F3A Models - GRAUPNER mx-16 ifs Programming Manual

Programming example: F3A model aircraft
F3A models belong to the category of powered fi xed-
wing model aircraft designed for competition fl ying. They
may be powered by an internal combustion engine or an
electric motor. Electric-powered models are eligible to fl y
in the international F3A "pattern" class, and also in the
F5A electric aerobatic class.
In this programming example we assume that you have
already read through the description of the individual
menus, and are therefore familiar with the general
method of handling the transmitter.
On page 94, where the section on fi xed-wing model
programming starts, you will fi nd general notes on
installing and setting up the RC system in a model, and
– of course – this applies equally to F3A models, and
therefore does not need to be repeated at this point.
If an F3A model is accurately built, it usually exhibits fl y-
ing characteristics which are almost completely neutral.
The perfect aerobatic model has a very smooth but pre-
cise control response, and any movement around any
one of its fl ight axes should not affect the other axes.
F3A models are fl own using aileron, elevator and rudder
controls. The use of separate servos for each aileron is
almost universal. The fl ying controls are supplemented
by control of motor power (throttle function) and in many
cases a retractable undercarriage. As a result the servo
assignment for channels 1 to 5 is no different to the
112 Programming example: F3A model
fi xed-wing models we have already described.
The auxiliary function "Retracts" is usually assigned to
one of the auxiliary channels 6 to 8. Ideally the retracts
are operated using a switch without a centre detent, or
the momentary button SW 4. An optional "extra" – used
only if necessary – is mixture adjustment control for the
carburettor. This is generally operated by one of the two
INC / DEC buttons (CTRL 5 or 6) on the transmitter,
connected to one of the auxiliary channels not already
in use.
Auxiliary function
Mixture adjustment
Retracts
Right aileron
Rudder
Elevator
Aileron or left aileron
Throttle or speed controller
(electric motor)
Receiver power supply
When assigning functions to the auxiliary channels at
the transmitter, it is advisable to ensure that the controls
required are within easy reach, since the advanced
aerobatic pilot has very little time to think about letting
go of the sticks – especially when fl ying under competi-
tion conditions.
Programming
The basic programming of the transmitter has already
been described in detail in the section starting on page
96, so this section concentrates on tips specifi c to F3A
models.
In the ...
»servo set.«
S1 0% 100% 100%
S2 0% 100% 100%
S3 0% 100% 100%
rev cent
SEL SEL SYM ASY
... menu you can adjust the servo settings to suit your
model.
It has proved advisable to use at least 100% servo
travel, as precision of control can be perceptibly better if
relatively large servo travels are employed. This should
be borne in mind when building the model and design-
ing the control surface linkages. Any minor corrections
required can be made in the third column during the
initial test fl ights.
The next step is to select the ...
»base sett.«
... menu and activate the idle trim for Channel 1 (nor-
mally "idle re(ar)"; i. e. full-throttle forward). The digital
trim now works at the idle end of stick travel. The "cut-off
trim" enables you to switch immediately from the "motor
stopped" position to the idle position you have previously
established just by applying a single "click" on the trim
lever (see page 34).
model name EXTRA
stick mode
motor on C1 idle re
tail type normal
SEL
The remaining settings should be adjusted if required to
suit your personal preferences.
(page 56)
+
trav
(pages 46 ... 49)
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