Great Planes Spectra Electric Sailplane Kit - GPMA0540 - Manual (Page 4)

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You are about to enter one of the most
exciting realms of radio control flying - Electric Powered
Sailplanes.
Electric powered soaring is one of the most enjoyable
types of R/C flying because it combines the convenience of
being able to fly from almost any small field with the
challenge of staying aloft for long periods of time. There is
something very gratifying about defying gravity and being
able to gain altitude using only nature's own air currents. The
Spectra's powerful Goldfire motor quickly pulls it up to
thermaling altitude where the motor is shut off and the
Spectra becomes a "Thermaling Machine". With a little
practice, you will be able to soar for hours in a single flight!
We would like to take this chance to thank you for
purchasing the Great Planes SPECTRA Electric Sailplane. It
has been designed to give you many hours of enjoyable flight,
and we spent many months engineering it to be a very
enjoyable kit to build. If you have any comments or sugges-
tions feel free to share them with us.
PRECAUTIONS
1. You must build the plane according to the plans and
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model as doing so
may result in an unsafe or un-flyable model. In a few cases
the plans and instructions may differ slightly from the photos.
In those instances you should assume the plans and written
instructions are correct
2. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
3. You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first class
condition.
4. You must properly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates properly on the ground and in the
air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before the first
and each successive flight to insure that all equipment is
operating, and you must make certain that the model has
remained structurally sound. Be sure to check the nylon
clevises often, and replace if they show signs of wear.
6. You must fly the model only with the competent help of
a well experienced R/C pilot if you are not already an
experienced and knowledgeable R/C pilot at this time.
Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, can provide you with a top
quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the quality
and'' fly-ability "of your finished model depends on how you
build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representa-
tions are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety
of your completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow direc-
tions to end up with a well-built model that is
straight and true.
OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED
RADIO - A Radio having at least 2 channels is required to
control the SPECTRA (a third channel is required for throttle
control). Standard size servos can be used without any
problem but a 250 mAh receiver battery is recommended but
not required. Make sure that the radio is on an "Aircraft
Only'' frequency.
FLIGHT BATTERY - A 6 or 7 cell battery with a " Kyosho"
type connector is required to power the electric motor. We
recommend you use a 7 cell battery as it offers much higher
performance than a 6 cell battery. The capacity (mAh) of the
battery can be anywhere from 800 mAh to 1700 mAh. For
general flying a 1200 -1700 mAh 7 cell battery will provide
good power, good motor duration, and good flight perform-
ance. For contest flying an 800 - 900 mAh 7 cell battery will
provide a shorter motor duration but its lighter weight will
enable the SPECTRA to climb quicker and soar better. A
1200 -1700 mAh 6 cell battery should be used if you just want
to fly around with the motor on continuously. If your batteries
have "Tamiya" style connectors, you'll have to change the
connector on the wiring harness, or purchase a Kyosho #6195
adaptor.
CHARGER - A quick (15-20 Minute) charger is required to
charge your flight battery. These chargers come in many
different styles (DC, AC/DC, Timed, Peak, Temperature
Sensing, etc.).
The most inexpensive charger will be a DC Quick
Charger with a 15 - 30 minute timer. This type of charger will
work fine but you should never leave the charger unattended
while charging as the timers are not always reliable. If the
timer sticks or the battery already had some charge in it, the
battery could be over charged, heat up and explode. If you use
this type of charger, check the temperature of the battery
every couple of minutes and turn the charger off as soon as the
battery starts getting warm.
The best type of chargers are the "Peak'' chargers. They
constantly measure the voltage of the battery being charged
and when the voltage starts to drop (as the voltage of a Nicad
battery will do when it is fully charged) it will shut off. All
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