Top Flite Mini Contender Ep Instruction Manual Download

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2- 5/16"

[ 59 mm]

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1. If using a Great Planes C.G. Machine, set the

rulers to 2-5/16" [59 mm]. If not using a C.G. Machine,
use a fi ne-point felt tip pen to mark lines on the top of
the wing on both sides of the fuselage 2-5/16" [59mm]
back from the leading edge. Apply narrow [1/16" [2mm]
strips of tape over the lines so you will be able to feel
them when lifting the model with your fi ngers.

This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the
C.G. 1/8" [ 3 mm] forward or 3/16" [4.8 mm] back to
change the fl ying characteristics. Moving the C.G.
forward will improve the smoothness and stability,
but the model will then be less aerobatic (which
may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots). Moving the
C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable and
aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case,

start at

the recommended balance point

and do not at any

time balance the model outside the specifi ed range.

2- 5/16" [ 59 mm]

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2. With the wing attached to the fuselage and all

parts of the model installed (ready to fl y), place the
model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine,
or lift it upside-down at the balance point you marked.

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3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy.” If the

nose drops, the model is “nose heavy.” Move the motor
battery forward or aft to balance the plane. If moving
the motor battery does not shift the weight enough, use
Great Planes “stick-on” lead (GPMQ4485) to balance
the plane. To fi nd out how much weight is required,
place incrementally increasing amounts of weight on
the bottom of the fuselage over the location where it
would be mounted inside until the model balances (the
horizontal stabilizer is level). A good place to add stick-
on nose weight is to the fi rewall. Do not attach weight
to the cowl—this will cause stress on the cowl and
could cause the cowl to come off the fuselage. Once
you have determined if additional weight needs to be
installed, it can be permanently attached.

Do not rely upon the adhesive on the back of the
lead weight to permanently hold it in place. Over time,
vibration may cause the weight to fall off. Instead,
permanently attach the weight with glue or screws.

Note:

We have found on our sample models that we

were able to balance the plane at its forward and aft C.G.
locations by moving the motor battery. No additional
weight was required.

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IMPORTANT:

If you found it necessary to add

any weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has
been installed.

CHECK LIST

During the last few moments of preparation your
mind may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement
of the fi rst fl ight. Because of this, you may be more
likely to overlook certain checks and procedures
that should be performed before the model is fl own.
To help avoid this, a check list is provided to make
sure these important areas are not overlooked.
Many are covered in the instruction manual, so
where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete
instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they
are completed (that’s why it’s called a

check list!

)

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1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements

provided in the manual.

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2. Be certain the motor battery is securely mounted

in the fuse. Make sure the battery straps around the
motor battery are tight.

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3. If you still fl y on 72MHz, extend your receiver

antenna and make sure it has a strain relief inside
the fuselage to keep tension off the solder joint inside
the receiver.

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