KAVAN FALKE 1800 Airplane Instruction Manual

KAVAN FALKE 1800 Airplane

Specifications:

• Wingspan: 1800 mm
• Length: 1150 mm
• Wing area: 27 dm2
• All-up Weight: 660-710 g
• Motor: C2714-1450
• ESC: KAVAN R-20B BEC
• Propeller: 7×6

Product Usage Instructions

Before You Start:

1. If you are not an experienced R/C pilot, seek assistance from a competent pilot for initial flights.
2. Assemble the model exactly as per the instructions provided. Do not modify the model.
3. Check all kit contents for missing or damaged parts before starting assembly.

Model Assembly:

1. Slide both wing halves onto the steel wire wing joiner.
2. Connect aileron servo cables to corresponding extension cables in the wing opening.
3. Attach plastic wing joiner and secure the wing to the fuselage with bolts.
4. Secure V-tail planes to the tailplane seat with plastic joiner and screws.
5. Connect plastic quicklinks to ruddervator horns.
6. Place flight pack in the cockpit bay, secure receiver and ESC, and perform necessary calibrations.
7. Attach the canopy.

FAQ:

Q: Can I modify the model?
A: It is recommended not to modify the model as it may adversely affect its flying characteristics.

Q: What should I do if I find missing parts in the kit?
A: Contact customer support for assistance in obtaining the missing parts before starting assembly.

PRECAUTIONS:
This R/C model is not a toy. Use it with care and stricktly following the instructions in this manual.
Assemble this model following stricktly these instructions. DO NOT modify or alter the model. Failure to do so, the warranty will lapse automatically. Follow the instructions in order to obtain a safe and solid model at the end of the assembly.

Children under the age of 14 must operate the model under the supervision of an adult.

Assure that the model is in perfect conditions before every flight, taking care that all the equipment works correctly and that the model is undamaged in its structure.
Fly only in days with light breeze and in a safe place away from any obstacles.

INTRODUCTION
Congratulation on your purchase of the FALKE 1800 high-performance motor- powered glider! You are about to start the assembly of a model manufactured from virtually unbreakable EPO (extruded polyolephine) foam powered by a mighty brushless motor and lightweight LiPo battery. Everybody who has already mastered flying a “full house” trainer – with aileron, elevator, rudder, and throttle control – will enjoy this beautiful high-performance thermal glider!

BEFORE YOU START

1. If you are not an experienced R/C pilot, plan to have a fully competent pilot check your completed model and help you with your first flights. Even though we have tried to provide you with a thorough instruction manual, R/C models are rather complicated and an experienced modeler can quickly check over your model to make sure your first flights are successful.

2. Please assemble your model exactly according to these instructions. Do not attempt to modify or change your model in any way as doing so may adversely change its flying characteristics.

3. Before you begin, please check the entire contents of this kit to make sure that no parts are missing or damaged. This will also help you to become familiar with each component of your plane. If you find that any of the parts are either missing or damaged, please contact your dealer immediately for replacement.
   Note: Your dealer cannot accept kits for return if construction has begun.

4. Trial fit each part before gluing it in place. Make sure you are using the correct part and that it fits well before assembling. No amount of glue can make up for a poor-fitting part.

5. The manual contains drawing showing the default position of the Centre of Gravity (CG) and recommended control surface throws. Please note it is essential to keep the recommended CG position for the first flight otherwise the model could be unstable, hard to control or even unable to fly at all! Later you can fine-tune the CG position to suit your flying style and skills.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

• An R/C aeroplane is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only on a safe place following all instructions and recommendations in this manual. Beware of the propeller! Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away from the spinning propeller, including loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Ensure that yours and other people’s hands, and face are kept away from the rotating propeller.
• As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself and others or result in damage to the product or the property of others. This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to interference from many sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is advisable to always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from power lines, cars, traffic, or people. Avoid operating your model in populated areas where injury or damage can occur.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable batteries, etc.) which you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equip-ment not specifically designed and protected for this purpose.
• The model is mostly made of plastics – it is not fireproof. It may not be exposed to higher temperatures otherwise severe distortion of the foam air-frame or other damage may occur.

SPECIFICATION

SET CONTENTS

• Almost ready to fly model of a sailplane with the brushless motor, speed controller and servos installed, instruction manual.

YOU WILL ALSO NEED

• At least four channel RC set featuring V-tail mix, 11.1 V 1200-1600 mAh LiPo flight pack.
• Regular modeller’s tools – modeller’s knife, screwdrivers, 1.5 and 2 mm hex key, pliers etc.

MODEL ASSEMBLY

1. Locate the steel wire wing joiner (note the “V” shape ensuring the correct wing dihedral) and slide both wing halves onto the joiner. (Fig. 1)

2. Connect the aileron servo cables to the corresponding extension cables in the wing opening in the fuselage. (Fig. 2)
   Note: The kit is supplied with a Y-cable for ailerons so you can use even the most basic 4-channel radios to control your FALKE 1800. If you intend to use independent control of aileron servos and an advanced computer radio, you will have to replace the default Y-cable with two 25-30 cm extension cables.

3. Attach the plastic wing joiner and secure the wing to the fuselage with two M5x20 mm nylon bolts. (Fig. 3)

4. Attach the V-tail planes to the tailplane seat and secure them with the plastic joiner and M3 hex screw to the fuselage. (Fig. 4)

5. Connect the plastic quicklinks to the ruddervator horns. (Fig. 5)

6. The flight pack is to be placed in the bay in the centre of the cockpit; use Hook-and-loop tie to fasten it. You can place your receiver (secured with a strip of Hook-and-loop or double-sided foam tape) behind the flight pack.
   Connect servos and your ESC to the receiver; deploy the antennas so their active parts were square to each other (if you are using a receiver featuring diversity antennas). With your radio on, set the servos to the neutral position (sticks and trims centred) – screw in or out the quicklinks as needed. Perform the throttle range calibration of the ESC as described in the attachment of this manual. (Fig. 6)

7. Attach the canopy.

RC SET INSTALLATION AND PREFLIGHT CHECK

• Referring to the instruction manual of your radio carefully hook up the on-board electronics.
• Once everything has been correctly connected, turn on your transmitter and plug in the flight pack. Check the neutral positions and throws of all control surfaces – double check the correct set-up of the V-tail mix. If you needed to make the control surface throws smaller, simply move the pushrod closer to the centre on the servo arm or move it far from the con-trol surface on the control horn. And vice versa.

• The “Low Rate” recommended control surface throws are suitable for a less skilled pilot and regular soaring; the “High Rate” setting allows an experienced pilot exploring the full capabilities of his model. The aileron differential (aileron down deflection reduced to 50% of up deflection) is only possible with a computer radio.
• Check the direction of rotation of the propeller. If it was incorrect, simply swap two of the tree wires between the ESC and motor or program the ESC (refer to the ESC manual).
• Check the correct position of the centre of gravity (CG) – 56-63 mm behind the leading edge of the wing (Fig. 7). Adjust the CG position by moving the flight pack – if you could not reach the recommended position, do not hesitate to add appropriate amount of lead to the nose or tail. An extra couple of grams won’t spoil the flying characteristics – but the incorrect CG position is a killer.
• Fully charge your flight pack and transmitter batteries, check the proper function of your radio and perform the range check of your radio according to its instruction manual. The range has to be almost the same with the motor off and at full throttle (no more than 10% decrease is acceptable). DO NOT try to fly unless the range check is 100% successful.

FLYING
The test flying and fine tuning is pretty much straightforward, there will be no surprise for a medium-advanced pilot that is supposed to fly this model.

APPENDIX

KAVAN R-6B…R-80SB
Programmable Electronic Controllers for Brushless Motors

Congratulation on your purchase of a KAVAN Line electronic controller for brushless motors. The state-of-the-art KAVAN Line covers almost the entire range of electric powered planes flown by a Sunday flyer. All the ESCs can be quickly programmed using your transmitter and even easier with the optional KAVAN Card.

PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS

1. Programmable Brake Setting (use the brake on for folding props applications only).
2. Programmable Battery Type (LiPo or NiCd/NiMH).
3. Programmable Low Voltage Cut-Off Type (power reduction or immediate shut down ).
4. Programmable Low Voltage Cut-Off Setting.
5. Programmable Soft Acceleration Start Ups (for gearbox and helicopter applications).
6. Programmable Timing Settings (to enhance ESC efficiency and smoothness).

SPECIFICATION

 | BEC Type| Current (A)

Cont./Burst

| Input Voltage

No. of cells

| Weight (g)| BEC

(Voltage/Current)

| Dimensions

(mm)

---|---|---|---|---|---|---
KAVAN R-6B| BEC| 6A\8A| 2Lipo| 5.5g| 5V/0.8A| 32x12x4.5
KAVAN R-12B| BEC| 12A\15A| 2-3Lipo| 9g| 5V/1A| 38x18x6
KAVAN R-15B| BEC| 15A\20A| 2-3Lipo| 16.5g| 5V/2A| 48×22.5×6
KAVAN R-20B| BEC| 20A\25A| 2-3Lipo| 19g| 5V/2A| 42x25x8
KAVAN R-30B| BEC| 30A\40A| 2-3Lipo| 37g| 5V/2A| 68x25x8
KAVAN R-40B| BEC| 40A\55A| 2-3Lipo| 39g| 5V/3A| 68x25x8
KAVAN R-40SB| SBEC| 40A\55A| 2-4Lipo| 43g| 5V/3A| 65x25x12
KAVAN R-50SB| SBEC| 50A\65A| 3-6Lipo| 41g| 5V/7A| 65x29x10
KAVAN R-60SB| SBEC| 60A\80A| 3-6Lipo| 63g| 5V/7A| 77x35x14
KAVAN R-80SB| SBEC| 80A\100A| 3-6Lipo| 82g| 5V/7A| 86x38x12

*) BEC – linear BEC
**) SBEC – powerfull switching BEC

CONNECTING THE KAVAN ESC

The speed controller can be connected to the motor by soldering directly or with high qual-ity connectors. Always use new connectors, which should be soldered carefully to the ca-bles and insulated with heat shrink tube. Use only high quality connectors to connect the ESC to the flight pack as well – 2 mm gold plated connectors (KAV36.119 or KAV36.120) for currents up to 20A; 3,5 mm (KAV36.122), 4 mm (KAV36.126) gold plated connectors or DEAN-T® (KAV36.108) for currents up to 60A and 6 mm (KAV36.128) for currents up to 80A. The maximum length of the battery pack wires should be within 15 cm (6 inches).

Plug the UNI servo connector cable of the ESC to your receiver throttle output. The ESCs featuring BEC or SBEC voltage stabilizer will feed your receiver and servos from the flight battery pack.
KAVAN ESC Wiring Diagram

Please bear in mind improper polarity or short circuit will damage the ESC therefore it is your responsibility to double check all plugs for proper polarity, and proper connection
BEFORE connecting the battery pack for the first time.

POWERING UP FOR THE FIRST TIME & THE AUTOMATIC THROTTLE CALIBRATION

The KAVAN ESC features Automatic Throttle Calibration to ensure the smoothest throttle response and resolution throughout the entire throttle range of your transmitter. This step has to be performed just once to allow the ESC to “learn and memorize” the throttle output signal of your transmitter. It only needs to be repeated if you changed your transmitter.

1. Switch on the transmitter, move throttle stick to the top position.
2. Connect battery pack to the ESC, and wait for about 2 seconds.
3. The “Beep-Beep-” tone should be emitted, means the top point of throttle range has been confirmed.
4. Move throttle stick to the bottom position, several “beep-” tones should be emitted to present the amount of battery cells.
5. A long “Beep-” tone should be emitted, means the lowest point of throttle range has been correctly confirmed.
   The throttle has been calibrated now and your ESC is ready for operation.

NORMAL ESC START-UP PROCEDURE

1. Move throttle stick to bottom position and then switch on transmitter.
2. Connect battery pack to ESC, special tone like “123” means power supply is OK.
3. Several “beep-” tones should be emitted to present the amount of lithium battery cells.
4. When self-test is finished, a long “beep—–” tone should be emitted.
5. Slowly move the throttle stick up, the prop should start to rotate clockwise (looking from the cockpit of the plane). If it spins in the opposite direction, pull the throttle stick back, disconnect the flight battery and swap any two of the three cables between the motor and the ESC. The re-check again.

PROTECTION FUNCTION

1. Start up failure protection: If the motor fails to start within 2 seconds of throttle application, the ESC will cut-off the output power. In this case, the throttle stick MUST be moved to the bottom again to restart the motor. (Such a situation happens in the following cases: The connection between ESC and motor is not reliable, the propeller or the motor is blocked, the gearbox is damaged, etc.).
2. Over-heat protection: When the temperature of the ESC is over about 110 Celsius degrees, the ESC will reduce the output power.
3. Throttle signal loss protection: The ESC will reduce the output power if throttle signal is lost for 1 second, further loss for 2 seconds will cause the output to be cut-off completely.

PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS OF THE KAVAN ESC

1. Brake: ON/OFF
   ON – Sets the propeller to the brake position when the throttle stick is at the minimum position (Recommended for folding props).
   OFF – Sets the propeller to freewheel when the throttle stick is at the minimum position.

2. Battery type: LiPo or NiCd/NiMh

3. Low Voltage Cutoff Type: Reduce Power / Hard Cut-off
   Reduce Power – ESC reduces motor power when the preset Low Voltage Protection Threshold value is reached.
   Hard Cut-off – ESC instantly cuts motor power off when the preset Low Voltage Protection Threshold value is reached

4. Low Voltage Protection Threshold: (Low / Medium / High)

5. For Li-xx packs – the battery cell number is calculated automatically. Low / Middle / High cutoff voltage for each cell is: 2.85V/3.15V/3.3V. For example: For a 3S Lipo, when “Middle” cutoff threshold is set, the cut-off voltage will be: 3.15*3=9.45V.

6. For Ni-xx packs – low / medium / high cutoff voltages are 0%/50%/65% of the startup voltage (i.e. the initial voltage of battery pack), and 0% means the low voltage cut-off function is disabled. For example: For a 6 cells NiMH battery, fully charged voltage is 1.446=8.64V, when “Middle” cut-off threshold is set, the cut-off voltage will be: 8.6450%=4.32V.

7. Soft Acceleration Start up: Normal / Soft / Very Soft
   Normal mode is suitable for fixed-wing aircraft. Soft or Very Soft modes are suitable for helicopters. The initial acceleration of the Soft and Very Soft modes are slower, it takes 1.5 second for Soft startup or 3 seconds for Very Soft startup from initial throttle advance to full throttle. If the throttle is completely closed (throttle stick moved to bottom position) and opened again (throttle stick moved to top position) within 3 seconds after the first startup, the re-startup will be temporarily changed to normal mode to get rid of the chance of a crash caused by slow throttle response. This special design is suitable for aerobatic flight when quick throttle response is needed.

8. Timing setup: Low / Middle / High
   Low (3.75°) – Setting for most 2 pole motors.
   Middle (15°) – setting for motors with 6 or more poles.
   High (26.25°) – setting for motors with 12 or more poles, outrunners
   In most cases, middle or low timing works well for all types of motors. However for high efficiency we recommend the Low timing setting for 2 pole motors (generally, in-runners) and middle timing for 6 poles and above (generally all outrunners). For higher speed, High timing can be set. Some motors require different timing setups therefore we suggest you to follow the manufacturer recommended setup.
   Note: Run your motor on the ground first after making any changes to your motor timing!

PROGRAMMING THE KAVAN ESC WITH YOUR TRANSMITTER

Entering the programming mode

Note: Make sure the throttle channel EPA is set to -100% when the throttle stick is at the bottom and 100% for the top (or the throttle curve 0-100%).

1. Enter program mode
2. Select programmable items
3. Set item’s value (Programmable value)
4. Exit program mode

USING THE KAVAN PROGRAMMING CARD (OPTIONAL)
You can also use the optional KAVAN programming card to program your desired function. The use of the KAVAN card is very simple and convenient: the programmable function and their values are to be set with a couple of buttons. Simply set all the functions on the card to the valuess corresponding to the desired values and load the settings to the ESC. Programming your ESC with the KAVAN Card is a breeze!

TROUBLESHOOTING

between battery pack and ESC is

not correct

| Check the power connection. Replace the connector.
After power on, motor does not work, such an alert tone is emitted: “beep- beep-, beep-beep-,beep- beep-” (Every “beep-beep-” has a

time interval of about 1 second).

| Input voltage is abnormal, too high or too low.| Check the voltage of bat- tery pack.
After power on, motor does not work, such an alert tone is emitted: “beep-, beep-, beep- ”(Every “beep-” has a time interval of

about 2 seconds).

| Throttle signal is irregular.| Check the receiver and transmitter. Check the cable of throttle channel.
After power on, motor does not work, such an alert tone is emit-  ted: “beep-, beep-, beep-” (Every “beep-” has a time interval of

about 0.25 second).

| The throttle stick is  not in the bottom (lowest) position.| Move the throttle stick to bottom position
After power on, motor does not work, a special tone “(56712” is emitted after 2 beep tone (beep-

beep-).

| Direction of the throttle channel is reversed, so the ESC has entered the

program mode.

| Set the direction of throttle channel correctly.
The motor runs in the opposite direction.| The connection between ESC and the motor need

to be changed.

| Swap any two wire connections between ESC and motor.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Do not install the propeller (fixed wing) or drive pinion (helicopter) on the motor when you test the ESC and motor for the first time to verify the correct settings on your radio. Only install your propeller (plane) or pinion (heli) after you have confirmed that the settings on your radio is correct.
• Never use ruptured or punctured battery cells.
• Never use battery packs that are known to overheat.
• Never short circuit battery or motor terminals.
• Always use proper insulation material for cable insulation.
• Always use proper cable connectors.
• Do not exceed the number of cells or servos specified for the ESC.
• Wrong battery polarity will damage the ESC and void the warranty.
• Install the ESC in a suitable location with adequate ventilation for cooling. This ESC has a built-in over-temperature cutoff protection feature that will immediately cut power to the motor once the ESC temperature exceeds the 230° F/ 110° C temperature limit.
• Use only batteries that are supported by the ESC and ensure the correct polarity before connecting.
• Switch your transmitter ON first and ensure the throttle stick is in the minimum position before connecting the battery pack.
• Never switch your transmitter OFF while the battery is connected to your ESC.
• Only connect your battery pack just before flying and do not leave your battery pack connected after flying.
• Handle your model with extreme care once the battery pack is connected and keep away from the propeller at all times. Never stand in line or directly in front of any rotating parts.
• Do not immerse the ESC under water, do not allow it to get wet while powered up.
• Always fly at a designated flying site and follow the rules and guidelines set by your modeller’s club.

Recycling and Waste Disposal Note (European Union)
Electrical equipment marked with the crossed-out waste bin symbol must not be discarded in the domestic waste; it should be disposed of via the appropriate specialised disposal system. In the countries of the EU (European Union) electrical devices must not be discarded via the normal domestic waste system (WEEE – Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2012/19/EU). You can take your unwanted equipment to your nearest public collection point or recycling centre, where it will be disposed of in the proper manner at no charge to you. By disposing of your old equipment in a responsible manner you make an important contribution to the safeguarding of the environment!

EU Declaration of Conformity (European Union)
Hereby, KAVAN Europe s.r.o. declares that this FALKE 1800 model and the included electronic and electric devices are in compliance with the requirements of relevant European directives and harmonized norms.
The full text of the Declaration of Conformity is available at www.kavanrc.com/doc/.

Guarantee
The KAVAN Europe s.r.o. products are covered by a guarantee which fulfils the currently valid legal requirements in your country. If you wish to make a claim under guarantee, please contact the retailer from whom you first purchased the equipment. The guarantee does not cover faults which were caused in the following ways: crashes, improper use, incorrect connection, reversed polarity, maintenance work carried out late, incorrectly or not at all, or by unauthorised personnel, use of other than genuine KAVAN Europe s.r.o. accessories, modifications or repairs which were not carried out by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. or an authorised KAVAN Europe s.r.o., accidental or deliberate damage, defects caused by normal wear and tear, operation outside the Specification, or in conjunction with equipment made by other manufacturers.

Please be sure to read the appropriate information sheets in the product documentation!

KAVAN Europe s.r.o. +420 466 260 133
info@kavanrc.com / www.kavanrc.com
Doubravice 110 | 533 53 Pardubice | Czech Republic

References

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