CALYPSO Flyzone Micro Glider Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- CALYPSO
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION
- KIT INSPECTION
- ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
- CONTENTS
- ASSEMBLY
- Optional Flaps
- FINAL FLIGHT PREPARATION
- AMA SAFETY CODE
- FLYING
- ESC TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- MAKING REPAIRS
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
CALYPSO Flyzone Micro Glider Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Flyzone Calypso. The Calypso is one of those models that everyone must have because it is stable, gentle and durable enough for beginners, yet maneuverable enough for intermediate and experienced pilots who might want to temporarily set their more advanced models aside and enjoy some easy, care-free fl ying. And who doesn’t embrace the challenge of cruising the sky looking for thermals? The recommended 1300 mAh battery is enough “juice” to propel the Calypso to fi ve, approximately one-minute climbs which can provide up to 30 minutes of air time even in “dead” air when no lift is present (but we’ve routinely fl own the Calypso with 1500 mAh – 2100mAh batteries). Of course, if you can fi nd lifting air your fl ying time will be virtually unlimited!
We also urge you to consider installing the two additional servos for the optional fl aps. With the fl aps partially extended you can just about “park” the Calypso in the sky even when there is no lift. And with full fl aps and a gentle breeze you can land the Calypso on the ground as light as a feather. The fl ap servos are also confi gured to be connected to a single channel via a Y-harness, eliminating the requirement for a computer radio.
NOTE: This instruction manual applies to RTF, Rx-R™ and Tx-R™ versions of the Calypso.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the Calypso, visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Calypso ARF. If there is new technical information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
AMA
If you are not already a member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics), please join! The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most R/C sites:
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Your Calypso should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the Calypso, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.
- You must assemble the Calypso according to the instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written instructions should be considered as correct.
- You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition. All components must be correctly installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and all components before every fl ight.
- If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights. 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.
- While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such as racing, or if a motor or battery larger than ones in the recommended range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware more suitable for the increased stress.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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.
REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION
Other than a Phillips screw driver nothing extraordinary is required to assemble your Calypso. Below is a chart with order numbers indicating the rest of the equipment required to get your particular version of the Calypso in the air. Boxes checked with an “✘” indicate that the item is required.
Note: If you plan to fl y your Calypso with the optional fl aps a minimum 5-channel radio system will be required.
RTF | Tx-R | Rx-R | No. | Equipment |
---|---|---|---|---|
✘ | TACJ2600 | Tactic TX600 6 Ch Tx – or– | ||
TACJ2000 | Any 4–5 Ch Tx and AnyLink 2.4GHz adapter* | |||
✘ | TACJ2600 | Any 4–5 Ch Tx & Rx | ||
✘ | HCAA6310 | 3S (11.1V) 1300 mAh15 C battery with ST connector | ||
Optional | ✘ | ✘ | DTXP4235 | LiPo battery charger |
SUPM0070 | Charge lead for SuperTigre® connector | |||
Optional | Optional | Optional | FLZA1603 | (2) Flap servos |
FLZA6008 | (1) Flap linkage set | |||
FUTM4130 | (1) Y-harness for flap servos | |||
HCAM2000 | (2) 6″ [150mm]Servo wire extensions | |||
Optional | Optional | Optional | HCAA6430 | 1800 mAh battery |
Optional | Optional | Optional | HCAA6387 | 2100 mAh battery |
Transmitter must be compatible with AnyLink adapter. Visit tx-ready.com to see AnyLink compatibility chart or contact Product Support at the contact information on this page.
Optional LiPo Battery Charger
The RTF and Tx-R versions of the Calypso include a Great Planes 3S LiPo balancing Smart Charger. The Smart Charger is a safe way to charge your LiPo battery, but it’s very basic and just enough to get you started. The Smart Charger charges at a rate of .8 Amps, so it will take approximately one- and-a-half hours or more to charge your battery. Eventually, you’ll want to get more batteries and an advanced charger to charge faster and fl y more! If you’ve purchased the Rx-R that doesn’t come with a charger, or if you would like to replace your Smart Charger with a more advanced charger, the Duratrax® Onyx™ 235 AC/DC Advanced Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is highly recommended and perfect for 3S batteries used with the Calypso. Same as the Smart Charger the Onyx 235 may be powered either by an external DC power source (such as a 12 battery), or a 110V AC outlet, but the Onyx also has an adjustable charge rate to charge your batteries in as little as a half-hour or less (depending on the condition of your batteries and the manufacturer’s specifi ed charge rate). The Onyx can also be used to charge larger batteries and different kinds of batteries so it is a charger you can grow into. The 235 also has an LCD digital display screen, so you can see how much capacity it took to charge the battery (handy for learning the condition of your batteries and calculating optimum fl ight time).
Note: For use with the Onyx 235 LiPo batteries that come with SuperTigre connectors (such as the Flyzone batteries included or recommended) require a banana plugs-to-SuperTigre charge lead (SUPM0070) and batteries that come with a Deans® Ultra Plug® connector require a Charge Lead with banana plugs/ Deans® Ultra Plug® male charge lead (GPMM3148).
KIT INSPECTION
Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.
Hobbico Product Support
Ph: 217-398-8970 ext. 5 3002 N
Apollo Drive Suite 1
Fax: 217-398-7721 Champaign, IL
61822
E-mail: airsupport@hobbico.com
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Flyzone Calypso ARF are available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling 217-398-0007, or via facsimile at 217-398-7721, but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders: Hobby Services
and payments by: 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822
Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal check only; no C.O.D.
If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@hobbico.com, or by telephone at 217-398-8970.
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order No. | Description |
---|---|
FLZA6000 | Wing Set |
FLZA6001 | Horizontal Stabilizer |
FLZA6002 | Vertical Stabilizer |
FLZA6003 | Fuselage Set |
FLZA6004 | Canopy |
FLZA6005 | Wing Tube |
FLZA6006 | Spinner, Folding Propeller |
FLZA6007 | 9 x5 Propeller Blade Set (2) |
FLZA6008 | Flap Linkage Set |
FLZA6009 | Wing Screws |
FLZA6010 | Tail Screw |
FLZA6011 | 18A ESC |
FLZA6012 | C28-30 1300kV Brushless Motor |
FLZA6013 | Micro Servo |
FLZA6014 | 1300mAh 3S LiPo Battery |
TACJ2404 | Tactic TTX404 4-ch. Tx |
TACL0624 | Tactic TR624 6-chc Rx |
CONTENTS
- Fuselage, Canopy (w/ESC, motor, propeller, servos, spinner)
- Wings (w/aileron servo)
- Horizontal Stabilizer (Stab)
- Vertical Stabilizer (Fin)
- Wing Tube
- Y-Connector (for aileron)
- Tail Screw
ASSEMBLY
Install the Receiver (Rx-R Only)
-
Cut strips from the included, adhesive-backed hookand-loop material. Stick one to the back of your receiver and the other inside the fuselage as shown—the softer, “loop” side goes on the receiver and the rougher, “hook” side goes in the fuselage.
-
Connect the servos and the Y-harness to the receiver as shown.
Channel 1 (aileron) – dual Y-harness
Channel 2 (elevator) – elevator servo
Channel 3 (throttle) – electronic speed control (ESC)
Channel 4 (rudder) – rudder servo
-
Mount the receiver to the Velcro® strip in the fuselage.
Hook Up the Elevator and Rudder
Rx-R, Tx-R, and RTF
-
Flex the elevator up and down and the rudder back and forth several times to break them in.
-
Fit the vertical stabilizer (fi n) into the horizontal stabilizer (stab).
-
Join the stab/fi n assembly to the fuselage, keying the rudder into the hinge.
-
Tighten the assembly to the fuselage with the included bolt and a Phillips screwdriver.
-
If necessary, install batteries in your transmitter. Turn on the transmitter, center the trims and move the throttle stick all the way down.
-
Disconnect any one of the three motor wires so the motor will not turn inadvertently.
-
If your receiver is not already “bound” or linked to the transmitter, follow the instructions that came with your radio system to bind the two together so the receiver will receive signals from the transmitter.
-
Attach the softer, “loop” side of the included hook-andloop strip to the battery.
-
Connect the battery to the ESC.
-
With the transmitter and receiver on and the trims centered, connect the clevises to the hole in the horns shown in the sketch, so the elevator and rudder will be centered by screwing the clevises in or out on the pushrods.
-
Make sure the screws in the clevises are not overtightened.
-
Be certain the elevator and rudder respond in the correct directions according to the stick movements on the transmitter. If necessary, use the servo reversing in the transmitter to get the controls to respond correctly.
-
Disconnect the battery and turn off the transmitter.
Optional Flaps
In addition to the servos, linkages and servo wire extensions listed under “Items Required for Completion” in the front of the instruction manual, a minimum 5-channel transmitter is also required to operate the flaps.
**You may do one wing fi rst and then the other, or work on both wings at the same time.
**
-
Cut the flap from the aileron.
-
Cut along the molded line to open the servo mount.
-
Use CA to securely glue the fl ap horn to the flap.
-
Tie a small nut or other small weight to the end of a 12″ [300mm] string.
-
Drop the nut on the string down through the servo wire channel, then cut off the nut and tie the string to the fl ap servo connector. Pull the string and the servo wire back through the channel.
-
Connect a 6″ [150mm] servo extension wire to the fl ap servo wire.
-
Glue the servo into position as shown in the illustration at step 13—CA may be used, but will be diffi cult to remove from the servo if you ever want to remove it for another model later—something fl exible such as Shoe Goo or canopy glue is recommended for gluing in servos.
-
If necessary, cut the tab from the servo wire extension so it can be plugged into the Y-harness in the receiver.
-
Connect the fl ap servo to whichever channel in your receiver is controlled by the switch or dial on your transmitter you wish to operate the fl aps—some prefer using a switch, but most prefer a dial so the fl aps can be moved incrementally. It is not necessary to join the wing to the fuselage at this time.
-
Same as was done for the elevator and rudder, turn on the transmitter and connect the battery to the ESC.
-
Connect the fl ap pushrod to the servo arm and fl ap control horn as illustrated.
-
Position the servo arm on the servo. Adjust the clevis so the fl ap will be retracted when the fl ap switch on the transmitter is in one position, and the fl ap will be extended when the fl ap switch is moved to the other position. Total fl ap travel should be about 7/8″ [22mm]. (More on fl ap throw and measuring the throws on page 14.)
-
If you weren’t working on both wings at the same time repeat the process for hooking up the other fl ap the same way. When fi nished, the fl ap servos should be positioned as illustrated so they work together.
Install the Wings
Forward Limit: | 3/4″ [19 mm] ahead of spar |
---|---|
Recommended C.G. : | 1/4″ [6.5 mm] ahead of spar |
Aft Limit: | 1/4″ [6.5 mm] behind spar |
-
Use a felt-tip pen to mark the C.G. (center of gravity) locations on the bottom of the both wings. The marks will be used later for making sure the Calypso balances correctly, greatly affecting the way it flies.
-
Insert the wing tube and tighten the screw
-
Guide the servo wires under the wing tube.
-
Insert the wing into the fuselage as you guide the servo wires through.
-
Plug the wing all the way in.
-
Join the other wing and tightly press them both together.
-
Tighten the screw in the other wing.
-
Connect the aileron and fl ap servo wires to the receiver—a second Y-connector (not included) will be required for the fl aps.
-
Pack the excess fl ap and aileron servo wires back up through the channel so they don’t interfere with the elevator and rudder servos.
FINAL FLIGHT PREPARATION
Balance the Model
The C.G. (center of gravity) has a great effect on the way the model fl ies. If the C.G. is not correct the Calypso could be too stable (reacting too slowly to control inputs) or too instable (reacting too quickly to control inputs) possibly causing a crash.
The C.G. must be checked with all of the components installed including the
battery.
-
Install the battery and the canopy.
-
Lift the model with your fi ngertips on the middle lines, marking the recommended C.G. Shift your fi ngers as necessary until the model balances. As long as the model balances suspended by your fi ngers anywhere between the forward and aft lines, the model is within the acceptable C.G. range and is ready to fl y. Beginner pilots should strive to get the Calypso to balance directly on the recommended C.G. or between the recommended C.G. and the forward C.G., making the Calypso more stable.
-
Position the battery where necessary to get the Calypso to balance, or use Great Planes stick-on lead weight.
Check the Control Throws
Same as the C.G., the control surface throws have a great effect on how the
model fl ies. Too much throw will make the model too responsive and diffi cult
to control and too little throw will make the model unresponsive. Measure and
correct the control throws if necessary as instructed below.
-
Power up the system. The rudder and elevator response was already checked on page 8. Now check the aileron throw. When moving the stick to the right, the right aileron should move up and the left aileron should move down. If necessary, use the servo reversing in your transmitter to set the ailerons to respond correctly.
-
Measure the elevator throw fi rst; power up the system (turn on the transmitter and connect the battery) and move the elevator up and down with the elevator stick on the transmitter. Measure how far up and how far down from center the elevator moves. As shown in the chart the elevator should move 3/4″ [19mm] up and 3/4″ [19mm] down on high rates and 1/2″ [13mm] up and 1/2″ [13mm] down on low rates plus or minus 1/8″ [3mm].
-
Note that the throw measurements for the elevator, rudder and fl aps (if used) are taken at the widest part (front to back) of each surface, but the aileron throw is measured at the split between the fl aps and elevator (whether or not you have set up the optional fl aps and cut the two apart).
Recommended Control Surface ThrowsDEGREES| HIGH RATE Up Down| LOW RATE Up Down
ELEVATOR| 18 º| 18 º| 12 º| 12 º
AILERONS| 19 º| 19 º| 11 º| 11 º
RUDDER (R &L)| 19 º| 19 º| 14 º| 14 º
FLAP| 22 º|
- If necessary, use the programming in your transmitter or mount the pushrods in different holes in the control horns or in the servo arms to increase or decrease the elevator throw as required. Moving the pushrods inward in the servo or outward on the control surface horn decreases control throw. Moving the pushrods outward on the servo or inward on the control surface increases the throw.
- Measure and adjust if necessary the control throws for the rudder, ailerons and fl aps the same way.
Recommended Control Surface Throws
INCHES
| HIGH RATE
Up Down
| LOW RATE
Up Down
ELEVATOR| 3/4″| 3/4″| 1/2″| 1/2″
AILERONS| 5/8″| 5/8″| 3/8″| 3/8″
RUDDER (R &L)| 1″| 1″| 3/4″| 3/4″
FLAP| 7/8″|
Recommended Control Surface Throws
MILLIMETERS| HIGH RATE Up Down| LOW RATE Up
Down
ELEVATOR| 19 mm| 19 mm| 13 mm| 13 mm
AILERONS| 16 mm| 16 mm| 10 mm| 10 mm
RUDDER (R &L)| 25 mm| 25 mm| 19mm| 19mm
FLAP| 22 mm|
Calibrate the Throttle
This procedure applies only to Tx-R or Rx-R versions of the Calypso, or any other time a transmitter different than the one originally calibrated to the included ESC is used.
At this time one of the motor wires should still be disconnected from the ESC
to prevent accidental starting of the motor.
-
Turn on the transmitter and advance the throttle stick all the way forward.
-
Connect the battery to the ESC. Listen for the three tones… “ 1 2 3” followed by two short beeps…”beep beep.
-
Listen for the three short beeps…“beep beep beep” followed by one longer beep…“beeep.”
-
Now the throttle is calibrated and the battery can be disconnected and the transmitter turned off.
NOTE: If at any time you encounter problems calibrating the throttle, or the ESC or motor do not function properly, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on page 19 or refer to complete ESC programming instructions at fl yzoneplanes. com or contact Product Support for assistance.
While we’re working with the transmitter and the ESC, this would be a good time to run through the normal startup procedure…
Normal Startup Procedure
-
Reconnect the disconnected motor wire to the ESC. If you haven’t yet done so, you may remove the tape from around the folding propeller holding it to the fuselage.
-
Unless calibrating the throttle or programming the ESC, always turn on the transmitter with the throttle stick all the way down. Turn on the transmitter.
-
Connect the battery to the ESC. Listen for the three tones…“ 1 2 3” followed by three short beeps…“beep beep” beep” followed by one long beep…“beeep”.
Now the ESC is “armed” and the model is ready to fl y. The propeller will turn whenever the throttle stick is advanced, so use caution. When you are done running the motor or fl ying the plane simply disconnect the battery and turn off the transmitter.
Charge the LiPo Battery
If you haven’t yet done so, charge your LiPo battery following the instructions that came with your charger. If uncertain of the state-of-charge of your battery, you can either reconnect it to your charger, or use a battery checker (HCAP0275) to check the condition of the battery. A battery checker is the best way to check the condition of your batteries at the fl ying fi eld to make sure you don’t inadvertently fl y your plane with a partially-discharged battery.
Note: LiPo batteries require special care and handling. Be certain to follow the instructions that came with your LiPo battery and charger to charge and handle them correctly. If using the Smart Charger, refer to Smart Charger instructions for charging. Note that the Smart Charger has an internal timer that automatically discontinues the charge after 160 minutes (2 hours, 40 minutes). Some larger batteries that are deeply discharged may require longer than 160 minutes to charge, prompting the Smart Charger to shut off. If this happens, simply disconnect the battery from the charger, wait for the GREEN LED to illuminate, then reconnect the battery to the charger to continue charging.
Range Check
Most radio systems have a procedure for ground-checking the operational range. This usually involves something such as the pilot walking a distance away from the model while operating the controls, with an assistant holding the model and confi rming that everything is operating correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your radio to perform this check with the motor off and with the motor running at various speeds. If the radio does not pass the range check do not fl y! Find and correct the problem fi rst.
AMA SAFETY CODE
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety Code refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site or the Code that came with your AMA license.
General
- I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been previously, successfully fl ight tested.
- I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid having models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
- Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
- ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
- I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.
- I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
- I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.
- I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.
- At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight line. Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.
- I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
- I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the complete AMA Safety Code].
- Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the ground, except while landing.
FLYING
NOTE: Heat from hot, sunny conditions may blister the foam beads under the black paint on the canopy. If your Calypso will be laying in the sun, cover the canopy with a towel or remove the canopy and place it in the shade.
The Calypso is suitable for beginners because it can fly slowly and react predictably and gently, but it is still highly recommended that those who have no radio control fl ying experience seek the assistance of an experienced pilot— especially for the fi rst couple of fl ights.
Beginners should fl y only in calm conditions, but experienced pilots will embrace the challenge of fl ying the Calypso in winds up to 20mph!
The Calypso is simply hand-launched by advancing the throttle and giving it a gentle toss directly into any prevailing wind—it will basically fl y out of your hand, so a gentle throw is all that is needed. You’ll probably want to launch it at full-throttle the fi rst time, but once you get used to the Calypso and get it trimmed you could launch it at reduced power.
Once airborne the fi rst priority will be to get your Calypso trimmed for straight-and-level fl ight using the fl ight trims on the transmitter. The elevator may trim out differently at full power than it does power off, so trim it for the type of fl ying you will be doing most—sport-fl ying or thermaling (if thermaling you will want the Calypso to trim out with the power off).
You can maneuver the Calypso around the sky rather like a sport model
performing gentle aerobatics such as loops, rolls, Cuban 8s, stall turns and
even inverted fl ight, or you can fl y it like a glider using motor power to
climb to altitude, then shut off the power to search for lifting air. When
searching for thermals you’ll fi nd that the Calypso will appear to just about
“hang” in the air with the fl aps extended.
When ready to land simply bring the Calypso around into the wind, cut the power and allow it to descend. You can extend the fl aps to slow the Calypso’s descent, but this may also extend the glide path so modulate the fl aps as necessary. In breezy conditions the Calypso may descend almost vertically.
However you fl y you should calculate your fi ght time and use a timer so you don’t over discharge your battery or end up having the motor quit unexpectedly causing a dead-stick landing. Dead-stick landings are usually no problem unless you are fl ying on a windy day and cannot get your Calypso back to the landing area.
EXPERT TIP: At full-throttle the Calypso consumes approximately 210
mAh/minute which should provide at least 5 minutes of motor run time on a 1300
mAh battery— usually enough for fi ve one-minute, full-throttle climbs. But
the actual run time you can expect may vary depending on several factors such
as the condition of your batteries, the average throttle setting and even the
wind conditions (fl ying on windy days you seem to use more power than when fl
ying on calm days).
To fi nd out for yourself how long you can fl y, set your timer to 3 minutes
for the fi rst fl ight. Fly until the timer sounds, then land. Use a charger
with a digital display to fi nd out how much capacity it took to recharge the
battery (indicating how much capacity was used). To ensure against over
discharging the target is to use 80% of your battery’s capacity, so multiply
your battery’s capacity by .8 to fi nd out how much you have available.
Compare the capacity used to 80% of your battery’s capacity and adjust your fl
ight time accordingly.
For example: If using the recommended 1300mAh battery, your target capacity
you want to use for a fl ight is 1040mAh (1300mAh x .8 = 1040mAh). If you fl
ew for three minutes and it took 660mAh to recharge your battery, you still
had 380mAh to go before you could have landed, so adjust your timer to
increase your fl ight time accordingly until you reach your 1040mAh target.
(You could also divide 660mAh by three minutes to fi gure a current
consumption rate of 220mAh/minute. Divide 1040mAh by 220mAh/minute to conclude
that you can fl y for 4.7 minutes [4 min. 40 sec.]— but round down to 4-1/2
minutes.)
Keeping records over a period of time will allow you to accurately calculate
your target fl ight time.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight plan in mind for every fl ight. This can be learning a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions (such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
ESC TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem | Reason | Action |
---|---|---|
Motor does not | The ESC is not | Check the battery |
work, no tones or | receiving power | or plugs or change |
beeps are coming from the ESC. | from the battery. | the plugs if the wires are |
damaged.
Motor does not| Battery Voltage is| Make sure the
work, Alert Tone| too high or too low.| battery is charged
sounds| | and/or you are
(“beep-beep,”| | using the correct
“beep-beep,” “beep-beep,”…).| | battery.
Motor does not| The ESC is| Make sure the
work, Alert Tone| receiving power| transmitter is
sounds (long| from the battery,| turned on and that
beeps:| but is not receiving| the receiver is
“beeeep-beeeep-| a signal from the| linked to the
beeeep…).| receiver.| transmitter and receiving a signal.
Motor does not| Throttle stick is not| Lower the throttle
work, Alert Tone| in the lowest| stick all the way, or
sounds (rapid| position, or throttle| recalibrate the
beeps: “beepbeep| needs to be| throttle per
beepbeepbeep…).| calibrated.| calibration instructions.
Motor does not| The direction of the| Set the throttle
work, five tones are| throttle channel is| direction the other
sounded (“ 1 2 3 4| reversed and the| way in the
5”) after the two beeps.| ESC has entered the Programming Menu.| transmitter.
The motor turns| The three motor| Swap any two of
the wrong| wires are| the motor/ESC wire
direction.| incorrectly| connections with
connected to theESC.| each other.
For complete ESC specifi cations and full programming instructions visit flyzoneplanes.com and click on the Calypso page.
MAKING REPAIRS
See the replacement parts list at the front of the manual. Often, parts can be
repaired and you can get your Calypso back into the air with a little
ingenuity.
The Calypso is made from injection-molded EPO (expanded polyolefi n) foam. It
can be glued with just about anything. Repairs are often made with regular
CA—simply apply CA where necessary, squeeze and hold the parts together, wipe
away excess CA with a cloth, then spray with CA accelerator and hold for a few
seconds until the CA hardens (the fi nal two steps may require an assistant
while you hold the parts). Repairs can also be made with white glue or Shoe
Goo, but tape will have to be used to hold the parts until the glue
dries—usually overnight.
Fiber-reinforced “strapping” tape is also good for reinforcing structural
repairs after the parts have been glued back together.
Some replacement parts are sold as assemblies (such as the wing). If the
servos in your crashed wing (or fuselage) are still functioning you can remove
them, peel off any excess glue, then glue them into your new wing or
fuselage—CA is suitable for gluing in servos, but something pliable such as
canopy glue or Shoe Goo is recommended. When gluing the bottom panel cover
into the wing, use care not to get excess glue in the wing tube channel.
To remove the motor, fi rst remove the spinner screws with a Phillips screwdriver, then remove the folding propeller bracket with a 1.5mm hex key wrench. Then disconnect the motor wires and unscrew the mounting screws from inside the fuselage and the motor will come out the front.
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>