Ares Decathlon User manual

Wingspan 29.25 in. (743mm)

Wing Chord 5.25 in. (133.3mm)

Wing Area 152 sq. in.

Length 22.75 in (578mm)

Flying Weight 12.6 oz. (357 grams)

Baery    3S 600mAh w/JST

Motor Brushless 1400Kv

ESC 15A Brushless

Instruction Manual

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS�� 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS�� 3

INTRODUCTION�� 3

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS �� 4

DECATHOLON 350 RTF CONTENTS �� 5

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE RFR �� 5

LiPo BATTERY WARNING�� 6

LiPo BATTERY CHARGING�� 7

AIRPLANE ASSEMBLY�� 8

INSTALLING FLIGHT BATTERY�� 10

CENTERING CONTROL SURFACES ��11

TRANSMITTER DETAILS �� 12

NFP OVERVIEW �� 12

NFP MODE SWITCH �� 13

NFP TRIM BUTTON�� 14

ESC (ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL)�� 15

FLIGHT CONTROLS�� 16

CONTROL THROWS �� 17

CENTER OF GRAVITY �� 17

FIRST FLIGHT CHECKLIST �� 18

FLYING�� 18

USING ALTERNATE RADIO SYSTEMS �� 19

NFP CONTROL UNIT�� 21

WARRANTY �� 22

DECATHLON REPLACEMENT PARTS �� 23

3

The Ares Advantage Decathlon 350 is the ideal airplane for learning to y RC because it includes

both the technology that helps teach you how to y and the capability to make ying fun once you’ve

learned. The technology is the innovative new Aegis Natural Flight Progression (NFP) system with

3 different ying modes (Beginner, Intermediate, and Unassisted) that provide the stable assistance

you need to learn to y on your own. The capability comes from a powerful 1400KV brushless motor

and 15A BL ESC combo that combined with the included 3S 600mAh Lipo battery provide plenty of

power and long ight times.

The NFP technology in the Decathlon is controlled from a 3-position switch on the transmitter that

allows you to select one of either Beginner, Intermediate, or Unassisted Mode. Beginner Mode limits

the bank angle during ight and automatically helps pilots make coordinated turns. Intermediate

Mode allows greater bank angles and helps you learn how using rudder can help with controlling the

airplane. In either Beginner Mode or Intermediate Mode, all you have to do if you feel you’ve lost

control is let go of the sticks and the airplane quickly returns back to straight and level ight. After

your ying skills have progressed to the point that you’re ready to turn off the NFP system and y in

Unassisted Mode, the technology is still there to “rescue” you if the airplane gets into trouble. All you

need to do is ip the NFP control switch back into either Beginner or Intermediate Mode and you’re

back in level ight!

Another feature of the Aegis NFP system in the Decathlon 350 is revolutionary “Tail-Lock”

technology. This feature is designed into both Beginner and Intermediate Modes and provides the

benet of automatically making coordinated ight turns look easy, even in rough air. Plus, with the

NFP system on, take-offs and landings automatically become straight, smooth and stress-free,

even on rough, bumpy runways.

The Decathlon 350 has an attractive scale trim scheme and comes complete with everything needed

to y included in the box. In addition to the Decathlon 350 airframe, you get a 2.4GHz standard size

4-channel transmitter, a powerful LiPo battery, an AC charger, and even the AA batteries needed to

power up the transmitter. A Ready-for-Receiver (without transmitter, receiver, battery, and charger)

version that works with some other best-selling radio systems and includes the Aegis NFP control

board is also available. With nothing extra to buy with the RTF version, you can be making your rst

ight toward years of RC fun within minutes of opening the box!

INTRODUCTION

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Failure to use this product in the intended manner as described in the following instruction can result

in damage and/or personal injury. A Radio Controlled (RC) airplane/helicopter/quadcopter is not a toy!

If misused it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property.

Keep items that could become entangled away from the propeller, including loose clothing, tools, etc.

Be especially sure to keep your hands, face and other parts of your body away from the propeller.

As the user of this product you are solely and wholly 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 possible interference from a variety

of sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is

advisable to always keep a safe distance from objects and people in all directions around your model

as this will help to avoid collisions and/or injury.

4

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• Never operate your model if the voltage of the batteries in the

transmitter is too low.

• Always operate your model in an open area away from obstacles,

people, vehicles, buildings, etc�

• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional

support equipment

(chargers, rechargeable batteries, etc.).

• Keep all chemicals, small parts and all electronic components out of

the reach of children�

• Moisture causes damage to electronic components. Avoid water

exposure to all electronic components, parts, etc. not specically

designed and protected for use in water.

• Never lick or place any portion of the model in your mouth as it could

cause serious injury or even death�

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

Caution: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been

tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio

transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency range.

The associated regulatory agencies of the following countries recognize the noted

certications for this product as authorized for sale and use: USA

FCC INFORMATION

5

Item    Descripon

Not Available Separately .........Decathlon 350 RTF Airframe

AZSZ2608AMD2.......................6-Channel HP Airplane Transmier, 2.4GHz,

with Aegis NFP Technology, Mode 2

Not Available Separately ..........AA Baeries (8pcs)

AZSB6003S20J ..........................600mAh 3-Cell/3S 11.1V 20C LiPo Baery, JST Connector

AZSC305C .................................3-Cell/3S 11.1V LiPo, 0.5 DC Balancing Charger

AZSC1305PS..............................100-120V AC to 13V DC Adapter, 0.5A Power Supply

DECATHOLON 350 RTF CONTENTS

DECATHOLON 350 RFR CONTENTS

Item   Descripon

Not Available Separately .........Decathlon 350 RFR Airframe with NFP Control Board

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE RFR

The Decathlon 350 RFR requires the following to complete using Spektrum products:

• 6+ channel Programmable DSM2 or DSMX Transmitter

• DSM2 or DSMX Satellite Receiver

• 600mAh 3-cell Lipo battery with JST connector

• Suitable LiPo Balance charger

The Decathlon 350 RFR requires the following to complete using Futaba products:

• 6+ channel computer radio

• 6+ channel S-Bus receiver

• Ares adapter for Futaba S-Bus receiver (AZSZXXXXX)

• 600mAh 3-cell LiPo battery with JST connector

• Suitable LiPo Balance charger

6

LiPo BATTERY WARNING

IMPORTANT NOTE: Lithium Polymer batteries are signicantly more volatile than the

alkaline, NiCd or NiMH batteries also used in RC applications. All instructions and

warnings must be followed exactly to prevent property damage and/or personal injury

as mishandling of LiPo batteries can result in re. By handling, charging or using the

included LiPo battery you assume all risks associated with LiPo batteries. If you do

not agree with these conditions please return the complete product in new, unused

condition to the place of purchase immediately.

You MUST charge the LiPo baery in a safe area away from

ammable materials.

NEVER charge the LiPo baery unaended at any me. When

charging the baery you should A LWAY S remain in constant

observaon to monitor the charging process and react immediately

to any potenal problems that may occur.

Aer ying/discharging the baery you must allow it to cool to

ambient/room temperature before recharging.

To charge the LiPo baery you MUST use only the included 305C

balance charger or suitable LiPo baery charger. Failure to do

so may result in a re causing property damage and/or personal

injury. DO NOT use a NiCd or NiMH charger.

If at any me during the charge or discharge process the baery

begins to balloon or swell, disconnue charging or discharging

immediately. Quickly and safely disconnect the baery, then place

it in a safe, open area away from ammable materials to observe

for at least 15 minutes. Connuing to charge or discharge a baery

that has begun to balloon or swell can result in a re. A baery that

has ballooned or swollen even a small amount must be removed

from service completely.

Store the baery at room temperature, approximately 68–77°

Fahrenheit (F), and in a dry area for best results.

•

When transporng or temporarily storing the baery, the

temperature range should be from approximately 40–100°F. Do not

store the baery or model in a hot garage, car or direct sunlight

whenever possible. Ifstoredinahotgarageorcarthebaerycan

bedamagedorevencatchre!

Do not over-discharge the LiPo baery. Discharging the LiPo baery

too low can cause damage to the baery resulng in reduced

power, ight duraon or failure of the baery enrely.

•

7

LiPo cells should not be discharged to below 3.0V each under load.

In the case of the 3-Cell/3S 11.1V LiPo baery used to power the

Decathlon, you will not want to allow the baery to fall below 9.0V

during ight.

The electronic speed control (ESC) has low voltage cuto (LVC)

protecon. When the ight baery voltage drops below a set point

the throle gradually is reduced. At this point the airplane will need

to be landed and the baery recharged.

•

LiPo BATTERY CHARGING

PLACE THE 305C CHARGER ON A FLAT, SMOOTH AND HEAT-RESISTANT SURFACE.

It’s important that air is able to circulate through the charger during the charging process in order to

keep it from over-heating. It’s especially important that the vent openings on the

bottom and sides of the charger are not blocked. DO NOT place the charger on carpeted or other

similar surfaces that may block the vent openings. Also, DO NOT place the charger in direct sunlight

before, during or after use.

It will take approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours to fully charge a mostly discharged ight battery.

For faster charging see the Radient Ascend AC-DC charger available at your local Hobby Town store.

Plug power supply into 305C charger. Plug

power supply into main AC power.

Maintain correct polarity when plugging in

4-pin balance connector.

Plug 4-pin balance connector of ight

battery into 305C charger.

Both red and green LED’s will light during

charge. Only red LED will remain lit when

charge is complete.

Important Charging Notes

8

AIRPLANE ASSEMBLY

Assemble the vertical tail to the horizontal

tail�

Place the tail assembly into position on the

fuselage.

Insert the two 5/16” (8mm) long screws

from the tail screw bag into the holes on

fuselage bottom and tighten.

Connect the plastic clevis to the rudder

control horn in the outermost hole and

snap closed� Repeat for elevator clevis�

Photo shows clevis connected to the eleva-

tor control horn in the outermost hole. The

clevis keeper is in correct position.

Install the tail wheel bracket with two small

screws.

Slip plastic clevis keeper onto clevis. This

is to prohibit the clevis from popping open

during ight.

Photo shows clevis connected to the rud-

der control horn in the outermost hole. The

clevis keeper is in correct position.

9

Locate the landing gear assembly and in-

sert into slot at the rear of the battery box.

Locate the main wing and check that the

aileron pushrods are located in the fourth

hole from the center on the control arm.

After plugging aileron servo in, the servo

plugs should all align smoothly indicating

that the plugs are correctly connected.

Locate the 1-3/16” (30mm) long machine

screw and insert it at rear of wing.

Using two washer head screws, secure the

landing gear to the fuselage.

Plug the aileron servo into the control board

in the second from the front position. Be

aware of correct wire orientation.

Place the wing into position with the foam

tongue to the front. Be careful to tuck the

aileron servo wire into fuselage.

Tighten the screw with a Phillips screw-

driver, do not overtighten, just snug up till

secure.

IMPORTANT NOTE

For the NFP system to function properly it is important that the pushrods be installed

in the correct position on the control horns. The outer hole on the control horn is the

correct position for both elevator ane rudder pushrod.

10

Screw one plain 3mm nut onto motor shaft.

Seat it as far down the threads as possible.

Tighten the plain 3mm nut, then snug the

3mm locking nut. A small wrench or pliers

are suitable for this.

Slide propeller onto shaft followed by a

plain washer, a plain 3mm nut and a 3mm

locking nut to complete.

Slide the spinner onto the motor shaft and

slide back into position.

INSTALLING FLIGHT BATTERY

The included 600mAh 3-cell 11.1V LiPo battery

is a perfect t for the battery box located on the

bottom of the fuselage. The ight battery installs

with the base of the battery facing forward and

inserts until it is fully enclosed in the battery box.

Tuck the balance connector wires into the battery

box and when ready to y, plug the male JST

connector from the ight battery into the female

JST connector from the ESC. Please make sure

to maintain the correct polarity when plugging the

battery in. The plug is keyed but can be forced

to plug in incorrectly. Once correctly plugged in,

the battery hatch door can be re-installed and the

latches turned to lock in place.

Ares Decathlon User manual

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