WattAge Electric Piper J-3 CUB User manual

Brand: WattAge

Model: Electric Piper J-3 CUB

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

J-3 ElectriCub

The Wattage Electric Cub is distributed exclusively by Global Hobby Distributors 18480 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92728

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

IMPORTANT

The Wattage Electric Cub is intended for individuals 12 years of age or older. Children under

12 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult when either assembling or flying

the Electric Cub.

WARNING

Do not leave your model in an extremely hot environment (like the back of your car in direct

sunlight) for any length of time. The extreme heat could cause damage to the plastic and/or

foam your model is made from.

Thank you for purchasing the new Wattage Electric Cub and welcome to the sport of radio control flying. Before

completing the final assembly of your new Electric Cub, please carefully read through this instruction manual in its

entirety. Doing so will ensure success the first time around!

IMPORTANT

Before beginning assembly make sure you have all of the parts shown below:

Fuselage Assembly

Wing Assembly

(do not remove tape holding wing

halves together)

Vertical Tail

3ch. Transmitter

Battery Charger

Flight Battery

Propeller

Transmitter Flag

Landing Gear Assembly

Wing Brace

Rubber Bands

Here's what you'll need to get your Electric Cub flying:

If any of the parts listed on page # 2 are missing, or if you have any questions during assembly, please contact us. We're

here to help you. You can reach us at the following address:

Wattage Customer Care

18480 Bandilier Circle

Fountain Valley, CA 92728

Phone (714) 963-0329

Fax (714) 964-6236

E-mail: service@globalhobby.net

For Your Convenience:

We have included a glossary of terms on the back page of this manual. Check it out if you come across any terms that are

unfamiliar to you.

We know you're excited to get your new Electric Cub flying, but take your time. Taking your time will ensure the best

possible success and fun with the Electric Cub.

If you encounter any problems with your Electric Cub check the troubleshooting guide on page # 19.

OUR GUARANTEE

Wattage guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship, at the date of purchase. This does

not cover any component parts damaged by use, misuse or modification. In no case shall Wattage's liability exceed the

original cost of the purchased kit.

In that Wattage has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed for

any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the final user-

assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

Eight AA Alkaline Batteries

Small Phillips Screwdriver

You're ready to start, aren't you? Lets go!

Step 1: Installing the Transmitter Batteries

❑ Remove the battery cover by pushing down with your

thumbs at the two marks shown.

❑ Install 8 fresh AA Alkaline batteries, being careful to

watch that the polarity is correct for each battery.

❑ Push the battery cover back into place until you hear

it "click" into position.

Step 2: Charging the Flight Battery

❑ Plug the flight battery connector into the battery

charger connector. When plugged in properly you should

hear the connectors "click" together.

☛

Note that the plugs can be plugged in only one way.

❑ Plug the charger into a 110V AC wall outlet.

❑ Charge the flight battery for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Be

careful not to overcharge the battery.

❑ To unplug the connectors, squeeze the tab on the

battery connector and pull the two connectors apart.

Step 3: Installing the Vertical Tail

Continued on Next Page

❑ Using a small phillips head screwdriver, carefully

remove the screw from the vertical tail mount.

❑ Set the screw aside for now.

❑ Insert the Z-shaped bend (Z-bend) in the pushrod wire

into the middle hole in the plastic control horn on the side

of the vertical tail.

❑ When installing the Z-bend, make sure the longer

portion of the wire is facing toward the top of the plastic

control horn.

❑ Carefully push the vertical tail down into the plastic

mount.

❑ Push the tail forward or back to line up the hole though

the side of the tail with the holes in the sides of the mount.

❑ Install and tighten the screw you removed previously

to hold the vertical tail in place.

☛

Do not overtighten the screw or you might strip out

the plastic mount.

Step 4: Installing the Landing Gear

❑ Line up the bend in the landing gear wire with the

plastic slot in the bottom of the fuselage.

☛

The slot behind the plastic mount is a cooling slot for

the flight battery.

❑ Push the landing gear wire firmly down into the slot.

❑ Align the propeller with the motor shaft.

Step 5: Installing the Propeller

Continued on Next Page

❑ Push the propeller firmly onto the motor shaft.

Step 6: Installing the Wing

❑ Unfold the wing, making sure not to damage the clear

tape that holds the wing halves together.

☛

Do not cut or remove the clear tape that holds the

wing halves together. This tape prevents the wing halves

from coming apart during flight.

❑ Look carefully at the plastic wing brace. Notice that

the top front of the brace is flat.

☛

The front of the wing brace will go toward the front

of the wing.

Continued on Next Page

❑ Line up the centerline of the wing with the center of

the fuselage.

❑ Set the plastic wing brace over the middle of the wing.

☛

Remember, the front of the brace goes toward the front

of the wing.

❑ Install the rubber bands to hold the wing brace and

wing firmly in place.

❑ Use two rubber bands per side (four total) to hold the

wing in place.

☛

It is not necessary to use more than four rubber

bands, but if you use less, the wing may move during

flight, resulting in poor flight performance.

Step 7: Installing the Flight Battery

❑ Pull the motor on/off switch back toward you to make

sure the motor is in the off position.

❑ Turn on the transmitter. Both the green and the red

LED's should light up.

IMPORTANT

Always make sure you turn on the transmitter first,

before installing the flight battery. After you're done

flying, remove the flight battery first, then turn off the

transmitter.

☛

This will prevent unexpected radio signals from in-

terfering with your radio system.

❑ Remove the rubber bands, wing brace and wing from

the fuselage. Set them aside.

❑ Plug the connector on the flight battery into the

connector that is inside the fuselage. When plugged in

properly you should hear the connectors "click".

☛

Note that the plugs can be plugged in only one way.

Continued on Next Page

❑ Push the battery connectors and wires up toward the

front of the fuselage.

❑ Slide the battery down into the fuselage as shown.

❑ Push the flight battery down so it is resting on the

bottom of the fuselage.

☛

The battery simply rests on the fuselage floor, right

in front of the receiver.

IMPORTANT

The Electric Cub does not have an on/off switch. When

you plug in the flight battery, the receiver and servos

are powered up.

Caution!

Do not press the red motor arming switch at this time.

Now that you have completed the assembly of your

Electric Cub, turn to page # 12 to begin testing your

Electric Cub and getting it ready to fly!

Step 1: Adjusting the Control Surfaces

❑ Turn on the transmitter.

❑ Plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the safety arming switch yet.

Testing the Electric Cub

❑ Carefully adjust the left and right control trim lever

until it is centered with the marks above and below it.

❑ Carefully adjust the up and down control trim lever

until it is centered with the marks to the right and left of it.

Continued on Next Page

IMPORTANT

Before each flight it's important to check to make sure

that each control surface is exactly even with the tail. If

they are not, the Electric Cub will not fly properly.

❑ If the control surfaces are not exactly even with the

tail, use your fingers to carefully bend the wire (where it

comes out of the fuselage tube) until the back edge of

each control surface is even with the tail.

❑ Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move

the right-hand transmitter control stick completely to

the left. The vertical control surface should move left.

❑ Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move

the right-hand transmitter control stick completely to the

right. The vertical control surface should move right.

❑ Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move

the left-hand transmitter control stick completely back.

The horizontal control surface should move up.

Continued on Next Page

❑ Looking from the back of the Electric Cub, move

the left-hand transmitter control stick completely forward.

The horizontal control surface should move down.

Step 2: Testing the Motor

❑ Turn on the transmitter and plug in and install the

flight battery.

❑ Make sure that the motor on/off switch is pulled back

toward you - see page # 10.

❑ While keeping clear of the propeller, press the red

motor safety arming switch once.

WARNING: During the motor test keep everything clear

of the propeller, especially fingers and loose clothing.

❑ While holding the Electric Cub upright in the air with

the propeller pointing away from you, push the motor

on/off switch forward. The propeller should spin at a high

rate of speed.

❑ When finished with the test, pull the motor on/off

switch toward you (the motor should turn off), unplug the

flight battery, then turn off the transmitter.

Step 2: Choosing a Day to Fly

❑ Until you become a proficient flyer you should always plan on flying your Electric Cub when there's no wind. We

strongly suggest waiting for a calm day. Do not fly in more than a 5 m.p.h. wind.

❑ Tie the red flag to the end of the transmitter's antenna.

❑ Hold the transmitter up at an angle. If the flag hangs

down, go ahead and fly.

❑ If the flag hangs at a 45º angle or more, don't fly.

Wait for a calmer day.

Getting Ready to Fly

Step 1: Choosing Your Flying Field

❑ The flying field you choose should be a large, open field with grass. There should not be any vehicles, buildings,

power lines, trees, large rocks - or anything else for your Electric Cub to crash into. Until you are very proficient with the

Electric Cub, we don't recommend taking off or landing from hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.

Less than a 5 m.p.h. wind.

It's okay to fly.

More than a 5 m.p.h. wind.

Wait for a calmer day to fly.

Continued on Next Page

Step 3: Range Testing the Radio System

❑ Turn on the transmitter.

❑ Plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the motor safety arming switch yet.

❑ Set the Electric Cub on the ground.

❑ Extend the transmitter's antenna completely. Move the two control sticks back and forth to check the controls.

❑ Walk approximately 150ft. from the Electric Cub and move the control sticks back and forth. Check to make sure that

the Electric Cub's controls are moving smoothly at this distance. You may need a friend to help you with this step.

☛

If the Electric Cub does not range check, don't fly! Please refer to the troubleshooting guide on page # 19.

Flying the Electric Cub

Step 1: Hand Launching and Setting the Trim

❑ You should always launch the Electric Cub into the wind. Determine wind direction by tossing some blades of grass

into the air and watching which direction they fall.

❑ Turn on the transmitter and plug in and install the flight battery. Do not press the motor safety arming switch yet.

❑ In your throwing hand hold the Electric Cub from

the base, up above shoulder level.

❑ While holding the transmitter in your other hand,

firmly toss the Electric Cub straight ahead and level

(without power). Do not throw it hard or up or down.

IMPORTANT

When trimmed properly, the Electric Cub should glide

level for a short distance then go into a shallow nose

down attitude for about 20 - 30 feet. Adjust the trim of

the horizontal control surface using the up/down trim

lever on the transmitter to achieve this - see below.

Continued on Next Page

☛

To make the Electric Cub pitch up more, slide the up/down trim lever back just a little bit.

☛

To make the Electric Cub pitch down more, slide the up/down trim lever forward just a little bit. In most cases,

keeping the up/down trim lever centered will result in excellent power-off glide performance.

❑ When you are satisfied with the trim, press the motor arming switch once.

❑ While holding the Electric Cub at shoulder level like before, push the motor on/off switch to turn the motor on. With

the propeller spinning at high speed, firmly toss the Electric Cub straight ahead and level.

☛

When trimmed properly, the Electric Cub will gently climb on its own without being given any up/down stick input.

If the Electric Cub begins losing altitude after launching, pull back gently (only a small amount) on the up/down control

stick. This will cause the Electric Cub to pitch up and climb.

Step 3: Landing

❑ Before attempting to land make sure that the Electric Cub is flying straight into the wind with the wing level.

❑ Pull the motor on/off switch back toward you to turn the motor off. At this point the Electric Cub will begin to

descend. Allow the airplane to gradually descend. If the airplane seems to be descending too fast, gently pull back on the

up/down control stick to make the Electric Cub pitch up to level flight. This will bleed off speed and slow the decent.

Once the airplane has slowed down, release the control stick and allow the airplane to continue its decent. Once the

Electric Cub is about 15 feet off the ground make sure the wing is level and continue a shallow descent. Just before touch-

down, gently pull back on the control stick to level the airplane with the ground for landing.

Step 2: Flying

❑ After you've launched the Electric Cub, keep the motor running and allow the Electric Cub to continue to climb.

After reaching about 80 - 100 feet of altitude you should start making turns to keep the Electric Cub near you.

WARNING

Don't fly the Electric Cub too far away or you could lose control. The range of the radio system is about 500 - 600 feet.

❑ To turn the Electric Cub, gently move the right-hand control stick in the direction you want the Electric Cub to go and

hold it for a second or two. After the Electric Cub starts turning in the direction you want it to, let go of the control stick.

WARNING

The longer you hold the control stick over, the tighter radius the Electric Cub will turn in. We recommend gentle turns

until you are proficient with the flight characteristics of the airplane.

☛

If the Electric Cub always turns one direction or the other, use the sliding trim lever (as described on page # 12) to

make the Electric Cub fly level.

❑ The Electric Cub's altitude is controlled by the left-hand up/down control stick. If you want the Electric Cub to climb,

gently pull back on the control stick. If you want the Electric Cub to descend, gently push forward on the control stick.

☛

When going into a turn, the Electric Cub will have a natural tendency to lose some altitude. Unless you want to

descend, you should gently pull back on the control stick to keep the Electric Cub level during the turn. The steeper the

turn the more altitude the Electric Cub will lose.

❑ Typically, the Electric Cub is flown with the motor on. If you want to glide around or descend, you can turn the motor

off using the motor on/off switch. When you want to climb again, push the motor on/off switch to turn the motor back on.

☛

When you turn the motor off for gliding, the Electric Cub will have a natural tendency to pitch up. This is caused by

the down thrust in the motor. Push forward gently on the left-hand up/down control stick to make the Electric Cub pitch

down to level flight.

IMPORTANT

If you are flying in a light wind, the Electric Cub will tend to climb as you turn into the wind. In this instance, you will

need to level off the Electric Cub by pushing forward on the control stick. When you turn down-wind, the Electric Cub

will have a natural tendency to loss altitude. In this instance, you should pull back gently on the control stick.

Wattage carries a complete line of replacement parts for your Electric Cub. Listed below are the replacement parts that

are available along with their respective part numbers for easy ordering convenience. These replacement parts can be

ordered through your local dealer or directly from Wattage by calling 1-714-963-0329.

Decal Sheet - 144152

Instruction Manual - 144153

Wing Set - 144154

Tail Assembly - 144155

Fuselage Assembly - 144156

Landing Gear Assembly - 144157

Propeller - 144158

Flight Battery Charger - 144109

Flight Battery Pack - 144110

180 Electric Motor - 144111

Elite 3 Transmitter - 144147

27Mhz 3ch. Receiver - 144148

Motor Controller - 144149

Servo Unit - 144123

Replacement Parts

●

Check before every flight to ensure that the batteries in the transmitter are working properly. When the green LED

goes out it's time to change the batteries.

●

Before recharging the flight battery, let the motor run until the flight battery is completely drained. This will ensure

you don't overcharge the battery.

●

Do not begin to charge the flight battery if it is hot. Wait for the battery to cool before recharging it.

●

Never leave the flight battery plugged into the airplane unless you are flying or testing the controls.

●

Before flying, always double check that you've extended the transmitter antenna completely.

●

Before each flight, do a quick motor test to make sure that the motor is producing full power. If it doesn't you may need

to charge the flight battery longer. Do not charge a completely drained flight battery longer than 2 hours or damage to the

flight battery may occur.

●

When you fly, orientate yourself so that the sun is at your back. Don't fly directly into the sun or you won't be able to

see your Electric Cub.

●

Separate battery packs can be purchased and charged before going to the flying field. An extra flight battery will

double your flight time. See the replacement parts list below for the part number of the flight battery.

●

Do not fly in winds over 5 miles per hour; otherwise, the Electric Cub will be very difficult to control and a crash will

likely occur.

●

Do not fly your Electric Cub if another airplane is on the same frequency as you. The frequency number is printed on

a sticker on the back of the transmitter and on the Electric Cub's receiver.

●

Always be conscious of the spinning propeller. Be careful not to allow loose clothing to be drawn into the propeller.

●

If you're under 12 years of age we suggest you fly while accompanied by an adult.

●

Do not use any charger other than the charger included with the Electric Cub to charge the flight battery.

●

Never attempt to disassemble any of the Electric Cub components, especially the transmitter, charger and battery.

●

Do not allow any of the components to get wet or electrical damage may occur.

●

The propeller is a friction fit to the motor shaft. Sometimes the propeller may be knocked loose during a crash or it

may become loose from taking it off. If this is the case, simply apply a thin layer of Elmers

White Glue to the motor

shaft before installing the propeller. This will help keep it firmly in place. Be careful not to get glue inside the motor.

Flight Tips and Warnings

This troubleshooting guide has been provided to help you diagnose and solve most problems that you may encounter

with your Electric Cub. Most problems encountered can be solved by carefully following the problem-cause-solution

sections below. If you cannot solve the problem using this troubleshooting guide, please feel free to contact us at the

address or phone number listed on page # 3.

PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION

1) Transmitter does not turn on A) Transmitter batteries are depleted A) Replace batteries with new ones

B) Transmitter batteries are not installed properly B) Reinstall the batteries, double checking

the polarity

2) Tail servo/servos do not work A) Flight battery is depleted A) Recharge flight battery

B) Flight battery is not plugged in or is loose B) Check that the flight battery is plugged

in firmly

C) A crash has damaged an internal component C) Return your Electric Cub to Wattage

following the instructions on the back

cover of this manual

3) Motor does not turn on A) Flight battery is not plugged in A) Plug in flight battery

B) Flight battery is depleted B) Recharge flight battery

C) Safety arming switch not pressed C) Press safety arming switch once to

allow power to the motor

D) A crash has damaged an internal component D) Return your Electric Cub to Wattage

following the instructions on the back

cover of this manual

4) The Electric Cub is difficult A) You may be flying in too much wind A) Fly when it is calm outside

to control B) The control surfaces are out of trim B) Center the control surfaces by adjusting

the pushrods as described on page # 12

C) The flight battery is depleted C) Land and recharge the flight battery

D) Transmitter batteries are depleted D) Replace batteries with new ones

E) You are over-controlling the control sticks E) Be careful not to over-control. Apply

only small, gentle control inputs

5) The Electric Cub always A) The right-hand trim lever is out of adjustment A) Adjust the trim lever on the transmitter

turns to the left or right until the Electric Cub flies straight

without control input

6) The Electric Cub always climbs A) The left-hand trim lever is out of adjustment A) Adjust the trim lever on the transmitter

or descends until the Electric Cub flies level without

control input

7) Cannot trim the Electric Cub A) Control surfaces are too far out of trim A) Readjust the pushrods as described on

using the trim levers page # 12

Troubleshooting Guide

Warranty Service

Before returning your Electric Cub for warranty consideration, the status of the unit must be within the guarantee as

stated on page # 3 of this instruction manual. Do not return your Electric Cub to the place of purchase. They are not

authorized or equipped to perform warranty work on Wattage products. When requesting warranty service, please

observe the following:

●

Crash damage will not be covered under warranty. Do not request warranty service for a crash-damaged product.

●

Always send the Electric Cub complete with the transmitter. Please unplug and/or remove the batteries both from the

transmitter and the Electric Cub. Please place the batteries separately in the same package.

●

Include a note detailing the problem or service you are requesting. Service cannot be provided without this

information. Include your daytime phone number, shipping address and/or email address in the event we need more

details pertaining to the service requested.

●

You may request an estimate of services at the time you return your Electric Cub for service. An omission of this

request implies permission for Wattage to service your Electric Cub at our discretion.

●

Include a method of payment for any service charges.

●

Send the unit to us by United Parcel Service, Federal Express or by Insured Mail. Postage is non-refundable. Send

your package to:

Wattage Customer Care

18480 Bandilier Circle

Fountain Valley, CA 92728

Phone (714) 963-0329

Fax (714) 964-6236

Email: service@globalhobby.net

Battery Charger: Plugs into a 110V AC wall outlet

and charges the flight battery to full capacity.

Control Stick: The sticks on the transmitter that you

move. The one on the right moves left and right and the

one on the left moves up and down.

Control Surfaces: The surfaces on the tail assembly

that pivot to make the airplane turn right and left and pitch

up and down.

Flight Battery: Comprised of individual battery cells,

the flight battery is mounted inside the airplane and pow-

ers the motor, receiver and servos.

Horizontal Tail: The wing-like surface on the back of

the airplane that is parallel with the wing. The horizontal

tail provides stability to the airplane.

Motor Controller: The motor controller controls the

speed of the motor. The Electric Cub's motor controller is

a simple on/off switch.

Pushrods: They connect the control surfaces to the

servo, transferring the movement of the servo directly

to the control surfaces.

Receiver: The part of the radio system that receives the

signals from the transmitter.

Safety Arming Switch: A switch between the motor

and the motor controller that prevents the motor from turn-

ing on until the switch is pressed. This prevents the motor

from inadvertently turning on.

Servo: The part of the radio system that produces the

movement necessary to move the control surface. The

servo includes a small motor, gears and a circuit board.

Servo Horn: Made out of plastic or nylon, it attaches to

the servo output shaft. The pushrod and/or servo connec-

tor are then attached to the servo horn.

Transmitter: The part of the radio system that you

control. It transmits the control inputs to the receiver,

which transfers that information to the servo and mo-

tor controller.

Trim Lever: A sliding lever on the transmitter that

allows you to make small adjustments to the control

surfaces from the transmitter.

Vertical Tail: The wing-like surface on the back of the

airplane that is perpendicular to the horizontal tail. The

vertical tail provides stability to the airplane.

Z-Bend: A "Z Shaped" bend in pushrods that is used to

connect the pushrods to the control surfaces.

Glossary of Terms

WattAge Electric Piper J-3 CUB User manual

Brand: WattAge

Model: Electric Piper J-3 CUB

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

J-3 ElectriCub

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WattAge Electric Piper J-3 CUB User manual

This manual is also suitable for

WattAge Electric Piper J-3 CUB User manual

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