Challenger - Remote control toy MULTIPLEX - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Challenger MULTIPLEX

Accessories and tools, contents 10 - 11

Assembly instructions 12-13

Illustrations 20-23

Safety information for MULTIPLEX airplane models

When operating the model, all warning and safety information in the operating instructions must be observed.

The model is NOT A TOY in the conventional sense. If you use your model carefully, it will provide you and your spectators with lots of fun without posing any danger. If you do not operate your model responsibly, this may lead to significant property damage and severe injury. You and you alone are responsible for following the operating instructions and for ensuring the safety guidelines are adhered to.

When setting up the model, operators declare they are familiar with and understand the contents of the operating instructions, particularly regarding safety information, maintenance work, operating restrictions, and deficiencies.

This model may not be operated by children under the age of 14. If minors operate the model under the supervision of a responsible and competent adult pursuant to the law, this person is responsible for adhering to the information in the operating instructions.

THE MODEL AND THE ASSOCIATED ACCESSORIES MUST BE KEPT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE! CHILDREN UNDER 3 COULD SWALLOW REMOVABLE SMALL PARTS OF THE MODEL. RISK OF SUFFOCATION!

Multiplex Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG is not liable for loss, damage and consequential damage of any kind caused by incorrect operation, improper use or misuse of this product, including the accessories used along with it.

Proper use

The model may only be used in the hobby sector. No other type of use is permitted. To operate the model, only the accessories recommended by Multiplex may be used. The recommended components have been tested and adjusted for safe functioning together with the model. If other components are used or the model is modified, all claims against the manufacturer or retailer are void.

In order to minimize the risk when operating the model, observe the following points in particular:

• The model is controlled via a remote control. No remote control is safe from radio interference. Interference may lead to a loss of control of the model. Therefore, always ensure large safety distances in all directions when operating the model. As soon as even the smallest indication of radio interference presents itself, operation of the model must be halted immediately!

• The model may only be put into operation after a complete function and range test has been successfully carried out as per the instructions for the remote control.

• The model may only be flown in good visibility. Do not fly in poor light or in the direction of the sun in order to avoid glare.

• The model may not be operated under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. The same applies for medicines that impair perception and responsiveness.

• Only fly the model in wind and weather conditions in which you can safely control it. Even with light wind, take into account that turbulence may build up on objects and have an effect on the model.

• Never fly in places where this would pose a danger to others, i.e. in residential areas, near power lines, roads, and railroad tracks.
• Never direct the model at people or animals! Avoid unnecessary risks and alert other pilots to potential hazards. Always fly in a manner that ensures neither you nor others are exposed to danger - even many years of accident-free flying experience are no guarantee for the next minute of flying time.

Residual risks

Even if the model is operated in accordance with the regulations and observing all safety aspects, there is always a residual risk.

Third-party liability insurance (powered model airplane) is therefore mandatory. If you are a member of a group or association, you might be able to take out the appropriate insurance there.

Ensure models and the remote control are properly maintained and are in good condition at all times.

Due to the construction and design of the model, the following dangers may arise in particular:

Injuries caused by the propeller: As soon as the battery is connected, the area around the propeller must be kept clear. Be aware that objects in front of the propeller may be sucked in and objects behind the propeller may be blown away. Always align the model ensuring it cannot move in the direction of other people if the motor starts up unintentionally. When performing adjustments for which the motor is running or may start up, the model must always be securely held in place by a helper.

• Crashes caused by control errors: Even the most experienced pilots can make mistakes. For this reason, only fly in a safe environment and at authorized model airplane flying fields.
• Crashes caused by technical failures, undetected damage from transportation or pre-existing damage: The model must be carefully inspected before each flight. Bear in mind that technical or material failures may occur at any time. Therefore, only operate the model in a safe environment.
• Adhere to operating limits: Excessively harsh flying weakens the structure of the model and may lead to technical and material failures as well as crashes immediately or, due to 'insidious' consequential damage, in later flights.
• Risk of fire due to malfunction of the electronics: Batteries must be stored safely. The safety information of the electronic components in the model, the battery, and the charging device must be observed.

Safety information for MULTIPLEX airplane models

The electronics must be protected from water. The controller and the batteries must be sufficiently cooled.

The instructions of our products may not be reproduced and/or published – not even in part – in print or electronic media without the express (written) permission of Multiplex Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG.

Safety information for MULTIPLEX construction kits

Familiarize yourself with the construction kit!

MULTIPLEX model kits are subjected to constant material inspection during production. We hope that you are satisfied with the contents of the kit. We nevertheless ask that you check all parts (according to the parts list) before use, as used parts cannot be exchanged. If a part is not OK, we will be happy to fix or replace it after verifying this. Please send the part with sufficient postage to our Service department. Be sure to include a short description of the fault along with the purchase receipt. We are continuously working on further developing the technology of our models. We reserve the right to make changes to the contents of the kit in terms of shape, dimension, technology, material, and equipment at any time and without warning. Please understand that no claims can be derived from specifications and illustrations in these instructions.

Caution!

Remote-controlled models, particularly airplane models, are not toys in the conventional sense. Their construction and operation requires technical understanding, a minimum level of artisan skills, discipline, and safety-awareness. Errors and negligences during building and operation may result in personal injury or property damage. As the manufacturer has no influence on proper assembly, maintenance, and operation, we explicitly refer to these dangers.

Warning:

Like any airplane, the model has static limitations! Nosedives and reckless maneuvers may result in damage to the model. Please note: In such cases, there is no replacement. Approach the limitations with caution. The model is fitted with the propeller recommended by us but can only withstand the loads if it is built flawlessly and is undamaged.

Crooked - does not really exist. If individual parts are bent during transit, they can be straightened again. Here, ELAPOR® behaves like metal. If you overbend the material slightly, it springs back minimally and retains its shape. The material of course has its limits - so don't overdo it!

Crooked - does indeed exist! If you want to paint your model, you do not need any primer for pretreatment when using the EC colors. Matt paints result in the best look. Under no circumstances may the paint coats be too thick or applied unevenly, otherwise the model will go out of shape and will be crooked, heavy or even unusable!

This model is not made of Styrofoam™! Therefore, adhesions using white glue, polyurethane or epoxy are not possible. These glues only stick superficially and may peel off in severe cases. Only use cyanoacrylate/ superglue of medium viscosity, preferably Zacki-ELAPOR® # 85 2727, the superglue optimized and adapted for ELAPOR® particle foam. When using Zacki-ELAPOR®, you can largely do without kickers or activators. If, however, you use other adhesives, and are unable to do without kickers/ activators, only spray outdoors for health reasons. Take care when working with all cyanoacrylate adhesives. These adhesives sometimes harden in seconds, so do not bring your fingers or other body parts into contact with them. To protect your eyes, be sure to wear protective goggles! Keep away from children! In some places, hot glue may also be used. If applicable, this is indicated in the instructions!

Working with Zacki-ELAPOR

Zacki-ELAPOR® was developed specially for adhesion on our foam models made of ELAPOR®. In order to design the adhesion as optimally as possible, the following points should be taken into consideration:

• Avoid the use of activators. This causes the bonding to be significantly weakened. Especially for large-scale adhesion, we recommend allowing 24 hours for the parts to dry.
• Activators must only be used for point fixing. Only spray a little activator on one side. Allow the activator to flash off for approx. 30 seconds.
• For optimal bonding, sand down the surface using sandpaper (grain size 320).

852727

Accessories and tools

Essential accessories

• Challenger Indoor Edition power set # 1-01027
• Indoor servo set: 2 x HS-40 & 1 x HS-65HB #1-01009
  RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver # 55808
  Multiplex ROXY EVO LiPo 3 - 350B 30C with BID-Chip #1-00017

EN

KIT contents

Colour-printed EPP components for fuselage, wings, tailplane, fin and undercarriage
CFRP spars for wings and fuselage
CFRP undercarriage unit
- Wheels
- All plastic parts, small items and linkage components required to complete the model

Essential tools and materials

• 1 x Zacki-ELAPOR® # 85 2727 # 85 2727
• 1 x Zacki-ELAPOR® super liquid # 85 2728 # 85 2728
• 1 x Zacki Activator #1-01032 #1-01032
• UHU®POR
• Small cross-point screwdriver
  Balsa knife
• Pointed-nose pliers
  1 sheet abrasive paper, 320-grit
• 1 mm drill
  1.5 mm drill

Specification

Wingspan 850 mm

Overall length 890 mm

All-up weight 225 g

Control channels 4

RC functions Elevator, rudder, aileron, throttle

Flight time 5 min

Parts List

Part No. Quant. Description Material Dimensions

1	1	Challenger building instructions	Paper	DIN A4
2	1	Model complaint notification	Paper	DIN A5
3	1	Upper fuselage section	EPP	Ready made
4	1	Lower fuselage section	EPP	Ready made
5	1	Fuselage centre section	EPP	Ready made
6	1	Upper left wing	EPP	Ready made
7	1	Upper right wing	EPP	Ready made
8	1	Lower left wing	EPP	Ready made
9	1	Lower right wing	EPP	Ready made
10	1	Tailplane	EPP	Ready made
11	1	Upper left aileron pylon	EPP	Ready made
12	1	Upper right aileron pylon	EPP	Ready made
13	1	Lower left aileron pylon	EPP	Ready made
14	1	Lower right aileron pylon	EPP	Ready made
15	1	Fin	EPP	Ready made
16	1	Left wing strut	EPP	Ready made
17	1	Right wing strut	EPP	Ready made
18	1	Fuselage in-fill piece	EPP	Ready made
19	1	Upper wing in-fill piece	EPP	Ready made
20	1	Lower wing in-fill piece	EPP	Ready made

Accessories and tools

Part No.	Quant. Description Material Dimensions
21 1 Left wheel spat EPP Ready made
22 1 Right wheel spat EPP Ready made
23 1 Left undercarriage fairing EPP Ready made
24 1 Right undercarriage fairing EPP Ready made
25 14 Round-section rod CFRP 0.8 Ø x 500 mm
26 4 Round-section rod CFRP 0.8 Ø x 200 mm
27 2 Round-section rod CFRP 0.8 Ø x 240 mm
28 2 Round-section rod CFRP 0.8 Ø x 260 mm
29 4 Round-section rod CFRP 0.8 Ø x 250 mm
30 1 Round-section rod CFRP 1.0 Ø x 500 mm
31 1 Round-section rod CFRP 1.0 Ø x 600 mm
32 2 Round-section rod CFRP 1.5 Ø x 180 mm
33 2 Round-section rod (for pushrods) CFRP 1.5 Ø x 50 mm
34 2 Round-section rod (wheel axles) CFRP 1.5 Ø x 15 mm
35 4 Rectangular-section strip CFRP 3 x 0.5 x 600 mm
36 2 Rectangular-section strip CFRP 3 x 0.5 x 125 mm
37 1 Rectangular-section strip CFRP 3 x 0.5 x 190 mm
38 1 Rectangular-section strip CFRP 3 x 0.5 x 100 mm
39 2 Rectangular-section strip CFRP 1.5 x 2.5 x 250 mm
40 2 Wheel	Plastic	27 mm Ø
41 1 Firewall	Plastic	Ready made
42 1 Left wing joiner	Plastic	Ready made
43 1 Right wing joiner	Plastic	Ready made
44 1 Left lower aileron horn	Plastic	Ready made
45 1 Right lower aileron horn	Plastic	Ready made
46 1 Rudder horn	Plastic	Ready made
47 1 Elevator horn	Plastic	Ready made
48 1 Servo output arm extension	Plastic	Ready made
49 1 Left wheel axle bracket	Plastic	Ready made
50 1 Right wheel axle bracket	Plastic	Ready made
51 14 Pushrod guide	Plastic	Ready made
52 2 Wheel spat support	Plastic	Ready made
53 2 Undercarriage mounting plate	Plastic	Ready made
54 2 Wheel spacer ring	Plastic	4 mm Ø
55 2 Adapter tube Plastic	2 Ø x 5 mm
56 8 Clevis	Plastic	Ready made
57 8 Clevis pin	Brass	1 Ø x 5 mm
58 4 Ball-link	Plastic / brass	Ready made
59 4 Ball-link screw	Brass	M1.5 x 4 mm
60 4 Threaded coupler	Brass	M2 x 20 mm
61 2 Threaded coupler	Brass	M2 x 14 mm

Building instructions

Important: before you start building

Please ensure that all the model components are present in the kit by checking them off in the Parts List on page 10 and 11.

It is important to build the model on a clean and perfectly flat surface to ensure that the structure is free of warps, and that the components are not damaged during assembly. Be sure to cover the building board with clear plastic film to avoid the components sticking to the surface.

Joints between EPP components are best made using UHU® POR. This is the procedure: apply a thin film of adhesive to both surfaces to be glued, then allow it to air-dry for about eight minutes before pressing the parts together. The strength of the joint is determined by the pressure you exert rather than the length of time you exert it.

When CFRP rods and strips have to be inserted into EPP parts, press the strip into the appropriate slot, then run low-viscosity (thin) Zacki-ELAPOR super liquid along it. A little activator spray will harden the adhesive immediately.

All other glued joints can be made using standard Zacki-ELAPOR®.

Although the carbon rods and strips are supplied cut to length, you may need to trim them slightly. If the correct length is not stated, we recommend that you hold the strip in position, and cut it to length using pliers or side-cutters. The kit includes an ample supply of carbon strip.

1. Preparing the individual components

The control surface hinges need to be rendered more flexible to ensure that they move freely when the model is flying. This is accomplished by folding the control surfaces through 180^ before construction; leave them in this position for about an hour. Fig. 1

Cover a clean, flat surface with clear plastic film, and lay the fin 15 on it, left-hand side facing up as shown. Glue the rectangular-section CFRP strip 38 in the slot in the rudder. The rudder horn 46 can now be glued in the slot. Fig.2

Glue the tailplane 10 to the fuselage centre section 5, then glue two CFRP rectangular-section strips 36 in place. [Fig. 3]

Now turn the fuselage centre section over, and glue the CFRP rectangular-section strip 37 to the top of the fuselage. Fig.4

Glue the two halves of each wing together 6 + 7,8 + 9 then glue the wings to the corresponding wing in-fill pieces 19,20. The two rectangular-section strips 35 can now be fitted to each wing. Fig.5

Glue the two undercarriage mounting plates 53 to both sides of the lower fuselage section 4. Fig.6

Glue two CFRP rods in each of the aileron pylons 11, 12, 13, 14; cut the CFRP rod 25 to length for these parts. Fig.7

Glue two CFRP rods in each of the wing struts 16, 17; cut the CFRP rod 26 to length for these parts. Note that the four CFRP rods must cross over as shown. Fig.8

Glue one wheel spat support 52 to the inside of each wheel spat 21. Fig.9

2. Stiffening the wings

Glue the aileron pylons to the underside of the upper and lower ailerons. Brace each of the pylons to the ailerons using four CFRP rods; cut the CFRP rod 25 to length for these parts. The aileron horns 44, 45 can now be glued to the lower ailerons, and the wing joiners 42, 43 in the upper wing. Fig.10

3. Fitting the lower fuselage section

Glue the lower fuselage section 4 to the fuselage centre section 5, ensuring that the parts are straight, and at right-angles to each other.

Glue the two undercarriage legs 39 in the mounting plates on the fuselage.

Glue the CFRP rods 25 in place at the nose to stiffen this area. Cut the CFRP rods 25 to the correct length, and install them as shown in order to stiffen the remainder of the fuselage. The best method is to hold the rod in place on the model, and cut it to the required length using pliers or side-cutters. Fig.11

Glue the undercarriage legs and the CFRP wheel axles 34 to the axle brackets 49, 50. Remember to make one left-hand and one right-hand assembly. Fig.12

Now fit each wheel on its axle followed by a spacer ring 54, and secure the spacer rings with a drop of glue. Check that the wheels are free to rotate. Fig.13

4. Installing the rudder and elevator servos, the elevator horn and the wheel spats

The next step is to glue the elevator and rudder servos (both Hitec HS-40) in the appropriate openings in the fuselage using a few drops of Zacki. Glue the elevator horn 47 in the elevator.

Fit the spats on the wheel axles. If you wish, these can be secured with a drop of adhesive to prevent them rotating. Fig.14

5. Fitting the upper fuselage section and the wings

The upper fuselage section can now be glued to the fuselage centre section, taking care to keep the parts straight and at right-angles to each other. Glue two CFRP rods 25 in place to brace the cabane. The firewall 41 can now be glued securely to the front of the fuselage. The fin is NOT installed at this stage. Fig.15

6. Gluing the wings in place

Glue the upper wing to the fuselage. For the next stage the model can be laid upside down on a flat surface. The canopy rests on the base surface flush with the upper wing; this makes it much easier to align and install the wing struts accurately. Glue the left and right wing struts 16, 17 to the upper wing.

Now glue one CFRP rod 27 and one CFRP rod 28 on each side to brace the wing to the fuselage, crossing over as shown. Fig.16

Building instructions

At this stage the lower wing can be fixed to the fuselage and the two outboard wing struts. Fit two CFRP rods 29 to the struts on each side, crossing over as shown. The two undercarriage fairings 23, 24 can now also be glued to the undercarriage legs. Fig.17

7. Installing the aileron linkages

Use a servo tester or your radio control system to set the aileron servo (Hitec HS-65HB) to centre (neutral), then fit the large double-ended output lever (supplied with the servo) on the output shaft, and fit the retaining screw. Attach the servo output arm extension 48 to the double-ended output lever; suitable screws are supplied in the servo accessory pack.

Locate the position of the pushrods on the servo output lever extension, and drill 1.5mm holes at those points; note that the angled ends should point forward. Now glue the servo in the appropriate opening, followed by the fuselage in-fill piece 18. The aileron linkages are completed as shown in the picture: glue an M2 x 20 mm threaded coupler 60 to one end of the CFRP rod 33. Screw a ball-link 58 on the coupler, holding it in pliers to prevent it rotating. Attach the ball-links to the servo output lever using the screws 59, then thread the pushrods into the ball-links. Determine the length to the aileron horn, and cut the pushrod to the correct length before gluing the ball-link to the pushrod. You can now fine-tune the pushrod length using the threaded coupler; both ailerons should be exactly horizontal when the servo is at neutral. When you are satisfied, screw the pushrods to the aileron horns. Fig.18

The next step is to connect the upper and lower ailerons.

The connections are made as shown in the illustration: glue an M2 x 14 mm threaded coupler 60 to one end of the CFRP rod 32, and screw a clevis 56 on the coupler, holding the coupler in pliers to prevent it turning. Attach the clevis to the upper aileron by pressing a clevis pin 57 through with a small pair of pliers. Mark the length to the lower ailerons, cut the rods to the correct length, then glue the clevises to the rods. You can now fine-tune the pushrod length using the threaded coupler, before connecting the clevis to the lower aileron. Fig.19

8. Fitting the fin, completing the tail linkages

Glue the fin to the fuselage, and fit two CFRP rods 25 top and bottom to brace it to the fuselage. Fig. 20 Fig. 21

Use a servo tester or your radio control system to set the elevator and rudder servos (Hitec HS-40 #11 2040) to centre (neutral), then fit the large double-ended output levers (supplied in the servo accessory pack) on the output shafts before snipping off the unwanted end. Drill out the hole in the output arm to 1mm . For the elevator we suggest using the second hole from the inside, and for the rudder the innermost hole. Glue seven pushrod guides 51 in the holes on each side of the fuselage. Fig.22

The two pushrods are assembled as shown in Fig.23 glue an M2 x 14 mm threaded coupler 61 to one end of the CFRP rods 30, 31, and screw a clevis 56 on the coupler, holding the coupler in pliers to prevent it turning.

Thread each pushrod through the pushrod guides from the front, and attach the clevis to the servo output arm by pressing a clevis pin 57 through with a pair of pliers. Note that the longer rod is used for the rudder.

Complete the linkages as described for the ailerons, but please note that an adapter tube 55 has to be fitted in the clevis on the other end of the pushrod in order to obtain a close fit between the clevis and the CFRP pushrod. Ensure that all the glued joints involving the control linkages are sound. Fig.24

Please note that the rudder pushrod must be routed between the fuselage and the strut to ensure that it can move freely when control commands are given. Fig. 25

9. Installing the RC components

Fix the motor (ROXXY C27-15-1050kV # 1-01035) to the front face of the firewall, and attach the speed controller (ROXXY BL Control 715 BEC # 1-01050) to the lower fuselage section using hook-and-loop tape. The receiver and flight battery can also be fixed to the fuselage using small pieces of hook-and-loop tape. When attaching the tape to the battery we recommend the application of a little UHU® POR to the surface, allowing it to air-dry for about ten minutes. Fig.26

10. Centre of Gravity, control surface travels

The model's Centre of Gravity should be located at the 78~mm point, measured from the leading edge of the upper wing in the centre. The control surface travels are set to the pilot's individual preference, but we recommend about 80% EXPO on elevator, 60% EXPO on aileron and rudder.