VXL-3s ESC Manual

• Graphite or metal chassis have been known to transmit radio noise
generated by the motor. If the receiver is to be mounted on the chassis,
position it so the crystal (if equipped) and antenna are as far away from
the chassis as possible. This may require you to mount the receiver on its
side. This will reduce the chance of picking up radio interference from the
motor.
VXL-3s Wiring
The VXL-3s electronic speed control is capable of controlling sensorless
brushless motors. The VXL-3s auto-detects the motor type and has
numerous built-in safeguards to prevent damage from miswiring or
damaged wiring.
Sensorless brushless motors
Sensorless motors are the easiest and most reliable brushless motor type.
The VXL-3s is optimized to deliver the smoothest possible sensorless motor
performance. The Velineon 3500 is a sensorless brushless motor. The wiring
(phase alignment) of the motor determines its direction of rotation. Refer to
the wiring diagram below.
Transmitter Setup
Traxxas TQ Radio Systems
Before attempting to program your VXL-3s, it is important to make sure
your TQ transmitter is properly adjusted (set back to the factory defaults).
Otherwise, you may not get the best performance from your speed control.
The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:
1. Set the throttle neutral switch to the 50/50 setting. This adjusts the
transmitter’s throttle trigger throw to 50% for throttle and 50% for
braking and reverse. Experienced users may wish to use the 70/30
setting if more broad proportional control is desired in forward than with
braking and reverse. This might be desirable in a racing environment
where reverse is disabled.
2. Set the throttle trim control to the middle 0 setting.
3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position. Do
not change the position of any of the servo reversing switches after
programming the VXL-3s.
4. You are now ready to program your speed control.
Aftermarket (Non-Traxxas) Transmitters
The following instructions are provided as a general reference only for
those who are using non-Traxxas transmitters. Consult your transmitter’s
instructions for information on how to change the settings.
1. Set the High ATV (adjustable travel volume) or EPA (end point
adjustment) to the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw
at full throttle.
2. Set the Low ATV, EPA or ATL (low side only trim adjustment) to the
maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full brakes
or reverse.
3. Set the throttle trim to the middle (neutral setting).
4. Set the throttle channel reversing switch to either position. Do not
change the switch position after programming.
5. Set the trigger throw adjustment to 50% throttle and 50% brake (either
mechanical or electronic).
6. Set the exponential setting (if equipped) to the zero or fully linear setting.
Aftermarket Receivers
The VXL-3s is compatible with most aftermarket
receivers. By removing the tab on the edge of the power
connector, the VXL-3s can be plugged directly into some
models of Futaba®, Airtronics®, Hitec®, and JR® receivers.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams that
came with your receiver. On the VXL-3s, the red wire
is positive, the black wire is negative, and the white wire is the control
wire. Warning: On some older Airtronics® radio systems, the positive and
negative terminals are opposite of the VXL-3s and an adapter is required.
Crossing the red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the
VXL-3s. Study the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams closely, or consult your
hobby dealer.
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. When the
battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold, the VXL-3s
will shut down all motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly
blink red, indicating a low voltage shutdown. The VXL-3s will stay in this
mode until a fully charged battery is connected.
The electronic speed control is factory set with Low-Voltage Detection activated.
Low-Voltage Detection should be disabled when using NiMH batteries. Never
use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled.
Verify that Low-Voltage Detection is activated:
1. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s.
3. Press and release the EZ-Set button to turn the VXL-3s on. If the LED is solid
green, then Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED). If the LED is solid red, then
the Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (not safe to use LiPo batteries).
To disable Low-Voltage Detection (NiMH setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and green.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds.
The LED will turn o and then light red. Also, a falling
musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now DISABLED.
To activate Low-Voltage Detection (LiPo setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and red.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds. The
LED will turn o and then light green. Also, a rising
musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now ACTIVATED.
VXL-3s Setup Programming (Calibrating your ESC and transmitter)
Read through all of the programming steps before you begin. If you get
lost during programming or receive unexpected results, simply unplug the
battery, wait a few seconds, plug the battery back in, and start over.
1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s.
2. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
3. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (A). The LED will rst turn
green and then red. Release the EZ-Set button.
4. When the LED blinks RED ONCE. Pull the
throttle trigger to the full throttle position and
hold it there (B).
5. When the LED blinks RED TWICE. Push the throttle
trigger to the full reverse and hold it there (C).
6. When the LED blinks GREEN ONCE, programming
is complete. The LED will then shine green or red
(depending on low-voltage detection setting)
indicating the VXL-3s is on and at neutral.
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 driven wheels are off the ground.
Disconnect motor wires A and C, this will assure 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. If Low Voltage Detection
is DISABLED, the LED will shine red instead of green in the following steps.
1. With the transmitter on, press and release the EZ-Set button. The LED will
shine green. This turns the VXL-3s on.
2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn o until full throttle power is
reached. At full throttle, the LED will illuminate green.
3. Move the trigger forward to apply the brakes. Note that braking control is
fully proportional. The LED will turn o until full braking power is reached.
At full brakes, the LED will illuminate green.
4. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. The LED will shine green.
5. Move the throttle trigger forward again to engage reverse (Prole #1). The LED
will turn o. Once full reverse power is reached, the LED will illuminate green.
6. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. (Note: There is programmed delay when
changing from reverse to forward. This prevents damage to the transmission
on high-traction surfaces.)
7. To turn the VXL-3s o, press the EZ-Set button until the LED turns
o (.5 seconds).
Green then Red
A
Once Red
B
Twice Red
C