ROBBE BLUE ARROW User manual

Operating Instructions
BLUE ARROW
Trainer CP S-FHSS
RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
FUTABA Transmitter Ready, abbreviated to FTR, applies to fixed-wing model aircraft and helicopters
from the robbe range whose receivers work with the FUTABA S-FHSS code, which means that they
can be bound to FUTABA transmitters which can be operated in S-FHSS mode.
At present these are the following transmitters:
T6J-R2006GS 2.4 GHz FHSS, No. F4100
T-8J - R2008SB 2.4 GHz FHSS/S-FHSS, No. F4108
T18MZ - R7008SB 2.4 GHz FASSTest M2, No. F8073
T18MZ - R7008SB 2.4 GHz FASSTest M1, No. F8073M1
T-14SG-R7008SB 2.4 GHz FASSTest M2, No. F8075
T14SG-R7008SB 2.4 GHz FASSTest M1, No. F8075M1
FX-32-R7008 2.4 GHz FASSTest, No. F8078

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Explanation of specialist terms:
Climb and descent ("Throttle / pitch"): 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
Binding
: Creating the radio link between transmitter
and receiver.
Contents Page
Explanation of specialist terms / Contents 3
Safety Notes 4, 5
Set contents / Specification / Recommended accessories 6
Model description 7
Receiver functions 8
Receiver settings 9
Preparing the transmitter, using a Futaba T8J as example 9
Trouble-shooting 10
Transmitter adjustment facilities 10, 11
Pre-flight adjustments 12
Swashplate adjustments 12
Adjusting the swashplate / Main rotor blades 13
Adjusting the main rotor blades 13
Self-adhesive marker stripes 13
Checking and balancing the main rotor blades 13
Checking and adjusting blade tracking 14
Essential pre-flight checks 15
Important notes 15
Controlling the model in Mode 1 and Mode 2 16
Fine-tuning during the first flight 17
Flight practice for the beginner 18, 19
Practice for advanced pilots 19, 20
Flying 3D aerobatics in Mode 1 and Mode 2 21
Replacement Parts list 22
Conformity Declaration 23

Be sure to read these Safety Notes before you assemble your
model. Always keep to the procedures and settings recom-
mended in the instructions.
If you are operating a radio-controlled model aircraft, heli-
copter, car or boat for the first time, we recommend that you
enlist an experienced 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 mo-
dels 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, con-
stitute 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 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 must also take care to keep all other objects away from
moving or rotating parts.
Observe the instructions provided by the battery ma-
nufacturer. Overcharged or incorrectly charged batteries
may explode. Take care to maintain correct polarity.
Ensure the equipment is protected from dust, dirt and moisture
contamination. 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 re-
place defective 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 che-
cking, or replace the parts in question.
Crash or water damage can result in concealed defects which may
lead to failure in subsequent use.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

Use only those components and accessories which we specifically
recommend.
Do not carry out modifications to the radio control system compo-
nents apart from those described in the instructions.
Never “point” the transmitter aerial straight at the model when ope-
rating 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.
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 (private third-party) and take out
new cover where necessary.
Liability exclusion:
robbe Modellsport is unable to ensure that you observe the assem-
bly 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
compensation is limited to the invoice value of those robbe pro-
ducts directly involved in the event in which the damage occurred,
unless otherwise prescribed by law. This does not apply if the com-
pany is deemed to have unlimited liability according to statutory
regulation due to deliberate or gross negligence.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
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closetohigh-tensionoverheadcablesorresi-
dential areas.
•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.

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 prepared for flight
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.
Specification:
Main rotor diameter: 462 mm
Tail rotor motor: 1627F
Tail rotor diameter: 113 mm
Main motor: RK-400SD
Length: 440 mm
All-up weight: 420 g
Gyro: six-axis
Servos: metal-geared
Recommended accessories:
1 x F4108 T-8J-R2008SB 2.4 GHz
FHSS/S-FHSS
1 x 8566 POWER PEAK®B7 EQ-BID 12 / 230 V
1 x 8256 GO3.5 gold charge lead, 3.5 mm
1 x 6605GO35 LiPo battery, ROXXY®Evo 3-1000
30C GO35
Set contents:
1 x BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB
1 x Binding plug
1 x Tool set
1 x Operating instructions
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

Model description:
1. Latest generation of six-axis gyro system with improved re-
sponse, ensuring stable, accurate flight.
2. The high-performance brushed motor provides ample power
for practising 3D manoeuvres.
3. FUTABA S-FHSS receiving system for binding to all current
FUTABA S-FHSS transmitters.
4. Extremely robust overall chassis design.
5. All servos with metal gears.
6. Ideal model for converting from single rotor to collective pitch
control.
Please note the following points in order to avoid confusion
in the model description:
The model's nose faces away from the pilot; the tail boom points
towards the pilot. The pilot's left-hand side is the left-hand side of
the model, and the pilot's right-hand side is the right-hand side of
the model. The rotor head faces up, and the landing skids face
down (see illustration).
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
right
left
top
bottom
front rear

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
12
34
56
78
9
101112
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Brief description
ELEV
AILE
PIT
Unused
THRO
Unused
POWER CHECK
SPARE
TAIL MOT
ELEV G.S
AILE G.S
ELEV / AILE EXT.
Function
To be connected to the pitch-axis servo
To be connected to the roll servo
To be connected to the collective pitch servo
Unused
To be connected to the speed controller's signal wire;
receives the control signals for the main drive motor
Unused
To be connected to the "Power Check" lead (low-voltage warning)
attached to the speed controller
Supplementary circuit board socket (S-FHSS module)
To be connected to the speed controller's signal lead for the tail rotor motor
Gyro gain adjuster, pitch-axis
Gyro gain adjuster, roll axis
Servo travel adjuster, pitch-axis and roll servo
Description
Pitch-axis (elevator) servo
Roll servo
Collective pitch servo
Unused
Throttle
Unused
Power check
SPARE
Tail rotor motor
Pitch-axis sensitivity adjuster
Roll sensitivity adjuster
Servo travel adjuster
Receiver functions:
Connector orientation
The white wire must face forward
The white wire must face forward
The white wire must face forward
Unused
The white wire must face forward
Unused
The red wire must face forward
The orange wire must face forward
Pitch-axis
(elevator) servo
Collective
pitch servo
Roll
(aileron) servo

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
A = Main motor connectors
B = Tail rotor motor connectors
C = S-FHSS module
D = Binding button
Disconnect the main and tail rotor
motor connectors before binding the
transmitter and before making any
other adjustments on the model.
Receiver settings (large case), S-FHSS module settings (small circuit board on the receiver):
Receiver status LED S-FHSS module status LED
No reception/ Very fast flashing Fast flashing
Binding required
Initialising transmitter signal Fast flashing Continuous light
Receiving transmitter signal Slow flashing Continuous light
Preparing the transmitter, using the Futaba T8J as an example:
- Set S-FHSS modulation
- The radio control transmitter must be set to swashplate mode H-1 (see T8J instructions, 8.1 Parameters, page 38)
- Reverse the roll (CH1), pitch-axis (CH2), throttle (CH3), tail rotor (CH4) and collective pitch (CH6) channels (see T8J instructions, 7.10
Servo reverse (SERVO REV), page 20)
Binding the transmitter to the model:
- Switch the transmitter on
- Hold button D (binding button) pressed in while you connect the flight battery
- If initialisation (binding) is successful, the receiver's Status LED flashes slowly, and the S-FHSS module LED glows constantly
- Binding is retained when the system is switched off. The procedure only needs to be repeated if you replace the receiver or transmitter
A
W
C
D
Battery connector:

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Receiver adjustment facilities:
1.Gyro pots: Turning the pot clockwise (+) increases gyro gain;
Turning the pot anti-clockwise (-) reduces gyro gain.
2.Servo travel adjuster: Turning the pot clockwise (+) increases servo travel;
Turning the pot anti-clockwise (-) reduces servo travel.
Transmitter adjustment facilities:
Adjusting the throttle curve:
- To program the throttle curves, please follow the description in the instructions
supplied with your T8J radio control system (8.2 Programming throttle curves
(THR CURVE), page 40)
Adjusting the collective pitch curve:
- To program the collective pitch curves please follow the description in the instructions
supplied with your T8J radio control system (8.9 Collective pitch travel adjustment
(COLL. PITCH TRAVEL), page 47)
Trouble-shooting if the receiver LED flashes when switched on:
Possible causes
Binding failed
The throttle stick and throttle trim are set incorrectly
Transmitter batteries are flat
The flight battery is flat
Fault in transmitter or receiver
Solutions
Switch the radio control transmitter and receiver off. Now switch the transmitter on again, and switch on
the receiver power supply.
Set the throttle stick and throttle trim to the lowest position (motor off), and repeat the
binding procedure.
Replace the flat batteries in the transmitter with new batteries, and repeat the binding procedure.
Give the flight battery a full charge, and repeat the binding procedure.
Replace the faulty unit with a new one, and repeat the binding procedure.
Status L M H
Flight mode Output
Normal flying 0.0% 50.0% 100.0%
3D flying 1 100.0% 75.0% 100.0%
3D flying 2 100.0% 75.0% 100.0%
Status L M H
Flight mode Output
Normal flying -15% +25% +55%
3D flying 1 -55% 0% +55%
3D flying 2 -55% 0% +55%

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Adjusting tail rotor gyro gain:
- To adjust the gain of the tail rotor gyro please follow the description in the instructions
supplied with your T8J radio control system (8.5 Gyro (gyro gain), page 44)
Please note:
It is essential to connect all the signal leads attached to the speed controller correctly. If you neglect this, the speed controller could
fail.
Mode Manual
Switch MIX SW
Pos. 0 75.0%
Pos. 1 50.0%

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Pre-flight adjustments:
Caution: disconnect both motor wires from the speed controller to avoid the motor bursting into life unexpectedly, as this could cau-
se injury. Please note: all the model's components are correctly adjusted at the factory, and no adjustments are normally required.
However, it is possible for screws, pushrods or cables to come loose or suffer damage due to the long period in transit.
Swashplate adjustments:
Checking the swashplate:
Caution: disconnect both motor wires from the speed controller to avoid the motor bursting into life unexpectedly, as this could
cause injury. Place the helicopter on a level surface. Move the throttle stick and throttle trim to the bottom position (throttle off), and
set the trims for pitch-axis, roll and tail rotor to the centre position. Switch the radio control transmitter on, then connect the receiver
power supply. The receiver LED will glow constantly, and the servos jerk, to indicate that the transmitter signal has been picked up.
Please check now that the swashplate is straight, i.e. exactly in line with the tail boom.
Bottom edge
of the swashplate
Bottom edge of
tail boom
Swashplate
Swashplate pushrod
horizontal
alignment of the
swashplate relative to
tail boom

Adjusting the swashplate
Caution: disconnect both motor wires from the speed controller to avoid the motor bursting into life unexpectedly, as this could cause in-
jury. At half-throttle (throttle stick central) the servo output arms must be horizontal (parallel to the servo case), and the swashplate should
be in the centre of the collective pitch travel. If the swashplate is not straight, you can use either of the following two options to correct it.
1. Correct the output arm position at the servo: disconnect the battery from the receiver, and switch the radio control system off. Unscrew
the servo output arm and remove it from the servo. Now switch the radio control transmitter on, followed by the receiver . When the
system has initialised itself, fit the output arm on the servo at 90° to the pushrod, and re-tighten the output arm retaining screw.
2. Adjust the linkage, i.e. lengthen or shorten the pushrod between servo and swashplate until the swashplate is straight.
Adjusting the main rotor blades (blade tracking):
The purpose of this adjustment is to avoid imbalance in the main rotor blades, and to set the blade tracking accurately.
Self-adhesive marker stripes
Two self-adhesive stripes of different colour are applied to the rotor blades in order to simplify the adjustment of blade tracking. When
the main rotor is spinning, you can check which blade has to be adjusted by observing the coloured stripes, i.e. the blade to which an
adjustment needs to be made.
Checking and balancing the main rotor blades
Take the two rotor blades and fit one of the blade screws through the mounting holes of both blades. Tighten the nut on the screw to join
the blades. Set the blades parallel to each other (see picture), and use the central screw as the pivot point in order to establish whether
one of the blades is heavier. If the blades remain horizontal,
the blades are evenly balanced. If the blades tip in one direc-
tion, you can apply a strip of adhesive tape to the lighter blade
to make it heavier.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

Checking blade tracking
Please note: to avoid accidents, place the helicopter at least
three metres from you for checking blade tracking. Slowly advan-
ce the throttle (don't allow the model to lift off) and observe the
rotor plane from the side. If the outside edge of both rotor blades
forms a single line, then blade tracking is correct. If you can see
two lines, the blade tracking must be corrected by adjusting the
pushrods at the blade grips.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Incorrect
blade
tracking
Correct
blade tracking
The following section describes the main causes for incorrect
blade tracking:
1.The blades are of different weight.
2.The Centre of Gravity of the blades is not identical.
3.The length of the rotor blade pushrods is not identical.
4.The blades are not secured firmly enough, allowing the blade
grips to distort.
Main rotor blade
pushrods

These points must be checked before flying:
- Before flying the model check that the receiver battery is fully
charged, and that the transmitter batteries still have adequate
capacity.
- Ensure that the throttle stick is at the lowest position (fully
back) before switching the model on, and that all other sticks
and switches are in the normal position.
- Check that all servos are working perfectly.
- Check that each component has been installed correctly.
- Check that the whole model is in perfect technical condition.
- When it is time to switch the receiver and transmitter on, please
observe the following procedure:
- Always switch the transmitter on first, and only then the
receiver.
- After the flight always switch the receiver off first, and on-
ly then the transmitter. If you fail to keep to this sequence, the
model could fly off out of control.
- Check that all linkages are correctly fitted and devoid of lost
motion; replace them if necessary. Sloppy linkages may cause
instability in flight.
- Before flying the model, check that the connection between
flight battery and model is secure. Vibration can cause loose
connectors to come adrift in flight, rendering the model uncon-
trollable.
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 is flying stably and hovering 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: Stopping (obstructing) the rotor blades when they are
turning can cause serious damage to the mechanical system,
and may even result in a fire. Immediately move the throttle stick
to Idle if this should happen.
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.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

Roll:
If you move the roll stick
to left or right, the heli-
copter will fly in the corre-
sponding direction.
Climb / descent:
If you move the throttle
stick up or down, the
helicopter will climb or
descend.
Yaw:
If you move the tail rotor
stick to left or right, the
helicopter will rotate in
the corresponding direc-
tion.
Pitch-axis:
If you move the pitch-axis
stick up or down, the he-
licopter will fly forward or
back.
Roll:
If you move the roll stick
to left or right, the heli-
copter will fly in the corre-
sponding direction.
Climb / descent:
If you move the throttle
stick up or down, the
helicopter will climb or
descend.
Yaw:
If you move the tail rotor
stick to left or right, the
helicopter will rotate in
the corresponding direc-
tion.
Pitch-axis:
If you move the pitch-axis
stick up or down, the he-
licopter will fly forward or
back.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Controlling the model in Mode 1 (throttle right) Controlling the model in Mode 2 (throttle left)

Fine adjustments during the first flight:
Mechanical fine-tuning:
- If the model drifts in one direction when hovering, either in the roll (left / right) or pitch (forward / back) axis, adjust the swashplate by
shortening / lengthening the pushrods until the drift ceases.
- If the helicopter rotates to left or right around the vertical axis, move the tail rotor trim on the transmitter in the opposite direction.
Electronic fine-tuning:
- If the model jitters around the roll or pitch axis when hovering, then the gain of the flybarless system is set too high. Turn the ELEV
G.S pot (for the pitch axis) or AILEG.S (for the roll axis) anti-clockwise in small increments until the jitter ceases. If the model responds
lethargically to the controls, turn the pots clockwise until the helicopter starts to jitter, then turn them anti-clockwise again until the jitter
ceases.
- If you wish to increase agility around the roll and pitch axes, turn the ELEV / AILE EXT pot clockwise in small increments until the pre-
ferred level of manoeuvrability is obtained. Turn the pot anti-clockwise if you wish to reduce agility.
- If the model jitters around the vertical (yaw) axis when hovering, then the tail rotor gyro gain is set too high. If the tail does not remain
stable, and / or swings in one direction when collective pitch is abruptly increased, then the gyro gain is set too low. Tail rotor gyro gain
is adjusted using the gyro menu of your T8J transmitter (Instructions: 8.5 Gyro (gyro gain), page 44).
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537

Flight practice for the beginner
Please note:
1.Beginners should always ask an experienced helicopter pilot for help.
2.To avoid accidents, beginners should always stand at least five metres away from the model when practice-flying.
3.Always fly at a suitable site, with plenty of open space and no obstacles.
4.Your model is a 3D helicopter. We recommend that you first gain experience by flying a co-axial helicopter or using a flight simulator
before attempting to fly this model.
First steps:
1. Practising throttle control – hovering
If the model starts to lift off, carefully back off the throttle until it rests
on the ground again. Repeat this procedure until you have developed
an instinctive feel for the throttle stick. When the model is hovering,
the tail rotor will attempt to compensate for the torque of the main
rotor, and the helicopter will yaw slightly to the left. Correct this unwan-
ted movement by applying an opposite tail rotor command until the
helicopter's tail is again pointing straight at you. Your aim should be to
stabilise the model in the hover at a height of 1.5 metres, and then to
land the machine again.
2.Practising the roll and pitch-axis functions
While the model is hovering, carefully move the roll stick to right and
left, and the pitch-axis stick forward and back, then try to return the
model to its starting point. Repeat this procedure until you feel confi-
dent controlling the roll and pitch-axis functions.
3.Practising the tail rotor function
While the model is hovering, carefully move the tail rotor stick to left and
right. The helicopter will yaw in the corresponding direction, and you
should then use the same stick to return it to its original heading. Repeat
this procedure until you feel confident controlling the tail rotor function.
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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
Mode 1 Mode 2
Mode 1 Mode 2

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
4.Flying circuits
When you feel confident with steps (1) – (3), it is time to move on to
the first circuits. Please bear in mind that the roll and pitch-axis control
functions are effectively reversed when the model is flying towards
you. Repeat this manoeuvre until you are confident flying a circular
pattern.
Practice for advanced pilots:
1. "Frog-hopping" practice
Repeatedly lift off and land again immediately, using the throttle stick.
This manoeuvre is useful practice, and when you feel confident you
can speed it up to gain further confidence in the helicopter's flying
characteristics. Take care to slow the model's descent in good time
prior to touch-down, otherwise the landings could be hard enough to
cause damage.
2.Practising take-off and landing
Mark a point on the ground, and try to take off and land on this point
every time.
3.Flyingsquarecircuits
Flying a square pattern is also good practice: fly the helicopter straight
ahead for about 2 m, then turn it through 90° using the tail rotor. Re-
peat this procedure until you have completed a square circuit. Fly the
circuits clockwise and anti-clockwise, so that you are using the con-
trols in all directions. Repeat the procedure until you feel confident
flying neat square circuits.
Mode 1 Mode 2

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Operating Instructions - BLUE ARROW Trainer CP S-FHSS RTB 2.4 GHz No. S2537
4.Flying figures-of-eight
When you have mastered all the steps outlined above, it is time to
attempt a figure-of-eight. Please note that the pitch-axis and roll func-
tions are effectively reversed when the model is flying towards you.
Watch the model's altitude through all these manoeuvres: it should
be as even as possible. Repeat the procedure until you are confident
flying the figure-of-eight pattern.