assembly manual - horizon hobby · 2020-03-27 · your skills with a low level of intimidation. the...

SpecificationsWingspan: 48in(1200mm)Length: 50in(1250mmWingArea: 485sqin(31.3sqdm)Weightw/oBattery: 3–3.3lb(1.4–1.5kg)Weightw/Battery: 3.6–4.2lb(1.6–1.9kg)

Diamante25eARFAssemblyManual

� E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

IntroductionThankyouforpurchasingtheE-flite®Diamante25eARF.TheDiamante25ewasdesignedbychampionpilotPeterGoldsmithtoprovideintermediatetoexperiencedpilotsaprecisionaerobaticsplatformthatisexcellentlybalancedstabilityandhasbenignstallcharacteristics.AttheheartofthisdesignistheSD8020airfoilthatprovidesexcellenttrackingandcrispresponseinanyaxis.Itisalsoextremelyresistanttoacceleratedstallssoyou’llfeellikeyou’reonrailsinanyattitude.ConstructionisbalsaandlightplywithacustomPeterGoldsmithUltraCote®trimscheme.Thefiberglasscowlandwheelpantscomepaintedfromthefactory.YouwillfindtwosetsofmountingholesonthefirewalltomountyourchoiceofeitherthePower25or32Outrunnermotors.ThePower32isrecommendedifyouwishtoflyaggressiveartisticaerobaticsalongwithsportandprecisionflying.ThePower25isidealforsportaerobatics.

Thismodelwaspurposelydesignedforelectricpowerapplicationfromthegroundup.Theflightcharacteristicsofthisdesignaresuchthatitwillreachalargecrosssectionofskills.Whetheryouarejustlearningtoexploretheaerobaticrealm,oramoreexperiencedpilot,theDiamante25ewilltouchyourskillswithalowlevelofintimidation.TheDiamante25ewasdesignedtobeastraightforward,pureflyingaerobaticperformer.Muchattentionwasspentdevelopingtheflightforcesinall3axesensuringminimumcoupling,meaningalowerworkloadforthepilot.

Using the ManualThismanualisdividedintosectionstohelpmakeassemblyeasiertounderstand,andtoprovidebreaksbetweeneachmajorsection.Inaddition,checkboxeshavebeenplacednexttoeachsteptokeeptrackofeachstepcompleted.Stepswithasinglecircle()areperformedonce,whilestepswithtwocircles()indicatethatthestepwillrequirerepeating,suchasforarightorleftwingpanel,twoservos,etc.

Remembertotakeyourtimeandfollowthedirections.

Table of ContentsSpecifications.........................................................................1Introduction............................................................................2UsingtheManual...................................................................2ContentsofKit/PartsLayout....................................................3RequiredRadioEquipment......................................................3ImportantInformationAboutMotorSelection...........................3LightweightSportSetup..........................................................4RecommendedHighPowerPrecisionAerobaticSetup..............4AlternativeSportandPrecisionSetup.......................................4OptionalAccessories..............................................................4NoteonLithiumPolymerBatteries...........................................4RequiredToolsandAdhesives.................................................5Warning................................................................................5WarrantyPeriod....................................................................5LimitedWarranty...................................................................6DamageLimits.......................................................................6SafetyPrecautions..................................................................6Questions,Assistance,andRepairs.........................................7InspectionorRepairs..............................................................7WarrantyInspectionandRepairs............................................7Non-WarrantyRepairs...........................................................7Safety,Precautions,andWarnings..........................................8AileronInstallation.................................................................8LandingGearInstallation......................................................14HorizontalandVerticalTailInstallation..................................17MotorInstallation.................................................................24FinalAssembly.....................................................................27ControlThrows.....................................................................28CenterofGravity.................................................................29RangeTestYourRadio..........................................................29Preflight...............................................................................29FlyingtheDiamante25e.......................................................30ReduceYourWorkload.........................................................30ServoandControlSetup.......................................................31Sequencing..........................................................................32Balance...............................................................................32DynamicBalance.................................................................33ThrustAngles.......................................................................33Differential...........................................................................34ProgrammableMixing..........................................................352007OfficialAMANationalModelAircraftSafetyCode......38BuildingandFlyingNotes.....................................................39

�E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

Contents of Kit/Parts LayoutLarge Replacement Parts

EFL4051 Wingw/Ailerons:EFL4052 FuselageEFL4053 TailSetEFL4055 MainLandingGearEFL4056 CowlingEFL4057 WheelPantsEFL4058 CanopyEFL4059 Spinner

Small Replacement PartsEFL4054 PushrodSetEFLA213 E-flite/JR/HorizonDecals

Required Radio EquipmentYouwillneedaminimum6-channeltransmitter,crystals,microreceiver,andfourminiservos.Youcanchoosetopurchaseacompleteradiosystemthatincludesalloftheseitemsor,ifyouareusinganexistingtransmitter,justpurchasetheotherrequiredequipmentseparately.

Note: We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free Spektrum® DX7 2.4GHz DSM®2 7-channel radio. The complete system includes standard servos, which are not required for the Diamante.

Purchase SeparatelySPM6070 DSM27-ChannelReceiver

OrJRPR720 7-ChannelScanSelect™FMReceiver

OrJRPR790 7-ChannelScanSelectPCMReceiverJSP98110 6"ServoExtension(2)JSP20040 MN48MiniServo(4)JSP98020 Y-harness,Standard6"

Note: When using our recommended E-flite 60A Pro Brushless ESC with switching BEC you do not need a separate receiver pack as long as you are using our recommended servos.

Note: Depending on what speed control you are using, if it is not capable of supporting four mini-size servos because of current draw, the speed control may shut down due to high heat.

In order to provide the most reliable product, E-flite recommends the use of a separate BEC (like the Ultimate BEC), or receiver pack and switch using the following items to ensure trouble-free operation:

EXRB100 Expert720mAhNi-MH4.8VRxPackEXRA050 ExpertStandardSwitch


Important Information About Motor Selection

TheDiamante25edoesnotincludeapropeller.WearerecommendingthePower25orPower32outrunnermotors.

Themotorsystemslistedwillprovideyouwithexcellentaerobaticpowerforsportand/orartisticaerobaticpilots.Allpowersystemslistedincludeworry-freeoutrunnermotors.

Lightweight Sport SetupEFLM4025A Power25BLOutrunner,870KvEFLA1060 60AProBrushlessESCw/SwitchingBECTHP42003S2PPL 4200mAh3S2P11.1VLi-Po,13GAAPC12080E ElectricPropeller,12x8EEFLC3005 Celectra1-to3-cellLi-PoChargerEFLAEC303 EC3Dev&Batt,Male/Female

Thisisasportaerobaticsetupwithlimitedprecisioncapabilities.

Recommended High Power Precision Aerobatic Setup

EFLM4032A Power32BLOutrunner,770KvEFLA1060 60AProBrushlessESCw/SwitchingBECTHP42004S2PPL 4200mAh4S2P14.8VLi-Po,13GAAPC13065E ElectricPropeller,13x6.5EEFLAEC303 EC3Dev&Batt,Male/Female

Thisisourrecommendedsetup.Expecthighpowerprecisionaerobaticsandverystrongaggressiveartisticaerobaticsperformance.

Alternative Sport and Precision Setup

EFLM4032A Power32BLOutrunner,770KvTHP42003S2PPL 4200mAh3S2P11.1VLi-Po,13GAAPC14070E ElectricPropeller,14x7E

OrEFLM4025A Power25BLOutrunner,870KvTHP42004S2PPL 4200mAh4S2P14.8VLi-Po,13GAAPC12060E ElectricPropeller,12x6E

AndEFLA1060 60AProBrushlessESCw/SwitchingBECEFLAEC303 EC3Dev&Batt,Male/Female

Thisisanalternativesportandprecisionaerobaticsetupandisagoodoptionifyouhavesomeequipmentanddonotwanttopurchaseadditional.Bothoptionsareverysimilarinperformance;youshouldexpectbetterperformancethanourlightweightsportsetupandlessperformancethanwithourrecommendedhighpowerprecisionsetup.

Optional AccessoriesEFLA110 PowerMeterHAN172 Hangar9DigitalServoand

RxCurrentMeter

Note on Lithium Polymer BatteriesLithiumPolymerbatteriesaresignificantlymorevolatilethanalkalineorNi-Cd/Ni-MHbatteriesusedinRCapplications.Allmanufacturer’sinstructionsandwarningsmustbefollowedclosely.MishandlingofLi-Pobatteriescanresultinfire.Alwaysfollowthemanufacturer’sinstructionswhendisposingofLithiumPolymerbatteries.

5E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

Required Tools and AdhesivesTools & Equipment

EFLA250 ParkFlyerToolAssortment,5-pieceOr Purchase Separately

EFLA257 Screwdriver,#0Phillips(orincludedwithEFLA250)

EFLA251 HexWrench:3/32",7/64"(orincludedwithEFLA250)

Nutdriver:5/16"DrillDrillbit:1/16"(1.5mm),5/64"(2mm),

9/64"(3.5mm),1/4"(6mm)HobbyknifeFelt-tippedpenPliersRotarytoolT-pinsStringThinCAWeightPenDrillThreadlock#1Phillipsscrewdriver6-minuteepoxyPapertowelRubbingalcoholPetroleumjellyCanopyglueSquareSandpaperMaskingtape

WarningAnRCaircraftisnotatoy!Ifmisused,itcancauseseriousbodilyharmanddamagetoproperty.Flyonlyinopenareas,preferablyatAMA(AcademyofModelAeronautics)approvedflyingsites,followingallinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.

Keeplooseitemsthatcangetentangledinthepropellerawayfromtheprop,includinglooseclothing,orotherobjectssuchaspencilsandscrewdrivers.Especiallykeepyourhandsawayfromthepropeller.

Warranty PeriodHorizonHobby,Inc.,(Horizon)warrantiesthattheProductspurchased(the“Product”)willbefreefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipatthedateofpurchasebythePurchaser.


Limited Warranty(a)ThiswarrantyislimitedtotheoriginalPurchaser("Purchaser")andisnottransferable.REPAIRORREPLACEMENTASPROVIDEDUNDERTHISWARRANTYISTHEEXCLUSIVEREMEDYOFTHEPURCHASER.ThiswarrantycoversonlythoseProductspurchasedfromanauthorizedHorizondealer.Thirdpartytransactionsarenotcoveredbythiswarranty.Proofofpurchaseisrequiredforwarrantyclaims.Further,Horizonreservestherighttochangeormodifythiswarrantywithoutnoticeanddisclaimsallotherwarranties,expressorimplied.

(b)Limitations-HORIZONMAKESNOWARRANTYORREPRESENTATION,EXPRESSORIMPLIED,ABOUTNON-INFRINGEMENT,MERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORAPARTICULARPURPOSEOFTHEPRODUCT.THEPURCHASERACKNOWLEDGESTHATTHEYALONEHAVEDETERMINEDTHATTHEPRODUCTWILLSUITABLYMEETTHEREQUIREMENTSOFTHEPURCHASER’SINTENDEDUSE.

(c)PurchaserRemedy-Horizon'ssoleobligationhereundershallbethatHorizonwill,atitsoption,(i)repairor(ii)replace,anyProductdeterminedbyHorizontobedefective.Intheeventofadefect,thesearethePurchaser'sexclusiveremedies.Horizonreservestherighttoinspectanyandallequipmentinvolvedinawarrantyclaim.RepairorreplacementdecisionsareatthesolediscretionofHorizon.ThiswarrantydoesnotcovercosmeticdamageordamageduetoactsofGod,accident,misuse,abuse,negligence,commercialuse,ormodificationofortoanypartoftheProduct.Thiswarrantydoesnotcoverdamageduetoimproperinstallation,operation,maintenance,orattemptedrepairbyanyoneotherthanHorizon.ReturnofanygoodsbyPurchasermustbeapprovedinwritingbyHorizonbeforeshipment.

Damage LimitsHORIZONSHALLNOTBELIABLEFORSPECIAL,INDIRECTORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES,LOSSOFPROFITSORPRODUCTIONORCOMMERCIALLOSSINANYWAYCONNECTEDWITHTHEPRODUCT,WHETHERSUCHCLAIMISBASEDINCONTRACT,WARRANTY,NEGLIGENCE,ORSTRICTLIABILITY.Further,innoeventshalltheliabilityofHorizonexceedtheindividualpriceoftheProductonwhichliabilityisasserted.AsHorizonhasnocontroloveruse,setup,finalassembly,modificationormisuse,noliabilityshallbeassumednoracceptedforanyresultingdamageorinjury.Bytheactofuse,setuporassembly,theuseracceptsallresultingliability.

IfyouasthePurchaseroruserarenotpreparedtoaccepttheliabilityassociatedwiththeuseofthisProduct,youareadvisedtoreturnthisProductimmediatelyinnewandunusedconditiontotheplaceofpurchase.

Law:TheseTermsaregovernedbyIllinoislaw(withoutregardtoconflictoflawprincipals).

Safety PrecautionsThisisasophisticatedhobbyProductandnotatoy.Itmustbeoperatedwithcautionandcommonsenseandrequiressomebasicmechanicalability.FailuretooperatethisProductinasafeandresponsiblemannercouldresultininjuryordamagetotheProductorotherproperty.ThisProductisnotintendedforusebychildrenwithoutdirectadultsupervision.TheProductmanualcontainsinstructionsforsafety,operationandmaintenance.Itisessentialtoreadandfollowalltheinstructionsandwarningsinthemanual,priortoassembly,setuporuse,inordertooperatecorrectlyandavoiddamageorinjury.


Questions, Assistance, and RepairsYourlocalhobbystoreand/orplaceofpurchasecannotprovidewarrantysupportorrepair.Onceassembly,setuporuseoftheProducthasbeenstarted,youmustcontactHorizondirectly.ThiswillenableHorizontobetteransweryourquestionsandserviceyouintheeventthatyoumayneedanyassistance.Forquestionsorassistance,[email protected],orcall877.504.0233tollfreetospeaktoaservicetechnician.

Inspection or RepairsIfthisProductneedstobeinspectedorrepaired,pleasecallforaReturnMerchandiseAuthorization(RMA).PacktheProductsecurelyusingashippingcarton.Pleasenotethatoriginalboxesmaybeincluded,butarenotdesignedtowithstandtherigorsofshippingwithoutadditionalprotection.Shipviaacarrierthatprovidestrackingandinsuranceforlostordamagedparcels,asHorizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at our facility.AServiceRepairRequestisavailableatwww.horizonhobby.comonthe“Support”tab.Ifyoudonothaveinternetaccess,pleaseincludealetterwithyourcompletename,streetaddress,emailaddressandphonenumberwhereyoucanbereachedduringbusinessdays,yourRMAnumber,alistoftheincludeditems,methodofpaymentforanynon-warrantyexpensesandabriefsummaryoftheproblem.Youroriginalsalesreceiptmustalsobeincludedforwarrantyconsideration.Besureyourname,address,andRMAnumberareclearlywrittenontheoutsideoftheshippingcarton.

Warranty Inspection and RepairsTo receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receiptverifyingtheproof-of-purchasedate.Providedwarrantyconditionshavebeenmet,yourProductwillberepairedorreplacedfreeofcharge.RepairorreplacementdecisionsareatthesolediscretionofHorizonHobby.

Non-Warranty RepairsShould your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be required without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost.Bysubmittingtheitemforrepairyouareagreeingtopaymentoftherepairwithoutnotification.Repairestimatesareavailableuponrequest.Youmustincludethisrequestwithyourrepair.Non-warrantyrepairestimateswillbebilledaminimumof½houroflabor.Inadditionyouwillbebilledforreturnfreight.Pleaseadviseusofyourpreferredmethodofpayment.Horizonacceptsmoneyordersandcashierschecks,aswellasVisa,MasterCard,AmericanExpress,andDiscovercards.Ifyouchoosetopaybycreditcard,pleaseincludeyourcreditcardnumberandexpirationdate.Anyrepairleftunpaidorunclaimedafter90dayswillbeconsideredabandonedandwillbedisposedofaccordingly.Please note: non-warranty repair is only available on electronics and model engines.

Electronicsandenginesrequiringinspectionorrepairshouldbeshippedtothefollowingaddress:

HorizonServiceCenter4105FieldstoneRoad

Champaign,Illinois61822

AllotherProductsrequiringwarrantyinspectionorrepairshouldbeshippedtothefollowingaddress:

HorizonProductSupport4105FieldstoneRoad

Champaign,Illinois61822

Please call 8��-50�-0�� with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.

8 E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

Safety, Precautions, and WarningsAstheuserofthisproduct,youaresolelyresponsibleforoperatingitinamannerthatdoesnotendangeryourselfandothersorresultindamagetotheproductorthepropertyofothers.

Carefullyfollowthedirectionsandwarningsforthisandanyoptionalsupportequipment(chargers,rechargeablebatterypacks,etc.)thatyouuse.

Thismodeliscontrolledbyaradiosignalthatissubjecttointerferencefrommanysourcesoutsideyourcontrol.Thisinterferencecancausemomentarylossofcontrolsoitisnecessarytoalwayskeepasafedistanceinalldirectionsaroundyourmodel,asthismarginwillhelptoavoidcollisionsorinjury.

•Alwaysoperateyourmodelinanopenareaawayfromcars,traffic,orpeople.

•Avoidoperatingyourmodelinthestreetwhereinjuryordamagecanoccur.

•Neveroperatethemodeloutintothestreetorpopulatedareasforanyreason.

•Neveroperateyourmodelwithlowtransmitterbatteries.

•Carefullyfollowthedirectionsandwarningsforthisandanyoptionalsupportequipment(chargers,rechargeablebatterypacks,etc.)thatyouuse.

•Keepallchemicals,smallpartsandanythingelectricaloutofthereachofchildren.

•Moisturecausesdamagetoelectronics.Avoidwaterexposuretoallequipmentnotspecificallydesignedandprotectedforthispurpose.

Aileron InstallationRequired Parts

•Wing •Receiver•Servow/hardware(2) •Longservoarm(2)•CAhinge(8) •33/8in(86mm)pushrodwire(2)•Clevis(2) •Clevisretainer(2)•Nyloncontrolhorn(2) •3mmx30mmmachinescrew(2)•Controlhornstandoff(2) •Controlhornwasher(2)•Puhrodwireconnector(2)•Servoextension,6in(152mm)(2)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Rotarytool •Drillbit:1/16in(1.5mm)•T-pins •ThinCA•String •Weight•Felt-tippedpen •Pendrill•Threadlock •Tape•#1Phillipsscrewdriver

1.LocatefourCAhinges.PlaceaT-pininthecenterofeachhinge.


2.Usearotarytoolanda1/16in(1.5mm)drillbittodrillaholeinthecenterofeachhingeslotofboththeaileronandwing.ThisprovidesatunnelfortheCAtowickinto,penetratingthehinge.

Hint: You can prepare the rudder, fin, elevator and stabilizer at this time as well.

3.Slidethefourhingesintotheslotsintheaileron.

4.Slidetheaileronintopositiononthewing.TheT-pinsinstalledbackinStep1willhelpinkeepingequalamountsinthewingandaileron.


5.Applyafewdropsontoeachhinge.MakesuretoapplytheCAonboththetopandbottomofthehinge.

Important: Do not use accelerator on the hinges. The CA must be allowed to soak in and penetrate the hinge.

6.GentlypulltheaileronfromthewingoncetheCAhasfullycured.Thisistoverifythehingesaregluedsecurely.

7.Flextheaileronthroughitsrangeofmotionafewtimestobreakinthehinges.

8.RepeatSteps1through7tocompletetheaileroninstallation.


9.Installtheservogrommetsandbrasseyeletsontotheaileronservofollowingtheinstructionsprovidedwiththeservo.Attacha6in(152mm)servoextensiontotheaileronservo.Useacommerciallyavailablecliptokeepthetwofrombecomingdisconnectedinsidethewing.

10.Tiethestringtotheextensioninstalledontheaileronservo.Pulltheextensionthroughthewingandouttheholeinthecenter.Usetapetosecuretheextensiontothewingandpreventitfromfallingbackintothewing.

1� E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

11.Placetheservointotheopeninginthewing.Useafelt-tippedpentomarkthelocationsfortheservomountingscrews.

12.Useapendrilland1/16in(1.5mm)drillbittodrillthefourlocationsfortheservomountingscrews.

13.ApplyafewdropsofthinCAtoeachofthefourholes.Thiswillhardentheunderlyingwoodandhelpinpreventingthescrewsfrompullingout.

14.Securetheservointhewingusingthescrewsprovidedwiththeservo.Notetheservohornfacestowardstheaileron.

1�E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

15.Useahobbyknifetopiercethecoveringforthe3mmx30mmmachinescrew.Slidethescrewintotheholefromthetopofthewing.Slideacontrolhornwasherontothescrew,thenthreadthecontrolhornstandoffontothescrew.Usea#1Phillipsscrewdrivertotightentheassembly.

Note: Use threadlock on the screw to prevent it from vibrating loose.

16.Threadthenyloncontrolhornontothecontrolhornscrewuntilthetopofthehornisflushwiththetopofthescrew.

17.Slideaclevisretainerontoanylonclevis.Threadtheclevisontothe33/8in(86mm)pushrodwire.Attachtheclevistothecontrolhornandslidetheclevisretainerovertheforksoftheclevistosecureittothecontrolhorn.


18.Plugtheservointothereceiverandpoweruptheradiosystem.Centertheaileronstickandtrim.Installalongservoarmontotheservo,paralleltotheaileronhingeline.Markthepushrodwirewhereitcrossestheservohornusingafelt-tippedpen.

19.Bendthewire90degreesatthemarkmadeinthelaststep.Useapushrodwireconnectortosecurethewiretotheservoarm.Trimanyexcesswireusingsidecutters.

20.RepeatSteps9through19tocompletetheaileronservoinstallation.

Landing Gear InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselage •Landinggear(leftandright)•21/4in(57mm)wheel(2) •Wheelpant(leftandright)•6-32locknuts(6) •6-32x11/8"machinescrew(2)•#6washer(4) •4-40x1/2"machinescrew(2)•4-40blindnut(2)•6-32x3/8"socketheadscrews(4)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Drill •Drillbit:9/64in(3.5mm)•Adjustablewrench •Adjustablepliers•#1Phillipsscrewdriver •Hexwrench:3/32",7/64"•Felt-tippedpen

1.Attachthelandinggeartothebottomofthefuselageusingfour6-32x3/8"socketheadscrews.Thegearwillonlygooninonedirection.


2.Slidethe6-32x11/8"machinescrewthroughthebottomholeofthelandinggear.Securethescrewusinga6-32locknut.Threadasecondlocknutontothescrew.

3.Slidea#6washerontothescrew,thenslidethewheelontothescrew.Slideasecond#6washerontothescrewandsecurethewheelusinga6-32locknut.Makesurethewheelcanturnfreelyafterinstallingthefinalnut.

4.Testfitthewheelpantontothelandinggear.Sandthenotchinthewheelpantifnecesarysoitfitsoverthelocknutthatisagainstthelandinggear.

5.Positionthewheelpantsoitisparalleltothetopofthefuselageasshown.


6.Useafelt-tippedpentotransferthelocationoftheupperholeontothewheelpant.

7.Useadrilland9/64in(3.5mm)drillbittodrillthelocationmadeinthepreviousstep.

8.Pressthe4-40blindnutintotheholefromtheinsideofthewheelpant.

9.Slidethewheelpantbackontothegearandsecureusinga4-40x1/2"machinescrew.

10.RepeatSteps2through9toinstalltheremainingwheelandwheelpant.


Horizontal and Vertical Tail InstallationRequired Parts

•Wingassembly •10-32nylonwingbolt•Elevator •Pushrodwireconnector(2)•Stabilizer •Fin•Rudder •CAhinges(9)•7in(178mm)pushrodwire •61/4in(159mm)pushrodwire•Clevis(2) •Clevisretainer(2)•Nyloncontrolhorn(2) •3mmx30mmmachinescrew(2)•Controlhornstandoff(2) •Controlhornwasher(2)•Longservohorn(2) •Tailgearassembly•1in(25mm)tailwheel •3/32"wheelcollar(2)•Servoextension,12"(305mm)(2)•11/4inx1/4in(32mmx6mm)wingdowel(2)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Drill •Drillbit:1/4in(6mm)•6-minuteepoxy•Ruler •String•ThinCA •T-pins•Papertowel •Rubbingalcohol•Hobbyknife •Felt-tippedpen•Petroleumjelly

1.Enlargetheholesintheleadingedgeofthewingusingadrilland1/4in(6mm)drillbit.

2.Use6-minuteepoxytogluethe11/4inx1/4in(32mmx6mm)wingdowelsintotheleadingedgeofthewing.Cleanupanyexcessepoxyusingapapertowelandrubbingalcohol.Thedowelswillprotrude3/8in(10mm)forwardofthewing.


3.Attachthewingtothefuselageusingthe10-32nylonwingbolt.

4.UsesixCAhingestoattachtheelevatorandstabilizer.Usethesametechniqueastheaileronhingeswheninstallingtheelevatorhinges.

5.Installtheelevatorcontrolhornasshownfollowingthesametechniqueastheaileroncontrolhorn.Notethepositionofthecontrolhorn.

6.Slidethestabilizerintothefuselage.Makesurethecontrolhornfacestowardthebottomofthefuselage.Measurethedistancefromthecenterofthefuselagetoeachstabilizertiptocenterthestabilizerinthefuselage.


7.Measurefromthewingtiptothestabilizertomakesurebothmeasurementsareequal.Thiswillsquarethestabilizertothewingandfuselage.Useapieceofstringtocheckthedistancebetweenthewingandstabilizer.

8.Checktomakesurethestabilizerisparalleltothewing.Lightlysandthefuselagewherethestabilizerreststocorrectanyalignmentproblems.

9.Useafelt-tippedpentotracetheoutlineofthefuselageonthetopandbottomofthestabilizeroncethestabilizerhasbeenaligned.

�0 E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

10.Useahobbyknifewithanewbladetoremovethecoveringslightlyinsidethelinesdrawninthepreviousstep.

Note: Remove the covering from the top and bottom of the stabilizer.

Important: Use light pressure to remove the covering, as you can use too much pressure and score the stabilizer which could cause it to fail in flight.

Hint: You can use a soldering iron or hot knife as an option to a hobby knife. This will greatly lower the chances of cutting into the stabilizer.

11.Slidethestabilizerbackintothefuselageanddouble-checkthealignment.WickthinCAintothejointbetweenthefuselageandstabilizer.AvoidusingCAacceleratorontheCAtogiveittimetowickintothejoint.AllowtheCAtocurebeforehandlingthefuselage.

12.Locatethetailgearassembleandapplyathincoatofpetroleumjellytothewire.Workthebushingtodistributethejelly.

�1E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

13.Use6-minuteepoxytogluethetailwheelassemblyintothepre-cutslotintheaftendofthefuselage.

14.Slidethefinintotheslotintheaftendofthefuselage.Pressthefintightagainsttheendofthefuselage,asitcanrockforwardintheslot.

Note: The aft edge of the fin will be parallel to the aft end of the fuselage when positioned correctly.

15.Useasquaretomakesuretheverticalfinissquaretothestabilizer.

16.Useafelt-tippedpentotracetheoutlineofthefuselageontothefinwiththefinincorrectalignment.Useasquaretomakesuretheverticalfinissquaretothestabilizer.

�� E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

17.Removethecoveringbelowthelinedrawnonthefinusingthesametechniqueasthestabilizer.UsethinCAtosecurethefintothefuselage.

18.Usethreehingestoinstalltherudderontothefin.Thetailgearwirewillbegluedintotherudderusing6-minuteepoxy.

19.Securethetailwheelontothetailgearassemblyusingtwo3/32"wheelcollars.

20.Installtheruddercontrolhornusingthesametechniqueastheelevatorandaileroncontrolhorns.

��E-flite Diamante �5e ARF Assembly Manual

21.Attacha12in(305mm)servoextensiontotherudderservolead.Installtheservousingthesametechniqueastheaileronservo.Usethe7in(178mm)pushrodwiretoconnecttheservototheruddercontrolhorn.

22.Attacha12in(305mm)servoextensiontotheelevatorservolead.Installtheservousingthesametechniqueastheaileronservo.Usethe61/4in(159mm)pushrodwiretoconnecttheservototheelevatorcontrolhorn.


Motor InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselageassembly •4-40blindnut(4)•Hookandloopstrap(2) •4-40x1/2"socketheadscrews•Cowling •21/2"(64mm)spinner•Propeller •BrushlessESC•Hookandlooptape,3"(76mm)(2)•2mmx10mmsheetmetalscrew(4)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Hexwrench:3/32"•Maskingtape •Drill•Cardstock•Drillbit:1/16in(1.5mm),9/64in(3.5mm)

Note: There are two sets of holes in the firewall. The outer set of holes is used to mount the Power 32 motor, while the inner holes are used for mounting the Power 25 motor. Use the appropriate holes for your motor.

1.Useadrilland9/64in(3.5mm)drillbittodrilltheholesinthemotormountforthemountingscrews.

2.Attachthemounttothemotorusingthehardwareprovidedwiththemotor.

3.Installthefour4-40blindnutsinsidethefuselage.Usetheappropriateholesforyourparticularmotor.Usefour4-40x1/2"socketheadscrewstosecurethemotortothefirewall.


3.Plugthemotorintothespeedcontrol.Usehookandlooptapetosecurethespeedcontrolinsidethefuselageoutofthewayofthebattery.

Note: When using our recommended E-flite™ 60A Pro Brushless ESC with switching BEC you do not need a separate receiver pack as long as you are using our recommended servos.

If your ESC is not capable of supporting the current draw of four mini-size servos the speed control may shut down due to high heat.

In order to provide the most reliable product, E-flite recommends the use of a separate BEC (like the Ultimate BEC), or receiver pack and switch to ensure trouble-free operation as follows:

Expert 720mAh Ni-MH 4.8V receiver battery (EXRB100) Expert Standard Switch (EXRA050)

Use the battery and switch harness to power the receiver and servos after disabling the BEC on the ESC (by following the instructions included with the ESC).

4.Usethetwohookandloopstrapsincludedwithyourplanetosecurethebatteryinsidethefuselage.

Note: If the battery slides forward or backward, use hook and loop tape on the battery and inside the fuselage to prevent the battery from moving.

5.Nowisagoodtimetotesttheoperationofthemotor.Useyourradiosystemandplugthespeedcontrolintothereceiver.Withthebatterypluggedin,usethethrottlesticktooperatethemotor.Checkthatthemotoroperatesproperly,andthatitrotatescounterclockwisewhenviewedfromthefrontoftheplane.Followtheinstructionsprovidedwiththespeedcontroltocorrectforoperationalproblems.


6.Usetapeandcardstocktomaketabstoindicatethelocationofthetabsatthefrontofthefuselageformountingthecowling.

7.Slidethecowlingontothefuselage.Usethepropelleradaptertoattachthepropellerandspinnerbackplatetemporarilyontothemotor.Positionthecowlingsoitlinesupwiththespinnerbackplate,andhasasmallgapbetweenthespinnerbackplateandcowling.

8.Withthecowlalignedwiththespinner,useadrilland1/16in(1.5mm)drillbittodrillthroughthecowlandintothefuselageusingthecardstockasguides.

9.Securethecowlingusingthefour2mmx10mmsheetmetalscrews.Therearetwoscrewsoneachsideofthecowlasshown.Completethecowlinginstallationbyattachingthespinnerconeusingthetwoscrewsprovidedwiththespinner.


Final AssemblyRequired Parts

•Fuselageassembly •Canopy•Receiver

Required Tools and Adhesives•Hookandlooptape •Maskingtape•CanopyGlue(PAAPT56) •Felt-tippedpen•Sandpaper

1.Securethereceiverinsidethefuselageusinghookandlooptape.Followtheinstructionsprovidedwiththereceiverwheninstallingtheantenna.

2.Placethecanopyontothehatch.Useafelt-tippedpentotracetheoutlineofthecanopyontothehatch.

Note: Use care not to change the position of the back of the canopy hatch.

2.Lightlysandthehatchinsidethelinedrawninthelaststep.Alsosandtheinsideofthecanopywhereitcontactsthehatch.Userubbingalcoholandapapertoweltowipedownthetwocontactingsurfaces.


3. Usecanopygluetoattachthecanopytothecanopyhatch.Tapethecanopyintopositionuntilthegluefullycures.

4.Attachthecanopyhatchtothefuselage.

Control Throws

1.Turnonthetransmitterandreceiverofyouraircraft.Checkthemovementoftherudderusingthetransmitter.Whenthestickismovedright,theruddershouldalsomoveright.Reversethedirectionoftheservoatthetransmitterifnecessary.

2.Checkthemovementoftheelevatorwiththeradiosystem.Movingtheelevatorstickdownwillmaketheairplaneelevatormoveup.

3.Useathrowgaugetoadjustthethrowoftheelevator,aileronsandrudder.Adjustthepositionofthepushrodatthecontrolhorntoachievethefollowingmeasurementswhenmovingthestickstotheirendpoints.

AileronsHighRate:2in(51mm)(25º)up

13/4in(44mm)(22º)down

LowRate: 1in(25mm)(15º)up


ElevatorHighRate:23/8in(60mm)(30º)up


LowRate: 11/16in(27mm)(12º)up


RudderHighRate:21/4in(57mm)(32º)left

21/4in(57mm)(32º)right

LowRate: SameasHighRate


Center of GravityAnimportantpartofpreparingtheaircraftforflightisproperlybalancingthemodel.

Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!

TherecommendedCenterofGravity(CG)locationis5–51/2in(127–140mm)behindtheleadingedgeofthewingagainstthefuselage.

Range Test Your Radio 1.Beforeeachflyingsession,besuretorangecheck

yourradio.Thisisaccomplishedbyturningonyourtransmitterwiththeantennacollapsed.Turnonthereceiverinyourairplane.Withyourairplaneonthegroundandtheenginerunning,youshouldbeabletowalk30paces(approximately100feet)awayfromyourairplaneandstillhavecompletecontrolofallfunctions.

Ifnot,don’tattempttofly!Haveyourradioequipmentcheckedoutbythemanufacturer.

2.Double-checkthatallcontrols(aileron,elevator,rudderandthrottle)moveinthecorrectdirection.

3.Besurethatyourtransmitterbatteriesarefullycharged,pertheinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.

PreflightCheck Your Radio

Beforegoingtothefield,besurethatyourbatteriesarefullychargedpertheinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.Chargeboththetransmitterandreceiverpackforyourairplane.Usetherecommendedchargersuppliedwithyourparticularradiosystem,followingtheinstructionsprovidedwiththeradio.Inmostcases,theradioshouldbechargedthenightbeforegoingoutflying.

Beforeeachflyingsession,besuretorangecheckyourradio.Seeyourradiomanualfortherecommendedrangeandinstructionsforyourradiosystem.Eachradiomanufacturerspecifiesdifferentproceduresfortheirradiosystems.Next,startthemotor.Withthemodelsecurelyanchored,checktherangeagain.Therangetestshouldnotbesignificantlyaffected.Ifitis,don’tattempttofly!Haveyourradioequipmentcheckedoutbythemanufacturer.

Note: Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away from the prop. These include loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the propeller.

Double-checkthatallcontrols(aileron,elevator,rudderandthrottle)moveinthecorrectdirection.

Checktheradioinstallationandmakesureallthecontrolsurfacesaremovingcorrectly(i.e.thecorrectdirectionandwiththerecommendedthrows).Testrunthemotorandmakesureittransitionssmoothlyfromofftofullthrottleandback.Alsoensuretheengineisinstalledaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions,anditwilloperateconsistently.

Checkallthecontrolhorns,servohorns,andclevisestomakesuretheyaresecureandingoodcondition.Replaceanyitemsthatwouldbeconsideredquestionable.Failureofanyofthesecomponentsinflightwouldmeanthelossofyouraircraft.


Flying the Diamante 25e

YouwillfindtheDiamante25etobeasolid,honest-flyingmodel.Itiscapableofhandlingallkindsofweather.

EnsureyourCGissetaccordingtothemanualandpoweruptheaircraft.Moveyourthrottletrimupslowlyuntilthemotorjustbeginstospin.Thiswillbeyourflightidlethatwillhelptoestablishalongerglidepathandtendstomakelandingseasier.Beforetaxiingouttotherunway,double-checkallcontrolsareworkinginthecorrectdirectionandfunctioningproperly.Taxiouttotherunwayandlineupintothewind.Youwillfindtherudderveryeffective;onthegroundtrackingisverypredictable.Applypowersmoothlyandbeginthetakeoffroll.Correctwithrudderasnecessaryandapplyupelevatorslowlyuntilthemodelliftsoff.Onceintheair,trimthemodelforlevelflight.Foroptimumaerobaticperformance,trimforaslightdive,bothuprightandinverted.CenterofGravitywillaffectthefeelofthenaturalfeelofthismodelandiswhyalargebatterytraywasdesignedintotheaircrafttoallowvariationsoftheCenterofGravitysimplybyrelocatingthebattery.EachpilotwillhaveapersonalpreferenceoftheiroptimumCenterofGravity,butforfirstflightswewouldrecommendusingtheforwardrecommendation.Includedinthiskitwasanaerobatictrimmingarticlewrittenby7-timeTOCcompetitorPeterGoldsmith.ByfollowinghisdetailedtrimminginformationyoucanhavetheDiamanteperformingperfectaerobaticmaneuvers.

LandingtheDiamante25eisaseasyassettinguponfinalapproach,loweringthethrottletoidleandglidingintoasoftthree-pointtouch-down.OnethingtobeawareofistheDiamantehasaveryefficientairfoil,sosetupforthefinalglidepathfartheroutthanexpectedtoensureyouarenotover-shootingthetouch-downpoint.

WehopeyouenjoytheexperienceofflyingapureaerobaticperformerliketheDiamante25e.

Happylandings.

Reduce Your Workload

Oneofmypassionsinlifeistoteach.AfteralongdiscussionwithMikeHurleyandaftersharingwithhimhowpassionateIwastosharemylife’saerobaticknowledge,wedecidedthatatrimmingarticlewouldbeagreatstart.Aproperlytrimmedmodelcanreduceyourworkloadinanaerobaticsequencebyanenormousamount.Ijudgedatthenationalsthisyearandthoroughlyenjoyedtheexperience.Iwasalsoimpressedwiththeskills,especiallyinthelowerclasses,whendisplayedbypilotstryingtoflywithapoortrimsetup.Iwastrulyamazedhowtolerantpeoplewere;infact,itdrovemecrazytowatch.IrememberbouncingoutofmyjudgingchairandsayingtoMike,"Boy,Ineedtohelpthesepeople."Hence,hereIamtypingawayatmyexcitingpaceofabout80minutesperword<grin>inanattempttohelpeducatethegreatskillbasethatexistsintheUSscaleaerobaticscene.Likeallgoodinput,itdoesn’tcomefromme,butismoreasummaryof25yearsofmeetingpeoplewhosharedtheirthoughtsontrimmingwithme,thenmeltingthemdownintosomekindoflegibleformatthatmostcanunderstand.


Servo and Control Setup3Dandprecisionmodeltrimtypicallygoagainsteachother.WhatImeanbythisisthatwhenpilotssetuptheirnew40%something,theygostraightforthebigrates—35,40,andsometimesupto50degreesofthrow.Anythoughtsabouthowthiscanaffecttheservoresolution,andmoreimportantlytheservopower?99%ofscaleaerobaticeventsallowaseparateaircraftforfreestyle.Between80–100%oftheresultsatascaleaerobaticeventcomesfromtheprecisionelements,knownandunknownsequences,oftheevent.Pleasedon’tmisunderstandme,Ilovetowatchfreestyleflying,andadmirethetalentofthepilotsthatdoitwell;it’sinnovativeandhasbeenoneofthemaincontributorstothegrowthofgiant-scaleaerobaticaircraft.Mypointis:whynothaveyourfreesetup,specificallyforthefreeevent,thenhaveaprecisionsetupforknownandunknownsequences.Iknowformepersonally,havingamodeljustforfreestylewillbesomethingIaimtodointhefuture.Havingsaidthat,agoodalternativeistohaveamorebiasedprecisioncontrolsetup,whichwillnodoubtimproveyourprecisionflying,especiallyifyou’rearegularattendeetothescaleaerobaticevent.WithmyCap,Iuse1"hornsonallsurfaceswiththeexceptionofRudderwhichuses1¼".Ihave28degreesonaileron,32degreesonelevatorand35degreesonrudder.Forme,thisisagoodcompromiseforprecisionandfreeflying,“withthebiastowardsFree”.With1"horns,and1½"distancefromcontrolhookup,Iamgettingslightlybetterthat1-to-1ratio.MoreimportantlyIamgettingclosertothemaximumservopowerandcontrolgeometryavailable.With1"horns,myresolutionisbetter,controlslopisreduced,andservowearisgreatlyimproved.AnothernovelbonusisthatIdon’tneedasmanyservospersurface.Giveitatrynexttimeyousetupyouraircraft,youmaybesurprised,infactinsomecasesyoumayseenodifferenceincontrolresponsivenessbygoingto1”horns,aswiththebettergeometryyoumaybereducingyourcontrolblowback.OneofthebiggestchallengesIseepilotsdealingwithissurfaceblowback.Withblowback,yoursnapexitswillbeallovertheplace,bothentryandexits.Gettingconsistentflyingisalmostimpossible.

Everytimeyourspeedchanges,youcontrolresponsewillchange.Hmmn,Isuspectafewlightsjustwenton.Yep,coulditbethefactthatyouconsistentlymissyoursnapexitsisnotduetoyourskills,butcontrolblowback.

Whensettingupyourservos,makesureyourunthenumbers,dothemathandfigureoutjusthowmuchpoweryouaredeliveringtothesurface.Allservosareratedatinchounces,thatisatoneinchfromthecenteroftheservo.An8611is266oz/inat6V.Witha2”horntheyareonly133,andaround200witha1½"horn.YearsagoIwasabletomeasuretheforcesonmyCap,believeitornottheaileronsrequiredwellover30poundsofforcetodeflectat100mph.Nowtherearealotbiggeraileronsouttherethanmine.Pleasepayattentiontothis;itiscrucialtoconsistentflying.Ifyouhavetouse1½"horns,or2"horns,youwillneedmoreservos.


SequencingManyofthetrimmingarticlesIhaveseenovertheyearsincorporatesomekindofchartorgraphsayingdothisandthishappensandsoon.Myconceptofsequencingyourtrimmingissimple.Ifyougetyourtrimmingoutofsequenceyouwillendupchasingyourtail.Aswithmostthingsinthisuniverse,foreverycausethereisaneffect,andthesameappliestotrimmingamodelaircraft.SomanytimesIseepeopletestflyingtherenowaerobaticcreation,flipthethingonitssideandseewhatkindofknife-edgemixingitmayneed.Thrust,CenterofGravity,wingbalancingandbasicflightcontroltrimcanallaffectknifetracking.

Ican’tmakethispointmoreloudandclear—itisveryimportanttotrimyourmodelinthecorrectsequencetomakesureeachadjustmenthasnoeffectonthepreviousadjustment.

YouwillseeIhavebrokeneachelementdown,andthereisanintentionalorderinwhichIrecommendtotrimamodel.Modelbalance,CenterofGravityisnumber1,differential,knifeedgeflight,downlinetrackingwillallbeaffectedbytheCenterofGravity.Nextisdynamicbalancing,knownas“wingtipweight.”Thencomesthrustangles,ailerondifferential,andfinallyprogrammablemixing,knife-edgetracking,rollcoupling,downlinetrack.Finallyifyouchangeyourpropeller,yourwholetrimsetupwillchange.

BalanceOK,howdoIknowwhatisthecorrectCGformymodel.Ifindoubt,readtheinstructions.Yep,chancesaresomebodyfromtheTOCorsimilarhasdesignedyouraircraftandhasdeterminedovermanyflights,wheretheCenterofGravityshouldbe.Forprecisionflyingforwardisbetter,but…toofarforwardcanbeaproblem.Icannotputinwritingwhatisthebestfeelforeachpilot,otherthanitisafeelthing.Ican,however,giveyousomesymptomsoftoofarbackandtoofarforward,plussomesimpletestsIdotocheck.

OneofmyfavoritewaystodeterminethecorrectCenterofGravityisspinentries.ForprecisionflyingIwouldexpectyoutoberunningbetween12–15degreesofelevatorthrow.Ifyoufeelyouneedmorethanthis,checkyourexponential—itmaybetoohigh.Justasastartingpoint,35%expoiswhatIcallalinearfeel.WhatIliketohavewithmyexpoiswhenathalfstick,Igetabout50%ofthereactionoffullstick,around35–40%expogivesyouthiswithmodestcontroldeflections.Ok,ifthatdidn’tmakesense:IfIhavemystickatfulltravel,myaircraftwillrollaround360–400degreespersecond,aboutrightforprecision.NowwhenIonlymovemystickhalfway,Ishouldbelookingfor180–200degreespersecond.Makesense?

Ifwhenenteringaspin,yourmodelmushes,kindofslidesintothespinwithnorealstallvisible,youmaybetoofarforward.Anothersignofforwardisexcessivedownelevatorneededforinvertedflight.Thisisnotalwaysthereasonbutisasign.RearCenterofGravityisprobablyeasiertoseeformostpilots.Modelissensitiveinpitch,unpredictablearoundthestall,climbswhenonaninverted45degreelinearesomeIhavenoticed.CenterofGravityismainlyaboutfeel,eachpersonwillhavetheirpreferences,eachaircraftwillhaveitspreferences.Bepatient,spendsometimeonthisone,it’simportantyouarehappywithyourCenterofGravity.Iwouldrecommendatleast10–15flightsbeforemakingthecommitmenttowhereitneedstobeifit’sanewmodel.


Dynamic BalanceOk,wearehappywithourCenterofGravity,sothenextthingisdynamicbalance.Thisisreallyonlyrelevantwithwingtipweight,mostotheraxesonamodelaircraftarenotaffectedtoomuchbythedynamiceffectsofhighGforceloads.Havingsaidthat,yourwingsare.Justbecausetheybothweighthesame,anddon’tcarryanyailerontrimdoesn’tmeanyoucan’thaveawingweightproblem.Ihaveseenamyriadofwaystotestforwingweighttrim—loops,pullingtovertical,andsoon.Mysuggestionistothinkaboutthesequencingargument.Ifyoudoloops,orpulltoaverticalupline,theenginethrustcanhaveaneffect,yetwehaven’tgottotrimourthrustanglesyet.Thinkaboutit,whatcouldyoudotocheckyourwingtipweightinflightthatwillnotbeaffectedbythrust.WhatIdoisputthemodelintoaverticaldive(minimumof3–4seconds)andpullahardcorneratthebottom.Nomatterwhereyourwingsareinroll,whenyoupulltolevel,thewingsmustbelevel.Checkthisconceptwithyourstickplane.Itreallydoesn’tmatterwhereyourwingsare,asyoupulltohorizontalflightyourwingsmustbelevel.Ifyouattempttopullahardverticalfromhorizontal,youmustbeabsolutelysureyourwingsareperfectlylevel.Idon’tknowaboutyouguys,butIamnotthatgood.Ifyougofromverticaltohorizontal,notonlywilltheenginethrusthavenoeffectbutyourwingscanbeanywhereasyouareonaverticaldownline.Nowwhenyoupullthecorner,theaircraftmaybepointinginadifferentdirectionthanyouplanned,butthatisok,aslongasthewingsarelevel.WhenIwastoldthiswingweightcheckingprocedureyearsago,itmadesomuchsense.TheonlythingIwouldrecommendyoupayattentiontoismakingsureyouonlyuseelevatorthroughthecorner.Don’tbequicktomakeadecision.Haveafriendobservetheproceedings,domanypullouts,andmakeabsolutelysurebeforeyoumoveontothenextstepoftrimming.

Thrust AnglesOK,guys,it’stimetoputasideaestheticsandgetthatthrustcorrect.Isureseealotofspinnersperfectlyliningupthesedays.Oneofthebiggestdeterrentstoadjustingforthecorrectthrustanglesisthespinnerwon’tlineupanymore.That’strue.Onceagain,whenbuildingyourmodel,payattentiontotheinstructions,chancesaresomebodyhasfigureditoutprettyclose.WhatIliketodo,orusedtodo,istestflythemodelbeforeIpaintthecowl.OnceIamhappywiththrust,Icanmaketheappropriatecosmeticchangestocompletethemodelbeforepainting.Settingupthecorrectthrustanglesisfairlysimple.Well,it’ssimpletoidentify,hardertoadjust.

Rightthrust.Nowweknowourwingtipweightiscorrect,weshouldbeabletoconfidentlyperformsomeaccurateverticaluplines.Numberoneissuewiththisismakingsureyourwingsarelevel.Don’tguess,beabsolutelysureyourwingsarelevelbeforepullingtoavertical.Ihaveseenpeopleaddunnecessaryrightthrustastheywerenotlevelwhenpullingcorners,leavinganinsidewingdown(normalhumanbehavior)andthemodelwouldleantotheleft.WhatIliketodoistoflydirectlyoverhead,intothewind,whereIcanclearlyseemywings,thenpulltoaverticalupline.Ok,upwego,first100’isgood,nexthundredfeetisgood,movingthrough500’,stilltrackingwell,upover1000’now,stillstraight,comingupon10,000,arrrrrh,Iseeitdriftingtotheleftalittle.Ok,Ok,Iambeingsarcastic,butIhopeyouseemypoint.MostverticaluplinesinpatternsIhaveflownneverexceed1000’,wellsomedobutit’srare.Youwillnevergetyourthrustperfectupto10,000feet.Ifyou'reworkingatit,bestyoucanhopeforisaround1000orsofeet.Speedwillhaveahugeeffectofyourthrustangleonaverticalupline.Entryspeed,comparedtounderloadafterclimbingto100'willbeasmuchas30–40mphslower.NowagreatlittletipIlearnedformakingtheadjustments.


Aftermanypullups,youreallyneedmorerightthrust,asyoupassthrough500’youcanclearlyseeyourmodeldriftingtotheleft.Hereisthecooltip:applysomerightrudderandcontinuetoapplyituntilittracksstraight.Bringtheplanintolandandcheckyourrudderdeflection.Useaprotractortoseehowmanydegreesofrudderyourequiredforastraightvertical.Whateveritis,divideitby2andthatwillbewhatyouneedtoaddtoyourrightthrust.Ifyouhave2degreesofrightrudder,youwillneedtoadd1degmoreofrightthrust.Itworks,itreallydoes,anditworksbothways.Ifyouneedleftrudder(toomuchrightthrust)youcanusethesameequation.

DifferentialAilerondifferentialisoneofthemostimportantaspectsofmodeltrim.Withthemultiplepointrollsonbothupanddownlinesintoday’smodernpatterns,poordifferentialcanbearealheadache.Thegoodnewsisit’sprettyeasytodetectandadjustforaxialrolls.Theimportantthingatthisstageofthegameisknowingourthrust,andwingweightiscorrect,thenwecanproceedwithourdifferentialsetups.You’reprobablystartingtounderstandtheimportanceoftrimmingyourmodel,inthecorrectsequence.Eachstepcomplementsthelastandshouldhavenonegativeeffectsintrim.

Ailerondifferentialisrequiredwhenthedragofthedowngoingailerondoesnotmachtheupgoingaileron.No,IamdefinitelynotGeorgeHicks,andtobetruthfulitscaresmethatGeorgewillreadthisandrealizehowsimpleIthink.Beforewegofurther,Iwouldliketointerjecthere,thatyoumakeabsolutelysureyouarenotgettingsurfaceblowback.Youwillnevergetyourdifferentialcorrectifyouare.It’seasytocheckfor.Pushtoaverticaldownlineandrolltotheright,stoprollingforasecond,thenrollagain.Therollrateshouldbethesame.Ifitisslowing,thenyoursurfacesarenotreachingtheirintendedthrows.Anothersignisyouruplinerollrateisfasterthanyourdown.Please,youneedtofixthis.Dowhatneedstobedone.Eitherincreaseyourservopower,orimproveyourgeometry,byreducingtheservohornradius,and/orincreasingthedistancethecontrolhornpickupisfromthehingeline,orifyouhavelotsofcash,addmoreservos.Whateverpathyoutake,youcan’taffordtohavesurfaceblowbackasyourflyingwillneverbeconsistent.Mostmodernradioshaveadifferentialprogram.IhaveusedboththeATVfunctionortheDifferentialfunctionandbothworkwell.


Iwantyoutousethesametechniqueasbeforewhencheckingforthethrust,onlythistimeonlypullto45degrees,makingsureyouareeitherdirectlyintothewind,ordirectlydownwind.Usingfullailerondeflection,rolltotheright.Iftheaircraft(whatIcall)walkstotheright,thenyouhavetoomuchdowntravelonyourailerons.Ifyourolltotherightandthemodel“walks”totheleft,youhavetoomuchuptravelinyourailerons.Repeatthisprocesstotheleftaswelluntilyouaresatisfiedyourmodelistrackingtrueintherollaxis.Likewiththethrustangles,don’texpectyourmodeltocontinuetorollfor5000’onastring—itjustcan’tbedone.Asperpreviousrecommendations,goforthemajoritysituation.Withthecorrectdifferentialonyourmodel,youwillbeamazedhoweasyitistodohesitationsonlines.

Programmable MixingYouwillnoticethissubjectisthelastinthesequencebutformany,it’sthefirst—manypeoplegostraighttothissectionfirst.Mymodelhas5%mixonrudder.Igetphonecallsallthetimefromexcitedpilots.Pete,IjusttestflewmyNewEdge;itonlyhas8%Aileronmixand4%knife-edgemixing.BoyIthink,theysuregottothedetailsoftrimmingtheirmodelfasterthanIcan.ThepointIliketomakethroughoutthisarticleistosticktothecorrectsequence.Knowthatonlyafterperhaps10–15,perhaps20flights,arewegoingtoworkonthemixingtofinetuneourmodel.

WhatIwouldliketodoistobreakupthisProgrammableMixsectioninto2sections.Thefirstisthedownline,torqueoffsetorthrottleoffsetmixingandsecond,thetraditionalrudderelevator/aileronmixing.Mostpeoplehaveafairlygoodunderstandungofthelatter,rudertoelev/aileronbutnotmanyareusingThrottleoffsetmixing.SomeIhaveseen,butonlyinthepitchcompensation.WhatIwouldhopeyouallpayattentiontoiswhatyourmodelisdoingonadownline,oratreducedthrottle(Idle)intherollorYawaxis.It’sboththeseareasIseepeoplestruggle.Oneofthebenefitsofjudgingoureventsisyouseealotofstrangetrimsituations.RememberingbackattheNationals,Icanclearlyremembermodelsrollingondownlines,andyawingoffaxiscausingsomestrange-lookingdownlinerolls.It’salmostimpossibletohaveperfecttriminrollatallspeeds.Allyoucanhopeforistomixoutsomecompensationtohelpreduceyourworkload.BoththeYawandRollaxis,inmostcaseshaveabiggeraffectinyourmodeltrackondownlinesthananyothersituation.Imaginewhattheeffectsofa5degreeerroroneverydownlinewouldmean.Overthelengthofthebox(Yes,Ithinkweneedaboxtoflyin)youcandriftinoroutbyasmuchas150’andthesameappliestotheyawaxis.Evernoticedhowharditistogetyourwingslevelwhenapproachingapullcornerwithlittletime.Withyourmodelrollingandyawingatdifferentspeeds,youwillneverbeconsistent.Itishardenoughtobeabsolutelysurethatyourwingsarelevel,letalonechaseanout-of-trimsituation.


Goodnewsis,it’sfairlyeasytocompensatefor.Letsdotherollaxisfirst,youcandothis2waysandbothworkwell.Infact,Iwouldsuggestyoutrybothtogetthebestinput.

Version1istoclimbtoahighaltitude,simulatingatypicaltopoftheboxaltitudeandflydirectlyoveryourheadandintothewind.About50–100feetoutfromyourself,pushdown.

Youarenowlookingattheplanviewofthemodel.Watchcarefullytoseeifthemodelisrollingonthedownline.Mostmodelswillrollslightlytotheright.Personally,Ihaveneverhadamodelthathasn’tneededalittleleftaileronmixonlowthrottle.I’mnotsayingitcan’thappenbutIpersonallyhaven’tseenit.ThesecondwaytocheckforthrottleAileronmixistoflyalongatlevelflight,mediumheightandreducethethrottle.Watchcarefullyandseeifyourmodelisrolling,chancesareitwill.Arrr,everwonderedwhyyoualwayshavetoleanalittleleftaileronenteringspins,orwhyyourmodelalwaysfallsoneway,perhapsit’sbecauseyourlowpowertrimisnotcorrect.

Ok,thesecondProgrammableMixisthethrottle-to-ruddermix.Samedeal,it’shardtogetyourmodeltotrackcorrectlyintheyawaxisatallspeeds,youronlyhopeistoapplyasmallamountof"left"rudderonlowthrottle.Tocheckforthis,usethesametechniqueasthethrottle-to-aileron:flyaboveyourself,directlyintothewindandpushdowninfrontofyourselfandwatchcarefully.Youwillbeamazed,especiallyatthestartofthedownline.Ifyouhaven’tgotanythrottleoffsettorudder,youaremostlikelyflyingaroundtheproblem,andwhereIfinditmostchallengingisinfigure9’sandverticalandhorizontal8’s.Anytimeyouareusingelevatorandareoffontheyawaxis,it’sabadhairday.Icanhearallyouguysthinking,yesit’strue.Yourmodelperhapscouldneedalittleruddermixonlowthrottle.Giveitatry,youwillbeamazed.Iknowofsomefairlyexperiencedmodelersthatusethesametheorybutreversewherethemixis.Theyuselittletonorightthrustontheenginebuthaverightruddermixedonfullthrottle.Thatworkswell,orsoI’vebeentold,butIhaven’ttrieditmyself.Onethingyoumaywanttoexperimentwithinboththesescenariosiswherethemixisactivated.Iliketohavethestickoffsetat

leastabovehalfandletitprogressfromthere.Itseemstobethebestbalance,plusIamnotgettingasuddenmixinput;itprogressesmoreorlesswiththespeedofthemodel.Thiswillvaryfrommodeltomodelbuttrytokeepthemixactivationwellaboveanidlesetting.

Hopefullyyouhavenoticedwhenworkingthroughthetrimsequencehoweachtrimadjustmenthascomplementedthenextstage.RudderAileronMix.InmostcasesonlyrequiresalinearProgrammableMix.WhatImeanbylinearProgrammableMixisthatyoudon’tneedaprogressivevaluetothemix.(i.eLessatthestart,moreattheendandthemixwillbelinear.)Mostmoderndesigns,withtheexceptionofBi-planes,arerealcloseandonlyrequireasmallamountofRudderAileronMix.It’sfairlyeasytoidentify.Someliketoputtheirmodelonknife-edge,butIliketojustdoflatturns,simulatingrollingturninputs.Remember,playthenumbers,rollingturnsrequiremoreprecisemixingthansustainedknife-edgeflight.Infact,youdon’tdomuchflyingonyoursideatall,butyousuredoalotofrollingturns.So,Iliketodotheflatturnthing.Doingasimpleinsiderudderturntotheleft,usingleftrudder,themodelshouldjustyaw,withnorolleffect.Iftheplanerollstotheleft,thenyouneedtomix2–5%rightailerontoleftrudder.MyCapisalittleuniqueasithasadverseroll.WhenIapplyleftrudder,themodelrollsright,soIneedleftaileronmixedwithleftrudder.Repeattheprocesswithrightrudder.NowwhatIwantyoutodoisvarythespeedinwhichyoudoyourflatturns.Ifyoufindasyouincreaseyourspeedthemixbecomestoomuch,youcouldbegettingsurfaceblowback.Man,sorrytokeepharpingaboutthisbutitisimportant.Withinsufficientrudderpower,whenyouapplyaProgrammableMixforroll,orpitchforthatmatter,themixwillbecometoomuchvalueastherudderthrowreducesduetoaerodynamicpressure.Iseeafewlightsgoingoffagain.Couldthisbewhyyouhaveyourmixperfectforknifeedge,butyouchaseyouraircraftalloverdoingrollingcircles?


Rudderelevator.Ithinkabout3timesinmyentirelifeIhadamodelthatdidn’tneedrudderelevatorcompensation.Sameaswiththepreviousrudderaileron,startbydoingaflatturntotheleftandseewhathappens.Ifyourmodelpitchesdownwhenrudderisapplied,thenmixasmallamountofupelevator:ifitpitchesup,applyasmallamountofdownelevator.Therearesomecases,evenwithoutblowback,themixvaluewillnotbeexactlycorrectforallthrottlesettings.

Don’tpanic,aswithmostmodernradiossuitableforAerobatics,youcanusewhatiscalledacurvemix.Thismixallowsyoutohavemultiplepointsalongyourmixcurvetoincreaseordecreaseyourmixvalueatdifferentrudderinputs.MyCapisagoodexampleofthis.Atlowrudderthrows,Ionlyneed1–2%mix,butasthethrowincreases,Ineedupto10%.IfIjusthavea10%,mixitwillbetoomuchatsmallrudderinputs.Thecurvemixisdesignedtosolvethisproblem.

OneofthemostcommonquestionsIgetaskediswhatcanIdotoimprovemyaerobaticperformance.MyanswerisuniquebutIhopeyouwillatleastconsiderthenextfewcomments.Myadviceisnottolettheegotakeoveryourgoals;practicehardandfocusonthefacttherewillalwaysbesomebodybetterthanyou—frommyexperiencetherealwayswas.Thismayseemalittleharsh,butinallmyyearsofflyingaerobatics,andnottoexcludemyselfinthiscomment,egosandover-confidencecanbethebiggesthindranceinapilot'sabilitytogrow.Trytoavoidlettingyouregobeyouronlymotivation.Beobjective,behumble,listen,watchandexperiment,that’swhatalltheTOCandMasterspilotsdo.Sure,weallhaveegos,butatsomestageofourlivesouregoshaveletusdown.Wewerehumbledandforcedtolistenandbeobjective.

That’saboutit,staycoolandhopefullywecancatchupatthenextaerobaticevent.

Pete


2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

GENERAL1) Iwillnotflymymodelaircraftinsanctionedevents,air

showsormodelflyingdemonstrationsuntilithasbeenproventobeairworthybyhavingbeenpreviously,successfullyflighttested.

2) Iwillnotflymymodelhigherthanapproximately400feetwithin3milesofanairportwithoutnotifyingtheairportoperator.Iwillgiveright-of-wayandavoidflyingintheproximityoffull-scaleaircraft.Wherenecessary,anobservershallbeutilizedtosuperviseflyingtoavoidhavingmodelsflyintheproximityoffull-scaleaircraft.

3) Whereestablished,IwillabidebythesafetyrulesfortheflyingsiteIuse,andIwillnotwillfullyordeliberatelyflymymodelsinacareless,recklessand/ordangerousmanner.

4) Themaximumtakeoffweightofamodelis55pounds,exceptmodelsflownunderExperimentalAircraftrules.

5) IwillnotflymymodelunlessitisidentifiedwithmynameandaddressorAMAnumberonorinthemodel.(Thisdoesnotapplytomodelswhilebeingflownindoors.)

6) Iwillnotoperatemodelswithmetal-bladedpropellersorwithgaseousboosts,inwhichgasesotherthanairentertheirinternalcombustionengine(s);norwillIoperatemodelswithextremelyhazardousfuelssuchasthosecontainingtetranitromethaneorhydrazine.

RADIO CONTROL1) Iwillhavecompletedasuccessfulradioequipment

groundrangecheckbeforethefirstflightofaneworrepairedmodel.

2) IwillnotflymymodelaircraftinthepresenceofspectatorsuntilIbecomeaqualifiedflier,unlessassistedbyanexperiencedhelper.

3) Atallflyingsitesastraightorcurvedline(s)mustbeestablishedinfrontofwhichallflyingtakesplacewiththe

othersideforspectators.Onlypersonnelinvolvedwithflyingtheaircraftareallowedatorinfrontoftheflightline.Intentionalflyingbehindtheflightlineisprohibited.

4) IwilloperatemymodelusingonlyradiocontrolfrequenciescurrentlyallowedbytheFederalCommunicationsCommission.(OnlyproperlylicensedAmateursareauthorizedtooperateequipmentonAmateurBandfrequencies.)

5) Flyingsitesseparatedbythreemilesormoreareconsideredsafefromsite-to-siteinterference,evenwhenbothsitesusethesamefrequencies.Anycircumstancesunderthreemilesseparationrequireafrequencymanagementarrangement,whichmaybeeitheranallocationofspecificfrequenciesforeachsiteortestingtodeterminethatfreedomfrominterferenceexists.AllocationplansorinterferencetestreportsshallbesignedbythepartiesinvolvedandprovidedtoAMAHeadquarters.

Documentsofagreementandreportsmayexistbetween(1)twoormoreAMACharteredClubs,(2)AMAclubsandindividualAMAmembersnotassociatedwithAMAClubs,or(3)twoormoreindividualAMAmembers.

6) ForCombat,distancebetweencombatengagementlineandspectatorlinewillbe500feetpercubicinchofenginedisplacement.(Example:.40engine=200feet.);electricmotorswillbebasedonequivalentcombustionenginesize.AdditionalsafetyrequirementswillbepertheRCCombatsectionofthecurrentCompetitionRegulations.

7) Atairshowsormodelflyingdemonstrations,asinglestraightlinemustbeestablished,onesideofwhichisforflying,withtheothersideforspectators.

8) WiththeexceptionofeventsflownunderAMACompetitionrules,afterlaunch,exceptforpilotsorhelpersbeingused,nopoweredmodelmaybeflowncloserthan25feettoanyperson.

9) Undernocircumstancesmayapilotorotherpersontouchapoweredmodelinflight.


Building and Flying Notes