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Phase 3 J-3 CUB 370 RTF Operating Instructions Manual

Ready-to-fly electric radio-controlled airplane
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O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
Includes:
27MHz (uSA/France)
35MHz (eu - except France)
FM Radio Control System and 600mAH NiMH Flight
Battery!
The Phase 3 J-3 Cub 370 RTF is distributed exclusively in North
America by Global Hobby Distributors and in the EU by Ripmax Ltd
All contents copyright © 2004, Phase 3
Version V.0 December 2004
✦IMPORTANT✦ Before beginning assembly, please read and understand the warnings listed on the next page. Failure to
read and understand these warnings could lead to bodily harm and/or injury. The Phase 3 J-3 Cub 370 RTF is not intended
for those under 14 years of age, unless closely supervised by an adult.
SPeCIFICATIONS AND FeATuReS:
Wing Span: 36.5 Inches (93cm)
●
Wing Area: 200 Square Inches (2.9dm
●
Length: 25 Inches (63.5cm)
●
Weight RTF: 8 Ounces (50gr)
●
Wing Loading: 3 Ounces Per Square Foot (39.5gr/dm
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Molded from Durable Plastic and Foam
●
Preinstalled 4Ch FM 27MHz (USA) Radio Control System
●
35MHz (EU)
Three-Channel Control - Elevator, Rudder and Throttle
●
Rechargeable NiMH Flight Battery
●
AC Charger and 2V DC Fast-Charger
●
Direct Drive 370 Size Motor with Propeller and Safety Spinner
●
Easy-to-Access Flight Battery
●

2
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Kit Product Number: 107100

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Summary of Contents for Phase 3 J-3 CUB 370 RTF

  • Page 1 ✦IMPORTANT✦ Before beginning assembly, please read and understand the warnings listed on the next page. Failure to read and understand these warnings could lead to bodily harm and/or injury. The Phase 3 J-3 Cub 370 RTF is not intended for those under 14 years of age, unless closely supervised by an adult.
  • Page 2 When flying the airplane, make sure the transmitter antenna ● is completely extended. If your airplane gets dirty, do not use any solvents to clean it. ● Solvents will damage the foam and plastic. Use a dry cloth to Never attempt to disassemble or modify any of the radio ● clean any dirt from the outside of the airplane. OuR GuARANTee Phase 3 guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This does not cover any component parts damaged by use, misuse or modification. In no case shall Phase 3's liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. In that Phase 3 has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the final user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

  • Page 3: Parts Identification

    INTRODuCTION Thank you for purchasing the Phase 3 J-3 Cub 370 RTF. Before completing the final assembly of your new airplane, please carefully read through these operating instructions in their entirety. Doing so will ensure your success the first time...

  • Page 4: Recommended Items

    8 Pack AA Alkaline batteries for the transmitter ● Small Phillips Head Screwdriver and Small Adjustable Wrench ● uPGRADe TIPS Your J-3 Cub 370 RTF includes a 7 cell Nickel Metal-Hydride flight battery. If you want to, you can purchase a second flight battery (P/N 109015) so that you have two. That way, you can take two fully-charged batteries with you to fly. That means twice as much fun! See your local Phase 3 dealer for purchasing information. Upgrading the transmitter to use rechargeable NiCD cells is easy. All you need to do is purchase 8 AA rechargeable NiCD cells and a 0V (USA) or 230V (EU) AC Tx overnight charger - both available at your local hobby dealer. This will save you money in the long run, since the NiCD batteries can be recharged. This means no more buying AA Alkaline batteries! BeCOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOuR J-3 CuB 370 RTF Each airplane transmitter comes with a sticker on the crystal mount showing which frequency in the 27MHz band (USA) or 35MHz (EU) that the radio control system operates on. The 27Mhz band is shared between model airplanes, cars and boats, so check the frequency if others are in the area before turning on the radio control system. The 35MHz band is exclusive to aircraft in the EU. No two models can operate near each other if they are on the same frequency. Channel # Frequency 6.995 27.045 27.095 27MHz 27.45 (USA) 27.95...
  • Page 5 The airplane is designed to balance properly directly out of the box when using the included flight battery. You may wish to double- check the balance of the airplane, though, before flying it for the first time or after any repairs are made. The J-3 Cub 370 RTF's Center of Gravity (Balance Point) is located 1-3/8" (35mm) behind the leading edge of the wing, measured at the fuselage sides. The airplane should be balanced right side up with the flight battery and the wing struts installed.

  • Page 6: Step 1: Installing The Transmitter Batteries

    ASSeMBLING YOuR J-3 CuB 370 RTF STeP 1: INSTALLING THe TRANSMITTeR BATTeRIeS ❑ Carefully remove the battery cover from the back of the transmitter by pulling down on it with one hand while holding the transmitter with your other hand. ❑ Install 8 fresh AA Alkaline batteries, being careful to make sure that the polarity is correct for each battery. PRO TIP If you use rechargeable AA NiCD cells, double-check to make sure that they are fully charged before installing them into the transmitter. Never attempt to charge or recharge Alkaline cells. ❑ After double-checking that the batteries are installed correctly, reinstall the battery cover, making sure it's firmly seated into place.
  • Page 7 ❑ While holding the horizontal tail in place and aligned, secure it to the fuselage by threading eight small screws through the predrilled holes in the fuselage and into the plastic tape on the horizontal tail. ✦IMPORTANT✦ Four screws should be installed on the top and four on the bottom. Tighten the screws gently. Overtightening them can strip the plastic tape. If you have a problem threading the screws into the plastic tape, carefully use a push-pin to make a pilot hole in the PRO TIP plastic tape for each of the screws. STeP 3: INSTALLING THe VeRTICAL TAIL ❑ Carefully slide the front portion of the vertical tail down into the mounting slot in the fuselage. ❑ Push the vertical tail down in position. When aligned properly, the tab in the base of the vertical tail should fit into the notch in the middle of the horizontal tail, and the vertical tail should be pushed down firmly against the top of the horizontal tail. ❑ While holding the vertical tail in place and aligned, secure it to the fuselage by threading four small screws through the predrilled holes in the fuselage and into the plastic tape. ✦IMPORTANT✦ Two screws should be installed on each side. Tighten the screws gently. Overtightening them can strip the plastic tape.
  • Page 8 STeP 4: CONNeCTING THe PuSHROD WIReS ✦IMPORTANT✦ When you snap the plastic clevises into the plastic control horns in the next two procedures, the elevator and rudder (control surfaces on the back of the horizontal tail and the vertical tail) might not be centered. That's okay for now. We'll center them by adjusting the clevises when we test the radio system later. ❑ Carefully snap the plastic clevis on the pushrod wire into the outermost hole in the elevator control horn. PRO TIP We suggest installing the clevis into the outermost hole in the control horn for your first few flights. This will make it easier to control the airplane. Once you're proficient at flying the airplane, you can move the pushrod wire into the middle or inner hole to increase the control response. ❑ Carefully snap the plastic clevis on the pushrod wire into the outermost hole in the rudder control horn.

  • Page 9: Step 7: Installing The Wing

    STeP 6: INSTALLING THe PROPeLLeR AND SAFeTY SPINNeR ❑ Thread one hex nut onto the propeller shaft and tighten it by hand until it will not thread on any further. ❑ Slide the propeller onto the propeller shaft, making sure that the back of the propeller slides firmly over the hex nut. ☞ The back of the propeller is molded to fit over the hex nut. ❑ Slide the flat washer up against the propeller and thread on the second hex nut. Tighten the hex nut, using an adjustable wrench, to hold the propeller in place. ❑ Install the rubber safety spinner over the front of the propeller, as shown. To ensure that the safety spinner is held securely in place, make sure to push it firmly onto the front of the propeller. ☞ The inside of the rubber safety spinner is molded to fit securely over the hex nut and threaded propeller shaft. ✦WARNING✦ Do not operate the motor or fly the airplane without the rubber safety spinner installed. STeP 7: INSTALLING THe WING ❑ Set the wing onto the top of the fuselage. ❑ Line up the molded dimples at the front and the back of the wing with the sides of the fuselage. This will ensure that the wing is cen- tered. ❑ Place the plastic wing brace over the top of the wing, making sure to line up the molded contours of the wing brace with the top and sides of the fuselage.

  • Page 10: Step 8: Installing The Wing Struts

    ❑ Secure the wing to the fuselage using two rubber bands, making sure that they are looped securely over the mounts at the front and back of the wing. ✦IMPORTANT✦ The rubber bands should overlap the mounting tabs on the plastic wing brace. This will ensure that the plastic wing brace (as well as the wing) is held firmly in place. ✦WARNING✦ The plastic wing brace not only keeps the rubber bands from digging into and damaging the front and back of the wing, it also strengthens the center of the wing. Never fly the airplane without the plastic wing brace installed or the wing will fail during flight. STeP 8: INSTALLING THe WING STRuTS There are four plastic wing struts included. There are two longer ones (for the front) and two shorter ones (for the PRO TIP rear). When installing them in the next few procedures, make sure to install the two front wing struts first, followed by the two rear wing struts. This will ensure that they line up properly. ❑ Carefully slip one front wing strut (longer strut) over the plastic mount at the base of the fuselage, then rotate the strut 90º to lock it into place. ✦IMPORTANT✦ Make sure that the molded "step" in the end of the wing strut overlaps the mount, as shown. ❑ With the airplane upside down, slip the predrilled hole in the outer end of the wing strut over the forward-most plastic post in the bottom of the wing.

  • Page 11: Step 9: Installing The Flight Battery

    ❑ Install the rear wing strut (shorter strut) into place by securing the end of it over the plastic mount at the base of the fuselage, using the same technique that you used to install the front wing strut. ☞ Notice that the rear wing strut is installed on top of the front wing strut. ❑ Secure the outer end of the rear wing strut to the rear-most plastic post in the wing, using one metal clip. ❑ Repeat the previous procedures to install the front and rear wing struts onto the other side of the airplane. STeP 9: INSTALLING THe FLIGHT BATTeRY ✦WARNING✦ Do not charge the flight battery before installing it. Charging will be done later. Before installing the flight battery, you'll need to make sure that the transmitter is turned on. ❑ Turn on the transmitter. The needle in the voltage meter should move into the silver "safe" area. If it doesn't, replace the batteries with a fresh set. Always make sure you turn on the transmitter first, before plugging in and installing the flight battery. After you're PRO TIP done flying, unplug and remove the flight battery first, then turn off the transmitter. This will prevent unexpected radio signals from interfering with your radio system. ✦WARNING✦ The J-3 Cub 370 RTF does not have an on/off switch. When you plug in the flight battery, the receiver and servos will be powered up. The motor will not power up until the red arming switch is pressed.

  • Page 12: Step 1: Basic Operation

    ❑ Push the flight battery down into its slot between the pieces of white styrofoam, making sure that it's pushed as far forward as possible. The flight battery should be held firmly in place. ❑ Reinstall the battery door, making sure that the latch "snaps" into place. ✦WARNING✦ It's important that the flight battery be pushed as far forward as possible. This will ensure that the flight battery is installed in the correct position, which will make the airplane fly better. If the flight battery is installed too far back, the airplane could become uncontrollable during flight. ✦IMPORTANT✦ After a crash or hard landing, remove the battery door and double-check that the flight battery has not moved back. It should be held firmly in place and not move back during normal flight. LeARNING TO FLY YOuR J-3 CuB 370 RTF STeP 1: BASIC OPeRATION Before actually flying your airplane you should understand how the airplane is controlled. Below we list the four basic flight modes: Climb: Climbing is controlled by pushing the throttle control stick on the transmitter (the left-hand stick) completely forward to turn on the motor, then by pulling back on the elevator control stick (the right-hand stick). When you push forward on the throttle control stick, the motor will turn on. When you pull back on the elevator control stick, the elevator will move up, causing the airplane to pitch up and climb. Descent: Descent is also controlled by the throttle and elevator control sticks. When you pull the throttle control stick all the way back, the motor will turn off and the airplane will begin to slowly descend. To make the airplane descend faster, you can also push forward on the elevator control stick. This will make the elevator move down, causing the airplane to pitch down and descend.
  • Page 13 ❑ First, make sure that the on/off switch on the transmitter is in the "ON" position and that the flight battery is installed and plugged in. The wing and wing struts should be installed, too. ✦WARNING✦ Do not press the red motor arming switch yet. ❑ Carefully adjust the three control trim tabs on the transmitter so that they are centered, as shown. PRO TIP The horizontal trim tab below the throttle control stick is not used in this application. ❑ Looking from the back of the airplane, push the right-hand control stick completely to the right. The rudder should move right. ❑ Again, looking from the back of the airplane, push the right-hand control stick completely to the left. The rudder should move left. PRO TIP If the rudder does not move in the correct direction, flip the CH  servo reversing switch on the front of the transmitter, as shown.

  • Page 14: Step 1: Charging The Flight Battery

    Once the flight battery no longer has enough power to operate the motor, remove the battery door, unplug and remove the flight battery, and turn off the transmitter. GeTTING ReADY TO FLY YOuR J-3 CuB 370 RTF STeP 1: CHARGING THe FLIGHT BATTeRY ✦IMPORTANT✦ Before charging the flight battery, the flight battery must be fully discharged. Discharge the flight battery by running the motor until it stops. This will ensure that you don't overcharge the flight battery. The flight battery can be charged using either the AC charger or the DC fast-charger. Note that the DC fast-charger features a socket-style input connector.
  • Page 15 uSING THe DC FAST-CHARGeR Before using the DC fast-charger, please read the flight battery charging tips on the next page. Please also read and understand the tips below that are specific to the DC fast-charger. Do not attempt to disassemble the DC fast-charger. ● Do not charge any other type or size of flight battery using the DC fast-charger. ● Do not modify the socket-style input connector. ● Do not block the cooling holes and vents during the charging process. Do not set the charger on carpet during the charging pro- ● cess. Your vehicle can be running during the charging process, but start your vehicle first to prevent any power surge that could damage ● the charger. ❑ Plug the socket connector from the DC fast-charger into your vehicle's cigarette lighter or 12V power socket. ❑ Plug the flight battery connector into the battery charger connector. When plugged in properly the connectors should "click" together. PRO TIP As a safety feature, the connectors can only be plugged in one way. ❑ When the charger has power and the flight battery is plugged in, the LED will be solid red. ✦IMPORTANT✦ Depending on your vehicle, you may need to turn the key into the accessory position to power the charger. ❑ Press the CHARGE button once and the LED will turn green and begin to blink. This indicates that the flight battery is charging. ❑ Allow the flight battery to charge. When the LED turns solid green, the flight battery has been fully charged and should be removed from the charger. ❑ To unplug the connectors, squeeze the tab on the battery connector and pull the two connectors apart. ❑ After charging the flight battery, install it in the fuselage, using the same techniques as when you installed it previously.

  • Page 16: Step 3: Choosing Your Flying Field

    STeP 3: CHOOSING YOuR FLYING FIeLD ❑ The flying field you choose should be a large, open field with grass. There should not be any vehicles, buildings, power lines, trees, large rocks or anything else that your airplane can crash into. STeP 4: RANGe TeSTING THe RADIO CONTROL SYSTeM After getting out to your flying field, but before you fly for the first time, you must range test the radio control system. This will ensure that the transmitter is "talking" correctly to the airplane. You should follow this procedure before every first flight of the day and after you have a hard landing, crash, or after a repair. ❑ Turn on the transmitter, then plug in the flight battery and install it into the fuselage. ❑ Set the airplane on the ground and extend the transmitter's antenna completely. Move the right-hand control stick on the transmit- ter several times to check the controls. They should operate smoothly. ❑ Walk approximately 75ft. (25m) from the airplane and move the right-hand control stick on the transmitter once more. Check to make sure that the controls are operating smoothly at this distance. You may need a friend to help you with this step. ✦WARNING✦ If the airplane does not range check, don't fly! Please refer to the troubleshooting guide on page # 22. YOuR FIRST FLIGHT After all this, we bet you're ready to actually go flying! If you've skipped anything prior to this section, we suggest going back through the instructions. Doing so will help ensure your success. ***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING*** If at any time during your flight, the airplane gets stuck up in a tree, in power lines or on a roof top, DO NOT attempt to retrieve the airplane yourself. The airplane is not worth the risk. We strongly suggest contacting a professional for assistance. Attempting to retrieve the airplane yourself in any of these cases could potentially result in extreme harm or even death.
  • Page 17 TAKING OFF THe J-3 CuB 370 RTF ✦IMPORTANT✦ The J-3 Cub 370 RTF can take off from the ground, provided the surface is smooth and hard, such as asphalt, concrete or hard-packed dirt. The airplane can also take off from tightly mowed grass. If there is no suitable place to take off from the ground, you should hand-launch the airplane, following the procedures in the section below. With the transmitter turned on and the flight battery installed, carefully extend the transmitter antenna completely. ● Double-check that the throttle control stick is pulled completely back, then press the red motor arming switch on the side of the ● fuselage once. Set the airplane on the ground, making sure that the airplane is pointing directly into the wind. Slowly push the throttle control stick ● forward until the motor is running at full power. The airplane will quickly begin to accelerate. PRO TIP As the motor is powered up and the airplane accelerates, the airplane will have a tendency to pull toward the left. This is normal and is caused by the torque from the spinning propeller. Gently move and hold the right-hand control stick (rudder) to the right to keep the nose of the airplane pointing straight ahead. As the airplane continues to accelerate faster, the tail of the airplane will begin to lift off the ground and the airplane will now be ● rolling down the runway on its main landing gear. At this point, the airplane is ready to take off. To take off, gently pull back on the right-hand control stick (elevator) and the airplane will lift off the ground. Continue to hold the right-hand control stick back gently so that the airplane continues to climb. After the airplane lifts off, you can move the rudder back to center. ✦WARNING✦ Be careful not to climb too steeply after takeoff or the airplane might slow down too much and stall. HAND LAuNCHING THe J-3 CuB 370 RTF With the transmitter turned on and the flight battery installed, carefully extend the transmitter antenna completely. ● Double-check that the throttle control stick is pulled completely back, then press the red motor arming switch on the side of the ●...
  • Page 18 "lower" side of the wing to level the airplane. You can also try to "envision yourself in the cockpit." This helps a lot when trying to coordinate right and left turns when the airplane is flying toward you. LANDING THe J-3 CuB 370 RTF Landing should always be done into the wind with the wing level. ●...

  • Page 19: Fixing Minor Crash Damage

    FLIGHT-TRIMMING THe J-3 CuB 370 RTF If you're flying the airplane and it seems to always want to turn right or left or pitch up or down, you can use the electronic trim tabs on the transmitter to correct these tendencies. We suggest flying the airplane straight ahead and level, then letting go of the right- hand control stick for a few seconds. Watch what the airplane does. It may pitch up or down, or it may turn right or left, or it may do a combination of these. Do this several times to double-check your findings. If the airplane does one of the following while in straight and level flight without your hand on the control stick, move the following electronic trim tab(s) to correct it: If the airplane pitches up: Move the right-hand control stick vertical trim tab (elevator) forward a couple of clicks. ● If the airplane pitches down: Move the right-hand control stick vertical trim tab (elevator) back a couple of clicks. ● If the airplane turns right: Move the right-hand control stick horizontal trim tab (rudder) left a couple of clicks. ● If the airplane turns left: Move the right-hand control stick horizontal trim tab (rudder) right a couple of clicks. ● You can make these trim tab changes while you are flying, but we suggest having a friend move them for you so you don't lose sight of the airplane.
  • Page 20 When you fly, orientate yourself so that the sun is at your back. Don't fly directly into the sun or you may lose sight of the air- ● plane. Separate flight batteries can be purchased and charged before going to the flying field. An extra flight battery will double your ● flight time. See the replacement parts list on the next page for the part number of the flight battery. Do not fly in wind over 10-15 miles per hour, or the airplane will be very difficult to control and a crash might occur. ● Do not fly your airplane if another model is on the same frequency as you. The frequency number is printed on front of the crystal ● mount on the transmitter and on the receiver. Always be conscious of the spinning propeller. Be careful not to allow loose clothing to be drawn into the propeller. ● If you're under 14 years of age we suggest you fly while accompanied by an adult. ● Never attempt to disassemble any of the airplane's components, especially the transmitter, charger and flight battery. ● Do not allow any of the electrical components to get wet or damage may occur. ● Periodically double-check that the propeller nut is tight. Check the propeller for cracks or other damage. If the propeller is dam- ● aged, replace it immediately. If you have encountered any trouble with any of the steps listed in these operating instructions, or with how the airplane flies, ● please refer to the troubleshooting guide on page # 22. The troubleshooting guide is provided to help you find a quick and im- mediate resolution to any number of problems that might occur. J-3 CuB 370 RePLACeMeNT PARTS We stock a complete line of replacement parts for your Phase 3 J-3 Cub 370 RTF. Listed below are the replacement parts that are available, along with their respective part numbers for easy ordering convenience. We suggest ordering directly from your local Phase 3 dealer. PH109001 PH109002 PH109003 PH109004 Wing Assembly Wing Struts Fuselage - Complete w/o Radio Instruction Manual...
  • Page 21 Sorry. No Photo Available PH109009 PH109010 PH109011 PH109012 Decal Set 370 Motor w/Leads and Gear Gear Box Assembly Propeller (2) PH109013 PH109014 PH109015 PH109016 Propeller Nuts & Washer Rubber Safety Spinner (2) 600mAH NiMH Battery AC Charger (110V) USA/FRANCE PH109017 PH109017/EUR PH109018 PH109019 AC Charger (230V) AC Charger (120V)

  • Page 22: Troubleshooting Guide

    TROuBLeSHOOTING GuIDe This troubleshooting guide has been provided to help you diagnose and solve most problems that you may encounter with your airplane. Most problems encountered can be solved by carefully following the problem-cause-solution sections below. PROBLeM CAuSe SOLuTION ) Transmitter does not turn on A) Transmitter batteries depleted A) Replace batteries with new ones B) Transmitter batteries not installed properly B) Reinstall batteries, double-checking for correct polarity 2) Motor does not turn on A) Flight battery depleted A) Recharge flight battery B) Transmitter batteries depleted B) Replace batteries with new ones C) Transmitter not turned on C) Turn on transmitter D) Flight battery not plugged in D) Plug in flight battery E) Did not press red motor arming switch E) Press red motor arming switch once F) A crash has damaged an internal component F) Contact customer service on page # 2 3) Airplane is difficult to control...

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