Great Planes Edge 540 3D Indoor EP ARF - GPMA1128 - Manual (Page 15)

15
over the screw, then the propeller and over the other screw. A
small jewelers phillips head screwdriver can be used to pry
the rubber o-ring over the screws and propeller. Be careful
not to allow the screwdriver to slip and damage the windings
inside the motor.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a
model fl ies and could determine whether or not your fi rst
fl ight will be successful. If you value your model and wish
to enjoy it for many fl ights,
DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS
IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly
balanced may be unstable and possibly unfl yable.
Because the Edge 540 is an indoor lightweight plane, adding
weight to balance the plane is not an option. At this stage
the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition with
all of the
components in place except the motor battery. The motor
battery will be moved forward and aft to balance the plane.
❏
1. Use a fi ne-point felt tip pen to mark lines on the bottom
of the wing, 5/8" [15 mm] aft from the carbon strip in the wing,
on both sides of the fuselage. Apply narrow (1/16" [1.5mm])
strips of tape over the lines so you will be able to feel them
when lifting the model with your fi ngers.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G. 1/4"
[6mm] forward or 1/4" [6mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model will then be less
aerobatic (which may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots).
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable
and aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case,
start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. Place the motor battery on the top of the fuselage on
the recommended CG. Lift the model from the bottom at the
recommended CG.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy.” Move the motor
battery forward to get the model to balance. If the nose drops,
the model is “nose heavy.” Move the motor battery aft. Once
you have determined the battery location required to balance
the plane, note the location and where the battery would need
to be attached on the bottom of the fuselage.
❏
4. Apply the remaining hook and loop material to the side of
the fuselage at the approximate location for the motor battery.
Attach an opposite piece of hook and loop material to the
battery. Trial fi t the motor battery to the side of the fuselage
and recheck the CG.
OPTIONAL AILERON
BALANCE SPADES
We found in our testing that the aileron balance spades
enhanced the turning ability of the Edge 540. Most fl at foam
planes require some rudder input to turn. With the aileron
balance spades, turns are easily accomplished with just
aileron and elevator.
❏
1. Remove the two balance spades and the four offsets.