owners manual MODEL 3708 MODEL 3608 MODEL 2408 extreme brushless power system
Introduction 3 before you proceed 4 safety precautions 5 tools, supplies and required equipment 6 anatomy of the rustler vxl 7 anatomy of the stampede vxl 8 anatomy of the bandit vxl 9 quick start: getting up to speed 10 gluing tires and decorating your model Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas electric model equipped with the new Velineon™ Brushless Power System. This manual covers the Rustler® VXL Stadium race truck, the Bandit™ VXL buggy, and the Stampede® VXL 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.
Safety Precautions All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model. All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model. Operate your model sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your model in a safe and responsible manner may result in property damage and serious injury.
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 Optional Pinion Gear see page 26 2.0mm “L” wrench Aftermarket servo adapters 1.
Anatomy of the Rustler VXL Turnbuckle (Rear Camber Link ) Steering Block Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) EZ-Set® Button (On/Off Button) Caster Block Half Shaft Battery Compartment Rear Shock Tower Traxxas HighCurrent Connector Rear Body Mount Chassis Brushless Motor (Velineon™ 3500) Battery Hold-Down Transmission Turnbuckle (Front Camber Link ) Front Body Mount Suspension Arm (Front) Pinion Gear Front Bumper Gear Cover (ghosted) Spur Gear Receiver Antenna Mount Upper Chassis Plate Slipper C
Anatomy of the Stampede Steering Block Shock (Oil Damper) Turnbuckle (Front Camber Link ) Half Shaft Suspension Arm (Rear) Chassis Traxxas HighCurrent Connector Rear Body Mount Brushless Motor (Velineon™ 3500) Transmission Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Battery Compartment Battery Hold-Down Caster Block Suspension Arm (Front) Bulkhead Front Bumper Front Shock Tower Wheelie Bar Pinion Gear Spur Gear Gear Cover (ghosted) Slipper Clutch EZ-Set® Button (On/Off Button) Receiver Antenna Mount Stee
Anatomy of the Bandit Turnbuckle (Rear Camber Link ) Electronic Speed Control (VXL-3s) Steering Block EZ-Set® Button (On/Off Button) Half Shaft Battery Compartment Rear Shock Tower Caster Block Traxxas HighCurrent Connector Rear Body Mount Chassis Brushless Motor (Velineon™ 3500) Battery Hold-Down Turnbuckle (Front Camber Link ) Suspension Arm (Front) Transmission Front Bumper Pinion Gear Front Body Mount Gear Cover Receiver (ghosted) Antenna Mount Spur Gear Upper Chassis Plate Slipper Clu
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 page 4 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury. 2. Charge the battery pack • See sidebar, page 12 Fully charge a battery pack (not included). Charge your battery now so it will be ready when you finish the other setup procedures. 3.
Gluing Tires and Decorating Your Model Applying The Decals Installing The Bandit VXL Wing The main decals for your model have been applied at the factory. The 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. To apply the decals, place one end down, hold the other end up, and gradually smooth the decal down with your finger as you go. This will prevent air bubbles.
The Traxxas TQ Radio and Velineon Brushless Power System Your model is equipped with the Traxxas TQ Radio System. The Traxxas TQ Radio System is a 2-channel system that provides high-power output up to a quarter mile. Your model uses one servo and an electronic speed control.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System Radio and Power System Terminology Use the Right Charger The most convenient type of charger is an AC peakdetecting charger that plugs directly into an AC wall outlet. It contains special peak-detection circuitry that automatically shuts the charger off when the battery is fully charged. If you’re using a 15-minute timed charger, always fully discharge NiMH battery packs before each charge.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System 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. NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH batteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistance to the “memory” effect.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System The following Traxxas High Current Connector packages are available from your hobby dealer. When using adapters, be careful not to exceed the current rating of the Molex connector.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System Installing Transmitter Batteries Your TQ transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. Press in tab. Installing the Battery Pack Place the battery pack into the battery compartment of the model and then place the battery hold-down over the posts. Secure the battery hold-down with body clips in the holes in the posts. Do not connect the battery pack yet.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System Setting up the Antenna Stampede VXL Spray a little window cleaner on the antenna wire to make it easier to push through the antenna tube. You must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate your model. You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in the bag with your manuals and documentation. Antenna Tip Antenna Tip 2.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System TQ Radio System Controls RN RIGHT TU NL TUR EFT Steering Brake/Reverse Neutral There are two settings available: 50/50: Allows equal travel for both acceleration and reverse (default). 70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%) and less reverse/brake travel (30%). Using Reverse: While driving, move the throttle trigger forward to apply brakes. Once stopped, return the throttle trigger to neutral.
The TQ Radio and Velineon Power System Remember, always turn the TQ transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model. Your speed control was adjusted to the radio from the factory. It is possible for the throttle trim control on the transmitter to have moved during transit or while handling the transmitter. If the motor runs when the model is switched on, then move the throttle trim control on the transmitter until the motor stops.
Adjusting the Electronic Speed Control VXL-3s Battery Settings (Low-Voltage Detection Setting) The Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed control is equipped with built-in Low-Voltage Detection. The Low Voltage Detection circuitry constantly monitors the battery voltage. When the battery voltage begins to reach the minimum recommended discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery packs, the VXL-3s will limit the power output to 50% throttle.
Adjusting the Electronic Speed Control Patent-Pending 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.
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 same at all four corners). Note that the groove in the hex indicates the side of the toe link with the left-hand threads.
Basic Tuning Adjustments on hard, dry surfaces. In loose dirt, a tire with large spikes should perform better. See your parts list for accessory wheels and tires. Stampede VXL Wheelie Bar Set-up The Traxxas wheelie bar comes standard with the Stampede VXL. It is available as a bolt-on accessory (Part #3678) for the Rustler VXL and Bandit VXL. See your local hobby dealer for more information.
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.
Troubleshooting The following section addresses some very basic ESC and radio questions you may have about your model. Most questions arise from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a solution for your model here, then visit our website at www.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 US call 972-265-8000).
Advanced Tuning Adjustments 86 90 - - 19.50 20.40 13 - - 18.01 18.82 14 - - 16.70 17.49 15 - 15.04 15.58 16.32 16 - 14.12 14.63 15.31 17 - 13.27 13.76 14.39 18 - 12.54 13.00 13.60 19 - 11.89 12.32 12.89 20 - 11.28 11.69 12.24 21 - 10.75 11.14 11.66 22 9.38 10.25 10.63 11.12 23 8.97 9.82 10.17 10.63 24 8.62 9.41 9.74 10.20 9.79 25 8.27 9.03 9.36 26 7.94 8.67 9.00 - 27 7.64 8.35 8.67 - 28 7.37 8.05 8.35 - 29 7.12 7.78 8.
Advanced Tuning Adjustments The VXL-3s has built-in Sensor Motor Backup Protection to prevent damage if the sensor leads or phase leads become disconnected. If a sensor lead becomes damaged or is disconnected, the VXL-3s automatically switches to sensorless brushless operation. The VXL-3s also features Sensor Phase Detection. When a sensored brushless motor is connected, the VXL-3s will check for proper wiring.
1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074 1-888-TRAXXAS 070926 KC1081 Part# 3798X
