ELECTRIC POWER (EASY STAR) three channel function RTF (part 2)

Take the Hitec Focus transmitter out of the box. The antenna mast must be installed per the instruction manual. Make sure you reference this separate manual for details of these following tasks. There is a battery box access hatch cover at the bottom of the transmitter case. Remove that cover and extract the battery box or holder. The system requires eight AA alkaline non-rechargeable batteries installed in this holder. Make sure you observe the proper polarity of these battery cells. When finished, insert the battery box back into its compartment and secure the hatch cover.

If you did everything right, when you turn on the main power (slide) switch the green LED should light to tell you the transmitter is on and that the batteries have sufficient capacity to operate the transmitter. After using these battery cells for a few hours the amber LED will light telling you that the batteries are getting weaker. When the red LED glows, you must stop flying immediately and replace the batteries.


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The aircraft battery powers the electric motor and, with a shared circuit in the speed controller (which is called the BEC or battery eliminator circuit), powers the airborne RC receiver and servos as well. This particular battery consists of a six-cell nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery pack rated at 600 mAh.

It must be charged using the supplied peak-detect charger.


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That charger has two large alligator clips located at the end of two cables. One is red for battery positive and the other black for battery negative. These two alligator clips get attached to the positive and negative terminals on your car battery.

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When charging the battery, make sure you take it out of your model aircraft. Only attempt to charge the battery when it is reasonably cool—never when it is hot as it might be right after a flight. Always let the battery cool down before charging.

To charge the battery, first attach it to the special white nylon connector that mates with the one on the battery pack. These connectors can only plug in one way and with the proper polarity.

Once connected press the “start” button and hold it down for three seconds until the red light glows steady. When the battery is fully charged—usually 15-20 minutes—the charger will automatically turn itself off and the red light will blink or flash. After charging, the battery should feel warm to the touch. As soon as the battery indicates the charge is complete, unplug it from the charger. This charger is intended for this particular type and size battery pack. The amount of charge current has been preset for you.

Slip the wing into the slot on the forward, upper portion of the fuselage. Sometimes there might be a small amount of extra foam blocking the way. If so, be careful removing the excess foam because there are internal motor wires located in the same area. Hopefully you won’t have to do anything about this situation.

Before going to the flying field check the center of gravity or balance point of the EasyStar with the battery in place.

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TThat point should be 78 millimeters (mm) or 3.07 inches back from the leading edge of the wing. With your fingers supporting the EasyStar at this exact position the airplane should be approximately in a level attitude. If the nose drops down, the plane is nose heavy or if the tail is down it is tail heavy. Slightly changing the battery position can correct these situations but as an RTF model, the EasyStar was designed to be perfectly balanced as supplied.

With this particular aircraft there is no switch so it is important to always have the battery pack unplugged (not connected) when not flying. In fact, to make absolutely sure, remove the battery pack from the EasyStar when not flying.

You can add the decorative decals at this point to dress up your EastStar. Use the colored box photos to guide you on the suggested location of these decals. They must be cut from a single sheet of decals.

Your EasyStar is constructed entirely from polystyrene foam, called Elapor. Should any repairs be necessary you may use “foam safe” cyanoacrylate instant glues along with a “foam safe” accelerator. For major damage you will be able to purchase replacement parts such as replacement wing panels from your hobby shop or distributor. Some parts may have to be ordered but it should not take long.

You are now ready to meet your instructor pilot at your local flying site or field.

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