MODEL 77086-4 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 ANATOMY OF THE X-MAXX 9 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 10 TQi RADIO AND VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 18 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 21 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 24 BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas X-Maxx equipped with the Velineon® VXL-8s 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 or minors under 14 years of age. For Advanced Drivers Only.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! This vehicle requires LiPo batteries. Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the instructions. In addition, Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries pose a SEVERE risk of fire if not properly handled per the instructions and require special care and handling procedures for long life and safe operation.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Important Points to Remember • Because your model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from many sources that are beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause momentary losses of radio control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around the model in order to prevent collisions. • Range test your radio system in the area that you will be running the model to ensure that you have range that covers the area you want to drive.
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 2.5mm “T” wrench 2.5mm “L” wrench 2.
ANATOMY OF THE X-MAXX Lower Suspension Arm Motor with Cooling Fans Stub Axle Carrier Battery Hold-Down Caster Block (C-hub) Upper Suspension Arm Traxxas High-Current Connector Battery Compartment Accessory Power Panel Chassis Receiver Access Plug Gear Cover Steering Servo (Under chassis) Front Bumper Rear Bumper Wheelie Bar Rear Shock Tower Electronic Speed Control Front Shock Tower LED Light Pipe Spur Gear Receiver Box Servo Saver Pinion Gear Toe Link Shock (Damper)
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 and product damage. 2. Charge two battery packs • See page 13 Your model requires two identical LiPo battery packs and a compatible battery charger (sold separately).
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 Velineon 1200XL Specs Type: Sensorless brushless rpm/volt: 1200 Connection type : 6.5mm bullet Diameter: 48mm (1.88") Length: 110mm (4.32") Weight: 665g (23.44oz) 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 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 indicated in the battery compartment. 3. Reinstall the battery compartment door and snap it closed. 4. Turn on the transmitter and check the status LED for a solid green light.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACKS 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. Either the transmitter or receiver LED flashing flash red indicates a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over. TUR N GH RI T TU • 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 lowtraction 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-8s Specifications Input voltage: 4S/6S/8S LiPo (max. 33.6 volts) Supported Motors: Sensorless Brushless Battery connector: Traxxas High-Current Connector Motor connectors: TRX 6.5mm bullet connectors Motor/battery wiring: 10-gauge Maxx® Cable Weight: 182g (6.42 oz.) Case size: 58mm (2.28”)/ 72mm (2.83”)/ 46mm (1.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Selecting Race Mode (Profile #2: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse) B 1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to A the VXL-8s and turn on your transmitter. 2. With the VXL-8s off, press and hold the EZ-Set button until the LED turns Green to Red to Off Two blinks Red solid green, then solid red and then D C begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers). 3. When the LED blinks red twice, release Release Solid the EZ-Set button. 4.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL • Solid Green: VXL-8s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED (LiPo setting). • Current LED (A) Solid Red: The VXL-8s has entered Overcurrent Protection, Stage 1. When excessive current flow (amperage) is being routed through the power system caused by failure to use the appropriate gearing ratio for the drivetrain and the driving surface, the VXL-8s will limit the power output to 50% throttle.
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. interference can cause momentary losses of control, allow a safety margin of space in all directions around the model in order to prevent collisions. Where to drive X-Maxx is a large vehicle capable of high speed and requires a large area to run.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS Your new Traxxas model is designed with water-resistant features to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving your model through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model should not be treated as though it is submersible or totally 100% waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed electronic components.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL water and oil will continue to drip from the truck for a few hours. Place it on a towel or piece of cardboard to protect the surface underneath. 8. As a precautionary step, remove the sealed receiver box cover. While unlikely, humidity or tiny amounts of moisture or condensation may enter the receiver box during wet running. This can cause long-term problems with the sensitive electronics in the receiver. Removing the receiver box cover during storage allows the air inside to dry.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 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. X-Maxx makes improper gear mesh virtually impossible. A pin system helps set the motor in the proper place according to the pinion and spur gear that are selected. To access the pin system, remove the four motor mount screws from the bottom of the chassis and lift off the motor.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Fine Tuning the Shocks The four GTX shocks greatly influence handling. Periodic maintenance may be required to maintain optimal performance. You can also tune your shocks to your driving style or running environment. Whenever you rebuild shocks, or make any changes to the pistons, springs, or oil, always make changes to the shocks in pairs (front or rear). To disassemble the GTX shocks: 1. Remove the 2.5x14mm cap screw from the lower spring retainer.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Always wear eye protection when using compressed air or spray cleaners and lubricants. High performance vehicles generate small vibrations while driving. These vibrations may loosen hardware over time and require attention. Always check your wheel nuts and other hardware and tighten or replace when necessary. Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. The following procedures should be taken very seriously.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Removing the front suspension module 1. Remove the two 3x20mm cap screws from the front of the chassis brace. 2. Remove the 3x15mm button-head cap screw from the steering link. 3. Remove the four 4x25mm button-head cap screws from the top of the chassis. 4. Remove the two 4x14mm button-head cap screws from the chassis next to the receiver box. 5. Remove the two 4x14mm button-head cap screws from the bottom of the chassis. 6. Pull the front suspension assembly away from the chassis.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Gearing Compatibility Chart: The chart below shows recommended gear combination ranges for your model. Pinion Gear Spur Gear 46 50 54 11 - - 4.91 12 - - 4.50 13 - - 4.15 14 - 3.57 3.86 15 - 3.33 3.60 16 - 3.13 3.38 17 - 2.94 3.18 18 2.56 2.78 3.00 19 2.42 2.63 - 20 2.30 2.50 - 21 2.19 2.38 - 22 2.09 2.27 - 23 2.00 - - 24 1.92 - - 25 1.87 - - 26 1.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS The motor temperature sensor is factory installed and provides accurate telemetry data and thermal overload protection for the motor. If you remove the temperature sensor for vehicle maintenance, be certain to reinstall it correctly. The sensor should be installed so the thermistor (the small component at the top of the temperature sensor) is on the top of the motor (the side where the wires exit the motor). The sensor should also be centered on the motor.
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 MOBILE 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 170104 77086-4-OM-EN
