AC AIR Technology T1.7 Remote Control Aircraft Tugs Instruction Manual

: June 15, 2024
: AC AIR Technology

Table of Contents

AC AIR Technology T1.7 Remote Control Aircraft Tugs
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Components
Start-Up Guide
Troubleshooting
Warranty
CONTACT
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

AC AIR Technology T1.7 Remote Control Aircraft Tugs

Product Information

Specifications:
- Model: T1.7 Aircraft Tug Portable and remote-control aircraft tug
- Components: Tug, Track Adjustment Tools, Radio Transmitter, Battery Tray, Radio Charger, Tug Charger, Owners Manual, Spare Parts Bag
Components:
- Components in the Box
- Tug
- Track Adjustment Tools
- Radio Transmitter
- Battery Tray
- Radio Charger
- Tug Charger
- Owners Manual
- Spare Parts Bag
Tug Components
- ```
  * Rear Cradle Gate
```
- Left Track Assembly
- Wheel Cradle
- Right Track Assembly
- Wheel Cradle Links
- Wheel Ramp
- Main Plate Electronics Cover
- Wheel Lock/Latch Assembly
- Tug Charger Connection Power Switch
Remote Control Components
- ```
  * Power Indicator LED
```
- 3 Speed Toggle
- Light Switch
- Wheel Cradle Lock & Cradle Release Switch
- Charging Indicator LED
- Charging Jack
- Control Stick
- ON/OFF Switch
- Lanyard Anchor
Charger Components
- ```
  * Tug Connection
```
- Tug Charger
- Charging Indicator LED
- 110V Power Connection
- Radio Charger
- Radio Connection
- 110V Power Connection
Spare Parts
- ```
  * Spare Track Parts
```
- Retainer Clips
- Pins
- Track Install Tools
- Links
- Treads
- Fuses (4 Amp Light Fuse, 10 Amp Circuit Board Fuse)
- Retainer Clip Tool
Track Tools
- ```
  * The track tools are used to assist in the installation of new tracks.
```
- This section is intended to show how the tools are used only.
- A detailed instruction guide is provided when purchasing new tracks.
- Refer to that instruction guide when installing new tracks.
Track Pin
- Retainer Clip (Teeth Pointing Down)
- Retainer Clip Teeth Facing Outward
Track Pin Groove
- 1-7 On-Board Parts Box
- The On-Board Parts Box contains spare track links/shims, rotoclips, and a roto clip tool to quickly replace or repair tracks.
- It also includes cradle shim spacers and mounting screws to lift the wheel cradle ramp away from the ground.
- When the ground is very uneven, the wheel cradle ramp may hit the ground preventing the aircraft from loading. These components are located on board the tug, underneath the electronics cover.
Track Links / Shims
- Parts Box
- Rotoclip Install Tool

Product Usage Instructions

Start-Up Guide:
- Ensure all components are present in the box.
- Review the user manual for detailed instructions on component assembly.
- Charge the tug and radio transmitter using the provided chargers.
- Install the battery into the battery tray of the tug.
- Connect the tug charger to the tug and plug it into a power source.
- Turn on the power switch on the tug charger.
- Connect the radio charger to the radio transmitter and plug it into a power source.
- Turn on the power switch on the radio charger.
- Turn on the ON/OFF switch on the remote controller.
- The power indicator LED on the remote controller should light up.
- Adjust the track assembly as needed using the track adjustment tools.
- The tug is now ready for use.
Troubleshooting:
- If you encounter any issues with the product, refer to the troubleshooting section in the user manual (Section 3 – Troubleshooting). It provides detailed instructions on how to resolve common problems.
Warranty:
- For warranty information, refer to the warranty section in the user manual (Section 4 – Warranty).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What should I do if the control stick on the remote controller is very sensitive?
- A: Turn off the remote controller when not in use to prevent accidental movement of the tug.
- Q: Why does the remote controller start beeping after a few minutes of inactivity?
- A: The remote controller is designed to beep as an indicator that it is still in the ON position. This is not an indicator of a low battery.

Components

Components in the Box

Tug Components

Remote Control Components

Warning: The control stick on the remote controller is very sensitive and will cause the tug to move if it is moved accidentally. Turn OFF the remote controller when not in use.

Note: If the remote controller is not used for a few minutes it will start beeping as a indicator that it is still in the ON position. This is not an indicator of a low battery.

Charger Components

Spare Parts

Track Tools

The track tools are used to assist in the installation of new tracks. This section is intended to show how the tools are used only. A detailed instruction guide is provided when purchasing new tracks. Refer to that instruction guide when installing new tracks.

When the retainer clip is properly installed into the track pin groove is should rotate freely inside of the groove.

The Track Pin Tools are used to assist in the installation of new tracks when the they are too tight making it diﬃ cult to align the pin holes. Insert the track pin tools on the inside and outside adjacent pins to the missing pin hole. You will need to hold these in place by hand.

On-Board Parts Box

The On-Board Parts Box contains spare track links/shims, rotoclips, and a roto clip tool to quickly replace or repair tracks. It also includes cradle shim spacers and mounting screws to lift the wheel cradle ramp away from the ground. When the ground is very uneven the wheel cradle ramp may hit the ground preventing the aircraft from loading. These components are located on board the tug, underneath the electronics cover.

Remote Control Operation

Switch the remote control ON. The power indicator light turns on and the remote control beeps once. If this does not happen, check the remote control battery con-nection for proper installation. When the battery level is low, the remote control will begin to beep repeatedly, signaling to replace or recharge the batteries.
To drive the tug, move the control stick in the desired direction.
The Wheel Cradle Lock & Cradle Release Switch is a 3 position switch. The Unlock and Lock positions are used to lock the Wheel Cradle rotation. The Release position is to release the tire from the cradle while unloading.

Start-Up Guide

Operating the Tug

Before turning on the tug, make sure the tracks and bottom of the tug are free from obstruction.
Turn the tug on using the ON/OFF switch. There will be a short series of beeps and then the ON/OFF switch will illuminate red to show the tug is on. The ON/OFF switch light will be on solid when the battery is fully charged. When the tug battery is low the ON/OFF switch light will blink and there will also be a beeping sound.
Turn on the power switch on the radio controller. The power indicator LED will illumi-nate green/blue in color. It is recommended you practiIt is recommended you practice maneuvering the tug priorce maneuvering the tug prior to loading to loading the plane.the plane.
It is recommended to use the radio in fast speed mode. Moderate and Slow speed mode should be used when maneuvering in tight quarters as it reduces the tugs power output.
When towing your airplane ALWAYS be cautious of the steering angle limitations of your aircraft. Do not over steer your aircraft with the tug. This can cause damage to your gear.
After lifting the tug oﬀ of the ground for any reason or taking it in and out of your air- craft, you must check the sprockets for proper seating along the tracks. If the sprock-et is not properly seated it could result in damage to the track.
Visually check tracks for wear on the treads and wear on the inner plastic surfaces. Also inspect for damaged or missing retainer clips as a result of driving over small rocks. Damaged treads should be replaced before operating the tug.

Loading the Aircraft Wheel

WARNING:
DO NOT SIT IN THE PLANE WHILE DRIVING THE TUG. TO PREVENT GOING BEYOND YOUR STEERING LIMITS IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU LOCK THE Wheel Cradle FROM ROTATING WHILE GOING UP AND DOWN HILLS AND MOVING ALONG A STRAIGHT PATH. THE Wheel Cradle FEATURE SHOULD ONLY BE USED ON FLAT GROUND AND WHEN MANEUVERING IN TIGHT QUARTERS.

Once the pre-load setup is complete turn ON the tug and remote controller. The wheel ramp needs to be in the down position before loading the aircraft wheel. If the wheel ramp is in the up position, toggle the latch release switch on the radio control-ler to the middle (lock) position. Rotate the lazy susan until it clicks into the locked position. Toggle and hold the latch release switch on the remote controller in the release (low) position then tap the back of the cradle. The wheel cradle should fall to the down position.The ramp release only occurs when the lazy susan is oriented as shown below. Once the wheel ramp is in the down position toggle the latch release switch to the middle position, locking the lazy susan from rotating.
- WARNING: DO NOT PUT ANY PART OF YOUR BODY IN THE MECHANISM WHILE RELEASING THE LATCH. SEVERE BODILY INJURY CAN OCCUR.
Drive the tug to line up the aircraft tire with the center of the wheel ramp. It may be necessary to apply a little pressure with your foot to the top of the battery cover to get the wheel started onto the tug.
Drive the tug under the aircraft tire until the tire is positioned on top of the Wheel Cradle. It may be necessary to chock the wheels to keep the plane from moving.
Continue driving the tug under the tire until the rear gate locks onto the latch and the wheel ramp is in the up position.
The Wheel Cradle Lock switch on the radio can be moved to the unlocked position during operation to allow 360° of rotation.
The circuit breaker reset buttons will trip if the tug is overloaded. To reset the circuit breakers open the access cover and locate the two white or black buttons on the circuit board. See image above. Press them down to reset the circuit breakers.

Critical Note:

If the circuit breaker buttons pop up after being reset, the tug is being overstressed and could cause damage to the circuit board.
Address any mechanical issues such as a seized sprocket or missing track retainer clips or any driving conditions such as driving up a steep incline or towing above the tugs capacity that could be causing the tug to overstress.
If the issue persists call or e-mail AC Air Technology tech sup-port for further assistance.

Unloading the Aircraft Wheel

It is recommended to chock the wheels to keep the plane from moving

Toggle the Wheel Cradle Switch on the remote control to middle (Lock) position.
Rotate the tug underneath the tire until the wheel cradle is at 0 degrees. A click will be heard when it reaches 0 degrees.
Toggle and hold the Wheel Cradle Switch in the Release position (down). With the joystick, move the tug against the tire so that there is slight pressure against the tire and rear gate. This will release the tension on the latch mechanism. Maintain this slight pressure.
Back the tug out from underneath the tire. The wheel cradle should pivot down, releasing the tire. If the wheel cradle does not pivot down, slightly move the tug from left to right to re-center the wheel cradle lock, you will hear a click when the cradle lock is engaged.
Continue driving the tug away from the tire until the tire is completely oﬀ of the tug. Release the Wheel Cradle Switch once the tire is completely oﬀ of the tug.

Adjusting the Wheel Cradle

Make sure that the wheel cradle is down. If needed, use the radio to unlatch the cradle.
Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires of the plane to ensure the plane does not roll backwards.
Drive the tug under the wheel of the plane until the wheel cradle locks in the upright position.
The wheel should be touching the back gate.
Remove the adjustment pins and push the front side of cradle until it is touching the tire and reinstall the pins. The adjustment pins have two legs that need to be inserted to capture the pivot screw between them. You do not want the tire to be too tight in the cradle. Leave a little space for tire size variations.
Release the latch using the radio and back the tug out from under the plane. Drive the tug back under the tire to check that the wheel cradle is set up correctly and to ensure the cradle is latching securely. When releasing the latch always make sure the wheel is against the back gate. If not, the latch may not release properly.

Adjusting the Tire Guide Spacers

If the tire guide spacers are in the widest position and your tire does not ﬁ t or it is too close of a ﬁ t remove the tire guide spacers and adjustment pins.
Adjust the tire guide spacers by removing the adjustment pins and sliding the spacers towards each other. Ideally, the tire guide spacers should be moved the same distance on each side to keep your tire centered in the cradle. The distance between the dovetail spacers should equal the width of your tire plus one-inch maximum.
Align the adjustment pins to the nearest holes. Insert the adjustment to secure the tire guide spacers.

Adjusting Track Tension

Track tension may need to be adjusted after several hours of use. Follow the instructions below for each track. Ratchet and 12-point socket are provided.

Use a 12-point socket and a ratchet to loosen the 12-point front-end retainer bolt. The track cover is hidden from view for clarity.
Next use a 7/16” hex socket and ratchet to rotate the hex track adjuster.
- For the left side track rotate the hex track adjuster Clockwise.
- For the right side track rotate the hex track adjuster Counter Clockwise.
- As you rotate the hex track adjuster you will hear and feel a click when it gets to the next tightest setting. When the track is adjusted properly you should have no more than 3/4” of play at the center of the track. Do not over tighten the tracks.
Once the track has been adjusted, tighten the 12-point front-end retainer bolt.
Re-install the outside track cover.

To loosen the track for removal or repair follow these steps.

Remove the large outside cover from the side you want to loosen.
Use a 12-point socket to loosen the 12-point front-end retainer bolt.
Next use a 7/16” hex socket to slightly rotate the hex track adjuster to relieve tension on the internal adjuster ratchet mechanism. CW for the left side, CCW for the right side.
While relieving the tension insert a 3/16” diameter phillips screw driver into the ac-cess hole to release the internal locking mechanism. This should allow the track to become slack. If needed, hold the screw driver in place and push the track inward to allow for more slack. Remove the screw driver once the track is completely retracted.

Lifting the Wheel Cradle Ramp

Shims can be used to lift the wheel cradle ramp away from the ground. When traversing over very uneven terrain the wheel cradle ramp may hit the ground and prevent the aircraft from loading onto the tug. Only use the shims when needed.

The shims, spacers, mounting screws (with attached lock washer) are located in the on-board parts box underneath the electronics cover. The electronics cover is held down magnetically, pull the cover to open.
With the wheel cradle in the “Up” latched position, install the spacers and shims onto the tug mainplate threaded holes located near the loading end. Two shims, one spacer and one mounting screw per side.
Both left and right side shims should be engaged if in the ON position or both sides should be disengaged if in the OFF position to prevent the cradle from twisting.

Charging the Tug

Before charging your tug, the remote controller and tug should both be turned OFF.
Plug the charger into the charging jack and a wall socket. The plug can only be inserted in one direction.
Normal charger indicator lights:
- Red………………… Charging
- Solid Green………… Fully Charged
- Flashing Green……… No Longer Charging
Leave the tug charging when it is not in use. The charger is equipped with “smart” charging technology, preventing the battery from overcharging. Keeping the tug on its charger will prolong the life of the battery.

Charging the Remote Controller

WARNING: Only use the supplied charger to charge the controller when using the supplied batteries or the following: – 1200mAh to 2200 mAh Ni-MH or Ni-Cd ‘AA’ Rechargeable Batteries

Using the remote control charger with alkaline batteries installed can damage the con-troller. Do not use the charger if alkaline batteries are installed in the controller.

Plug the transmitter charger into a 110v AC wall socket.
Plug the connector from the charger into the charging jack on the transmitter. The charging indicator LED, located on the side of the transmitter, will illuminate green indicating the charger is charging. Once the transmitter is fully charged the charging indicator LED will turn oﬀ .
The charging rate of the charger is 150mAh. When using the 1200mAh batter-ies that are supplied, the radio requires an 8 hour charge when fully discharged (1200/150=8). If using 2200mAh batteries, it will take approximately 15 hours to charge (2200/150=14.6). It is recommended to leave the remote controller charging when not in use.

Replacing the Remote Control Batteries

Before changing the remote control batteries, the remote controller and tug should be turned OFF.
Remove 2 screws on the back cover of the remote controller then remove the back cover.
The transmitter batteries are set up like A or B shown below:

A. A shrink-wrapped battery pack
- 3A. Disconnect the shrink-wrapped battery pack and remove the battery.
- 4A. Replace the batteries by purchasing a new shrink-wrapped battery pack from AC Air Technology or installing the supplied battery tray and purchasing 6 rechargable ‘AA’ Lithium Ion batteries. Refer to sections 2-9 in the owner’s manual
- 5A. Reconnect the battery to the transmitter circuit board.
- 6A. Re-install the back cover and screws.
B. A battery tray with 6 rechargeable ‘AA’ Lithium Ion batteries
- 3B. Remove the 6 batteries and replace them with new recharged ‘AA’ Lithium Ion batteries. Refer to sections 2-9 in the owner’s manual.
- Note: A shrink-wrapped battery pack can be purchused from AC Air Technology to replace the installed battery tray. To use a shrink-wrapped battery pack:
- Disconnect the battery tray from the transmitter circuit board.
- Connect the new shrink-wrapped battery pack to the circuit board.
- 4B. Re-install back cover and screws.

Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting guide is divided into three sections: Tug, Remote Controller, and Wheel Cradle. Refer to the images and descriptions below as they are mentioned throughout the text.

Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY
Your new AC Air Technology Tug is warranted to the original purchaser (only) for one full year from the date of purchase to be free from factory defects in material and workmanship. During these 12 months, AC Air Technology will repair or replace, at our discretion, the defective component determined by AC Air Technology to be defective. This warranty does not apply to damage or defect resulting from misuse, improper application, commercial use, or attempted repair by “non-AC Air Technology” service staff. The warranty does not cover shipping or handling costs or any incidental or consequential damage. Batteries and tracks are not covered by warranty.
DAMAGE LIMITS
AC Air Technology shall not be liable for any damage, indirect or consequential, loss of profits or commercial or production loss, or other special loss or damage in any way connected with this product regardless of whether such claim is based on warranty, in contract, negligence, or strict liability. In no event shall the liability of AC Air Technology exceed the individual price of the product on which liability is asserted. AC Air Technology has no control over the setup, application, use, modification, or misuse of this product, thus no liability shall be assumed or accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the first act of use, set up or assembly, the user using the product accepts all resulting liability. Failure to operate this product safely and responsibly can result in damage or injury, both to the user as well as to others, theproduct, or property. This product is not a toy and is NOT intended to be used by children without adult supervision. It is essential to read the entire manual and warranty/liability information before fi rst use/application/installation of this product to operate correctly and avoid damage/ injury, In cases where the purchaser or user is not prepared to accept liability associated with the use of this product, the user or purchaser is advised to return the unused product immediately in unused condition to the place of purchase.
RETURN PROCEDURE
When sending equipment in for requested warranty service, please include a note describing the problems/concerns with the equipment. You must include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail for prompt service. To request warranty service, a copy of your original sales receipt must be included. The warranty is approved and performed at the discretion of AC Air
Technology service department. You are required to pay all postage, shipping and insurance charges.
RETURN POLICY
Products can be returned within 10 days of delivery for a full refund if the product is in new condition and shipped with all the original packing and accessories. Any shipping cost associated with product delivery and/or return will not be refunded. A return authorization must be requested from AC Air Technology before any products can be returned.