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We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality kit
and instructions, but ultimately the quality and flyability of
your finished model depends on how you build it; therefore, we
cannot in any way guarantee the performance of your completed
model, and no representations are expressed or implied as
to the performance or safety of your completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions
to end up with a well-built model that is straight
and true.
If you have not flown this type of model before, we
recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced
pilot in your R/C club for your first flights. If you're not a
member of a club, your local hobby shop has information
about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.
In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.
There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country.
Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its
members who fly at sanctioned sites and events.
Additionally, training programs and instructors are available
at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way. Contact
the AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to finish the
ElectroStreak ARF that may require planning or decision
making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.
Radio Equipment
A 4-channel radio system with 3 micro servos is required.
Servos that measure 1" [25.4mm] long by 1" [25.4mm] high
by 1/2" [12.7mm] wide with at least 15 oz. of torque are
recommended. The Futaba
ElectroStreak ARF. Two 12" servo extensions are also required
for the electronic speed control and the aileron servo.
Battery Selection
The ElectroStreak ARF was designed to fly on a 7-cell 8.4
volt 1700 – 3000 mAh flat battery pack. Even though the
ElectroStreak ARF will fly well on an inexpensive battery
pack, we recommend a battery pack that uses Sanyo
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
®
S3101 will work well in the
Panasonic
®
cells. These cells have a low internal resistance,
which translates into more power and less heat.
If you are new to electric airplanes, here is a short
explanation of rechargeable NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) and
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries. A single cell
rechargeable battery supplies 1.2 volts with no load (not
powering anything). A 7-cell battery pack can supply 8.4
volts (1.2 volts x 7 cells = 8.4 volts). The cell rating in mAh
(milli-amp-hours) is the amount of current the battery can
supply. If a battery is rated at 1700 mAh, the battery can
supply 1.7 amps for 1 hour. This sounds great, flying for an
hour on a single battery charge! The bad news is that to
produce the power needed to fly an airplane the size of the
ElectroStreak ARF, the motor draws from 15-25 amps. The
current consumption reduces the run time to 4-8 minutes.
The good news is that propellers become more efficient as
the speed of the plane increases. This lowers the current
draw, allowing the plane to fly longer on a single charge,
sometimes up to 20% longer. Also, with an electronic speed
control, the motor can be throttled back, increasing the flight
time. Most airplanes only need full throttle during takeoff
and climbing maneuvers.
We recommend the use of high quality battery packs. The
higher quality batteries usually have less internal resistance
than the average battery. The higher quality battery will
provide more power to the motor than the average battery.
In rechargeable batteries, internal resistance transforms
power into heat. With less internal resistance, there is more
power available to the motor and less heat is generated. We
hope this helps explain NiCd and NiMH batteries and why a
high quality battery should be used in the ElectroStreak ARF.
Chargers
A fully charged battery pack will provide an initial "surge" of
power during the first 15 to 30 seconds of the motor run.
Then the power output stays fairly steady for the next
several minutes before dropping off quickly. If you do not
charge your battery completely, it will not deliver that surge
necessary for a good takeoff and climb out. There are three
easy ways to "peak-charge" your battery pack.
1. The easiest way is with a "peak-detecting" battery
charger. This type of charger will automatically charge your
battery until it is fully charged. The NiMH batteries require a
peak-detecting charger that meets the specific charging
needs of NiMH batteries.
2. The second method of charging your motor batteries is to
monitor the voltage of your battery pack with a voltmeter.
This method is only recommended for NiCd batteries.
Your charger may have sockets into which you may plug a
voltmeter. If not, you may insert the probes from the
voltmeter into the rear of the battery plug, making contact
with the metal contacts. As your battery charges, the
voltage will gradually increase. When the battery is fully
charged, the voltage will start to drop. At this point your
®
or
battery is fully charged.
3
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