HobbyZone® products are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 ©2007 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
The Place to Start™ Congratulations on your purchase of the HobbyZone® Firebird Phantom™ RTF electric airplane. Your Firebird Phantom comes complete with everything you need, all in one box, to get you in the air and flying. A video compact disk (VCD) is also included to give you some helpful hints before you take to the sky. Your Firebird Phantom uses advanced Anti-Crash Technology™ (ACT) that allows you to safely train with a fully proportional 3-channel aircraft and radio system.
1. Remove the transmitter back cover. 2. Install the included "AA" batteries. Use four fresh 1.5V “AA” batteries only. 3. Be sure to observe proper polarity when installing the batteries, and then replace the cover. 4. To test, switch on the transmitter. The LED should glow brightly. 5. Replace the batteries when you hear the low battery alarm (beeping sound). Note: You may notice a small switch immediately below the LED and the power switch.
Adult Supervision Required WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller AT ALL TIMES and hold the plane securely. A moving propeller can cause severe injury. 1. Turn on transmitter. 2. Install the flight battery into the fuselage and plug it into the connector. 3. Move the transmitter’s left stick all the way down and hold for one second. This will arm the motor. 4. Move the transmitter’s left stick up. Since most batteries come partially charged, the prop should spin at high speed.
1. Switch on the transmitter. Check the LED. Do not touch the sticks for 2 seconds while the transmitter automatically calibrates the controls. 2. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug in the connector. Do not arm the motor. 3. The small buttons under and to the side of the sticks are the digital trim buttons and are used to adjust the “neutral” point of your control stick. Each time the transmitter is powered up, it should reset the trim automatically.
Choose a Calm Day In order to have the most success, and to protect property and your Firebird Phantom™ from any damage, it is very important to select a place to fly that is very open. The site should: • Have a minimum of 300 feet of clear space in all directions. • Be clear of pedestrians. • Be free of trees or buildings that could interfere with your sightline, or power lines that could entangle your airplane.
You will need two people to do the range test: one to hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane. 1. One person holds the transmitter; the other person walks 100 paces away with the airplane. 2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and turn the transmitter on. 3. Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch cover. 4. Pull the throttle stick back to arm the motor. 5.
The Firebird Phantom’s ACT software will help prevent you from crashing into the ground. If you enter a severe dive while flying with ACT engaged, you will notice the following take place: • You will hear the motor speed reduce as the ACT programming overrides your input. This slows the descent of the aircraft to help prevent a crash. • The ACT software will give up elevator input to the aircraft’s electronics to help pull the plane out of a dive.
Your Firebird Phantom™ is equipped with a third channel for pitch control (elevator). Pulling back on the right stick provides UP elevator that allows for better flares for landing, a better climb rate and more effective turns. However, giving too much UP elevator (pulling back to far on the right stick) will cause the airplane to enter a stall, especially at slower speeds. Just after a stall occurs, the nose of the airplane will go down, and the airplane will begin to enter a dive.
1. After launching your Firebird Phantom,™ it will begin climbing at full throttle. With the throttle all the way on, your Firebird Phantom should climb without any elevator input. 2. Make right- and left-hand adjustments to keep your airplane heading directly into the wind. Do not attempt a turn until you have reached a minimum of 50–100 feet of altitude. That’s about as tall as a 4- to 8-story building.
SUCCESS TIP: Your Firebird Phantom's transmitter has a throttle stick that gives power to the motor. It has proportional control, meaning you can advance the motor as much or little as needed in flight. In order to have the most success, it is important to operate the throttle stick smoothly, as well as the steering and elevator stick.
Making Adjustments: Plane Turns to the Left or Right If you notice that your airplane wants to turn to either the left or right when the control stick is centered, some adjustments are needed as the control surfaces may not be at neutral. To make in flight adjustments simple and accurate, there are digital trim buttons located to the bottom and side of the control sticks.
If your Firebird Phantom does not climb fast enough when at full throttle and with a full charged battery pack, you can adjust the climb rate by: 1. Tightening the front screw one full turn and loosening the back screw one full turn. 2. Test flying. 3. Repeat the above procedure until your plane climbs adequately under full power.
If a Crash Occurs Warnings and Safety Checklist If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing or tail breaks, it can be repaired using packing tape to cover missing pieces. 1. Read and follow this manual and included video CD completely, observing all instructions and safety directions. Otherwise, serious injury and damage can occur. Think safety first. 2. Keep propeller away from all body parts at all times! Beware of loose clothing or hair becoming entangled in the propeller. 3.
Troubleshooting POSSIBLE CAUSE PROBLEM Unit does not operate Aircraft keeps turning in one direction Aircraft is difficult to control Aircraft keeps pitching up steeply Aircraft won't climb 28 Success Tips 1. 2. 3. 4. Transmitter "AA"batteries are depleted or installed incorrectly as indicated by a dim or unlit LED on the transmitter or the low battery alarm No electrical connection Aircraft battery is not charged Crash has damaged the radio inside the fuselage SOLUTION 1.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this merchandise to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts, or damage by use or modification. In no case shall Horizon Hobby’s liability exceed the original purchase cost of this item. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures (continued) Warranty Service Providing all warranty conditions have been met, defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge and shipped to you via ground freight prepaid. Again, crash or other collateral damage or expense is not covered under warranty. Proofof-purchase date and location is required for all warranty service.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs: Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For questions or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby. com, or call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a service technician.
Future RC Flight Phantom™ Keep your Firebird in the air! Spare parts are available from your dealer or from Horizon Hobby direct (www.horizonhobby.com). Please check with your dealer first— by supporting your dealer, they’ll be there when you need them. To locate your local dealer, go to www.hobbyzonerc.com.
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