MODEL 85086-4 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 ANATOMY OF THE UNLIMITED DESERT RACER 10 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 11 TQi RADIO AND VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 20 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 23 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 26 BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer equipped with the Velineon® VXL-6s Brushless Power System.
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 or minors under 14 years of age.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! This vehicle requires LiPo batteries. Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the instructions. In addition, Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries pose a SEVERE risk of fire if not properly handled per the instructions and require special care and handling procedures for long life and safe operation.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Important Points to Remember • Because your model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from many sources that are beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause momentary losses of radio control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around the model in order to prevent collisions. • Range test your radio system in the area that you will be running the model to ensure that you have range that covers the area you want to drive.
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 “T” wrench 4s accessory adapter 2.5mm “L” wrench 2.0mm “L” wrench Universal wrench Suspension multi-tool 4s battery retainer For more information on batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 14.
ANATOMY OF THE UNLIMITED DESERT RACER Chassis Top View Trailing Arm Rear Swaybar Linkage Axle Carrier Roll Cage Driveshaft Nerf bar High-Voltage Power Amplifer Upper Suspension Arm Shock Front Differential Front Bumper LED Light Pipe Bumper Extension Body Interior Electronic Speed Control Rear Bumper Rear Driveshaft Assembly (spare) Rear Planetary Drivetrain Receiver Box Antenna Mount Toe Link Lower Suspension Arm
ANATOMY OF THE UNLIMITED DESERT RACER Chassis Bottom View Rear Axle Housing Rear Upper Link Rear Differential Driveshaft Chassis Skidplate Motor Spur Gear Steering Servo Transmission Pinion Gear Front Skidplate Limit Strap Battery Door Latch Trailing Arm Shock Battery Compartment Door Traxxas High-Current Connector Battery Hold-Down Lower Suspension Arm
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 & VELINEON POWER 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 RC 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 Sub-Trims.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 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. NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH batteries offer high current handling and much greater resistance to the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge cycles.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory. The transmitter has two channels for controlling your throttle and steering. The receiver inside the model has 5 output channels. Your model is equipped with one servo and an electronic speed control.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES Use the Right Batteries Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries (part #2914). Do not use rechargeable AA batteries to power the TQi transmitter, as they will not provide sufficient voltage for optimum transmitter performance. Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM INSTALLATING BATTERY PACKS Dual Battery Installation 1. Remove the battery compartment door by releasing the latch (A) and sliding the door open (B). 1 3. Flip the hold-down up to access the battery compartment. Rest the battery hold-down against the chassis in the open position. Note: The battery hold-down will remain attached to the chassis. 3 B A 2. Pull the battery hold-down toward the center of the truck to release it. 2 4.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM 5. Plug the batteries into the speed control. Note: The battery connectors from the speed control are fixed inside the chassis. Align the + and – markings. Make certain the plugs are completely inserted; the plugs only insert one way. 5 6. Lower the battery hold-down and push it in toward the outside of the truck to snap it closed. 7. Reinstall the battery compartment door and secure with the latch.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS • In order for the transmitter and receiver to bind to one another, the receiver in the model must be turned on within 20 seconds of turning on the transmitter. Either the transmitter or receiver LED flashing flash red indicates a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over. • Always turn on the transmitter before plugging in the battery.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM USING THE RADIO SYSTEM Using Reverse: While driving, push the throttle trigger forward to apply brakes. Once stopped, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Push the throttle trigger forward again to engage proportional reverse. The TQi Radio System has been pre-adjusted at the factory. The adjustment should be checked before running the model in case of movement during shipping. Here’s how: 1. Turn the transmitter switch on.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM TRAXXAS STABILITY MANAGEMENT (TSM) SETTING UP THE 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 lowtraction 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.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL VXL-6s Specifications Input voltage: 4S/6S LiPo (max. 22.2 volts) Supported Motors: Sensorless Brushless Battery connector: Traxxas High-Current Connector Motor connectors: TRX 6.5mm bullet connectors Motor/battery wiring: 10-gauge Maxx® Cable Weight: 207g (7.3 oz.) Case size: 58mm (2.28”)/ 72mm (2.83”)/ 46mm (1.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Selecting Sport Mode (Profile #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse) A B 1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the VXL-6s and turn on your transmitter. 2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button until the Green to Red to Off One blink Red LED turns solid green, then solid red and C D then begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers). 3. When the LED blinks red once, release Release Solid the EZ-Set button. 4.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL • Solid Green: VXL-6s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED (LiPo setting). • Solid Red: VXL-6s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (NIMH setting). • Current LED (A) Solid Red: The VXL-6s has entered Overcurrent Protection, Stage 1.
HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER AMPLIFIER AND LED LIGHTS Your Unlimited Desert Racer comes equipped with a curved roof light bar, dual straight LED bumper-mounted light bars, and a multifunction brake light/class light bar. A high-voltage 8-channel power amplifier is also included to provide regulated output and stable lighting performance. The amplifier and the LED lights will turn on when the ESC is turned on.
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. Where to drive The Unlimited Desert Racer is a large vehicle capable of high speed and requires a large area to run. Choose a location where the Desert Racer will not have an opportunity to collide with onlookers or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS Your new Traxxas model is designed with water-resistant features to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving your model through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model should not be treated as though it is submersible or totally 100% waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed electronic components.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL 8. As a precautionary step, remove the sealed receiver box cover. While unlikely, humidity or tiny amounts of moisture or condensation may enter the receiver box during wet running. This can cause long-term problems with the sensitive electronics in the receiver. Removing the receiver box cover during storage allows the air inside to dry. This step can improve the long-term reliability of the receiver. It is not necessary to remove the receiver or unplug any of the wires. 9.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to make adjustments for better driving performance. Adjusting Gear Mesh Incorrect gear mesh is the most common cause of stripped spur gears. Your Desert Racer makes improper gear mesh virtually impossible. A pin system helps set the motor in the proper place according to the pinion and spur gear that are selected. Select the desired gearing from the pin location chart. Replace the spur and pinion gears as needed.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Centering Your Servo Important: The shocks are assembled at the factory with the correct center-to-center distance (between the rod end balls). Any time the shocks are removed and disassembled, this distance should be checked to ensure proper operation of the suspension. See your parts list for correct center-to-center measurements (for front and rear shocks with and without springs).
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. Frequently 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. Check the mounting of the receiver and servo(s) and speed control. 6.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Gearing Compatibility Chart: The chart below shows recommended gear combination ranges for your model. Pinion Gear Spur Gear 47 51 55 23 - - 2.39 24 - - 2.29 25 - - 2.20 26 - - 2.12 27 - 1.89 2.04 28 - 1.82 1.96 29 - 1.76 1.90 30 - 1.70 1.83 31 1.52 1.65 1.77 32 1.47 1.59 1.72 33 1.42 1.55 - 34 1.38 1.50 - 35 1.34 1.46 - 36 1.31 1.42 - 37 1.27 - - 38 1.24 - - 39 1.21 - - 40 1.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 5. Install the X-ring over the shaft and into the bore of the shock body. 6. Install the lower cap using the suspension multi-tool (B). 7. Grip the shaft close to the threads with needle nose pliers or side cutters and thread the rod end onto the shock shaft until the rod end bottoms out (C). 8. Fill the shock with new silicone shock oil up to the top of the shock body. Slowly move the piston up and down (always keeping it submerged in oil) to release the air bubbles.
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, patented 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) 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-F
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 6250 TRAXXAS WAY, McKINNEY, TEXAS 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 191101 85086-4-OM-EN-R00
