MODEL 95076-4 OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 7 ANATOMY OF THE SLEDGE 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 26 MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 27 TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Sledge™ brushless electric monster truck.
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.
old SAFETY PRECAUTIONS All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model. uehighway font 3+ 4 5 This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. • Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the battery from the speed control when not in use. • Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
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 SLEDGE Front Suspension Arm Toe Link Front Camber Link Receiver Box Antenna Mount Rear Suspension Arm Chassis LED Light Pipe Chassis Brace Rod Shock Electronic Speed Control Motor Front Chassis Brace Wing Front Bumper Steering Servo Front Body Mount Traxxas High-Current Connector Rear Body Mount Shock Axle Carrier Hex Hub Torque Biasing Center Drive Battery Compartment Rear Camber Link
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 INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES 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 28 to identify the code. Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. Caution: Discontinue running your model at the first sign of weak batteries (flashing red light on the transmitter) to avoid losing control.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING BATTERY PACKS 1. Pull out on the battery 1 hold-down using the two release tabs and lift the holddown up. 2. Insert a fully charged battery/batteries into the battery compartment with the High Current Connector positioned toward the rear of the model. Note: If using two batteries, position them in the battery compartment side by side (2a). If using a single battery, remove the foam block and install the included foam spacer for proper fitment (2b).
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM RULES TUR N GH RI T Remember, always turn the TQi transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model. RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS TU RN • Always turn your TQi transmitter on first and off last. This procedure will help to prevent your model from receiving stray signals from another transmitter, or other source, and running out of control.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM USING THE RADIO SYSTEM 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. The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green (not flashing). 2. Elevate the model on a block or a stand so that all the tires are off the ground. Make sure your hands are clear of the moving parts of the model. 3.
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 No No 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.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Electronic Speed Control Adjustments The VXL-6s 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-6s electronic speed control is designed to operate on 4s or 6s LiPo battery power.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Selecting Sport Mode (Profile #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse) 1. Connect two fully charged battery A B packs to the VXL-6s and turn on your transmitter. 2. Press and hold the Green to Red to Off One blink Red EZ-Set button until the LED turns solid D C green, then solid red and then begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers). 3. When the LED blinks red once, release Release Solid the EZ-Set button. 4.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL • Solid Green: VXL-6s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED (LiPo setting). • Solid Red: VXL-6s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (NIMH setting). • Current LED (A) Solid Red: The VXL-6s has entered Overcurrent Protection, Stage 1.
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 • Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement weather where lightning may be present. • Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water (ocean water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach. Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions 1.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL • Differentials: Remove, disassemble, clean, and re-grease the differential components. Use a light coating of Traxxas highperformance grease (part #5041) on the metal gear teeth. Refer to your exploded view diagrams for help with disassembly and reassembly. • Motor: After operating your model in wet or muddy conditions, remove the motor and clean any mud or dirt from 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 Gearing Compatibility Chart: The chart below shows recommended gear combination ranges for your model. Pinion Gear Spur Gear 46 52 11 4.18 4.73 4.33 12 3.83 13 3.54 4.00 14 3.29 3.71 15 3.07 3.47 16 2.88 3.25 17 2.71 3.06 18 2.56 2.89 19 2.42 - 20 2.30 - 21 2.19 - 22 2.09 - 23 2.00 - 24 1.92 - Out of Box Setup; recommended for most running, 4s/6s LiPo. 2s 5000mAh + recommended 3s 5000mAh + recommended Usable gearing range for 4S/6S LiPo.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS TEMPERATURES AND COOLING CENTERING YOUR SERVO Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of the batteries and motors. There are many options available that will help you monitor temperatures and cool your components. The factory installed electronic speed control cooling fan assists in cooling the VXL-6s in high-current motor applications. A optional cooling fan will help pull the heat away from the 2000Kv motor.
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. 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. Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections. 5.
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 16). 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 30. 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, 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 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 MODEL 95076-4 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 220315 95076-4-OM-EN-R00