10 • TRAXXAS
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM
Applying the Decals
The main decals for your
model have been applied at
the factory. Additional decals
have been printed on self-
adhesive clear mylar and are
die-cut for easy removal. Use
a hobby knife to lift the corner
of a decal and lift it from the
backing.
To apply the decals, place one
end down, hold the other end
up, and gradually smooth the
decal down with your finger
as you go. This will prevent air
bubbles. Placing both ends
of the decal down and then
trying to smooth it out will
result in air pockets. Look
at the photos on the box for
typical decal placement.
INTRODUCTION
Your model includes the TQ 2.4GHz transmitter. When powered
on, the TQ 2.4GHz will automatically locate and lock onto an
available frequency, allowing multiple models to be raced together
without frequency conflicts. Just switch on and drive! The included
TQ 2.4GHz radio system has been programmed for your model
at the factory and does not require adjustment, but it does have
settings you may need to access to maintain proper operation of
your model. The detailed instructions (page 15) included in this
manual will help you understand and operate the functions of the
new TQ 2.4GHz radio system. For additional information and how-
to videos, visit Traxxas.com.
RADIO AND POWER SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and
power system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit)
- The BEC can either be in the
receiver or in the ESC. This circuit allows the receiver and servos
to be powered by the main battery pack in an electric model.
This eliminates the need to carry a separate pack of 4 AA
batteries to power the radio equipment.
Current
- Current is a measure of power flow through the
electronics, usually measured in amps. If you think of a wire as a
garden hose, current is a measure of how much water is flowing
through the hose.
ESC (Electronic Speed Control)
- An electronic speed control is
the electronic motor control inside the model. The XL-5 uses
MOSFET 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.
Frequency band
- The radio frequency used by the transmitter to
send signals to your model. This model operates on the 2.4GHz
direct-sequence spread spectrum.
LiPo
- Abbreviation for Lithium Polymer. Rechargeable LiPo
battery packs are known for their special chemistry, which
allows extremely high energy density and current handling in a
compact size. These are high-performance batteries that require
special care and handling. For advanced users only.
mAh
– Abbreviation for milliamp hour, a measure of the capacity of
the battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery
will last between recharges.
Neutral position
- The standing position that the servos seek when
the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad
- Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original
rechargeable hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current
handling, high capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles.
Good charging procedures are required to reduce the possibility
of developing a “memory” effect and shortened run times.
NiMH
- Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable
NiMH 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.
Receiver
- The radio unit inside your model that receives signals
from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Resistance
- In an electrical sense, resistance is a measure of how
an object resists or obstructs the flow of current through it. When
flow is constricted, energy is converted to heat and is lost.
Servos
- Small motor units in your model that operate the steering
and throttle mechanisms.
Transmitter
- The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your model.
Trim
- The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by adjusting the steering trim knob on the face of
the transmitter.
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