Instruction Manual Bedienungsanleitung Manuel d’utilisation Manuale di Istruzioni SAFE® Select Technology, Optional Flight Envelope Protection
EN NOTICE All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date product literature, visit www.horizonhobby.com or towerhobbies.com and click on the support or resources tab for this product.
EN Box Contents Specifications Table of Contents Motor: 840Kv Brushless Outrunner (EFLM7450) ESC: 30-Amp Smart ESC; Apprentice STS (EFLA1030FB) Servos: (4) 37g Standard Servo (EFLR7150) (2) 13g Digital MG Micro Servo (EFLR7155) Receiver: Spektrum™ DSMX SRXL2™ Receiver w/ Connector Installed (SPM4650C) Recommended Battery: 3200mAh 11.1V 3S Smart IC3™ 30C Li-Po (SPMX32003S30) Recommended Battery Charger: 3-cell Li-Po battery balancing charger Recommended Transmitter: Full-Range 2.
EN Optional Upgrades (not included) Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) GPS Module When added, the LAS module will work hand-in-hand with the AutoLand feature for a picture perfect landing every time. When the aircraft is on approach and approximately 1m from the ground, the LAS module will level out the aircraft, adjust throttle if needed, and then flare the aircraft just before touchdown.
EN Charge the Flight Battery The recommended battery for the E-flite Apprentice STS aircraft, included with the RTF version, is an 11.1V, 3200mAh 3S 30C Smart Technology LiPo battery with an IC3™ connector (SPMX32003S30). If using a different battery, the battery should be of similar capacity, dimensions and weight to fit in the fuselage. The aircraft electronic speed control is equipped with an IC3 device connector. Ensure the battery chosen is compatible.
EN Transmitter Installing the Transmitter Batteries Your Spektrum DXe Transmitter comes prebound to the aircraft. Remove the battery cover, install the four included batteries (noting proper polarity) and reinstall the battery cover. Low Battery Alarm When the transmitter battery voltage drops below 4.7 volts, an alarm sounds and the voltage LEDs flash. The batteries must be replaced immediately. If this happens while flying, land your aircraft as soon and as safely as possible.
EN WARNING: Before proceeding further, remove the propeller and spinner from the motor shaft. Never attempt to program the radio components, assemble the aircraft or perform maintenance of any kind without removing the propeller or engaging throttle cut. Serious injury could result if the motor starts inadvertently with the propeller still attached. 1. Remove the spinner (A) from the backplate (B), by pinching the backplate and pulling the spinner away. F 2.
EN Assemble the Aircraft Landing Gear Installation B 1. Turn the model so you can see the bottom of the fuselage. 2. Insert a screwdriver through the hole on the underside of the cowl to loosen the screw (A) in the nose gear steering arm. A 3. Remove the plug screw (B) from the nose gear steering arm hole and insert the nose gear (C) (flat spot facing to the front) fully in the mount (D). 4. Fully tighten the screw onto the flat spot of the strut. 5.
EN Wing Installation 1. Carefully apply the 2 strips of double-stick tape (A) to the root of the wing as shown. Assemble the wings on the carbon wing tube (B) so there is no gap. No epoxy is required to hold the wings together; however, if desired, epoxy may be used (instead of the tape) to adhere the wings to each other on the wing tube. A 2. Ensure the wings are correctly aligned. Using double stick tape, install the front (C) and rear (D) wing covers in their respective slots on the wing as shown.
EN Transmitter and Receiver Binding Binding is the process of programming the control unit to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) code of a single specific transmitter. The aircraft should be bound to the transmitter at the factory, but if you need to re-bind them, follow these steps. If your aircraft does not respond to the transmitter when the batteries in the aircraft and transmitter are fully charged, your aircraft and transmitter may need to be re-bound using the instructions below.
EN Flight Battery Installation, SAFE system and Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Arming 1. Rest the aircraft on a flat surface with the landing gear facing up and make sure the switch is OFF. 2. Turn the latch (A) and open the battery hatch. 3. Lower the throttle and turn on the throttle hold switch, then power on the transmitter for at least 5 seconds. 4. Connect the flight battery to the aircraft. Mode 2 5.
EN Control Direction Test WARNING: Do not perform this or any other equipment test with the propeller installed on the aircraft. Serious injury or property damage could result from the motor starting inadvertently. Transmitter command Control Surface Response 2. Keep the throttle at zero and place the model on level ground away from obstacles. 3. Move the sticks on the transmitter as described in the table to ensure the aircraft control surfaces respond as shown. Elevator 1.
EN Range Test WARNING: Do not perform this or any other equipment test with the propeller installed on the aircraft. Serious injury or property damage could result from the motor starting inadvertently. WARNING: While holding the aircraft during the range test, always keep body parts and loose items away from the motor. Failure to do so could cause personal injury. 4X Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, you should perform a range check.
EN Install the Propeller WARNING: Do not install the propeller until the aircraft has been completely assembled, all the systems have been checked thoroughly and you are located at a suitable flying site. Follow the instructions below to install the propeller and spinner. F 1. Install the propeller (E), backplate (B),washer (D), and hex nut (C) onto the motor shaft. 2. Thighten the hex nut with a 10mm wrench to secure the propeller into place. 3. Push the spinner (A) onto the backplate until it clicks.
EN Flying Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) Technology Flight Modes At any time during a flight you can switch between the 3 flight modes or use Panic recovery to get your aircraft to a safe flying attitude. Change between flight modes by changing the flight mode switch position. Beginner Mode (position 0) Green LED on Aircraft 0 • Envelope limit: Pitch (nose up and down) and Roll (wing tips up and down) angles are limited to help you keep the aircraft airborne.
EN Flight Control Transmitter Command Aircraft Response IMPORTANT: Even though SAFE technology is a very helpful tool, the aircraft still needs to be flown manually. If incorrect input is given at lower altitudes or at slower speeds, the aircraft can crash. Study these control inputs and the aircraft response to each carefully before attempting your first flight. For first flights, set the SAFE® flight mode switch to Beginner Mode (position 0).
EN Flight Training Instruction Top To the new pilot: This aircraft is easy to fly and helps you apply beginner skills to flying; however, we recommend you get help from a qualified flight instructor for your first radio controlled flights. Some model flying clubs provide flight training at their flying fields. Find a nearby flying club through your local hobby shop. In the U.S., visit the Academy of Model Aeronautics at www.modelaircraft.org. for more information on clubs and flight instruction.
EN Buddy Box Setup IMPORTANT: If using the buddy box option for training on a transmitter other than the included DXe use these settings for a Master and or Slave Transmitter. Failure to do so will not allow SAFE technology Flight modes to work correctly. IMPORTANT: If using the buddy box option the transmitter must be configured using the Transmitter Setup and Buddy Box setup charts.
EN Adjusting Trim in flight If your aircraft does not fly straight and level at half throttle with the sticks at neutral, fly into the wind and adjust the trim sliders as indicated in the table until the aircraft maintains a reasonably straight and level flight path. Aircraft Drift Trim Required • Trimming is best done in calm wind conditions. After the aircraft is trimmed in flight, land the aircraft and proceed to the Manually Adjusting Trim section to set the trim mechanically.
EN Landing Land the aircraft manually when GPS is not installed 1. Reduce the throttle to around 50% to slow the airspeed. 2. Fly the aircraft downwind past the end of the runway. 3. Turn the aircraft into the wind and line the aircraft up with the runway center line. 4. Decrease the throttle further and begin descending towards the runway, keeping the wings level during approach. Try to have the aircraft at 10ft altitude as it passes over the threshold of the runway. 5.
EN Factory settings for the Control Horns and Servo Arms The Illustration shows recommended hole settings in the servo arms and control horns. Ailerons Arms Elevator Rudder Rudder Horns Nose Gear BNF Transmitter Setup If using any DSMX transmitter other than the included DXe (3 pos gear switch) the radio will have to be configured correctly for the SAFE system to work properly.
EN AS3X® System Trouble Shooting Guide (without GPS) Problem Possible Cause Trim change when flight mode is switched Trim is not at neutral Sub-Trim is not at neutral Solution If you need to adjust the trim more than 8 clicks, return the trim to neutral and manually adjust the clevis to center the trim Do not use Sub-Trim.
EN Optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) Upgrade The Apprentice STS is upgradable with the addition of the optional LAS module (SPMA3180 not included) this allows the advanced SAFE features to be combined with an Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) for smoother gentler landings. IMPORTANT: For best results when using LAS, land on grass surfaces or a light colored surface, such as light colored concrete. Black surfaces or water normally do not have enough reflection for the sensor to receive accurate readings.
EN Optional SAFE+ GPS Upgrade 9 1. Charge the flight battery. From the Box to the Air Adding the SAFE+ GPS Module 2. Set up your transmitter (BNF only). 3. Install the GPS module.* 4. Find a safe and open area. The Apprentice STS flight controler includes SAFE technology out of the box. The Apprentice STS flight controler is upgradable with the addition of the optional SPMA3173 GPS module (not included) which enables advanced SAFE+ features.
EN Compass Calibration Compass calibration might be required after installing the GPS module, before flight. The aircraft will automatically enter compass calibration on the first power up after the GPS module is installed, after binding. IMPORTANT: The aircraft must be outside and needs to acquire a GPS lock in order to begin compass calibration. The aircraft will not enter compass calibration mode until the GPS lock is established.
EN Powering ON, GPS Initialization and Establishing Home Location CAUTION: Keep aircraft away from magnetic sources such as cameras, camera mounts, speakers etc. These may interfere with the GPS system and loss of control may result. 1. Power on the transmitter. Airfield Virtual Fence: Set the home location and aircraft heading 2. Install a fully charged flight battery, following the instructions in the Install the Flight Battery section. 3. Turn the airplane switch to ON.
EN Flight Modes Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced modes still operate the same with SAFE+ as they did with SAFE. With SAFE+, The Holding Pattern (HP) and AutoLand (AL) modes may be used as well. HP/AL button Holding Pattern and AutoLand Trigger: Holding Pattern: Press and release the HP/AL (Bind) button. Press and release the HP/AL (Bind) button again to exit. AutoLand: Press and hold the HP/AL (Bind) button for 3 seconds. Press and release the HP/AL (Bind) button again to abort AutoLand.
EN Virtual Fence Mode and GPS CAUTION: Keep aircraft away from magnetic sources such as cameras, camera mounts, speakers etc. These may interfere with the GPS system and loss of control may result. Your aircraft uses GPS to establish a home location and a virtual fence to keep the aircraft within a given distance from the home location. While flying, the aircraft will automatically turn around and fly back towards the home location if it approaches the edge of the virtual fence.
EN Holding Pattern (HP) Mode If at anytime the aircraft seems too far away, press and release the HP/AL (bind) button on the transmitter. Holding Pattern Mode The aircraft will maneuver to an altitude of approximately 120 feet (36m) and begin to fly a circular pattern over the home location. If Airfield Virtual Fence mode is active, the aircraft will fly to approximately 120 ft (36m) altitude and fly a circular pattern about 100 ft (30m) in front of the home location.
EN AutoLand Mode When you are ready to land or your flight timer has signaled, press and hold the HP/AL button on the transmitter for 3 seconds. Hold for 3 sec. to activate AutoLand mode The aircraft will instantly respond and begin a landing approach in the direction set during initialization. The aircraft will land near your initialization point/location and come to a complete stop. When AutoLand is activated, you can still control the aircraft to avoid obstacles like trees or poles.
EN Deactivating GPS Deactivating GPS in the Air Deactivating GPS on the Ground If for any reason you wish to deactivate the GPS system while the aircraft is airborne, such as if the GPS system is not calibrated correctly or is not responding as expected, follow the directions below: 1. Press and hold the HP/AL (bind) button and cycle the flight mode switch fully 3 times. The rudder will wag, indicating the GPS system is deactivated. 2.
EN LED Indications Plane Status LED on the windshield status On-board LED Indication and required action Surface Movement Tx and Rx are not bound Flash red and blue in sequence rapidly Flash red and blue in sequence rapidly All surfaces centered Plane enters bind mode Flash yellow rapidly Flash red and blue in sequence rapidly All surfaces centered Bind button AUX1 on Tx is reversed Flash blue rapidly Flash blue rapidly Elevators move up Search for GPS lock Flash purple slowly Flash purpl
EN Service and Repairs NOTICE: After any impact or replacement, always ensure the receiver is secure in the fuselage. If you replace the receiver, install the new receiver in the same orientation and manner as the original receiver or damage may result. Thanks to the Z-Foam™ material in the wing and fuselage of this aircraft, repairs to the foam can be made using virtually any adhesive (hot glue, regular CA (cyanoacrylate adhesive), epoxy, etc).
EN Replacement Parts Part # EFL310005 EFL310006 EFL310007 EFL310008 EFL310009 EFL310010 EFL310011 EFL310013 EFL310014 EFL310015 EFL310016 EFL310017 EFL310018 EFL310020 EFLA1030FB EFLR7150 EFLR7155 Recommended Parts Description Pushrod Set: Apprentice S Nose Gear: Apprentice S Main Landing Gear: Apprentice S Firewall: Apprentice S NGArm & MntingStp: Apprentice S Battery Door: Apprentice S Wheels 65mm (3): Apprentice S Wing Set: Apprentice STS Fuselage: Apprentice STS Tail Set: Apprentice STS Decal Set: A
EN AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2014 A. GENERAL A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1. Model aircraft will not be flown: (a) In a careless or reckless manner.
EN Limited Warranty What this Warranty Covers Horizon Hobby, LLC, (Horizon) warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase.
EN FCC Information FCC ID: BRWSRLRR2 and FCC ID: BRWDXE This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired operation. CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
© 2019 Horizon Hobby, LLC. E-flite, DSM, DSM2, DSMX, Bind-N-Fly, BNF, the BNF logo, Plug-N-Play, AS3X, SAFE, the SAFE logo, ModelMatch, Z-Foam, Passport, Prophet, EC3, IC3, and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
