MODSTER ET1280 Electric glider User Manual

MODSTER ET1280 Electric glider

Introduction

Thank you very much for choosing this product. It has been produced, tested and packaged with care in accordance with current European regulations. Please unpack the contents carefully. Please check immediately upon receipt whether all parts included in the scope of delivery are present and whether there is any transport damage. If there is cause for complaint, please contact us immediately.

Safety instructions

Please read all enclosed instructions carefully before assembly and first use!
You will receive important instructions for the use of the product. Keep these instructions for information or for ordering spare parts. If you are operating remote-controlled model aircraft, helicopters, cars or boats for the first time, we recommend that you ask an experienced model pilot for help.
Remote-controlled models are not toys and may only be used and operated by young people under 14 years of age under adult supervision. Their construction and operation requires technical understanding, careful craftsmanship and safety-conscious behaviour. Errors or negligence during construction, flying or driving can result in considerable damage to property or personal injury.
Since the manufacturer and seller have no influence on the proper construction and operation of the models, express reference is made to these dangers and any liability is excluded. Propellers, rotors on helicopters, propellers on ships and generally all moving parts pose a constant risk of injury. Avoid touching such parts at all costs.
Note that motors, regulators and exhaust systems can reach high temperatures during operation. Avoid touching such parts at all costs. Never stay in the danger zone of propellers or rotating parts when electric motors with drive battery are connected. Also make sure that no other objects come into contact with rotating parts!

• ATTENTION: Protect your installation from dust, dirt and moisture.
• ATTENTION: Do not expose the units to excessive heat, cold or vibration.
• ATTENTION: Remote control operation may only be carried out within the specified temperature range.
• ATTENTION: Use only recommended chargers and charge your batteries only up to the specified charging time and under supervision.
• ATTENTION: Follow the instructions of the battery manufacturer. Overcharging or incorrect charging can cause the batteries to explode. Also pay attention to the correct polarity.
• ATTENTION: Always check your equipment for damage and replace defective ones with original spare parts.. Check glue joints and screw connection before each flight
• ATTENTION: Do not use equipment that has been damaged by falling or has become wet, even if it is dry again! Either have it checked at the service center or replace it.
• ATTENTION: Wet conditions or crashes can cause hidden faults that lead to a functional failure after a short period of operation.
• ATTENTION: Only components and accessories recommended by us may be used.
• ATTENTION: No modifications of any kind may be made to the remote control equipment.
• ATTENTION: Never shorten the antenna cable on the receiver, you may lose control of your aircraft!
• ATTENTION: Never attach the antenna cable to metallic objects or chrome-coated plastic parts or even shorten it, as this will result a total loss of range!
• ATTENTION: Allow all electronic components, especially motors + controllers to cool down sufficiently after each flight.

Package contents

1. fuselage with canopy and wing with motor, servos, speed controller and motor.
2. tail plane
3. accessories bag
4. limo battery with small parts and charger
5. 2.4 GHz transmitter in mode 1 or mode 2 and receiver (RTF version only)

You will need a glue to EPO, like UHU pore for instance.

Spare parts

If you need spare parts for your Easy Trainer 1280, please use our spare part numbers when ordering. These can be found in the following list:

Spare part:  Order number:

• Hull AN-289630
• Wing AN-289631
• Elevator AN-289632
• Canopy AN-289633
• Linkage set AN-289634
• LiPo battery AN-126475
• BL motor (1811-KV3900) AN-289639
• Motor mounting plate AN-289638
• Motor mount AN-289637
• Propeller AN-289741
• Servo aileron AN-289799
• Speed controller BL 20A AN-248144
• Battery charger AN-217172
• Servo aileron AN-289799
• Servo elevator/rudder AN-289800
• Decal sheet AN-289635

Package contents

Before you start building, please check the parts for quality and completeness. If any part is missing or damaged or if you have any questions, please contact us:

MSG Online GmbH

• E-Mail: [email protected]
• Web: www.modster.at
• Writs chats park 9
• A-8530 Duets Chands berg
• Phone: +43 (0) 3462 2541 -100
• Fax: +43 (0) 3462 2541 310

Charging the flight battery

The enclosed charger is used to safely charge LiPo batteries.
ATTENTION: Please follow all safety instructions from ALL enclosed instructions for use and safety data sheets exactly! All instructions must be taken seriously, failure to do so may result in fire, chess damage or even injury.

Battery warning:

• By handling, such as charging/discharging/use and storage, you assume the risk that exists for LiPo batteries.
• If the battery inflates, immediately interrupt the activity you are currently carrying out.
• Store the battery at room temperature in a dry environment. Do not store in a car and do not expose to direct sunlight.
• Charge Li Pos only with designated chargers for LiPo batteries.
• Do not discharge below 3V/cell.
• Do not charge unattended and never charge damaged batteries.
• Never charge or store the battery in the model!

Charging process:
The AC-3S10 charger is supplied with the kit for this model. Please read the following instructions carefully. Place the battery on a fireproof surface for charging and charge it outside the model! Only use pre-charged batteries for range tests and binding processes.

Loader specification

Operating steps

1. Plug the charger into a 100-240V AC power source – the power LEDs will start flashing green.
2. connect the 2S or 3S battery to the respective charging output using the balancer connection. Only connect one battery! The Charge LED lights up red when charging. 3.
3. As soon as the LED is constantly green, charging is complete.

Functional description:
If the battery voltage is above 4.18V per cell, no charging process is started, the charge LED lights up constantly. If the battery voltage is below 0.7V, no charging process is started – the battery has been deeply discharged. If the battery voltage is below 2.8V, charging is started slowly. If the voltage does not rise above 2.8V within half an hour, the charger recognizes the battery as defective. The Charge Led flashes very quickly and charging is stopped.

Self-test:
The charger will perform a self-test each time it is connected to a voltage source. In the event of a malfunction, the charge LED will flash very quickly. If a full battery is connected, i.e. with 4.2V per cell, the charge LED flashes twice and then burns constantly – no further charging takes place.

Troubleshooting

1. power LED does not light up – power cable is not seated correctly, polarity reversed at the voltage source.
2. charging stops and restarts – voltage source provides too little voltage and/or power.
3. charge LED does not light up – reconnect battery, test voltage of battery.
4. charge LED flashes quickly – battery is defective or charging function is disturbed. Disconnect battery and contact service.

Under voltage protection of the flight controller

A LiPo battery produces little power below 3V per cell. The speed controller therefore protects the battery from this deep discharge by means of a protective function. This protection works either by (1) reducing the power consumption by regulating the motor back or (2) by switching off the motor completely.

Assembling the model

Assembly of the wing

1. Insert the wing connector into the left wing.

2. Insert the left wing half into the fuselage.
   

3. Insert the right wing half into the fuselage.

4. Secure the wing with the two plastic bolts.
   
   The two plastic bolts.

5. Apply glue to the contact surface on the fin.
   Note details on gluing further back in the instructions.
   

6. Insert and align the elevator following the arrows.

7. Allow the adhesive to dry well.
   

8. Attach the propeller as shown.

9. Tighten the propeller with the spinner.
   

10. Position of the LiPo battery in the cabin.

11. Close canopy
    

Receiver connection

1. Plug the aileron servo cable into the correct receiver input on channel 1 = Aileron.
   Speed controller goes on channel 3 = Throttle.
   Elevator to channel 2 = Elevator.
   Rudder to channel 4 = Rudder.

2. The receiver should be placed in the rear cabin area, behind the servos. The cables must not obstruct the servo movement!

Battery position

Attach the battery, e.g. with Velcro tape as shown in the picture. The center of gravity can be adjusted by changing the position.

Mounting the tailplane

1. push the tail plane from the rear to the front into the gap at the end of the fuselage – not too tight and with the decoration facing up! Do not use glue yet!

2. The foam nose helps with positioning. Do not press beyond the position.

3. Align the tail plane parallel to the wing.

4. Mark the correct position by carefully drawing thin lines on the tail plane with a pencil.

5. View of the tail plane after marking from above.

6. The bottom view of the tail plane with the foam nose.

7. Now carefully apply glue to the marked areas on the top and bot-tom.

8. Now slide the tail plane into position in the fuselage. The longer you wait, the more difficult this becomes, because the glue tightens quickly and becomes more viscous.

Disassembly of the propeller

1. disassemble the propeller by holding the hub with tweezers or pointed pliers and unscrew the spinner with a thin screwdriver that fits through the hole.
2. Before removing the propeller from the hub, mark the propeller (e.g. carve a cross on the surface) so that it can be re-installed later in the correct orientation.
   

centre of gravity settings

You can move the battery to set the correct centre of gravity in the cabin area.
For the beginning, the model should be slightly top-heavy. For further flights you can then adjust the center of gravity according to your preferences.

1. the recommended center of gravity is 65-75mm measured from the leading edge (leading edge) of the top of the wing – with battery on board of course!
2. on the underside of the wing you will find a „CG „ mark on each side. Balance the model here with one finger each. The model should now nose down slightly – then the center of gravity fits for the first flight.

Preparations for the flight

1. The built-in speed controller has a start-up protection, which prevents the motor from starting accidentally as soon as the battery is connected and the throttle lever is not at zero.
   As soon as the throttle is at zero, the speed controller will beep once for each battery cell connected (2S Lipo = 2 x beeps).
   Caution: Always handle the propeller area with care when a battery is connected.

2. The motor and speed controller have already been connected at the factory and the direction of rotation should be correct. If, contrary to expectations, the direction of rotation is not correct, it can be reversed by swapping two motor cable connections.

3. The speed controller has an optional brake function, the default setting is no brake and we recommend leaving this setting as it is. To change this function, set the throttle of the controller to full throttle and then connect the battery. After the beep, set the throttle to zero and disconnect the battery. Now, in this zero position of the throttle lever, connect the battery again – the brake is now activated and the motor is ready to start. To deactivate the brake function, carry out the whole process again.

4. Battery selection and installation: We recommend a 7.4V 2S 1300mAh from 15C LiPo battery. If you want to use other LiPo sizes, please note that they do not have more than 2S or 7.4V nominal voltage. Also, the center of gravity may not be as easy to adjust with heavier batteries.

Model specifications

• Wingspan: 1280mm/50.4in
• Length: 910mm/35.8in
• Weight: 660g/23.3oz
• Wing area: 21.4dm2
• Wing loading: 30.8g/dm2
• Battery: 7.4V 2S 1300 mAh LiPo 15C or higher
• Transmitter: 6 channel 2.4

Transmitter and model settings

1. Switch off the transmitter, connect the signal line of the controller to the third channel of the receiver and then also connect the battery to the controller.

2. The orange status light flashes slowly when the receiver is switched on.

3. Press the binding switch with a small pointed object – the orange status light will then flash quickly.

4. Return the throttle to the lowest position and switch on the transmitter. As soon as the transmitter and receiver are paired, the status light on the receiver lights up continuously.

5. Switch off the entire system, connect all servos according to the flight manual.
   Make sure that the polarity of each connector is correct.

6. Move each control stick and check that the servos respond in the correct direction.

7. Repeat the previous steps if the system does not work.

*Note: The M. Bus channel is connected to the flight controller via a servo harness.

To make the following adjustments, we recommend that you do not mount the propeller, as there is a risk of injury if the motor starts up unintentionally!

Tip: All control levers and trimmers on the transmitter should be in neutral position, the throttle should be at zero. Both ailerons should move up and down equally.

1. Now check the correct rudder deflection direction using the following diagram.
   You can reverse the respective deflection direction using the reverse switches on the transmitter.
   

2. The servo arms should all be at right angles. You can readjust with the transmitter‘s trim function. With computer transmitters, this can also be done using the „sub-trim“ or „servo center“ function.

3. By default, the outermost hole of each lever is used, but you can also use the holes further inwards, which will increase the deflections and make the model more aerobatic.

4. Align the elevator, aileron and rudder in parallel by turning the clevises on the linkages either in or out. The clevises have small pins that must engage the holes in the levers. Always open and close the clevises with care.
   Note: Secure the clevises with a piece of silicone tube to prevent accidental opening.
   

Checking the direction of rotation of the motor

1. The motor should turn clockwise when you look at it from behind.

Propeller assembly

1. Fit the propeller so that the printed markings (diameter/pitch) on the propeller face forward. Secure the seat well by tightening the spinner.

Canopy assembly

1. Snap the canopy into the two guides at the front by means of the nose and at the rear.|

Control in flight

Always make smooth steering movements in flight. All directions are given as if you were at the controls in the aircraft.

Tips:

1. Fly faster and slower: When the model is flying stable, the speed can be increased by opening the throttle. It also makes the model start to climb. Reducing the throttle slows down the flight and the model starts to sink.
2. roll right/left: The model can be rolled to the right or left using the aileron stick.
3. elevator descend/ascend: Lever forward – the model descends, lever back the model rises.
4. rudder left/right: lever to the left – model turns left, lever to the right – model turns right (as if you were sitting in the cockpit).

Before the start of the flight

Selection of the flying site

Ideally, a site without houses, power lines, trees or other obstacles. The area should also be at least as large as 3 football fields, ideally a desig- nated model flying field would be suitable. Never fly near other people – especially children.

Range test of the radio remote control

A range test helps you to ensure that the control system also functions reliably at a greater distance. This allows you to detect problems with the control system, regional radio interference or poor charging status of batteries without risk and without endangering or damaging the model.
You need a helper for this and the test should ideally take place in the environment in which you intend to fly.
To do this, switch on the transmitter, plug in the flight battery and close the canopy. Caution, only accelerate when the propeller can turn freely without hurting anyone.
The helper should now move further and further away from you with the model in his hand while you continue to perform various control functions. The helper observes whether these are correctly applied to the model. The distance between you and your helper should be increa-sed to the minimum expected distance between you and the model flying later. Only if the model can be controlled correctly on the ground should a take-off take place at all.

Observation of the time of flight

The flight time should also be stopped. As soon as the battery is empty, the motor power also decreases, even before the speed controller reduces the power. By stopping the time, you can find out the approximate flight time to be expected when the battery is fully charged, and you can use this as a guide in the future. This can save you from unwanted forced landings due to lack of engine power. In our experience, 4 minutes is a good value with a standard battery.

Start:
The model is launched from the hand. To do this, hold the Easy Trainer 1280 under the wing on the fuselage and release it into the air with the engine stationary at an angle of 5-10° to the horizon with a slight push, against the wind. Once the model is airborne, apply throttle.
Warning: If you accelerate while still holding the model, there is a risk of injury from the rotating propeller!

Flying:
Always fly in a wide area, ideally on a special model flying field.
Avoid flying close to people, houses, trees, etc. Be sure to check the legal situation in your country, and in any case, it is advisable and sensible to take out appropriate liability insurance for model flying.
Try to gain altitude quickly after take-off and then trim the model so that it flies cleanly through all manoeuvres (fast overflight, inverted flight, looping, rolling).

Landing:
Land at the latest when the speed controller reduces the power or, better, when the flight time you have stopped or determined has elapsed. Land against the wind by flying the model parallel to the ground with little throttle and just above the ground, just before touching down, take the throttle out completely and pull the elevator slightly. The secret is to use the throttle and elevator so finely and in combination that the Easy Trainer 1280 touches down very gently – as so often, practice makes perfect!

Maintenance

Repairs to the foam should only be carried out with adhesives suitable for this purpose, such as special super glues or 5-minute resin. We also offer almost every spare part. Always make sure that all screws are tight, especially in the propeller area. It is best to check this before every flight to be sure.

Problem solving

Throttle to zero at battery connection, set throttle channel to reverse.
Propeller particularly loud, strong vibrations.| Propeller, spinner, engine or engine mount damaged, propeller mounted the wrong way round.| Replace the parts, tighten the spinner, mount the propeller correctly.
Short flight time or little power.| Battery not full, propeller incorrectly mounted, battery damaged.| Charge or renew the battery, mount the propeller correctly.
Rudder does not move or moves slowly.| Rudder, servo horn, rudder horn or servo itself damaged. Cable damaged or loose.| Replace damaged parts, check cables for tight fit or damage.
Control function reversed.| Transmitter function Reverse active.| Set correctly by means of reverse
Motor loses power or pulsates.| Battery or motor defective. Battery not charged enough.| Check battery, motor, controller and wiring. Charge the battery. Land immediately!
LED on the receiver flashes slowly.| Voltage loss at the receiver.| Check the connection from the controller to the receiver. Check servos and linkages for damage.

Transmitter/receiver

Basic parameters

1. designed for fixed-wing models, multicopper and ground vehicles
2. transmission power: less than or equal to 70mW
3. transmission frequency: 2420 MHZ—2459 MHZ
4. ground control range: greater than 300 meters
5. transmitter power supply requirements: DC+6V (4 AA batteries)
6. receiver power supply requirements: DC+6V

Quick guide for transmitter and receiver

1. switch off the transmitter, connect the signal line of the controller to the third channel of the receiver and then connect the battery to the controller.
2. the orange status light flashes slowly when the receiver is switched on.
3. 4. return the throttle to the lowest position and switch on the transmitter. Once the transmitter and receiver are paired, the status light on the receiver will be solid.
4. switch off the entire system, connect all servos according to the flight manual. Make sure the polarity of each connector is correct.
5. Move each control stick and check that the servos respond in the correct direction.
6. Repeat the previous steps if the system does not work properly.

• Note: The M. Bus channel is connected to the flight controller via a servo harness.

Precautions

1. If you are an inexperienced pilot, seek the help of a flight instructor who can help you set up your aircraft. Since RC models are not toys, improper operation can lead to serious accidents or injuries.
2. Please follow all rules and regulations when flying your aircraft as local regulations may vary from region to region.
3. Always check that your RC system has sufficient range. Perform a range check by moving the control sticks while moving away from the model. The aircraft should respond within 50 steps.
4. Make sure that the battery is supplying enough power. If the low voltage alarm sounds and the orange LED indicator flashes replace the remote control batteries to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.
5. The MODSTER 2.4GHz transmitter is only paired with its own receivers. Receivers from other manufacturers do not work.

References

• MODSTER

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