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4 • E-MAXX

This model is not intended 
for use by children under 
14 years of age without the 
supervision of a responsible 
and knowledgeable adult.

All instructions and 
precautions outlined in this 
manual should be strictly 
followed to ensure safe 
operation of your model.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Previous experience with 
radio controlled models 
is recommended. Models 
require a higher level of 
setup, maintenance, or 
support equipment.

Skill Level = Myriad Semi Bold

1 2 3 3+ 4 5

bluehighway font

For Expert Drivers

Choose the Model That is Right For You.

For individual Models

No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.

Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment. 

Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. These 

models are capable of high speeds, requiring experienced driving control. 

Models require detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required 

support equipment. 
Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. 

These models are capable of very high speeds and require an even higher 

level of skilled driving control. Models require detailed setup, and/or mainte-

nance procedures with required support equipment. 

For Expert Drivers Only.

 This product is capable of extreme speed 

and acceleration! It carries our highest skill level rating and is intended 

for expert drivers only. Experience with nitro-powered radio controlled 

models is required!

Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.

Models require a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment. 

No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.

Model requires a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment. 

Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. This model is 

capable of high speeds, requiring experienced driving control. Model requires 

detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required support 

equipment. 

Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. This model is 

capable of very high speeds and requires an even higher level of skilled driving 

control. Model requires detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with 

required support equipment. 

For Expert Drivers Only.

 This product is capable of extreme speed 

and acceleration! It carries our highest skill level rating and is intended 

for expert drivers only. Experience with nitro-powered radio controlled 

models is required!

 Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.

Model requires a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.

BELOW TEXT HAS BEEN UPDATED on 3-14-07
Kent wants maintenance text to be at the END of the paragraph.-- KB

• Do not short-circuit the battery pack. This may cause burns and severe 

damage to the battery pack.

• Do not burn or puncture the batteries. Toxic materials could be 

released. If eye or skin contact occurs, flush with water.

• Store the battery pack in a dry location, away from heat sources and  

direct sunlight.

• Nickel Metal Hydride batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.

Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery

Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell battery 
when it has reached the end of its useful life. 

Do not throw your 

battery in the trash.

 All Power Cell battery packs display the RBRC 

(Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) icon, indicating they are 
recyclable. To find a recycling center near you, ask your local hobby 
dealer or visit www.call2recycle.org.

LiPo Batteries

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are becoming popular for use in R/C 
models due to their compact size, high energy density, and high-current 
output. However, these types of batteries require special care and 
handling procedures for long life and safe operation. 

Warning:

 LiPo 

batteries are intended only for advanced users that are educated on the 
risks associated with LiPo battery use. 

Traxxas does not recommend 

that anyone under the age of 16 use or handle LiPo battery packs 
without the supervision of a knowledgeable and responsible adult. 

Your model is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not to 
exceed 7.4 volts (2S packs) for each battery (4S total). LiPo batteries 
have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that should not be 
exceeded. The EVX-2 electronic speed control is equipped with built-in 
Low-Voltage Detection that alerts the driver when LiPo batteries have 
reached their minimum voltage (discharge) threshold.

 

It is the driver’s 

responsibility to stop immediately to prevent the battery pack from 
being discharged below its safe minimum threshold.

Low-Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a 
comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use.

 

It is critical for you, the user, 

to follow all other instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer 
and the charger manufacturer for proper charging, use, and storage 
of LiPo batteries. Do not attempt to charge LiPo batteries with the 
Traxxas charger included in this package. Make sure you understand 
how to use your LiPo batteries. 

Be aware that Traxxas shall not be liable 

for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out 
of the installation and/or use of LiPo batteries in Traxxas models. 

If you 

have questions about LiPo battery usage, please consult with your local 
hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer. 

As a reminder, all 

batteries should be recycled at the end of their useful life. 

SPEED CONTROL

•  Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the batteries from the 

speed control when not in use. 

•  Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching 

on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.

•  Don’t Get Burned: The heat sink can get extremely hot, so be careful 

not to touch it until it is cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.

•  Always adhere to the 

minimum and maximum 
limitations of the EVX-2 as 
stated in the specifications 
table. 

Do not mix battery 

types and capacities. Use the 
same voltage and capacity 
for both batteries. Using 
mismatched battery packs 
could damage the batteries 
and electronic speed control.

•  Use Stock Connectors: If you decide to change the battery  

or motor connectors, only change one battery or motor connector 
at a time. This will prevent damage from accidentally mis-wiring 
the speed control. Please note that modified speed controls can be 
subject to a rewiring fee when returned for service. Removing the 
battery connector on the speed control or using connectors with 
no reverse-polarity protection on the speed control will void the 
product’s warranty.

•  Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring with 

heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits

•  Always Use Heat Sinks: Three heat sinks are factory-installed on 

the speed control and must be used for maximum cooling and 
performance. 

•  No Reverse Voltage: The speed control is not protected against 

reverse polarity voltage. When changing the battery and/or motor, be 
sure to install the same type of connectors to avoid reverse polarity 
damage to the speed control. Removing the battery connectors on 
the speed control or using the same-gender connectors on the speed 
control will void the product’s warranty.

•  Do Not Let the Transistor Tabs Touch: Never allow the three separate 

transistor banks to touch each other or any exposed metal. This will 
create a short circuit and damage the speed control. (For example, 
laying a metal tool across the heat sinks can damage the speed control.)

•  No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible 

with reversing speed controls. Using a Schottky diode with the EVX-2 
will damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.

1

1500

3600

Do not mix battery 

capacities. Use two 

batteries with the  

same capacity. 

1500

3600

Do not use a 6-cell 7.2V 

battery in combination 

with a 7-cell battery 

8.4V pack.

Summary of Contents for 39036 E-Maxx

Page 1: ...MODEL 3903 owners manual ...

Page 2: ... factory support possible Traxxas models are about experiencing total performance and satisfaction not just with your model but also with the company that stands behind it We know you re excited about getting your new model on the road but it s very important that you take some time to read through the Owners Manual This manual contains all the necessary set up and operating procedures that allow ...

Page 3: ...sted areas where its operation can conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic Never under any circumstances operate the model in crowds of people Your model is very fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone 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...

Page 4: ...e Detection that alerts the driver when LiPo batteries have reached their minimum voltage discharge threshold It is the driver s responsibility to stop immediately to prevent the battery pack from being discharged below its safe minimum threshold Low Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use It is critical for you the user to follow a...

Page 5: ...liers Philips screwdriver Soldering iron For more information on batteries see Use the Right Batteries on page 11 Pre load spacers and shock pistons on parts tree seepage21 Foam blocks battery spacers seepage12 2 0mm T wrench 8mm 5mm wrench Antenna nut wrench 2 5mm L wrench Suspension multi tool Body clips Universal wrench 4 AA alkaline batteries Two 7 cell NiMH battery packs with Traxxas High Cur...

Page 6: ...Body Mount Hex Hub Suspension Arm Rear Axle Carrier Pivot Ball Toe Link Turnbuckle Receiver Box Front Bulkhead Front Differential Skid Plate Light Pipe Steering Servo Steering Servo Front Body Mount Battery Hold Down Battery Compartment Electronic Speed Control EVX 2 Battery Compartment Battery Hold Down Motors Titan Slipper Clutch Access Plug Rear Bumper Skid Plate Rear Bulkhead Spur Gear Pinion ...

Page 7: ... The transmitter requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of your model and keep it in excellent running condition 4 Install battery packs in the model See page 12 Your model requires two fully charged battery packs included 5 Turn on the radio system See page 13 Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first and off last 6 Check se...

Page 8: ...OSFET power transistors to provide precise digital proportional throttle control Electronic speed controls use power more efficiently than mechanical speed controls so that the batteries run longer An electronic speed control also has circuitry that prevents loss of steering and throttle control as the batteries lose their charge 550 and 540 These numbers refer to the size of the motor 550 motors ...

Page 9: ...erminal and ground Using the analogy of the garden hose while current is the quantity of water flow in the hose voltage corresponds to the pressure that is forcing the water through the hose IMPORTANT radio system Precautions For maximum range always point the front of transmitter toward the model Do not kink the receiver s antenna wire Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range DO NOT CUT any pa...

Page 10: ...t Connector Channel 2 EVX 2 Electronic Speed Control Channel 1 Steering Servos EVX 2 Wiring Diagram Your model is equipped with the newest TQi 2 4 GHz 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 Transmit...

Page 11: ...t the first sign of weak batteries flashing red light to avoid losing control TRAXXAS TQi RADIO SYSTEM 3 INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter 1 Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and sliding the door open 2 Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in the ...

Page 12: ... Your model is equipped with the Traxxas High Current Connector Standard connectors restrict current flow and are not capable of delivering the power needed to maximize the output of the EVX 2 The Traxxas connector s gold plated terminals with a large contact surfaces ensure positive current flow with the least amount of resistance Secure long lasting and easy to grip the Traxxas connector is engi...

Page 13: ...The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter face and controls the forward reverse travel of the throttle trigger Change the adjustment by pressing the button and sliding it to the desired position There are two settings available 50 50 Allows equal travel for both acceleration and reverse 70 30 Allows more throttle travel 70 and less reverse travel 30 Note We strongly recommend t...

Page 14: ... Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure that the model responds correctly 5 Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem with the radio system or any external interference with your radio signal at your location Higher Speeds Require Greater Distance The faster you drive your model the more quickly it will near the limit of radio range At 60mph a model can cov...

Page 15: ...eering 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 Decreased steering sensitivity may be helpful when driving on low traction surfaces w...

Page 16: ... neutral 4 Press and hold the EZ Set button A The LED will first turn green and then red Release the EZ Set button 5 When the LED blinks RED ONCE Pull the throttle trigger to the full throttle position and hold it there B 6 When the LED blinks RED TWICE Push the throttle trigger to the full reverse and hold it there C 7 When the LED blinks GREEN ONCE programming is complete The LED will then shine...

Page 17: ...mended discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery packs the EVX 2 will limit the power output to 50 throttle When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold the EVX 2 will shut down all motor output The LED on the speed control will slowly blink red indicating a low voltage shutdown The EVX 2 will stay in this mode until a fully charged battery is connected Fast Blinking Gr...

Page 18: ... 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 Another major factor which affects run time is how the model is driven Run times may decrease when the model is driven repetitively from a stop to top speed and with repetitive hard acceleration Tips for Increasing Run Time Use bat...

Page 19: ...ll restrict the tires and put much higher loads on the motors Motor Precautions Titan motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water If the motors get excessively wet or submerged use very light throttle run the motors 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 wet mo...

Page 20: ...ent 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 two 3x10mm button head cap screws 2 To remove the receiver from the box simply lift it out and set to the side The antenna wire is still inside the clamp area and cannot be removed yet 3 Remove...

Page 21: ...e pistons with a range of oil viscosities from 30W to 50W available from your hobby shop The thinner viscosity oils 30W or less flow with less resistance and provide less damping while thicker oils provide more damping Use only 100 pure silicone shock oil to prolong seal life From the factory the E Maxx uses 30W oil The ride height for the E Maxx can be adjusted by adding or removing the clip on s...

Page 22: ...air of lower shock mounting holes 1 2 and 3 4 has equal ride height Use lower ride height for high speed cornering and flat terrain and when racing on relatively smooth tracks Increase the ride height for rougher terrain and tracks Upper Shock Mounting Positions The upper shock mounting positions will have suspension effects opposite from the lower shock mounting positions Spring rate at the wheel...

Page 23: ...ut Note When camber is changed the toe angle of the wheel has to be reset Static Camber Base Factory Settings Front 1 degree negative camber each side Rear 1 degree negative camber each side TRANSMISSION TUNING Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The E Maxx is equipped with an adjustable Torque Control slipper clutch which is built into the large spur gear The purpose of the slipper clutch is to regulate...

Page 24: ... gear chart Going Brushless Brushless motors provide increased power output and greater efficiency The E Maxx is designed with extra transmission and driveline strength to make it capable of handling extreme brushless power One or two brushless motors may be used A specially designed motor plate part 3997X and gear cover part 3977X are available for optimized single motor installations If you plan...

Page 25: ...is also parallel to the servo horns If not make small adjustments to the length of the link so the everything is parallel 8 The steering should operation correctly with equal travel left and right Now connect the second servo 9 Confirm the length of the center drag link 89 5mm see template below 10 Connect the center drag link to one of the steering servos Check for alignment with the holes in the...

Page 26: ...tors Use a product such as electric motor cleaning spray to flush dirt out of the motors After cleaning lubricate the bushings at each end of the motors with a drop of light weight electric motor oil Shocks Keep the oil level in the shocks full Use only 100 pure silicone shock oil to prolong the life of the seals If you are experiencing leakage around the top of the shock inspect the bladder in th...

Page 27: ...ent what you wish to be the servo s maximum travel the Steering Percentage or Braking Percentage functions will not override the End Point settings Steering and Throttle Sub Trim The Sub Trim function is used to precisely set the neutral point of the steering or throttle servo in the event that simply setting the trim knob to zero does not completely center the servo When selected Sub Trim allows ...

Page 28: ...en four times repeatedly 4 Press SET once The status LED will blink green once repeatedly 5 Press MENU once The status LED will blink green twice repeatedly 6 Press SET The memory is now selected to be deleted Press SET to delete the model Press and hold MENU to return to driving mode Failsafe Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built in failsafe function that returns the throttle to its ...

Page 29: ... to desired endpoint and press set to save To reset max throw Let go of controls and press SET 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 t...

Page 30: ... LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks x3 Press MENU twice red LED blinks x3 Turn steering wheel to desired max left and right travel x8 Press SET to save each position Turn steering wheel to test settings IF END POINTS ARE OK Press hold MENU returns to driving mode IF END POINTS NEED TO BE CHANGED Press SET and repeat steps 6 8 To reset the END POINTS of STEERING servo to defaults Press hold MENU g...

Page 31: ...ing of your Traxxas model with stunning visuals and absolute precision Install Traxxas Link telemetry sensors on the model and Traxxas Link displays real time data such as speed RPM temperature and battery voltage Intuitive iPhone and iPod touch interface Traxxas Link makes it easy to learn understand and access powerful tuning options Control Drive Effects settings such as steering and throttle s...

Page 32: ...1100 Klein Road Plano Texas 75074 1 888 TRAXXAS 120529 KC1431 R04 owners manual MODEL 3903 ...

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