Centre of gravity position in mind; it will nearly always be possible
to correct the CG by re-positioning the battery. If not, a little lead
ballast may be needed (caution: lead is toxic).
Hook-and-loop tape 20 + 21 is supplied in the kit for mounting the
RC system components. Note that the adhesive on the tape is
generally not strong enough for this application; it is always better
to glue the tape to the fuselage using cyano.
Install the receiver in the centre of the fuselage, under the wing,
using hook-and-loop tape. Thread the aerial wire into the plastic
sleeve 47, which you installed earlier. The easiest method is to
file a point on the end of a length of thin steel rod and slip it through
the sleeve 47 from the tail end; push the pointed tip into the end of
the aerial insulation, secure it with a drop of cyano, and pull the
aerial through from the tail.
Fig. 29
22. Installing the speed controller
Locate the output cables attached to the speed controller, and
solder them to the connector board 54, taking care to maintain
correct polarity (it is printed on the board). The connector board is
used as a terminal for the motor power leads, and at the same
time the aileron servos can be plugged into it; this makes it much
easier to assemble the model at the flying field.
Fig. 30
Fix the speed controller to the fuselage side adjacent to the flight
battery, again using hook-and-loop tape. Solder the matching
battery connector to the battery leads (if not already fitted), and
insulate each soldered joint with a piece of heat-shrink sleeve.
Fix the flight battery in its compartment in the fuselage using hook-
and-loop tape. The exact position is established later when you
check and correct the model's balance point.
Fig. 31
23. Checking the model's working systems
Switch on the transmitter first. Set the throttle control to OFF. Install
the fully charged flight battery in the model, connect it to the speed
controller, and connect the controller to the receiver. It is essential
that the speed controller is what is known as a BEC type (receiver
power supply from the flight battery).
Hold the model securely, and remove any loose objects from the
area behind the model. Switch on the motors briefly, and check
the direction of rotation of the propellers.
Caution: even small motors and propellers are capable of
causing unpleasant injuries.
24. Setting the control surface travels
The control surface travels must be set correctly to ensure that the
model has a harmonious, well-balanced control response. Always
measure the control surface travels at the widest part of the surface:
Elevator
up
- stick back -
down
- stick forward -
Rudder
left and right
Ailerons
up
down
Fig. 32
Note: for a right-hand turn the right aileron (as seen from behind
the model) must deflect up, the left aileron down.
If your radio control system does not allow you to set these precise
travels, you may have to re-position the appropriate pushrod
connector, i.e. mount it in a different hole in the control surface
horn.
25. Gilding the lily - applying the decals
The kit is supplied with a multi-colour decal sheet. Cut out the
individual name placards and emblems and apply them to the
model in the position shown in the kit box illustration, or in an
alternative arrangement which you find pleasing.
26. Balancing
The Twin Star II, like any other aircraft, must be balanced at a
particular point in order to achieve stable flying characteristics.
Assemble your model completely, ready to fly, and install the flight
battery. You can move the flight battery forward or aft to correct the
balance point. If this is not sufficient, fix lead ballast at the nose or
tail.
The Centre of Gravity (CG) should be 85 mm from the wing leading
edge at the root, measured at the fuselage. Mark this point on both
sides of the fuselage using a waterproof felt-tip pen.
Support the model at this point on two fingertips and it should
balance level. Adjust the position of the flight battery to balance the
model as described. Once you have established the correct
position, mark the location of the battery inside the model to ensure
that it is always replaced in the same position.
Fig. 33
27. Preparing for the first flight
For the first flight wait for a day with as little breeze as possible.
The early evening is often a good time.
Be sure to carry out a range check before the first flight.
Just before the flight, charge up the transmitter battery and the
flight pack using the recommended procedures. Ensure that "your"
channel is not already in use before you switch on the transmitter.
Ask your assistant to walk away from the model, holding the
transmitter. The aerial should be fitted but completely collapsed.
Your assistant should operate one of the functions constantly while
you watch the servos. The non-controlled servo should stay
motionless up to a range of about 60 m, and the controlled one
should follow the stick movements smoothly and without any delay.
Please note that this check can only give reliable results if the
radio band is clear of interference, and if no other radio control
transmitters are in use - even on different channels. If the range
check is successful, repeat it with the motors running. There
should be only a very slight reduction in effective radio range with
the motors turning.
The first flight ...
Do not attempt to hand-glide this model!
+ 24 mm
The TwinStar II is designed for hand-launching only - always launch
- 15 mm
it directly into wind.
If you are a beginner to model flying we strongly recommend
that you ask an experienced model pilot to help you for the first
approx. 20 mm
few flights.
each side
Allow the aeroplane to climb to a safe altitude, then adjust the
trims on the transmitter so that the model flies straight and level
approx. + 18 mm
without any assistance from you.
approx. - 10 mm
While the TwinStar II is still at a safe altitude, switch off the motors
and try out the controls on the glide. Carry out a "dry run" of the
landing approach at a safe height so that you are prepared for the
real landing when the battery gives up the ghost.
Don't try any tight turns at first, and especially not on the landing
27