ZAGI Zagi-Fixx User manual

Trick R/C Products, LLC
938 Victoria Avenue
Venice, California 90291
voice 310 301-1614
fax [phone]
email [email protected]
online orders www.Zagi.com

SafetySafety
SafetySafety
Safety is important even with these small
motors. Do not run the motor until it is
installed. See page 18.
ZZ
ZZ
Z-F-F
-F-F
-Foamoam
oamoam
oam is a unique matrix that is
resistant to solvents. The urethane paint
however is not. Repairs can be made
with Zagi-Lock and clear tape. Avoid
overflowing the glue onto the painted
surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing
alcohol) or Windex can be used safely to
remove residual mold release before
applying tape or decals. Place the decals
carefully the first time. The decal
adhesive will lift the paint.
NiCad and NiMHNiCad and NiMH
NiCad and NiMHNiCad and NiMH
NiCad and NiMH batteries are not
shipped with a charge. All batteries must
be charged before any hookup can be
done. Charge the TX (transmitter) battery
over night with the charger in the radio
component box. The radio component
charger will not charge the 8 cell 370
mAh NIMH battery. It must be charged
with a separate charger. Make sure that
the charger is designed to charge a 9.6v
8 cell MiMH battery.
Use the decal stars sparinglyUse the decal stars sparingly
Use the decal stars sparinglyUse the decal stars sparingly
Use the decal stars sparingly..
..
. Since
most decals and other design decora-
tions are applied behind the center of
gravity, the wing can become tailheavy.
The decals are better used for repairs.
(See page 21)
PP
PP
Pusher motorsusher motors
usher motorsusher motors
usher motors don’t have the advan-
tage of the prop wash for cooling.
Pushers instead depend on the air
resulting from the forward motion of the
aircraft. A heat sync employs heat
conducting aluminum fins to help the
motor case dissipate heat by increasing
the surface area. Lowering the operating
temperature can extend the life of the
motor. The heat sync was manufactured
to close tolarances and must be installed
correctly to conduct properly.
The Zagi-FiXX kit contains:
Right and left wing panels
1!370 mAh NIMH 8 cell 9.6v battery
with connector
1!Zagi 5 amp electronic speed control
with BEC
1!GWS EPU-3.5:1 motor and gear set
with mount stick and an 8x4.3 prop
1!Battery charge lead wire
2!Pre-shaped adjustable servo-saver
control rods
2!Control horns
1!Tube of Zagi-Lock CA adhesive (Ethyl
Cyanoacrylate)
1!Custom decal repair set with leading
edge and skid armor kit
1!Popsicle stick for antenna spooler
Optional accessories: Available
from Trick R/C
12 mm replacement motor without gear set
Lightweight antenna wire.
Heat sync for 12 mm motor (not included)
3 ! 370 mAh NIMH 8 cell 9.6v battery
packs with connectors
6 ! 370 mAh NIMH 8 cell 9.6v battery
packs with connectors
Copyright 2002 Trick R/C Products LLC 1

The servo bay of the Zagi FiXX was
designed to fit the Hitec HS-55
servo. The HS-55 is a moderately
priced readily available servo with
more than adequate torque.
Clip both of the mount tabs off of
the servos
Find the control arm with small
holes in the parts bag supplied with
the servo.
Cut one of the arms off of the
control arm with the small holes
Remove the servo control arm with
the large holes.
2

The trim levers are located on the
transmitter to the left and below the
control stick. Some trim controls are
electronic and others are mechani-
cal. Trim levers are provided to
adjust the zero position of the
servos. Center the trim levers. The
control surfaces of the Zagi FiXX are
called elevons because they com-
bine the functions of the elevator
and aileron by means of an elec-
tronic mixer.
Hitec FHitec F
Hitec FHitec F
Hitec Focus 3 radio systems:ocus 3 radio systems:
ocus 3 radio systems:ocus 3 radio systems:
ocus 3 radio systems: The
setup switches for the Hites Focus 3
radio system are on the back of the
transmitter. Turn the MIX function
switch to the ON position. Leave the
top two switches in the NORM
(normal) position.
Computer radios have settings for
elevon mixing. Check the radio
manual for flying wing, elevon or
delta mix setting. V-tail settings will
not work. Once the transmitter is set
for elevons, determine the appropri-
ate receiver slot for the controls. Lay
the servos the way they will be in the
wings. Plug the right and left servos
into the receiver.
Hites FHites F
Hites FHites F
Hites Focus 3 radio systems:ocus 3 radio systems:
ocus 3 radio systems:ocus 3 radio systems:
ocus 3 radio systems: Plug
the right servo into the CH1 slot, the
left servo into the CH2 slot. Plug the
ESC three color ribbon wire into the
CH3 slot.
3

The control arm should be at 90
degrees to the servo in the hands off
neutral position. Remove the control
arm and replace it to realign to 90
degrees.
Always turn the transmitter switch to
the on position before plugging in
the airplane battery. Check the
battery condition indicator on the
transmitter to make sure that the
battery is charged.
Plug the ESC into a charged battery.
The male and female JST connectors
have a polarity lock. They will only
mate in one position: RR
RR
Red to reded to red
ed to reded to red
ed to red
and black to blackand black to black
and black to blackand black to black
and black to black.The servos
should now move when the transmit-
ter stick is moved. Do not plug the
motor in at this time.
When the stick is pulled back (the
opposite direction to antenna) the
servo control arms should move
forward. When the stick is moved to
the right, the right servo control arm
should move forward and the left
servo control arm moves back.
4

Cut out the square paint thick
membrane in the corner of the servo
bay
Stick the servo plug through the
square hole to the bottom of the
wing.
Push the servo into the servo bay
while pulling the wire from the
bottom.
Cut out the square paint-thick
membrane at the end of the wire
channel on the bottom of the wing.
5

Cram the wire into the cutout. Use a
probe to push the wire toward the
receiver bay.
Pull the wire and apply a piece of
tape over the channel to hold the
servo wire in place.
Hold the servo connector and pull
the wire into the receiver bay.
Cut the paint membrane at the
outboard end of the elevon to allow
the elevon to move freely on the
paint hinge.
6

Trim the pushrod and hook it
between the middle hole of the servo
control arm and the top hole of the
control horn.
Squeeze a thin bead of Zagi-Lock
CA glue in the slot located at the
inboard end of the elevon. Center
the control horn in the slot.
Straighten the pushrod after adjust-
ments are complete
.
Pinch the “S” bend with pliers to
adjust the center position of the
elevon.
7

Locate the 2 3/4” wood motor
mount stick in the hardware bag.
Smooth the four sides of the stick on
a piece of medium sandpaper.
Round both ends of the stick by
drawing it backwords across the
sandpaper.
Rounding the ends of the motor
mount stick will make it easier to fit
in the gearbox and the motor pylon.
Push the motor mount stick into the
square hole in the back side of the
gearbox until it bottoms. The mount
stick should fit snug. Sand the sides
a few more strokes if the fit is too
tight.
8

9
Apply a zigzag bead of Zagi-Lock
CA glue to one of the flat surfaces
of the center section. Make sure to
apply a small bead of glue in the
motor mount stick cutout on the
opposite panel. Spread the glue
evenly with scrap paper. Push the
panels together. Align the panels
according to the center bulkhead.
Locate the red Zagi-FiXX decal on
the decal sheet. The decal is used
as a glue clamp for the motor pylon.
Stick it on top of one of the panels.
Match the alignment marks to find
the centerline.
The motor mount stick cutout is the
square slot located on the motor
pylon. Squeeze a bead of Zagi-Lock
the length of the slot.
Slide the motor mount stick into the
slot. Make sure that the stick
bottoms in the slot. Half of the motor
mount stick will remain to be used
as an alignment pin for wing
joining.

Locate the 1 x 10 inch clear vinyl
tape in the decal bag. Peel the clear
backing. Secure one inch of the tape
to the aft end of the skid.
Hold the tape securely and pull it
until it curves to the shape of the
skid. Pull and lower the curved tape
onto the full length of the skid. Press
the tape to the contour of the skid.
The vinyl tape is important to create
an armor film for landing.
Apply a small amount of Zagi-Lock
CA to the opposite motor mount
stick cutout. Match the front align-
ment pin with the groove and pinch
the wing panels together at the skid.
Quickly wipe any glue that squeezes
out with a paper towel. Clamp with
clothes pins or just hold the halves
together a few minutes until the glue
sets.
Apply a bead of Zagi-Lock CA glue
to the flat surfaces above the motor
wire hole. Pinch the seam together
and pull the tape over to the other
side.
10

11
The antenna groove is located on the
right panel. It extends from the center
pod all the way to the tip. At the pod
end of the antenna groove, spin a
1/8” drill bit or a pointed tool to
make a hole. Aim the drill at an
angle to come out in the corner of
the receiver bay. Spin the drill
through to the receiver bay.
Pull only enough antenna wire
through the hole to extend to the tip
of the wing. Extend the wire to the tip
along the groove. Hold it in place
with small pieces of Scotch tape six
inches apart.
Clear the antenna hole from the top
side. Push the antenna wire through
the hole from the top to the bottom
side.
Do not cut the extra antenna wire!Do not cut the extra antenna wire!
Do not cut the extra antenna wire!Do not cut the extra antenna wire!
Do not cut the extra antenna wire!
Some radio manufacturers provide a
small fixture to spool the extra
antenna wire. If this is not the case,
locate the popcicle stick in the parts
bag. Cut a 1-1/2 inch piece from the
stick. Check that the stick fits good
and tight across the aft end of the
receiver bay.

Do not use glue on the receiver or the
battery. Stick one of the Velcro loop side
squares on the battery opposite the
label. Stick one of the Velcro loop side
squares on the receiver. If the receiver
fits under the canopy on its side, put the
Velcro on the side.
Spool the antenna wire around the
popcicle stick. Make an even spiral
wrap around the stick being careful
not to overlap. Hold the antenna
wire in place with a piece of tape.
Push the extra antenna spool across
the aft end of the receiver bay.
Check the fit of the receiver under the
canopy when installed on its side.
Locate the Velcro squares in the
hardware bag. Separate the hook from
the loop sides. Peel the backing from
the hook sides. Squeeze a zigzag bead
of Zagi-Lock CA on the glue side of the
Velcro. Glue one in the receiver bay
and one in the forward most end the
battery bay.
12

13
Wipe the painted surfaces with
alcohol before applying any decals.
Glass cleaners like Windex work
also. Use the big blue Z decal to
cover the servos
Use the large white rectangle for the
canopy hinge and lock. The logo
print or the all white rectangle may
be used. Center the decal on the
canopy
Press the canopy in place. Smooth
the tape on to the wings on both
sides.
Cut one side leaving the other side
as a hinge. Use a small piece of
Scotch Tape as a replaceable lock.

Locate one of the two 14 1/2 X 3/
4” clear armor strips on the decal
sheet. These strips are provided as
crash armor for severe head-on
crashes. In the event of such a
crash the strips help to prevent the
trailingedge of the wing from
cracking or separating. Cut one of
the strips into two equal pieces 7 1/
4” long.
The clear decal armor strip works
best when applied parallel to the
trailing edge at the prop cutout.
Wipe the area with alcohol or
windex. Slip the decal under the
control arm. Align the decal
parallel to the trailind edge and
press the square end to the base of
the motor pylon. Press the remain-
ing length to the wing. Do not try to
follow the elevon hinge line.
Measure and mark the center of the
remaining armor strip on the decal
sheet. Center the center line mark
with the center of the wing. Align
the armor strip with the trailing edge
of the prop cutout between the
elevons.
Press the armor strip to the contour
of the center pod first. Press the
decal over the full length. Air
bubbles can be trapped under the
armor strip. Do not try to remove
the armor strip. Poke the bubble
with a pin and chase the air bubble
out through the vent.
14

15
Remove one nut and both washers.
Slide the prop onto the shaft withSlide the prop onto the shaft with
Slide the prop onto the shaft withSlide the prop onto the shaft with
Slide the prop onto the shaft with
the raised letters toward the motorthe raised letters toward the motor
the raised letters toward the motorthe raised letters toward the motor
the raised letters toward the motor..
..
.
Make sure that the nut mates with
the nut-shaped cutout in the prop.
Use the prop as a wrench to
unscrew the nut to the end of the
shaft. Leave 1/8 of an inch for the
two washers and the nut. Slide the
two washers against the prop. Turn
the nut on the shaft. Hold the large
gear and the prop to snug the shaft
nut.
Insert the motor wire into the motor
wire hole in the motor pylon. Pull the
wire from the receiver bay side while
pushing the motor onto the motor
mount stick.
Push the motor all the way onto the
motor mount stick until it seats.

Plug the right and left servos into the
Receiver. Plug the ESC radio wire
into the receiver. Roll the ESC wires
and stuff them next to the receiver.
Push the ESC on the top with the
label side down.
Plug the motor wire into the ESC.
The polarity to the motor should be
reversed so that the motor will work
as a pusher. It is easy to see the red
side of the motor plug being
plugged into the black side of the
ESC wire. DO NODO NO
DO NODO NO
DO NOT PLT PL
T PLT PL
T PLUG THE ESCUG THE ESC
UG THE ESCUG THE ESC
UG THE ESC
INTINT
INTINT
INTO THE BAO THE BA
O THE BAO THE BA
O THE BATTERTTER
TTERTTER
TTERY AY A
Y AY A
Y AT THIS TIMET THIS TIME
T THIS TIMET THIS TIME
T THIS TIME..
..
.
See pages 18 for first time power-up
procedures.
The ESC has no on/off switch. Use
the battery plug as the switch.
The circuit board side of the ESC
should be visible through the canopy
vent hole.
16

17
The final step is balance. The center
of gravity, (CG) is located 1/8 inch
forward (toward the nose) of the
servo wire channel.
If the airplane has been assembled
using this manual, the balance
should be correct. Make sure that
the battery is all the way forward in
the battery bay and the motor and
prop are in place. Balance the
airplane on your fingertips 1/8 of an
inch forward of the servo wire
channel
The Zagi-FiXX will fly best with the
elevons set between zero and .03”
of up elevator.
The most common reason for
balance problems is over decorating
the wings. Use the decals sparingly.
Repairs can change the CG. Always
check the balance after repairs. A
nickel in front of the battery will
often take care of a tail heavy
condition but you might need a
quarter.
C/G

FF
FF
First time motor powerirst time motor power
irst time motor powerirst time motor power
irst time motor power-up-up
-up-up
-up. The following steps are provided for a safe first timeThe following steps are provided for a safe first time
The following steps are provided for a safe first timeThe following steps are provided for a safe first time
The following steps are provided for a safe first time
motor powermotor power
motor powermotor power
motor power-up. Make sure that the battery is charged. R-up. Make sure that the battery is charged. R
-up. Make sure that the battery is charged. R-up. Make sure that the battery is charged. R
-up. Make sure that the battery is charged. Rememberemember
ememberemember
emember, the batter, the batter
, the batter, the batter
, the batter--
--
-
ies are not shipped with a charge.ies are not shipped with a charge.
ies are not shipped with a charge.ies are not shipped with a charge.
ies are not shipped with a charge.
CHARGE THE 370 mAh CELL ACHARGE THE 370 mAh CELL A
CHARGE THE 370 mAh CELL ACHARGE THE 370 mAh CELL A
CHARGE THE 370 mAh CELL AT A RAT A RA
T A RAT A RA
T A RATE UP TTE UP T
TE UP TTE UP T
TE UP TO 500 mAh ( 1/2 AMP).O 500 mAh ( 1/2 AMP).
O 500 mAh ( 1/2 AMP).O 500 mAh ( 1/2 AMP).
O 500 mAh ( 1/2 AMP).
FOR THE LFOR THE L
FOR THE LFOR THE L
FOR THE LONGEST BAONGEST BA
ONGEST BAONGEST BA
ONGEST BATTERTTER
TTERTTER
TTERY LIFE 370 mAh WILL CHARGE THE 8 CELLY LIFE 370 mAh WILL CHARGE THE 8 CELL
Y LIFE 370 mAh WILL CHARGE THE 8 CELLY LIFE 370 mAh WILL CHARGE THE 8 CELL
Y LIFE 370 mAh WILL CHARGE THE 8 CELL
BABA
BABA
BATTERTTER
TTERTTER
TTERY IN ONE HOUR. AY IN ONE HOUR. A
Y IN ONE HOUR. AY IN ONE HOUR. A
Y IN ONE HOUR. AT THE RISK OF A SHORT THE RISK OF A SHOR
T THE RISK OF A SHORT THE RISK OF A SHOR
T THE RISK OF A SHORTER BATER BA
TER BATER BA
TER BATTERTTER
TTERTTER
TTERY LIFEY LIFE
Y LIFEY LIFE
Y LIFE,,
,,
,
SOME MODELERS REGULARLSOME MODELERS REGULARL
SOME MODELERS REGULARLSOME MODELERS REGULARL
SOME MODELERS REGULARLY CHARGE THEM FY CHARGE THEM F
Y CHARGE THEM FY CHARGE THEM F
Y CHARGE THEM FASTER.ASTER.
ASTER.ASTER.
ASTER.
NONO
NONO
NOTETE
TETE
TE: Always turn the transmitter (TX) on before connecting the battery and: Always turn the transmitter (TX) on before connecting the battery and
: Always turn the transmitter (TX) on before connecting the battery and: Always turn the transmitter (TX) on before connecting the battery and
: Always turn the transmitter (TX) on before connecting the battery and
disconnect the battery before turning off the TXdisconnect the battery before turning off the TX
disconnect the battery before turning off the TXdisconnect the battery before turning off the TX
disconnect the battery before turning off the TX..
..
.
1. Make sure that the motor is securely attached to the motor mount stick.
2. Make sure that the reverse switch for the motor control stick on the transmitter is
in the normal position. Not reversed!
3. Push the motor control stick on the transmitter to the full off position.
4. Push the motor control stick trim lever to the center position.
5. Turn the transmitter power on. Check the output meter for battery condition.
6. Secure the charged 8 cell battery in place with the Velcro tabs.
7. Check that the ESC signal lead is in the motor slot of the receiver.
8. Position yourself with the nose of the airplane pointed at you. Plug the battery
into the electronic speed control (ESC). Make sure that the polarity is reversed on
the motor side.
9. Move the motor control stick slowly upward. The motor should run faster the
further up the stick is moved. The motor should turn counter clockwise when
observed from the front.
18

19
PP
PP
Preflight check and glide testreflight check and glide test
reflight check and glide testreflight check and glide test
reflight check and glide test
Do a preflight check before every flight. Always turn the transmitter power on before
the motor battery in the airplane is plugged in. Make sure that the motor control
stick is in the full down position. Make sure that the controls are working properly.
Check the trim levers on the transmitter. Pull the control stick back and observe that
both elevons move upward. Push the control stick to the right and observe the right
elevon moves up and the left elevon moves down. Hold the Zagi-FiXX securely by
the nose. Move the throttle stick to the half throttle position momentarily. The first
glide test should be done on flat land in a light breeze. Hold the Zagi-FiXX over
your head with the nose pointed straight ahead. Run slowly into the wind. Give it a
gentle push LEVEL AND STRAIGHT AHEAD. Do not point the nose upward. Correct
the flight path with the radio control stick. The test is successful when the Zagi-FiXX
flies straight ahead with a slow sink rate to a sliding landing. If the Zagi-FiXX turns
in either direction after the launch, compensate by adding 2 or 3 clicks of trim in
the opposite direction with the trim lever below or next to the control stick. If the
Zagi-FiXX pitches up and immediately dives, add 2 or 3 clicks of down trim. Repeat
the glide test until the Zagi-FiXX flies straight ahead with a slow sink rate to a sliding
landing. Increase the launch speed each time to provide longer controlled flights.
FF
FF
First flightirst flight
irst flightirst flight
irst flight
Check the frequencies (channel number) of all pilots within visual range before
turning on your transmitter. Turning on your transmitter with the same channel
number as someone who is flying will certainly cause his plane to crash.
Radio controled model airplanes can cause considerable damage to someone or
something if a collision occurs. Please exercise caution while flying. Learn more
about safe flying at http://modelaircraft.org/. It is recommended that you joinhttp://modelaircraft.org/. It is recommended that you join
http://modelaircraft.org/. It is recommended that you joinhttp://modelaircraft.org/. It is recommended that you join
http://modelaircraft.org/. It is recommended that you join
the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) (1-800-435-9262) to providethe Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) (1-800-435-9262) to provide
the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) (1-800-435-9262) to providethe Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) (1-800-435-9262) to provide
the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) (1-800-435-9262) to provide
insurance, awareness of safe flying practices, and knowledge of whatinsurance, awareness of safe flying practices, and knowledge of what
insurance, awareness of safe flying practices, and knowledge of whatinsurance, awareness of safe flying practices, and knowledge of what
insurance, awareness of safe flying practices, and knowledge of what’s going’s going
’s going’s going
’s going
on in the modeling industryon in the modeling industry
on in the modeling industryon in the modeling industry
on in the modeling industry. At some flying sites it is mandatory that you be a. At some flying sites it is mandatory that you be a
. At some flying sites it is mandatory that you be a. At some flying sites it is mandatory that you be a
. At some flying sites it is mandatory that you be a
member of the AMA.member of the AMA.
member of the AMA.member of the AMA.
member of the AMA.
Good luck,
JT