Thoma Modelltechnik ORBIS 20'' Manuel utilisateur

Installation and Operating

Manual

for the ORBIS 20’’

self-launch-system

2020 / 08

www.dr-martin-thoma.com

rbis

20‘‘

 Page 2 
 
 
Content 
 
Preface to this installation and operating manual .....................................................................3 
Installation instruction........................................................................................................4 
1. Legend.........................................................................................................................4 
2. Verify spatial requirements ..........................................................................................6 
3. Determining the distance I...........................................................................................6 
4. Cut-back of the rear wing spar.....................................................................................6 
5. Cast for a fuselage cover.............................................................................................7 
6. Cut out the fuselage hatches.......................................................................................7 
7. Fuselage hatch hinges.................................................................................................8 
8. Limit stop for the fuselage hatches..............................................................................9 
9. Hooks for the flap springs............................................................................................9 
10. Birch plywood support for the aluminium-support-frame ........................................10 
11. Installation of the energy chain...............................................................................11 
12. Cabling for operation..............................................................................................12 
13. Installation of the brushless motor..........................................................................12 
14. Mounting of the prop mechanism ...........................................................................12 
15. Installation of a fuselage cover...............................................................................13 
16. Installation of springs and a piece of wood on the left fuselage hatch....................14 
17. Installation of a wheel cover...................................................................................14 
Warnings .........................................................................................................................16 
1. General Attention.......................................................................................................16 
2. Warnings and safety instructions...............................................................................16 
3. Disclaim of liability and damage.................................................................................18 
Programming and Operation ...........................................................................................19 
1. Introduction to the programming................................................................................19 
2. Programming of the radio transmitter ........................................................................19 
3. Programming of the receiver .....................................................................................20 
4. Installation and adjustment of the Jeti MEZON 135 Opto controller ..........................20 
5. Introduction to the Dirk Merbold controller.................................................................22 
6. Programming of the Dirk Merbold controller..............................................................22 
7. Operation procedure..................................................................................................26 
Maintenance....................................................................................................................30 
1. Prop mechanism and motor bell................................................................................30 
2. Self-launch-system....................................................................................................32 
Warranty..........................................................................................................................33 
 
 

Page 3

Preface to this installation and operating manual

This manual must be read carefully before installing or operating the self-launch-system ORBIS. The

chapters will cover the following topics:

1. Installation: The first chapter takes you through the installation step by step and describes how to

cut the fuselage opening and the install the fuselage covers, where to position the support-frames.

2. Warnings: Read the warnings carefully before operating the ORBIS. Do not forget that you are

operating propeller blades with up to 3.600 Watts!

3. Programming and Operating Instructions: The programming of the Dirk Merbold Controller and

the operating of the ORBIS.

4. Maintenance: Necessary maintenance work on the ORBIS.

5. Warranty: The document ends with the warranty conditions.

Please pay special attention to the text marked with the following symbols:

Important warnings and information for operation security

Important information

Please send us your comments or suggestions for improvement of this manual or the ORBIS to:

info@dr-martin-thoma.com

Your helpful suggestions have lead to this improved version of the ORBIS 20!

Page 4

1. Installation instruction

1.1. Legend

The figure below shows the different components of the self-launch-system ORBIS. This installation

instruction refers to these components.

Graphic 1.1.1. Legend for the ORBIS overview

1. Prop mechanism.

2. Tilt plate.

3. Brushless Strecker motor.

4. Full carbon-SLS-support arms

5. Fuselage cover

6. Aluminium-support-frame.

7. Micro switches to control the extension and retraction.

8. Energy chain.

9. Brushless controller Jeti MEZON 135 Opto (10 Lipo).

10. Power supply for the brushless controller Jeti MEZON 135 Opto and for the gear motor via the

Dirk Merbold controller.

11. RC-receiver.

12. Dirk Merbold controller.

13. Birch ply-wood support.

Page 5

Graphic 1.1.2. Legend for the lower ORBIS area

14. Gearmotor.

15. Turning- servo.

16. Micro switch for safety function: Important to prevent motor starting inside the fuselage.

The micro switch will be activated only when the ORBIS is completely extracted and the tilt-servo /

prop mechanism is in flight position.

Connected via female connector 8 on the Dirk Merbold controller.

17. Micro switch for the retraction activation of the gear motor.

Connected via female connector 7 on the Dirk Merbold controller.

18. Micro switch for the extension deactivation of the gear motor.

Connected via plug 6 on the Dirk Merbold controller.

19. Micro switch for the retraction deactivation of the gear motor.

Connected via female connector 5 on the Dirk Merbold controller.

Aside is a second micro switch to cut-off the power supply of the tilt-servo when the ORBIS is fully

retracted.

Page 6

1.2. Verify spatial requirements

Before you begin with the installation you have to verify the spatial requirements of the ORBIS20.

In a distance of 600 mm from the rear edge of the cockpit canopy the diameter of the fuselage must

be at least 105 mm (see graphic 1.2.1). If the diameter is between 120 mm and 105 mm you have to

attempt to insert the ORBIS into the fuselage to verify if you have enough room.

Graphic 1.2.1. Spatial requirements for the ORBIS 20’’.

1.3. Determining the distance I

The distance from the rear edge of the cockpit canopy to the front edge of the fuselage opening (see

graphic 1.2.1.-distance I) should be between 40 mm and 200 mm. With a very narrow fuselage this

distance may have to be diminished down to 10 mm. When you have determined the value for the

distance I, double-check the spatial requirements.

1.4. Cut-back of the rear wing spar

Because of spatial requirements the rear wing spar has to be cut-back centric over a length of 95 mm.

The remaining wing spars have to be reinforced with a glass fibre epoxy resin.

Graphic 1.4.1 Cut-back of the rear wing spar

Page 7

1.5. Cast for a fuselage cover

One special feature of the ORBIS is that you can attach a cover between the two carbon arm

supports, which covers the fuselage opening in the extended position. To make this fuselage cover

you must make a cast in the range of the fuselage flaps. Please make a second cover for

replacement. Put a thin plastic foil over the fuselage and laminate at least four to five glass fibre layers

with epoxy resin in the minimum size of J 160 mm x H 80 mm.

A glossy white universal sized cover can also be ordered on the website:

(www.dr-martin-thoma.com)

Graphic 1.5.1 Cast for a fuselage cover

1.6. Cut out the fuselage hatches

Mark the cut-out for the two fuselage hatches with a pencil. The hatches are divided along the centre

of the fuselage. Please keep in mind that the upper fuselage joint does not necessarily represent the

actual centre of the fuselage. Measure the two fuselage hatches according to graphic 1.6.1, where the

length of the fuselage hatches J is 160 mm and the width H is 80 mm. The fuselage opening must

have a width of 80 mm. Since the hatches are curved, they have a slightly larger width. Measure the

width from the top with a calliper gauge. Cut out the fuselage hatches with an oscillating 0,4 mm saw

or second best take a sharp knife or a Dremel using a thin cutting wheel. Use straight metal rail

guidance and fasten it with screw clamps.

Graphic 1.6.1 Cut out the fuselage hatches

Page 8

1.7. Fuselage hatch hinges

Attach four brass tubes with a length of 20 mm (2.0 mm outer diameter / 1.1 mm inside diameter )

with superglue on the inside of the fuselage flaps as shown in the figure below.

Do not use larger tubes! Otherwise the ORBIS cannot extend through the opening!

Graphic 1.7.1 Attachment of Fuselage hatch hinges

Then a 1 mm spring steel wire of 35 mm length is glued into both front brass tubes with superglue.

(see graphic 1.7.2 - 22).

Graphic 1.7.2 Attachment of spring steel wire

Four brass tubes (2,0 mm / 1,1 mm) (see graphic 1.7.3 -23) with a length of 20 mm are mounted

inside the fuselage with superglue. It is recommended to attach both flaps with PVC tape before gluing

in order to adjust the position. The curved spring steel wires in the rear brass tubes have to be

removable but must not slip out of the tube. Therefore the steel wire should be broadened a bit with a

hammer so that it jams in the brass tube of the flap.

Graphic 1.7.3 Attachment of brass tubes

After attaching the brass tubes with superglue take epoxy resin and glass fibre in order attach

everything firmly.

Page 9

1.8. Limit stop for the fuselage hatches

In order to have a limit stop for the fuselage hatches you attach a glass fibre plate on the inside of the

fuselage.

Graphic 1.8.1. Attachment of limit stop for the fuselage hatches

After attaching the limit stops with superglue take epoxy resin and glass fibre in order attach

everything firmly.

1.9. Hooks for the flap springs

A hook is needed on each hatch to attach two springs that close the flaps in the retracted position.

Attach with epoxy resin and fibre material the two metal hooks out of 1.5 mm spring steel wire on the

fuselage hatches. It is advisable to bend the lower end around to increase the adhesive surface. Make

these hooks very flat, so that the motor cables do not get entangled in the hooks.

Thus jamming the flaps when opening, the attachment of a gap cover with super glue and then with

epoxy is recommended (see chart 1.8.1 -26). This is especially necessary if the trunk flap is made of a

softer material. Otherwise, the body flaps could bend up slightly during the opening and get stuck.

Graphic 1.9.1. Attachment of the hooks for the flap springs

Page 10

1.10. Birch plywood support for the aluminium-support-frame

Two 6 mm thick front birch plywood supports for the aluminium support frame are now adapted

according to graphic 1.10.1. It is recommended to adjust a cardboard piece first in order to find the

right fuselage form for the upper edge. The upper edge must be inclined in order to become gap free

to the fuselage (see graphic 1.10.3). Attach a 20 mm M2 screw into both plywood supports from below

(see graphic 1.10.1 - 28) and screw it in for 10 mm. Cut off the head. This screw will later on hold the

spring for the flaps.

Graphic 1.10.1. Cutting out the left birch plywood support for the aluminium-support-frame

At the marked position 27 (see graphic 1.10.1 - 27) a 4 mm hole is drilled and the delivered M4

cylinder head screw is inserted and well attached with epoxy resin and fibre material. Between the

plywood support and the cylinder head a distance of 5,1 mm must remain (see graphic 1.10.1 –R) so

that the aluminium-support-frame can be inserted.

Push the aluminium-support-frame via the canopy opening into the fuselage. The back part of the

aluminium-support-frame should have only a few millimetres of distance between the upper fuselages

border (see graphic 1.10.2 -29).

The rear edge of the full carbon-SLS-support arms must have a distance of 2 mm (1.10.2 - U)

between the rear edge of the fuselage opening. Not more and not less.

In the front section of the aluminium-support-frame are two holes for the attachment of with two M4

imbus screws (see graphic 1.10.2 -29). Adjust the aluminium-support-frame in the desired position and

mark the spot 27 on both plywood supports.

Graphic 1.10.2 Adjustment of the installation position of the ORBIS.

Ce manuel convient aux modèles suivants

Table des matières

Manuels Aéronef populaires d'autres marques

Cessna

Cessna U206G STATIONAIR Manuel du propriétaire

Cirrus

Cirrus SR22 Manuel utilisateur

Schleicher

Schleicher ASK 21 Instructions d'installation

Aircraft

Aircraft REIMS F152 Caractéristiques techniques

Skywalk

Skywalk Tequila 2 Manuel utilisateur

MAULE

MAULE M-7-235B Caractéristiques techniques

Ozone

Ozone Indy Manuel

Tecnam

Tecnam P92 Echo Super Manuel utilisateur

Wills Wing

Wills Wing HP II Mode d’emploi

Ozone

Ozone Roadster Manuel

Cirrus

Cirrus SR20 Manuel utilisateur

Niviuk

Niviuk KOYOT 3 Manuel utilisateur

Pipistrel

Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer Manuel utilisateur

REVELL

REVELL SnapTite BLUE ANGELS F-18 HORNET Manuel utilisateur

Cessna

Cessna 172 Series 1973 Manuel utilisateur

Sky

Sky EOLE Manuel utilisateur

Sabfoil

Sabfoil Surf Foil Manuel utilisateur

Cessna

Cessna 182S Skylane Guide de configuration rapide