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!

Component Inventory System

What is the Component Inventory?

The Component Inventory is a centralized warehouse for all your RC components. Instead of only tracking components as "part of an aircraft," you can now:

• Store components in a central inventory before installing them
• Track components that move between different aircraft
• Keep spare parts organized and ready for use
• View installation history for each component
• Quickly find available components when building or repairing

Accessing the Inventory

1. Tap the More tab (bottom navigation)
2. Tap Component Inventory
3. View all your inventory organized by component type

Supported Component Types

The inventory system supports these component categories:

• Engines / Motors - Glow, gas, and electric power systems
• Gyros / Stabilizers - Flybarless units, stabilization systems
• Receivers - Radio receivers for all protocols
• Servos - All sizes and types of servos
• ESCs - Electronic speed controllers
• Propellers / Blades - Props, rotor blades, fans
• Receiver Batteries - Receiver packs and backup batteries

Adding Components to Inventory

1. Open Component Inventory
2. Expand the category you want (e.g., Engines)
3. Tap Add Engine (or relevant component)
4. Fill in component details:
   • Nickname - Easy identifier
   • Brand/Manufacturer
   • Model/Part Number
   • Serial Number (optional)
   • Specifications (varies by component type)
   • Notes
5. Tap Add to Inventory

Component Status

Each component shows its current status:

• Available - In inventory, ready for use
• Installed - Currently on an aircraft (shows aircraft name)

Installing Components on Aircraft

Method 1: From Aircraft Detail Screen

1. Open an aircraft's detail screen
2. Go to the component section (e.g., Engines)
3. Tap Add from Inventory
4. Select an available component
5. Component is now installed and linked

Method 2: Add New + Copy from Inventory

1. In aircraft detail, tap Add Component
2. Tap Copy from Inventory button
3. Select a component to copy details from
4. Modify as needed and save

Moving Components to Inventory

When you remove a component from an aircraft, you can return it to inventory:

1. Open the component on the aircraft
2. Tap 3-dot menu (⋮)
3. Select Move to Inventory
4. Component returns to inventory as "Available"

Viewing Installed Components

From the inventory screen, you can see where components are installed:

• Installed components show an orange "Installed on [Aircraft Name]" badge
• Tap to view the component details
• Tap View on Aircraft to jump to that aircraft

Installation History

The system tracks installation metrics:

• Times Installed - How many times the component has been installed
• Date Installed - When the current installation occurred
• This helps track component usage and wear over time

Inventory vs. Aircraft Components

Understanding the two types of component management:

📦 Inventory Components:

• Stored centrally, independent of aircraft
• Can be installed/uninstalled from aircraft
• Track full lifecycle across multiple aircraft
• Ideal for components you swap between models

✈️ Aircraft-Only Components:

• Created directly on an aircraft
• Stay with that aircraft
• Can be moved to inventory if needed
• Ideal for permanently installed components

Tips & Best Practices

• ✅ Use nicknames - Makes components easy to identify (e.g., "3GX Main Heli", "Tail Servo #3")
• ✅ Add serial numbers - Helps track warranty and identify specific units
• ✅ Track firmware versions - Especially for gyros and ESCs
• ✅ Use inventory for swappable parts - Engines, gyros, and receivers that move between aircraft
• ✅ Leave permanent parts on aircraft - Hardwired servos, integrated components

Sync & Backup

• ✅ Inventory syncs across all devices (PRO)
• ✅ Included in backup/restore operations
• ✅ Installation status preserved in sync

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!

Recurring Maintenance vs. One-Time Tasks

Maintenance entries support both one-time planned work and recurring service intervals. Two concepts work together:

• Next Service Due – When this specific task is due
  • "At Hours" – Total hours when this maintenance should be done next
  • "At Cycles" – Total cycles (for batteries) or similar usage counts
  • "On Date" – Calendar due date
  • "At Flights" – Total flight count when this task should occur
• Recurring Maintenance switch – Whether closing this task should automatically create the next task in the series

How to use these together

• One-time planned maintenance (non-recurring):
  • Set the Next Service Due fields for when this job should be performed
  • Leave Recurring Maintenance turned off
  • When you complete the task via Complete Task, the entry is closed and its Next Due values are cleared so it no longer looks like it has a future trigger
• Recurring maintenance (repeating interval):
  • Set the Next Service Due fields for your interval (for example "Every 10 hours" or "Every 50 flights")
  • Turn Recurring Maintenance on
  • When you close the task, the app automatically creates a new open maintenance entry for the same asset using those Next Due values
  • The closed entry keeps its Next Due values for history; the new entry becomes the next active reminder

What the Complete Task button does

• From the maintenance detail screen, the Complete Task button opens the edit screen with status pre-set to Closed
• If Recurring Maintenance is OFF when you save:
  • The task is marked Closed
  • All Next Service Due fields on that closed entry are cleared (hours, cycles, date, flights)
  • No new maintenance entry is created
• If Recurring Maintenance is ON when you save:
  • The task is marked Closed and keeps its Next Due values for reference
  • A new Open recurring maintenance entry is automatically created with the same Next Due settings

💡 Tip: Think of Next Service Due as "when is this job due?" and the Recurring Maintenance switch as "should a new job be created after I complete this one?". This keeps one-time inspections simple while still supporting recurring service intervals.

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)

🆕 External QR Code Import - Universal Compatibility

RC Model Manager now supports importing QR codes from any external source, making it compatible with other RC management systems and third-party QR codes.

What Are External QR Codes?

External QR codes are QR codes generated by other RC systems that contain equipment information:

• ✅ DJI FPV Goggles - Aircraft and setup info
• ✅ Betaflight Configurator - Flight controller settings
• ✅ Spektrum Transmitters - Model configurations
• ✅ Any QR Code - Product labels, custom codes, etc.

Importing External QR Codes

Method 1: Scan Any QR Code

1. Tap the blue QR scanner (floating button)
2. Scan any QR code (doesn't need to be RC-specific)
3. If it's not a native RC Model Manager QR code, the app shows an "Import Generic QR Code" dialog
4. Enter a system name (e.g., "DJI", "Betaflight", "Spektrum", "Custom")
5. Optionally add a system ID (model number, serial, etc.)
6. Select which of your aircraft/transmitter/battery to associate it with
7. Tap Import

Method 2: From Equipment Detail Screen

1. Open aircraft/transmitter/battery detail
2. Look for the link icon 🔗 in the app bar (appears when external QR is associated)
3. Tap the link icon to access external QR management
4. Tap "Scan New External QR Code"
5. Follow steps above

What Happens When You Import?

• Data Association - External QR info is linked to your equipment
• Hybrid QR Generation - Your equipment generates QR codes with both internal and external data
• Cross-System Compatibility - Your QR codes work with both RC Model Manager and external systems
• Sync Support - External associations sync across all your devices
• Single Equipment Selection - Only one piece of equipment can be selected per import
• Disabled Assets - Equipment already linked to external QR codes appears disabled
• Smart Asset Management - Prevents duplicate associations and ensures data integrity

Managing External QR Codes

Once imported, you can manage external QR associations:

Viewing Current Association:

• Link icon 🔗 appears in equipment app bar
• Shows system name, ID, and import date

Editing Association:

1. Tap link icon → "Edit External QR Info"
2. Change system name or ID
3. Save changes

Replacing Association:

1. Tap link icon → "Scan New External QR Code"
2. Scan different QR code
3. Replaces existing association

Removing Association:

1. Tap link icon → "Remove External QR Association"
2. Confirm removal
3. Equipment returns to internal QR only

Universal Compatibility Examples

📱 DJI Integration:

• Scan DJI aircraft QR code
• Enter "DJI" as system name
• Associate with your aircraft
• Your aircraft QR now works with both DJI and RC Model Manager

🚀 Betaflight Setup:

• Export QR from Betaflight Configurator
• Scan with RC Model Manager
• Associate with your flight controller
• Quick access to setup data at the field

🏷️ Product Labels:

• Scan product QR codes on equipment
• Enter "Product Label" or manufacturer name
• Link to maintenance records
• Easy reference for part numbers and specs

Security & Validation

✅ Safe by Design:

• No arbitrary code execution
• Only stores text data you provide
• All associations require manual approval
• External data never overrides internal data
• You control what gets imported and stored

🛠️ QR Code Lifecycle & Asset Management

⚠️ Important: QR codes are permanently tied to your equipment's database ID. This can cause issues when removing and re-adding assets.

What Happens When You Delete Equipment

• QR Code Becomes Invalid - The physical QR code remains attached but points to deleted equipment
• Not Reusable - Same QR code cannot be "reassigned" to new equipment
• Cross-Device Impact - QR codes become invalid across all devices

Re-Adding Equipment Pitfalls

When you add the same aircraft/battery/transmitter back to inventory:

• New ID Assigned - Gets fresh database ID and sync identifier
• Old QR Code Broken - Physically attached QR code shows error: "Aircraft not found or has been deleted"
• Workaround Required - Must generate and attach new QR code
• User Confusion - Same equipment physically, but QR code doesn't work

Retired Assets Warning

Scanning QR codes for retired assets shows a warning dialog:

Dialog Title: "Retired Asset"

Message: "This asset has been marked as retired. Do you want to continue with this action?"

Options: "Cancel" (returns to scanning) or "Continue" (proceeds with action)

• Purpose - Prevents accidental use of retired equipment while allowing intentional continued tracking
• Examples - Log maintenance on retired equipment, add notes for historical reference, etc.
• Asset Types - Applies to aircraft, batteries, and transmitters (not battery sets)

Best Practices

• ✅ Generate QR codes after inventory is stable
• ✅ Consider equipment as "permanent" before applying QR codes
• ✅ Use caution removing assets with physical QR codes attached
• ✅ Be prepared to replace QR codes if equipment is re-added
• ✅ Test QR codes routinely to ensure they're still working

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

⚠️ Nuclear Data Wipe - Complete Data Reset

In extreme cases where you need to completely reset your account, RC Model Manager provides a nuclear data wipe feature:

What it does:

• 🔴 Permanently deletes ALL your data from the cloud
• 🔴 Optionally deletes all local data on your device
• 🆘 This is a destructive operation that cannot be undone
• 🔐 Requires typing exact confirmation text for safety

Data affected:

• All aircraft and component information
• All transmitters and receiver setups
• All flight logs and maintenance records
• All battery information and cycle data
• All photos stored in cloud
• All configuration files and notes

Important protections:

• ✅ Safe confirmation required - Must type "DELETE ALL MY DATA" exactly (case sensitive)
• ✅ Immediate feedback - Shows error if text doesn't match exactly
• ✅ Multiple confirmations - Multiple safety dialogs
• ✅ Preserves subscription - PRO status remains intact

When to use nuclear data wipe:

• Starting over with a completely clean account
• Transferring data to a new account
• Temporary cloud data corruption that affects sync
• Migrating between device types (mobile to desktop)

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