Vantex EDGE 540 User manual

Picture may not be the same as actual product. Please refer to actual product.
We reserve the rights of updating product information, appearance and parameters without notice.
Instruction Manual
Specifications:
Wingspan: 2235mm (88 in)
Length: 1947mm (76.7 in)
Wing Area: 94.5dm2 (1464.8 sq in)
Flying Weight: 7.1kg (15.6 lbs)
Engine(not incl.): 50-60cc Gas
Radio(not incl.): 4 ch, 6 servos
Construction: Balsa and Plywood
Features:
Designed for high performance scale aerobatics
High-quality balsa and plywood material
Light weight and strong construction
Foam brace on the back of fuselage
Enhanced cowling mounting design
Hardware package included
High-quality, prepainted, fiberglass cowling and wheel pants
Nice color scheme with professional covering
Item No: AL504

21
Table of Contents Appendix – Parts and Options

This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be operated with caution and common
sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and
responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the Product or other property. This Product is
not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual contains
instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly
and avoid damage or injury.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to interference from many sources outside
your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is advisable to always keep
a safe distance in all directions around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic, or people.
Never operate the model into the street or populated areas for any reason.
Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (radio,
engine, chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.) that you use.
Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically
designed and protected for this purpose.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
We guarantee this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
Limited Warranty & Limits of Liability
20 1
As a large model, the airplane is critical of proper battery use, control linkage setups and flying
techniques. Please pay particular attention to the following areas.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the control surfaces are moving correctly (i.e. the
correct direction and with the recommended throws). Test run the engine and make sure it transitions
smoothly from idle to full throttle and back. Also ensure the engine is tuned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, and it will run consistently and constantly at full throttle when adjusted.
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises to make sure they are secure and in good
condition. Replace any items that would be considered questionable. Failure of any of these
components in flight would mean the loss of your airplane.
Large models perform much more like full-size airplane than small models. If the airframe goes too
fast, such as in a high throttle dive, it may fail. The model should be flown like a full-scale airplane.
Throttle management is absolutely necessary.
Double-check the setscrews in all control horns to be sure they are very tight. Periodically check
these to be sure they have not loosened over time. Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners.
Be sure adequate batteries are used to power the receiver. It is recommended that two identical
6-volt receiver packs are used. Each pack must have a minimum of 2700mAh capacity. Use packs
of 3000mAh when super high torque servos are used.
Always range check the radio system per the manufacturer's instructions before the initial test flight
and periodically afterward.
ALWAYS use an ESV with a 1-amp load to check the receiver battery packs and the ignition pack
before each and every flight. If there is any doubt that the packs are questionable, DO NOT FLY
until the packs are recharged.
Maintain the proper mechanical advantage on all control surface linkages.
Never attempt to make full throttle dives!
Hardware checks
Receiver Battery Selection
Range check
Check the voltage of the on-board packs
Preflight
Step 2
Fully assemble the model. With a helper, lift the airplane with your index fingers to find the balance
point. The balance point (CG) should lie between the two marks on the wing. If not, try to move some
parts such as batteries to different position, or add the necessary weight to the nose or tail to obtain
the correct balance. Congratulations on the purchase of this model airplane. You will enjoy one of the most thrilling
experiences the radio control hobby has to offer.
The product is a professionally built, radio control model. It is very important that you operate this
model responsibly. Please read this instruction manual thoroughly and follow the directions.
Introduction

This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty
does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation, or maintenance. This warranty is
limited to the original purchaser and is not transferable. In no case shall our company’s liability
exceed the original cost of the purchased product and will not cover consequential, incidental or
collateral damage. Our company reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment involved in a
warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of our company. Further,
our company reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
As our company has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no liability
shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or
assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER.
If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the
use of this product, you are advised to return this product immediately in new and unused
condition to the place of purchase.
AL50401 Fuselage for 50cc Edge 540
AL50402 Fiberglass Painted Cowling for 50cc Edge 540
AL50403 Canopy for 50cc Edge 540
AL50404 Rudder for 50cc Edge 540
AL50405 Left Wing Panel w/ Aileron for 50cc Edge 540
AL50406 Right Wing Panel w/ Aileron for 50cc Edge 540
AL50412 Left Stabilizer w/ Elevator for 50cc Edge 540
AL50413 Right Stabilizer w/ Elevator for 50cc Edge 540
AL50416 Landing Gear for 50cc Edge 540
AL50417 Wheel Pants for 50cc Edge 540
AL50420 Wing Tube for 50cc Edge 540
AL50421 Stabilizer Tube for 50cc Edge 540
AL50422 Decal Set for 50cc Edge 540
Contents of Kit
219
Control Throws
Correctly balancing an aerobatic model is critical
to its performance and flight characteristics.
Checking the balance on this model is best done
with two people.
Measure back 30%-33% of the whole wing root’s
length from the leading edge and mark the CG
range with a felt-tipped pen at the wing tip. This is
the recommended center of gravity (CG) range.
Step 1
Recommended Center of Gravity (CG)
A 7-channel or greater computer radio is highly recommended. This allows the following features:
• Mixing the right aileron to the left aileron (flaperon mix)
• Electronically adjustable aileron differential
• Mixing the right elevator to the left elevator (dual elevator mixing)
• Independent travel and trim adjustments of each elevator half
• Mixing the right rudder servo to the left rudder servo (not required when using a single rudder servo)
When you use a 7-channel or greater computer radio, each servo is plugged into its own separate
channel. Consult your radio manual for specific details on hookup and programming.
Radio Setup
20 up
20 down
°
°
40 up
40 down
°
°
15 up
15 down
°
°
26 left
26 right
°
°
40 up
40 down
°
°
43 left
43 right
°
°
Standard 3D Standard 3D3D
The following is our recommended control throws for your reference.
Standard
Elevator Rudder Aileron

18 3
Radio Equipment
Recommended Engines
• 4-channel radio system (minimum)
• 1 standard servo for throttle
• 5 hi-torque servos
• D-55, Q-50
• Propeller (consult engine instructions)
• Servo Extensions
• Y-Harness
Adhesives
• 6-minute epoxy
• 30-minute epoxy
• Thick CA glue
• Threadlock
Additional Required Items
Tools
• Adjustable wrench (small)
• Drill (drill press preferred)
• Hook and loop straps
• Foam
• Hex wrench
• Hobby knife
• Phillips screwdriver (small)
•Pliers
• Scissors
• Square
• Measuring device (e.g. ruler, tape measure)
The servos used for the control surfaces of this model must have a minimum of 9
of servo torque. The servos with metal gear are strongly recommended.
kg-cm (125 oz-in)
Before beginning the assembly of the model, remove each part from its bag for inspection. Closely
inspect the fuselage, wing panels, rudder, and stabilizer for damage. If you find any damaged or
missing parts, contact the place of purchase.
If you find any wrinkles in the covering, use a heat gun or covering iron to remove them. Use caution
while working around areas where the colors overlap to prevent separating the colors.
Servo Selection
Before Starting Assembly
Step 9
Install the switch for the ignition in the switch hatch on the
side of the fuselage as shown.
Note: As the cowling mounting screw is inside the fuselage under the hatch, you need to open
the hatch before accessing the screw. To open the hatch, just remove the screws holding it on
both sides of the fuselage and lift the hatch from the fuselage.
Step 10
Secure the battery for the ignition inside the fuselage
using a hook and loop strap. Make sure to add a few
pieces of foam between the fuselage and battery to
prevent damage to the battery caused by vibration.
Connect the battery to the ignition switch.
Step 12
Route the vent line from the fuel tank out of the bottom of the cowling.
Step 14
Slide and lock the cowling to the fuselage and
then secure the cowling using two screws.
Mount the propeller and spinner to complete the
procedure.
Step 11
Attach the fuel line from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Make sure the line is from the clunk and not
the vent line.
Step 13
Make any necessary cutouts to clear the engine
components in the cowling. Remove a section
from the bottom of the cowling near the exhaust
pipe for cooling outlet as shown. This opening is
necessary to allow cooling air to pass through
the cowling to prevent overheating of your engine.

4
Required Parts
Step 1
• Wing panel ( right )
Locate the opening for the aileron servo at the bottom of the
aileron. Carefully remove the covering from the opening using
a hobby knife.
left and
Step 2
Plug a servo extension onto the servo. Tie the servo leads
together by using a secure connector, or using a ribbon to
prevent them from coming loose during flight.
Step 3
Tie a weight to a piece of string. Awheel collar works great in
this application. Tie the other end of the string to the servo
extension.
Lower the weight into the wing from the aileron servo opening.
Let the weight drop out through the wing root for the servo. Use
the string to pull the servo lead through the wing.
Secure the servo using the hardware provided with the servo.
Attach the servo arm to the servo. Make sure the servo arm is
parallel with the hinge line when the servo is at the neutral
position.
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the remaining wing panel.
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
17
Section 1 – Aileron Servo Installation Step 2
The vertical and horizontal base lines are pre-marked
on the firewall. Measure and mark the same distance
from the lines for the four engine standoff screws. The
firewall is already mounted correctly to provide right
offset for the engine when the engine standoff center is
on the intersection of the above lines.
Step 4
Install four screws from the back side of the
firewall. You may apply epoxy glue here.
Step 6
Install throttle servo with servo arm to the
provided throttle servo mount. Drill a hole
in the firewall for the throttle linkage to
pass. Attach the linkage to the servo arm
and throttle.
Step 7
Install the exhaust pipe to the engine.
Step 8
Secure the ignition module to the engine box.
Make the connections between the ignition
box and engine at this time.
Step 5
Install engine using four machined aluminum
standoffs, screws and lock washers.
Step 3
Drill the holes in the firewall for mounting the engine.

5
Required Parts
Step 1
• Wing panel (left and right)
• Aileron (left and right)
Tape the aileron to the wing. Using a square held in
alignment with the outer hole in the servo arm and
90 with the trailing edge of the wing, mark the
aileron with a pen where the straight edge intersects
the aileron hinge bevel.
°
Step 2
Measure rearward 10mm from the top of the
aileron bevel and make another mark using a pen.
The intersection of the line from Step 1 and this
line will be the position for the control horn.
(3/8”)
Step 3
Step 4
Remove the ailerons from the wing. Use rubbing alcohol to remove any tape residue.
Carefully drill through the aileron at the marked
position. Be especially careful when penetrating
through the top surface of the aileron, as it’s easy
to split out the wood and rip the covering. Placing
a wooden block under the aileron and drilling slowly
will prevent these problems.
Note: A hardwood block (hard point) is located below the sheeting; you will be drilling through
this. Make sure to drill the hole perpendicular to the centerline of the aileron.
16
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Wrap the receiver battery in foam and use rubber
bands or hook and loop straps to secure the battery to
the battery tray.
Assemble the fuel tank correctly. Be sure to use the
gas-compatible stopper and fuel tubing.
Place foam on the floor of the tank compartment.
Secure the tank in place by wrapping rubber bands or
hook and loop straps around the tank and tank floor.
Later we will run the fuel lines.
Locate the hidden switch hatch on the side of the
fuselage and open the hatch. Mount the receiver switch
in the hatch and then close the hatch door.
Required Parts
D-55 Installation
Step 1
• Fuselage
• Engine and accessories
This model accepts gas engines ranging from 50 through 60cc. The following steps show the
installation of a 55cc gas engine for your reference. The detailed steps may be different when your
selected engine is different.
Collect the necessary items for the installation of your particular engine.
Section 11 – Mounting the Engine and
Cowling
Section 2 – Aileron Control Horn
Installation

Step 5
From the top of the aileron, plug the control horn
screw through the hole and secure it with the
provided nut.
Step 6
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the remaining aileron.
Required Parts
Step 1
• Wing panel ( right )
• Aileron (left and right)
Properly hinging the control surfaces on this model is very important! Poorly installed hinges
affect the model’s precision and control response and can also be dangerous. Each and every hinge
needs to be securely bonded in place in both the flying surface and the control surface. The hinge
pivot points need to be exactly parallel to each other and precisely located on the center of the hinge
line. The control surfaces of this model are predrilled for the hinges included in hardware package.
Sand each end of the hinges using coarse
sandpaper. This will improve the bond of the epoxy to
the hinge.
left and
Section 3 – Hinging and Sealing the
Control Surfaces
Step 2
Mix some 30-minute epoxy. Using a glue syringe or
toothpick, place a sufficient amount of the epoxy into
one of the hinge pockets in the aileron leading edge.
Install one of the hinge points until the hinge pin
center is flush with the leading edge of the aileron.
Wipe away any excess epoxy with rubbing alcohol.
Continue installing hinges in the leading edge of the
aileron. The control surfaces (ailerons) will be
installed after the epoxy is fully cured. Note: Be sure
that the hinge pivot pins are parallel and flush to the
aileron leading edge. It’s important to frequently mix a
fresh batch of 30-minute epoxy in order to achieve
good glue joint penetration. If you notice the epoxy
becoming thicker, then mix a new batch!
15
Step 2
Note: It may be necessary to drill the hole in the
wheel to fit onto the axle.
Install the following items onto the axle: washer, wheel
and then wheel collar.
Step 3
Note: Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal
fasteners to prevent them from vibrating loose.
The blind nuts on the wheel pant are pre-installed.
Slide the wheel pant to the right position on the wheel.
Secure the wheel pant to the landing gear with two
screws.
Step 4
Step 5
Install the landing gear to the fuselage using four
screws and four lock washers.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the remaining landing
gear.
Required Parts
Step 1
• Fuselage
Use foam and rubber bands (or hook and loop straps)
to secure the receiver to the battery tray.
Section 10 – Receiver, Battery and Fuel
Tank Installation
6

Step 3
Step 4
Hint: Remove the screws and wick thin CA into
the holes to strengthen the threads. Then,
reinstall the screws.
Step 5
Remove the bracket and drill pilot holes at the
previously marked positions.
Assemble the tail wheel bracket and use provided
screws to secure the bracket in place. A hardwood
plate is positioned in the rear of the fuselage,
allowing these screws to be firmly tightened.
Using the provided springs, hook up the tiller arm
to the rudder with the tail wheel.
Section 9 – Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Step 1
• Fuselage
• Main landing gear
• Wheel (2)
• Wheel pant (left and right)
Install the axles in the landing gear. Secure the
axles using an adjustable wrench and the nuts
provided with the axles.
7
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Note: It’s a good idea to seal the aileron and elevator hinge lines airtight with a piece of
covering to prevent flutter after you finish hinges installation.
When the epoxy is cured, work each hinge throughout its full motion several times using your
hands. This will break free any epoxy that may have found its way into the hinge joint. Move the
hinge throughout its full travel until no resistance is felt.
Mix some 30-minute epoxy. Place a sufficient amount of epoxy in each of the hinge pockets in one
wing panel.
Carefully attach the aileron to the wing, making sure the
hinges are inserted in their respective hinge pockets.
Press the aileron and wing together until the hinge line
gap between the aileron and wing is small enough. Use a
paper towel and rubbing alcohol to wipe away any visible
epoxy around the hinges.
Double-check the hinge gap and allow the epoxy to fully cure for enough time. Now is a good
time to repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the remaining wing panel and aileron.
When fully cured, move each control surface throughout its travel range several times to break
away any epoxy in the hinge. Be sure to deflect the surface fully.
Required Parts
• Control horn linkages (2)
Section 4 – Aileron Linkage Installation
Step 1
Screw the molded swivel link with linkage onto the control
horn screw until the distance from the aileron surface to
the top of the link is 28mm (1 1/8”).
14

13
Required Parts
Step 1
Step 2
• Fuselage
• Rudder
• Tail wheel assembly
Install the tiller arm to the bottom of the rudder
with screws.
Position the tail wheel in place as shown,
centered on the rear of the fuselage. Using a
felt-tipped pen, mark the positions for the
mounting screws through the tail wheel bracket.
Section 8 – Tail Wheel Installation
Step 7
Step 8
Hinge the rudder using the same techniques as with the aileron and elevator.
Put the rudder in its neutral position and center the rudder servo. Adjust the length of both rudder
cables to match the distance from the rudder servo arm to the control horn. Use a plier to fix the
length of the cables. Install the cables on both sides of the outer holes of the rudder servo arm and
control horn.
8
Adjust the linkage length until the hole in the ball link aligns with the outer hole in the servo arm
when the aileron is neutral and the servo arm is centered.
Attach the ball link to the outer hole in the servo arm
with a screw and nut as shown. Don’t forget to use
threadlock.
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the remaining servo in
the opposite wing panel.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Required Parts
Step 1
Step 2
Note: It may be necessary to slightly enlarge the holes in the fuselage for the anti-rotation pins
using a small round file.
• Wing panels
• Fuselage
• Wing tube
Check the opening for the wing tube, servo leads and pins from inside of the fuselage where the
wing panels connect to the fuselage. Carefully remove the covering from the opening using a hobby
knife.
Locate the wing tube and carefully slide it into one wing
panel as deeply as possible. Slide the wing (with tube)
into the wing tube opening in the fuselage. Pass the
servo lead in the wing into the fuselage before the wing
connects to the fuselage. Make sure the wing panel
anti-rotation pins slide into the holes provided in the
fuselage.
Section 5 – Wing Installation

12
Step 2
Step 3
Install the rudder servo on the right position of servo tray
in the fuselage. Attach the servo arm to the servo. Make
sure the servo arm is perpendicular (90 ) to the
centerline of the fuselage when the servo is at the neutral
position.
Put the fuselage on its side with rudder virtually
connecting. Using the provided rudder cable, measure a
straight line from the rudder servo arm to the opening in
Step 1, and mark the extension line on the rudder with a
pen.
°
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Measure rearward 10mm from the edge of the
rudder bevel and make another mark using a
pen. The intersection of the line from Step 3 and
this line will be the position for the rudder
control horn.
Carefully drill through the rudder at the marked position,
perpendicular (90 ) to the rudder centerline at the
marked position. Be especially careful when penetrating
through the backside of the rudder.
Put the threaded rod of the rudder control horn through
the hole and secure it with the provided nuts. Adjust the
position of the rod so that it has the same length on both
sides of the rudder. Screw the molded swivel link with
linkage onto the threaded rod at the right position so
that the rudder cable in operation will not hit the opening
of the fuselage.
(3/8”)
°
9
Step 3
Carefully slide the remaining wing panel onto the wing tube that projects from the fuselage. The fit
may be tight; use caution when inserting the wing panels onto the wing tube and fuselage.
Step 4
Make sure both wings fit well with the fuselage and
there is no gap between them. Secure the wing
panels using the provided wing screws.
Required Parts
Step 1
2
• Stabilizer (left and right)
• Fuselage
• Stabilizer tube
Locate the opening for the elevator servo arm at the
bottom of the stabilizer. Carefully remove the covering
from the opening using a hobby knife.
Install the elevator servo using the hardware provided
with the servo as shown. Plug a servo extension onto
the servo.
Step
Section 6 – Stabilizer Installation

10
From the top of the elevator, plug the control horn screw
through the hole and secure it with the provided nut.
Step 6
Step 7
Cut off the first section of one of the hinges. This is done
to clear the tube installed in the stabilizer.
Step 8
Glue the elevator hinges in place using the same
techniques used to hinge the ailerons. The shortened
hinges will be installed into the stabilizer towards the
root.
11
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
Install the elevator linkage using the same techniques
used to the aileron linkage.
Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for the remaining stabilizer and elevator.
Install the stabilizer using the same techniques for the wing installation. Secure the stabilizer
with screws at the bottom as shown.
Required Parts
Step 1
• Rudder
• Fuselage
Check the opening for the rudder cable in the fuselage.
Carefully remove the covering from the opening using a
hobby knife.
Section 7 – Rudder Installation
Step 3
Note: The technique for installing the control horns
in the elevators is similar to the aileron control horn
installation.
Center the elevator servo using the radio system. Install
a servo arm onto the servo.
Step 4
Mark a line 3mm (1/8”) away from the servo arm and
parallel to the movement direction of the servo arm.
Measure rearward 10mm (3/8”) from the top of the
elevator bevel and make another mark using a pen. The
intersection of the two marks will be the position for the
control horn.
Step 5
Note: Make sure to drill the hole perpendicular to the
centerline of the elevator.
Carefully drill through the elevator at the marked
position. Be especially careful when penetrating
through the top surface of the elevator, as it’s easy to
split out the wood and rip the covering.
Placing a wooden block under the elevator and drilling
slowly will prevent these problems.