RADIO INSTALLATION
While you are installing the battery, receiver, switch harness and servos into your model’s fuselage, please pay attention to
the following guidelines:
Use the supplied rubber grommets when you mount each servo. Be sure not to
over-tighten the screws. If any portion of the servo case directly contacts the fuselage or
the servo rails, the rubber grommets will not dampen the vibration, which can cause
mechanical wear and servo failure.
Servo Throw
Once you have installed the servos, operate each one over its full travel and check that the pushrod and output
arms do not bind or collide with each other, even at extreme trim settings. Check to see that each control linkage does
not require undue force to move (if you hear a servo buzzing when there is no transmitter control motion, most likely there
is too much friction in the control or pushrod). Even though the servo will tolerate loads, any unnecessary load applied to
the servo arm will drain the battery pack quickly.
Switch Harness Installation
When you are ready to install the switch harness, remove the switch cover and use it as a template to cut screw holes
and a rectangular hole slightly larger than the full stroke of the switch. Choose a switch location on the opposite side of
the fuselage from the engine exhaust pipe, and pick a location where it can’t be inadvertently turned on or off during
handling or storage. Install the switch so it moves without restriction and snaps from ON to OFF and vice versa.
Receiver Antenna
It is normal for the receiver antenna to be longer than the fuselage.
DO NOT cut or fold it back on itself — cutting or folding changes the electrical length of the antenna and may
reduce range. Secure the antenna to the top of the vertical fin, and let the excess wire length trail behind. You may run the
antenna inside of a non-metallic housing within the fuselage, but range may suffer if the antenna is located near metal or
carbon fiber pushrods or cables. Be sure to perform a range check before flying.
Receiver Notes
When you insert servo, switch or battery connectors into the receiver, note that each plastic housing has an
alignment tab. Be sure the alignment tab is oriented properly before inserting the connector. To remove a connector
from the receiver, pull on the connector housing rather than the wires.
If your aileron servo (or others) are too far away to plug into the receiver, use an aileron extension cord to extend the length
of the servo lead. Additional Futaba extension cords of varying lengths are available from your hobby dealer. Always use an
extension of the proper length. Avoid plugging multiple extensions together to attain your desired length. If distance is greater than
18” or multiple or high current draw servos are being used, use Futaba Heavy-Duty servo extensions.
Receiver Vibration and Waterproofing
The receiver contains precision electronic parts. Be sure to avoid vibration, shock, and temperature extremes.
For protection, wrap the receiver in foam rubber or other vibration-absorbing materials. It is also a good idea
to waterproof the receiver by placing it in a plastic bag and securing the open end of the bag with a rubber band before
wrapping it with foam rubber. If you accidentally get moisture or fuel inside the receiver, you may experience intermittent
operation or a crash. If in doubt, send the receiver for service.
