MODEL 44056-3 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 6 ANATOMY OF THE NITRO SLASH 7 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 8 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 14 THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 28 DRIVING YOUR NITRO SLASH 29 TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 30 MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR MODEL 32 TROUBLESHOOTING 34 TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Nitro Slash, equipped with the TRX® 3.
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 font SAFETY 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 (minors) under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. Models require detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required support equipment. Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your Nitro Slash 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 Turnbuckle wrench 1.5mm “L” wrench 2.5mm “L” wrench NiMH 7.2V battery pack* Glow plug and wheel nut wrench 4-way wrench U-joint wrench Various pre-load spacers and shock pistons (on parts tree) see page 29 NiMH 7.
ANATOMY OF THE NITRO SLASH Header Half Shaft Fuel Line TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Rear Camber Link (Turnbuckle) Tie Rod (Turnbuckle) EZ-Start Motor see pg.
QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine. Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. 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. 2.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INTRODUCTION 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 Learn terms related to the TRX 3.3 racing engine beginning on page 16. No Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Your model is equipped with the Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter. The transmitter has two channels: channel one operates the steering, and channel two operates the throttle. The receiver inside the model has three output channels. Your model is equipped with two servos and a receiver.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING RECEIVER BATTERIES Use the Right Batteries Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable AA cells to power the TQi transmitter, as they will not provide sufficient voltage for optimum transmitter performance. Caution: Discontinue running your model at the first sign of weak batteries (flashing red LED) to avoid losing control. INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES The radio receiver in your model uses four AA batteries. Your TQ 2.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS • Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while the engine is running. The on/off switch in the model only turns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine. • Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio system. Weak batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the transmitter.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM USING THE RADIO SYSTEM Always use the idle speed adjustment screw (see page 21) on the carburetor (see page 15) to adjust the engine idle speed. The TQi 2.4GHz Radio System has been adjusted at the factory for correct operation with your model. The adjustment should be checked before running the model, in case of movement during shipping. Follow these steps: 1. Turn the transmitter switch on. The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green (not flashing). 2.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM TRAXXAS STABILITY MANAGEMENT (TSM) INSTALLING THE RECEIVER 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.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE INTRODUCTION Traxxas strongly discourages changing or modifying any part of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Old tech tips and tricks that may have boosted the power of other engines could seriously diminish the performance of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. There’s more advanced thinking, development and testing in the stock parts of your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine than in many aftermarket manufacturer’s performance parts. The TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TERMS TO KNOW You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout this section of the manual. 16 • NITRO SLASH .15 - .15 or “15” refers to the displacement of the engine. The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 2.5” is derived from the cc measurement. .20 - .20 or “20” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 3.3 is .20 cubic inches or 3.3 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 3.3” is derived from the cc measurement.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE High-speed needle (HSN) - Adjusts the carburetor’s fuel/air mixture at high throttle openings. Idle speed - The speed (rpm) the engine runs at when the transmitter’s throttle trigger is at neutral. Idle speed screw (ISS) - Located on the carburetor body. This screw adjusts the idle rpm of the engine. Lean - A running condition where the engine is not getting enough fuel (for the available air).
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE THE FUEL DANGER! Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals. Drinking the fuel can cause blindness and death. Handle with care and respect. Keep it out of reach of small children at all times! While driving, do not leave your fuel dispensing bottle on the ground where a child could have access to it. Follow fuel label warnings. Use the Right Fuel It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel in your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for maximum performance and engine life.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Filling the Fuel Tank Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, part #5001) to put fuel into Nitro Slash’s fuel tank. To fill the fuel bottle, squeeze the air out, insert the dispenser tip into the fuel can, and release your grip on the bottle. As the bottle expands, fuel will be drawn into it. To fill your model, flip up the springloaded cap on the fuel tank, insert the tip of the fuel bottle, and squeeze to dispense the fuel.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE See page 26 for more information on how air density affects engine tuning. A “turn” refers to tightening (“turning in”) or loosening (“turning out”) mixture needles. A “full turn” refers to turning the needle 360°, so a “1/2 turn” would be 180°, a “1/4 turn” would be 90°, and so on.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Lean Tuning the engine means finding the perfect balance between the two; excellent power to meet your needs while maintaining good lubrication for long engine life. The optimal fuel mixture setting is rich to provide a safety margin against having a lean condition if some variable changes (such as the temperature from one day to the next). Rich General fuel mixture settings are measured by the number of turns the needles are turned out from fully closed.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 7,12 22 • NITRO SLASH Glow Plug Motor Glow Plug Glow Plug Motor Glow Plug If the Motor LED fails to light and the starter fails to operate, then the EZ-Start is in protection mode. Motor If the Glow Plug LED fails to light, the glow plug may be bad, or the glow plug wire may be damaged or disconnected. Glow Plug Glow Plug Motor Each of the two status indicator LEDs on the handheld control unit, the Motor LED and the Glow Plug LED, should light green while starting.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE BREAKING IN YOUR TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine uses a ringless, aluminum-brass-chrome (ABC) piston/sleeve construction. This type of engine design relies on a very precise running fit between the piston and sleeve for cylinder sealing. Engine break-in is necessary to allow the piston and sleeve to develop an extremely precise fit and optimum cylinder sealing. Therefore, proper engine break-in is critical to achieving the fastest, most reliable engine performance.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE High Altitude Operation: If you live in a high altitude region (5000 or more feet above sea level), the lower air density may require you to lean your high-speed fuel mixture slightly from the factory break-in settings. Try this if you are experiencing difficult starting or extremely sluggish engine performance at high altitude.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Winter Break-in Tips During the break-in process, the piston and sleeve wear into each other to form a precise fit. The engine needs to heat up to a temperature around 200 to 215°F to allow the piston and sleeve to achieve this fit properly. A precise fit between these two components is critical for proper compression, and optimum performance.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE When adjusting the lowspeed fuel mixture, it is very important to make several high-speed runs with the model between adjustments to clear out any excess fuel. Perform the pinch test immediately after. If the engine is allowed to idle for a long period of time, it could “load up” with fuel and give you an inaccurate measurement from your pinch test. Higher nitro requires a richer fuel mixture.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Idle Speed Adjustment Once the high- and low-speed mixtures have been set, reduce the idle speed to the minimum reliable idle speed. Remember, this adjustment should be made while the engine is running at normal operating temperature. Always use the idle speed adjustment screw to control engine idle. 1. When the throttle servo is in its neutral position, the throttle slide should be stopped against the idle speed adjustment screw. 2.
DRIVING YOUR NITRO SLASH INTRODUCTION Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is broken in, the fuel mixture is balanced, and the idle is set…now it’s time to have some fun! Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. • Don’t run your Nitro Slash in water, mud, snow, or wet grass. It’s tempting, but water and mud are easily drawn through the air filter and will severely damage the engine. Small amounts of moisture can cause electronics to fail and loss of control over your Nitro Slash.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The Nitro Slash features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur gear to help protect the drive train from sudden shock loads (such as landing off of jumps with the engine at full throttle). Under normal conditions the slipper clutch should not slip. Before adjusting the slipper clutch, turn the model off. Do not adjust the slipper clutch while the engine is 0° 0° running.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR MODEL If the engine is worn or damaged enough to require replacing the piston, sleeve, or connecting rod, consider exchanging your old engine for a brand new engine with Traxxas Power-Up. It could save you time and effort. Details are in your model’s documentation package. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is designed to be easy to rebuild.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR MODEL To ensure your TRX 3.3 engine is protected from internal corrosion, use the following procedure: 1. Whenever possible, shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line closed. This allows most of the excess fuel to be consumed by the engine. Be sure the throttle is in the idle position. You may have to pinch the fuel line closed for several seconds before the engine stops. 2. Completely empty the fuel tank. Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to suck out the old fuel.
TROUBLESHOOTING The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio questions you may have about your Nitro Slash. Most questions arise from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a solution for your Nitro Slash here, then visit our website at Traxxas.com/support. There you will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area. In addition, you may call Traxxas Customer Service at 1-888-TRAXXAS (outside the U.S.
TROUBLESHOOTING • Check to make sure the fuel is getting to the carburetor. Remove the fuel line where it connects to the carburetor to see if there is fuel in it. If not, you may need to prime the engine. Reconnect the fuel line and then refer to page 23 for instructions on priming the engine. • The engine could be worn.
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) x2 x3 MENU TREE FORMULAS Press/hold MENU returns to driving mode To select functions and make adjustments to the TQi transmitter without referencing the Menu
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 44056-3 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, Texas 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS KC2315-R02 151116
