Instruction manual

ManualsBrandsMaxford ManualsBaby CareL-4 Grasshopper

VII. SETUP & ADJUSTMENTS:

1. Ensure all parts are secure and ready for flight.

2. Check and if necessary adjust the center of gravity: For your initial flight we recommend that your L-4

balance when lifted at a point approx. 2 9/16-inches (65 mm) behind the leading edge of the wing (when

balanced, it should hang level; neither nose up nor nose down).

3. Check/adjust servo centering, direction and end-point adjustments: When you pull the right stick toward

you, the elevator should deflect upwards; push the right stick to the right and the right aileron should deflect

upwards and the left aileron should deflect downwards; push the left stick left and the rudder should deflect

to the left as viewed from the rear of the fuselage. If you are using a Computer Radio: For initial flights

set all linkages for near-max. possible deflections; then soften the aileron’s and elevator’s control throws by

selecting 60% or more exponential and 30% exponential for the rudder.

Initial settings if you are using a

Non-Computer Radio:

Recommended Deflection

Elevator ..................................... 15 degrees (3/4 inches) up and down from center

Rudder ....................................... 20 degrees (7/8 inches) left and right from center

Ailerons ..................................... 15 degrees (1/2 inches) up and down from center

4. Check the Mylar covering material’s joints and surfaces. If necessary, carefully use an iron on medium

heat to secure the edges and to tighten any loosened areas. Recheck and retighten from time to time. (Be

carefull to NOT use too much heat when you secure edges or tighten the Mylar!)

5. Ensure all stick-on insignias and markings are secure in their positions.

6. Balance your propeller, then use the hardware supplied with your engine or motor to securely attach the

propeller to the engine or motor.

Congratulations! Assembly is finished!

VIII. TRANSPORT & PREFLIGHT CHECKS:

1. Prepare your Grasshopper for transport and storage by disconnecting the struts at the fuselage and removing

the spring that secures the wing inside the fuselage; safely set aside the strut-mounting bolts and spring for

future use. As you slide the wing away from the fuselage, carefully disconnect both aileron servo extensions

from the Y-cable. Separate the wing panels from their wing rods and safely transport and store your

Grasshopper to await its next flight.

2. To prepare your Grasshopper for flight, reattach the wings by reversing the above

procedure. As you slide the wing panels toward the fuselage, connect and guide

the aileron servo extensions into the fuselage and reattach the spring inside the

cockpit. (To help ensure the security of the servo connections, we recommend use

of optional Maxford USA servo extension safety clips.)

3. Double-check the security of your engine (or the motor and its motor-mounting box) and make certain that

all control surfaces, pushrods, screws and other connections are secure throughout the air frame. Double-

check the control directions and amount of control throw of the ailerons, elevator and rudder.

4. As with all radio-controlled model airplanes, your Grasshopper must pass the radio range ground check

recommended by your radio’s manufacturer or you may not fly safely.

5. Be sure your tank is filled with the fuel recommended by the manufacturer of your engine or the batteries

are fully charged and able to provide the current demanded by your electric power system.

6. Whether you use a glow engine or an electric motor, for your safety we urge you to get into the habit of

always moving your transmitter’s throttle to MINIMUM before turning ON your transmitter, and carefully

operate your choice of radio and power system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. If you are using a glow engine: Start the engine and set the needle valve according to your engine

manufacturer's instructions. Advance the throttle to ‘full speed’ then lift and hold the Grasshopper at a

45-60 degree nose-up attitude for 10-15 seconds; during this time the engine should run smoothly with no

appreciable loss of RPM. However, if your engine’s RPM ‘sags’ noticeably or if the engine dies from

being either too rich or too lean, readjust the engine’s high-speed needle valve according to the engine

manufacturer’s instructions.