HobbyZone Aerobird Xtreme User manual

Instruction Manual

HobbyZone®products are distributed exclusively by

Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, IL 61822

www.hobbyzonesports.com

6293

HBZ6515

605482 14265 3

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 42

Welcome

to the World of

Crash damage is not covered

under the warranty.

Be sure to read the warranty on

page 38 and "Warnings and

Safety" on page 35 before you

proceed to Step 1.

The Aerobird Xtreme™ is equipped with some exciting features,

including a Multi-Mode Flight Control system. The default Sport

Mode is great for pilots transitioning from 2-channel planes and for

those who want a more relaxed flying experience. The Pro Mode

changes the Aerobird Xtreme’s flying characteristics, and allows

more aggressive maneuvers for those who want it.

The Aerobird Xtreme is also equipped with HobbyZone’s exclusive

X-Port™ feature. X-Port lets you add exciting plug-n-play acces-

sories like the Sonic Combat Module™ (HBZ4020) for aerial combat

and the Aerial Drop Module™ (HBZ6023) that includes a parachute

jumper and two streamer bombs you can carry aloft and release.

Your Aerobird Xtreme™ adventures are about to begin. In order

to have a safe and successful experience, we’d like you to do a

couple of things first: watch the instructional Video CD and read

and follow the directions carefully. While easy to fly, the Aerobird

Xtreme may be more than the first-time pilot can handle. If you

haven’t flown one of HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 airplanes or any

other radio controlled aircraft, we recommend you seek the help

of an experienced radio control pilot for your first few flights.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 2

Step 2

Step 1

1. Remove the transmitter back cover by pushing down

with your thumbs, as indicated.

2. Install the included “AA” batteries according to the

diagram in the battery compartment.

3. Replace the cover.

4. To test, switch on the transmitter—the LED should

glow brightly.

5. Replace the batteries when you hear

the low-battery alarm (beeping sound).

Needed for Step 1

8 "AA" Batteries (included)

Transmitter Attaching the Tail Your Aerobird Xtreme™ comes nearly ready to fly. You

simply need to attach the tail, wing, and landing gear

prior to flight.

To attach the tail:

1. Locate the fuselage and carefully remove from the packing carton. Use caution when removing the fuse-

lage. (Note: The tail is not mounted on the fuselage, but the control lines that exit the fuselage are

attached to the control surfaces of the tail).

2. Locate the two included screws that will mount the tail to the tail boom.

3. Be sure lines are not twisted and hold the tail in place.

4. Secure the tail as shown in diagram (a) using the two screws. Attach rubber bands on bottom of tail as

shown.

5. Turn on the transmitter and install the fully charged flight battery pack.

6. Make certain the control stick and trim levers on the transmitter are centered as shown in the diagram

on page 10.

7. With the radio system on and the transmitter stick at neutral, both tail

control surfaces should be level with the rest of the tail.

8. Give transmitter input. The control surfaces should react as illustrated

in the diagrams on page 11.

9. If you find that the control surfaces are not functioning properly (ie. too

much slack in the line, not level with the tail in neutral position) DO

NOT FLY. Instead, perform the following procedure:

a. Turn the transmitter on, plug in flight battery and center the right

control stick and trim levers.

b. Use your fingers or a small flat screwdriver to turn the slotted spool

on the control horn. Depending upon which direction you turn the

spool, this will lengthen or shorten the control line.

c. While applying some tension to the control line, adjust until the

control surfaces are level with the rest of the surface.

d. If the control surfaces react the exact opposite as shown in the dia-

gram on page 11, the lines have been reversed and will need to be

corrected.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 4

Step 4

Step 3

FASTER

OFF

FULLON

Motor Test

1. Be sure throttle slider is in the Off position.

2. Turn the transmitter on.

3. Install the battery and plug in the connector.

4. The Aerobird Xtreme’s built-in throttle-arming

feature will not allow the prop to spin until

the throttle slider has been moved to the Off

position first.

5. Keep all objects clear of the propeller, advance the

throttle forward and the propeller will start to turn.

The throttle arming feature will need to be

activated each time the battery pack is plugged

into the airplane. (If the motor does not run,

proceed to Step 5: “Charging the Aircraft Battery”)

6. When finished with the motor test, disconnect the

battery before turning off the transmitter.

During the motor test, make sure to keep everything

clear of the propeller and hold the plane securely. A mov-

ing propeller can cause severe injury. Adult supervision is

strongly recommended for those 14 and under.

Mounting the Landing Gear

1. Insert the landing gear into the slot on bottom

of the fuselage.

Attaching the Wing

1. Center the wing onto the fuselage by

aligning the molded dimples on the trailing edge

of the wing symmetrically with the top of the

fuselage when it is attached.

2. Once you're satisfied that the wing is centered,

attach it to the fuselage using the 6 rubber

bands provided. Stretch two of the rubber

bands from the front to the rear attach points.

Stretch the next two diagonally across the

middle. Stretch the last two rubber bands from

the front to the rear attach points as you did with

the first two. Once the rubber bands are in

place, confirm the wing is securely attached.

Needed for Step 2

Wing

Rubber Bands (x6)

Main Landing Gear

Wing and Landing Gear Attachment

Before each flight, make sure the front and trailing edges

of the wing are exactly centered on the fuselage. If the

wing is not centered properly, it is impossible to have

correct flight control.

Success Tip:

Safety First!!

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 6

Step 5

Charging the Aircraft Battery continued

Charging HobbyZone®Battery Packs

1. When charging a stock Ni-Cd battery pack (HBZ6510),

completely discharge the battery prior to charging.

This will ensure that your battery will get a full

charge and will help prevent it from false peaking.

2. Using the dial indicator on the side of the charger, set

the charge rate as indicated in the chart below.

Success Tip

The Aerobird Xtreme™ battery should be charged

shortly before flying. If the battery sits for more than

12 hours prior to flying, you will need to “re-peak”

the battery before you fly by repeating the steps on

on this page. This will ensure you get the maximum

amount of flying time per charge.

Safety First!!

Do not leave the battery and charger unattended while in

use. While charging, place the battery on a heat resistant

surface and constantly monitor the temperature of the bat-

tery pack. Do not allow children to charge batteries unless

they are supervised by a responsible adult.

Battery Capacity Maximum Typical

Charge Rate Charge Time

Stock Aerobird Xtreme Battery

1700mAh 7.2V Ni-Cd 1.8 amps 55 minutes*

Optional Xtreme Battery

3000mAh 7.2V Ni-MH 1.8 amps 105 minutes*

*charge times are only estimates. Actual charge times may vary.

Charging HobbyZone Ni-CD and Ni-MH Battery Packs

The Aerobird Xtreme’s charger uses unique peak detection

circuitry that ensures an accurate charge every time and

protects your Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries from the dangers

of over-charging. During the charge cycle, it continuously

monitors the battery’s charge curve and automatically

stops charging when the peak charge is detected.

DC Peak Detect Charger Features:

• Variable charge rate from 0.5–1.8 amp charge rate

• Trickle charge

• Automobile 12V power outlet DC adapter

(with alligator clip adaptor)

• Tamiya-style connector

• Charges 6- and 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH battery packs

• LED charge indicator

1.6

1.8

.5A-1.8A

HBZ6519

1.2

1.4

3. Connect the battery pack to the charger.

4. Connect the charger to the 12V power outlet in

your automobile. The LED will continually blink

slowly while the battery charges.

5. Charging is finished when the LED indicator

glows steadily.

NOTE: Your Aerobird Xtreme also comes with a

special adapter so you can power your charger with

a 12V power supply, or an automobile battery.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 8

Step 6

Tail Control Test continued

Step 6

Moves Up

Moves Down

Moves Up

Pull Back for

“Up” Elevator

Push Forward for

“Down” Elevator

Tail Control Test

Keep everything clear of the propeller before

starting the control test in the event that you

accidentally turn on the motor.

1. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position.

2. Switch on the transmitter–check to make sure the

LED is lit, indicating the transmitter has power.

3. Install battery in fuselage and plug in

connector.

4. Move the stick side to side. The tail flaps

should move as shown on the following page.

5. Move the stick up and down. The tail flaps

should move as shown on the following page.

6. The small lever under and to the side of the

control stick are the trim levers and are used to

adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick.

It’s very important that this lever is centered

when performing these control tests.

7. Each flap must be level with the rest of the tail

surface when the trim levers are centered. Adjust

the control lines until they are level.

Safety First!!

Elevator Trim

Rudder Trim

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 10

Step 8

Step 7

Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field

•Alarge, open grass field is required. The

Aerobird Xtreme™flies approximately

30 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger

the field, the better!

•It is absolutely essential to have a minimum

of 300 feet of clear space in all directions from

the pilot. If you ignore this direction, you will

regret it.

IMPORTANT: Do not fly over or near people, buildings,

power lines, highways, train tracks, vehicles, trees,

water, pavement, gravel, any hard surface or any

object you don't want to crash into. Please take this

warning seriously to keep people, property and your

Aerobird Xtreme safe.

Crash damage is not covered by the warranty.

Choose a Calm Day

To ensure success on your first flights, DO NOT FLY in

winds of more than 8 mph.

To check wind conditions:

1. Tie the included red flag to the end of the

transmitter antenna.

2. Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna is

parallel to the ground and note how much

the flag moves in the wind.

• If the flag hangs down,

it’s good to fly.

• If the angle between the antenna and

the flag is less than 20˚, it’s too windy

for your first flights.

SUCCESS TIP: Flying in too much wind is by

far the #1 reason for crashes and/or lost planes.

Follow these guidelines to protect the

Aerobird Xtreme™—you’ll be glad you did.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 12

Step 10

Step 9

Range Test 1. One person holds the transmitter; the other

person walks 100 paces away with the airplane.

2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the Off position.

3. Extend transmitter antenna completely and turn

transmitter on.

4. Plug in airplane battery and close hatch cover.

5. As soon as you move the throttle slider forward,

the propeller should spin quickly.

6. As the first person moves the transmitter

controls at the same time, the other person

watches to be sure the airplane’s motor and

tail controls operate smoothly.

WARNING: The person holding the airplane should

hold it so that the propeller does not come in contact

with any part of their body.

You will need two people to do the range test: one to

hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane.

If model does not range test correctly, do not fly. Call

Horizon Hobby Product Support staff toll-free at

1-877-504-0233 for directions on how to proceed.

Seek Assistance from an Experienced

Radio Control Pilot VERY IMPORTANT

The 3-channel control system is designed for the experienced

radio control pilot and is not intended for the first-time flyer.

If you can successfully fly the HobbyZone®Firebird XL™,

Firebird Commander™, or Aerobird Challenger™, then you

should be ready for the Aerobird Xtreme™. The Aerobird

Xtreme can be controlled in a similar manner as a 2-channel

plane, such as the Firebird XL or Firebird Commander, by

simply limiting control stick movements to the left or the right

and using the throttle to ascend or descend. However, first-

time pilots of the Aerobird Xtreme should seek the assistance

of an experienced RC flyer until they’ve mastered the pitch

function. Once again, crash damage is not covered under

the warranty.

The flying characteristics of the Aerobird Xtreme should not

be altered for your first flights. Once you are comfortable flying

the plane in the standard “out-of-the- box” configuration, only

then should you attempt to change the flying characteristics

of the Aerobird Xtreme by changing hole positions in the

control horns.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 14

Step 11

Hand Launch

1. On first flights, have an experienced second

person (adult recommended) launch the Aerobird

Xtreme™while the pilot controls with the

transmitter. Adult assistance is always recom-

mended with pilots 14 years of age or younger.

2. Make sure the battery is fully charged.

3. While holding transmitter in one hand, push

throttle slider to full on (up) with thumb.

4. Take a couple of steps and launch the model

directly into the wind. Keep the wings level.

Launch firmly. Do not throw it up or down.

Point it level (parallel) with the ground when

releasing. Think of it as a javelin that you are

throwing 20 feet away.

Keep the spinning propeller away from your hair,

head and hands or injury may occur.

Step 12

Safety First!!

Runway Takeoff

(Not recommended for inexperienced pilots)

1. Stand behind the Aerobird Xtreme™ and point it

directly into the wind on smooth asphalt or concrete.

2. Apply full power and adjust the right control

stick as necessary to keep the Aerobird Xtreme

headed directly into the wind.

3. If battery is fully charged, your Aerobird Xtreme

should lift off the ground in approximately 35 feet.

Apply some UP elevator by pulling the stick back,

and the plane will lift off the ground in a

shorter distance.

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 16

Step 13

Flying

Turning

Gently move the stick in the direction you want the model

to turn. Avoid holding full right or full left for more than

two seconds as this can cause the plane to spiral dive

and crash.

Sharp Turns

Move the stick in the direction you want to turn and

pull the stick back at the same time. The plane will

make a sharper banking turn. This is an advanced

maneuver and shouldn’t be attempted until you’ve

mastered the use of pitch.

Once you’ve reached a safe altitude, make right and

left adjustments of the control stick to keep it flying

straight into the wind. Never attempt a turn until the

Aerobird Xtreme reaches at least 50 feet of altitude.

Control range is 2500 feet. Don’t let the plane fly too

far away. Keep it upwind from you or the wind may

carry it away from you and out of sight and/or control

range.

Success Tip:

Flying continued Rudder Trim

If the Aerobird Xtreme™ seems to drift in one direc-

tion when the control stick is in the neutral (centered)

position, gradually move the trim control lever below

the control stick in the OPPOSITE direction of the drift

until the plane flies straight with the control stick at

neutral. See page 23 if additional adjustments are

needed.

Elevator Trim

The Aerobird Xtreme should have a steady, shal-

low climb at full throttle with the control stick in

the neutral (centered) position. If, however, the

Aerobird Xtreme seems to drift up or down when

attempting straight and level flight at reduced

throttle settings, gradually move the trim control

lever on the left side of the control stick in the

SAME direction of the drift until the plane flies

level with the control stick at neutral. See page 23

if additional adjustments are needed.

With the throttle stick set at low or off

(gliding), the plane will not turn as fast as

when the throttle is set on high.

Success Tip:

5723_HBZ Aerobird X manual 12/15/03 1:55 PM Page 18

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