Slayer Pro 4x4 Manual

SLAYER PRO 4X4
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39
Turning Range
at Transmitter
Effective Turning
Range on Model
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 13). 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 41. Experiment with the settings and features to see if they can
improve your driving experience.
Steering Sensitivity (Exponential)
The Multi-Function knob on the TQi transmitter can be set to control Steering
Sensitivity (also known as exponential). The standard setting for Steering
Sensitivity is “normal (zero exponential),” with the dial full left in its range
of travel. This setting provides linear servo response: the steering servo’s
movement will correspond exactly with the input from the transmitter’s
steering wheel. Turning the knob clockwise from center will result in
“negative exponential” and decrease steering sensitivity by making the servo
less responsive near neutral, with increasing sensitivity as the servo nears the
limits of its travel range. The farther you turn the knob, the more pronounced
the change in steering servo movement will be. The term “exponential”
comes from this effect; the servo’s travel changes exponentially relative
to the input from the steering wheel. The exponential effect is indicated
as a percentage—the greater the percentage, the greater the effect. The
illustrations below show how this works.
Normal Steering Sensitivity (0% exponential):
In this illustration, the steering servo’s travel
(and with it, the steering motion of the model’s
front wheels) corresponds precisely with the
steering wheel. The ranges are exaggerated for
illustrative purposes.
Decreased Steering Sensitivity (Negative
Exponential): By turning the Multi-Function
knob clockwise, the steering sensitivity of
the model will be decreased. Note that a
relatively large amount of steering wheel
travel results in a smaller amount of servo
travel. The farther you turn the knob, the
more pronounced the effect becomes.
Decreased steering sensitivity may be
helpful when driving on low-traction
surfaces, when driving at high speed, or on
tracks that favor sweeping turns where gentle steering inputs are
required. The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
Throttle Sensitivity (Throttle Exponential)
The Multi-Function knob can be set to control Throttle Sensitivity. Throttle
Sensitivity works the same way as Steering Sensitivity, but applies the effect
to the throttle channel. Only forward throttle is affected; brake/reverse travel
remains linear regardless of the Throttle Sensitivity setting.
Steering Percentage (Dual-Rate)
The Multi-Function knob can be set to control the amount (percentage) of
servo travel applied to steering. Turning the Multi-Function knob fully clockwise
will deliver maximum steering throw; turning the knob counterclockwise
reduces steering throw (note: turning the dial counterclockwise to its stop will
eliminate all servo travel). Be aware that the steering End Point settings define
the servo’s maximum steering throw. If you set Steering Percentage to 100%
(by turning the Multi-Function knob fully clockwise), the servo will travel all the
way to its selected end point, but not past it. Many racers set Dual-Rate so they
have only as much steering throw as they need for the track’s tightest turn, thus
making the model easier to drive throughout the rest of the course. Reducing
steering throw can also be useful in making a model easier to control on
high-traction surfaces, and limiting steering output for oval racing where large
amounts of steering travel are not required.
Braking Percentage
The Multi-Function knob may also be set to control the amount of brake travel
applied by the servo in a nitro-powered model. Electric models do not have a
servo-operated brake, but the Braking Percentage function still operates the
same way in electric models. Turning the Multi-Function knob full clockwise
will deliver maximum brake throw; turning the knob counterclockwise reduces
brake throw (Note: Turning the dial counterclockwise to its stop will eliminate
all brake action).
Throttle Trim
Setting the Multi-Function knob to serve as throttle trim will allow you to
adjust the throttle’s neutral position to prevent unwanted brake drag or
throttle application when the transmitter trigger is at neutral. Note: Your
transmitter is equipped with a Throttle Trim Seek mode to prevent accidental
runaways. See the sidebar for more information.
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. The end point adjustment settings you select will represent
what you wish to be the servo’s maximum travel; the Steering Percentage or
Braking Percentage functions will not override the End Point settings.
Steering and Throttle Sub-Trim
The Sub-Trim function is used to precisely set the neutral point of the steering
or throttle servo in the event that simply setting the trim knob to “zero”
does not completely center the servo. When selected, Sub-Trim allows finer
adjustment to the servo output shaft’s position for precise setting of the
neutral point. Always set the Steering Trim knob to zero before making final
adjustment (if required) using Sub-Trim. If Throttle Trim has been previously
adjusted, the Throttle Trim will need to be reprogrammed to “zero” before
making final adjustment using Sub-Trim.
TQ i 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.
Throttle Trim Seek Mode
When the Multi-Function knob is
set to throttle trim, the transmitter
remembers the throttle trim
setting. If the throttle trim knob is
moved from the original setting
while the transmitter is off, or while
the transmitter was used to control
another model, the transmitter
ignores the actual position of
the trim knob. This prevents the
model from accidentally running
away. The LED on the face of the
transmitter will rapidly blink green
and the throttle trim knob (Multi-
Function knob) will not adjust the
trim until it is moved back to its
original position saved in memory.
To restore throttle trim control,
simply turn the Multi-Function
knob either direction until the LED
stops blinking.