KAVAN Twisty 1512mm - Instruction manual

KAV02.8097

KAVAN Twisty - orange

KAV02.8098

KAVAN Twisty - green

Introduction

The Twisty is a 3D aerobatic motor glider made from carbon-reinforced EPO (expanded polyolefin) foam. Its whole wing halves pivot independently for roll control, and its horizontal tailplane is all-moving. The model has a brushless power system and is intended for pilots who already fly aerobatic RC models, on the flat or at a slope. Read this manual and the instructions for your radio, battery, charger and ESC before assembly or operation.

Features

• Factory-built, partially assembled model
• Pivoting wing halves, all-moving horizontal tailplane, rudder and throttle control
• Removable wing and tailplane panels on carbon tube joiners
• Four installed micro servos with metal gears
• Brushless motor with a 7×6" folding propeller

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Wingspan	1512 mm
Length	1005 mm
Wing area	23.8 dm²
All-up weight	735–750 g
Motor in current catalogue	C2814-1400
ESC	KAVAN R-20B Plus
Propeller	Folding 7×6"
Flight battery (not included)	3S LiPo, 11.1 V, 1300 mAh, at least 30C

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 motor glider with installed brushless motor, ESC and servos, folding propeller, assembly accessories and instruction manual. The transmitter, receiver and flight battery are not included.

You will also need

• A computer transmitter and compatible receiver with at least 6 channels, separate channels for the two wing servos, differential and elevator→wing mixing. The original EN/CS/DE manual recommends at least 7 channels; the current catalogue and Slovak PDF specify at least 6.
• A 3S LiPo flight battery rated 11.1 V, 1300 mAh and at least 30C, plus a suitable charger. One suitable pack is KAV33.6005.
• Regular modeller’s tools: precision knife (KAV66.770), hex screwdrivers including 1.5 mm, and pliers.

Main section

Model assembly

Danger

Remove the propeller before the initial radio, ESC and motor setup, including throttle calibration. Refit it only after confirming correct operation, with the flight battery disconnected. Keep the throttle at minimum during control-surface checks; centre only the aileron, elevator and rudder controls and their trims.

1. Release the canopy latch and lift off the canopy. (Fig. 9)
2. Attach the wing control linkages to the ball joints at the roots of both wing halves. (Fig. 1)
3. Slide the wing halves onto the carbon tube wing joiner. (Fig. 2)
4. Secure the wing halves with two M2.5×6 mm socket-head screws. Do not tighten them fully: both wing halves must pivot freely on the tube joiner. (Fig. 3)
5. Slide the all-moving tailplane halves onto their carbon tube joiner. (Fig. 5)
6. Secure the tailplane halves with two M2.5×6 mm socket-head screws. (Fig. 6)
7. Secure the flight battery in the central cockpit bay with the hook-and-loop strap. Secure the receiver behind the battery and the ESC beside it with hook-and-loop tape or double-sided foam tape. Connect the servos and ESC to the receiver according to the radio instructions. Connect each wing servo to its own channel. With a diversity receiver, arrange the active antenna sections perpendicular to each other.
8. With the propeller removed, switch on the transmitter with the throttle at minimum and then connect the flight battery. Calibrate the throttle range according to the KAVAN Plus ESC instructions. Keep the throttle at minimum and centre the other controls and trims for the following adjustments.
9. With the wing servos at neutral, adjust both wing linkages so that the centre of each wing’s trailing edge at the root aligns with the triangular mark on the fuselage. (Fig. 4)
10. With the elevator servo at neutral, adjust the elevator linkage so that the centre of the tailplane leading edge aligns with the triangular mark on the fuselage. Use the 1.5 mm hex driver at the linkage connector as shown. Set the rudder to neutral and tighten the pushrod-connector screws on the elevator and rudder servo arms. Check that all linkages are secure and move freely. (Fig. 7)+(Fig. 8)
11. Disconnect the flight battery and refit the canopy after completing setup.

Caution

The wing-retaining screws must secure the panels while allowing them to pivot freely. Binding wing panels can overload the servos and prevent roll control. Check free movement and secure retention before every flight.

Pre-flight preparation

Radio and control surfaces

Follow your radio instructions for installation and programming. With the propeller removed, switch on the transmitter at minimum throttle and then connect the flight battery. Check the neutral position, direction and travel of every control surface. To reduce travel mechanically, move the linkage closer to the servo-arm centre or farther from the control-surface hinge on its horn; reverse these changes to increase travel.

The source’s „aileron“ function refers to the pivoting wing halves; there are no separate hinged ailerons. Check wing-panel movement as well as elevator and rudder operation. Keep the panels clear of obstructions throughout their travel.

Control throws

Control function	Low rate	High rate
Wing panels (aileron function)	15 mm up / 11 mm down	25 mm up / 18 mm down
Elevator	±12 mm	±20 mm
Rudder	±30 mm	±50 mm
Elevator→wing mix	±3 mm at full elevator	±8 mm at full elevator

Use low rates for normal soaring and initial flights. High rates are intended for experienced aerobatic pilots. The recommended differential makes downward wing travel about 70 % of upward travel and requires separate wing-servo channels and a computer radio. The elevator→wing mix, called „Elevator→Camber“ in the original English manual, couples elevator input to both pivoting wing panels for tighter aerobatic manoeuvres. Verify the complete control setup on the ground before flying.

Motor rotation

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.

Centre of gravity

For the first flight, set the CG 72–75 mm behind the wing leading edge at the root, with the model complete and its flight battery installed. Start at the forward end of this range. Adjust the battery position first; if necessary, secure suitable ballast in the nose or tail. (Fig. 10)

Caution

Only after test flying and becoming thoroughly familiar with the model may experienced 3D pilots move the CG back to 75–78 mm. A rearward CG reduces stability and makes the model more demanding to control. Do not use this rearward setting for the first flight.

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 Twisty is intended for an advanced pilot with aerobatic experience. If this type of model is new to you, have an experienced pilot make the first flight, check the trim and assist you during the initial flights. Begin in a light breeze at a clear, safe flying site, using low rates and the initial CG range. Fine adjustment follows normal practice for a model of this size and layout.

Appendix

KAVAN R-20B Plus instructions

Use the KAVAN Plus ESC instruction manual for throttle calibration, normal startup, programming, protection functions and troubleshooting. Select LiPo battery mode for the specified flight battery and configure the motor brake for the folding propeller.

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, damaged propeller etc. Do not fly again until the damage is repaired.

Although the Twisty 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 Twisty 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.