16 • TRAXXAS
Racing Sequence Recap
To get the best possible drag-racing performance from your model,
follow these steps:
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
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 motor.
• Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries or you could lose control
of it. Indications of low battery power include slow operation, sluggish servos (slow
to return to center), or ESC shutdown due to low voltage. Stop immediately at the
first sign of weak batteries. When the batteries in the transmitter become weak, the
power light will begin to flash red. Stop immediately and install new batteries.
• Because the model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from
many sources beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause momentary
losses of control, allow a safety margin of space in all directions around the model in
order to prevent collisions.
• Do not drive the model at night, on public streets, or in large crowds of people.
• If the model becomes stuck against an object, do not continue to run the motor.
Remove the obstruction before continuing. Do not push or pull objects with
the model.
• Use good, common sense whenever you are driving your model. Intentionally
driving in an abusive and rough manner will only result in poor performance and
broken parts. Take care of your model so that you can enjoy it for a long time
to come.
• High performance vehicles produce small vibrations that may loosen hardware over
time. Frequently check wheel nuts and other screws on your vehicle to ensure that
all hardware remains properly tightened.
About Run Time
A large factor affecting run time is the type and condition of your batteries. The
milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries determines how large their “fuel tank” is.
A 5000mAh battery pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 2500mAh pack.
Because 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 that 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 batteries with the highest mAh rating you can purchase.
• Read and follow all maintenance and care instructions provided by the
manufacturer of your batteries and charger.
• Keep the electronic speed control cool. Make certain airflow to the speed control
is unimpeded.
• Use the correct Low-Voltage Detection setting for your battery (see page 14). Low-
Voltage Detection can be off for maximum NiMH battery runtime. Never use LiPo
batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is turned off.
• Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion or larger spur gear will lower your
gear ratio, causing less power draw from the motor and battery, and reducing
overall operating temperatures.
• Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts to cause binding in the
drivetrain. Keep the motor clean.
mAh Ratings and Power Output
The mAh rating of the battery can affect your top speed performance. The higher
capacity battery packs experience less voltage drop under heavy load than low mAh
rated packs. The higher voltage potential allows increased speed until the battery
begins to become discharged.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
1. Select Burnout Mode and perform a
burnout to warm the tires.
2. Select Staging Mode.
3. Engage Launch Control by
depressing the upper half of the
switch. Then stage the car.
4. Select Race Mode.
5. Hold the throttle trigger to full throttle.
6. On the “Go!” signal, disengage Launch
Control to launch the car. Use the
trigger to adjust throttle input during
your run.
