Esc Setup; Balance The Model (C.g.) - GREAT PLANES Proud Bird Instruction Manual

❏
1. Use a box or something similar to prop up the bottom of
the fuselage so the horizontal stabilizer and wing will be level.
Measure the high rate elevator throw fi rst...
❏
2. Hold a ruler vertically on your workbench against the
widest part (front to back) of the trailing edge of the elevator.
Note the measurement on the ruler.
(Move the
ruler forward)
❏
3. Move the elevator up with your transmitter and move the
ruler forward so it will remain contacting the trailing edge. The
distance the elevator moves up from center is the "up" elevator
throw. Measure the down elevator throw the same way.
❏
4. Measure and set the low rate elevator throws and the
high and low rate throws for the rest of the control surfaces
the same way.
If your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend setting
the throws at the low rate settings for at least your fi rst couple
of fl ights.
NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevators, rudder and ailerons.
These are the recommended control surface throws:
ELEVATOR
RUDDER
AILERONS

ESC Setup

If you have installed the recommended ESC and brushless
motor, then we suggest setting your motor timing to HIGH (10).
Also, we recommend setting the cutoff voltage to AUTO-LIPO
and 3.0 VOLTS/CELL.

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a model
fl ies and could determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will
be successful. If you value your model and wish to enjoy it
for many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced may
be unstable and possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition with
all of the components in place including the complete radio
system, battery, propeller, spinner and pilot (not included).
If you haven't already done so, apply the loop side of self-
adhesive hook and loop material and apply it to the battery.
Fit the battery on the center of the tray.
❏
1. If using a Great Planes C.G. Machine, set the rulers to
3-7/8" [98mm]. If not using a C.G. Machine, use a fi ne-point
felt tip pen to mark lines on the top of wing on both sides of
the fuselage 3-7/8" [98mm] back from the leading edge. Apply
narrow (1/16" [2mm]) strips of tape over the lines so you will
be able to feel them when lifting the model with your fi ngers.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G. 1/8"
[3.2mm] forward or 1/8" [3.2mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model will then be less
aerobatic (which may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots).
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable
and aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case, start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
22
LOW RATE HIGH RATE
Up & Down Up & Down
1/8" [3mm] 5° 3/16" [5 mm] 7°
Right & Left Right & Left
1/2" [13mm] 18° 3/4" [19 mm] 27°
Up & Down Up & Down
1/4" [6mm] 11° 3/8" [10 mm] 17°