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29. Balancing
If your Mini Mag is to fly safely and stably it must balance
at the correct point - just like every other aircraft. Assemble
your model completely, ready to fly, and install the flight
battery.
The Centre of Gravity should be at a point 67 mm aft of
the leading edge of the wing, measured where the wing
meets the fuselage. You will find markings moulded into
the underside of the wing at this point.
Support the model on your fingertips at the marked point,
and it should balance level. If necessary, adjust the position
of the flight battery until this is the case. Once the correct
position is found, mark it inside the battery box to ensure
that the battery is always replaced in exactly the same
location. Fig. 43
30. Preparing for the first flight
Wait for a day with as little breeze as possible for the first
flight. The evening hours often provide the best conditions.
Be sure to carry out a range check before the first
flight!
The transmitter battery and flight pack must be fully charged
according to the instructions. Ensure that the channel you
are using is not already in use
before you switch on the
transmitter.
Collapse the transmitter aerial, and ask a friend to walk
away from you holding the transmitter.
As he walks away your friend should constantly operate
one control function while you watch the model’s servos.
The servo not being operated should stay motionless up to
a range of around 60 m, and the other servo should follow
the transmitter stick movements smoothly and immediately.
This test only provides meaningful results if the radio band
is “clean” (not suffering interference), and if no other radio
control transmitters are switched on, even if they are on
different channels. If successful, repeat the check with
the motor running. The effective range should not be
significantly reduced when the motor is running.
If you are not sure about anything, do not fly the model! If
you cannot eliminate the problem send the whole radio
control system (including battery, switch harness, servos)
to the manufacturer’s service department for checking.
The first flight ....
Do not test-glide this model!
The model is designed for hand-launching - always exactly
into wind.
We recommend that you ask an experienced
modeller to help you during the first flight.
Allow the model to climb to a safe altitude, then adjust the
trims on the transmitter so that the model flies straight
ahead without any help from you.
At a safe height switch off the motor and make yourself
familiar with the model’s control response on the glide. Carry
out a dummy landing approach at a good height, so that
you will feel confident about the real landing when the flight
pack is flat.
Don’t attempt tightly banked turns close to the ground at
first, and especially not on the landing approach.
It is always better to land safely some distance away, and
have to walk to collect the model, than to risk damaging it
by dragging it close to your feet.
31. Safety
Safety is the First Commandment when flying any model
aircraft. Third party insurance should be considered a basic
essential. If you join a model club suitable cover will usually
be available through the organisation. It is your personal
responsibility to ensure that your insurance is adequate
(i.e. that its cover includes powered model aircraft).
Make it your job to keep your models and your radio control
system in perfect order at all times. Check the correct
charging procedure for the rechargeable batteries used in
your RC set. Make use of all sensible safety systems and
precautions which are advised for your system. An excellent
source of practical accessories is the MULTIPLEX main
catalogue, as our products are designed and manufactured
exclusively by practising modellers for other practising
modellers.
Always fly with a responsible attitude. You may think that
flying low over other people’s heads is proof of your piloting
skill; others know better. The real expert does not need to
prove himself in such childish ways. It is in all our interests
that you let other pilots know that this is also what you
think. Always fly in such a way that you do not endanger
yourself or others. Bear in mind that even the best RC
system in the world is subject to outside interference. No
matter how many years of accident-free flying you have
under your belt, you have no idea what will happen in the
next minute.
We - the MULTIPLEX team - hope you have many hours of
pleasure building and flying your new model.
Klaus Michler
Product development
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG