ROBBE ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION User manual

Operating Instructions
ARROW PLUS
TRAINER EVOLUTION
RTF 2.4 GHz
No. S2521

Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Contents Page
Explanation of specialist terms / Contents 3
Safety Notes 4, 5
Set contents / Specification / Recommended accessories 6
Transmitter settings 7
Reduced and enlarged control functions 8
Converting the transmitter from Mode 1 to Mode 2 8
Charging the battery / Safety Notes 9
Flight preparations 10
Transmitter settings in Mode 1 or Mode 2 11
Binding the transmitter 12
Controlling the model 13, 14
The first flights 15
Replacement parts list 16, 17
Registered patents 18
Notes 19
Explanation of specialist terms:
Motor speed ("Throttle"):
This controls the model's climb and descent.
Yaw:
The model's movement around the vertical axis;
the helicopter rotates to right or left.
Pitch-axis:
The model's movement around the lateral axis,
forward or reverse flight.
Roll:
The model's movement around the longitudinal
axis, sideways movement to right or left.
Mode 1:
Function assignment of control movements relative
to the sticks.
In this case motor speed (throttle) and roll are
controlled by the right-hand stick; pitch-axis and tail
rotor by the left-hand stick.
Mode 2:
Function assignment of control movements relative
to the sticks.
In this case motor speed (throttle) and tail rotor are
controlled by the left-hand stick; pitch-axis and roll
by the right-hand stick.
Dual Rate:
Switchable travel reduction for control movements.
Binding:
Making the connection between transmitter and
receiver.
3
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Be sure to read these Safety Notes before you build your model.
Always keep to the procedures and settings recommended in the
instructions.
If you are operating a radio-controlled model aircraft, helicopter, car
or boat for the first time, we recommend that you enlist the aid of an
experienced modeller to help you.
Safety Notes
Radio-controlled models are not playthings in the usual sense, and young
persons under fourteen years must not operate them unless they are
supervised by an experienced adult.
Building and operating these models requires technical expertise, manu-
al skills, a careful attitude and safety-conscious behaviour.
Errors, negligence and omissions in building or flying these models can
result in serious personal injury and damage to property.
Since the manufacturer and vendor are not in a position to check that
your models are built and operated correctly, all we can do is bring these
hazards expressly to your attention. We deny all further liability.
Helicopter rotors, and all moving parts generally, constitute
a constant injury hazard.
It is essential to avoid touching such parts.
Bear in mind that motors and speed controllers may become
hot when operating.
It is essential to avoid touching such parts.
Do not stand close to the hazard area around rotating parts when
an electric motor is connected to the flight battery.
You should also take care to keep all other objects away from
moving or rotating parts.
Observe the instructions provided by the battery manufac-
turer.
Batteries may explode if overcharged or charged incorrectly.
Take care to maintain correct polarity.
Protect the equipment from dust, dirt and moisture. Do not subject the
system to excessive heat, cold or vibration.
Use the recommended charger only, and charge the batteries only for the
prescribed period.
Check your equipment for damage at regular intervals, and replace de-
fective components with genuine spare parts.
Do not re-use any devices which have been damaged in a crash or by
water, even when they have dried out again.
Send the equipment to the robbe Service Department for checking, or
replace the parts in question.
Crash or water damage can result in concealed defects which may lead
to failure in subsequent use.
Use only those components and accessories which we specifically rec-
ommend.
4
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Do not carry out modifications to the radio control system components
unless described in the instructions.
Operating the model
•Neveryoverortowardsspectatorsorotherpilots,andmaintaina 
safe distance from them at all times.
•Neverendangerpeopleoranimals.
•Neveryorrunthemodelclosetohigh-tensionoverheadcablesor 
residential areas.
•Donotoperateyourmodelinthevicinityofcanals,locksoropen 
waterways.
•Donotoperateyourmodelfrompublicroads,motorways,pathsand 
squares etc.; use authorised model flying sites only.
• Never operate your equipment in stormy weather.
Never “point” the transmitter aerial at the model when operating it, as the
transmitter signal is at its weakest in this direction. It is always best to
stand with the long side of the aerial pointing towards the model.
Insurance
Ground-based models are usually covered by standard personal third-
party insurance policies. To fly powered model aircraft you will need to
extend the cover of your existing policy, or take out specific insurance.
Check your insurance policy and take out new cover where neces-
sary.
Liability Exclusion
robbe Modellsport is unable to ensure that you observe the assembly and
operating instructions, or the conditions and methods used for installing,
operating and maintaining the model components.
For this reason we accept no liability for loss, damage or costs which are
due to the erroneous use and operation of our products, or are connected
with such operation in any way.
Regardless of the legal argument employed, our obligation to pay com-
pensation is limited to the invoice value of those robbe products directly
involved in the event in which the damage occurred, unless otherwise
prescribed by law. This does not apply if the company is deemed to have
unlimited liability according to statutory regulation due to deliberate or
gross negligence.
5
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on choosing a factory-assem-
bled model helicopter from our range. Many
thanks for placing your trust in us.
The model can very quickly be completed ready
to fly. Please read right through these instruc-
tions before attempting to fly the model for the
first time, as this will make it much easier to com-
plete the tasks required.
All directions, such as “right-hand”, are as seen
from the tail of the model, looking forward.
Specification:
Rotor diameter: 345 mm
Overall length: 425 mm
Weight: approx. 250 g
Main rotor motor: 370 type
Tail rotor motor: N 50
Power supply: LiPo battery, 7.4 V / 1000
mAh
Recommended accessories
8 x 8005 NiMH AA-cell, 1.2V / 2500 mAh
1 x F1415 Transmitter charge lead
1 x POWER PEAK®Uni 7 EQ 230V
Set contents:
1 x ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF
1 x 2.4 GHz transmitter
(Configuration ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF)
1 x Lithium-Ion-Polymer battery
1 x Mains PSU for battery charger
1 x Charger for Lithium-Ion-Polymer battery
Please be sure to observe the Safety Notes concerning
the handling of Lithium-Ion-Polymer batteries.
6
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Transmitter setting Mode 1: Transmitter setting Mode 2 (as supplied):
Tail rotor
control
and
pitch-axis
control
Pitch-axis trim
Tail rotor trim Tail rotor trim
Roll trim Roll trim
Throttle
control
and
Roll
control
Throttle trim
Select switch
Dual Rate
Select switch
Dual Rate
Roll
control
and
pitch-axis
control
Throttle
control
and
Tail rotor
control
Pitch-axis trimThrottle trim
Status indicator
Throttle
control
Status indicator
Rotational speed
Status indicator
Pitch-axis control
7
Status indicator
Pitch-axis control
Status indicator
Throttle
control
Dual-Rate status indicator Dual-Rate status indicator
Also: Status indicator of individual trim settings Also: Status indicator of individual trim settings
Status indicator,
selected mode
Status indicator,
selected mode
Status indicator
Tail rotor control
Status indicator
Tail rotor control
Status indicator, roll control Status indicator, roll control
Status indicator,
transmitter battery
Status indicator,
transmitter battery
Status indicator
Rotational speed
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

"Primary" and "expanded" control function setting
The transmitter offers the facility to adjust the sensitivity
of the stick movements. We recommend "softer" reduced
travels for beginners.
Open the transmitter battery compartment and insert the
eight fully-charged NiMH cells (check for correct polarity).
Switching sensitivity:
Switch the transmitter on.
Reduced control function:
Locate the toggle switch at top
right of the transmitter, and move it
down. The "Status indicator, Dual
Rate" point is reduced to half.
Enlarged control function:
Locate the toggle switch at top
right of the transmitter, and move
it up. The "Status indicator, Dual
Rate" point is shown in full.
Converting the transmitter from "Mode 2" (throttle
left) to "Mode 1" (throttle right)
The transmitter is supplied set to Mode 2 as standard. If
you prefer Mode 1 and wish to convert the transmitter to
that mode, use this procedure:
The transmitter must be switched off.
Open the central cover over the battery compartment in
the centre of the transmitter back panel: this is accom-
plished by squeezing both retaining clips together with two
fingers, and withdrawing the cover upwards.
The toggle switches located under the cover are used to
select Mode 1 and Mode 2:
Toggle switch up = Mode 1
Toggle switch down = Mode 2
You can now close the battery cover and switch the trans-
mitter on. The screen displays the new setting.
8
Status indicator,
selected mode
Dual-Rate status indicator
(see left)
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Connect the battery charger
to the mains PSU, and plug
the PSU into a mains socket:
the red monitor LED on the
charger lights up. Connect
the battery to the charger.
During the charge process
the green monitor LED on
the charger flashes. When the charge process is finished,
a beep sounds and the green monitor LED on the charger
glows constantly. Disconnect the battery from the charger,
and separate the mains PSU from the mains socket.
Using the charger to charge the flight battery Safety Notes regarding LiPo batteries:
•Donotplacethebatteryinwateroranyotherliquid.
•Donotheatorincineratethebattery;donotplaceit
in a microwave oven.
•Avoidshort-circuits,andneverchargethebatterywith 
reversed polarity
•Donotsubjectthebatterytopressureorshockloads,and
never distort or throw the pack.
•Neversolderdirectlytothebattery
•Donotmodifyoropenthebattery
•Batteriesmustonlybechargedwithasuitablecharger;
never connect the battery directly to a mains PSU
•Neverchargeordischargeabatteryinbright
sunlight, or close to a heater or open fire.
•Donotusethebatteryinareassubjectto
high levels of static discharge.
•Anyoftheseerrorscanresultindamagetothebattery,
explosion or even fire.
•Keepthebatteryoutofthereachofchildren
•Donotallowescapedelectrolytetocomeintocontact
with fire, as it is highly inflammable, and may ignite.
•Avoidtheuidelectrolytecontactingtheeyes.
If this should happen, flush with copious amounts of clean
water and contact a doctor without delay.
•Theuidelectrolytecanalsoberemovedfromclothing
and other objects by rinsing in plenty of water.
9
Safety Notes
Do not operate your charger and batteries on an inflamma-
ble surface, and do not leave the equipment running unsu-
pervised. Protect from damp. Do not subject the devices to
direct sunshine, and do not cover the charger.
Do not charge batteries that are hot to the touch. Allow
batteries to cool down to ambient temperature. Charge the
battery only using the charger included in the set; do not
use any other charger. The charger should only be used to
charge the battery included in the set.
LIABILITY EXCLUSION
Since robbe Modellsport is not in a position to monitor the
handling of these batteries, we expressly deny all liability and
guarantee claims where the batteries have been incorrectly
charged, discharged or handled.
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Flight preparations
Switch the transmitter on (Fig. 1). The battery status is displayed at the
top of the screen. Move the throttle stick and trim to the bottom position;
if you do not do this, the motors will not run. Open the battery compart-
ment cover on the underside of the fuselage, and insert the LiPo flight
battery into the frame on the helicopter, in the direction of the arrow.
Connect the LiPo flight battery (Figs. 2 to 4), taking care not to move
the throttle stick. This procedure must be carried out before every flight.
Note: the 2.4 GHz transmitter and receiver are supplied already bound
at the factory. It will only be necessary to bind the system again after a
repair, or if you exchange a component.
Correct procedure!
10
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 4Fig. 3
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Transmitter settings Mode 1
Throttle trim:
If the rotor starts to move without you
touching the throttle stick, or does not
respond to stick movements, you need
to adjust the throttle trim until the rotor
is stationary.
Tail rotor trim
If the model's nose turns to right or left
when it lifts off, adjust the tail rotor trim
buttons to correct the rotation until the
model maintains a stable heading.
Pitch-axis trim:
If the model flies forward or back when
it lifts off, adjust the pitch-axis trim until
it hovers over one point.
Roll trim:
If the model moves bodily to left or right
when it lifts off, adjust the roll trim until
the model remains in a stable hover.
11
Transmitter settings Mode 2
Throttle trim:
If the rotor starts to move without you
touching the throttle stick, or does not
respond to stick movements, you need
to adjust the throttle trim until the rotor
is stationary.
Tail rotor trim:
If the model's nose turns to right or left
when it lifts off, adjust the tail rotor trim
buttons to correct the rotation until the
model maintains a stable heading.
Pitch-axis trim:
If the model flies forward or back when
it lifts off, adjust the pitch-axis trim until
it hovers over one point.
Roll trim:
If the model moves bodily to left or right
when it lifts off, adjust the roll trim until
the model remains in a stable hover.
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Re-binding the transmitter
This procedure is only necessary after replacing individual components.
Move the throttle stick and trim to the bottom position (motor stopped).
Locate the horizontal trim switch below the right-hand stick unit on the transmit-
ter, press it to the left, and switch the transmitter on. Insert the LiPo flight bat-
tery in the compartment on the helicopter, and connect it. The transmitter screen
flashes, and you will hear a continuous warning beep; this process lasts about
five seconds. Do not move the model or the transmitter during this time.
Once the binding process is complete, the screen window reverts to normal dis-
play status, and the warning beep ceases.
This point is very important:
Do not move the model or the transmitter during the binding process.
Checking the working systems
Before the first flight it is important to set all the trims - except for the throttle trim - to
centre. The throttle stick must be in the "fully back" position (towards you). If the ro-
tor blades turn, adjust the throttle trim until the rotor blades come to a halt.
12
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Lift off:
Yaw left:
Pitch forward:
Roll right:
Controlling the model in Mode 1
Landing:
Yaw right:
Pitch back:
Roll left:
N
N
`a
`
a
Lift off:
Yaw left:
Pitch forward:
Roll right:
Controlling the model in Mode 2
Landing:
Yaw right:
Pitch back:
Roll left:
N
N
`a
`
a
13
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Preparations for the first flight
Ideally the first flight should take place in a
large indoor space devoid of obstructions.
If you have to fly the model in the open air,
wait for a day with totally flat calm condi-
tions.
Important:
Check the state of charge of the trans-
mitter batteries before every flight, and
recharge them when necessary.
It is essential to charge the flight bat-
tery before flying the model.
Swashplate control system Mode 1 = a
(As seen looking forward) Mode 2 = 
The left-hand servo
raises the left-hand
side of the swash-
plate when you move
the pitch-axis stick
up. If you pull the stick
back, the swashplate
is lowered.
The right-hand servo
raises the swashplate
on the right-hand side
when you move the
roll stick to the left. If
you move the stick to
the right, the swash-
plate is lowered.
14
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

Once the model is properly trimmed, you can practise hov-
ering, and carry out manoeuvres such as circles, squares,
rectangles and figures-of-eight.
dell
To avoid giving incorrect control commands, always stand
about two metres away from the model, behind it and to
one side.
You can fly a square pattern by alternating the direction
of flight: away from the pilot, to the pilot's right, and then
towards the pilot.
Tip: when the helicopter is flying with the nose point-
ing towards you, the functions are reversed (apart
from the throttle control).
Important Notes
Take-off: Raise the rotor speed slowly and steadily until the mod-
el is hovering approximately at eye-level. Adjust the trims until the
helicopter is hovering stably over one point.
At low height (approx. 10 - 15 cm above the ground) the model
cannot be trimmed accurately due to the turbulence generated
by the rotor.
Landing: Slowly and steadily reduce the throttle setting until the
model descends and touches down. Never reduce the throttle
setting abruptly.
After the landing disconnect the flight battery from the receiver,
and only then switch the transmitter off.
Caution: Blocking (obstructing) the rotor blades when they are
turning can cause serious damage to the mechanical system,
and may even result in a fire. If the rotor is forcibly stopped, im-
mediately move the throttle stick back to Idle!
Note regarding the flight battery: As soon as you notice a re-
duction in motor power, land immediately and disconnect the bat-
tery. Never continue flying until the battery is flat, as this causes
a deep-discharge condition which results in permanent damage.
Allow the battery to cool down before recharging it.
Replacing the rotor blades: If a rotor blade is damaged, replace
it immediately. When fitting the new rotor blade, tighten the retain-
ing screw just to the point where the blade still swivels smoothly.
Pilot Pilot Pilot
15
The first few flights
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

16
NE250401
NE250407
NE250413
NE250419
NE250402
NE250408
NE250414
NE250420
NE250403
NE250409
NE250415
NE250421
NE250404
NE250410
NE250416
S2521001
NE250405
NE250411
NE250417
NE250406
NE250412
NE250418
NE250424
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521
NE250425

Replacement parts list - ARROW PLUS
TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF
Order No. Description
NE250401 Aluminium guide
NE250402 Aluminium lever
NE250403 Aluminium tail boom
NE250404 Aluminium rotor head
NE250405 Aluminium swashplate
NE250406 Receiver
NE250407 Flange
NE250408 Pushrod set
NE250409 Tail rotor brace holder
NE250410 Main gearwheel
NE250411 Main motor
NE250412 Main frame
NE250413 Main rotor shafts set
NE250414 Tail rotor linkage
NE250415 Tail rotor drive shaft
NE250416 Tail rotor gearbox holder
NE250417 Tail rotor motor
NE250418 Tail boom holder
NE250419 Tail boom brace
NE250420 Tail rotor
NE250421 Horizontal stabiliser
S2521001 Canopy
NE250424 Ballrace set
NE250425 Tail rotor motor heat-sink
NE250426 Battery charger
NE250427 Landing gear
NE250428 LiPo battery, 7.4 V / 1000 mAh
NE250429 Mains PSU (not shown)
S2521002 Rotor blades
NE250431 Rotor blade grip
Ne250432 Washer
NE250433 Screw set
NE250434 Vertical stabiliser
NE250435 Servo
NE250436 Flybar
NE250437 Angle gearbox
NE251202 Battery frame
17
When replacing components it is very important to use the correct type of cross-
point screwdriver and to tighten the screws with great care.
Do not use thread-lock fluid!
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521
NE250433
NE250437 NE251202
NE250426 S2521002
NE250434
NE250427
NE250431
NE250435
NE250428
NE250432
NE250436

Registered patents:
Balance system:
Copyright No. 200710170488.2
Registered design No. 200720076261.7
Control system for single-rotor helicopter:
Copyright No. 200810036355.0
Registered design No. 200820057528.2
PCT patent for improved hover characteristics:
PCT No. WO/2009/062407
18
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

19
Notes:
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521

robbe Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG
Metzloserstraße 38 · D-36355 Grebenhain
Technical hotline: [phone] / 87-777 · [e-mail]
Commercial register: Gießen Regional Court HRA 2722
Partner with personal liability:
robbe Modellsport Beteiligungs GmbH Gießen / HRB 5793 · Managing Directors: G. Geiger, E. Dörr
Errors and technical modifications reserved. · Copyright robbe-Modellsport 2011
Duplication and copying of the text, in whole or in part, is only permitted with the prior written approval of robbe-Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG
This symbol means that you should dispose of electrical
and electronic equipment separately from the household
waste when it reaches the end of its useful life. Take your
unwanted equipment to your local council collection point or
recycling centre. This requirement applies to member coun-
tries of the European Union as well as other non-European
countries with a separate waste collection system.
Disposal of batteries
Batteries must not be discarded as domestic refuse. To
protect the environment, always return exhausted or defec-
tive cells to your local recycling centre. These include retail
sales outlets for batteries, and communal toxic waste dis-
posal centres. Cover any bare wires with insulating tape in
order to avoid short-circuits.
robbe Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG hereby declares
that this device conforms to the fundamental requirements
and other relevant regulations of the appropriate CE Direc-
tive. You can read the original Conformity Declaration on
the Internet at www.robbe.com: click on the "Conform" Logo
button which you will find next to the corresponding device
description.
20
Operating Instructions, ARROW PLUS TRAINER EVOLUTION RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2521