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Connectors
are provided for both motor and controller |
Before installing the motor, you need to solder
the connectors onto the motor and ESC wires. The Kontronik
Brushless 400 Set includes plugs, connectors, and pre-cut
shrink tubing. I soldered the male plugs onto the motor wires.
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The
antenna position shown above did not work well due to
ESC interference |
I'm using an M-72-6 antenna from
E Cubed R/C that I tucked under the center plastic tray. It
will keep from having a long antenna flopping around during
high-speed maneuvers. Note that during the flight testing,
I had significant radio interference, due to the orientation
of the antenna to the ESC, so my placement of the M-72-6 antenna
was not optimal.
Normally, the servo is held in
place by tape and some balsa wedges, if needed. I decided
it best to epoxy my HS-81 servo in place to provide a more
solid hold for the higher-powered Super Slinger.
Although a weaker servo can be
used when running the stock Speed 400 motor, it is best to
choose a stronger servo like the Futaba S3101 or Hitec HS-81
when using a brushless power system.
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Two
metal bars slide into tubes to connect the wing halves
|
The wings are attached by two
metal bars that slide into pre-installed tubes. Again, for
added strength, I glued the wing halves together using thick,
white craft glue. At this time, you can add the new plywood
skid, if desired, for easier launching. Note that the wing
centers and tips have plywood plates for easy gluing.
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Strapping
tape and white shipping tape are used to strengthen
the assembly |
I used three different tapes
to strengthen my Super Slinger. The clear cellophane tape
is included in the kit but makes for a rather weak joint on
large areas. I used the nylon-reinforced strapping tape as
a first layer to hold my battery tray onto the wing. I then
covered it in some areas with the white shipping tape for
a better finished look. Be certain to tape every surface of
the plastic tray where it meets the wing using long pieces
of strapping tape from top to bottom.
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The
elevons are reinforced with clear cellophane tape on
both sides at each end |
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The
3-cell Kokam (15C) 2AH Lithium pack fit perfectly in
the battery tray |
The Kontronik 400 brushless motor
mounted perfectly in the stock position although I used a
heavier tywrap than provided in the kit for the Speed 400
motor. I used a Graupner 5.5x4.5 CAM Speed prop and Graupner
6053.31 prop adapter for 3.2mm shafts. Both parts were obtained
at Hobby Lobby. Note that the prop front faces forward and
will spin clockwise when viewed from behind the wing. If the
motor spins the wrong way, reverse any two of the three motor
wires going to the ESC.
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Great
Planes supplied a Product Improvement Sheet and additional
parts in the kit |
Great Planes supplied a Product
Improvement Sheet with the Slinger as an addendum to the manual.
Also included were some new parts for providing alternate
methods to launch the plane and attach the wingtips.
The new wingtip mounting allows
for them to be screwed in place and eliminates the need to
remove the inside section of the decal. This makes the wingtips
removable for travel or storage. I still choose to glue my
wingtips in place since the wing ends now have a nice light
plywood mounting plate instead of foam. I removed the section
of decal after tracing the wing end onto the tip and then
roughed up the exposed area of plastic with sandpaper.
A thick plywood center keel is
now supplied that makes launching the Slinger much easier.
The plastic center section has also been re-designed to minimize
any additional weight needed for balancing. Since I am an
"old school" wing enthusiast, I optioned to leave
the keel off and launch it in the traditional manner.
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The
plastic wingtip was epoxied to the plywood end plate
after removing a section of the decal |
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The
bottom view reveals the slight cutout in the foam needed
for prop clearance |
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My Slinger
balanced perfectly at the recommended 8" distance
from the tip using the Great Planes CG Machine |
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