WATT AGE J-3 ElectriCub User manual

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The Wattage Electric Cubis distributed exclusively by Global Hobby Distributors 18480 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92728
All contents copyright © 2001, Global Hobby Distributors Version V1.0 May 2001
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IMPORTANT
The Wattage Electric Cub is intended for individuals 12 years of age or older. Children under
12 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult when either assembling or flying
the Electric Cub.
WARNING
Do not leave your model in an extremely hot environment (like the back of your car in direct
sunlight) for any length of time. The extreme heat could cause damage to the plastic and/or
foam your model is made from.

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Thank you for purchasing the new Wattage Electric Cub and welcome to the sport of radio control flying. Before
completing the final assembly of your new Electric Cub, please carefully read through this instruction manual in its
entirety. Doing so will ensure success the first time around!
IMPORTANT
Before beginning assembly make sure you have all of the parts shown below:
Fuselage Assembly Wing Assembly
(do not remove tape holding wing
halves together)
Vertical Tail
3ch. Transmitter
Battery Charger
Flight Battery Propeller
Transmitter Flag
Landing Gear Assembly
Wing Brace
Rubber Bands

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Here's what you'll need to get your Electric Cub flying:
If any of the parts listed on page # 2 are missing, or if you have any questions during assembly, please contact us. We're
here to help you. You can reach us at the following address:
Wattage Customer Care
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92728
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
For Your Convenience:
We have included a glossary of terms on the back page of this manual. Check it out if you come across any terms that are
unfamiliar to you.
We know you're excited to get your new Electric Cub flying, but take your time. Taking your time will ensure the best
possible success and fun with the Electric Cub.
If you encounter any problems with your Electric Cub check the troubleshooting guide on page # 19.
OUR GUARANTEE
Wattage guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship, at the date of purchase. This does
not cover any component parts damaged by use, misuse or modification. In no case shall Wattage's liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit.
InthatWattagehasnocontroloverthefinalassemblyormaterialusedforfinalassembly, no liability shall be assumed for
any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the final user-
assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
Eight AA Alkaline Batteries
Small Phillips Screwdriver

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You're ready to start, aren't you? Lets go!
Step 1: Installing the Transmitter Batteries
❑Removethebatterycoverbypushingdownwithyour
thumbs at the two marks shown.
❑Install8fresh AAAlkalinebatteries, being carefulto
watch that the polarity is correct for each battery.
❑Push the battery cover back into place until you hear
it "click" into position.

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Step 2: Charging the Flight Battery
❑Plug the flight battery connector into the battery
chargerconnector. Whenplugged in properly you should
hear the connectors "click" together.
☛Note that the plugs can be plugged in only one way.
❑Plug the charger into a 110VAC wall outlet.
❑Charge the flight battery for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Be
careful not to overcharge the battery.
❑To unplug the connectors, squeeze the tab on the
battery connector and pull the two connectors apart.
Step 3: Installing the Vertical Tail
Continued on Next Page
❑Using a small phillips head screwdriver, carefully
remove the screw from the vertical tail mount.
❑Set the screw aside for now.
❑InserttheZ-shapedbend(Z-bend)inthepushrodwire
into the middle holeintheplasticcontrolhornontheside
of the vertical tail.

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❑When installing the Z-bend, make sure the longer
portion of the wire is facing toward the top of the plastic
control horn.
❑Carefully push the vertical tail down into the plastic
mount.
❑Pushthetailforwardorbacktolineuptheholethough
theside ofthetail withtheholes inthesides ofthemount.
❑Installandtighten the screwyouremovedpreviously
to hold the vertical tail in place.
☛Do not overtighten the screw or you might strip out
the plastic mount.

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Step 4: Installing the Landing Gear
❑Line up the bend in the landing gear wire with the
plastic slot in the bottom of the fuselage.
☛Theslotbehindtheplasticmountisacoolingslotfor
the flight battery.
❑Push the landing gear wire firmly down into the slot.
❑Align the propeller with the motor shaft.
Step 5: Installing the Propeller
Continued on Next Page

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❑Push the propeller firmly onto the motor shaft.
Step 6: Installing the Wing
❑Unfoldthewing,makingsurenottodamage theclear
tape that holds the wing halves together.
☛Do not cut or remove the clear tape that holds the
wing halves together. This tape prevents the wing halves
from coming apart during flight.
❑Look carefully at the plastic wing brace. Notice that
the top front of the brace is flat.
☛The front of the wing brace will go toward the front
of the wing.
Continued on Next Page

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❑Line up the centerline of the wing with the center of
the fuselage.
❑Settheplasticwingbraceoverthemiddleofthewing.
☛Remember,thefrontofthebracegoestowardthefront
of the wing.
❑Install the rubber bands to hold the wing brace and
wing firmly in place.
❑Use two rubber bands per side (four total) to hold the
wing in place.
☛It is not necessary to use more than four rubber
bands, but if you use less, the wing may move during
flight, resulting in poor flight performance.

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Step 7: Installing the Flight Battery
❑Pullthemotoron/offswitchback towardyou tomake
sure the motor is in the off position.
❑Turn on the transmitter. Both the green and the red
LED's should light up.
IMPORTANT
Always make sure you turn on the transmitter first,
before installing the flight battery. After you're done
flying, remove the flight batteryfirst, then turn off the
transmitter.
☛This will prevent unexpected radio signals from in-
terfering with your radio system.
❑Removetherubberbands,wingbraceandwing from
the fuselage. Set them aside.
❑Plug the connector on the flight battery into the
connector that is inside the fuselage. When plugged in
properly you should hear the connectors "click".
☛Note that the plugs can be plugged in only one way.
Continued on Next Page

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❑Push the battery connectors and wires up toward the
front of the fuselage.
❑Slide the battery down into the fuselage as shown.
❑Push the flight battery down so it is resting on the
bottom of the fuselage.
☛The battery simply rests on the fuselage floor, right
in front of the receiver.
IMPORTANT
The ElectricCubdoes not have an on/off switch. When
you plug in the flight battery, the receiver and servos
are powered up.
Caution!
Do not press the red motor arming switch at this time.
Now that you have completed the assembly of your
Electric Cub, turn to page # 12 to begin testing your
Electric Cub and getting it ready to fly!

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Step 1: Adjusting the Control Surfaces
❑Turn on the transmitter.
❑Plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the safety arming switch yet.
Testing the Electric Cub
❑Carefully adjust the left and right control trim lever
until it is centered with the marks above and below it.
❑Carefully adjust the up and down control trim lever
untilit iscenteredwiththemarkstothe rightandleftofit.
Continued on Next Page
IMPORTANT
Before each flight it's important to check to make sure
that each control surface is exactly even with the tail. If
they are not, the Electric Cub will not fly properly.
❑If the control surfaces are not exactly even with the
tail, use your fingers to carefully bend the wire (where it
comes out of the fuselage tube) until the back edge of
each control surface is even with the tail.

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❑Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move
the right-hand transmitter control stick completely to
the left. The vertical control surface should move left.
❑Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move
theright-handtransmittercontrol stick completely tothe
right. The vertical control surface should move right.
❑Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move
the left-hand transmitter control stick completely back.
The horizontal control surface should move up.
Continued on Next Page

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❑Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move
theleft-handtransmitter controlstickcompletelyforward.
The horizontal control surface should move down.
Step 2: Testing the Motor
❑Turn on the transmitter and plug in and install the
flight battery.
❑Makesurethat the motoron/off switchispulledback
toward you - see page # 10.
❑While keeping clear of the propeller, press the red
motor safety arming switch once.
WARNING: During the motor test keep everything clear
of the propeller, especially fingers and loose clothing.
❑Whileholding theElectric Cubuprightintheairwith
the propeller pointing away from you, push the motor
on/offswitchforward. Thepropellershould spinat ahigh
rate of speed.
❑When finished with the test, pull the motor on/off
switchtowardyou(themotorshouldturnoff), unplug the
flight battery, then turn off the transmitter.

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Step 2: Choosing a Day to Fly
❑Until you become a proficient flyer you should always plan on flying your Electric Cub when there's no wind. We
strongly suggest waiting for a calm day. Do not fly in more than a 5 m.p.h. wind.
❑Tietheredflagtotheendofthetransmitter'santenna.
❑Hold the transmitter up at an angle. If the flag hangs
down, go ahead and fly.
❑If the flag hangs at a 45º angle or more, don't fly.
Wait for a calmer day.
Getting Ready to Fly
Step 1: Choosing Your Flying Field
❑The flying field you choose should be a large, open field with grass. There should not be any vehicles, buildings,
power lines, trees, large rocks - or anything else for your Electric Cub to crash into. Until you are very proficient with the
Electric Cub, we don't recommend taking off or landing from hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Less than a 5 m.p.h. wind.
It's okay to fly.
More than a 5 m.p.h. wind.
Wait for a calmer day to fly. Continued on Next Page

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Step 3: Range Testing the Radio System
❑Turn on the transmitter.
❑Plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the motor safety arming switch yet.
❑Set the Electric Cub on the ground.
❑Extend the transmitter's antenna completely. Move the two control sticks back and forth to check the controls.
❑Walkapproximately 150ft.fromthe ElectricCubandmove thecontrolsticks backandforth. Checkto makesurethat
the Electric Cub's controls are moving smoothly at this distance. You may need a friend to help you with this step.
☛If the Electric Cub does not range check, don't fly! Please refer to the troubleshooting guide on page # 19.
Flying the Electric Cub
Step 1: Hand Launching and Setting the Trim
❑You should always launch the Electric Cub into the wind. Determine wind direction by tossing some blades of grass
into the air and watching which direction they fall.
❑Turn on the transmitter and plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the motor safety arming switch yet.
❑In your throwing hand hold the Electric Cub from
the base, up above shoulder level.
❑While holding the transmitter in your other hand,
firmly toss the Electric Cub straight ahead and level
(without power). Do not throw it hard or up or down.
IMPORTANT
When trimmed properly, the Electric Cub should glide
level for a short distance then go into a shallow nose
down attitude for about 20 - 30 feet. Adjust the trim of
the horizontal control surface using the up/down trim
lever on the transmitter to achieve this - see below.
Continued on Next Page
☛To make the Electric Cub pitch up more, slide the up/down trim lever back just a little bit.
☛To make the Electric Cub pitch down more, slide the up/down trim lever forward just a little bit. In most cases,
keeping the up/down trim lever centered will result in excellent power-off glide performance.
❑When you are satisfied with the trim, press the motor arming switch once.
❑While holding the Electric Cub at shoulder level like before, push the motor on/off switch to turn the motor on. With
the propeller spinning at high speed, firmly toss the Electric Cub straight ahead and level.
☛When trimmed properly, the Electric Cub will gently climb on its own without being given any up/down stick input.
If the Electric Cub begins losing altitude after launching, pull back gently (only a small amount) on the up/down control
stick. This will cause the Electric Cub to pitch up and climb.

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Step 3: Landing
❑Before attempting to land make sure that the Electric Cub is flying straight into the wind with the wing level.
❑Pull the motor on/off switch back toward you to turn the motor off. At this point the Electric Cub will begin to
descend. Allow the airplane to gradually descend. If the airplane seems to be descending too fast, gently pull back on the
up/down control stick to make the Electric Cub pitch up to level flight. This will bleed off speed and slow the decent.
Once the airplane has slowed down, release the control stick and allow the airplane to continue its decent. Once the
ElectricCubisabout 15 feet offthe ground make surethewingislevel and continue ashallowdescent. Justbeforetouch-
down, gently pull back on the control stick to level the airplane with the ground for landing.
Step 2: Flying
❑After you've launched the Electric Cub, keep the motor running and allow the Electric Cub to continue to climb.
After reaching about 80 - 100 feet of altitude you should start making turns to keep the Electric Cub near you.
WARNING
Don't fly the Electric Cub too far away or you could lose control. The range of the radio system is about 500 - 600 feet.
❑ToturntheElectricCub,gently move the right-hand control stick inthedirectionyouwanttheElectricCub to go and
hold it for a second or two. After the Electric Cub starts turning in the direction you want it to, let go of the control stick.
WARNING
The longer you hold the control stick over, the tighter radius the Electric Cub will turn in. We recommend gentle turns
until you are proficient with the flight characteristics of the airplane.
☛If the Electric Cub always turns one direction or the other, use the sliding trim lever (as described on page # 12) to
make the Electric Cub fly level.
❑TheElectric Cub'saltitudeis controlledbythe left-handup/downcontrol stick. IfyouwanttheElectricCubtoclimb,
gently pull back on the control stick. If you want the Electric Cub to descend, gently push forward on the control stick.
☛When going into a turn, the Electric Cub will have a natural tendency to lose some altitude. Unless you want to
descend, you should gently pull back on the control stick to keep the Electric Cub level during the turn. The steeper the
turn the more altitude the Electric Cub will lose.
❑Typically, theElectricCubis flown withthemotoron. If you want toglidearoundor descend, youcanturnthe motor
off using the motor on/off switch. When you want to climb again, push the motor on/off switch to turn the motor back on.
☛When you turn the motor off for gliding, the Electric Cub will have a natural tendency to pitch up. This is caused by
the down thrust in the motor. Push forward gently on the left-hand up/down control stick to make the Electric Cub pitch
down to level flight.
IMPORTANT
If you are flying in a light wind, the Electric Cub will tend to climb as you turn into the wind. In this instance, you will
need to level off the Electric Cub by pushing forward on the control stick. When you turn down-wind, the Electric Cub
will have a natural tendency to loss altitude. In this instance, you should pull back gently on the control stick.

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Wattage carries a complete line of replacement parts for your Electric Cub. Listed below are the replacement parts that
are available along with their respective part numbers for easy ordering convenience. These replacement parts can be
ordered through your local dealer or directly from Wattage by calling 1-714-963-0329.
Decal Sheet - 144152
Instruction Manual - 144153
Wing Set - 144154
Tail Assembly - 144155
Fuselage Assembly - 144156
Landing Gear Assembly - 144157
Propeller - 144158
Flight Battery Charger - 144109
Flight Battery Pack - 144110
180 Electric Motor - 144111
Elite 3 Transmitter - 144147
27Mhz 3ch. Receiver - 144148
Motor Controller - 144149
Servo Unit - 144123
Replacement Parts
●Check before every flight to ensure that the batteries in the transmitter are working properly. When the green LED
goes out it's time to change the batteries.
●Before recharging the flight battery, let the motor run until the flight battery is completely drained. This will ensure
you don't overcharge the battery.
●Do not begin to charge the flight battery if it is hot. Wait for the battery to cool before recharging it.
●Never leave the flight battery plugged into the airplane unless you are flying or testing the controls.
●Before flying, always double check that you've extended the transmitter antenna completely.
●Beforeeach flight,doa quickmotortest tomakesurethatthemotorisproducing fullpower. If itdoesn'tyou mayneed
to charge the flight battery longer. Do not charge a completely drained flight battery longer than 2 hours or damage to the
flight battery may occur.
●When you fly, orientate yourself so that the sun is at your back. Don't fly directly into the sun or you won't be able to
see your Electric Cub.
●Separate battery packs can be purchased and charged before going to the flying field. An extra flight battery will
double your flight time. See the replacement parts list below for the part number of the flight battery.
●Do not fly in winds over 5 miles per hour; otherwise, the Electric Cub will be very difficult to control and a crash will
likely occur.
●Do not fly your Electric Cub if another airplane is on the same frequency as you. The frequency number is printed on
a sticker on the back of the transmitter and on the Electric Cub's receiver.
●Always be conscious of the spinning propeller. Be careful not to allow loose clothing to be drawn into the propeller.
●If you're under 12 years of age we suggest you fly while accompanied by an adult.
●Do not use any charger other than the charger included with the Electric Cub to charge the flight battery.
●Never attempt to disassemble any of the Electric Cub components, especially the transmitter, charger and battery.
●Do not allow any of the components to get wet or electrical damage may occur.
●The propeller is a friction fit to the motor shaft. Sometimes the propeller may be knocked loose during a crash or it
may become loose from taking it off. If this is the case, simply apply a thin layer of Elmers®White Glue to the motor
shaft before installing the propeller. This will help keep it firmly in place. Be careful not to get glue inside the motor.
Flight Tips and Warnings

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This troubleshooting guide has been provided to help you diagnose and solve most problems that you may encounter
with your Electric Cub. Most problems encountered can be solved by carefully following the problem-cause-solution
sections below. If you cannot solve the problem using this troubleshooting guide, please feel free to contact us at the
address or phone number listed on page # 3.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
1) Transmitter does not turn on A) Transmitter batteries are depleted A) Replace batteries with new ones
B) Transmitter batteries are not installed properly B) Reinstall the batteries, double checking
the polarity
2) Tail servo/servos do not work A) Flight battery is depleted A) Recharge flight battery
B) Flight battery is not plugged in or is loose B) Check that the flight battery is plugged
in firmly
C) A crash has damaged an internal component C) Return your Electric Cub to Wattage
following the instructions on the back
cover of this manual
3) Motor does not turn on A) Flight battery is not plugged in A) Plug in flight battery
B) Flight battery is depleted B) Recharge flight battery
C) Safety arming switch not pressed C) Press safety arming switch once to
allow power to the motor
D) A crash has damaged an internal component D) Return your Electric Cub to Wattage
following the instructions on the back
cover of this manual
4) The Electric Cub is difficult A) You may be flying in too much wind A) Fly when it is calm outside
to control B) The control surfaces are out of trim B) Center the control surfaces by adjusting
the pushrods as described on page # 12
C) The flight battery is depleted C) Land and recharge the flight battery
D) Transmitter batteries are depleted D) Replace batteries with new ones
E) You are over-controlling the control sticks E) Be careful not to over-control. Apply
only small, gentle control inputs
5) The Electric Cub always A) The right-hand trim lever is out of adjustment A) Adjust the trim lever on the transmitter
turns to the left or right until the Electric Cub flies straight
without control input
6) The Electric Cub always climbs A) The left-hand trim lever is out of adjustment A) Adjust the trim lever on the transmitter
or descends until the Electric Cub flies level without
control input
7) Cannot trim the Electric Cub A) Control surfaces are too far out of trim A) Readjust the pushrods as described on
using the trim levers page # 12
Troubleshooting Guide

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Warranty Service
Before returning your Electric Cub for warranty consideration, the status of the unit must be within the guarantee as
stated on page # 3 of this instruction manual. Do not return your Electric Cub to the place of purchase. They are not
authorized or equipped to perform warranty work on Wattage products. When requesting warranty service, please
observe the following:
●Crash damage will not be covered under warranty. Do not request warranty service for a crash-damaged product.
●Always send the Electric Cub complete with the transmitter. Please unplug and/or remove the batteries both from the
transmitter and the Electric Cub. Please place the batteries separately in the same package.
●Include a note detailing the problem or service you are requesting. Service cannot be provided without this
information. Include your daytime phone number, shipping address and/or email address in the event we need more
details pertaining to the service requested.
●You may request an estimate of services at the time you return your Electric Cub for service. An omission of this
request implies permission for Wattage to service your Electric Cub at our discretion.
●Include a method of payment for any service charges.
●Send the unit to us by United Parcel Service, Federal Express or by Insured Mail. Postage is non-refundable. Send
your package to:
Wattage Customer Care
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92728
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Battery Charger: Plugs into a 110V AC wall outlet
and charges the flight battery to full capacity.
Control Stick: The sticks on the transmitter that you
move. The one on the right moves left and right and the
one on the left moves up and down.
Control Surfaces: The surfaces on the tail assembly
thatpivottomake theairplane turnrightandleftandpitch
up and down.
Flight Battery: Comprised of individual battery cells,
theflightbattery ismountedinside theairplaneandpow-
ers the motor, receiver and servos.
Horizontal Tail: The wing-like surface on the back of
the airplane that is parallel with the wing. The horizontal
tail provides stability to the airplane.
Motor Controller: The motor controller controls the
speedof themotor. The ElectricCub'smotor controlleris
a simple on/off switch.
Pushrods: They connect the control surfaces to the
servo, transferring the movement of the servo directly
to the control surfaces.
Receiver: The part of the radio system that receives the
signals from the transmitter.
Safety Arming Switch: A switch between the motor
andthemotorcontrollerthatpreventsthemotorfromturn-
ingonuntilthe switchispressed. Thispreventsthemotor
from inadvertently turning on.
Servo: The part of the radio system that produces the
movement necessary to move the control surface. The
servo includes a small motor, gears and a circuit board.
Servo Horn: Made out of plastic or nylon, it attaches to
theservo output shaft. The pushrod and/or servo connec-
tor are then attached to the servo horn.
Transmitter: The part of the radio system that you
control. It transmits the control inputs to the receiver,
which transfers that information to the servo and mo-
tor controller.
Trim Lever: A sliding lever on the transmitter that
allows you to make small adjustments to the control
surfaces from the transmitter.
Vertical Tail: The wing-like surface on the back of the
airplane that is perpendicular to the horizontal tail. The
vertical tail provides stability to the airplane.
Z-Bend: A "Z Shaped" bend in pushrods that is used to
connect the pushrods to the control surfaces.
Glossary of Terms