RC Model Manager - User Guide

Welcome to RC Model Manager

This comprehensive guide will help you get the most out of RC Model Manager. Whether you're managing aircraft, tracking maintenance, or organizing your entire RC fleet, we've got you covered.

Getting Started

Installation

Mobile (iOS/Android):

1. Download from App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. Tap "Install" and wait for download
3. Open the app when installation completes

Desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux):

1. Download the installer for your platform from our website
2. Run the installer
3. Follow on-screen instructions
4. Launch RC Model Manager from your applications

First Launch

When you first open RC Model Manager:

1. Welcome Screen - Brief introduction to the app
2. Profile Creation - Enter your pilot information (optional)
3. Main Screen - You're ready to start!

Creating an Account (Optional but Recommended)

While RC Model Manager works completely offline, creating an account enables:

• ✅ Cloud backup of your data
• ✅ Sync across multiple devices
• ✅ Photo and file synchronization
• ✅ Access from anywhere

Managing Your Aircraft

Adding Your First Aircraft

1. Tap the Aircraft tab
2. Tap the + (Add) button
3. Fill in basic information (Name is required)
4. Add optional details like Wingspan, Weight, Power System
5. Attach a photo for easy identification
6. Tap Save

Adding Components

Once an aircraft is created, you can add components like:

• Engines/Motors - Power system details
• ESCs - Electronic speed controllers
• Receivers - Radio receivers
• Battery Packs - Main power batteries
• Gyros - Stabilization systems
• Servos - Control servos

⭐ Pinning Favorites

Keep your most-used equipment at the top of lists with the favorites system:

Adding Favorites:

1. Open any aircraft, transmitter, or battery pack
2. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top right
3. Select "Add as Favorite"
4. Item now pinned to top with amber star icon ⭐

Removing Favorites:

• Quick Method: Tap the star icon on the item card
• Menu Method: 3-dot menu → "Remove from Favorites"

Features:

• ✅ Favorites automatically sort to the top of lists
• ✅ Amber star indicator for quick identification
• ✅ Works for aircraft, transmitters, and battery packs
• ✅ Syncs across devices (PRO feature)
• ✅ Preserved in backup/restore operations

💡 Tip: Use favorites to create a "go-to" list of equipment you use most often. Perfect for field days when you need quick access!

Aircraft Overview Statistics

Each aircraft card in the list displays quick statistics:

• Total Flights - Including baseline + logged flights
• Total Flight Time - Cumulative hours and minutes
• Maintenance Alerts - URGENT, DUE SOON, OPEN badges

Example: "125 flights • 47h 32m"

💡 Tip: Set a baseline flight count and time for used aircraft to track complete history!

Flight Operations

Logging Flights

1. Open aircraft from list
2. Scroll to Flight Logs section
3. Tap Add Flight Log
4. Enter flight details:
   • Date & Time (defaults to now)
   • Duration - Flight time
   • Location (GPS auto-fill available)
   • Batteries Used
   • Weather Conditions
   • Notes
5. Save

Flight Statistics

On the aircraft detail screen, view:

• Total Flights - Including baseline + logged
• Total Flight Time - Hours and minutes
• Average Flight Time - Per flight
• Best Flight - Longest duration

Flying Field Management

What Are Flying Fields?

Flying fields are saved locations where you regularly fly your aircraft. Instead of manually entering location details for each flight, you can:

• Save your favorite flying locations
• Auto-select fields based on GPS proximity
• Track flight statistics per field
• Link fields to club memberships
• Store field-specific information (rules, contact info, etc.)

Accessing Flying Fields

1. Open Settings (gear icon)
2. Scroll to Data & Analytics section
3. Tap Flying Fields

Adding a Flying Field

1. In Flying Fields screen, tap + Add
2. Enter Field Name (required)
3. Add optional location information:
   • Location (city/region)
   • Address (street address)
   • GPS Coordinates - or tap "Capture Current GPS"
4. Add optional field details:
   • Website URL
   • Contact information
   • Field rules and restrictions
   • Notes
5. Optionally link to a club membership
6. Tap Save

⭐ Smart GPS Detection

When logging a flight, tap "Use Current Location" and the app will:

1. Check your GPS position
2. Search for flying fields within 500 meters (~0.3 miles)
3. If a field is found:
   • ✅ Automatically selects the field
   • ✅ Shows notification: "📍 Flying field detected: [Name] ([distance]m away)"
   • ✅ Pre-fills location with field details
4. If no fields nearby, falls back to reverse geocoding

Flying Field Analytics

The Flying Fields list displays statistics for each field:

• Flight Count - Total flights logged at that field
• Total Flight Time - Cumulative hours and minutes

Example: "47 flights • 12h 45m"

Using Flying Fields in Flight Logs

Method 1: Manual Selection

1. Open flight log creation screen
2. Use Flying Field dropdown in Location section
3. Select field from list
4. Location notes auto-filled

⚡ Quick Add from Flight Log

Discover a new field while logging? You can add it on-the-fly:

1. Select "Add New Field..." from the flying field dropdown
2. Takes you directly to Add Flying Field screen
3. Enter field details (name, location, GPS coordinates, etc.)
4. Tap "Capture Current GPS" to get precise coordinates
5. Save → automatically returns to flight log
6. New field auto-selected and ready to use
7. Continue logging your flight immediately

Perfect for field discovery! Found a new flying location? Add it instantly without losing your flight log progress.

Method 2: GPS Auto-Detection (Recommended)

1. Tap "Use Current Location" button
2. App automatically detects and selects nearby field
3. Green notification confirms detection with distance

Best Practices

• ✅ Capture GPS coordinates while at the field for best accuracy
• ✅ Use clear, descriptive field names
• ✅ Include field rules and contact information
• ✅ Link to club membership if applicable
• ✅ 500m detection range covers most fields perfectly

Features

• ✅ Unlimited flying field storage
• ✅ GPS coordinate capture and proximity detection
• ✅ Flight and time analytics per field
• ✅ Optional club membership linking
• ✅ Cloud sync support (PRO feature)
• ✅ Export/import in backups

Maintenance Tracking

What is the Maintenance Logbook?

A centralized system for recording service on all your equipment:

• Inspections and routine checks
• Repairs and crash damage
• Part replacements
• Firmware updates
• Modifications and upgrades

Logging Maintenance

Method 1: From Equipment Detail Screen

1. Open aircraft/transmitter/battery detail
2. Tap Log Maintenance button
3. Fill in maintenance details
4. Save

Method 2: From Logbook Tab

1. Tap Logbook tab
2. Tap + Add Entry
3. Select asset type and specific asset
4. Fill in details
5. Save

Maintenance Categories

The system supports 11 maintenance categories:

• Inspection
• Repair
• Replacement
• Firmware Update
• Cleaning
• Calibration
• Crash Damage Repair
• Modification/Upgrade
• Preventive Maintenance
• Storage Preparation
• Other

Maintenance Status Tracking

Track the progress of maintenance tasks through these statuses:

• Open - Future or planned maintenance
• In Work - Currently being performed
• Closed - Completed maintenance
• Overdue - Past due date (automatic)

Maintenance History Settings

Control what maintenance history is displayed:

1. Go to Settings → Maintenance
2. Choose history filter option:
   • Show All - Display complete history
   • Hide Older Than... - 30/60/90/180/365 days
3. Open/In Work/Overdue tasks always visible regardless of date

💡 Tip: Use the history filter to focus on recent maintenance while keeping your important tasks visible!

Battery Management

Key Features

• Centralized Battery Packs - One battery can be used with multiple aircraft
• Health Monitoring - Voltage tracking, Internal Resistance (IR)
• Cycle Counting - Automatic and manual
• Storage Status - Current charge level
• Temperature Logging - Charge and flight temps

Charge Session Logging

1. From battery detail screen
2. Tap Log Charge Session
3. Enter charge details (voltages, mAh added, temperature)
4. Save (cycles calculated automatically)

Battery Health Assessment

View on battery detail screen:

• Voltage Status - Optimal, Storage, Acceptable, Degraded, Critical
• IR Status - Health based on internal resistance
• Cycle History - Full charge/usage timeline
• Usage Statistics - Flights, average time, average mAh

At-a-Glance Statistics

Quick overview stats appear on each battery card in the list:

• Total Cycles - Complete charge cycle count
• Uses - Number of times used in flight
• Charges - Number of charge sessions logged
• Maintenance Alerts - URGENT, DUE SOON, OPEN badges for pending tasks

Example: "47 cycles • 23 uses • 18 charges"

QR Code System (PRO Feature)

What Are QR Codes For?

Print and attach QR codes to your physical equipment for instant access:

• Aircraft - Tape to wing or case lid
• Batteries - Heat shrink or label
• Transmitters - Back panel or case

Benefits

• Instant access without searching
• Quick logging at the field
• Fast maintenance recording
• No navigation needed

Generating QR Codes

1. Open equipment detail (aircraft/battery/transmitter)
2. Tap QR Code icon (📱) in app bar
3. QR code appears in popup
4. Tap Share to save or print

Scanning QR Codes

1. Tap blue QR scanner button (floating, bottom-right)
2. Point camera at QR code
3. Action menu appears automatically
4. Select action (View Details, Add Flight, Add Maintenance, Add Note)

Cloud Sync

Cloud Synchronization

When signed in, RC Model Manager automatically syncs:

• ✅ All aircraft, transmitters, batteries
• ✅ Flight logs and maintenance records
• ✅ Photos (compressed for efficiency)
• ✅ Configuration files
• ✅ Notes and settings

Multiple Devices

Use the same account on multiple devices:

1. Sign in with same credentials on each device
2. Data syncs automatically
3. Changes on one device appear on others
4. QR codes work across devices

Backup & Restore

Export Backup:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Export Data
3. Choose location to save
4. ZIP file created with all data

Import Backup:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Import Data
3. Select backup ZIP file
4. Confirm restoration
5. All data restored

PRO Features

Free Version Includes:

• ✅ Up to 3 aircraft
• ✅ 1 transmitter
• ✅ Unlimited flight logs
• ✅ Unlimited maintenance records
• ✅ All component tracking
• ✅ Photos and notes
• ✅ Local storage
• ✅ Export/import backups

PRO Version Adds:

• ⭐ Unlimited aircraft & transmitters
• ⭐ QR Code Generation
• ⭐ Cloud Sync across devices
• ⭐ Photo Sync to cloud
• ⭐ Priority Support
• ⭐ Future PRO Features

Upgrading to PRO

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Upgrade to PRO
3. Choose subscription plan (Monthly or Yearly)
4. Complete purchase
5. Features unlock immediately

Tips & Best Practices

Organization

• Aircraft Naming: Use descriptive names like "Cessna 182 - Red"
• Battery Nicknames: Include specs like "3S 2200 #1"
• Photo Management: Take clear, well-lit photos; update after modifications

Field Operations

Before Going to Field:

• Check battery charge levels
• Review aircraft notes
• Verify weather conditions
• Have backup batteries ready

At the Field:

• Use QR codes for quick logging
• Log flights immediately
• Note any issues in maintenance log
• Track battery voltages

Battery Care

• Store at storage voltage (3.8V/cell)
• Avoid full discharge
• Monitor IR regularly
• Rotate battery usage
• Never leave charging unattended
• Use fire-resistant storage

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

App Won't Launch

• Restart device
• Reinstall app
• Check for updates
• Clear app cache

Photos Not Showing

• Check camera permissions
• Verify photo was saved
• Try re-adding photo
• Check available storage

Sync Not Working

• Check internet connection
• Verify account sign-in
• Force sync in settings
• Check sync status

Permission Issues

iOS: Settings → RC Model Manager → Enable Camera/Location

Android: Settings → Apps → RC Model Manager → Permissions → Allow

Key Features Overview

🛩️ Aircraft Management

• Unlimited aircraft profiles (PRO)
• Photos, specifications, and detailed tracking
• Component management (engines, ESCs, servos, etc.)
• Flight log tracking with GPS
• FAA registration tracking

🔋 Battery System

• Centralized battery pack management
• Health monitoring (voltage, IR)
• Automatic cycle calculation
• Charge session logging
• Multi-aircraft associations

📱 QR Code System (PRO)

• Generate QR codes for all equipment
• Quick scanner access
• Instant equipment lookup
• Quick actions (add flight, maintenance, notes)
• Cross-device compatibility

🔧 Maintenance Tracking

• 11 maintenance categories
• Parts tracking with costs
• Service interval reminders
• Photo documentation
• Complete maintenance history

☁️ Cloud Sync (PRO)

• Automatic data synchronization
• Photo backup to cloud
• Multi-device access
• Secure encrypted transmission
• Works across all platforms

Need Help?

If you need additional assistance:

• Support: Visit our Support Page
• Contact: Email us at info@bchavezmedia.com
• Discord: Join our Discord Community
• Bug Reports: Use /reportbug command in app

Additional Resources

• Change Notes - Version history and latest updates
• Support Center - Get help and troubleshooting assistance
• Contact Us - Reach out to our team
• Discord Community - Join our community for tips and discussions