Instructions

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TRX-4
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 motor.
• Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries or you
could lose control of it. Indications of low battery power include
slow operation and sluggish servos (slow to return to center). Stop
immediately at the first sign of weak batteries. When the batteries in
the transmitter become weak, the red power light will begin to flash.
Stop immediately and install new batteries.
• Do not drive the model at night, on public streets, or in large crowds
of people.
• Because the model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference
from many sources beyond your control. Since radio interference can
cause momentary losses of control, allow a safety margin of space in all
directions around the model in order to prevent collisions.
• If the model becomes stuck against an object, do not continue to run
the motor. Remove the obstruction before continuing. Do not push or
pull objects with the model.
• If an obstacle cannot be cleared by slow crawling, slowly increase
the vehicle speed as you drive toward the obstacle to allow the
suspension links and skiplates of the TRX-4 to slide over it.
• Before driving in snow at or below freezing temperatures, allow time
for the temperature of your truck to become close to the outside
temperature. This will avoid snow melting and refreezing on the
track mechanisms. Failure to do so may cause ice deposits on the
tracks and track slippage.
• Keep the drive teeth on the interior of each rubber track clear of
debris to prevent the track from shifting out of position or derailing
during operation.
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• Occasionally, the drive wheel may skip on the drive teeth of the track.
This is normal and will not cause damage to your truck. Check for any
obstructions and/or reposition the truck before continuing.
• Observe the rollover height when driving over tall obstacles. Do not
attempt to climb obstacles that are taller than the rollover height of
the Traxx. Be careful when reversing. The trailing wheel has a much
lower rollover height than the leading wheels; some obstacles will
be too tall for the trailing wheel.
• Increased traction from the rubber tracks may cause your truck body
to lean to one side while driving through deep snow or thick mud.
This is called torque twist. Installing stiffer suspension springs can
reduce torque twist in the chassis and provide additional stability.
• Use good, common sense whenever you are driving your model.
Intentionally driving in an abusive and rough manner will only result
in poor performance and broken parts. Take care of your model so
that you can enjoy it for a long time to come.
• High-performance vehicles produce small vibrations that may loosen
hardware over time. Frequently check stub axle nuts and other screws
on your vehicle to ensure that all hardware remains properly tightened.
About Run Time
A large factor affecting run time is the type and condition of your
batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries determines
how large their “fuel tank” is. A 3000 mAh battery pack will
theoretically run twice as long as a 1500 mAh sport pack. Because
of the wide variation in the types of batteries that are available and
the methods with which they can be charged, it’s impossible to
give exact run times for the model. Another major factor that affects
run time is how the model is driven. Run times may decrease when
the model is driven repetitively from a stop to top speed and with
repetitive hard acceleration.
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CAUTION: The stock gearing (11-T pinion
and 45-T spur gear) is suitable for general
use in most terrain with NiMH or 2s/3s LiPo
batteries. If you decide to modify the gear ratio, use
caution to avoid damage to your vehicle’s electronics
(see the “Motors and Gearing” section on page 27).
Keep the drive
teeth free of debris
while running
Forward
rollover
height
Reverse
rollover
height
Drive wheel