How to use Maiden

Measuring

• Measure a wing from a photo Photograph the wing with a sheet of paper on it, and Maiden works out its size and where the CG goes.
• Measure a wing from plans Scan the top view on the plans, then mark a length you know to set the scale.
• Measure the wing-to-stab distance Photograph the side of the model to find how far the stab sits behind the wing.
• Measure wingspan with the tape measure Aim the camera at each end of the assembled model to measure sizes such as wingspan.

Setting up the model

• Set control throws Lay the iPhone on a control surface to measure how far it moves, in degrees and travel.
• Check incidence and decalage Measure the wing and stab angles against the fuselage to find the decalage.
• Check dihedral and washout Measure how much the wing panels angle up, and how much each wing twists.
• Set the needles on a glow or gas engine Use the microphone as a tachometer to set the high- and low-speed needles, and keep a log of what works.

Balance and CG

• Level the model on a balancer Use the iPhone as a level while the model rests on a CG balancer.
• Work out where the CG should be Enter or measure the wing's size to find the range where the model should balance.
• Find the CG from the neutral point Use the wing, the stab and the distance between them to estimate how far back the CG can go.
• Find the CG by weighing Weigh each wheel to see where the model balances now, and how much weight to add.

At the field

• Run the pre-flight checklist Go through every check before you fly, on screen or read aloud.
• Set up a model's checklist Start from a standard checklist, then add, reword and reorder steps for this model.
• Time a flight Get a warning before it's time to land, on screen and on the Lock Screen.
• Put NFC tags on models and batteries Hold your iPhone to a sticker to open a model or battery in Maiden. Needs an iPhone
• Print QR codes for models and batteries Point the Camera app at a printed code to open a model or battery in Maiden.

Flights and logbook

• Log a flight Record how long you flew, what the battery or tank used, and how it went.
• Keep track of things to fix Problems you note after a flight come up first in the next pre-flight checklist.
• Ask your logbook and use Siri Ask questions about your flying, or log a flight by talking to Siri.

Batteries

• Add a battery Scan a pack's label to fill in its capacity, cell count and C rating.
• Log charges and charger readings Record each charge, and let Maiden read the numbers off your charger's screen.
• Understand internal resistance Rising resistance, or one cell much higher than the rest, means a pack is wearing out.

Your data

• Use Maiden on iPhone and iPad Your aircraft, batteries, flights and checklists sync through iCloud.
• Keep photos of your models Collect photos of each aircraft, and choose one as its cover.

Words and terms

Plain explanations of all 29 words used in the guides.