Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Will the CF in the FiberFusion construction cause radio interference?

Can a beginner fly the Electric Shock?

Can the 2.4Ghz Spread Spectrum radios be used on the Electric Shock?

If I break something, are there available spares that I could buy?

The C-Clip on the motor shaft rubs against the center hole of the motor cage. Should modify the motor cage to suit my motor?

Can I modify my Electric Shock to accommodate a larger and more powerful motor?

Can a basic 4 channel radio be used or a radio without a sub-trim function be used on the Electric Shock?

How do I keeping my battery in place on the fuselage?

Can I use other ESC apart from the recommended Quantum 18 for the Thrust 10 motor?

I only have had nitro or gas experience and I am new to electrics. How do I ensure success?

Can I use other batteries apart from the recommended PA1000mah 18-30C?

Is the optional landing gear absolutely required?

Can I use a GWS SF prop for the Electric Shock?

The tape hinges have come loose. How do I repair or replace it?

I am a beginner to 3D. Is the Electric Shock suitable for a beginner like me?

Can the Electric Shock be flown indoors?

Can I mount my gear in other locations apart from where is recommended in the manual?

Can I still 3D with standard micro servo arms in-lieu of the optional CF servo arm extensions?

Will the CF in the FiberFusion construction cause radio interference?
CF is not only used on PA aircraft but on other RC models including up market RC helicopters and sailplanes with much success. The occurrence of radio interference depends a lot on the quality and condition of the radio gear, the compatibility between transmitters and receivers of differing brands and the actual flying site in question. Like all other EP aircraft, there are special considerations for the placement of the receiver, ESC and antenna routing. CF will not directly cause radio interference provided the receiver is kept well away from RF generating gear like ESC, battery cables and motors. We recommend that the antenna cable to be routed so as not to run parallel and in close proximity or contact with any conductive materials and RF generating equipment and to use a reputable full range receiver and not to shorten the antenna cable.  For particularly interference prone flying fields, we recommend considering PCM or Spectrum based systems for better radio link integrity.

 

Can a beginner fly the Electric Shock?
If you have already mastered orientation and are able to safely take off and land the model unsupervised, you can fly the Electric Shock! It is not intended to be a model for the absolute beginner to learn to fly on but when initially placed on conservative low rates, the Electric Shock is suitable to serve as a second or third model for the modeler to progressively move upwards in learning to 3D. On high rates, the Electric Shock will be a formidable 3D training platform allowing advanced to expert level modelers to make a leap forward in their hardcore 3D training.  

 

Can the 2.4Ghz Spread Spectrum radios be used on the Electric Shock?
Yes. The Electric Shock has been successfully tested with the Spektrum DSM2 system.

 

If I break something, are there available spares that I could buy?
Yes. It is our intent to allow you to enjoy your model for as long as possible. The list of available spares is shown on the PA website.They are also available at your local PA distributor and directly from PA.  

 

The C-Clip on the motor shaft rubs against the center hole of the CF motor mount. Should I modify the motor mount to suit my motor?
No. The C-clip and brass bushing are not required for the Electric Shock. Simply take them off. Enlarging the motor shaft opening on the motor mount may lead to motor mount failures and will void warranty.

 

Can I modify my Electric Shock to accommodate a larger and more powerful motor?
The use of larger and more powerful motor may lead to a possible airframe and motor mount failures. The Electric Shock has been design to take advantage of the recommended iPAs setup to attain design performance. Any modification to the airframe will void warranty.

 

Can a basic 4 channel radio be used or a radio without a sub-trim function be used on the Electric Shock?
Yes. The aileron servos can be coupled by the use of Y-harness. However extra care is required to accurately centre the servos while the CF control rods are being assembled.

 

How do I keeping my battery in place on the fuselage?
Use the supplied Velcro fastens. We recommend applying self adhesive Velcro on the entire length of the battery along with a corresponding strip of the same length on the fuselage.  

 

Can I use other ESC apart from the recommended Quantum 18 for the Thrust 10 motor?
Not all motors are fully compatible with all ESC so the answer is it depends on the type, brand and quality of the chosen ESC and particularly its setup parameters. For best performance efficiency, trouble free and cool operations, we recommend the Quantum 40 which is merely a simple plug and play affair.

 

I only have had nitro or gas experience and I am new to electrics. How do I ensure success?
The detail pictorial instruction manual is quite comprehensive to serve as a guide to build the Electric Shock. To ensure complete success, we recommend purchasing the recommended iPAs gear to attain the intended performance and trouble free operation.

 

Can I use other batteries apart from the recommended PA1000mah 18-30C?
Yes you can, provided the battery is within the recommended weight to ensure correct CG. There is limited space to install the battery on the fuselage and as such the use of the recommended PA 1000mah pack ensures greater success.

 

Is the optional landing gear required?

The Electric Shock does NOT require LG.  In fact it flew very well without undercarriage and plenty belly landing did not damage the model in anyway. Not even once we broke a prop during belly landing (motor at idle). Servos intentionally located on top of the wing to avoid any gears stripping. The model lands very slowly and with the thrust of the motor, hand launch is very easy, just point it at 45 degrees at full throttle and let it go (see our videos). For those of you who prefer landing gear, we offer high quality complete carbon fiber landing gear and wheels separately.

 

Should I use a prop saver?
No. Prop savers tend to induce unwanted power robbing vibrations that could cause premature motor mount failures. You may use any good prop adapter. We recommend using our 3mm German Made prop adapter to ensure the best centering and vibration free operation.

 

Can I use a GWS SF prop for the Electric Shock?
It’s best not to use these props as they tend to flex too much causing a significant loss of performance. We recommend using the either APC 10X4.7SF or APC 10X3.8SF props.

 

The tape hinges have come loose. How do I repair or replace it?
The clear tape hinges are made of covering material. Use a covering iron to reapply the tape hinge. As an alternative, you may use clear cellophane tape.

 

I am a beginner to 3D. Is the Electric Shock suitable as a first 3D trainer?
Absolutely! The flight characteristics of the Electric Shock and its robust design makes it an ideal 3D training platform. Many 3D beginners have gain rapid progress and grown on them.  

 

Can the Electric Shock be flown indoors?
Yes. Its low wing loading makes the electric shock a suitable model for flying indoors and outdoors.  Keep the AWT as low as possible and use a lightweight low pitch SF prop.

 

Can I mount my gear in other locations apart from where is recommended in the manual?
No. The placement of the respective gear has been calculated to attain the best balance for the model. Changing gear location may affect its flight performance.

 

Can I still 3D with standard micro servo arms in-lieu of the optional CF servo arm extensions?
Yes you can. However for the best performance, we recommend using the recommended optional CF servo arm extensions to attain the optimum slop-free control surface deflection.