge another battery, the charger
must be unplugged from the wall to reset the timer (then start over).
Step 4
7
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Steering Control Test
WARNING: Keep everything clear
of the propellers before starting the control test because the propellers will spin.
1.Switch on the transmitter—make sure
the LED is lit, indicating the transmitter has power. Do not touch the sticks for two seconds while the controls calibrate.
2.Install the flight battery in fuselage and
plug in the connector.
3.Hold the plane securely by the tail
boom, making sure everything is clear of the propellers.
Note: The Firebird Outlaw™ has propellers that spin in opposite directions to cancel problematic torque effects. It is normal for the propellers to spin in opposite directions.
45
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
6
4.Move the left stick forward. Both
propellers should spin rapidly.
5.Move the right stick to the right. The left
propeller should spin and the right propeller should not.
6.Move the right stick to the left. The right
propeller should spin and the left propeller should not.
Step 5
8
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Choose a Large Open Grassy Field
•The Firebird Outlaw™ flies approximately
18 mph, so it covers ground fast. A large, open grass area with soft ground is required, and 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. Flying the Firebird Outlaw in a more restricted space will most likely end in crashes and damage.
IMPORTANT: To keep people, property and the Firebird Outlaw safe, do not fly over or near people, buildings, power lines, highways, train tracks, vehicles, trees, water, pavement or other hard surfaces and objects. Crash damage is not covered by the warranty.
Step 6
9
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Choose a Calm Day
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 Firebird Outlaw—you’ll be glad you did.
•On your first flights with the Firebird
Outlaw™, do not fly if the wind is more than 5 mph!
•To check wind conditions: 1.Tie the included red flag to the end of
your 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.
3.If the flag hangs down, you’re good
to fly.
4.If the angle between the antenna and
the flag is less than 25°, it’s too windy for your first flights with the Firebird Outlaw.
You want to fly! If you wait until the day is right, you will have a successful flight.
1
2, 3
4
Step 7
10
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Range Test
•You will need two people to do the
range test: one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane.
1.One person holds the transmitter; the
other person walks 80 paces away with the airplane.
2.Extend the transmitter antenna
completely and turn the transmitter on.
3.Plug in the airplane battery and close
the hatch cover.
4.Advance the throttle, throttle back and
then advance the throttle once more.
5.As the first person moves both the
transmitter controls at the same time, the other person watches to be sure the airplane’s motors operate smoothly.
•If model does not range test correctly,
do not fly. Call Horizon Product Support staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for directions on how to proceed.
WARNING: The person holding the airplane should hold it so that the propellers do not come in contact with any part of their body.
Step 8
11
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Making Initial Adjustments-Leveling the Tail Trim Tabs
•Before taking your first flight, check to
see if tail trim tabs are level with rest of the tail surface. If not, adjust the trim tabs by gently flexing them until they are level.
Step 9
12
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Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff
WARNING: Keep the spinning
propeller away from your hair, head and hands or injury may occur.
IMPORTANT: Before launching, you’ll need to determine the wind direction by watching which way the red transmitter ribbon is blowing. Always launch straight into the wind.
Hand Launch (Best over a grass surface)
1.On first flights, have a second person
(adult recommended) launch the Firebird Outlaw™ while the pilot controls from the transmitter. Adult assistance is always recommended with pilots 12 years of age or younger.
2.Make sure the battery is fully charged. 3.Test the motors with full throttle to
make sure the battery is connected and the motors are armed.
4.While holding the transmitter in one
hand, push the throttle stick to full on (up) with thumb.
5.Take a couple of steps and launch model
directly into wind. Keep wings level. Use a light to medium force. Do not throw it up or down. Point it level with the ground when releasing. Keep holding full throttle and making steering corrections until safe altitude is acheived.
Step 10
13
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Hand Launch or Runway Takeoff
Runway Takeoff (If a smooth, hard
surface pointed into the wind is available) 1.Stand behind the Firebird Outlaw™ 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 Firebird Outlaw headed directly into the wind.
3.If the battery is fully charged, the
Firebird Outlaw should lift off the ground in approximately 35 feet. Keep holding full throttle and making steering corrections until a safe altitude is achieved.
Step 10
continued
14
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Flying
1.After launching, the Firebird Outlaw™
will begin climbing at full throttle. Keep 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 Firebird Outlaw reaches 50 feet of altitude.
3.Control range is 1500 feet. Don’t let the
plane fly too far away. Keep upwind, especially if wind is over 8 mph, or the wind may carry it out of sight and/or control range.
Turning 1.Move the stick in the direction you want
the model to turn. Practice making turns to the left and to the right. The amount you move the stick determines the tightness of the turn. You do not have to move the stick all the way over!
Step 11
15
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Throttle Adjustment
Note: The Firebird Outlaw has good maneuvering capabilities, regardless of the throttle position.
1.Push the throttle stick all the way
forward to make the Firebird Outlaw™ climb.
2.Once you’ve climbed to the desired
level, slowly ease back on the throttle stick until the plane stops climbing and flies level.
3.To descend, reduce or ease back on
the throttle.
No Throttle 50% Throttle Full Throttle
Step 12
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Landing
1.When you notice the Firebird Outlaw™
no longer climbs well under full power (normally after approximately 8 to 10 minutes), your battery is getting low, and it’s time to land.
2.Line the Firebird Outlaw up, heading
directly into the wind toward the desired landing spot. You can descend with the throttle mostly off, and apply a bit of power and steering to adjust you touchdown point. At about 2–3 feet high, let go of the control sticks to stop power to the propellers, the Firebird Outlaw will glide in for a landing.
Smart Auto Cut-Off Feature •When motor battery gets low enough,
this feature will automatically shut off the motor throttle function and save enough battery to power the radio and steering function so you can land safely. If the throttle cuts off, prepare to land immediately. For a safe landing, steer into the wind before touchdown.
WARNING: Do not attempt to catch
the airplane or injury may result. Be sure to turn motor off before you touch down or damage can occur to your wing and propeller. Always land directly into the wind.
2-3 Feet
Release Control Sticks
Step 14
17
At 2–3 feet, release control sticks
2–3 ft
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Making Adjustments-When the Firebird Outlaw Keeps Turning to the Left or the Right
If the Firebird Outlaw™ keeps turning to the right with the steering control stick at neutral:
1. Flex the outer left tail trim tab down
about 1/16" and flex the right tail trim
tab up about 1/16".
2. Test fly. 3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the
above procedure, adding 1/32" each time until it flies straight.
If the Firebird Outlaw keeps turning to the left with the steering control stick at neutral:
1. Flex the outer right tail trim tab down
about 1/16" and flex the left tail trim tab up about 1/16".
2. Test fly. 3. If it still flies to the right, repeat the
above procedure, adding 1/32" each time until it flies straight.
Important: If there is a bend (even a
small one) in the tail or wing or a tear near the flap area, it may be impossible to have correct flight control. Replace the damaged part immediately! See page 26 replacement parts list.
A
B
Step 14
18
A.
B.
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Making Adjustments to the Climb Rate
•If the Firebird Outlaw™ climbs too fast
with full throttle by climbing at a steep angle, stalling, and keeps repeating the sharp climb and stalling, do the following:
1.Flex both outer* tail trim tabs down
about 1/16” from their current position.
2.Test fly. 3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a
time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves the desired climb rate.
•If the Firebird Outlaw dives with full
throttle and will not keep flying, do the following:
1.Flex both outer* tail trim tabs up
about 1/16” from their current position.
2.Test fly. 3.Repeat the above procedure 1/32" at a
time until the Firebird Outlaw achieves the desired climb rate.
Step 15
19
Problem
1/16” 1/16”
1/16” 1/16”
Solution Solution
Problem
•NOTE: If adjusting the outer trim tabs isn’t enough to solve the problem, then adjust the inner tabs also.
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If a Crash Occurs 1.If you happen to crash and part of the
foam wing or tail surface breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces.
2.If damage is severe or if wing or tail is
bent, replace damaged parts immediately. See page 26 for a complete replacement parts list.
3.Check the tail trim tabs to make sure
they have not flexed out of alignment.
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•NOTE: If you ever need to replace your
Outlaw™ propellers, please remember there
is a left and a right propeller. The one that goes on the pilots left has a small (L) molded into its hub. The right propeller has a small (R) molded in its hub.
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