MODEL 55077-3 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 6 ANATOMY OF YOUR JATO 7 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 8 TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 14 THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 28 DRIVING YOUR JATO 29 BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 34 MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR JATO 36 ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 39 TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE 2 • JATO 3.3 Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Jato® 3.3 2WD nitro racing truck. The Jato 3.
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 bluehighway font 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.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your Jato 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 U-joint wrench Shock wrench 1.5mm “L” wrench Turnbuckle wrench 2.0mm “T” wrench NiMH battery charger* For more information on radio system batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 10. Suspension multi-tool 2.
ANATOMY OF THE JATO 3.
QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your Jato 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 or damage to your Jato. 9.
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 16. 8 • JATO 3.3 No Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ Model Memory.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Your model is equipped with the TQi 2.4 GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link Wireless Module. 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 two servos and a receiver. TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Set Button JATO 3.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM Mid Mounting (Optional 5-cell RX Power Pack only) 1. Remove the body clip that secures the mid battery compartment cover and remove the cover. 2. Pull out the battery connector, disconnect the wire for the X R AA battery holder in the rear compartment, and plug in the 5-cell RX Power Pack. 3. Install the 5-cell RX Power Pack into the mid battery box. 4. Replace the mid battery box cover. Do not allow the wires to be pinched by the cover. Secure the cover with the body clip.
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. RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS Using the mid battery compartment provides improved center-of-gravity for better on-road performance. When using the mid battery compartment, you may want to replace the rear battery compartment with the lighter rear bumper (included). Refer to the Jato 3.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM When the engine is running, do not use the throttle trim on the transmitter to adjust the engine idle speed. Always use the idle speed adjustment screw (see page 15) on the carburetor. • Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while the engine is running. The on/off switch in the model only turns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine.
TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 1. Press and hold the transmitter’s SET button as you switch transmitter on. The transmitter’s LED will flash red slowly. Release the SET button. 2. Press and hold the receiver’s LINK button as you switch on the model. Release the LINK button. 3. When the transmitter and receiver’s LEDs turn solid green, the system is bound and ready for use. Confirm that the steering and throttle operate properly before driving your model.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE INTRODUCTION Traxxas strongly discourages changing or modifying any part of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Old tech tips and tricks that may have boosted the power of other engines could seriously diminish the performance of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. There’s more advanced thinking, development and testing in the stock parts of your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine than in many aftermarket manufacturer’s performance parts. The TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE ILLUSTRATED Head Protector Air Filter Housing Jato’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. 16 • JATO 3.3 .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 DANGER! Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals. Drinking the fuel can cause blindness and death. Handle with care and respect. Keep fuel out of reach of small children at all times! While driving, do not leave your fuel dispensing bottle on the ground where a child could have access to it. Follow fuel label warnings. 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.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Filling the Fuel Tank Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, included) to put fuel into Jato’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 through the windshield and into the fuel filler. Squeeze to dispense the fuel.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE THE FUEL MIXTURE NEEDLES THE CARBURETOR See page 26 for more information on how air density affects engine tuning. A “turn” refers to tightening (“turning in”) or loosening (“turning out”) mixture needles. A “full turn” refers to turning the needle 360°, so a “1/2 turn” would be 180°, a “1/4 turn” would be 90°, and so on. Full Turn 360° Start 1/8 Turn 45° 1/4 Turn 90° 3/4 Turn 270° 1/2 Turn 180° See Tuning Your TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Tuning the engine means finding the Lean perfect balance between the two; excellent power to meet your needs while maintaining good lubrication for long engine life. The optimal fuel mixture setting is rich to provide a safety margin against having a lean condition if some variable changes (such as the temperature from one day to the next). General fuel mixture settings are Rich measured by the number of turns the needles are turned out from fully closed.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 6, 11 22 • JATO 3.3 Protection Mode The EZ-Start uses Smart Start™ technology to monitor the condition of the system and detect failures. The controller monitors the load being placed on the EZ-Start motor. If the load becomes excessive, the system shuts off power to the motor to prevent costly damage to the motor and the controller. This may occur, for example, if the engine floods with fuel during starting.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE BREAKING IN YOUR TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine uses a ringless, aluminum-brass-chrome (ABC) piston/sleeve construction. This type of engine design relies on a very precise running fit between the piston and sleeve for cylinder sealing. Engine break-in is necessary to allow the piston and sleeve to develop an extremely precise fit and optimum cylinder sealing. Therefore, proper engine break-in is critical to achieving the fastest, most reliable engine performance.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE High Altitude Operation: If you live in a high altitude region (5000 or more feet above sea level), the lower air density may require you to lean your high-speed fuel mixture slightly from the factory break in settings. Try this if you are experiencing difficult starting or extremely sluggish engine performance at high altitude.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Winter Break-in Tips During the break-in process, the piston and sleeve wear into each other to form a precise fit. The engine needs to heat up to a temperature around 200 to 215°F to allow the piston and sleeve to achieve this fit properly. A precise fit between these two components is critical for proper compression, and optimum performance.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE When adjusting the low speed fuel mixture, it is very important to make several high-speed runs with Jato between adjustments to clear out any excess fuel. Perform the pinch test immediately after. If the engine is allowed to idle for a long period of time, it could “load up” with fuel and give you an inaccurate measurement from your pinch test. Higher nitro requires a richer fuel mixture.
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 JATO 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! This section contains instructions on making adjustments to your Jato. Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. Driving Tips • Jato is very fast. Select a large area to drive, with few opportunities for collision, until you become familiar with Jato’s speed and handling.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Jato is set-up from the factory to provide good baseline performance in a variety of different conditions. Jato features many tuning options to take full advantage of it’s performance potential and allow customization for specific conditions. Jato tuning and setup is separated into two sections, Basic and Advanced. Jato makes it easy to perform typical, everyday setup and track tuning adjustments.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Important: The shocks are assembled at the factory with a center-to-center distance (between the rod end balls) of 87mm. Any time the shocks are removed and disassembled, this distance should be checked to ensure proper operation of the suspension. Upper Shock Mounting Positions C B The upper shock mounting positions will A have suspension effects opposite from the lower shock mounting positions.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Static Camber Adjustment The wheels can be set to have either positive or negative camber (see illustrations right). The camber angle changes as the wheel moves up and down through its range of travel. Static camber is the camber angle at the wheel when the vehicle is set at its normal, stationary ride height.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS first pushing the outer brake pad firmly against the inner pad with your finger, sandwiching the brake disc between the brake calipers. Tighten the brake shoulder bolts until they just barely touch the brake pads. Do not over tighten these fasteners or you may damage the brake disc or pads. Loosen each of the shoulder bolts by 1 turn. 2. Set the steering trim on the transmitter to neutral (zero). Optional servo horns are available separately for use with non-Traxxas servos. 3.
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS 2. Protecting the drivetrain from sudden impact or shock loads (such as landing from a jump with the engine at full throttle). From the factory, the slipper clutch is set for minimal slippage to protect the drivetrain from shock loads. On slippery, low traction surfaces such as a hard-packed, dry racetrack you may benefit from loosening the slipper adjustment nut to allow for more clutch slippage.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR JATO 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 under the terms of the Traxxas Lifetime Engine Replacement Plan (ERP). It could save you time and effort. Details are in your model’s documentation package. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is designed to be easy to rebuild.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR JATO 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 innovative adjustment possibilities that have been designed into Jato. Follow the instructions provided here to unlock Jato’s full performance potential. SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT SETTINGS Caster Adjustment (Front Suspension) The caster angle of the front suspension may be used to adjust the understeer (push)/oversteer handling characteristics of the Jato.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Camber Gain Jato has provisions for adjusting the camber gain geometry of the front and rear suspension. 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. This makes the vehicle more stable over bumps, but reduces traction on smooth surfaces.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS Use higher viscosity (thicker) oil for: • More power to the wheels with the most traction. • Racing on low-traction smooth surfaces . • Better performance for climbing on uneven terrain. Using lower viscosity (thinner) oil for: • More power to the wheels with least traction. • Racing on low-traction rough surfaces.
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 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.
TQi ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE 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 counter-clockwise reduces steering throw (note: turning the dial counter-clockwise to its stop will eliminate all servo travel). Be aware that the steering End Point settings define the servo’s maximum steering throw.
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
owner’s manual MODEL 55077-3 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 200409 KC2878-R00
