Page 2 - • T R A X X AS; INTRODUCTION; Traxxas Support; REGISTERING YOUR MODEL
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; SAFETY PRECAUTIONS; Important Points to Remember
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 exam...
Page 4 - • T R A X X AS; • Don’t Get Burned: The ESC and motor can become extremely hot during; LiPo Batteries; LiPo batteries are; Traxxas does not recommend that anyone under the; Be; TERMS OF USE; - The buyer assumes all risk associated with using this; Your retailer absolutely cannot accept product for return or
4 • T R A X X AS • Don’t Get Burned: The ESC and motor can become extremely hot during use, so be careful not to touch them until they cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling. • Use the Factory-Installed Stock Connectors: Do not change the battery and motor connectors. Improper wiring can cause fi...
Page 5 - T R A X X AS • 5; Charging and Handling Precautions/Warnings
T R A X X AS • 5 NiMH or NiCD charger or charge mode will damage the batteries and may cause fire and personal injury. Never charge LiPo battery packs in series or parallel with this charger. Charging packs in series or parallel may result in improper charger cell recognition and an improper chargin...
Page 6 - • T R A X X AS; BANDIT VXL OVERVIEW
6 • T R A X X AS Motor Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control Battery Compartment LED Light Pipe Battery Hold-Down Receiver Box Antenna Mount Front Suspension Arm Front Bumper Steering Servo Shock Toe Link Front Camber Link Rear Camber Link Rear Shock Tower Traxxas High-Curren...
Page 7 - T R A X X AS • 7; STAMPEDE VXL OVERVIEW
T R A X X AS • 7 Motor Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control Battery Compartment LED Light Pipe Battery Hold-Down Receiver Box Antenna Mount Front Suspension Arm Front Bumper Steering Servo Shock Toe Link Front Camber Link Rear Camber Link Rear Shock Tower Traxxas High-Curren...
Page 8 - • T R A X X AS; RUSTLER VXL OVERVIEW
8 • T R A X X AS Motor Spur Gear Pinion Gear Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control Battery Compartment LED Light Pipe Battery Hold-Down Receiver Box Antenna Mount Front Suspension Arm Front Bumper Steering Servo Shock Toe Link Front Camber Link Rear Camber Link Rear Shock Tower Traxxas High-Curren...
Page 9 - T R A X X AS • 9; TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT; Recommended Equipment; Use the Right
T R A X X AS • 9 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 10 - 0 • T R A X X AS; QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED; Apply other decals if desired.
10 • T R A X X AS 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 3 8. Detail your model • See page 11 For your own s...
Page 11 - TRAXXAS TQ
T R A X X AS • 11 8 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 the backing. To apply the decals, place one ...
Page 12 - 2 • T R A X X AS; IMPORTANT RADIO SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS; Correct
12 • T R A X X AS 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 batteries offer high current handling, and much gr...
Page 13 - T R A X X AS • 13; Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2.4GHz transmitter; MODEL WIRING DIAGRAM; to Motor; VXL-3s ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL; to Battery; TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER; ESC/Motor Wiring Diagram
T R A X X AS • 13 TRAXXAS TQ i RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM CH1 CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 RPM V/T BATT/ CH5 CH1 CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 RPM V/T BATT / CH5 SS ++ -- V/T - Voltage/Temp Senor Port ** RPM - RPM Sensor Port** BATT/ CH5 - Battery/Channel 5* CH4 - Channel 4* CH3 - Channel 3* CH2 - Speed Control CH1 - S...
Page 14 - 4 • T R A X X AS; INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES; It is normal for; Use the Right Batteries
14 • T R A X X AS 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 15 - T R A X X AS • 15; CHARGING THE LiPo BATTERY PACK; Plug your Traxxas Power Cell 2-cell LiPo into the charger using; Do not leave battery and charger; This charger is not designed to charge two packs simultaneously.; Using Other Batteries; For a complete list of the Power Cell packs for your model visit:; T r a x x a s . c o m / p o w e r c e l l; Using Other Chargers
T R A X X AS • 15 CHARGING THE LiPo BATTERY PACK (Models #2407L / #3607L / #3707L) Before charging the provided 2-Cell LiPo battery please read an understand all safety precautions at the beginning of this manual. The included charger can be used to charge the provided battery pack. The supplied cha...
Page 16 - 6 • T R A X X AS; Installing the Battery Pack; Your model is equipped with the Traxxas High-
16 • T R A X X AS 4 Installing the Battery Pack Place the battery pack into the battery compartment of the model and then place the battery hold-down over the posts. Secure thebattery hold-down with body clips in the holes in the posts. Do not connect the battery pack yet. The Traxxas High Current C...
Page 17 - T R A X X AS • 17; RADIO SYSTEM RULES; Throttle Neutral Adjustment; Turn to ESC Setup Programming on; Steering Trim; RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS
T R A X X AS • 17 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, and running out of control. Your model has electronic fail-safes to prevent this type ...
Page 18 - 8 • T R A X X AS; USING THE RADIO SYSTEM; Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage
18 • 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 19 - Decreased Steering Sensitivity (Negative Exponential); SETTING UP THE ANTENNA; Do not bend or; Stampede; Antenna Tip
T R A X X AS • 19 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 20 - 0 • T R A X X AS; ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL; VXL-3s Specifications; None; VXL-3s BATTERY SETTINGS; Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled.; VXL-3s TRANSMITTER ADJUSTMENTS; The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:; transmitter is restored to default.; VXL-3s SETUP PROGRAMMING; When the LED blinks RED ONCE, pull the
20 • 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: BrushedBrushlessSensorless brushless Motor limit: None Continuous current: 200A Peak current : 320A BEC voltage: 6.0V DC Transistor type: MOS...
Page 21 - T R A X X AS • 21; Tip For Fast Mode Changes; See page 27 for Advanced VXL-3s features.; VXL-3s PROFILE SELECTION; Profile Description; LED CODES AND PROTECTION MODES
T R A X X AS • 21 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Patent-Pending 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 Spo...
Page 22 - 2 • 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
22 • 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 23 - T R A X X AS • 23; RECEIVER BOX: MAINTAINING A WATERTIGHT SEAL
T R A X X AS • 23 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 24 - 4 • T R A X X AS; Adjusting Gear Mesh; BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS; Camber
24 • 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 25 - T R A X X AS • 25; Adjusting the Slipper Clutch; Tighten
T R A X X AS • 25 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 26 - 6 • T R A X X AS; MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL; The following procedures should be taken
26 • 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 27 - T R A X X AS • 27; adjust gear mesh if a spur and/or pinion gear is changed.; ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
T R A X X AS • 27 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 28 - 8 • T R A X X AS; Sensorless brushless
28 • T R A X X AS The VXL-3s has built-in Sensor Motor Backup Protection to prevent damage if the sensor leads or phase leads become disconnected. If a sensor lead becomes damaged or is disconnected, the VXL-3s automatically switches to sensorless brushless operation. The VXL-3s also features Sensor...
Page 29 - T R A X X AS • 29; 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
T R A X X AS • 29 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 19). Accessing the programming menu is done by using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and o...
Page 30 - 0 • T R A X X AS; 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; Failsafe; TRANSMITTER LED CODES
30 • T R A X X AS 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 31 - Enter Programming; MENU TREE; Dual Rate has been selected.
TRAXXAS • 31 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 Red 1 U...
Page 32 - MENU TREE FORMULAS
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) Press/hold MENU ...
Page 33 - T R A X X AS • 33; PROGRAMMING YOUR TQ; or iPod touch; Traxxas Link; Tap and slide to adjust Steering Sensitivity,
T R A X X AS • 33 “Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device...
