MODEL 68086 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 7 ANATOMY OF THE SLASH 4x4 8 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 9 TQi RADIO AND VELINEON BRUSHLESS POWER SYSTEM 17 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 19 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 22 BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Thank you for purchasing the Slash 4X4 equipped with the Velineon® 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. 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. Gearing and battery choice (see LiPo Batteries, right) affect the skill level of the model. See chart below. Gearing: Battery: Voltage*: mAh: Stock Pinion 7-Cell NiMH 8.4V 3000+mAh Gearing: Battery: Voltage*: mAh: Opt.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Never charge LiPo battery packs in series or parallel with this charger. Charging packs in series or parallel may result in improper charger cell recognition and an improper charging rate that may lead to overcharging, cell imbalance, cell damage, and fire. • DO NOT exceed the battery manufacturer’s maximum recommended charge rate. • ALWAYS inspect your LiPo batteries carefully before charging.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT For more information on batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 12. Recommended Equipment These items are not required for the operation of your model, but are a good idea to include in any R/C toolbox: • Safety glasses • Thin, hobby-quality cyanoacrylate instant tire glue (CA glue) • Hobby knife • Side cutters and/or needle nose pliers • Phillips screwdriver • Soldering iron Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools.
ANATOMY OF THE SLASH 4X4 Rear Camber Link Battery Compartment Half Shaft Traxxas High-Current Connector Battery Hold-Down Steering Block Caster Block Front Suspension Arm Battery Spur Gear Motor Rear Shock Tower Front Shock Tower Drive Shaft Chassis Steering Servo Shock Antenna Mount Rear Bumper Front Bumper Electronic Speed Control Rear Body Mount Pinion Gear Rear Suspension Arm Slipper Clutch LED Light Pipe Receiver Box Toe Link Front Body Mount Front Camber Link SLASH 4x4 • 7
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 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 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. 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. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for optimal performance.
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 Use the Right Batteries Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries, or rechargeable batteries, such as NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries in your transmitter. Make sure rechargeable batteries are fully charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use rechargeable batteries in your transmitter, be aware that when they begin to lose their charge, they lose power more quickly than regular alkaline batteries.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON Power SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK Install the battery pack with the battery wires facing the rear of the model. Insert the tabs of the battery hold-down into the slots in the rear holddown retainer and then place the battery hold-down over the post. Secure the battery hold-down with body clip in the hole in the post. Do not connect the battery pack yet.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON Power SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS Remember, always turn the TQi transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model. • 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. The transmitter LED will flash fast red, indicating a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO & VELINEON Power SYSTEM Using the Radio System 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. The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green (not flashing). 2. Elevate the model on a block or a stand so that all the tires are off the ground. Make sure your hands are clear of the moving parts of the model. 3.
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. Correct No No No 2. Press and hold the receiver’s LINK button as you switch on the speed control (by pressing the EZ-Set button). Release the LINK button. 3. When the transmitter and receiver’s LEDs turn solid green, the system is bound and ready for use.
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.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. Do not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to accept the additional care and maintenance responsibilities. • Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet conditions. Do not use LiPo batteries in wet conditions. • The Traxxas TQi transmitter is not water resistant. Do not subject it to wet conditions such as rain.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL • Velineon motor: After operating your model in wet or muddy conditions, remove the motor and clean any mud or dirt from the bearings. To access the rear bearing, remove the plastic cap with thumb pressure, or gently pry the cap off with a flat-blade screwdriver. To prevent corrosion and assure maximum bearing life, lubricate the bearings with a light oil (available at your local hobby store). Following these steps will extend motor life and maintain peak performance.
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 the 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 3 on the rear suspension arms). If you plan on driving on hard surfaces, the following changes should be made: 1. Move the front shocks to position 3 on the suspension arms. 2. Move the rear shocks to position 4 or 5 on the suspension arms. 3. Add a 4mm preload spacer to the front shock. 4. Position 1 is not recommended for front or rear. Fine Tuning the Shocks The four shocks on the model greatly influence its handling.
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. The rear bulkhead (skid plate under spur gear) has two small holes in the bottom. These are for drainage of this area when running in very wet conditions.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Slash 4x4 has provisions for adjusting the camber gain geometry of the front and rear suspension. “Camber gain” refers to an increase in camber angle as the suspension is compressed. The camber gain of the vehicle can be changed by moving the camber link attachment to a different horizontal mounting position. Adjusting the camber gain will alter the tire contact patch as the suspension is compressed. Making the camber link shorter will increase the camber gain.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Velineon 3500 Specs Type: Sensorless brushless rpm/volt: 3500 Magnet type: Ultra High-Temperature Sintered Neodymium Connection type : 3.5mm bullet Wire size: 12 Gauge Max rpm: 50,000 Diameter: 36mm (1.42) (540 size) Length: 55mm (2.165) Weight: 262g (9.24oz) Always use the proper length motor bolts. The standard motor mounting bolts are 3x8mm.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS TUNING THE SEALED GEAR DIFFERENTIALS The action of the Slash 4x4’s front and rear gear differentials can be tuned for different driving conditions and performance requirements without major disassembly or removal of the suspension system. From the factory, the differentials are sealed to maintain consistent long-term performance. Changing the oil in the differential with either lower or higher viscosity oil will vary the performance characteristics of the differentials.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Rear differential: 1. Remove the two 3x20mm button-head screws that secure the top bumper mount to diff case. 2. Turn the chassis over and remove the two 3x12mm countersunk crews that hold the bumper/skid plate to the bulkhead. The two front screws do not need to be removed. 3. Remove the 3x20mm button-head screw from the bumper mount and tie bar. 4. Slide bumper assembly off of the chassis. 5. Remove the tie bar from the chassis. 6.
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 Steering Sensitivity by default, see page 16). 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 31. 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 the receiver will rapidly flash red. Model Lock The Traxxas Link Model Memory feature can store up to thirty models (receivers) in its memory.
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, OR iPOD TOUCH The Traxxas Link Wireless Module (part #6511, sold separately) for the TQi transmitter installs in minutes to transform your Apple® iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod touch® 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 6200 TRAXXAS WAY, McKINNEY, TEXAS 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 140530 68086OM-N-EN-R00
