MODEL 53097-3 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 6 ANATOMY OF YOUR REVO 7 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 8 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 16 THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 30 DRIVING Thank you for choosing a Traxxas Revo. We believe you have purchased the finest, most technologically advanced R/C monster truck available. Revo proudly demonstrates Traxxas’ passionate commitment innovation, ultimate performance, and unmatched engineering.
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 bluehighway font 1 2 3 3+ 4 5 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 (minors) under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. Model requires detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required support equipment. Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your Revo 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 8mm slipper clutch wrench Shock wrench 1.5mm “L” wrench 5mm turnbuckle wrench 2.0mm “T” wrench For more information on radio system batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 10. Suspension multi-tool 2.5mm “L” wrench 4-way wrench 2.
ANATOMY OF THE REVO 3.3 EZ-Start Motor Roll Hoop TRX 3.3 Racing Engine see pg.
QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your Revo running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine. Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Read the safety precautions on page 4 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury. 2.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INTRODUCTION 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 Learn terms related to the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine beginning on page 17. No Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Your Revo is equipped with the TQi radio system. The TQi is a 3-channel system that provides control for up to three outputs. Revo is equipped with two high-torque steering servos connected via dual Channel 1 outputs. The TQi works in conjunction with the OptiDrive® Electronic Shift Module to monitor and control the input and output signals for the throttle and shifting servos (channels). The OptiDrive monitors the voltage of the on-board RX Power Pack.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES If the radio system doesn’t appear to work when the transmitter and receiver switches are turned on, check for correct battery installation. Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. Use the Right Batteries Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM BATTERY CARE RADIO SYSTEM RULES Some precautions should be taken to maintain the performance of the rechargeable NiMH receiver pack in your model. Improper use of the battery pack could result in personal injury or damage to your truck. • 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 RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS To prevent losing control of your model, it is important to stop at the first sign of a weak receiver battery. Visible warning signals include sluggish steering response and shortened radio range. In addition, the OptiDrive is equipped with a low-voltage indicator and a failsafe circuit. When the voltage of the receiver battery drops below 4.3 volts, the “Function” LED on the OptiDrive will flash red. If the voltage drops below 4.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 7. Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your model, followed by the hand-held transmitter. Range-Testing the Radio System Before each running session with your model, you should range-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly. 1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in the previous section. 2. Have a friend hold the model with the engine off. 3.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Large adjustments to the throttle trim and/or throttle linkage may require re-setting the OptiDrive to maintain proper shifting action. For transmission durability, the OptiDrive ESM limits the model’s reverse speed to about 70% of full throttle. If settings are changed, and you notice a decrease in forward top speed, you could have the OptiDrive system reversed. Return the TQi to default settings (see page 14) and re-program the OptiDrive Module.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE™ INTRODUCTION The TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine is the next generation of TRX nitro power. The larger displacement and advanced porting generate class-leading horsepower while still maintaining the TRX Racing Engine characteristics of broad, linear power delivery and ease of tuning. Focused engineering and rigorous testing have yielded unprecedented power and uncompromising performance that turns ready-to-run into Ready-To-Race®.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE ILLUSTRATED Revo’s fuel tank is equipped with a built-in sintered bronze fuel filter.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TERMS TO KNOW You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout this section of the manual. .15 - .15 or “15” refers to the displacement of the engine. The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 2.5” is derived from the cc measurement. .20 - .20 or “20” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 3.3 is .20 cubic inches or 3.3 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 3.3” is derived from the cc measurement.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE High-speed needle (HSN) - Adjusts the carburetors fuel/air mixture at high throttle openings. Idle speed - The speed (rpm) the engine runs at when the transmitter’s throttle trigger is at neutral. Idle speed screw (ISS) - Located on the carburetor body. This screw adjusts the idle rpm of the engine. Lean - A running condition where the engine is not getting enough fuel (for the available air).
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE THE FUEL Use the Right Fuel It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel in your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for maximum performance and engine life. Traxxas Top Fuel® should be used to ensure correct engine lubrication, performance, and ease of tuning. Traxxas Top Fuel has been proven in thousands of engines, so you can count on it every day for great performance. • Top Fuel is the only fuel which is 100% certified for use in Traxxas engines.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Filling the Fuel Tank Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, included) to put fuel into Revo’s fuel tank. To fill the fuel bottle, squeeze the air out, insert the dispenser tip into the fuel can, and release your grip on the bottle. As the bottle expands, fuel will be drawn into it. To fill your model, pull up on the fuel cap handle, insert the tip of the fuel bottle, and squeeze to dispense the fuel. THE AIR FILTER The TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE THE CARBURETOR THE FUEL MIXTURE NEEDLES Understanding the Carburetor adjustments The carburetor performs several functions. It controls the engine’s speed by restricting the intake of air and fuel into the engine. It atomizes the fuel (suspends the fuel droplets in the air) and also controls the air/fuel ratio of the mixture entering the engine (how much air for a given amount of fuel).
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Lean See Tuning Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine on page 26 for complete information on adjusting the air/fuel mixture and idle speed. Factory Needle Settings If your factory preset carburetor adjustments have been tampered with, use the following settings: • Set the high-speed needle to 4 turns out from closed. • Set the low-speed needle so the screw head (red in Fig. A) is flush (even) with the end of the slide (yellow in Fig. A). Fig.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 5. Snap the battery compartment door back on and lock the end tab (D). If the Motor LED fails to light and the starter fails to operate, then the EZ-Start is in protection mode. Motor Glow Plug Glow Plug Glow Plug Glow Plug Motor If the Glow Plug LED fails to light, the glow plug may be bad, or the glow plug wire may be damaged or disconnected.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE BREAKING IN YOUR TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE See Important Points to Remember on page 4 for other precautions. Never run your Revo indoors. Since the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine exhaust fumes are harmful, always run your model outdoors, in a wellventilated area. Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine doesn’t usually require priming. If you do need to prime your engine, watch the fuel line carefully to avoid flooding your engine. See page 37 for information on clearing a flooded engine.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Tank 1 1. Drive the model with the body off. 2. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1/4 throttle over a 2-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the two seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand two, and then stop. Operate the throttle trigger as smoothly as you can. Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the first tank of fuel is nearly empty. 3. Look for thick blue smoke exiting the exhaust outlet.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE When tuning for performance, watch closely to notice when there is no longer any increase in speed or power when the high-speed mixture is lean. If you lean the high-speed mixture to the point that the engine cuts-out, hesitates, or stalls, you are well into the danger zone and engine damage is likely. Richen the high-speed needle 1/4 turn and retune.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Before you begin tuning, the engine should be warmed up to its normal operating temperature and running slightly rich. All final tuning adjustments must be made to the engine at its normal operating temperature. You can tell the engine is running rich by noting any of the following: • Sluggish acceleration with blue smoke coming from the exhaust. • Revo may not shift into second gear. • There is unburned fuel spraying from the exhaust tip.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Idle Speed Adjustment Once the high and low-speed mixtures have been set, reduce the idle speed to the minimum reliable idle speed. Remember, this adjustment should be made while the engine is running at normal operating temperature. 1. Turn the throttle trim on the transmitter so the brakes are applied (note its original position). This ensures that the throttle slide is resting against the idle adjustment screw. 2.
DRIVING YOUR REVO INTRODUCTION Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is broken in, the fuel mixture is balanced, and the idle is set…now it’s time to have some fun! Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. • Don’t run your Revo in water, mud, snow, or wet grass. It’s tempting, but water and mud are easily drawn through the air filter and will severely damage the engine. Small amounts of moisture can cause electronics to fail and loss of control over your Revo. • The TRX 3.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Revo was engineered to provide sophisticated additional tuning options well beyond the basics that allow expert users to extract the maximum performance from the truck. The advanced tuning section (beginning on page 38) covers topics such as optional suspension rockers, roll center adjustment, caster adjustment, bump steer tuning, differential setup, and fine tuning the two-speed gear ratios.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS push rod comes installed in the inner hole of the lower suspension arm’s push rod mount. If the push rod is mounted in the outer hole, the ride height decreases. The ride height can be finely tuned by adjusting the sag of the suspension. Do not attempt to make large changes to the ride height by adjusting the spring preIncreases Decreases load on the shock bodies.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS ALIGNMENT SETTINGS All of the toe links are installed on the truck so that 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 same at all four corners). Note that the groove in the hex indicates the side of the toe link with the left-hand threads. Toe Adjustment The wheels can be adjusted to point straight ahead or have a toein or toe-out setting.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Maximum Alignment Limits (using stock push rod length) Revo’s maximum toe and camber alignment settings can be limited by the ride height setting. Do not exceed the maximum limits or you could experience interference between suspension components. The ride height is controlled by where the push rod is installed in the lower suspension arm. First determine which of the following configurations you are using: a.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission Revo comes equipped with an adjustable two-speed transmission. When the shift point on the transmission is adjusted correctly, it will maximize acceleration and improve drivability. Use a 2mm hex wrench to adjust the shift point. To make the adjustment, the engine must be off (not running). 1. Shift the transmission into forward gear (shift button down). 2. Remove the rubber access plug from the top of the transmission housing. 3.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 2. Adjust both the steering links to be the exact same length (41.8mm use “Steering Link Length Template” below to set length). 41.8 mm Steering Link Length Template 3. Switch on the power to the receiver and the transmitter. 4. Adjust the steering trim on the transmitter to the neutral “0” position. 5. Connect one end of a steering link to the steering servo saver arm and the other end to the servo horn. 6.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR REVO If the engine is worn or damaged enough to require replacing the piston, sleeve, or connecting rod, consider exchanging your old engine for a brand new engine with Traxxas Power Up. It could save you time and effort. Details are in your model’s documentation package. Your Revo requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR REVO 3. With the fuel tank empty and the throttle at the idle position, try to start the engine. The engine will most likely start and run for a few seconds as it uses up any fuel remaining in the engine and fuel lines. 4. Once the engine stops, clean the outside of the engine with compressed air or spray motor cleaner. Once the engine is clean and dry, remove the glow plug power wire, glow plug, and air filter. 5.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS This advanced tuning guide will take you one step further into the cutting edge technology that has been designed into Revo. Follow the instructions provided here to take advantage of Revo’s maximum performance potential. SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT SETTINGS Vertical Caster adjustment shims (2 front, 2 rear) Caster Adjustment The caster angle of the front suspension may be used to adjust the understeer (push)/oversteer handling characteristics of the model.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Bump Steer Elimination Chart The illustrations and the following table detail the position of the outer toe link end for various caster and roll center settings to eliminate bump steer. The shims and the hollow balls used to adjust bump steer are provided with your vehicle.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Shock Piston Hole Sizes 1 Piston 1: 1.10 mm 2 Piston 2: 1.00 mm 3 Piston 3: 0.95 mm Never slide the threads on the shock rod past the X-ring seal 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. 40 • REVO 3.3 SHOCK TUNING Shock Pistons The shock pistons can be replaced with the available optional pistons to vary the amount of damping.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS The following gear ratio chart shows the available combinations with optional spur gears, clutch bells, and two-speed gear sets. Gear Ratio Chart With 14T Clutch Bell 2nd gear sets 17T/39T (Standard) 16T/40T (Close) 18T/38T (Wide) Gear 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd # of Spur Gear Teeth 36 38 40 24.21 25.55 26.90 16.79 17.72 18.66 24.21 25.55 26.90 18.30 19.31 20.33 24.21 25.55* 26.90 15.45 16.31* 17.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE The model’s TQi transmitter is equipped with the Traxxas LinkTM Wireless Module. This innovative accessory transforms your Apple® iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or AndroidTM device into a powerful tuning tool that equips your TQi with an intuitive, high-definition, full-color graphical user interface.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Available Tuning Adjustments The following items can be adjusted most easily using your mobile device and the Traxxas Link application. All the features described below may also be accessed using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and observing signals from the LED. An explanation of the menu structure follows on page 46.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE 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.
TRAXXAS LINK MODEL MEMORY Traxxas Link Model Memory is an exclusive, patentpending 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.
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) x2 x3 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 B
owner’s manual MODEL 53097-3 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, Texas 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 190425 KC2392-R03
