Set The Control Throws; Balance The Model (C.g.) - GREAT PLANES Reactor Instruction Manual

Set the Control Throws

Use 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 for the first few flights.
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: 7/8" [22mm] up
7/8" [22mm] down
RUDDER: 4" [102mm] right
4" [102mm] left
AILERONS: 2" [51mm] up
2" [51mm] down
3D RATES
3D ELEVATOR: 2" [51mm] up
2" [51mm] down
3D RUDDER: 4" [102mm] right
4" [102mm] left
3D AILERONS: 3" [76mm] up
3" [76mm] down
IMPORTANT: The Reactor .46 3D ARF 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 Reactor
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 for less experienced fliers, so
remember, "more is not always better."
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the engine, landing
gear, covering and paint and the radio system.
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mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 4-3/4" [121mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing.
Low Rate
7/16" [11mm] up
7/16" [11mm] down
1" [25mm] right
1" [25mm] left
1" [25mm] up
1" [25mm] down
❏
model installed (ready to fly) and an empty fuel tank, place
the model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine, or
lift it upside-down at the balance point you marked.
❏
pack(s) 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 (a
glow engine installation will most likely require 2 to 5 ounces of
tail weight 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-
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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.
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/8" [3mm] 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.
4-3/4" [121mm]
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and the battery