User guide

STAMPEDE 4X4
•
9
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Your model includes the TQ 2.4GHz transmitter. When powered on, the
TQ 2.4GHz will automatically locate and lock onto an available frequency,
allowing multiple models to be raced together without frequency
conflicts. Just switch on and drive! The included TQ 2.4GHz radio system
has been programmed for your model at the factory and does not
require adjustment, but it does have settings you may need to access to
maintain proper operation of your model. The detailed instructions (page
11) included in this manual will help you understand and operate the
functions of the new TQ 2.4GHz radio system. For additional information
and how-to videos, visit Traxxas.com.
RADIO AND POWER SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and power
system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) - The BEC can either be in the receiver or
in the ESC. This circuit allows the receiver and servos to be powered by
the main battery pack in an electric model. This eliminates the need to
carry a separate pack of 4 AA batteries to power the radio equipment.
Current - Current is a measure of power flow through the electronics,
usually measured in amps. If you think of a wire as a garden hose,
current is a measure of how much water is flowing through the hose.
ESC (Electronic Speed Control) - An electronic speed control is the
electronic motor control inside the model. The XL-5 uses MOSFET
power transistors to provide precise, digital proportional throttle
control. Electronic speed controls use power more efficiently than
mechanical speed controls so that the batteries run longer. An
electronic speed control also has circuitry that prevents loss of steering
and throttle control as the batteries lose their charge.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter to send
signals to your model. This model operates on the 2.4GHz
direct-
sequence spread spectrum
.
LiPo - Abbreviation for Lithium Polymer. Rechargeable LiPo battery
packs are known for their special chemistry, which allows extremely
high energy density and current handling in a compact size. These are
high-performance batteries that require special care and handling. For
advanced users only.
mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour, a measure of the capacity of the
battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery will last
between recharges.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek when the
transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeable
hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high
current handling, high
capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. 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 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.
Resistance - In an electrical sense, resistance is a measure of how an
object resists or obstructs the flow of current through it. When flow is
constricted, energy is converted to heat and is lost.
Servos - Small motor units in your model that operate the steering and
throttle mechanisms.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and steering
instructions to your model.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos,
made by adjusting the steering trim knob on the face of the transmitter.
Thermal Shutdown Protection - Temperature sensing electronics are
used in the ESC to detect overloading and overheating of the transistor
circuitry. If excessive temperature is detected, the unit automatically
shuts down to prevent damage to the electronics.
2-channel radio system - The TQ 2.4GHz 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 2.4GHz system automatically
selects and locks onto an open frequency, and offers superior resistance to
interference and “glitching.”
Voltage - Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference
between two points, such as between the positive battery terminal
and ground. Using the analogy of the garden hose, while current is the
quantity of water flow in the hose, voltage corresponds to the pressure
that is forcing the water through the hose.
550 and 540 - These numbers refer to the size of the motor. 550 motors
have armatures that are 30% longer than 540 motors.
Applying the Decals
The main decals for your
model have been applied at
the factory. Additional decals
have been 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
end down, hold the other end
up, and gradually smooth the
decal down with your finger
as you go. This will prevent air
bubbles. Placing both ends
of the decal down and then
trying to smooth it out will
result in air pockets. Look
at the photos on the box for
typical decal placement.