BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL OR ASSEMBLY OF YOUR AIRCRAFT, PLEASE VISIT OUR WIKI SUPPORT SITE FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT UPDATES, FEATURE CHANGES, MANUAL ADDENDUMS AND FIRMWARE CHANGES FOR BOTH YOUR AIRCRAFT AND THE INSTALLED FLEXF3 STABILIZATION SYSTEM. wiki.flexinnovations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .......................................................................... Specifications....................................................................... Completion Items ................................................................. Replacement Parts .............................................................. Battery Charging Guidelines ............................................... Special Language Definitions ..............................................
SPECIFICATIONS COMPLETION ITEMS 3lb 10oz (1.68 kg) 35.0 in.
SPECIAL LANGUAGE DEFINITIONS The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when operating this product: NOTICE: CAUTION: WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND a little or no possibility of injury. Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
FLEXF3 CONTROL SYSTEM The FLEXF3 Control System installed in your aircraft is specifically tuned and configured for the FV-31 Cypher. Compatible with virtually every serial-based receiver on the market, the FLEXF3 features special configuration for serial data connections using Spektrum SRXL, Futaba, Hitec and FrSky S.Bus, Graupner HOTT (Sum D of 8), JR XBus (Mode B), and Jeti EX-Bus (standard) systems, as well as PPM connections.
WARNING DO NOT ATTEMPT RADIO SETUP WITH PROPELLERS INSTALLED. INADVERTENT POWER UP COULD CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. TRANSMITTER SETUP The FLEXF3 system is designed to work with all major transmitter and receiver brands. The FV-31 Cypher requires a minimum 6-channel programmable transmitter for proper function. When programming your transmitter, start with a freshly reset new model memory in your transmitter. Make ONLY the changes shown in the Transmitter Configuration Guide unless otherwise noted.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP Transmiter Setup Follow the chart below for setup of your Spektrum transmitter. Be sure to start with a blank and freshly reset model memory before starting setup. TRANSMITTER CONFIGURATION GUIDE Spektrum Frame Rate 11ms Preferred (22ms OK) Wing/Tail Type 1 Aileron, 1 Elevator, 1 Rudder End Points (Travel Adjust or ATV) Reversing Sub Trim Trim Levers CH. 5 (Gear) CH.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Receiver Selection For Spektrum users, you must use an SRXL capable receiver. We've listed a few options below for FLEXF3 compatible receivers: Spektrum Quad Race Serial Receiver with Telemetry (SPM4649T) - Highest Recommended Spektrum AR8010T (SPMAR8010T) Spektrum AR9030T (SPMAR9030T) Spektrum AR7700 (SPMAR7700) - no telemetry Spektrum remote receivers are not supported with this product.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Connection A (without Betaflight Telemetry) (Continued) Spektrum AR8010T with SRXL 3 to 4 Pin Male to Male (Provided) -+ +- S +- To SRXL Port Connection B (with Betaflight Telemetry) Spektrum AR4649T Male End Female End (Bind) Betaflight (PC) or SpeedyBee (mobile) application setup required for Connection B.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Connection B (with Betaflight Telemetry) (Continued) Spektrum AR8010T with SRXL 3 to 4 Pin Male to Male (Provided) -+ +- S+- To SRXL Port Betaflight (PC) or SpeedyBee (mobile) application setup required for Connection B.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Connection B (with Betaflight Telemetry) Application Setup If you have chosen to utilize a Betaflight Telemetry connection (Connection B), please follow the steps below to activate Telemetry on the Betaflight PC application or SpeedyBee mobile application. If you have chosen Connection A (without Betaflight Telemetry, please proceed to the section on page 14 titled "Binding". 1.
Connection B (with Betaflight Telemetry) Application Setup (Continued) If you have chosen Connection A (without Betaflight Telemetry, please proceed to the section on Page 13 titled "Binding". 4. Click the Configuration tab on the left side of the application. 5. Scroll down until you see the switch tab for Telemetry. Slide this tab into the on (yellow) position. Click Save and Reboot in the lower right hand corner to save the settings to the F3 controller. Click disconnect to complete the process.
SPEKTRUM TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Binding Reference your transmitter and receiver's instruction manual for specifics on the bind process. 1. With the aircraft and transmitter powered off, insert a bind plug into your receiver's bind port (or press and hold the bind button on your receiver if available). Note: If you are using the AR4649T Serial Telemetry receiver, this may be the male or female lead depending on your connection type.
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP Transmiter Setup Follow the chart below for setup of your Futaba transmitter. Be sure to start with a blank and freshly reset model memory before starting setup.
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Receiver Selection For Futaba users, you must use an S.Bus capable receiver. We've listed a few options below for FLEXF3 compatible receivers: Futaba R2001SB S.Bus S-FHSS Receiver (FUTR2001SB) - Highest Recommended Futaba R6303SB S.Bus FASST Receiver (FUTR6303SB) Futaba R7003SB S.Bus FASSTest Receiver (FUTR7003SB) Receiver Installation Install your Futaba receiver and antennas according to your receiver's instruction manual.
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Application Setup If you you are using a Futaba S.BUS connection, please follow the steps below to complete setup on the Betaflight PC application or SpeedyBee mobile application. 1. Download the Betaflight Configurator for your computer or the SpeedyBee Application for your mobile device. You can search for these applications online (or in your mobile device's app store) or visit the web addresses shown below. Betaflight Configurator https://github.
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) 4. Click the Configuration tab on the left side of the application. 5. Scroll down until you see the section titled "Receiver". Verify that the first drop-down menu (Receiver Mode) has "Serialbased receiver (SPEKSAT, SBUS, SUMD) selected. Once verified, click the second drop down menu (Serial Receiver Provider), and choose SBUS. Click "Save and Reboot" to save the changes.
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) 5. Re-connect to the FLEXF3. Navigate to the Receiver tab on the left hand side of the page. 6. On the right-hand side you will see Channel Map (Channel Order). By default, it is set to TAER1234. Click the drop down menu and select the proper channel order for Futaba: AETR1234. Click save in the lower right hand corner to save the settings. Click disconnect and remove the FLEXF3 from your programming device..
FUTABA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETUP (CONTINUED) Binding Some Futaba S.Bus receivers will need to be configured and set up to output the proper S.Bus signal and order. Consult your receiver manual for information on this process. If you have questions on binding your particular receiver and transmitter, consult your transmitter and receiver's instruction manual.
CONNECTING A BATTERY/ARMING THE ESC WARNING Observe the following procedures to safely power up your model after it has been bound. Ensure propellers are removed unless this sequence is followed to power up before flight. When making adjustments to linkages, transmitter settings or the flight control system, remove the fans to guard against accidental spool up. 1. Lower the throttle stick it's lowest setting and turn on the transmitter.
REAR FAN ANGLE ADJUSTMENT The following steps will guide you through the adjustment and setup of the rear fans. You must have your receiver bound and control surfaces working before completing these steps. You will also need to have the aircraft on a stand where the rear fans can tilt and move freely. NOTICE Be sure to follow these steps closely as these steps are critical in making the aircraft perform as intended. Failure to do so may result in an aircraft that is unflyable. 1.
REAR FAN ANGLE ADJUSTMENT (CONTINUED) 3. Move your Flight Configuration switch (channel 6) to the 90 degree "Conventional Configuration" position. Align the provided 90 degree gauge with the panel line on the top surface of the wing and the center of a rear fan. Adjust your transmitter's channel 6 end point (travel adjust or ATV) to set the angle of the rear fans so that they match the provided gauge. Move the switch back and forth a few times and triple check this angle.
LANDING GEAR INSTALLATION Required Tools and Fasteners: #1 Phillips Screwdriver (4) M3x8 Phillips Head Self-Tapping Screw (QTY 4) 1. Locate the main landing gear, four M3x8 self-tapping screws and two plastic main gear retaining plates. Insert the main landing gear into the fuselage slots. 2. Place the retaining plates over the landing gear wire in the slot in the fuselage, noting that their orientation matches the landing gear wire shape. Secure them in place with two M3x8 self-tapping screws.
LANDING GEAR INSTALLATION (CONTINUED) Required Tools and Fasteners: 1.5mm Hex Driver 1. Locate the nose gear strut assembly. Insert the strut into the mount in the bottom of the fuselage and through the nose gear steering arm. Be sure to orient the coil on the strut towards the rear of the aircraft. Insert the strut until it is flush with the top of the mount inside the fuselage (under the battery hatch). 2. Use a 1.
VENTRAL FIN INSTALLATION Required Tools and Fasteners: Medium CA 1. Locate the ventral fin. Test fit the fin in place, noting that the more angled edge fits towards the nose of the aircraft. Use medium CA to secure the ventral fin in place.
VERTICAL FIN INSTALLATION Required Tools and Fasteners: Medium CA #1 Phillips Screwdriver Medium Grit Sandpaper 1. Locate the two vertical fins as well as the rear hatch removed when setting the rear fan tilt. Test fit the vertical fins into the rear hatch, noting that they only fit in one direction and on a particular side (the FV-31 Cypher logos should face out). If your Cypher has painted mating surfaces, scuff them with a medium grit sandpaper to remove paint and promote adhesion.
MAIN WING INSTALLATION Required Tools and Fasteners: M2x8 Self-Tapping Screws #1 Phillips Screwdriver 1. Clear Tape Remove the canopy hatch and locate the two wing tubes. Test fit each of the wing tubes into the wings and then into the fuselage. Slide the wing tubes into the fuselage, being sure they engage fully with the battery tray. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and 4 M2x8 selftapping screws to secure the wing tube clamps in place over the wing tubes. Tube Clamp Wingtube Battery Tray 2.
MAIN WING INSTALLATION (CONTINUED) 3. Slide the wing into the fuselage while guiding the servo wire into the slot in the bottom of the wing. Note that there is a slightly larger recess in the wing that will fit the servo lead connection point. 4. Apply clear tape at the trailing and leading edge of the wing, both top and bottom, to secure it in place. You can also tape over the servo lead connection for extra security.
ELEVON SETUP Required Tools and Fasteners: Elevon Centering Gauge Flat Blade Screwdriver 1. Power on your transmitter and the Cypher being sure you have control. Place your FLEXF3 Profile switch (Channel 5) into the Advanced Profile position. You can confirm that it is in the correct position by rotating the aircraft to a specific angle away from level. If the aircraft only attemps to correct while it is in motion, you are in the correct profile.
BEGINNER PROFILE CALIBRATION In order to ensure the Beginner Profile works properly, you must calibrate the FLEXF3 sensor. If you do not plan to fly in the Beginner Profile, it is still highly recommended that you calibrate the sensor. If you have a crash or replace parts, it is always a good idea to repeat this process to ensure proper flight performance. 1. Connect the FLEXF3 to the Betaflight PC or SpeedyBee mobile applications with the provided USB cable or bluetooth module.
BEGINNER PROFILE CALIBRATION (CONTINUED) 3. In the Betaflight or Speedy Bee application, navigate to the Setup tab on the left hand side of the screen. 4. Once the aircraft is in a stable, proper position (reference step 2) as well as motionless, click Calibrate Accelerometer in the application. Wait until the calibration has been completed, then click disconnect and remove the USB or blueooth module from the FLEXF3.
TRANSMITTER CONTROL DIRECTION TEST Refer to the chart below to determine the proper control surface directions. If controls are reversed, DO NOT REVERSE CONTROLS IN THE TRANSMITTER OR THE APPLICATIONS. Email us at support@flexinnovations.com for corrective action.
FLIGHT CONTROL SENSING DIRECTION TEST Perform a test of the gyro system to verify the corrections made for a given movement are correct. If any of the tests do not result in the correct reaction for the airplane's gyro system, DO NOT FLY THE AIRCRAFT, and contact us via email at support@flexinnovations.com. The flight control system activates with RF broadcast. Perform these tests in the Beginner Profile (6-axis) for better visibility, and then again in the Advanced Profile.
FAN INSTALLATION WARNING When making adjustments to the model, transmitter or FLEXF3 with the model powered, remove all fans to guard against accidental spool up. Please note, the right rear and front left motors have reverse direction (left hand) fan and fan adapter threads. You will need to tighten their corresponding nuts by turning them counter-clockwise. 1. The fans on the FV-31 Cypher spin in different directions for stability and performance.
FAN INSTALLATION (CONTINUED) 3. Turn the fans onto the motor shafts. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and the screws removed in step one to reattach the motors to the airframe. 4. The rear motors use a traditional fan nut and spinner but do have different thread directions as with the front motors. Place the propeller over the appropriate motor, paying close attention to the direction (reference the diagram on the previous page). Place a fan washer over the fan on the motor shaft, followed by the fan nut.
FAN INSTALLATION (CONTINUED) 5. Place the spinner over the fan while noting the orientation of the fan blades and spinner cutouts. Use a Phillips screwdriver and a M3x5 machine screw to secure the spinner to the fan adapter. Repeat for the other side.
CENTER OF GRAVITY VERIFICATION The center of gravity (CG) location for your aircraft is located at the location shown to the right as well as listed below. The recommended starting CG is located 21mm (13/16 inch) FORWARD of the aft edge of the plastic belly pan. The total acceptable CG range for this aircraft is 18-24mm (23/32-15/16inch) FORWARD of the aft edge of the plastic belly pan. This CG is measured by lifting the completed aircraft upright, with all components installed.
FLYING TIPS - CONTROLS & FLIGHT PROFILES Controls The FV-31 Cypher is a totally unique aircraft and has several different types of controls depending on your selected Flight Configuration and Flight Profile. Check out the information below and on the following pages for details on controls and flying tips for each Flight Configuration and Profile.
FLYING TIPS - FLIGHT CONFIGURATIONS & FIRST FLIGHTS Hover Configuration Tips for your First Flights This configuration allows for vertical take-offs and landings (VTOL) as well as general low-speed (-6 to +6mph, -10 to +10kmh) flight. This Flight Configuration uses all 4 motors in unison for flight. The aircraft is most susceptible to wind in this configuration as it will not penetrate the wind as easily as other Flight Configurations.
FLYING TIPS - FIRST FLIGHTS, TRANSITIONS AND TRIMMING Conventional Landing (Continued) Transition from Conventional Configuration (to fan thrust) Once ready to flare, slowly reduce the throttle to idle and smoothly feed in up elevator to bring the aircraft down gently on its main wheels. Avoid hitting nose gear first, as this will cause the aircraft to bounce quickly back into the air, stall and then repeat.
AIRCRAFT TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Should you encounter any abnormal situations with your aircraft, refer to the matrix below to determine a probable cause and a recommended solution for the action. If the required solution does not rectify the problem, please contact product support for further assistance. NOTICE Unless specifically required, ALWAYS trouble shoot with fan blades removed, motors unplugged from the ESC or with the aircraft securely restrained and clear of people and loose objects.
AIRCRAFT TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Should you encounter any abnormal situations with your aircraft, refer to the matrix below to determine a probable cause and a recommended solution for the action. If the required solution does not rectify the problem, please contact product support for further assistance. NOTICE Unless specifically required, ALWAYS trouble shoot with fan blades removed, motors unplugged from the ESC or with the aircraft securely restrained and clear of people and loose objects.
MICRO USB (uses UART1) BLUE LED (POWER) PPM GND UART2 5V BLUETOOTH (19200 BAUD) TX2 RX2 S 4.3V GND RED LED (STATUS) UART 3 (RX INPUT) RX3 TX3 GND 4.3V BOOT GND VBATT BUZZER/LED 4.
Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2015 A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained fight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model fights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1.
LIMITED WARRANTY Warranty Coverage Questions & Assistance Flex Innovations, LLC and its authorized resellers ("Flex") warrant to the original purchaser that the product purchased (the "Product") it will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase. Visit www.flexinnovations.com/articles.asp?ID=269 to find customer support in your region.
TM INNOVATIONS www.flexinnovations.com ©2019 Flex Innovations LLC Premier Aircraft™, Potenza™, and Top Value RC™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Flex Innovations LLC DSM®, DSM2™, and DSMX™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby LLC Futaba™ is a registered trademark of Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation of Japan Jeti™, UDI, and Jeti Model are trademarks or registered trademarks of Jelen, Ing.