Page 2 - • T R A X X AS; INTRODUCTION; Traxxas Support
2 • T R A X X AS INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas electric model equipped with the new Velineon ® Brushless Power System. This manual covers the Rustler ® VXL Stadium race truck, the Bandit ™ VXL buggy and the Stampede ® VXL monster truck. The Velineon Power System lets you experience...
Page 3 - T R A X X AS • 3; BEFORE YOU PROCEED; Your hobby; Refers you to a page with a related topic.; SUPPORT
T R A X X AS • 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your model. Failure to follow these instructions will be considered abuse and/or neglect. Before running your model, look over this entire manual and exa...
Page 4 - • T R A X X AS; SAFETY PRECAUTIONS; IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER; Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.; BATTERIES AND BATTERY CHARGING; Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery; LiPo batteries are intended only for advanced; Traxxas does; As; SPEED CONTROL; • Disconnect the Batteries
4 • T R A X X AS This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. Gearing and battery choice ( see LiPo Batteries, right) effect the skill level of the model. See chart below. All instructions and precautions outli...
Page 5 - T R A X X AS • 5; TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT; Recommended Equipment; Use the Right; Supplied Tools and Equipment
T R A X X AS • 5 TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’ll need to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer, to operate and maintain your model. Recommended Equipment These items are not required for the operation of your model...
Page 6 - • T R A X X AS; ANATOMY OF THE RUSTLER VXL
6 • T R A X X AS ANATOMY OF THE RUSTLER VXL Half Shaft Brushless Motor (Velineon ® 3500) Transmission Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Battery Compartment Battery Hold-Down Light Pipe Receiver Box Upper Chassis Plate Antenna Mount Suspension Arm (Front) Front Bo...
Page 7 - T R A X X AS • 7; ANATOMY OF THE STAMPEDE VXL
T R A X X AS • 7 Light Pipe Half Shaft Transmission Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Chassis Battery Compartment Battery Hold-Down Receiver Box Front Body Mount Antenna Mount Suspension Arm (Front) Bulkhead Front Bumper Front Shock Tower Steering Servo Shock (Oi...
Page 8 - • T R A X X AS; ANATOMY OF THE BANDIT VXL
8 • T R A X X AS Brushless Motor (Velineon ® 3500) ANATOMY OF THE BANDIT VXL Half Shaft Transmission Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Battery Compartment Battery Hold-Down Upper Chassis Plate Antenna Mount Suspension Arm (Front) Front Body Mount Front Bumper Fro...
Page 9 - T R A X X AS • 9; QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED; Apply other decals if desired.
T R A X X AS • 9 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Read the safety precautions on page 4 8. Detail your model • See page 10 For your own sa...
Page 10 - 0 • T R A X X AS; TRAXXAS TQ; Applying the Decals
10 • T R A X X AS TRAXXAS TQ i RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM Applying the Decals The main decals for your model have been applied at the factory. The decals are printed on self-adhesive clear mylar and are die-cut for easy removal. Use a hobby knife to lift the corner of a decal and lift it from...
Page 11 - T R A X X AS • 11; IMPORTANT RADIO SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS; Correct
T R A X X AS • 11 TRAXXAS TQ i RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM TRAXXAS TQ i RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM Good charging procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a “memory” effect and shortened run times. NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH bat...
Page 12 - 2 • T R A X X AS; ESC/Motor Wiring Diagram; Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2.4GHz transmitter; MODEL WIRING DIAGRAM; to Motor; VXL-3s ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL; TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER; Sensorless brushless
12 • T R A X X AS ESC/Motor Wiring Diagram Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link ™ Model Memory. The transmitter has two channels for controlling your throttle and steering. The receiver inside the model has 5 output channels. Your model is equipped with one...
Page 13 - T R A X X AS • 13; INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES; It is normal; Use the Right Batteries; Using Other Chargers; Another convenient option for charging the included battery
T R A X X AS • 13 INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. 1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and sliding the door open. 2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as...
Page 14 - 4 • T R A X X AS; Installing the Battery Pack; Your model is equipped with the Traxxas; Stampede; Using Other Batteries
14 • T R A X X AS 4 The following Traxxas High Current Connector packages are available from your hobby dealer. When using adapters, be careful not to exceed the current rating of the Molex connector. Part #3060 Single Male/Female Part #3080 2-Pack Female Part #3070 2-Pack Male Part #3061 Male Charg...
Page 15 - T R A X X AS • 15; RADIO SYSTEM RULES; Throttle Neutral Adjustment; Turn to ESC Setup Programming on; Steering Trim; RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS; Forward
T R A X X AS • 15 Always turn your transmitter on first. Turn on the model. 1 2 Plug in the battery. 3 RADIO SYSTEM RULES • Always turn your TQi transmitter on first and off last. This procedure will help to prevent your model from receiving stray signals from another transmitter, or other source, a...
Page 16 - 6 • T R A X X AS; USING THE RADIO SYSTEM
16 • T R A X X AS USING THE RADIO SYSTEM The TQi Radio System has been pre-adjusted at the factory. The adjustment should be checked before running the model, in case of movement during shipping. Here’s how: 1. Turn the transmitter switch on. The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green (...
Page 17 - Decreased Steering Sensitivity (Negative Exponential); SETTING UP THE ANTENNA; Do not bend or; Antenna Tip
T R A X X AS • 17 3. When the transmitter and receiver’s LEDs turn solid green, the system is bound and ready for use. Confirm that the steering and throttle operate properly before driving your model. Steering Sensitivity (Exponential) The Multi-Function knob on the TQi transmitter has been program...
Page 18 - 8 • T R A X X AS; ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL; VXL-3s Specifications; Brushless; Never use LiPo; When the LED blinks RED ONCE, pull the throttle
18 • T R A X X AS ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL VXL-3s Specifications Input voltage: 4.8-11.1V (4 to 9 cells NiMH or 2S to 3S LiPo) Supported Motors: Brushless Motor limit: None Continuous current: 200A Peak current : 320A BEC voltage: 6.0V DC Transistor type: MOSFET Battery connector: Trax...
Page 19 - T R A X X AS • 19; Tip For Fast Mode Changes
T R A X X AS • 19 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Patented Training Mode (Profile #3) reduces forward and reverse throttle by 50%. Training Mode is provided to reduce the power output allowing beginning drivers to better control the model. As driving skills improve, simply change to Sport or ...
Page 20 - 0 • T R A X X AS; DRIVING YOUR MODEL; About Run Time; manufacturer of your batteries and charger.; mAh Ratings and Power Output; RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS; Not all batteries can be used in wet environments.; Consult your battery
20 • T R A X X AS DRIVING YOUR MODEL Now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains instructions on driving and making adjustments to your model. Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. • Allow the model to cool for a few minutes between runs. This is particular...
Page 21 - T R A X X AS • 21; RECEIVER BOX: MAINTAINING A WATERTIGHT SEAL
T R A X X AS • 21 Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions 1. Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions” before proceeding. Make sure you understand the additional maintenance required with wet running. 2. The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and e...
Page 22 - 2 • T R A X X AS; Adjusting Gear Mesh; BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS; Camber
22 • T R A X X AS Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to make adjustments for better driving performance Adjusting Gear Mesh Incorrect gear mesh is the most common cause of stripped spur gears. Gear mesh should be checked and adjusted anytime a gear is replaced. To set t...
Page 23 - T R A X X AS • 23; Adjusting the Slipper Clutch; Tighten
T R A X X AS • 23 hard, dry surfaces. In loose dirt, a tire with large spikes should perform better. See your parts list for accessory wheels and tires. Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The model is equipped with an adjustable slipper clutch which is built into the large spur gear. The purpose of the sl...
Page 24 - 4 • T R A X X AS; MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL; The following procedures should be taken
24 • T R A X X AS MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. Frequently inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for: 1. Cracked, bent, or damaged parts 2. Check the whe...
Page 25 - T R A X X AS • 25; adjust gear mesh if a spur and/or pinion gear is changed.; ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
T R A X X AS • 25 Gearing Compatibility Chart: The chart below shows recommended gear combination ranges when using a NiMH battery pack to power your model. In the red range, use a battery that has a continuous rating of at least 70A. Use NiMH batteries with: All ModelsOnly Bandit VXL and Rustler VX...
Page 26 - 6 • T R A X X AS; clockwise to its stop will eliminate all brake action).; TRAXXAS LINK MODEL MEMORY; Restoring Factory Defaults; transmitter LED will blink red.; Throttle Trim Seek Mode; TQ
26 • T R A X X AS Your Traxxas transmitter has a programmable Multi-Function knob that can be set to control various advanced transmitter functions (set to Steering Sensitivity by default, see page 17). Accessing the programming menu is done by using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and o...
Page 27 - T R A X X AS • 27; Model Lock; locked. Press and hold MENU to return to driving mode.; Note; : To unlock a memory, press SET twice at step 5. The LED will; TRANSMITTER LED CODES; Failsafe
T R A X X AS • 27 TQ i ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Model Lock The Traxxas Link Model Memory feature can store up to twenty models (receivers) in its memory. If you bind a twenty-first receiver, Traxxas Link Model Memory will delete the “oldest” receiver from its memory (in other words, the model you used ...
Page 28 - 8 • T R A X X AS; Enter Programming; MENU TREE; Dual Rate has been selected.
28 • T R A X X AS Press MENU to move through options. Press SET to select an option. Press MENU to move through options. Press SET to select an option. Press SET to select an option. Enter Programming Press and hold MENU for 3 seconds Steering Sensitivity (Expo) One Blink Red 1 Electric One Blink Re...
Page 29 - T R A X X AS • 29; MENU TREE FORMULAS
T R A X X AS • 29 TQ i ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Set Multi-Function knob for STEERING SENSITIVITY (Expo) Press/hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks x 8 Press SET to confirm green LED blinks (x8) Press/hold MENU returns to driving mode Set Multi-Function knob for THROTTLE SENSITIVITY (Expo...
