Set The Control Throws; Balance The Model (C.g.) - GREAT PLANES Super Sportster EP ARF 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:
High Rate
ELEVATOR: 1/2" [13mm] up
1/2" [13mm] down
RUDDER: 1" [25mm] right
1" [25mm] left
AILERONS: 3/8" [9mm] up
3/8" [9mm] down
IMPORTANT: The Super Sportster EP has been
extensively flown and tested to arrive at the throws at
which it flies best. Flying your model at these throws will
provide you with the greatest chance for successful first
flights. If, after you have become accustomed to the way
the Super Sportster EP flies, you would like to change the
throws to suit your taste, that is fine. However, too much
control throw could make the model difficult to control, so
remember, "more is not always better."
Low Rate
3/8" [9mm] up
3/8" [9mm] down
3/4" [19mm] right
3/4" [19mm] left
1/4" [6mm] up
1/4" [6mm] down
20

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the motor, landing
gear, motor battery and the radio system.
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 2-3/4" [70mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing.
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/4" [6mm] forward or 1/4" [6mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
difficult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the
model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to
become too difficult to control. In any case, start at the
recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specified range.
2-3/4" [70mm]
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed (ready to fly) and the motor battery installed,
place the model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine,
or lift it upside down at the balance point you marked.
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and the motor
battery 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 motor battery and/or receiver must be
shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance. If
possible, move the motor battery and receiver forward or aft