KAVAN Bristell B23 1600mm - Instruction manual

KAV02.8078

KAVAN Bristell B23 - blue

KAV02.8079

KAVAN Bristell B23 - yellow

KAV02.8081

KAVAN Bristell B23 - white

Introduction

The Bristell B23 is a semi-scale model of a two-seat training and touring aircraft. Its airframe is made from EPO (expanded polyolefin) foam, with an installed brushless motor, ESC and seven servos. It is intended for pilots who have mastered a trainer with aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control.

The full-size Bristell B23

In 2009 a renowned Czech aircraft designer Milan Bříštěla together with his son Martin founded the BRM AERO s.r.o.. Their first aeroplane Bristell Classic, an elegant ultra-light low-wing twin-seater with a tricycle undercarriage, turned out to be a stunning success (over 600 sold worldwide). The company has continued to grow and expand their line of products since then.

The latest addition is the Bristell B23, a two-seat all-metal low–wing aeroplane with a composite main undercarriage certified according to the EASA CS–23/U.S. 14 CFR (FAR) Part 23. The "full–size" B23 featuring a modern full–glass cockpit and the latest avionics is a perfect trainer for flying schools as well as a comfortable aeroplane for fun flying and distance travels.

Full-size aircraft specifications

These background figures describe the original full-size aircraft with the Rotax 912S engine. They are not specifications or operating limits for the RC model.

Parameter	Value
Wingspan	9.274 m
Length	6.585 m
Empty weight	450 kg
Maximum take-off weight	750 kg
Range	1100 km (125 KTAS)
Engine	ROTAX® 912S, 100 HP

See the Bristell B23 manufacturer’s page for current full-size aircraft variants.

Features

• Officially licensed, factory-built, partially assembled model
• Carbon-reinforced EPO wing with a tubular joiner
• Aileron, elevator, rudder, flap, throttle and nose-wheel steering control
• Fixed tricycle undercarriage with wheel pants
• Functional navigation and landing LED lights

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Wingspan	1600 mm
Length	1151 mm
Wing area	36.8 dm²
All-up weight	2100 g
Motor	Brushless C3548-800 outrunner
ESC	KAVAN R-50SB SBEC
Propeller	10×6" 3-blade
Installed servos	7: two aileron, two flap, elevator, rudder and nose-wheel steering
Flight battery (not included)	4S LiPo, 14.8 V, 2600–3300 mAh, at least 30C

Note

Check the label on the ESC fitted to your model before calibration or programming. The original aircraft manual specifies KAVAN R-50SB; a replacement labelled R-50SB Plus uses different instructions. Follow the matching manual linked in the appendix.

Before you start

1. If you are not an experienced RC 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, RC models are rather complicated and an experienced modeller 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.
4. Trial fit each part before glueing 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 poorly-fitting part.
5. The manual contains a 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! Start at the forward end of the specified range for greater stability. A rearward CG makes the model more responsive and less stable; adjust it only after becoming familiar with the model, keeping within the specified range.

Note

Your dealer cannot accept kits for return if construction has begun.

Safety precautions

This RC model is not a toy. Use it with care and strictly following the instructions in this manual.

Assemble this model following strictly these instructions. DO NOT modify or alter the model. Failure to do so, the warranty will lapse automatically. Follow the instructions 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 condition before every flight, taking care that all the equipment works correctly and that the model is undamaged in its structure.

Fly only on days with a light breeze and in a safe place away from any obstacles.

General warnings

• An RC aeroplane is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in a safe place and follow 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 your and other people's hands and faces, and animals 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. Interference, equipment failure or pilot error can cause 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 equipment not specifically designed and protected for this purpose.
• The model is mostly made of plastics – it is not fireproof. Keep it away from heat sources, direct sunlight and hot enclosed cars; high temperatures can distort the foam airframe or cause other damage.
• Disconnect the flight battery whenever the model is not in use. Even at zero throttle, the ESC draws current; leaving the battery connected for hours or days can deeply discharge it, damage it and create a fire risk.

Set contents

Almost-ready-to-fly EPO model with installed brushless motor, ESC and seven servos, propeller, spinner, undercarriage, assembly accessories and instruction manual. The transmitter, receiver and flight battery are not included. (Fig. 1a) (Fig. 1b)

Note

The white KAV02.8081 version is supplied unpainted, with unglued canopy glazing and an uncoloured cockpit. Complete these items before flight, using materials compatible with the supplied parts.

You will also need

• Transmitter and receiver with at least 6 channels for the standard wiring, 14.8 V 2600–3300 mAh 4S LiPo flight pack rated at least 30C.
• Regular modeller’s tools: precision knife (KAV66.770), screwdrivers, pliers, No. 10 spanner, sandpaper etc.
• Glue: Medium or thick cyanoacrylate glue (e.g. KAV56.9952 or KAV56.9953), silicone or MS polymer glue.

Main section

Model assembly

Danger

Keep the flight battery disconnected during assembly. Remove the propeller before powering the model for initial radio setup. Fit the propeller only after the radio settings and motor rotation have been checked.

1. Trial fit the horizontal tailplane and fin to the fuselage without glue. Check that the joints fit closely and the fin is perpendicular to the horizontal stabilizer. Sand the mating surfaces if necessary. (Fig. 2) (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4)
2. Connect the rudder servo to the fuselage extension marked RUDD. Secure the connector with heat-shrink tubing, dental floss or adhesive tape. Apply medium or thick CA, clear silicone or MS polymer glue to the fin contact area and fit the fin to the fuselage. (Fig. 2)
3. Connect the elevator servo to the extension marked ELEV and secure the connector in the same way. Apply the selected glue to the horizontal tailplane contact area and fit it to the fuselage. Before the adhesive sets, check again that the fin and stabilizer are square and let the joints cure. (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4)
4. Slide both wing panels onto the tubular joiner. Route the aileron, flap and LED leads over the upper side of the wing, then feed them into the cockpit and fit the wing. Place the main undercarriage against the underside of the wing and secure both to the fuselage with the two 3.0×40 mm bolts. Do not trap the leads. (Fig. 5) (Fig. 6)
5. Insert the nose gear into its fuselage bracket. Release and lift off the canopy, slide the steering arm onto the nose-gear wire and secure it with the M3×10 mm screw. Check that the steering linkage moves freely. (Fig. 7) (Fig. 8) (Fig. 9)
6. Stick the loop part of hook-and-loop tape, not supplied, to the bottom of the flight battery. Secure the battery on its cockpit tray with the retaining straps, but leave it electrically disconnected. (Fig. 11)
7. Remove the connection-board cover. Connect the receiver, servos, ESC and LEDs according to the wiring diagram and the radio instructions below. Secure the receiver at the rear of the cockpit with double-sided foam tape or hook-and-loop tape. If the receiver has diversity antennas, arrange their active parts at right angles, following the receiver instructions. (Fig. 12) (Fig. 16)
8. Glue the dummy antennas and pitot tube in place with medium CA. Keep glue away from hinges and moving parts. (Fig. 13) (Fig. 14)

Receiver wiring

The installed connection board joins the aileron pair, flap pair, and rudder/nose-wheel steering pair. Its RX-side outputs connect to the receiver. The elevator servo and ESC connect directly to their receiver outputs. The diagram uses the following example channel order; follow the function assignments of your own radio.

Diagram marking	Function and connection
CH1 / AILE	Aileron servos through the connection board
CH2 / ELEV	Elevator servo directly to the receiver
CH3 / ESC	Motor controller directly to the receiver
CH4 / RUDD	Rudder and nose-wheel steering servos through the board
CH5	Unused in the illustrated arrangement
CH6 / FLAP	Flap servos through the connection board
LED	Light power connectors on the board

Note

The standard wiring works with a basic 6-channel radio. For independent aileron and flap servo control, use a computer radio with enough independent outputs and replace the paired aileron/flap connections with four 25–30 cm servo extension leads. The LEDs receive power from the board and cannot be switched remotely through this arrangement.

Assembly drawings

Pre-flight preparation

Radio and control checks

1. With the propeller removed, switch on the transmitter with the throttle at minimum, centre the other controls and trims, and connect the flight battery. Check every control direction and adjust the linkages to neutral.
2. Centre the elevator and rudder, then tighten the retaining screws of their pushrod connectors on the servo arms. Check that the nose wheel is straight with the rudder neutral and that all controls move freely.
3. Calibrate the ESC throttle range using the instructions for the fitted controller. The calibration sequence differs from normal startup; follow it exactly with the propeller removed.
4. Set the recommended throws. Moving a linkage closer to the servo shaft or farther from the control-surface pivot reduces the throw; the reverse increases it. Check for free movement throughout the selected travel and secure every clevis pin and servo-arm screw.

Control throws

Recommended throws	Low rate		High rate
	Rate	Expo	Rate	Expo
Ailerons	±13 mm	35–40 %	±20 mm	40 %
Elevator	±13 mm	30–35 %	±20 mm	35 %
Rudder	±26 mm	25–30 %	±40 mm	30 %
Flaps	Take-off: −12 mm down / Landing: −30 mm down

Use low rates for less experienced pilots and normal scale flying. High rates allow experienced pilots to use the model’s full capabilities. Set the expo direction according to the transmitter instructions so the response is softer around neutral.

Motor rotation and propeller

Check rotation during the initial propeller-free test: the motor must turn clockwise when viewed from the cockpit towards the nose. If it turns the wrong way, return the throttle to minimum, disconnect the flight battery and swap any two of the three wires between the motor and ESC. Test again before fitting the propeller.

With the battery disconnected, fit the propeller onto the propeller driver and secure it with the washer and nut, using the No. 10 spanner. Fit the spinner and secure it with the M2.5×22 mm bolt. Refit the canopy. (Fig. 10)

Centre of gravity

The CG must be 75–85 mm behind the wing leading edge, measured at the wing root as shown. Check with the model complete and its flight battery installed. Adjust the battery position first; if necessary, secure suitable ballast in the nose or tail. (Fig. 15)

Caution

Do not fly with the CG outside the specified range. Start at the forward end for the first flight; a rearward CG reduces stability. A small amount of securely fitted ballast is preferable to an incorrectly balanced model.

Range and final checks

Fully charge the flight and transmitter batteries. Check the complete radio installation and perform the range test specified by the radio manufacturer, both with the motor off and at full throttle. Restrain the model securely and keep everyone clear of the propeller and its rotation plane. The range at full throttle must not decrease by more than 10 % compared with the motor-off test. Do not fly unless both tests pass completely.

Flying

The Bristell B23 is intended for an intermediate pilot. If you lack experience with this type of model, have an experienced pilot make the first flight, check the trim and help with the initial flights. Choose light wind and a clear, safe flying site. Begin with low rates and become familiar with the model before exploring its aerobatic capabilities.

Appendix

KAVAN R-50SB instructions

Use the KAVAN ESC instruction manual for the original R-50SB: throttle calibration, normal startup, programming, protection functions and troubleshooting. Select LiPo battery mode for the specified flight battery and leave the brake off for the supplied fixed propeller. If the installed controller is labelled R-50SB Plus, use the KAVAN Plus ESC instruction manual instead.

Caution

• Do not install the propeller 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 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.
• 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.

Repairs and maintenance

• Please perform the range check in the beginning of each flying session.
• Before every take off please check the correct control surface movement.
• After every landing check the plane for any damage, loose clevises or push rods, bent or damaged undercarriage, damaged propeller etc. Do not fly again until the damage is repaired.

Although the Bristell B23 model is manufactured of the extra tough and virtually unbreakable expanded polyolefin (EPO) foam, damage or broken parts may occur. A minor damage can be repaired simply gluing the parts together with a cyanoacrylate (CA) glue or with a clear sticky tape. In a case of a major damage it is always better to purchase a brand new spare part. A wide range of genuine spare parts and accessories is available through the KAVAN Europe s.r.o. dealers.

In the unfortunate event of a crash or heavy landing, no matter how minor or major, you must lower the throttle stick to its lowest position as quickly as possible to prevent damage to the electronic speed controller.

Failure to lower the throttle stick and trim to the lowest possible positions in the event of a crash could result in damage to the ESC, which may require replacement of the ESC.

Note

Crash damage is not covered under warranty.

Guarantee

The supplied guarantee follows the applicable legal requirements in the country of purchase. For a claim, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the model. KAVAN Europe s.r.o. guarantees that this model kit is free from defects in both materials and workmanship at the time of sale. This warranty does not cover any parts damaged through use or as a result of modification; subject to applicable law, the liability of the manufacturer and importer is limited to the original purchase price of the model kit. This limitation does not apply where a court imposes unlimited liability for proven intent or gross negligence. KAVAN Europe s.r.o. also reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without prior notice. The model kit is subject to ongoing improvement and refinement, and the manufacturer reserves the right to change the design without prior notice.

Since KAVAN Europe s.r.o. has no control over potential damage during shipping, the method of assembly, or the materials used by the modeller to complete the model, no liability can be assumed or accepted for damages associated with the use of the model assembled by the user. The moment the user decides to use the model they have assembled, they assume full responsibility. If the purchaser is not prepared to accept this responsibility, they should immediately return the kit in its complete and unused condition to the place of purchase.

If your RC model requires service, please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the warranty being voided.

1. If possible, use the original packaging to pack the model. Do not use the original cardboard box as the final packaging.
2. Include a detailed description of how you have used the model and RC kit, as well as the problem you have encountered. Attach a numbered list of the included accessories and provide any additional information that may assist the service department. Date the note and double-check that it includes your full address and phone number.
3. Provide your name, address, and phone number where you can be reached during business hours. Include a copy of the model’s proof of purchase.

This warranty card entitles you to a free warranty repair of a product supplied by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. within 24 months. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear resulting from regular use, as this is a product intended for sports and model-making use, in which individual parts operate under much higher loads than those to which ordinary toys are subjected. The model’s moving parts (motor, servos, and their gears, etc.) are subject to natural wear and tear, and replacement may be necessary over time.

The warranty also does not cover any part of the model or RC kit that was improperly installed, handled roughly or incorrectly, or damaged in a crash, nor does it cover any part of the model or RC kit that was repaired or modified by an unauthorised person. As with other delicate electronic products, do not expose your RC system to high temperatures, low temperatures, humidity, or dusty environments. Do not leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods.

The guarantee also excludes faults caused by incorrect wiring or reversed polarity, late or omitted maintenance, operation outside the specified limits, and accessories or repairs not approved by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. Avoid strong mechanical shocks and user-applied waterproof coatings on the RC electronics.

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

Hereby, KAVAN Europe s.r.o. declares that the model Bristell B23 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 kavanrc.com/doc.