E-flite Showstopper Precision Variable Pitch Prop System - Manual (Page 2)

 After ensuring that the servo arm and blade grips are in the zero pitch
positions, secure the pushrod in the pushrod linkage by using the
included self-tapping screw. However, be sure that you do not use too
much force to tighten the screw as it could strip the plastic.
 Install the included rubber spinner over the front “lip” of the pitch
bridge to complete installation.
Main Blade Installation and Initial Pitch Curve/
Travel Settings
Now that you have completed installation of the SSVPP system, you will
need to install the main blades and complete initial setup and adjustment of
the pitch curves and pitch servo travel value in the various flight modes that
will be used.
 Install one main blade in each blade grip using the included
socket head shoulder screws and nylon insert locknuts. Be sure
that the blades are installed so that the leading edges will rotate
counterclockwise.
 Tighten the main blade mounting screws until some moderate force is
required to rotate the main blades in the blade grips. Be sure that you
do not leave the blades loose in the grips.
Note: It may be necessary for you to further tighten the
main blade mounting screws after the first few flights to
prevent the blades from moving too freely in the grips.
Before proceeding, be sure that your transmitter and onboard electronics are
powered on.
Also, be sure that the motor is left unplugged from the
ESC for safety.
 Set the Travel Adjustment/End Point Adjustment values for the “Pitch”
channel to approximately 50% each way. This is generally a good
starting point for adjusting the overall pitch range/travel of your
system.
 Next, program the following pitch curves for the “Normal” and “Idle
Up” flight modes:
Note: The values shown are approximate and may need
to be adjusted depending on your particular setup and/
or preferred performance. However, these values are
similar to those used during most of our testing.
0
10
20
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50
60
70
80
90
100
L 1 2 3 H
Stick Position
Pitch Curve
Normal Flight Mode
Values
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
L 1 2 3 H
Stick Position
Pitch Curve
Idle Up Flight Mode
Values
With the pitch curves programmed, use the corresponding switch on your
transmitter to enter the Idle Up flight mode. In this mode you will be able to
check the maximum travel/pitch range of the blades. You will also be able to
confirm proper operating direction of the pitch servo.
 When in the Idle Up flight mode, and with the motor still
disconnected from the ESC , advance the throttle/pitch stick to the
full position. With the blades extended outward, the leading edge of
the blades should now be positioned away from the model and motor,
indicating that they are providing “positive” pitch for forward thrust.
With the throttle/pitch stick in the lowest position, the leading edge
of the blades should now be positioned toward the model and motor,
indicating that they are providing “negative” pitch for reverse thrust.
If you find that the pitch response is opposite to the stick movements
indicated, simply use the servo reversing function of your
transmitter to reverse the operating direction of the pitch servo.
 After confirming proper control response of main blade pitch, you can
now make initial adjustments to the overall travel/pitch range. In the
case of the Extra 260, when using the recommended setup, we find
that there should be approximately 55mm between the ends of the
blades when they are folded parallel (when viewed from the front) to
one another and viewed from the side (when in the Idle Up flight mode,
with the throttle/pitch stick in the highest and lowest positions).
Approximately 55mm
If you find that the distance between the ends of the blades is more
or less than 55mm, use the travel/end point adjustment function
of your transmitter to adjust the overall pitch servo travel in both
the highest and lowest stick positions. Typically we find that a
travel/endpoint adjustment value of approximately 70% in both
directions provides the correct pitch servo travel for the Extra 260.
Note: The actual amount of overall travel/pitch range of the blades
you need to set will depend on your chosen power system’s
performance and maximum power output capability, as well
as the size and weight of your model. In general it is best to
adjust the maximum travel/pitch values by using a Power Meter
(EFLA110) to measure the current and power of your power
system when full positive or negative pitch is applied. Typically
you will want to be sure that you are not pulling too much current
for the motor, ESC or battery pack you have chosen to use, based
on the maximum recommendations from the manufacturer.
In the case of the recommended setup for the Extra
260, you should be sure not to exceed approximately
12 amps of current consumption when full positive or
negative pitch is applied in the Idle Up flight mode.
Throttle Curve Settings
With the pitch curves and travel values set, you can now program the throttle
curves for the various flight modes that will be used.
 Program the following throttle curves for the “Normal” and “Idle Up”
flight modes:
Note: The values shown are approximate and may need
to be adjusted depending on your particular setup and/
or preferred performance. However, these values are
similar to those used during most of our testing
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
L 1 2 3 H
Stick Position
Throttle Curve
Normal Flight Mode
Values
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
L 1 2 3 H
Stick Position
Throttle Curve
Idle Up Flight Mode
Values
Flying Tips
 We have found that the use of white lithium grease on the pushrod
where it slides through the motor shaft helps to smooth out the
operation of the Showstopper Variable Pitch Prop System. You may
purchase this at any local hardware store, however, be sure to keep
the grease away from the foam parts of the airplane as it can cause
damage to the foam.
 The “Normal” flight mode is typically used for flying like you
would when using a standard, fixed-pitch propeller. This is why
the recommended pitch curve for this mode keeps the blades at a
consistent pitch setting through the entire throttle/pitch range, and why
the recommended throttle curve allows the power to be adjusted from
zero to full power.
In general, it is best to begin and end each flight in the Normal
flight mode. Also, you will need to be in the Normal flight mode for
the ESC to arm properly, and in order to power down the motor.
 The “Idle Up” flight mode is typically used when you would like to
utilize forward and reverse thrust during flight. In this flight mode,
placing the throttle/pitch stick in the highest position will offer
maximum forward thrust by providing full power and full positive
pitch. Placing the throttle/pitch stick in the lowest position will offer
maximum reverse thrust by providing full power and full negative
pitch. When the throttle/collective stick is in the middle position, the
thrust will be approximately zero in either direction when using the
recommended curve.
In general, it is best to enter and exit the Idle Up flight mode during
level forward flight at cruise speed. This will help to minimize any
pitch and thrust changes during the transition. Also, it is usually best
to keep abrupt positive to negative (and vice versa) pitch changes
to a minimum as it can place a significant amount of stress on the
airframe and system. With some practice, you will find that smooth
and deliberate applications of positive to negative (and vice versa)
pitch can result in controlled flight, opening the door to many
maneuvers never before possible with a fixed-pitch propeller.
Take your time when learning to fly the model in the Idle Up flight
mode, and be sure to remember that any time you lower the stick
below approximately the middle position, the power system will offer
reverse thrust. For this reason, most of the flight will be spent with
the stick in the 3/4 to 2/3 position (for typical forward flight), with
lower stick positions typically reserved for reverse thrust maneuvers.
 After you have gained some flight experience and confidence using the
SSVPP system, you may choose to adjust the pitch and throttle curves
(especially in the Idle Up flight mode) to better suit your preferred
performance and flying style. You can also visit www.E-fliteRC.com for
more pitch and throttle curve setups, including those used by Quique
Somenzini for his competition Byp Yak 3D model.
Precautions, Warnings and Support
Please read these safety precautions and warnings before use. Failure
to comply with these warnings and/or improper use of the Showstopper
Variable Pitch Prop System may result in serious injury.
Please make sure the Showstopper Variable Pitch Prop System is properly
balanced before use for proper performance. You must also make sure that
the blades and all other components are secure before use. Keep fingers and
hands, hair, face, body parts, or clothing away from the moving propeller
or risk serious injury. Keep all spectators twenty feet from the path of this
propeller. Do not start the motor/propeller near any loose gravel or dirt to
prevent particles from flying and injuring individuals. Do not throw anything
into the moving propeller to stop it from running. Please discard and replace
any blades that appear damaged, showing signs of wear, nicks or cracks.
Please do not attempt to repair parts of the SSVPP system or modify it from
its intended use.
For additional information concerning the Showstopper Variable Pitch Prop
System, please refer to our web page for this item or contact your E-flite
distributor. You can also direct emails to [email protected],
or in the U.S. call 877.504.0233 toll-free to speak to a support technician.
© 2006 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
www.horizonhobby.com
www.E-fliteRC.com
E-flite® is an exclusive brand of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
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