MODEL 90076-4 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION CONTENTS 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 ANATOMY OF THE HOSS 4X4 VXL 9 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 10 TQi RADIO AND VELINEON BRUSHLESS POWER SYSTEM Thank you for purchasing the Hoss™ 4X4 VXL Monster Truck 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. 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: Opt./Stock Pinion 2S/3S 25C LiPo 7.4V/11.1V 4000/5000+ mAh Gearing: 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.
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 “L” wrench 1.5mm “L” wrench 2.
ANATOMY OF THE HOSS 4X4 VXL Rear Camber Link Spur Gear Battery Compartment Battery Hold-Down Steering Block Caster Block Front Suspension Arm Half Shaft Rear Shock Tower Motor Chassis Drive Shaft Receiver Box Front Shock Tower Wheelie Bar LED Light Pipe Rear Bumper Front Bumper Electronic Speed Control Shock Pinion Gear Rear Suspension Arm Antenna Mount Steering Servo Toe Link Front Camber Link
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 pages 4-6 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 2s/3s 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 . RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS TUR N GH RI T TU RN 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 • 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. • 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.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER 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. Range-Testing the Radio System Before each running session with your model, you should rangetest 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.
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 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 Operation To operate the speed control and test programming, place the vehicle on a stable block or stand so that all of the drive wheels are off the ground. Disconnect motor wires “A” and “C” (see page 12), this will ensure the motor does not drive the wheels during testing. Do not test programming without disconnecting the motor wires. Note that in steps 1-7 below, Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED (factory default) and the LED shines green.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Patented Training Mode (Profile #3) reduces forward and reverse throttle by 50%. Training Mode is provided to reduce the power output, allowing beginning drivers to better control the model. As driving skills improve, simply change to Sport or Race Mode for full-power operation. Tip For Fast Mode Changes The VXL-3s is set to Profile 1 (Sport Mode) as the default.
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. Do not use LiPo batteries 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 • Velineon motor: After operating your model in wet or muddy conditions, remove the motor and clean any mud or dirt from the bearings. To prevent corrosion and assure maximum bearing life, lubricate the bearings with a light oil (available at your local hobby store). Following these steps will extend motor life and maintain peak performance. Be sure to wear eye protection when using spray aerosol cleaners.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS All of the toe links are installed on the truck so the left-hand thread indicators point to the same direction. This makes it easier to remember which way to turn the wrench to increase or decrease toe link length (the direction is the same at all four corners). Note that the groove in the hex indicates the side of the toe link with the left-hand threads. Rear toe-in can be adjusted using accessory rear axle carriers, Traxxas Part #1952X. These can add or remove 1.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Fine Tuning the Shocks The four shocks on the model greatly influence its handling. Whenever you rebuild your shocks, or make any changes to the pistons, springs, or oil, always make changes to them in pairs (front or rear). Piston selection depends on the range of oil viscosities that you have available. For example, using a two-hole piston with a lightweight oil will, at one point, give you Preload the same damping as a three-hole piston Spacer with heavier oil.
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.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Your model has provisions for adjusting the camber gain geometry of the front and rear suspension. “Camber gain” refers to an increase in camber angle as the suspension is compressed. The camber gain of the vehicle can be changed by moving the camber link attachment to a different horizontal mounting position. Adjusting the camber gain will alter the tire contact patch as the suspension is compressed. Making the camber link shorter will increase the camber gain.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Always use the proper length motor bolts. The standard motor mounting bolts are 3x8mm. Using motor bolts that are too long can interfere with the motor’s rotation and damage the motor’s internal parts! The VXL-3s features Locked Rotor Protection. The VXL-3s checks to make sure the motor is turning. If the motor is locked or damaged, the ESC will enter fail-safe until the motor is free to rotate.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS TUNING THE SEALED GEAR DIFFERENTIALS The action of the your model’s front and rear gear differentials can be tuned for different driving conditions and performance requirements, without major disassembly or removal of the suspension system. From the factory, the differentials are sealed to maintain consistent long-term performance. Changing the oil in the differential with either lower or higher viscosity oil will vary the performance characteristics of the differentials.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Rear differential: 1. Remove the two 3x20mm button-head screws that secure the top bumper mount to diff case. 2. Turn the chassis over and remove the two 3x12mm countersunk screws that hold the bumper/skid plate to the bulkhead. The two front screws do not need to be removed. 3. Remove the 3x30mm button-head screw from the bumper mount and tie bar. 4. Slide bumper assembly off of the chassis. 5. Remove the tie bar from the chassis. 6.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Your Traxxas transmitter has a programmable Multi-Function knob that can be set to control various advanced transmitter functions (set to Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) by default, see page 17). Accessing the programming menu is done by using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and observing signals from the LED. An explanation of the menu structure follows on page 34. Experiment with the settings and features to see if they can improve your driving experience.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Failsafe Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built-in failsafe function that returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of a signal loss. The LED on the transmitter and the receiver will rapidly flash red.
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. Enter Programming Press and hold MENU for 3 seconds 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 The Traxxas Link Wireless Module is sold separately (part #6511). The Traxxas Link application is available from the Apple App store for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and on Google Play for Android devices. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or the Android device are not included with the Traxxas Link Wireless Module. For more information about the Traxxas Link Wireless Module and the Traxxas Link application, visit Traxxas.com.
owner’s manual 6250 TRAXXAS WAY, McKINNEY, TEXAS 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 200811 90076-4-OM-EN-R01
