MODEL 58076-4 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 ANATOMY OF THE SLASH VXL 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 9 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO AND VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 17 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 19 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 22 ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL 26 MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 27 TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Thank you for purchasing the Slash VXL equipped with the Velineon® Brushless Power System.
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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model. 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) affect the skill level of the model. See chart below. Gearing: Battery: Voltage*: mAh: Stock Pinion 7-Cell NiMH 8.4V 3000+mAh Gearing: Battery: Voltage*: mAh: Opt.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! Your model is able to use LiPo batteries. Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the instructions. Before use, read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, and precautions.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued from previous page) • REMOVE flammable items and combustible materials from the charging area. • DO NOT leave the charger and battery unattended while charging, discharging, or anytime the charger is ON with a battery connected. If there are any signs of a malfunction or in the event of an emergency, unplug the charger from the power source and disconnect the battery from the charger.
ANATOMY OF THE SLASH VXL Turnbuckle (Toe Link) Battery Compartment Traxxas HighCurrent Connector Rear Shock Tower Steering Servo Turnbuckle (Front Camber Link) Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Nerf Bar Shock (Oil Damper) Suspension Arm (Rear) Slipper Clutch Spur Gear Pinion Gear Rear Bumper Front Bumper Suspension Arm (Front) Transmission Front Shock Tower Front Body Mount Motor (Velineon 3500) LED Light Pipe Receiver Box Caster Block Steering Block Chassis Battery Hold-Down Antenna Mount Re
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT For more information on batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 13. Recommended Equipment These items are not required for the operation of your model, but are a good idea to include in any R/C toolbox: • Safety glasses • Traxxas Ultra Premium Tire Glue, part #6468 (CA glue) • Hobby knife • Side cutters and/or needle nose pliers • Phillips screwdriver • Soldering iron Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools.
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 starting on page 4 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury and product damage. 2. Charge the battery pack • See page 13 Your model requires a battery pack and a compatible battery charger (not included).
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INTRODUCTION Applying the Decals The main decals for your model have been applied at the factory. Additional 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 TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH batteries offer high current handling and much greater resistance to the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge cycles. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for optimal performance. Receiver - The radio unit inside your model that receives signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 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 servo and an electronic speed control.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES SELECTING BATTERIES FOR YOUR MODEL Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. Your model does not include a battery or charger. One NiMH or LiPo battery equipped with a Traxxas High-Current Connector is required. Traxxas Power Cell iD batteries are strongly recommended for maximum performance and safer charging.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK Battery iD Traxxas recommended battery packs are equipped with Traxxas Battery iD. This exclusive feature allows Traxxas battery chargers (sold separately) to automatically recognize connected battery packs and optimize the charge settings for the battery. This eliminates the need to worry over charger settings and menus for the easiest and safest charging solution possible. Visit Traxxas.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 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. TUR N GH RI T TU • RN LE Always turn on the transmitter before plugging in the battery.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM USING THE 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. 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.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM TRAXXAS STABILITY MANAGEMENT (TSM) SETTING UP THE ANTENNA Traxxas Stability Management or TSM allows you to experience all the speed and acceleration that was engineered into your Traxxas model by helping you to maintain control of the vehicle in low-traction situations. TSM helps provide straight ahead full-throttle acceleration on slippery surfaces, without fishtailing, spinouts, or loss of control. TSM also dramatically improves braking control.
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: Traxxas High-Current Connector Motor connectors: TRX 3.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL VXL-3s Profile Selection The speed control is factory set to Profile #1 (100% forward, brakes, and reverse). To disable reverse (Profile #2) or to allow 50% forward and 50% reverse (Profile #3), follow the steps below. The speed control should be connected to the receiver and battery, and the transmitter should be adjusted as described previously. The profiles are selected by entering the programming mode.
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. See page 26 for information on monitoring temperatures.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL Water resistance applies only to the installed electronic components. Running in wet conditions requires additional care and maintenance for the mechanical and electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal parts and maintain their proper function. Precautions • Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously damaged due to contact with water.
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.
-1° -1° -1.5° -1.5° ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to make adjustments for better driving performance. Adjusting the Toe-in 0° 0° Geometry and alignment specs play an important role in your model’s handling. Take the time to set them correctly. Turn off TSM Toe-in 0° (see page 17); then, set the steering trim on your transmitter to neutral.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL To achieve a good starting point for the slipper clutch, tighten the slipper clutch adjusting nut clockwise until the slipper clutch adjusting spring fully collapses (do not over tighten), and then turn the slipper clutch nut counterclockwise one full turn. Motor and Gearing One of the more significant advantages to your model’s transmission is the extremely wide range of available gear ratios. It can be geared low enough to run an extremely hot, modified motor.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL 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. Strip of To set the gear mesh, cut a narrow strip Paper of notebook paper and run it into the gear mesh. Loosen the motor screws and slide the motor and pinion gear into the spur gear. Retighten the motor screws and then remove the strip of paper.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL LiPo Batteries LiPo batteries are intended only for the most advanced users that are educated on the risks associated with LiPo battery use. It is critical to follow all instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer and the charger manufacturer for proper charging, use, and storage of LiPo batteries. Make sure you understand how to use your LiPo batteries. See Safety Precautions and warnings on page 4 for more information.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 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. Check the mounting of the receiver and servo(s) and speed control. 6.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Starting Over: Restoring Factory Defaults When programming your TQi transmitter, you may feel the need to start over with a clean slate. Follow these simple steps to restore the factory settings: 1. Turn the transmitter off. 2. Hold both MENU and SET. 3. Turn the transmitter on. 4. Release MENU and SET. The transmitter LED will blink red. 5. Press SET to clear settings. The LED will turn solid green and the transmitter is restored to default.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Steering and Throttle End Points The TQi transmitter allows you to choose the limit of the servo’s travel range (or its “end point”) independently for left and right travel (on the steering channel) and throttle/brake travel (on the throttle channel). This allows you to fine-tune the servo settings to prevent binding caused by the servo moving steering or throttle linkages (in the case of a nitro model) farther than their mechanical limits.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE TRAXXAS LINK MODEL MEMORY Traxxas Link Model Memory is an exclusive, patent-pending feature of the TQi transmitter. Each time the transmitter is bound to a new receiver, it saves that receiver in its memory, along with all the settings assigned to that receiver. When the transmitter and any bound receiver are switched on, the transmitter automatically recalls the settings for that receiver. There is no need to manually select your vehicle from a list of model memory entries.
TQi 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 TQi 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.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE x8 Set Multi-Function knob for STEERING SENSITIVITY (Expo) Press/hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks Press SET to confirm green LED blinks (x8) Set Multi-Function knob for THROTTLE SENSITIVITY (Expo) Press/hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks Press MENU to confirm red LED blinks (x2) Set Multi-Function knob for STEERING DUAL-RATE (%) Press/hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks Press MENU twice red LED blinks (x3) Set Multi-F
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE PROGRAMMING YOUR TQi TRANSMITTER WITH YOUR APPLE iPHONE, iPAD, iPOD TOUCH, OR ANDROID DEVICE The Traxxas Link™ Wireless Module (part #6511, sold separately) for the TQi transmitter installs in minutes to transform your Apple® iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or Android™ device into a powerful tuning tool that allows you to replace the transmitter’s button/LED programming system with an intuitive, high-definition, full-color graphical user interface.
owner’s manual 6250 TRAXXAS WAY, McKINNEY, TEXAS 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 190425 58076-4-OM-EN-R02