| RC Park Flyer -- Radio, Control Linkages and Assembly Completion |
From "Radio Control Hobbies"
episode RCH-107 |
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With the motor and speed controller soldered together, assembly can on the Tipsy Trainer™ park flyer can continue. In this segment, the radio and control linkages are installed, and assembly is completed. One aspect that makes this flyer so easy to assemble is that all of the parts are pre-made to fit snugly together. Though some gluing is required, the parts practically snap into place. Below are highlights from the assembly process as shown in our demonstration. Important: This demonstration shows basic instructions for assembly and operation of this particular model of park flyer. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your flyer, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions. Materials: Tipsy Trainer™ park-flyer kit
Radio receiver
Servos
Replacement output arms (small)
Epoxy glue
Popsicle sticks
Small jeweler's screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers Steps: - Prior to installation of the radio and linkage control rods, the motor is soldered onto the wing assembly (figure A), mounting it so as to provide a slight right-thrust. Also, a small nylon anchor or sinker (figure B) is installed in the wing assembly using epoxy glue. This will later serve as the anchor for the bolt that secures the fuselage to the wing assembly.
- The control rod is a thin, flexible rod that is bent into angles – known as a z-bend at the end (figure C).
- The long portion of the control rod is housed inside of a control rod tube which secures it in its proper location and acts as a guide to keep it in proper orientation.
- The z-bend connects to the control horn on the flyer's rudder (figure D).
- The rear end of the rod remains connected to the rudder (figure E), while the front end is mounted along the fuselage and is controlled by the servo. The push and pull action of the servo is what steers the plane.
- Installation of the horizontal fin is done using five-minute epoxy glue.
- Epoxy Tips: Epoxy has two separate components, and typically comes in separate tubes. Mixing together equal amounts of the two components is what initiates the hardening of the glue. Use something disposable, such as a paper or foam plate, for mixing the epoxy ingredients, and mix them using a toothpick, wooden matchstick, or something similar. The key to effective epoxy-gluing is to mix the two components thoroughly before applying the glue. Once mixed, apply a thin coat of the adhesive to both surfaces that are to be joined together. Avoid using too much glue, as it will simply result in excess glue and add to the weight of the flyer.
- Using a wooden popsicle stick, or something similar, apply a small amount of the epoxy to the rear of the fuselage (figure F) and to the bottom of the fin.
- Press the horizontal fin into position (figure G) and hold it firmly as the epoxy begins to harden. The epoxy will set in just a few minutes.
- Mount the radio receiver in the compartment inside the fuselage (figure H) as specified in the instructions.
- Press the wooden spine into the pre-molded groove in the fuselage (figure I) to add stability and hold the control-rod assembly in place. The spine is also held in place using epoxy glue.
- The two servos (figure J) receive signals from the radio receiver, which in turn receives signals from the radio transmitter. These signals cause the small output arms on the servo to move, and thereby control the steering of the flyer. One servo controls the rudder, while the other controls the elevator.
- The standard output arms are too large for the narrow fuselage of the Tipsy flyer. Therefore, they must be replaced with smaller arms. Remove the standard arms carefully using a small jeweler's screwdriver (figure K).
- Using wire cutters, cut off three of the plastic arms on each new output arm.
- Install the smaller, modified arm back onto the servo (figure L). Repeat this for the second servo. NOTE: Do not install the retaining screws on the arms yet.
- With the new arms installed on the servos, mount the servos in the fuselage ( figure M) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The tight fit of the compartment will help to hold the servos securely in position.
- With the servos in position, power up the radio and center the trim control on your transmitter. With the radio on and set to center, observe the position of the output arms (figure N).
- With the radio still on and set to center, adjust the output arms to the properly centered position.
- Using needle-nose pliers, make a right-angle bend or a z-bend in the front ends of the control rods, and hook them into the output arms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Finally, with the output arms properly centered, tighten down the retaining screws (figure O). Following this procedure will ensure the properly centered setting.
- With the servos and control linkages installed, install the wing onto the fuselage assembly using the retaining bolt that fits into the plastic anchor (figure P) mentioned at the beginning of this segment.
- Apply decals as desired.
- To optimize performance, you may want to install a high-performance folding propeller available from the manufacturer.
- The top canopy can now be installed (figure Q). It is held secure with a rubber band.
The Tipsy Trainer™ is now ready to fly. In the segment that follows, Chris offers some flying tips for this park flyer.
RESOURCES :
Hobby Lobby International
A retailer of radio-control model planes.
www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-373-1444
Fax: 615-377-6948
Website: www.hobby-lobby.com
Tipsy Trainer park flyer
www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-373-1444
Fax: 615-377-6948
Website: www.hobby-lobby.com
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
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