PARKZONE F-27 Stryker User manual

ParkZone™products are distributed exclusively by
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
© 2004 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
www.parkzone.com
6404
PKZ1205
605482 14170 0
6404

Instruction Manual
Charge-and-Fly™Park Flyer FM Radio: 3 proportional channels
Battery: 8.4V 900mAh Ni-MH
Charger: DC peak detect
Wing: Durable EPP foam
Wing Span: 37 in (950mm)
Length: 27 in (700mm)
Weight: 21 oz (580g)
Motor: 480 Power direct drive

F-27 Stryker Instruction Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the ParkZone™
F-27 Stryker™. Your Stryker has come with everything
needed to get you in the air—all in one box! You will
only need to attach the vertical fins, attach the nose,
and charge the battery prior to flight.
We at ParkZone are committed to giving you the
most enjoyable flight experience you can have.
In order to ensure a safe and successful flight,
we ask that you do not fly until you have read
these instructions thoroughly.
Your F-27 Stryker comes with a fully proportional
3-channel FM radio system with full control of throttle,
steering and pitch. If you have not successfully flown
one of HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 aircraft, or any other
radio controlled aircraft, we strongly recommend that
you seek the help of an experienced radio control pilot
during your beginning flights.
Crash damage is not covered under the warranty!
Your F-27 Stryker comes with special software that
gives you the ability to change flight modes as you
gain more experience and become more advanced
in your flying. There are two independent modes to
select from. This is done easily with a switch on
the transmitter.
Step 1
Step 2
Transmitter
1. Insert 8 new “AA” batteries (supplied) into the
transmitter, observing proper polarity.
2. Turn switch on to ensure the batteries have been
installed correctly. Once this is confirmed, turn
radio off.
2
Charging the Aircraft Battery
Your ParkZone 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 charge curve and automatically switches to
trickle charge when the peak is detected.
Important: The F-27 Stryker airplane 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 charging steps.

3
Step 2
Step 3
300mAh 6V Ni-MH .4 amps 40 minutes
600mAh
4.8V–8.4V Ni-MH .8 amps 40 minutes
900mAh
7.2V–8.4V Ni-MH 1.2 amps 40 minutes
BATTERY CAPACITY MAX. CHARGE RATE CHARGE TIME
Note: Charge times are
estimates only for fully
discharged battery
pack. Actual charge
times may vary.
continued
DC Peak Detection Charger Features:
• Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2 amps
• Trickle charge
• Uses automobile 12V power outlet
• Charges 4- to 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH
battery packs
• LED charge indicator
Charging the Aircraft Battery:
1. Using the dial on the side of the charger, select
the charge rate to 1.2 amps.
Battery Capacity: 8.4V 900mAh Ni-MH
Typical Charge Time: 40 minutes
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
while the battery charges.
4. Charging is finished when the LED indicator
glows steadily. You should also notice at this time
that the battery is warm to the touch.
Note: Damage to the charger and battery
will occur if you exceed the maximum charge
rate recommended.
Note: Do not leave the charger and battery
unattended during the charge process. While
charging, place the battery on a heat resistant
surface and constantly monitor the temperature
of the battery pack. If the battery becomes hot at
any time during the charge process, discontinue
charging immediately. Do not allow children to
charge battery packs without adult supervision.
Attaching the nose
1. Locate the nose inside the box.
2. Trial fit the nose without peeling the paper off of
the tape. This will give you a good idea of what the
fit will be like.
3. Peel the paper off the tape and carefully attach
the nose.
4. To add support, apply the included decals to the
side and bottom of the nose/fuselage

4
Step 5
Motor Test
1. Make sure the throttle slider is in the
“off” position.
2. Turn on transmitter.
3. Remove battery cap from top of the fuselage
(see above).
4. Plug the flight battery into the inside of
the fuselage.
5. Secure battery inside fuselage cavity and replace
battery cap.
6. Your F-27 Strykerhas a built-in throttle-arming
feature which needs to “see” the throttle slider
in the off position before it will spin the propeller.
Advance the throttle forward and the propeller
should spin at a high speed. The throttle-arming
feature will need to be activated each time the
battery is plugged into the airplane.
Attaching the vertical fins
You will need to attach the two vertical fins
to the fuselage. These fins will help to give the
F-27 Stryker™ stability.
1. Locate both fins from box.
2. Install the fins into the slots on fuselage.
Adult Supervision Required
WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller and
hold the plane securely. A moving propeller can cause
severe injury.
ON
OFF
Step 4
Note: Double-sided tape is on the
front edge of both fins. Peel the paper
from the tape in order to secure the
vertical fins into the fuselage.
Battery cap

5
Step 6
Elevon Test
Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller
before starting the control test in the event that you
accidentally turn on the motor.
Your F-27 Stryker™features two large elevons that
provide directional control.
To test the elevons to ensure they function correctly,
follow these simple steps:
1. Turn on transmitter.
2. Install and plug in fully charged aircraft battery. With
the stick at neutral and both trim levers centered, the
elevons should be at neutral. If this is not the case,
you can make small adjustments to the trim levers.
3. Give the transmitter full right on the stick. As you are
looking from the tail of the aircraft, the right elevon
should deflect upward, and the left downward
(in image 1).
4. Give the transmitter full left on the stick. The
left elevon should deflect upward and the
right downward.
5. Pull back on the stick and the elevons should both
deflect equally upward (in image 2).
6. Push forward on the stick and the elevons should
deflect equally downward.
If you encounter any problems with your F-27 Stryker
responding properly to the transmitter, do not fly.
Call Horizon Hobby’s Product Support staff at
1-877-504-0233.
Right Left
Elevator
Trim
Aileron
Trim

6
Step 7
Mode Change Flight Control System
Your F-27 Stryker™ is equipped with Mode Change
Flight Control™ software that allows you to choose two
ways to fly. A switch on top of the transmitter allows
you to easily select the desired mode.
Mode A. In this mode, you will be limited in the amount
of travel of the control surfaces (elevons), allowing for
smooth and more manageable control. We recommend
that you begin flying in this mode until you become
more familiar with the F-27 Stryker. A label on the
transmitter will show the position of the switch
(pushed back away from pilot) when in Mode A.
Mode B. The travel of the elevons are no longer limited.
This mode is absolutely ideal for extreme aerial combat
with an optional Sonic Combat Module™ (HBZ4020),
pylon racing, inverted flight and other outrageous flying
maneuvers. However, your F-27 Stryker will also be
much easier to crash in Mode B as well. This mode is
recommended for advanced pilots only. The transmitter
label will show the position of the switch (all the way
toward pilot when holding transmitter) when in Mode B.
Note: It is possible to change the flight modes during
flight. This should be done at higher altitudes.
Step 8
Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field
• A large, open grass field is required to fly your
F-27 Stryker. The Stryker can achieve speeds of up to
50 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger the
field, the better.
• It is essential to have a minimum of 300 feet of
clear space in all directions from the pilot. If you
ignore this direction, you will have problems.
• Make certain that you do not fly near trees, buildings,
or other areas that can restrict your view or interfere
with your flying.
Transmitter decal

7
Step 10
Range Test
You will need two people to perform the range test:
one to hold the plane and the other to give input to
the transmitter.
Warning: The person holding the plane should be
sure the propeller does not come into contact with any
part of their clothing or body.
1. One person holds the transmitter, while the other
person walks 100 paces away with the airplane.
2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the “off” position.
3. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and
turn the transmitter on.
4. Plug the airplane battery into the fuselage.
5. As soon as the throttle slider is advanced, 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.
Step 11
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. It is best to have HobbyZone®
Zone 2 experience. First-time pilots of the ParkZone™
F-27 Stryker™should seek the assistance of an experi-
enced RC flyer until the additional third channel
(pitch control) has been competently mastered.
Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.
Step 9
Choose a Calm Day
You want to fly! However, you need to make sure
that your initial flights especially are done with little
to no wind (less than 7mph).
To check wind conditions:
1. Tie the included red ribbon to the
transmitter antenna.
2. Hold the transmitter antenna so that it is
parallel to the ground and note how much the
ribbon moves in the wind. If the ribbon hangs
down, conditions are right to fly. However, if
the angle between the antenna and the ribbon
is less than 20 degrees, it is too windy to fly.
20º
100 paces

8
Step 13
Flying
1. After launching, your F-27 Stryker™ will climb
at full throttle. Keep the throttle full on until
you have reached an altitude of about 50 feet.
At this same time, make sure that you are
continuing to keep the airplane directed
into the wind.
2. Make right and left adjustments as necessary to
keep the plane headed directly into the wind.
After you have reached 50 feet of altitude, you
can begin to make directional changes that
you desire.
3. Use the trim levers on the transmitter to help
with trimming for level flight. If you still need
some additional trim adjustment to the elevons,
you can detach the clevis from the control sur-
face horn and turn the clevis in or out in order
to raise or lower the elevon until the desired
adjustment is made.
4. Remember—control range is 2,500 feet. Do not
allow the plane to get too far away from you. When
the plane is further in the air, it is harder to see and
the winds are stronger as well.
5. Always keep the plane upwind from you, so it
will not be carried away from you by the wind.
6. Flying in too much wind is by far the number one
reason for those who are inexperienced to crash or
have fly-aways.
7. Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the way
back on the stick (up elevator), or your plane may
enter into a stall. Climb by giving small amounts
of elevator.
8. Damage/bends to the wings or tails can greatly
affect flight control. Replace the damaged
parts immediately.
Step 12
Hand Launching the F-27 Stryker
1. Make certain that the aircraft battery is fully charged.
2. Make sure the throttle slider is in the OFF position
before turning on the transmitter.
3. Turn on the transmitter. Make certain transmitter
switch is on correct mode.
4. Plug in aircraft battery.
5. Place the fingers of your launching hand into the
molded place on the bottom of the aircraft.
6. With the power off, throw your F-27 Stryker™firmly
with a slight angle upwards, directly into the wind.
7. After throwing, immediately give full throttle.
8. Keep steering into the wind and hold at full throttle
until you have reached an altitude of at least 50 feet.
9. When you have reached this safe altitude, it is safe to
steer in the desired direction as well as adjust the
throttle input to help control altitude and speed.
WIND

9
Step 14
Throttle Adjustment
1. Climb to an altitude of 150 feet or more with full
throttle.
2. To achieve and maintain a level “cruising”
altitude, reduce the power by moving the throttle
slider down to approximately 50% of full-on. The
thottle slider is proportional, so you can add or
reduce throttle in small increments as needed to
maintain the altitude that you desire.
3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle.
4. To increase altitude, increase throttle.
Step 13 continued
Sharp Turns
In order to make a sharper turn, move the stick in
the desired direction and add some up elevator (pull
back on stick). The plane will make a sharper banking
turn.
Note: With the throttle slider set at low or off
(gliding), the plane will not turn as fast as when
you are flying at or near full throttle.
Sharp Turn
Throttle
Lever
Full
Throttle Reduced
Throttle
Approx. 50% Throttle
Full
Throttle
Off Full
On