KAVAN Falke 1800mm ARF - Instruction manual

Introduction

Congratulation on your purchase of the FALKE 1800 high performance motor powered glider! You are about to start the assembly of a model manufactured from virtually unbreakable EPO (extruded polyolephine) foam powered by a mighty brushless motor and lightweight LiPo battery. Everybody who has already mastered flying a "full house" trainer - with aileron, elevator, rudder, and throttle control - will enjoy this beautiful high performance thermal glider!

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 modeler 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 gluing 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 poor 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! Later, you can fine tune the CG position to suit your flying style and skills.

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

Safety precautions and 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, 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 yours and other people’s hands and face 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. 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.
• The model is mostly made of plastics – it is not fireproof. It may not be exposed to higher temperatures, otherwise severe distortion of the foam airframe or other damage may occur.

Specification

Wingspan	1800 mm
Length	1150 mm
Wing area	27 dm²
All-up weight	660–710 g
Motor	C2714–1450
ESC	KAVAN R–20B BEC
Propeller	7×6"

Set contents

• Almost ready to fly model of a sailplane with the brushless motor, speed controller and servos installed, instruction manual.

You will also need

• At least 4-channel RC set featuring V-tail mix, 11.1 V 1200–1600 mAh LiPo flight pack.
• Regular modeller’s tools - modeller’s knife, screwdrivers, 1.5 and 2 mm Allen key, pliers etc.

Model assembly

1. Locate the steel wire wing joiner (note the "V" shape ensuring the correct wing dihedral) and slide both wing halves onto the joiner. (Fig. 1)
2. Connect the aileron servo cables to the corresponding extension cables in the wing opening in the fuselage. (Fig. 2) Note: The kit is supplied with a Y-cable for ailerons so you can use even the most basic 4-channel radios to control your FALKE 1800. If you intend to use independent control of aileron servos and an advanced computer radio, you will have to replace the default Y-cable with two 25–30 cm extension cables.
3. Attach the plastic wing joiner and secure the wing to the fuselage with two M5×20 mm nylon bolts. (Fig. 3)
4. Attach the V-tail planes to the tailplane seat and secure them with the plastic joiner and M3 hex screw to the fuselage. (Fig. 4)
5. Connect the plastic quick links to the ruddervator horns. (Fig. 5)
6. The flight pack is to be placed in the bay in the centre of the cockpit; use Hook-and-loop tie to fasten it. You can place your receiver (secured with a strip of Hook-and-loop or double-sided foam tape) behind the flight pack. Connect servos and your ESC to the receiver; deploy the antennas so their active parts were square to each other (if you are using a receiver featuring diversity antennas). With your radio on, set the servos to the neutral position (sticks and trims centred) - screw in or out the quick links as needed. Perform the throttle range calibration of the ESC as described in the attachment of this manual. (Fig. 6)
7. Attach the canopy.