MODEL 3903 owners manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 6 ANATOMY OF THE E-MAXX 7 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 8 TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHZ SYSTEM 16 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 18 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 21 TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 26 MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 27 TROUBLESHOOTING 28 TQ 2.4GHZ ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE 2 • E-Maxx Thank you for purchasing the new Traxxas E-Maxx electric monster truck.
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. Support Before running your model, look over this entire manual and examine the model carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a model for return or exchange after it has been run.
el = Myriad Semi Bold SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 2 3 3+ 4 5 This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. Your model is not intended for use on public roads or congested areas where its operation can conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Never, under any circumstances, operate the model in crowds of people. Your model is very fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone.
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. Supplied Tools and Equipment 2.0mm “T” wrench Suspension multi-tool 1.5mm “L” wrench Antenna nut wrench 2.
ANATOMY OF THE E-MAXX Half Shaft Steering Servo Slipper Clutch Access Plug Toe Link (Turnbuckle) Pivot Ball Pinion Gear (left side) Battery Hold-Down Electronic Speed Control (EVX-2) Hex Hub Battery Compartment Axle Carrier Toe Link (Turnbuckle) Motors (Titan) Suspension Arm (Front) Rear Body Mount Front Body Mount Rear Shock Tower Receiver Box Skid Plate Skid Plate Front Bumper Rear Bumper Rear Bulkhead Transmission Chassis Spur Gear Rear Differential Battery Hold-Down 6 • Traxxas Fro
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 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury. 2. Charge the battery packs • See sidebar, page 12 Fully charge the two included battery packs. Charge your batteries now so it will be ready when you finish the other setup procedures.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM INTRODUCTION 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. Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ technology.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM 2-channel radio system - The TQ radio system, consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering. 2.4GHz Spread Spectrum – This model is equipped with the latest R/C technology. Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency crystals and are prone to frequency conflicts, the TQ 2.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM EVX-2 Wiring Diagram Your model is equipped with the newest Traxxas 2.4 GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link.™ 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 servo and an electronic speed control. Wiring Diagram Channel 1 Steering Servos Antenna Motors (Titan®) TQ 2.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES Your TQ transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. If the power indicator doesn’t light green, check the polarity of the batteries. Check rechargeable batteries for a full charge. If you see any other flashing signal from the LED, refer to the chart on page 29 to identify the code. Use the Right Batteries 1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and lifting the door up.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM INSTALLING BATTERY PACKS Using the Right Charger The most convenient type of charger for charging the included battery packs is an AC peak-detecting charger that plugs directly into an AC wall outlet, such as the TRX EZ-Peak™ (Part #2930). It contains special peak-detection circuitry that automatically shuts the charger off when the battery is fully charged. For faster charging, the included battery may be charged at 4 amps.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS In order for the transmitter and receiver to bind to one another, the receiver in the model must be turned on within 20 seconds of turning on the transmitter. The transmitter LED will flash fast red indicating a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over. Remember, always turn the TQ transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM Using the TQ 2.4GHz Radio System Using Reverse: While driving, push the throttle trigger forward to apply brakes. Once stopped, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Push the throttle trigger forward again to engage proportional reverse. Automatic Fail-Safe The TQ 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver are equipped with an automatic failsafe system that does not require user programming.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz SYSTEM 2. Press and hold the receiver’s LINK button as you switch on the speed control by pressing the EZ-Set button. Release the LINK button. 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 TQ 2.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL EVX-2 Specifications Input voltage: 6 to 14-cells (7.2 to 16.8 volts DC) Motor limit: 12-turns (550) Continuous current: 30A Peak current : 180A BEC voltage: 6.0V DC Transistor type: MOSFET Motor/Battery Wiring: 14-gauge Protection: Thermal shutdown EVX-2 Wiring Diagram The EVX-2 electronic speed control is factory set and should not require any adjustments. These instructions are provided for your reference.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Thermal Shutdown Protection The EVX-2 is equipped with thermal shutdown protection to guard against overheating caused by excessive current flow. If the operating temperature exceeds safe limits, the EVX-2 will automatically shut down and the EVX-2 LED will flash red. The LED on the face of the EVX2 will continuously flash red, even if the throttle trigger is moved back and forth.
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 particularly important when using high capacity battery packs that allow extended periods of running. Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of the batteries and motors..
DRIVING YOUR MODEL conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. Do not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to accept the additional care and maintenance responsibilities. Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet conditions. Do not use LiPo batteries in wet conditions (note: the EVX-2 is not LiPo compatible). The Traxxas TQ transmitter is not water resistant.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL 9. Additional Maintenance: Increase your frequency of disassembly, inspection and lubrication of the following items: This is necessary after extended wet use or if the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time (such as a week or longer). This additional maintenance is needed to prevent any trapped moisture from corroding internal steel components. • Stub axle housing bearings: Remove, clean, and re-oil the bearings.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS We recommend using two-hole pistons with a range of oil viscosities from 30W to 50W (available from your hobby shop). The thinner viscosity oils (30W or less) flow with less resistance and provide less damping, while thicker oils provide more damping. Use only 100% pure silicone shock oil to prolong seal life. From the factory, the E-Maxx uses 30W oil.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Lower Shock Mounting Positions In the out-of-the-box configuration, the shocks are installed in position (A) on the shock tower and position (2) on the lower suspension arm. This setting allows for firm suspension and low ride height, increasing the spring force (at the wheel). This setting improves high-speed cornering on smoother terrain by lowering the center of gravity. Body roll, brake dive, and squat are also reduced. mounting holes (1,2 and 3,4) has equal ride height.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS ALIGNMENT SETTINGS TRANSMISSION TUNING Adjusting the Toe-in Your E-Maxx comes from the factory with zero degrees of toe-in in the front, and one degree of toe-in in the rear. You can adjust the toe-in on the front and rear of the truck. Set the steering trim on your transmitter to neutral. Next, adjust your steering turnbuckles so that both front wheels are pointing straight ahead and are parallel to each other (0 degrees toein).
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Gearing Compatibility Chart: The chart below shows a full range of gear combinations. This does NOT imply that these gear combinations should be used. Over-gearing (bigger pinions, smaller spurs) can overheat and damage the motor and/or speed control. Pinion Gear Spur Gear 62 65 68 12 - - 29.57 13 - - 27.29 14 - 24.23 25.34 15 - 22.61 23.65 16 - 21.20 22.18 17 19.03 19.95 20.87 18 17.97 18.84 19.71 19 - 17.85 18.67 20 - - 17.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting the Steering System 1. Disconnect the short steering link that connects the servo saver to the servo horn. 2. Remove the drag link that connects the two servo horns. 3. Remove the servo horns 4. Connect a pair of charged batteries to the ESC. Turn on the transmitter, then the ESC. Note: It is recommended to unplug the motors or remove the pinion gears during steering setup. 5. Adjust the steering trim on the transmitter to the neutral “0” position. 6.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Always wear eye protection when using compressed air or spray cleaners and lubricants. Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for: 1. Cracked, bent, or damaged parts 2. Check the wheels and steering for binding. 3. Check the operation of the shock absorbers. 4. Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING The following section addresses some very basic ESC and radio questions you may have about your model. Most questions arise from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a solution for your model here, then visit our website at Traxxas.com/ support. There you will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area. In addition, you may call Traxxas Customer Service at 1-888-TRAXXAS (outside the US call 972-265-8000).
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Starting Over: Restoring Factory Defaults When programming your 2.4GHz transmitter, you may feel the need to start over with a clean slate. Follow these simple steps to restore the factory settings: 1. Turn transmitter off. 2. Hold both MENU and SET. 3. Turn transmitter on. 4. Release MENU and SET. The transmitter LED will blink red. 5. Press MENU once. The transmitter LED will blink red twice repeatedly. 6. Press SET to clear settings.
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Model Lock The Traxxas Link feature can store up to twenty models (receivers) in its memory. If you bind a twenty-first receiver, Traxxas Link will delete the “oldest” receiver from its memory (in other words, the model you used the longest time ago will be deleted). Activating Model Lock will lock the receiver in memory so it cannot be deleted.
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Press MENU to move through options. Press SET to select an option. MENU TREE The menu tree below shows how to navigate through the TQ 2.4GHz transmitter’s various settings and functions. Press and hold MENU to enter the menu tree, and use the following commands to navigate through the menu and select options. MENU: When you enter a menu, you always start at the top. Press MENU to move down the menu tree.
owners manual MODEL 3903 1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074 1-888-TRAXXAS 091216 KC1248-R00
