Horizon Hobby SPARC! HOVER FLASH User manual

Sparc! is distributed exclusively
by Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
©2006
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts.
Not for children
under 3 years.
TM
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OWNER’S MANUAL
Keep these instructions for future reference as they
contain important information.
9469
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts.
Not for children
under 3 years.
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts.
Not for children
under 3 years.
TM
TM
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6
Safety First
CAUTION: TO AVOID BATTERY
LEAKAGE OF AA BATTERIES FOR
TRANSMITTER
• Use AA batteries for transmitter.
• Make sure the batteries are inserted
with correct polarity and follow the
toy and battery manufacturer’s
instructions.
• After use, remove the batteries from
the transmitter to store.
• Do not attempt to short-circuit,
charge, disassemble or heat batteries.
Do not dispose of batteries in re or
get them wet.
• If battery uid contacts your eyes, skin
or clothes, immediately wash them
with water and consult a doctor.
• Do not mix new and old batteries
together in the transmitter.
Precautions Before Flight
Depending on ight conditions or due to
improper control, ying a helicopter can
be hazardous, resulting in unforeseen
accidents such as bodily injury and
property damage. The helicopter
operator shall be held responsible for
such an accident.
WARNINGS DURING PLAYING
• After use, store the helicopter in a
place out of the reach of children 3
years old or younger.
• To avoid hazards from improper use,
this helicopter is not intended for
children under 12 years old. Adult
supervision is required.
• Make sure you have plenty of open
space in all directions. Fly the helicop-
ter in a safe area away from people,
pets, etc.
• Do not y the helicopter toward a per-
son; otherwise, an injury may occur.
• Do not store the helicopter near a
heater or any place where the
temperature rises (e.g., a closed up
car in summer).
• Do not y the helicopter on windy days
or in bad weather conditions.
• Fly the helicopter away from roads,
railways and power lines, and avoid
crowded and narrow areas.
• If the helicopter gets stuck in a tree,
building or power line, do not climb to
retrieve it. Contact the owner or the
power company in such a case.
• Do not bring your face or hands near
the rotor. For safety, you are recom-
mended to wear goggles.
• Do not use the helicopter if it is irrepara-
bly damaged.
• When the helicopter is in ight, adult
supervision is required.
• Do not touch charging terminals
(i.e., the metal part) on the helicopter
body and the charger.
• The helicopter is intended for outdoor
use only.
• Do not point the transmitter antenna
toward a person or animal’s head,
otherwise, an unforeseen accident
may occur. Also, do not bend
the antenna.
• Never attempt to disassemble or
modify the helicopter.
• Do not bend or pull the components
with a strong force.
• Do not operate the helicopter with the
main rotor locked.
• Do not drop or smash the batteries,
transmitter or charger. Otherwise, the
charging port, charger, batteries or
transmitter may be damaged.
• When charging is complete, remove
the charger connector from the charg-
ing port on the helicopter, then unplug
the charger from the wall outlet.
• Check if a nearby transmitter is pro-
ducing interference or signals with the
same frequency. In such a case, move
to another place or wait until the other
RC user has nished operating his/her
vehicle.
Precautions
Handling of Li-Po Batteries
and Charger
This product contains a high-perfor-
mance Lithium Polymer battery. The
battery features large capacity and high
voltage and has a lightweight design,
which is best suited for use in RC heli-
copters. Because of the extremely large
energy content, be sure to handle the
battery with care.
CAUTION: TO AVOID BATTERY
LEAKAGE OF BUILT-IN LI-PO
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
• Charge batteries following the
battery and charger manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Charge batteries with the included
charger BEFORE the rst use.
• Do not charge batteries with a charger
other than the one included.
• Do not charge batteries, other than the
built-in Li-Po battery, with the included
charger or use the charger as the
power source for other equipment.
• Do not charge batteries within the
reach of small children.
• Do not drop or smash the batteries or
the charger during charging.
• Do not recharge a Li-Po battery that
is already fully charged or the battery
may be damaged. Li-Po batteries have
a low natural discharge rate and do not
require recharging in the rst one or
two hours after a charge.
• When charge is complete, unplug the
charger from the wall outlet.
• After use, be sure to turn the switch
off. Failure to do so may adversely
affect the batteries, resulting in a
disabled charge.
• Do not short-circuit battery terminals,
or the battery may swell and get hot,
leading to re.
• Do not heat, disassemble or modify
batteries. Do not dispose of batteries
in re or allow them to get wet.
• Do not use, store or charge batter-
ies in a place near a heater, or in high
temperature or humid conditions.
• When the run time of the battery
becomes shorter and shorter, it is
most likely time to replace the battery.
Battery Disposal
Instructions
The built-in Li-Po battery, when used
under normal conditions, is capable
of approximately 200 charge/discharge
cycles.
THIS PRODUCT USES A
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY
AND MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Contact your local area ofce of solid
waste management or other appropriate
local agency for information. Do not
attempt to disassemble the battery
before disposal.
Precautions
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7
Please check the headings I - V with
the diagrams on pages 2, 3, 4, 5.
I. CONTENTS & FEATURES
This kit includes:
A. Hoverash x 1
B. Transmitter x 1
C. Charger x 1
D. Transmitter antenna x 1
* The product shown in the gure
may differ slightly from the actual
product.
1Hoverflash
1Stabilizer
2Main rotor
The rotor has a play structure for
safety, but is not completely xed.
When the rotor starts rotating, the
centrifugal force acts on the rotor,
allowing it to operate normally.
3Tail rotor
4LED lamp (on top)
5Body
6Antenna
Do not cut the antenna rods.
77.4V Li-Po battery (embedded)
8Skid
9Charging port / Power switch
(at the bottom)
2Transmitter
Front
1Antenna
2Elevator Stick
3Switch
4Rudder trim
5Throttle stick (up/down),
Rudder stick (left/right)
Rear
6Battery Door
II. INSTALLATION
1Transmitter Antenna Installation/
Removal
1Antenna Installation
Turn the antenna clockwise to screw
it into the transmitter body. Securely
screw it in place, or a malfunction
may result from having a loose
antenna connection.
2Antenna Removal
Turn the antenna counterclockwise
to remove it. When housing the an-
tenna, retract it from the root rib to
avoid bending the antenna rod.
3Transmitter Battery Installation
Use eight AA batteries for the
transmitter.
1Slide open the BATTERY DOOR in
the direction shown in the gure.
2Insert AA BATTERIES with the
polarity (+/-) as shown.
3Replace BATTERY DOOR.
* When the capacity of the batteries
becomes low, Power LED lamp
changes from steady to blinking.
You need to replace the batteries,
or a malfunction may occur due to
shortened operating distance.
III. BUILT-IN BATTERY CHARGING
INSTRUCTIONS
Adult Supervision Required
A rechargeable battery is built into the
helicopter body. Be sure to charge the
battery before you use it. The built-in
Li-Po battery, if not handled properly,
may explode, cause burns or catch re,
resulting in a serious accident.
Read “Handling of Li-Po Batteries and
Charger” and handle the battery
properly.
1Set the power switch of the
helicopter to “OFF”, insert the
charger connector to the charging
port on the helicopter, then plug the
charger into a standard wall outlet.
1-1 Charging port.
2LED lamp on charger will light to
show the charger is operating.
2-1 LED lamp
3When charging is complete, the LED
lamp goes off. Remove the charger
connector from the charging port
on the helicopter, then unplug the
charger from the wall outlet.
* Battery charging time varies with
battery level. As a guide, it takes
approximately 1 hour when the
battery is near empty, or
30 minutes if it is half-empty.
Important:
To prevent overcharge of batteries,
do not re-peak a Li-Po battery that has
peaked. The battery, if not used to y
the helicopter, does not require charg-
ing in the rst one or two hours after
a charge.
IV. HOW TO FLY
1Preparation for Flight
1Turn on the switch on the helicop-
ter body, then the LED lamp will
start blinking. When the LED lamp
changes to steady, the helicopter is
ready for ight.
1-1 LED lamp
2Completely extend the transmitter
antenna.
3Turn on the switch on the transmit-
ter. Then, the LED lamp will start
blinking.
3-1 LED lamp (blinking)
4Move the throttle stick to the top
position, then to the bottom. The
transmitter is ready when the LED
lamp changes from blinking to
steady. (This procedure aims to
prevent misoperations.)
4-1 LED lamp (steadily lighting)
5Stay at least 4 or 5 m (10–15 ft) away
from the helicopter before ying it.
6Check safety of environment around
you. If no obstacles are present, you
are ready to y.
2Transmitter Functions
1Throttle stick (left) (Up/Down)
Moving the throttle stick up allows
the helicopter to ascend, and
moving the stick back makes the
helicopter descend.
1-1 Up
1-2 Down
2Rudder stick (left) (Left / Right)
Moving the rudder stick left allows
the helicopter to turn left, and
moving the stick right makes the
helicopter turn right.
2-1 Left turn
2-2 Right turn
2-3 Rudder trim
* If the helicopter rotates, adjust the
rudder trim to stop the rotating.
* Move the rudder trim right if the
helicopter rotates rightward, and
move the rudder trim left if the
helicopter rotates leftward.
3Elevator stick (right)
Moving the elevator stick up allows
the helicopter to y forward.
3Fly the Helicopter
Flying an RC helicopter is an exciting
and challenging experience, and
requires some practice. Be sure to
use gentle controls on the radio so
that you can get used to the way the
helicopter responds. Take your time,
and make sure you y in an area with
plenty of space. In the beginning, it
is important that you focus on mak-
ing small movements on the control
sticks of the transmitter. As you get
more comfortable with the way your
helicopter ies, you will be able to
use the full range of controls. If you
have never own an RC helicopter
before, we recommend that you
have an experienced RC pilot
present during your rst few ights.
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8
1Slowly move the throttle stick (left)
up to make the helicopter take off.
When the helicopter is slightly
oating, slowly move the stick back
to make it land. Gradually increase
the height as you get accustomed
to the controls, and adjust the stick
up and down to get the feeling of
hovering.
* To move the helicopter down, move
the throttle stick back more slowly
than when moving the helicopter up.
* The throttle stick should be moved
in small increments of a few
millimeters. For this operation,
proper training is required.
As a feature of a contra-rotating rotor
helicopter, hovering can be achieved
rather easily.
1-1 Up
1-2 Down
2When the helicopter reaches
hovering, make it rotate at its
position. Move the rudder stick (left)
of the transmitter left or right to
change the direction of the
helicopter. If the helicopter rotates
by itself, adjust the rudder trim to
stop the rotating.
2-1 Left turn
2-2 Right turn
2-3 Rudder trim
3When you get accustomed to the
control of hovering and rotating,
move the forward stick (right) on the
transmitter up to y the helicopter
forward. The helicopter keeps ying
forward while the stick is moved
up and held in position. To stop it,
move the stick back. The helicopter
cannot smoothly y forward while it
is rotating. Stop the rotating before
ying the helicopter forward.
If you are comfortable with steps 1 to
3, try to conduct two operations at the
same time. After that, you can freely
y the helicopter by conducting any
combination of operations.
Important:
If the helicopter crashes, immediately
move the throttle stick (left) back,
otherwise damage may result from
idling the main motor.
4After use, turn off the switch on the
helicopter, then turn off the transmit-
ter. Be sure to retract the transmitter
antenna.
Important:
This helicopter is equipped with a
feature for monitoring the charge level
of the built-in battery. The LED lamp
blinks if the charge level becomes low.
Turn off the switch when the LED lamp
starts blinking. Failure to do so may
adversely affect batteries, resulting in
permanent damage.
V. FLIGHT LOCATION
AND CONDITION
Flight Location
Check that there are no obstacles
around the ight location before ying
the helicopter.
• Fly the helicopter in a safe area away
from roads, other persons and
animals, trees, buildings, overhead
power lines and other obstacles.
• Check that there are no such
obstacles in the surroundings
before ying the helicopter.
Flight Condition
Fly the helicopter on warm days and
calm conditions, since performance
may lag in low temperatures. Avoid
locations exposed to wind, otherwise
the helicopter may become uncontrol-
lable. Do not y the helicopter in bad
weather (heavy thunderstorms, rain,
sleet, snow, etc.).
Important:
• Ensure that a nearby transmitter does
not produce interference or signals
with the same frequency.
• Always supervise the helicopter
in ight.
• Adult supervision is required when
children 12 and older are ying the
helicopter.
• The helicopter is intended for outdoor
use only.
VI. MAINTENANCE
Care and Service
• The life of the helicopter can be
extended with daily care. Wipe
the helicopter clean if dust builds up
and check for any loose parts.
• The helicopter body is made of
polystyrene foam. If damaged, use
scotch tape or suitable adhesives
to repair.
• Never use instant glue which will
make the polystyrene foam dissolve.
• The helicopter may lose balance and
not y correctly if broken.
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9
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Points To Check When Helicopter Operates Abnormally.
• Make sure the power is on.
• Make sure the main battery and the transmitter batteries have sufcient charge.
• Check that the transmitter batteries are inserted with correct polarity.
• Check that the antenna of the transmitter is not broken.
• Check that the distance between the transmitter and the helicopter does not exceed 20m/65ft.
• Check that a nearby transmitter does not produce interference or signals with the same frequency. In such a case,
move to another place or wait until the other RC user has nished operating his/her vehicle.
Replacement Parts
SPJ1001 Skid Set $3.99
SPJ1002 Rotor Blade Set $7.99
SPJ1003 Body Set $9.99
SPJ1004 Transmitter Antenna $5.99
SPJ1005 Transmitter Battery Cover $3.99
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10
Warranty Period
Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon)
warranties that the Products purchased (the “Product”)
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at
the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Limited Warranty
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser
(“Purchaser”) and is not transferable. REPAIR OR RE-
PLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY
IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER.
This warranty covers only those Products purchased
from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third party transac-
tions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of purchase
is required for warranty claims. Further, Horizon reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice
and disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT
NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE
PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE
HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL
SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy Horizon’s sole obligation
hereunder shall be that Horizon will, at its option,
(i) repair or (ii) replace, any Product determined by
Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these
are the Purchaser’s exclusive remedies. Horizon
reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment
involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This
warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage
due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
commercial use, or modication of or to any part of the
Product. This warranty does not cover damage due to
improper installation, operation, maintenance, or at-
tempted repair by anyone other than Horizon. Return
of any goods by Purchaser must be approved in writing
by Horizon before shipment.
Damage Limits
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN
ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER
SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY,
NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event
shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of
the Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has
no control over use, setup, nal assembly, modication or
misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any
resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or as-
sembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept
the liability associated with the use of this Product, you
are advised to return this Product immediately in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase.
Law
These Terms are governed by Illinois law
(without regard to conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated toy product and must be operated
with caution and common sense and requires some basic
mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to
the Product or other property. This Product is not intended
for use by children without direct adult supervision. The
Product manual contains instructions for safety, operation
and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly,
setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid
damage or injury.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot
provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup
or use of the Product has been started, you must contact
Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer
your questions and service you in the event that you may
need any assistance. For questions or assistance, please
direct your email to [e-mail], or
call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a service technician.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original
sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided
warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be
repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton.
Please note that original boxes may be included, but are
not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without
additional protection. Ship via a carrier that provides track-
ing and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon
is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is
accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is avail-
able at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you
do not have internet access, please include a letter with your
complete name, street address, email address and phone
number where you can be reached during business days,
your RMA number, a list of the included items, method of
payment for any non-warranty expenses and a brief sum-
mary of the problem. Your original sales receipt must also
be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your name,
address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside
of the shipping carton.
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair
should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or
concerns regarding this product or warranty.
WARRANTY
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11
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