TBS CAIPIRINHA II Mini FPV Wing

Introduction

The TBS CAIPIRINHA II is a gentle long range cruiser that transforms into a fierce mountain diver with a slight push on the pitch stick.

This wing is based on the Wipeout by HappyFlyers from Switzerland. Key innovations include a polycarbonate battery bay top, push-to-open equipment bays, a PDB with up to 3 battery inputs, integrated wiring channels, and a robust 6mm-plywood-lined center section. Its ultra-sleek and aerodynamic finish minimizes energy waste, while its excellent glide slope makes thermalling or long-distance sloping highly enjoyable.

It is designed to be the ultimate long-range cruiser in its class, offering exceptional performance.

Features

• Small, lightweight, fly anywhere design
• Ultimate in flight stability and endurance
• Virtually indestructible EPP/Plywood construction
• Pre-cut slots for camera, servo, battery, R/C receiver, and video transmitter
• 2x push-to-open equipment bays for R/C and FPV electronics
• Pre-cut, sanded, and covered ultra-lightweight elevons & pushrods

Before You Begin

Thank you for purchasing a TBS product. The TBS CAIPIRINHA II is a new FPV wing from Team BlackSheep (TBS), incorporating the latest design practices for great flying duration and incredible FPV characteristics.

Please read this manual carefully before assembling and flying your new TBS CAIPIRINHA. Keep it for future reference regarding tuning and maintenance.

Our Request to You

This aircraft is designed with advanced capabilities. It is your responsibility to use it reasonably and according to your experience level. Use common sense, fly safely, and understand that TBS has no liability for the use of this aircraft.

• Locate an appropriate flying location.
• Obtain the assistance of an experienced pilot if needed.
• Practice safe and responsible operation.
• Always be aware of the rotating propeller.
• Prevent moisture exposure.
• Keep away from heat or excessive amounts of sunlight.

Specifications

Required tools

• Utility knife
• Storage tape (for hinges)
• Glue (Foam-safe CA, Gorilla, UHU-POR are compatible)

Part List

Before building your TBS CAIPIRINHA II, ensure the following items are included in your kit.

• 2x Wing halves and covers
• 2x Symmetrical winglets
• 1x Plastic cover and screws
• 2x Plywood lightweight elevons (pre-installed on PNP kit)
• 1x Plywood battery bay and motor mount
• 5x Glass fiber spars and ribbon
• 1x Set of adhesive covers
• 1x Piece of cover foam
• 1x Push-to-open foam covers
• 2x Ø1.0mm control links and horns (pre-installed on PNP kit)
• 1x Power distribution board
• 1x Teaspoon of awesomeness (rarely visible but always included)

Required Parts for Assembly

To get the aircraft airborne, the following external equipment and parts are needed for assembly.

• 1x 1000-1200kV 2200-class brushless motor
• 1x 50A Speed controller
• 1x 4S 4500mAh 20C to 4S 6600mAh 20C XT60 LiPo pack
• 1x 10x6-inch folding propeller
• 2x Digital servos with servo arm
• 1x R/C receiver (3-channel or more)
• 1x R/C transmitter (4-channel or more)
• 1x LiPo 4S charger
• 1x Headset or ground station
• 1x Pilot camera (26x26mm)
• 1x Wing layer and FPVision, or other VTX, PSU, and OSD
• 1x GoPro Hero Session HD camera
• 1x Thick CA glue and kicker (accelerator) and PVA glue
• 1x Two-part epoxy adhesive or hot glue
• 1x Medium thread-lock (purple/blue)

Choosing the Right Setup

If you are new to the hobby and lack equipment, consider these suggested setups as a shopping list. Existing gear can also be used.

Most of these components, excluding camera tripods and remote controls, are available from Team BlackSheep. Remote controls can be found at local hobby shops, and camera tripods at electronics wholesalers or online retailers.

TBS CAIPIRINHA setup for short range flights

• Expected flight time: 40-60 min
• Approximate cost: US$ 1,350 - US$ 1,550
• Experience level: Beginner to Expert
• Ideal for: Parks, R/C clubs, front lawns

TBS CAIPIRINHA setup for long range flights

• Expected flight time: 40-60 min
• Cost range: US$ 1,700 - US$ 2,000
• Experience level: Expert
• Ideal for: Long, wide open fields, plains, coastlines and valleys or urban flying

Wing Assembly

This section provides an overview of the top assembly of a common wing setup, including key components like the TBS Wing Layer, TBS FPVision, TBS Crossfire Micro V2, TBS ZeroZero V2, Cobra 1050kV motor, HobbyWing 50A ESC, Aeronaut folding 10x6 propeller, and GoPro Hero Session 5.

Numbered components:

1. Left wing half
2. Right wing half
3. Wing ribbon top (2 flat)
4. Motor mount
5. LiPo battery
6. Battery straps
7. R/C receiver
8. Speed controller
9. Power distribution board
10. Wing layer / FPVision
11. Servos (2)
12. Control links (2)
13. Control horns (2)
14. Equipment bay
15. Bay hardcover
16. Electronics bay left
17. Electronics bay right
18. Pilot camera
19. Video transmitter antenna
20. Unused antenna hole
21. HD recording camera

Underside Wing Assembly

Diagram showing the underside of the wing assembly.

Numbered components:

1. Main spars (int. square tube)
2. Wing ribbons bottom (2 flat)
3. Screw holes for TBS gear (8)
4. HD camera strap
5. Bottom adhesive cover
6. Left compartment & cover
7. Right compartment & cover
8. Equipment bay hard cover
9. Propeller
10. Elevons (2)
11. Winglets & mount (2)
12. Center of gravity point

Assembly Steps

Attach Underside Covers

The wing halves include underside covers that require gluing. These form the internal wiring channels. Custom wiring layouts can be managed at this stage.

Spars on Wing

Wing spars add strength and rigidity. There are four spars in total (two per wing). Glue them into their respective cavities using CA/superglue, ensuring sufficient adhesive and holding them in place until the glue sets.

Battery Bay

The battery bay is located in the center of the wing and aids in adjusting the center of gravity. A plywood structure and support straps secure the battery. Assemble the plywood pieces carefully, avoiding overbending.

Main Wing Spar and Wood Bit

Glue the wood bit to the exact center point of the main wing spar and insert it into the corresponding tube on the wing halves.

Wing Halves Assembly

Apply CA glue to the surfaces of the battery bay and adjoining foam faces. Insert the battery bay into one wing half, align the other wing half onto the wing spar, and join them to form a solid wing.

Motor Mount

Assemble the three plywood pieces to create the motor mount. Glue it securely at the rear of the wing, ensuring all exposed sides connecting to the foam frame are well-glued, as this is a load-bearing area. The motor can be attached and replaced after the mount is installed.

Hard Top Cover Installation

Place the hard top cover over the battery bay, aligning the front screw holes with those on the battery bay assembly. Use a small drop of thread lock on the screws.

Opening and Closing Hardcover

The hardcover is secured by the motor mount assembly. To open, use two fingers on the sides of the slot and one on the rear end. Push down on the rear while lifting the middle section. Reverse the process to close. The cover is designed to flex.

Pilot Camera Installation

The pre-cut camera slot accommodates standard 26x26mm units (not 32x32mm board cams). Secure the camera using hot glue.

Install TBS Gear

The electronics bays on the wings are designed for TBS FPVision and TBS Wing Layer. Assemble the stack and secure it to the wing using the bottom screw holes. Refer to the "Electronics installation" section for more details.

R/C Receiver Installation

The R/C receiver can be installed in either electronics compartment or the transceiver bay on the underside of the wing. For optimal performance, position it as far as possible from the video transmitter (VTX). Secure it using Velcro tape.

HD Camera Installation

A GoPro Session camera fits into the designated slot at the front of the wing. A support strap secures the camera.

Push-to-Open Bays

The top bays feature a retaining mechanism for quick access to the electronics. Engage it by pushing on both sides of the bay.

Adhesive Cover Pads

Once the PDB and other gear are installed in the underside bays, use the adhesive pads to cover them.

Tape Elevons

Attach the lightweight elevons to the wing using flexible tape, such as 3M Blenderm Hinge Tape. Apply tape to the inside of the elevon and attach it to the wing. Bend the elevon down to expose the topside and apply tape there as well. Flex the elevon up and down to set the hinge.

Elevon Horns and Control Link

On the elevons, cut through the yellow film to access the pre-routed slot for the elevon horns. Apply CA/superglue to the horn and slot, then insert the horn, ensuring it is perpendicular to the elevon and aligned with the servo horn.

Elevon Servos

Wrap a band of masking tape or shrink tube around the servo. Attach the servo horn to the servo and connect the control link to the innermost hole for optimal mechanical range. Apply hot glue or CA glue to the corners of the servo compartment before installing the servo.

Small Foam Cover Pads

For added protection and a finished look, separate the three foam pieces and use hot glue to attach them to the servo compartment and motor mount.

Attach Winglets

Use the supplied washer-head screws to attach the winglets to the wood frame on each side of the wing. The "deep side" of the winglet should face downwards, underneath the wing.

Electronics Installation

The TBS CAIPIRINHA II is designed for lightweight FPV setups, reducing build time with TBS-designed components. Central cable channels keep wiring tidy.

The Power Distribution Board (PDB) is central to the power system, allowing easy battery connection and replacement. It features XT60 footprints for connecting up to three batteries in parallel.

When selecting equipment, prioritize lightweight and small components. The compartment layout optimizes separation between R/C control and VTX video links, extending range and minimizing noise.

A detailed electronics installation diagram is available as an appendix.

Dry-Fit and Wiring

Plan your setup and wiring by drawing it out and performing a dry-fit before final installation to ensure everything aligns correctly.

Keep wires short to maximize FPV system range. Cables longer than 10cm should be shielded (e.g., using shielded USB cables for camera and VTx) for optimal long-range performance. Connectors are common failure points. Ensure wires are not under tension, leaving approximately 2cm (1 inch) of slack.

Power Distribution Board

The included PDB simplifies battery connection and swapping. It offers two additional footprints for parallel battery configurations (up to three batteries).

Servos

Center servos using a servo tester or R/C receiver with zero-trim. Attach a single-armed servo horn, ensuring it's perpendicular (vertical) to the servo. Use sub-trim on the transmitter for precise centering.

Program travel range (deflection) and expo (sensitivity) for elevator and aileron channels as specified below to enhance the flying experience. Excessive deflection can cause turbulence. For easier launch, trim the elevator slightly up. Program servos for a negative (rearward-facing) 20% bias. Reduce throws to 60% to prevent the pushrod from contacting the servo.

Receiver Installation

Place the R/C receiver in the designated left electronics compartment. Route wires through one of the two channels (rear channel recommended). Feed the antenna coax through the outlet cut and secure it, or use the unused antenna hole for a more rigid installation.

TBS Equipment

The electronics compartments provide ample space for installing TBS FPVision, Wing Layer, and Core Pro boards, with room for BST and receiver wiring. Screw holes are provided for M3x6 screws.

Installing the TBS Wing Layer and TBS FPVision is quick. Power to the ESCs can be supplied by the TBS FPVision layer or an SBEC-enabled ESC, all protected by the TBS Wing Layer.

Wing Layer, FPVision, and CrossFire Micro

This combination offers an 800mW-capable Unify Pro 5G8 with a twin camera switcher, digital current sensor, customizable OSD for flight status, TBS DCDC V2 for servo power, and direct servo output from the CrossFire micro receiver.

FPVision, Colibri iNav, and CrossFire Micro

Similar to the above, but with a TBS Colibri flight controller running iNav firmware. This enables autonomous flight features like Return To Home (RTH) with predefined climb height, circle flight, and waypoints, when used with a non-TBS GPS puck.

Link: http://inavflight.com

Speed Controller Installation

Install the ESC in the middle of the motor mount slots. Use adhesive-backed Velcro to mount it. Connect to the motor using bullet connectors. Connect the signal cable to the R/C receiver and route it through the rear cable channel. An extension servo cable can be used if the signal cable is too short. 14 AWG rated wires are recommended for the PDB or battery connection.

Brushless Motor

Attach the motor to the motor mount and feed wires through the mount. Change bullet connectors if necessary to match the speed controller. Cover wires with the provided small square foam piece.

Connect the motor wires to the ESC. Swap any two wires to change the motor's rotation direction if needed.

Propeller

A folding propeller is recommended to reduce drag during gliding and minimize damage on landing.

Install the propeller using the following order: prop adaptor (if used), propeller, washer, and lock-nut. Apply threadlock to the lock-nut. Ensure the top side (with printed logo) faces forward and the propeller is oriented correctly. To reverse motor rotation, switch any two of the three motor cables.

Before installing a non-folding propeller, balance it to reduce vibrations that could affect the HD recording camera.

Battery

The battery bay has two support straps for secure battery placement and a cable exit for a clean finish. Any battery smaller than W60 x H44 x L165 mm can be used. A suggested size is W48 x H36 x L150 mm, with a maximum weight of 550g (or 525g for the suggested size). 14 AWG rated wires and XT60 connectors are recommended.

Video Transmitter

Install the video transmitter preferably on the right side of the wing, near the electronics bay. If the bay is too small, outline the VTx and use a utility knife to remove excess foam. Secure the VTx and antenna mount with hot glue to prevent dislodging on impact. Use the supplied adhesive cover to improve aerodynamics and protect the VTX.

Pilot Camera

The right side of the wing features a specially designed "pod" for the pilot camera. Any standard 26x26mm camera will fit, such as the TBS ZEROZERO or RunCam Swift. For the TBS69, minor cuts may be needed to remove foam or detach the heatsink. When using the stock mold, a 28mm or narrower lens is recommended for an optimal view.

OSD (On Screen Display)

An optional but recommended OSD add-on provides live readouts for battery voltage (V), current draw (A), total consumption (mAh), receiver signal strength (%), and flight time (minutes:seconds). For a basic feature set, the TBS FPVision is recommended. For full GPS-enabled systems, consider the TBS CORE PRO with optional TBS GPS and TBS BLACKBOX logger.

HD Camera

The TBS CAIPIRINHA II is designed to accommodate a GoPro HERO Session (any model) for high-definition footage. The Runcam 3 also fits but is not recommended due to lower video quality.

Mount the camera by sliding it into the designated "pod" on the left side of the wing and secure it with a velcro strap through the provided slots.

Vibration Free Footage

To eliminate "jello"-effect, address the root cause: vibrations, often from an unbalanced propeller. Balancing is a straightforward task; TBS offers a Prop Balancer. For more details, visit the TBS support forum at fpvlab.com.

For high-quality, stable video, use the recommended GoPro settings:

Center of Gravity Optimization

For perfect Center of Gravity (CG), select equipment that balances the wing around the indicated point. The CG is where the lateral and longitudinal axes meet. Place a finger on the CG point and balance the fully loaded wing. Ideally, it should remain level without dipping.

Balance the lateral (pitch) axis within the recommended CG spot. The longitudinal (roll) axis should be balanced straight along the wing's middle.

To adjust the CG, move the battery fore or aft and re-check. Mark the final battery position for future reference.

Note: A slightly front-heavy wing will fly better than a tail-heavy wing, which may fly poorly or not at all.

Flight

First Flight

Ensure all controls are functioning correctly. Verify transmitter trim is centered (zeroed). Pull the elevator stick back to check both elevons move up. Push the stick right to see the right elevon move up and the left move down. The propeller should spin forward with the text facing forward and the leading edge cutting the air.

Launch

Hold the wing by the nose with your palm up, thumb wrapped around the top. Take a step or two forward and throw the wing firmly into the wind. A follow-through with your fingertips can increase launch speed. Advance the throttle stick fully once the wing is a comfortable distance from the ground.

For the first few flights, seek assistance from an experienced pilot to ensure a successful launch and trim.

Trim

If the wing turns or pitches without stick input, apply 2-3 clicks of trim in the opposite direction. If trim is insufficient, check wing balance (CG) and ensure elevons are flush/level at neutral. Repeat adjustments until the wing glides straight with a slow sink rate for a smooth landing.

FPV Flight

Once the wing flies straight and is properly trimmed, turn on FPV equipment and perform a range test. Launch as usual, gain altitude while maintaining Line-Of-Sight (LOS), then put on video goggles to engage FPV flight. If the video signal weakens (noise) or drops, increase altitude and return home, as this indicates you are at the edge of video range or behind obstacles.

Spare Parts

Spare parts can be purchased directly from TBS at team-blacksheep.com or from authorized distributors and retailers. A list of retailers is available at team-blacksheep.com/shop.

Good Practices

These practices have been tested by the TBS crew and experienced FPV pilots. Follow these rules for success in FPV, even if internet rumors suggest otherwise.

• Start with essential equipment and add components incrementally, performing range and stress tests after each addition.
• Do not use a video system with a range exceeding your R/C system's range.
• Avoid using an R/C frequency higher than the video frequency (e.g., 2.4GHz R/C with 900MHz video).
• Monitor your plane's vital signals (R/C link and battery). Flying with a digital R/C link without RSSI is dangerous.
• Do not use 2.4GHz R/C unless flying well within its range limits, in noise-free environments, and always within LOS. For longer range FPV, it's recommended to avoid 2.4GHz R/C systems.
• If video signal degrades (noise), turn around and consider a higher-gain receiver antenna.
• Use only shielded wires or twisted cables to prevent RF noise interference.
• When using powerful R/C transmitters, ensure your ground station equipment is properly shielded.
• Adding Return-To-Home (RTH) to an unreliable system does not guarantee recovery. Focus on system reliability first, then add RTH as a safety measure if necessary.
• Avoid powering the VTx directly from the battery. Use a voltage regulator (step-up/down) for a constant power level. Ensure the VTx runs until the battery is depleted.
• Power cameras directly only if they operate across the full battery voltage range. Otherwise, use a voltage regulator for constant power. Ensure cameras run until the battery is depleted.
• A single battery system is safer than two dedicated batteries. Using two batteries in parallel further mitigates failure risks.
• For maximum video range and legal compliance, use 2.4GHz video with high-gain antennas.
• When flying with R/C buddies on 2.4GHz or in urban areas, 2.4GHz video can be used if sticking to channels that do not interfere (e.g., CH5-CH8 for Lawmate systems).
• Diversity video receivers should mitigate polarization issues, not replace proper antenna aiming.
• Maximize separation between VTx and R/C receiver to reduce RF noise and EMI interference.
• Avoid cheap equipment unless proven reliable. Parts falling off, frequent firmware updates, and community hacks indicate poor quality and are undesirable for a safe system. Research thoroughly before flying to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Manual written and designed by ivc.no in cooperation with TBS.