MODEL 82046-4 owner’s manual
introduction 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 ANATOMY OF THE TRX-4 BRONCO 10 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 11 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 18 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 21 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 25 TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 30 MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL 31 TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas TRX-4 with the 1979 Ford Bronco Body Kit.
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. This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. No previous experience with radio controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment. 1 4 • TRX-4 All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! Your model is able to use LiPo batteries. Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the instructions. Before use, read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, and precautions.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued from previous page) • REMOVE flammable items and combustible materials from the charging area. • DO NOT leave the charger and battery unattended while charging, discharging, or anytime the charger is ON with a battery connected. If there are any signs of a malfunction or in the event of an emergency, unplug the charger from the power source and disconnect the battery from the charger.
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 2.0mm “T” wrench 2.5mm “L” wrench 1.
ANATOMY OF THE TRX-4 BRONCO Chassis Top View Battery Hold-Down Battery Compartment Traxxas High-Current Connector Slipper Clutch Electronic Speed Control Transmission Shifting Servo Motor Transmission Front Body Mount Front Bumper Rear Body Mount Rear Bumper Antenna Mount Chassis Rail Rock Slider Receiver Box 8 • SUMMIT Front T-Lock Servo LED Light Pipe Rear T-Lock Servo Steering Servo
ANATOMY OF THE TRX-4 BRONCO Chassis Bottom View Rear Axle Chassis Rail Rear Portal Housing Rear Upper Link Shock Rear Driveshaft Front Upper Link Skidplate Front Portal Housing Front Axle Front T-Lock Cable Rear T-Lock Cable Differential Cover Rear Lower Link Floor Pan Front Driveshaft Front Lower Link Caster Block
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 R/C enthusiasts, and also offers a full complement 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 SubTrims.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM XL-5 HV Wiring Diagram Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory. The transmitter has five channels for controlling your throttle, steering, front and rear T-Lock differentials, and 2-speed transmission. The receiver inside the model has 5 output channels. Your model is equipped with four servos and an electronic speed control.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. SELECTING BATTERIES AND A CHARGER FOR YOUR MODEL Your model does not include a battery or charger. The speed control in the model is compatible with both LiPo and NiMH batteries. One NiMH or 2s/3s LiPo battery equipped with a Traxxas High-Current Connector is required.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK Battery iD Traxxas recommended battery packs are equipped with Traxxas Battery iD. This exclusive feature allows Traxxas battery chargers (sold separately) to automatically recognize connected battery packs and optimize the charge settings for the battery. This eliminates the need to worry over charger settings and menus for the easiest and safest charging solution possible. Visit Traxxas.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS Unlock Diffs TUR N GH RI T Lock Front Diff TU RN LE High Gear Lock Both Diffs FT Neutral (full brake in Crawl Mode) Brake/Reverse (Immediate Reverse in Crawl Mode) Low Gear Forward RADIO SYSTEM RULES • 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 Automatic Fail-Safe The TQi transmitter and receiver are equipped with an automatic fail-safe system that does not require user programming. In the event of signal loss or interference, the throttle will return to neutral and the steering will hold its last commanded position. If the fail-safe activates while you are operating your model, determine the reason for signal loss and resolve the problem before operating your model again.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM TQi Binding Instructions For proper operation, the transmitter and receiver must be electronically “bound.” This has been done for you at the factory. Should you ever need to re-bind the system or bind to another transmitter or receiver, follow these instructions. Note: The receiver must be connected to a 4.8-6.0v (nominal) power source for binding. Vehicles equipped with an electronic speed control contain a BEC that provides a lower voltage to power the receiver (see page 11).
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL XL-5 HV Specifications Input Voltage 6-7 cells NiMH; 2s/3s LiPo Case Size 1.23"W x 2.18"L x 1.11"H Weight 2.6 ounces / 74 grams Motor Limit 12-turns (550 size) with 2s LiPo 21-turns (550 Size) with 3s LiPo On Resistance Forward 0.004 Ohms On Resistance Reverse 0.004 Ohms Peak Current - Forward 100A Peak Current - Reverse 60A Braking Current 60A Continuous Current 18A BEC Voltage 6.0 VDC BEC Current 1A Power Wire 14 Gauge / 5" Input Harness Wire 26 Gauge / 14.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL release too quickly, you may hear the steering servo jump but the LED may not stay on. Simply press the button again until the LED shines GREEN, and then release. 2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn off until full throttle power is reached. At full throttle, the LED will shine GREEN. 3. Move the trigger forward to apply the brakes. Note that braking control is fully proportional. The LED will turn off until full braking power is reached.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Throttle Neutral Protection The XL-5 HV speed control features Throttle Neutral Protection, which prevents the model from suddenly accelerating if the speed control is switched on while the transmitter’s trigger is being held. When the trigger is returned to neutral, the XL-5 HV will operate properly. Selecting Trail Mode (Profile #4: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse; A B Drag Brake at Neutral) 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 motor.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL About Run Time A large factor affecting run time is the type and condition of your batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries determines how large their “fuel tank” is. A 3000 mAh battery pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 1500 mAh sport pack. Because of the wide variation in the types of batteries that are available and the methods with which they can be charged, it’s impossible to give exact run times for the model.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL Motor Precautions • Titan 550 motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the motor gets excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle (run the motor slowly) until the excess water can run out. Applying full throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid motor failure. Your driving habits will determine motor life with a wet motor. Do not submerge the motor under water. • Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet conditions.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL RECEIVER BOX: MAINTAINING A WATERTIGHT SEAL Removing and Installing Radio Gear The unique design of the receiver box allows the removal and installation of the receiver without losing the ability to maintain a watertight seal in the box. The patent-pending wire clamp feature gives you the ability to also install aftermarket radio systems and maintain the watertight features of the receiver box. Removing the Receiver 1. To remove the cover, remove the three 3x8mm button-head cap screws.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjustment procedures for alignment, spring rate, damping, steering, and ride height are covered here. SUSPENSION TUNING Springs TRX-4’s front spring (0.45 rate, no stripe) and rear spring (0.54 rate, green stripe) have been carefully selected to provide full suspension articulation and support for the weight of the vehicle body.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Never slide the threads on the shock rod past the X-ring seals when it is installed and compressed by the bottom cap of the shock. Doing so will damage the seal and cause shock oil to leak. Shock assembly 1. Insert the shock shaft assembly through the shock body until the piston bottoms out. 2. Lubricate the shaft, O-ring, and X-rings with silicone oil. 3. Install the O-ring, X-rings and spacer over the shaft and into the bore of the shock body. 4. Install the lower cap. 5.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS The TRX-4 is equipped from the factory with a 45-tooth spur gear and 11-tooth pinion gear. TRX-4 has a large range of gearing, making it suitable for many different types of applications and environments. If you want more acceleration and less top speed, use a smaller pinion gear (fewer teeth, higher numerical ratio). The overall reduction is the number of turns the motor makes for one revolution of the tire.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting Gear Mesh Incorrect gear mesh is the most common cause of stripped spur gears. Your model includes a fixed gear positioning system to simplify the process and ensure proper gear mesh settings. Access the gears by removing the three 3x8mm buttonhead screws from the gear cover; remove the gear cover. Remove the motor/motor plate assembly from the chassis.
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS T-LOCK SERVO INSTALLATION FITTING AFTERMARKET BODIES The TRX-4’s T-Lock differential control servos are installed and pre-set at the factory. If you need to remove the servos or the servo horns for maintenance or cleaning, carefully note their orientation when you reinstall them to make certain the T-Lock system operates properly. Rear Shock Tower The rear shock tower can be installed in two different location and in two orientations each.
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 Cruise Control by default, see page 17). 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 34. 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 on the receiver will rapidly flash red. In order to re-acquire the signal after the failsafe has activated, you will need to walk a longer distance closer to the model than the distance the model travelled out of range.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Setting Lock Once you’ve adjusted all of these settings the way you like them, you may want to disable the Multi-Function knob so none of your settings can be changed. This is especially handy if you operate multiple vehicles with a single transmitter via Traxxas Link™ Model Memory. Multiple Settings and the Multi-Function Knob It is important to note that settings made with the Multi-Function knob are “overlaid” on top of each other.
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.
Set Multi-Function knob for STEERING SENSITIVITY (Expo) x8 Press/hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks Press SET to confirm green LED blinks (x8) x2 MENU TREE FORMULAS Press/hold MENU returns to driving mode 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-Function knob for BRA
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 82046-4 6250 Traxxas Way McKinney, Texas 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 180131 82046-4-OM-EN-R00
