1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Elect & Glow - Various Colors
1.1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - READ ME FIRST

PLEASE READ ME FIRST

BEFORE PROCEEDING TO ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE THIS PRODUCT

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT NOTICE

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

The authors and/or suppliers and/or disseminaters of this information and/or product expressly disclaim any warranties or representations, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of fitness, accuracy, timeliness or applicability of the information and/or product provided here. In no event will the authors and/or suppliers and/or disseminaters of this information and/or product have any obligation arising from contract or tort, for loss of revenue or profit, or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or other damages of any sort arising from this information and/or product. In using this information and/or product, the user accepts all responsibility for and all liability associated with such use.

PROCEEDING WITH THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION AND/OR PRODUCT INDICATES AGREEMENT WITH AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE LIABILITY DISCLAIMER.
 
Please Note the following Caution

CAUTION

A Remote Control (RC) model aircraft is not a toy. It is a flying model that functions much like a full size airplane. If you do not assemble and operate model aircraft properly you can cause injury to yourself and others and damage property. DO NOT FLY a model aircraft unless you are qualified.

You are ultimately responsible for the mechanical, aeronautical and electrical integrity of any model you fly and all of the components that make up the model including but not limited to the airframe itself, control surfaces, hinges, linkages, covering, engine, motor, radio, servos, switches, wiring, battery and parts. Check all components before and after each flight. It is essential that you act with the clear understanding that you are solely responsible for all aspects of the model at all times. DO NOT FLY until it is right.  

 

1.1.1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - General Information

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
Tips for Avoiding Common Problems

We have supplied thousands and thousands and thousands of model aircraft in the past 20 plus years. We're not bragging! We tell you this to give some credibility to our suggested list of tips that follow. In talking to modelers around the world, here is what we have found is the key to... 

AVOIDING 90% of PROBLEMS that can arise:  

  1. READ THE CAUTION ABOVE & READ THE LIABILITY DISCLAIMER.You are responsible for all aspects of any model you fly. You're It!
  2. READ ALL DOCUMENTATION before doing anything else! 
  3. INSPECT CAREFULLY immediately upon arrival!.
  4. RETAIN ALL PACKAGING until the checkout is complete! If you need to return anything you must have all of the original packaging.
  5. READ & LOOK! At everything! Do it once & then do it again.
  6. REMEMBER WHAT "ARF" STANDS FOR. ARF means ALMOST Ready to Fly with an emphasis on ALMOST! Some assembly and modeling skills are required.
  7. ALLOW ENOUGH TIME to enjoy the assembly process! Rushing into a 6 hour job with 3 hours to spare simply will not work. This is a Hobby... take your time.
  8. DRY FIT & TEST ASSEMBLE EVERYTHING before you glue anything!
  9. USE 30 MINUTE EPOXY when joining wings & installing stabilizers and other structural components but only after you have dry fitted and test assembled the components without glue! Once parts are glued together they cannot be unglued and they cannot be returned or replaced without charge.
  10. PLAN AHEAD! BE CAREFUL! If you get into trouble, DON'T PANIC. Review everything again, talk it over with an experienced modeler and if still in difficulty consult our Support Services.
  11. TEST TEST!!! TUG TUG TUG!!! EVERYTHING... BEFORE & AFTER EACH FLIGHT! Your model may have been largely pre-constructed and may have pre-installed control rods, hinges, control surfaces and many other essential components. Hinges may have been pinned after they have been installed. However, you must double check every control surface and component before and after each flight. You and only you are responsible for the integrity of all components and the integrity of the model itself. Check everything before and after each flight. Tug on control surfaces, control rods, mounting bolts, T-nuts, mounting plates... tug on everything!
  12. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN WING BOLTS or other fasteners. You want bolts and nuts snugly tight and if metal you can use a medium grade thread locker such as Pacer Z42 to help them stay tight. Fasteners must be snug and secure. However a model airplane is not a farm tractor or a garbage compactor. You do not need a pipe wrench or an electric drill to tighten up wing bolts or any other fastener. Leave your plumbing and power tools at home.. hand tools only and go easy on the torque... snug and secure... not stripped or torqued until they squeak or break.  Wing bolts can take tremendous torque before breaking... but when you over tighten them or use an electric screw driver on a set of wing bolts, long before the bolts break you can fracture the fuselage, crack the mounting blocks or pull the heads of the bolts through the wing... these problems have a nasty habit of revealing themselves when you least expect the wing to fall off!
  13. DO NOT OVERPOWER ANY MODEL! Stay within the recommended power range for the model. If you overpower the model you run a high risk of structural failure that will lead to loss of control and a subsequent crash that will destroy the model and may cause injury and/or property damage.
  14. ASSUME NOTHING! Remember the old yarn about what happens when you ASS-U-ME something. Check everything repeatedly and frequently and DO NOT FLY any model unless you are satisfied that everything is in good working order.

 

1.1.2. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Supplement to the Manual
COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
1.1.2.1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Battery Installation

This supplementary information applies to manuals with a copyright date of 20050712 (see back cover). Manuals having later copyright dates may already reflect this supplementary information.

Please see Page 16, Figure 28B. The text below the Caption for Figure 28B refers to "...with Velcro (supplied) or ..."  Please note that Bird Dogs produced prior to August 2005 did not come with Velcro and the battery should be secured using lightweight foam so that it does not move. Beginning with production in September 2005, a new laser cut battery platform and Velcro retaining strap was included along with an ADDITIONAL INFORMATION sheet that explains how to install the battery platform. The ADDITIONAL INFORMATION sheet supercedes the manual.
 
 
1.1.2.2. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Control Horns

This supplementary information applies to manuals with a copyright date of 20050712 (see manual back cover). Manuals having later copyright dates may already reflect this supplementary information.

Some Bird Dogs produced prior to August 2005,  were shipped with two small plastic disc's in lieu of a single square backing plate for some of the control horns. These small disc's serve exactly the same purpose as the square backing plate... the only difference is that there are two of them... one for each screw. Beginning with production in September 2005, a new laser cut control horn assembly replaced the plastic screw type control horns previously used with the VMAR Bird Dog 06-12 ARF. If laser cut control horns have been supplied, an ADDITIONAL INFORMATION sheet has been included with the control horn parts bag and shows the correct method of installing the laser cut control horns. The ADDITIONAL INFORMATION sheet supercedes the manual.
 
 
1.1.2.3. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Firewall Spacing - Page 8, Figure 12K

This supplementary information applies to manuals with a copyright date of 20050712 (see back cover). Manuals having later copyright dates may already reflect this supplementary information.

Please see Page 8, Figure 12K. This figure shows the 3mm nuts evenly spaced at .875 in. (22 mm) from the firewall. This works well for some motor shafts but may be lessened or expanded to reflect different lengths of motor shafts. The important thing here is that the motor shaft be able to extend through the front of the cowl and still securely hold the propeller without the propeller contacting the cowl. A distance of 1-3/32 in. (27mm) works well for many popular motors.
 
 
1.1.2.4. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Vertical Stabilizer Fit - Page 6, Step 8.1 & Figure 8A

This supplementary information applies to manuals with a copyright date of 20050712 (see back cover). Manuals having later copyright dates may already reflect this supplementary information.

Please see Page 6, Step 8.1 & Figure 8A. Step 8.1 and Figure 8A describe and show the dry test fitting of the vertical stabilizer into the vertical stabilizer slot in the top of the fuselage. On some early versions of the Bird Dog produced in July and August of 2005 the slot in the fuselage is slightly too deep so that the vertical stabilizer tab shown in Figure 8D does not contact the bottom of the slot when inserted into the fuselage. 

If your vertical stabilizer does not contact the bottom of the fuselage slot when inserted into the fuselage you need to rectify this with a small filler strip inserted into the fuselage slot and tacked into place with CA or other glue before installing the vertical stabilizer using 30 minute epoxy. The filler strip should be approximately 5-7mm high and the width and length of the slot. Use balsa or other light wood to make this strip. Dry fit the strip and the vertical stabilizer before gluing anything into place. The idea here is to make sure that the bottom of the vertical stabilizer tab seats firmly against the strip which in turn fills the gap in the bottom of the fuselage slot. 

1.1.3. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Important Information
 
 
 
 
1.1.3.1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Covering

This model uses POLYCOTE ECS Covering

POLYCOTE ECS - Care & Maintenance - Quick Tips

Question: Do you have any pointers regarding the Care & Maintenance of POLYCOTE ECS?

Answer: Yes we have this Summary of Quick Tips. See www.richmondrc.com ( Enter Site > Support Services > Knowledge Base then Search on "Covering") for an expanded explanation of each Tip.

Polyester offers the best in covering performance and as with any new modern technology, the maintenance methods may be different than those you used with your older covering. This is NOT Monokote or Solarfilm, its different. If you have used ORACOVER or ULTRACOTE you will have some experience with working with POLYESTER as a covering material.

Here is our Summary of Quick Tips related to POLYCOTE ECS covering.

  • Avoid Hot Vehicles
    • Cooking your model in your vehicle for hours on end is generally not a good idea! Temperatures can easily exceed 50C (122 F) under such conditions. You will get sags. Consult our Knowledge Base before attempting to remove sags.  
  • Cleaning After Flying
    • We recommend Fantastic household cleaner and disposable paper towels. Mist, do not flood. Wipe along seams, not across. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT use SIMPLE GREEN, 409 or similar materials for cleaning a model airplane.
  • Cleaning Initially
    • Upon initial inspection if you see a thin streaky film on any of the POLYCOTE ECS, work outdoors and use a paper towel and wipe a slightly wet film of Mineral Spirits over 1/4 of a wing or half a fuselage at a time. Rub gently while still wet. Change towels frequently. Avoid plastics.
  • Cutting
    • Use sharp scissors or an XACTO knife with a sharp #11 blade.
  • Pealing
    • Relatively rare. Fix as soon as possible. Consult our Knowledge Base before attempting to resolve.
  • Protecting the Finish
    • Most Importantly - Follow the cleaning instructions. Use the recommended cleaners and method. Dab away raw fuel. Test small out of the way area and all plastics before applying any glue, solvent, cleaner, paint or other preparation. Patch punctures promptly. Avoid hours and hours sitting in the direct sun.
  • Removing & Using Tape
    • Use low tack tape. When removing tape , peal the tape back on itself parallel to the surface of the covering.
  • Repairing Punctures
    •  Patch promptly. Clean any oil residue from the area of the puncture. Patch should be 1/2" (13mm) bigger on all sides. Round the corners. Seal in place with a heat iron & sock. Tighten area with a Heat Gun.
  • Resealing Seams
    • Act promptly. Clean any oil residue from the area and reseal the seam with thin CA.
  • Tightening Sags
    • Remember SSB... SECURE the perimeter then SHRINK to fit then BOND to the structure. Use an iron with sock to SECURE the perimeter, use a heat gun to SHRINK within the perimeter, use a soft cloth while the covering is warm to BOND the covering to solid substrates.
  • Tools for Working with POLYCOTE ECS
    • Scissors, XACTO with #11 blade, iron, iron sock, regulated heat gun, soft cotton cloth or glove.
1.1.4. Support

On Line, eMail, Fax, Phone, Mail

We offer the Best in Support Services.
We back up our products and our customers with the best support services available. From our industry leading Knowledge Base to information about your Shipment, we've got you covered!
 
To access our Support Services please:
Your Choice of Support Services that Work for You: 
1.1.4.1. Contact Us

For Sales and other Inquiries  

Support - Contact Us - Reach our Sales Department by eMail, Fax, Phone or Mail

Technical Inquiries:

Please review the information provided in our Knowledge Base. After checking our Knowledge Base, if you need further assistance please use our Submit A Question service to get a response within 2 Business Days.

 

Sales Inquiries: 

Please note that our Sales Department personnel are trained and dedicated to:

  • Helping you with non-technical pre-purchase questions,
  • Helping you place your order,
  • Pointing out any sales, combos or specials that you may wish to consider,
  • Inputting your order to our computer system so that it ships out as accurately and quickly as possible... usually the same day,  
  • Resolving any invoicing problems, and
  • Helping to sort out any missing shipment or shipment damage issues.
Their depth of technical knowledge is about on par with what is shown in our printed sales literature. In most cases, they are working from the same printed advertisements or content from our web site that you are. Asking sales personnel to confirm the size, color and availability of a product is well within their capabilities. However, asking detailed questions about technical issues is not.

 

Buy our Products: 
  • From a Retailer
    • Please support your local retailer.    
  • On Line 24x7x365... if your favorite Retailer does not have what you are looking for, please visit one of our On-Line Stores. 
      • For Radio Control,
      • For ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacyrlates, superglue & epoxies
    • www.supplystore.com
      • Supplying ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacyrlates, superglue, epoxies, related accessories and more to End Users & Consumers in the Building Construction, Repair & Maintenance Trades. Also Fine Woodworkers, Stagecraft Artisans, Professional Detailers, Sportsmen & Scale Model Builders.
    • www.zapglue.ca
      • Supplying ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacrylates, superglue, epoxies and related accessories to End Users & Consumers in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Assembly and Laboratory sectors.
  • Order By Fax 24x7x365
    • 604-940-1063
  • Order By Phone M-F 11am-4pm Pacific Time
    • Order Desk 604-940-1066    

 

For All Other Inquiries... please consult the following resources:

  • After reviewing our On Line resources, if you require additional assistance please contact us by eMail, fax, phone or mail as follows:

    • Ask a Question
    • eMail 
    • Fax
      • 604-940-1063
    • Phone
      • 604-940-1066
    • Mail
      • Richmond RC Supply Ltd, #114 - 7350 72nd Street, Delta, BC, V4G-1H9
        • Mail & printed correspondence only.                
        • We are not able to accomodate personal site visits or drop-offs/pick-ups at this location.
        • Please note that all inbound Shipments require pre-Authorization in advance.
        • Unauthorized inbound shipments will be refused.        

 
1.1.5. Keep Up to Date

Check Frequently for Updates

Support - Stay Current - Check Frequently for Updated &/or Additional Information
This information is subject to change without notice. When viewing this information in a printed form the printing date will be visible in the lower right corner. Check frequently for updates &/or Additional Information.at www.richmondrc.com, > Enter the Site, > Support Services, follow the links to our Knowledge Base. Review the Table of Contents and search for the name and/or part number of this product.
 
For automated notification of changes to information contained in our Knowledge Base please register as a Priority Response member and subscribe to our Priority Response Notification Service.
1.2. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Additional Information

In general "Additional" Information is:

  • In addition to that found in other documentation related to this product,
  • Often reflects feedback &/or questions from users of the product.

Subject to the Conditions of Use, please review the attachments and related articles listed below. 

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
1.2.1. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Electric Power Systems for Flight at High Altitudes

For those of you who may be wondering about flying a VMAR Bird Dog at High Altitude please see the general article on high altitude electric performance included further below.


In addition to the article included below, here is some feedback provided by a modeler flying a Bird Dog near Durango, CO at approximately 7000 feet above sea level.

He has equipped his Bird Dog as follows:

  • AXI Outrunner 2808/24
  • 3 Cell LiPo consisting of 2 x 2200mAh 3 cell packs in parallel for 4400 mAh total capacity.
  • Using a Graupner Folding 10x6 Prop

Reports brisk reliable performance with this power system in the Bird Dog.


 

Electric Power - Performance at High Altitudes

Question: I live at 5000 feet above sea level. What should I do to get my electric power system to perform at high altitudes as well as it does at sea level?

Answer: It's tough to get the same performance at 5000 or 8000 feet as you do at sea level but we do have a technique that will help you come close.

First of all it's important to understand a few things:

1) Unlike an internal combustion engine (i.e. glow or gas), an electric motor does not consume oxygen and hence could care less about oxygen or anything else that affects combustion.

2) An electric motor system that runs well at sea level will underperform at higher altitudes not because the air has less oxygen but because the air is thinner. Hot weather does the same thing... the air gets thinner. Hot and high together can really gang up and take a chunk out of the performance.

In order to get your electric motor system to perform in thinner air the same way it does at sea level, you may actually have to change the motor, speed control, battery pack and prop but before you go reaching for your credit card here is a technique that attacks the problem from the lowest cost component first.

1) Measure the watts that your power system consumes at sea level or other relatively low altitude location. Use a Medusa Power Analyzer or AstroFlight Whatt meter.

2) Better yet, if possible, use the Medusa Power Analyzer PRO thrust meter to measure the thrust generated and the watts consumed.

3) Now do the same measurements (1 & 2) at the higher altitude location. You will notice that your system consumes less watts and if you are able to measure thrust you will notice that you get less thrust at higher altitude than you do at lower altitude. This is because the air is thinner (less dense) at higher altitudes.

4) In order to get the thrust back up to where it was at lower altitudes you need the prop to move more of the thinner air. To do this, select a higher pitch and/or larger diameter prop for use at higher altitudes. Test again and try to find a prop that gives you the same thrust and/or watt values as you were getting on the original prop at lower altitude. If you can get the same thrust at 5000 feet as you got at sea level for example, you will have similar flight performance. Thrust is really the key here and it's best to work with thrust numbers but watts are a good relative indicator of thrust. Not perfect but still helpful!

Be cautious when testing to ensure that the motor, ESC and battery do not overheat with the new prop. Some compromising may be necessary to get good performance that does not overheat components.

In a perfect world, you would carefully select a specific motor, ESC, battery and prop to get the ideal combination for high altitude performance when installed in a particular model. Yup... perfect is best... but for those of us who can settle for a bit less than ideal and have limited budgets, changing the prop to generate similar thrust in high, hot & thinner air as you get in low, cool & thicker air is a good low cost way to go.    

 

1.2.2. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Stage 12 Installing Electric Motor and ESC - Step 12C Mounting Screw (Bolt) Set
Question: Stage 12 Step 12C of my B210X Manual refers to installing three bolt and washer sets for mounting the motor. These bolt sets are stated to come with the kit but I did not get these in my kit. What's the story here?

Answer: The reference to the bolt sets (mounting screws) in your version of the B210X Manual is incorrect. The motor mounting system was modified to use four mounting screws not three as stated. These mounting screws come with the Power Module and Power Pack but are not included with the kit. Each motor is different and requires different mounting hardware and methods. We do provide a blank firewall set that can be drilled to suit nearly all motors. 
 
Mounting Screws - What to use on VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motor

Question: I have a VMAX #VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motor. What do I need in the way of mounting screws?

Answer: There are a several options for this depending on what you have in mind:
a) VMAX VMAX #VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motors that are supplied with VMAX Power Modules and VMAX Power Packs come pre-mounted with the appropriate screws for the motor.
 
b) The threads are 3mm and generally four 3mm x 6-12 mm machine hex head screws with washers will work.
 
c) We sell a Mounting Screw Set (#VMM-111B18MS) consisting of four 3mm x 10mm hex head screws. Hex head screws should be used with flat washers under the heads.
 
d) We also sell a Mounting Screw Set (#VMM-111B18MT) consisting of 16 mounting screws. Four screws in each of four different sizes/styles.
  • 3 x 10 mm Hex head machine screws (4) (like VMM-111B18MS)
  • 3 x 16 mm Hex head machine screws (4) (longer version of above)
  • 3 x   6 mm Phillips countersink head screws (4) (for flush fitting)
  • 3 x 10 mm Phillips countersink head screws (4) (for flush fitting) 
The four different sizes/styles allow for thicker firewalls, multi-layer firewalls where the screw heads must be countersunk between the layers, etc.
 
This set provides for a very wide range of different mounting methods.
 
Hex head screws should be used with flat washers under the heads.
 
CAUTION: When mounting motors using any method, ensure all fasteners are tightened securely. Check for vibration free operation of the motor. If not vibration free, reseat and retighten all fasteners and ancilliary components such as props and gears. Tighten fasteners firmly but don't strip the threads. Use medium strength thread locker on all metal to metal fasteners.

 

1.2.3. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Tool Sizes for Power Module Hardware

Wrench and Socket Head sizes for the VMAR Bird Dog power module hardware are as follows:

For the Prop Nuts 7/32"

For the Power Module nuts (that fit on the four threaded studs that attach the firewall to fhe fuselage) 7/32" deep socket

For the four black machine screws that go through the firewall and thread into tapped holes in the motor mount (backing plate) 2.5mm Allen Wrench

For the 2 or 3 black grub screws that retain the motor into the backing plate are accessed via the slot between the motor the backing plate 1.5 mm Allen Wrench.

 

1.2.4. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Wing Servo Requires Clearance Slot in Wing Strut Mounting Washer.

Question: When I am mounting wing servos in the VMAR Bird Dog, the wing strut attachment point washer is in the way of the mounting tab on one of the servos. What do I do?

Solution: This is easy to fix. Use a sharp #11 Xacto blade to knotch out the wooden washer as shown in the picture below. Takes about 15 seconds and you'll be good to go.

Note that this notching is only required where the strut washer and servo are in contact. This appears only to be an issue on production models up to November 2005.

1.3. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Assembly & Operations Manual in PDF format
1.4. VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Pictures, Graphics & Artwork
1.4.1. Logo VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF
1.4.1.1. Logo VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - JPG (RGB)
1.4.1.2. Logo VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - PSD (PhotoShop)
1.4.1.3. Logo VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - TIF (CMYK)
1.4.2. Pictures VMA-B210A Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Army (Red on White)
1.4.2.1. Pictures VMA-B210A Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Army (Red on White) - JPG (RGB)
1.4.2.2. Pictures VMA-B210A Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Army (Red on White) - PSD (Photoshop)
1.4.2.3. Pictures VMA-B210A Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Army (Red on White) - TIF (CMYK)
1.4.3. Pictures VMA-B210U Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - USAF (Yellow on Gray)
1.4.3.1. Pictures VMA-B210U Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - USAF (Yellow on Gray) - JPG (RGB)
1.4.3.2. Pictures VMA-B210U Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - USAF (Yellow on Gray) - PSD (PhotoShop)
1.4.3.3. Pictures VMA-B210U Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - TIF (Yellow on Gray) - PSD (CMYK)
1.4.4. Pictures VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - from the Fan Club
1.4.4.1. Pictures - VMA-B210X Bird Dog 06-12 ARF - Courtesy Barry Waters