Set The Control Throws; Balance The Model (C.g.) - GREAT PLANES matt chapman eagle 580 Instruction Manual

Set the Control Throws

Use a Great Planes AccuThrow (or a ruler) to accurately
measure and set the control throw of each control surface as
indicated in the chart that follows. If your radio does not have
dual rates, we recommend setting the throws at the low rate
setting. Note: The throws are measured at the widest part
of the elevators, rudder and ailerons.
These are the recommended control surface throws:
3D RATE
Up Down
2-3/8" 2-3/8"
ELEVATOR
[60mm] [60mm]
35° 35°
Right Left
3" 3"
RUDDER
[76mm] [76mm]
28° 28°
Up Down
1-3/4" 1-3/4"
AILERONS
[44mm] [44mm]
26° 26°
The suggested control throw rates provided in this section
may appear to be small in comparison to other aerobatic
models similar in size. We do not suggest increasing the
rates until after you have made initial fl ights using the
provided high rates. Also, it is recommended to add 40%
exponential to all control surfaces. This can be changed to
suit your fl ying preference after you become accustomed to
the fl ight characteristics of the Eagle.
IMPORTANT: The Eagle 580 Matt Chapman .46-.81/EP
ARF has been extensively fl own and tested to arrive
at the throws at which it fl ies best. Flying your model at
these throws will provide you with the greatest chance
for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have become
accustomed to the way the Eagle 580 Matt Chapman
.46-.81/EP ARF fl ies, you would like to change the
throws to suit your taste, that is fi ne. However, too much
control throw could make the model diffi cult to control, so
remember, "more is not always better."
HIGH RATE LOW RATE
Up Down Up
11/16" 11/16" 3/8"
[17mm] [17mm] [10 ]
mm
10° 10° 5°
Right Left Right
2-1/4" 2-1/4" 1-3/4"
[57mm] [57mm] [44 ]
mm
20° 20° 16°
Up Down Up
15/16" 15/16" 1/4"
[24mm] [24mm] [6mm]
14° 14° 4°

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model fl ies, and may
determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will be successful.
If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for many fl ights,
DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.
A model that is not properly balanced will be unstable and
possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the systems in place including the engine or
brushless motor, landing gear, and the radio system (and
battery pack if applicable).
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately
mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 3-3/4" [95mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/2" [13mm] forward or 1/4" [6mm] back to
change the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
Down
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
diffi cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes
3/8"
the model more maneuverable, but could also cause it
[10 ]
mm
to become too diffi cult to control. In any case, start at
5°
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
Left
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
1-3/4"
[44 ]
mm
16°
Down
1/4"
[6mm]
4°
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty fuel tank, place
the model upside-down on a Great Planes C.G. Machine, or
lift it upside-down at the balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and the battery
pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or weight must
be added to the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the model
is "nose heavy" and the battery pack and/or receiver must be
shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance. If
possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver to minimize or
eliminate any additional ballast required. If additional weight is
required, nose weight may be easily added by using a "spinner
weight" (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz. [28g] weight, or GPMQ4646
for the 2 oz. [57g] weight). If spinner weight is not practical or
is not enough, use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) "stick-on" lead.
A good place to add stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall
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