KAVAN Alpha 1500 V2 - Instruction manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the ALPHA 1500 V2, motor-powered glider. You are about to embark on a magical journey into the fascinating world of electric-powered RC aeroplanes. The ALPHA 1500 V2 is manufactured of virtually unbreakable EPO (expanded polyolefin) foam. Packed with the latest 2.4GHz radio technology and powered with a mighty brushless motor and LiPo batteries, it will help you become an experienced pilot in no time. ALPHA 1500 V2 is not just an entry-level plane but actually a high-performance thermal glider that will please any Sunday pilot, newcomer, or even seasoned pro.

Features

• 100 % factory-made, partially assembled model
• Aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control
• Easy handling and high stability, durable, virtually unbreakable high performance electric motor powered glider
• State-of-the-art 2.4GHz eight channel radio (RTF set only)
• Powerful brushless out runner motor
• Large wing area, low weight
• Lightweight LiPo flight pack (RTF set only)
• Fast charger for the flight pack (RTF set only)

Technical specifications

• Wingspan: 1492 mm
• Length: 985 mm
• All-up Weight: 780–810 g
• Wing Area: 21.8 dm²
• Wing Loading: 35.8–37.2 g/dm²
• Motor: C2217–1200 out runner
• ESC: KAVAN R–30B 30 A with BEC 5 V

Precautions

This RC model is not a toy. Use it with care and strictly follow 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.

Safety precautions

General warnings

An RC aeroplane is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only on a safe place following 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 yours and other people’s hands and face are kept away from the rotating propeller.

Note on lithium polymer batteries

Lithium polymer batteries are significantly more vulnerable than alkaline or NiCd/NiMH batteries used in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed closely. Mishandling of LiPo batteries can result in fire. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of Lithium polymer batteries.

Additional safety precautions and warnings

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. This interference can cause momentary 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. Never lick or place any portion of your model in your mouth as it could cause serious injury or even death.

Set contents

RTF set:

• 100 % factory-made, partially assembled model (4 servos, brushless motor, 30 A ESC, 8.5–6" prop)
• 2.4GHz 8-channel transmitter and 8-channel receiver
• 11.1 V/1300 mAh Li-Po flight pack
• Li-Po fast charger

ARTF set:

• 100 % factory-made, partially assembled model (4 servos, brushless motor, 30 A ESC, 8.5–6" prop)

You will also need the following accessories and tools (not included in the kit)

For the RTF set:

• 4× AA batteries for the transmitter

For the ARF set:

• At least a 4-channel transmitter and receiver, Li-Po flight pack 11.1 V 11–1300 mAh

Tools:

• Small Phillips and flat screwdrivers

T8FB transmitter controls

ALPHA 1500 V2: Servo reverse switch default position

Channel	Function	Default
AIL (CH1)	Aileron	R (down)
ELE (CH2)	Elevator	N (up)
THR (CH3)	Throttle	N (up)
RUD (CH4)	Rudder	R (down)

Transmitter

System: 2.4GHz FHSS

Frequency range: 2.400–2.4835 GHz

Output power: <20 dBm (Tx)/<4 dBm (BT)

Input voltage: 4.8–11.1 V (4× AA alkaline batteries or NiMH accumulators, 2S or 3S LiPo)

Receiver (2.4 GHz FHSS)

Frequency range: 2.400–2.4835 GHz

Output power: –

Range: ca 500 m on the ground, ca 1000 m in the air

Input voltage: 4.8–10.0 V

Dimensions: 48.5×21×11 mm

Weight: 7 g

Transmitter (RTF set version)

Loading the transmitter batteries

Remove the battery hatch located on the back side of the transmitter pushing the cover at the arrow mark with your thumb. Load 4 fresh alkaline batteries or AA size accumulators carefully keeping the correct polarity (marked on the bottom of the battery holder). Plug the battery holder cable into the socket at the bottom of the battery compartment keeping the correct polarity (+) red wire, (-) black wire. (The transmitter features a protection circuitry – if you connect the plug the other way around, the transmitter will not work, but will not be destroyed by reversed polarity.)

Charging the transmitter batteries

The accumulators have to be charged prior the first flight.

Caution: Never ever try to charge the primary (zinc-carbon, alkaline...) batteries that are not rechargeable. Otherwise explosion and/or fire might happen!

Checking the transmitter battery

Turn on the transmitter and check the LED on the front panel – both the red and green has to glow. These LEDs indicate the status of the transmitter, not the transmitter battery voltage. The low battery alarm is acoustic - once you will hear beeping you have to land immediately and replace/recharge the batteries. If the transmitter beeps immediately after being turned on, DO NOT try to fly at all.

Caution: Do not mix different types of batteries or accumulators or fresh batteries with (partly) discharged. Do not mix regular (zinc-carbon) batteries with alkaline batteries.

Checking the servo reverse switches position

Set the servo reverse switches to the default position – CH1 and CH4 DOWN (R), CH2 and CH3: UP (N). Turn the transmitter off.

Charging the flight battery

Your ALPHA 1500 V2 is to be powered by a 3-cell LiPo battery pack. The LiPo battery supplied in the RTF Set features two connectors. One is for the balanced charge of the cells (JST–XH type) and the other one is dedicated to the discharge (XT60). The RTF set contains also a dedicated KAVAN C3 wall fast charger (230 V/50 Hz) designed for charging of the flight pack using the balance cable.

Charging the flight battery (RTF set)

1. Connect the power cable to the charger.
2. Plug the power cable of the charger into the mains socket (230 V/50 Hz). All the LED glow green and flash red indicating the charger is ready to charge.
3. Plug the balance connector of your flight battery (JST–XH) into the corresponding socket on the charger.
4. The charger starts charging. LEDs will start to glow red. If 2S pack is connected, Cell 1 and Cell 2 LEDs will glow red. If 3S pack is connected, Cell 1, Cell 2 and Cell 3 LEDs will glow red.
5. Once a particular cell in the flight battery has been fully charged, the corresponding LED will glow green. 2S pack will be fully charged, if Cell 1 and Cell2 LEDs glow green. 3S pack will be fully charged, if Cell 1, Cell 2 and Cell 3 LEDs glow green.
6. Disconnect the flight battery from the charger. LEDs will glow green indicating the charger is ready to charge another pack. Unplug the charger from the mains socket if you are not going to charge another battery.

Caution: Charge the LiPo battery with the battery charger included in the RC Set or with a fully compatible charger that assures a safe charge to the LiPo pack. Always follow the safety precautions as laid down in the manufacturer’s manual. In the charging process, keep your charger and your battery in a cool and shady place, away from any possible source of fire. Do not cover the charger or the battery with clothes or similar. The ventilation is crucial for the necessary cooling of the devices.