ROBBE BLUE ARROW XL 490 User manual

Operating Instructions
BLUE ARROW
XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz
No. S2542
V01/01/14
Large
outdoor co-axial helicopter
for beginners

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Contents Page
Explanation of specialist terms / Contents 2
Safety Notes 3, 4
Set contents / Specification 5
Transmitter settings, Mode 1 and Mode 2 6
Converting the transmitter from Mode 1 to Mode 2 7
Charging the battery 7
Safety Notes regarding LiPo batteries 8
Flight preparation 9
Trim settings in Mode 1 or Mode 2 10
Controlling the model in Mode 1 or Mode 2 11
Important notes 12
Preparing for the first flight 12
The first flights 12
Synchronising the drive motors 13
Re-binding the transmitter 13
Replacement Parts list 14, 15
Fault-finding when flying 16
Conformity Declaration 17
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.
Elevator: 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 the control move-
ments relative to the stick movements.
In this case motor speed (throttle) and roll are cont-
rolled by the right-hand stick; pitch-axis and tail rotor
by the left-hand stick.
Mode 2: Function assignment of the control move-
ments relative to the stick movements.
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.
Binding
: Creating the radio link between transmitter
and receiver.

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Be sure to read these Safety Notes before you operate 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 an expe-
rienced modeller to help you.
Safety Notes
Radio-controlled models are not toys in the usual sense of the term. Young
persons under fourteen years should only be allowed to operate them under
the supervision of an adult.
Building and operating these models requires technical expertise, manual
skills, a careful attitude and safety-conscious behaviour.
Errors, negligence and omissions in building or flying these models can re-
sult 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.
Please bear in mind that motors and speed controllers may
become hot when operating. It is important to avoid tou-
ching these parts.
Do not stand close to the hazard area around rotating parts when
an electric motor is connected to the flight battery.
You must also take care to keep all other objects away from mo-
ving or rotating parts.
Observe the instructions provided by the battery manufac-
turer.
Overcharged or incorrectly charged batteries may explode. Take
care to maintain correct polarity.
Ensure the equipment is protected from dust, dirt and moisture conta-
mination. 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 re-
commend.
Do not carry out modifications to the radio control system components
apart from those described in the instructions.

4
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Insurance
Ground-based models are usually covered by standard personal third-
party insurance policies. In order to fly 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.
Operating the model
Caution - injury hazard:
Please keep your model helicopter - including small co-axial and
single-rotor models - a safe distance away from yourself and
others. Never fly over spectators, other pilots or yourself. Always
fly manoeuvres facing away from other pilots and spectators.
Please note that model helicopters generally, and aerobatic ty-
pes in particular, are subject to enormous flight loads, and that
interference cannot be ruled out even when you are using the
best possible radio control system components. Operating these
models requires a highly responsible attitude and all possible sa-
fety precautions for pilot and spectators.
•Neveryoverspectatorsorotherpilots,andmaintainasafedistance
from them at all times.
•Neverendangerpeopleoranimals.
•Neveryclosetohigh-tensionoverheadcablesorresidentialareas.
•Donotoperateyourmodelinthevicinityofcanallocksoropenwater-
ways.
•Donotoperateyourmodelfrompublicroads,motorways,pathsand
squares etc.; use authorised model flying sites only.
•Neveroperatethemodelinstormyweather.
Never “point” the transmitter aerial straight at the model when operating
it. The transmitter signal is at its weakest in this direction. It is always best
to stand with the long side of the aerial angled towards the model.

5
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Dear customer,
Congratulations on choosing a factory-assembled mo-
del helicopter from our range. Many thanks for placing
your trust in us.
The model can be completed and made ready to fly
very quickly. 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 operate the
model safely.
All directions, such as “right-hand”, are as seen from
the tail of the model, looking forward.
Specification
Main rotor diameter: approx. 490 mm
Tail rotor diameter: approx. 110 mm
Length: approx. 680 mm
Height: approx. 305 mm
All-up weight: approx. 600 g
RC functions
Yaw, pitch-axis, roll, climb / descent
Essential accessories
AA-size alkali-manganese dry cell 4 x 8008
Please be sure to observe the safety notes
regarding the safe handling of Lithium-Ion-
Polymer batteries on page 8.
Set contents
• Largeco-axialhelicopter,completelyassembledandsetup,readytoy
• AluminiumtailboomwithCFRPbrace
• LEDtaillighting
• GRPsideframes
• Multi-colourplasticcanopyintheBlueArrowscheme
• Two380-sizebrushedmotors
• LiPobattery,11.1V/1600mAh
• 230VmainsPSU
• Factory-ttedairborneelectronicsincludingservos,speedcontroller,receiver,
gyro
• 2.4GHzfour-channeltransmitterwithsimplestickmodechange(mode2or1)
• Comprehensiveoperatingandyinginstructions

6
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Transmitter settings, Mode 1: Transmitter settings, Mode 2 (as supplied):
Tail rotor and
pitch-axis
control
Pitch-axis trim
Tail rotor
trim
Roll
trim
Throttle
and
roll control
Throttle trim
Roll and
pitch-axis
control
Roll
trim
Tail rotor
trim
Throttle
and tail rotor
control
Pitch-axis trim
Throttle trim
Pitch-axis trim
display
Tail rotor trim indicator
Roll trim
display
Transmitter battery status indicator
Pitch-axis trim
display
Tail rotor trim indicator Roll trim display
Screen Screen
MODE 1 MODE 2
REV
REV
4
1
2
2
1
4
THRO THRO
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
Tail rotor and
pitch-axis stick
Throttle and
tail rotor stick
Throttle and
roll stick
Roll and
pitch-axis stick
Transmitter battery status indicator
Note: you will hear an intermittent audible warning when the transmitter batteries are almost flat.

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 pre-
fer Mode 1 and wish to convert the transmitter to that mode, use
this procedure:
The transmitter (Fig.1) must be switched off. Rotate the control
unit backwards through 90° (Fig.2). Push the handle fully to the
left (Figs. 3 and 4).
Turn the control unit through a further 90° (Fig. 4) until it snaps
into place (Fig. 5). The transmitter is now set to Mode 1 (Fig. 6).
7
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Charging the flight battery
Connect the battery charger to
the wall socket.
The three red monitor LEDs on
the charger light up briefly, and
the green operating indicator
(1) glows constantly.
Connect the flight battery to
the charger's 11.1 V output.
During the charge process
the three red monitor LEDs (2)
glow constantly. The charge
process is complete when the
red LEDs go out.
Disconnect the flight battery
from the charger, then discon-
nect the charger from the wall
socket.
Note:
If the battery is deep-dischar-
ged (below 2.7 V per cell), it
will no longer be possible to
recharge the battery using the
charger.
Caution:
This charger can be used to charge either a 2S or a 3S
battery. Please never connect both types of battery to
the charger simultaneously.
6
2 3
4 5
1
Mode 1
Mode 2
2
1

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
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.
Safety Notes regarding LiPo batteries:
• Donotplacethebatteryinwateroranyotherliquid.
• Neverheatorincineratethepack,or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powersupply.
• Neverchargeordischargeabatteryinbrightsunlight,orclosetoaheateroropenre.
• Donotusethebatteryinareassubjecttohighlevelsofstaticelectricity.
• Neverleavethebatteryonchargeunsupervised.
• Donotchargethebatteryinaninammablelocation,oronaninammablesurface.
• Anyoftheseerrorscanresultindamagetothebattery,explosionorre.
• Keepthebatteryawayfromchildren.
• Ifelectrolyteshouldescape,donotexposeittore,asthematerialishighlyinammableandmayignite.
•Donotallowuidelectrolytetocomeintocontactwitheyes.Ifthisshouldhappen,ushwithcopiousamountsofwaterand
contact a doctor without delay.
• Theuidelectrolytecanalsoberemovedfromclothingandotherobjectsbyrinsingwithcopiousamountsofwater.

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Flight preparation
Open the transmitter battery compartment and insert the four AA dry cells (maintain correct polarity).
2.Switch the transmitter on (Fig. 1).
The transmitter's battery status is shown on the screen. Move the throttle stick and trim to the bottom position (towards you). If you
overlook this, the motors will not run.
The transmitter LED flashes when the unit is switched on.
3.Slide the fully charged LiPo flight battery into the helicopter's support frame (Fig. 2) and connect it.
When the flight battery is connected, the transmitter LED lights up constantly.
21
*Notes on the use of dry cells:
Do not attempt to recharge dry cells, do not open them, and do not incinerate them. Remove exhausted dry cells from the trans-
mitter after use. Escaped electrolyte may ruin the transmitter.

10
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Trim settings, Mode 1
Throttle trim:
If the rotors start to spin without the
throttle stick being touched, or do not
respond to stick movements, you must
adjust the throttle trim until they stop
moving.
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 it
remains in a stable hover.
Trim settings, Mode 2
Throttle trim:
If the rotors start to spin without the
throttle stick being touched, or do not
respond to stick movements, you must
adjust the throttle trim until they stop
moving.
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.

Lift-off Landing
Yaw left Yaw right
Pitch forward Pitch back
Roll left Roll right
Lift-off Landing
Yaw left Yaw right
Pitch forward Pitch back
Roll left Roll right
11
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Controlling the model in Mode 1 Controlling the model in Mode 2

12
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
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 conditions.
Charge the flight battery before flying.
The first few flights
Once the model is properly trimmed, you can practise hovering,
and carry out manoeuvres such as circles, squares, rectangles
and figures-of-eight.
Initially it is always best to stand about two metres away from the
model, behind or at right-angles to it; this avoids giving incorrect
control commands.
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
again.
Tip: when the helicopter is flying with the nose pointing to-
wards you, the controls are reversed (apart from the throttle
control).
Important Notes
Take-off: raise the rotor speed slowly and steadily until the model
hovers at eye-level. At the same time adjust the trims until the
helicopter flies stably and hovers over one point. At low height
(approx. 10 - 15 cm above the ground) the model cannot be trim-
med 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: stopping (obstructing) the rotor blades when th-
ey are turning can cause serious damage to the mecha-
nical system, and may even result in a fire. Immediately
move the throttle stick to Idle if this should happen.
When flying the model never switch abruptly from forward
flight to flight in reverse (pitch-axis function), as this could
cause the upper and lower rotor blades to collide, which
would destroy them.
Note regarding the flight battery: as soon as you notice a red-
uction 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 retai-
ning screw just to the point where the blade still swivels smoothly. Pilot Pilot Pilot

13
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Synchronising the drive motors
This set-up procedure is only necessary if the two drive motors are
not synchronised, or after a repair.
Procedure:
1. Remove the canopy.
2. Insert four AA-size dry cells* in the transmitter (maintain correct
polarity), and switch it on.
3. Connect the flight battery to the model. Unfold the rotor blades,
then cautiously open the throttle.
4. If you rotate the potentiometer (A) clockwise (to the right), the
upper rotor turns faster; this causes the model to yaw to the left.
5. If you rotate the potentiometer (A) anti-clockwise (to the left), the
lower rotor turns faster; this causes the model to yaw to the right.
*Please read the information regarding dry cells on
page 9.
A
Re-binding the transmitter
This procedure is only necessary after replacing individual com-
ponents.
Insert four AA-size dry cells" in the transmitter (maintain correct
polarity).
1. Connect the flight battery: the
red monitor LED lights up (1).
2. Move the transmitter's throttle
stick to the bottom position (to-
wards you).
3. Press the pitch-axis stick verti-
cally down while you switch the
transmitter on, then release the
pitch-axis stick. The red LED on
the transmitter flashes.
4. The binding process is com-
plete when the red LED on the
receiver (1) and the green LED
on the transmitter glow con-
stantly.
Mode 1 Mode 2
Mode 1 Mode 2
1

14
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
S2542001 S2542002 S2542003 S2542004 S2542005 S2542006
S2542007 S2542008 S2542009 S2542010 S2542011 S254202
S2542015 S2542016 S2542017 S2542018S2542013
S2542019 S2542020 S2542021 S2542022 S2542023 S2542024
S2542014

15
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Replacement parts list - Blue Arrow XL 490 RTF
Order No. Description
S2542001 Dome bearing bracket
S2542002 Tail boom bracket
S2542003 Servo mount
S2542004 Main rotor blades
S2542005 Base plate
S2542006 Circuit board mount
S2542007 Battery compartment
S2542008 Side frame
S2542009 Tail rotor gearbox housing
S2542010 Canopy
S2542011 Landing gear
S2542012 Swashplate guide
S2542013 Outer main rotor shaft
S2542014 Inner main rotor shaft
S2542015 Rotor blade grip
S2542016 Pushrod
S2542017 Tail stabiliser set
S2542018 Tail rotor blade
S2542019 Motor set
S2542020 LiP battery, 11.1 V / 1600 mAh
S2542021 Main gear set
S2542022 Control unit
S2542023 Swashplate
S2542024 Tail braces
S2542025 Servo, 9 g
S2542026 Battery charger
S2542027 Small parts set for rotor shaft
When replacing components it is very im-
portant to use the correct type of cross-point
screwdriver or allen key, and to tighten the
screws with great care.
Use thread-lock fluid on metal-to-metal
joints only!
S2542025 S2542026
S2542027 S2542028
S2542029
S2542031
S2542030
Replacement parts list - Blue Arrow XL 490 RTF
Order No. Description
S2542028 Flybar
S2542029 Tail boom
S2542030 Canopy support
S2542031 Spacer set

16
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
Causes of problems in flight, and how to eliminate them*
Cause of problem Reason Remedy
Rotor blades do not turn Transmitter not switched on - Switch transmitter on
Flight battery not connected correctly Connect flight battery correctly
Voltage of dry cells in transmitter or flight battery not sufficient Fit new dry cells, recharge flight battery
Transmitter not bound to model Re-bind transmitter and model
Throttle trim set too high Move throttle trim back to lowest position
Motors do not run Motors faulty Replace motors
Cable not connected correctly to the circuit board check that connector is correctly engaged
Model responds incorrectly to control commands Battery voltage too low Replace dry cells, recharge flight battery
Model fails to lift off Rotor blades faulty Replace rotor blades
Battery voltage too low Replace dry cells, recharge flight battery
Rotor blades continue to spin Throttle trim set incorrectly Move throttle trim back (towards you)
and move throttle stick fully back
Model yaws, pitches and rolls, but is incapable of hovering Model is in a draught Locate cause of draught -
Select different take-off location
Model's Centre of Gravity incorrect Correct CG by re-positioning
flight battery
Model vibrates in flight Rotor blades damaged, or unable to self-align Check correct location of flybar
and rotor blades
Rotor blades not matched for weight Replace rotor blades
Tail not stable Rotor blades faulty Replace rotor blades
Drive motors not synchronised Synchronise drive motors
* If you are unable to eliminate the problems, cease flying and ask your dealer for assistance
or use our Technical Hotline: [phone] / 87-777 [e-mail]

17
Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW XL 490 RTF 2.4 GHz No. S2542
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 Director: E. Dörr
Errors and technical modifications reserved. - Copyright robbe Modellsport 2014
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
robbeModellsportGmbH&Co.KGherebydeclaresthatthisdeviceconformstothefundamentalrequirementsandotherre-
levant regulations of the corresponding EC Directive. You can read the original Conformity Declaration on the Internet at www.
robbe.com: click on the "Conformity Declaration" logo button which you will find next to the corresponding device description.
This product can be operated in all EU countries.
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 countries of the European Union as well as other non-European countries with a sepa-
rate waste collection system.
Disposal of batteries
Batteries must not be discarded as domestic refuse. To protect the environment, always return exhausted or defective cells to
your local recycling centre. These include retail sales outlets for batteries, and communal toxic waste disposal centres. Cover
any bare wires with insulating tape in order to avoid short-circuits.