miniature aircraft X-CELL Spectra-G User manual

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R/C HELICOPTER SAFETY
A radio controlled model helicopter is a technically complex device that must be built and
operated with care. It is also a fascinating and challenging part of the R/C sport, the mastery of
which is very rewarding.
A model helicopter must be built exactly in accordance with the building instructions. The kit
manufacturer has spent much time and effort refining his product to make it reliable in operation
and easy to build. The essentially bolt together construction can proceed quite rapidly, giving the
builder a strong sense of accomplishment that encourages hasty progress from one construction
phase to the next, so that the completed model can be more quickly seen and enjoyed. It is
essential to recognize and guard against this tendency. Follow building instructions exactly.
Vibration and stress levels are high and all fasteners and attachments must be secure for safe
operation.
Note that this is the first use of the word SAFETY in these comments. Previously the kit
manufacturers efforts to ensure reliable operation were mentioned. That is ALL that he can do.
Safe operation is the responsibility of the builder/flyer and starts with careful construction and
continues with selection and installation of reliable radio equipment and engine.
The need for safety is nowhere greater than at the flying field. A number of guidelines for safe
flight have been developed by experienced flyers and are set down here. It is urged that they be
read, understood and followed.
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE R/C HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Fly only at approved flying fields and obey field regulations.
Follow frequency control procedures. Interference can be dangerous to all.
Know your radio. Check all transmitter functions before each flight.
Be aware that rotating blades are very dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Never fly near or above spectators or other modelers.
If a beginner, get help trimming the model first, and flight training later.
Don’t “track” the main blades by holding the tail boom. This is a temptation to builders who
cannot hover yet and is very dangerous.
Follow all recommended maintenance procedures for model, radio and engine.
WARNING
This helicopter is not a toy, but a complex flying machine that must be assembled with care
by a responsible individual. Failure to exert care in assembly, or radio or accessory
installation, may result in a model incapable of safe flight or ground operation. Rotating
components are an ever present danger and source of injury to operators and spectators.
Since the manufacturer and his agents have no control over the proper assembly and
operation of his products, no responsibility or liability can be assumed for their use.

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X-CELL LIMITED WARRANTY
The warranty covers defects in material or workmanship or missing components to the original
purchaser for 30 days from the date of purchase. Miniature Aircraft, USA will replace or repair,
at our discretion, the defective or missing component. Defective components must be returned to
us prior to replacement.
Any part, which has been improperly installed, abused, crash damaged or altered by
unauthorized agencies is not covered. Under no circumstances will the buyer be entitled to
consequential or incidental damages. The components used in this kit are made form
special materials designed for special applications and design strengths. We recommend
that all replacement parts be original parts manufactured by Miniature Aircraft, USA, to
ensure proper and safe operation of your model. Any part used which was manufactured
by any firm other than Miniature Aircraft, USA, VOIDS all warrantees of this product by
Miniature Aircraft, USA.
WARRANTY PROCEDURES
Mail all warranty information within 15 days of original purchase date. If service is required,
send the component in question (if not missing) together with a photocopy of your bill of sale
and an accurate description of the problem and part. Ship components fully insured and prepaid.
Miniature Aircraft, USA is not responsible for any shipping damages. We will, at our discretion,
notify you of any costs involved, or ship it COD. You are required to pay all postage,
shipping and insurance charges.
X-Cell Spectra-G warranty registration
Please print or type, filling in the information listed below and mail immediately
Model No:____________Serial No:____________________Price paid:____________________
Owners name:_________________________________________Age______________________
Address:______________________________________________Phone:___________________
City:_________________________State:_______________________Zip:__________________
Purchased from:________________________________________________________________
Dealer’s address________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
MINIATURE AIRCRAFT USA
31713 Long Acres Drive
Sorrento, FL 32776
Phone [phone]
FAX [phone]

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X-CELL Spectra G-3D
(with Tempest head)
INTRODUCTION
These instructions apply to the Spectra G-3D Kit #1025
Congratulations! You have purchased a quick assembling, high quality helicopter kit ideally
suited for beginner through expert pilots. Please pay particular attention to each assembly step.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum five channel “helicopter” type radio with electronic swash plate mixing (eCCPM)
capability and three high quality servos (“digital” preferred due to their superior centering and
equality). You will also need a throttle servo. If you are using a governor, then select the servo
recommended by the governor manufacturer, otherwise use a good quality coreless servo.
A yaw rate gyro (basic or heading lock type) with a matched servo, to stabilize and assist in tail
rotor control. Select the unit best suited to choice of radio and budget- be aware that even a
beginner will appreciate the improved function of a top quality gyro, so choose wisely.
THE KIT PACKAGE
The kit includes detailed drawings showing all parts, part numbers, fastener information and
complete radio installation data. Metric hardware is used throughout with correct tensile strength
and heat treatment required for each position.
Each assembly step requires that only it’s corresponding parts bag be used, avoiding confusion
between similar appearing parts and fasteners for subsequent steps.
Also included is a bag of spare hardware, Allen wrenches (hex keys) and certain other special
tools to assist in assembly.
TOOLS AND/OR MATERIALS REQUIRED
The following tools and materials are suggested to assist in building the kit:
Screwdrivers - small straight and Phillips
Plier’s - small regular, needle nose, and forceps
Hand drill with drill bits
Open end wrench’s - 5.5mm (7/32"), 7.0mm (9/32"), 8.0mm (5/16")
Dremel tool with sanding drum and carbide disk
Masking tape
Metric ruler

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Small hammer
Vinyl two-sided tape - 1/8" thick (M.A./USA p/n 3869)
Slow and fast setting Cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive
Heat gun
High quality synthetic grease (M.A./USA p/n 4707)
Light oil (teflon type M.A./USA p/n 4801)
Canopy finishing materials (described elsewhere in this document)
“C” clip pliers
The following are optional tools:
Ball link installation tool (M.A./USA p/n 0529)
5.0mm nutdriver (M.A./USA p/n 2957-1)
5.5mm nutdriver (M.A./USA p/n 2957-2)
7.0mm nutdriver (M.A./USA p/n 2957-4)
Flybar lock (M.A./USA p/n 0506)
Flybar alignment kit (M.A./USA p/n 0510-1)
Swashplate alignment tool (M.A./USA p/n 0513)
Pitch gauge (M.A./USA p/n 0526)
Custom hardened hex tools: 1.5mm (M.A./USA p/n 2985-1)
2.0mm (M.A./USA p/n 2985-2)
2.5mm (M.A./USA p/n 2985-3)
3.0mm (M.A./USA p/n 2985-5)
The following items are required or useful in the operation of any R/C helicopter:
A field charger for your various batteries.
Various selections of quality tools as used in the kit assembling steps.
Frequency flag displaying your radio frequency and color code (usually included with your
radio).
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) membership (for those individuals not residing in the
USA, a membership in the model aeronautics organization of your country should be pursued).
Membership in the AMA will grant you the right to fly at and participate in events around the
country which take place at registered AMA sites. Additionally, this membership provides
certain liability insurance to the modeler. More information can be had by calling 1-800-435-
9262 or visiting the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Please take the time to review all instructions and drawings before building the kit. Each step
will list bags, tools and parts required to proceed.
Any position calling for the installation of steel threaded hardware into non-locking threads will

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refer to the addition of Blue Locktite thread locker (included). Any position using steel hardware
into plastic will refer to the addition of slow Cyanoacrylate (CA) (not included) as a thread
locker. Always clean the threads with alcohol and use the locking material sparingly.
For individuals wishing to know, the following maximum torque values apply to metal-to-metal
positions on the model.
Bolt size NCM (metric) Inch/pounds (US)
M3 40.0 3.5
M4 70.0 6.2
This information is provided only for interest and in no way indicates that a torque wrench is
need to build the model.
When installing hardware into plastic, be aware that:
a) threads are forming, so hold the item straight while tightening.
b) you must stop tightening as soon as the flange or head contacts the plastic surface.
Frequently, the text will refer to items called “PEM” nuts. These are M2.5 and M3.0 threaded
steel inserts that are factory installed in both side frames and various frame channels used in the
kit. They are non-locking and require the use of Blue locktite on any related bolts or screws. Do
not attempt to remove them and avoid over-tightening hardware into them. They are quite secure
with only minimal tightening and Blue locktite.
ASSEMBLY SEQUENCE SUMMARY
Section: Subassembly:
I Building the rotor head
II Building the left main frame
III Installing the main shaft, main gear and front tail drive
IV Installing the right main frame
V Building the lower plate and installing the landing gear
VI Installing the fuel tank
VII Installing the swashplate, washout and rotor head assembly
VIII Building the tail rotor assembly
IX Building the tail boom assembly, boom supports and installation onto the main
mechanics
X Installing the radio system and pushrods
XI Preparing the canopy
XII Rotor blade selection
XIII Final mechanical and electronic set-up
XIV Final inspection

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XV Pre-flight information
XVI Starting and stopping procedure
XVII First flight adjustments
XVIII Troubleshooting guide
I. BUILDING THE ROTOR HEAD
Bags required: #1A, #1B, #1C, #1D, #1E, #1F, #1G and bag #9A
Tools or materials required:
Small Phillips screwdriver
Small hammer
Solvent (thinner or alcohol)
Loctite-Blue or Green
Slow cyanoacrylate glue (CA)
M1.3, 1.5, 2.5 and 4.0mm (2 each) Allen tools
“Q-Tip” cotton swabs or tissue
Needle nosed pliers or forceps
A few inch’s of masking tape
3/8" or similar socket with an O.D. of 14.0 to 16.0mm
Grease
Step 1: Installing the Flybar and Control Arms
Parts required:
Qty Part number Part description Found in bag
2 #0840-7 4mm Washer 1B
2 #123-20 Flybar support tube assy. 1A
2 #566-1 Flybar 11A
2 #0109 M3X8 Threaded balls 1B
1 #0572-7 Aluminum standoff 1B
2 #122-03 Flybar control arm 1B
2 #0063 M3X10 Socket head bolts 1B
2 #0067 M3X14 Socket head bolts 1B
2 #122-18 Threaded s/s Spacer 1B

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1 #0051 M3X3 Socket set screws 1B
Refer to drawings #1A and #1B
A) Select two #122-03 flybar control arms, two #0063 M3X10 socket head bolts, two #122-18
threaded s/s spacers, two #0572-7 aluminum standoffs and two #0109 M3X8 threaded balls.
Assemble each flybar control arm per the drawing. Tighten securely using blue loctite.
B) Note: Each flybar control arm #122-03 contains three optional positions. Generally, the
center hole will be used. But, if increased paddle control is desired, the inside hole may be used.
Or, if less paddle control is desired, the outer hole may be used.
C) Study the drawing for the orientation of each flybar control arm assembly. Select the flybar
#0566-1 and insert it into the flybar support tube assembly bearings on the rotor head block.
Visually center the flybar. Select one #0840-7 4mm washer and one flybar assembly. Slide the
washer followed by the arm onto the flybar, up to the bearing. Repeat this process on the
opposite side. Apply blue loctite to the two #0051 M3X3 socket set screws and instal one into
each control arm. Carefully measure the assembly until the lengths are equal and no freeplay
exists in and out of the head block. Align each flybar control arm until they are level with each
other, then securely tighten each set screw.
D) Select two #0067 bolts and temporarily thread each into holes provided near the base of the
head block. Note that even though the holes are threaded full depth, the bolts instal from the side
closest to the slot at each corner. Do not tighten until section VII step 2E.
Step 2: Installing the Bell Hiller mixers
Parts required:
Qty Part number Part description Found in bag
2 #0113 M3X10.5 Threaded double ball (long threads) 1C
2 #0597-1 M3 X 0.126" X 0.187 brass spacer 1C
2 #0109 M3X8 Threaded ball 1C
2 #0050-1 M2.5X3 Socket set screws 1C
2 #123-24 Pitch arms 1C
2 #0597-3 M3 X 0.186" X 0.188" Brass spacer 1C
2 #0115 M3X10.5 Threaded ball 1C
4 #106-02 M3X7X3 Flanged ball bearings 1C

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2 #0091 M3X16 Phillips bolt 1C
2 #0562-1 M3X0.09 Shim washer 1C
2 #123-26 Bell Hiller mixers 1C
Refer to drawing #1C
A) Press one #106-02 M3X7X3 flanged ball bearing into each #123-26 bell mixer. It is
recommended that the bearing be installed first in the same side of each mixer. A light amount of
green loctite is mandatory on the outer race of each bearing. Insert one #0587-3 brass spacer into
each bearing cavity opposite the installed bearing followed by another #106-02 bearing in the
opposite side of the bearing cavity in the Bell mixer.
B) Install one #0109 threaded ball and one #0115 threaded ball into each Bell mixer using blue
loctite. Tighten securely.
Notes about mixing ratios and setup:
The Bell mixers, flybar tube and pitch arms offer various mixing ratio options. The
following guides will help you select these options.
Bell mixers: The Bell mixers may be installed on the pitch arms in one of two positions:
Position one: Raised bearing boss side facing away from the pitch arm.
Position two: Raised bearing boss side facing the pitch arm.
Flybar tube: The flybar tube offers two threaded hole positions on each end of the tube for
location of the double threaded balls:
Position 1: Inside holes
- Increased flybar input
- Increased pitch to flybar
- Identical ratio as standard Extreme rotor head
Position 2: Outside holes
- Medium flybar input
- Medium pitch to flybar
The following mixing ratios are possible with the combination of positions chosen:

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Bell mixer mounting
location Flybar tube control ball location
Inside hole Outside hole
Position 1 1:0.61 1:0.56
Position 2 1:0.62 1:0.58
Table 1: Head input mixing ratios
Pitch arms: Each pitch arm has three threaded hole positions for mounting the Bell mixers. The
center hole is zero offset. The left hole (closest to the main shaft) is negative offset. And the right
hole (furthest from the main shaft) is positive offset.
Position 1: Zero offset
- Neutral corrections due to wind influence.
Position 2: Positive offset
- Slightly improved high speed tracking
Position 3: Negative offset
- Improved hovering characteristics in the wind.
Note: The pitch arm offset is a pilot preference. This may vary due to combinations of blades
and head speeds chosen. Choose by trial and error.
C. Select two #0113 threaded double balls and two #0587-1 brass spacers. Install a brass spacer
on each double ball and apply blue loctite to the exposed threads. Install one prepared double
ball into the chosen position on the flybar tube. Repeat for the opposite end of the flybar tube.
Tighten securely.
D. Using blue loctite, install each Bell mixer onto the #123-24 pitch arms with one #0091
M3X16 Phillips bolt and one #0562-1 M3 X 0.09" shim washer. Each unit should pivot freely
after tightening. As a safety precaution, install one #0050-1 M2.5X3 socket set screw into the top
side of each pitch arm at the chosen offset mounting hole location of the Bell mixers.
Step 3: Installing the upper head block assembly
Parts required:
Qty Part number Part description Found in bag
1 #122-14 Upper head block 1A