THUNDER TIGER Cloud Dancer 60 ARF Assembly Manual page 13

RADIO/CG/FLIGHT
XI. Cowl
Make a template for your cowl cut out, making sure to leave enough
room for the muffler and engine so the cowl does not rub anywhere.
Now install the spinner and propeller.
XII. Radio
Install the three servos as shown in the picture. Make a mark on
the elevator push rod for a Z-bend to be made. You can use a Z-bend
or an E-Z connector for the rudder. For the throttle we used an E-Z
connector for ease of set up.
XIII. Center of Gravity and Control Throws
IMPORTANT- Do not attempt to fly your model before completing
this very important section. A model that is not properly balanced
will be unstable and could cause serious damage and/or injury.
Balance the airplane right side up with your index finger tips in the
center of the main spar. Adjust the battery location or add weight as
needed to achieve level balance. Once you have everything
positioned as necessary, wrap your receiver and battery pack in 1/4"
or 1/2" thick foam for protection.
105mm(4 1/8")
Center of Gravity (Balance Point) = Center of Wing Main Spar
Using the switch cover as a template, cut an opening in the side of
the fuselage to mount the switch in. It should be on the right side of
the fuselage. Drill two " 1/16" holes for the switch mounting screws
and install the switch. Drill a " 1/16" hole through the fuselage side,
about one inch behind the switch mount. From the inside out,
thread the receiver antenna through this hole. You may want to tie a
knot in the antenna 3" or 4" from the receiver to act as a strain relief.
Attach the end of the antenna to the top of the vertical fin with a
small #10 rubber band and a T-pin. Maintain only a slight amount of
tension on the antenna wire.
Set-up your radio so the airplane has the following throws.
Make sure the directions of the surfaces corresponds with the
commands from the transmitter; i.e., right is right and up is up.
Rudder = 2 1/2" Right and Left
Elevator = 1" Up and Down
Ailerons = 1/2" Up and Down
(Throws are measured at the rearmost edge of the surface.)
XIV.Spare Parts
Cowl AS6184
Canopy AS6185
XV. Locate A Good Flying Site
Generally, the best place to fly your model is at an AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) chartered club field.Your local hobby dealer can
tell you if there is such a club in your area or write the AMA for
information. It is also a good idea to join this organization before
flying your model since they offer liability insurance that can protect
you if your model causes damage or injury to others.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Dr.
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
If there is not a chartered club field in your community, you will
need to find a large area free of obstructions that has a smooth grass
or asphalt surface to be used as a runway. For safety's sake, it should
be located well away from houses, building, schools, power lines and
airports. If you will be flying within 6 miles of an airport, you should
check with the airport manager before flying your model.
XVI. A Note On Batteries
The batteries are the heart of your radio system. Make sure you have
fully charged batteries! With rechargeable batteries, follow the
manufacturers instructions to make sure the batteries are fully
charged, especially the first time the radio is used.
If your radio uses dry cells, make sure your batteries are in new
condition. You have a lot of money invested in this project, so it is
not worth the risk of using old batteries.
XVII. Flying Your Cloud Dancer
Flying the Cloud Dancer is different from most other .60 sized
models. The model is bigger yet weighs less so it takes less power to
keep it flying. The Cloud Dancer 60 is very predictable in its flight
manners and we hope you can just relax and have fun with it. With
its light wing loading it will hover in a good breeze, yet it is
streamlined and can keep up with the faster models. Take offs can
be forced and the Cloud Dancer 60 can be off the ground in a
couple of fuselage lengths, or it can be held on the ground with a
little forward stick and it will run the length of the runway and
gently lift off or it will rocket vertically with full power, your choice.
We think you will enjoy the versatility of this model.
Because the Cloud Dancer 60 can maintain flight at power settings
just barely above idle, landing approaches will need to be flown a
little longer and lower than most of the aircraft than you are used to.
Knowing this, shoot a few landing approaches in the middle of the
first flight to get the feel of it, before you are about out of fuel and
have to land. Once you get used to the Cloud Dancer 60's
predictable behavior, you will learn to make short landings also.
13