MODEL 89086-4 OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 7 ANATOMY OF THE TRAXXAS MAXX 8 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 9 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 17 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 20 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 23 BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Maxx® electric monster truck equipped with the Velineon® VXL-4s 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.
bluehighway SAFETY font PRECAUTIONS 1 2 3 3+ 4 5 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. Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. Models require detailed setup and/or maintenance procedures with required support equipment.
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.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT For more information on batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 12. Recommended Equipment These items are not required for the operation of your model, but are a good idea to include in any RC toolbox: • Safety glasses • Traxxas Ultra Premium Tire Glue, part #6468 (CA glue) • Hobby knife • Side cutters and/or needle nose pliers • Soldering iron Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools.
ANATOMY OF THE TRAXXAS MAXX Motor with Cooling Fan Upper Suspension Arm Traxxas High-Current Connector Steering Block Caster Block (C-hub) Battery Compartment Gear Cover Battery Hold-Down Wheelie Bar Spur Gear Rear Bumper Steering Servo Chassis Receiver Box Receiver LED Light Pipe Access Plug Rear Shock Tower Pinion Gear Electronic Speed Control with Cooling Fan Toe Link Front Bumper Front Shock Tower Shock (Damper) Lower Suspension Arm
QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The Quick Start Guide is not intended to replace the full operating instructions available in this manual. Please read this entire manual for complete instructions on the proper use and maintenance of your model. 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.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INTRODUCTION Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory. The transmitter’s easy-to-use design provides instant driving fun for new RC enthusiasts, and also offers a full compliment of pro-level tuning features for advanced users – or anyone interested in experimenting with the performance of their model. The steering and throttle channels feature adjustable Exponential, End Points, and Sub-Trims.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM To prevent loss of radio range do not kink or cut the black wire, do not bend or cut the metal tip, and do not bend or cut the white wire at the end of the metal tip. 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.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Your model is equipped with the 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 SYSTEM If the status LED doesn’t light green, check the polarity of the batteries. If you see any other flashing signal from the LED, refer to the chart on page 29 to identify the code. 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.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS 1. Push the battery hold-down toward the center of the truck using the two release tabs and lift the hold-down up and toward you. 2. Insert a fully charged battery into the battery compartment with the High Current Connector positioned toward the rear of the model. 3. Lower the battery hold-down and pull it toward the outside of the truck to snap it closed.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Remember, always turn the TQi transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model. Stop immediately at the first sign of weak batteries. Never turn the transmitter off when the battery pack is plugged in. The model could run out of control. • Always use new batteries for the radio system. Weak batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radio signal can cause you to lose control of your model.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Range-Testing the Radio System Before each running session with your model, you should range-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly. 1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in the previous section. 2. Have a friend hold the model. Make sure hands and clothing are clear of the wheels and other moving parts on the model. 3. Walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach the farthest distance you plan to operate the model. 4.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM To prevent loss of radio range do not kink or cut the black wire, do not bend or cut the metal tip, and do not bend or cut the white wire at the end of the metal tip. Correct No 16 • MAXX No No SETTING UP THE ANTENNA The receiver antenna has been set up and installed from the factory. The antenna is secured by a 3x4mm set screw. To remove the antenna tube, simply remove the set screw with a 1.5mm wrench.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Electronic Speed Control Adjustments The VXL-4s electronic speed control’s default settings were programmed at the factory and should not require adjustment for normal operation. The following information is helpful to confirm the settings or allow you to customize the settings for your needs. ATTENTION: USING LiPo BATTERIES The VXL-4s electronic speed control is designed to operate on 3s or 4s LiPo battery power.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Selecting Sport Mode (Profile #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse) 1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to A the VXL-4s and turn on your transmitter. 2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button until the LED turns solid green, then solid red and Green to Red to Off then begins blinking red (indicating the C Profile numbers). 3. When the LED blinks red once, release the EZ-Set button. Release 4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL • Solid Green: VXL-4s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED (LiPo setting). • Current LED (A) Solid Red: The VXL-4s 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-4s 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. • 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 • Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet conditions. • The Traxxas TQi transmitter is not water resistant. Do not subject it to wet conditions such as rain. • Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement weather where lightning may be present.
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 and center driveline bearings: Remove, clean, and re-oil the bearings.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to make adjustments for better driving performance. SUSPENSION TUNING Shock Mounting Positions Big bumps and rough terrain require a softer suspension with the maximum possible suspension travel and ride height. Racing on a prepared track or on-road use requires a lower ride height and firmer, more aggressive suspension settings.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Pinion Gear Spur Gear 46 50 54 16 - - 3.38 17 - - 3.18 18 - - 3.00 19 - - 2.84 20 - 2.50 2.70 21 - 2.38 2.57 22 - 2.27 2.45 23 - 2.17 - 24 1.92 2.08 - 25 1.84 2.00 - 26 1.77 - - 27 1.70 - - Out of Box Setup; recommended for most running, 3s/4s LiPo. 3s 4000mAh + recommended 4s 5000mAh + recommended Usable gearing range for 3s/4s LiPo. Increases torque and run time.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Your Battery Selection and Pinion/Spur Selection Determines Your Speed. How Fast Do You Want To Go? FUN ZONE TOP SPEED ZONE Speed 40+mph 45mph 55+mph 60+mph Pinion/Spur 23/50* 25/46** 23/50* 25/46** Battery 3S LiPo 3S LiPo 4S LiPo 4S LiPo 11.1V 11.1V 14.8V 14.8V 5000+ mAh 5000+ mAh 6700+ mAh 6700+ mAh Nominal Voltage mAh Skill Level *Stock gearing *Stock Gearing **Optional gearing (sold separately) ** Optional gearing sold separately.
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. Frequently 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 2. 3x15mm BCS Removing the front suspension module 1. Remove the two 4x20mm countersunk cap screws from the front skidplate on the bottom of the chassis. 2. Remove the 3x15mm button-head cap screw from the steering link. 3. Remove the seven 4x12mm button-head cap screws from the chassis brace (1), front shock tower (2), and chassis (4). 4. Pull the front suspension assembly away from the chassis. Pull the assembly away firmly.
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, patented 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 MODEL 89086-4 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 210910 89086-4-OM-EN-R00
