4 • TRAXXAS
Transmitter Controls
Radio System Adjustment
Your radio system was pre-adjusted before it left the factory however,
the adjustment should be checked prior to running the Blast. These
instructions are for Traxxas radio systems only. If you installed your
own radio, refer to your radio system’s instructions.
• Always turn your transmitter
on first
and
off last.
This procedure will
help to prevent your Blast from receiving stray signals from another
transmitter, or other source, and running out of control.
• Turn the transmitter switch on. The status LED on the transmitter
should be solid green (not flashing).
• Turn on the receiver switch inside the boat. The steering servo
should jump and move to its idle (neutral) position. Keep fingers and
obstacles away from the propeller.
• Operate the steering control on the
transmitter. Check for rapid operation of
the steering servo and that none of the
steering mechanism is loose or binding. If
the servo operates slowly, check for weak
batteries. Adjust the “steering trim” control
on the transmitter to adjust the servo so
that the outdrive is pointing straight out
from the back of the boat. Also, check to
be sure that the outdrive does not turn
more in one direction than in the other. If you cannot align the
outdrive, refer to the section “Centering Your Servos.”
• Operate the throttle trigger on the transmitter to ensure that you
have full operation (propeller reaches full speed), and that the
propeller stops spinning when the throttle trigger is at neutral.
• Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your Blast,
followed by the hand-held transmitter.
• The radio system should be range-tested before each session of
running. With the radio system on, have a friend carry the boat
away from you a distance equal to the maximum range you plan to
operate the Blast. At distance, once again test for complete radio
control. Never attempt to run the Blast if the radio appears to be
malfunctioning in any way.
Centering your Servos
Whenever your radio system has been removed for service or cleaning,
the steering servo must be re-centered prior to installing the radio
system in the model. If the radio system is already installed in the boat,
disconnect the servo horn from the servo.
Connect the steering servo to channel 1 on your receiver and the
electronic speed control to channel 2. Nothing connects to the other
terminals on the receiver.
Place fresh “AA” batteries in the transmitter and turn the power switch
on. Adjust trim to “0” position. Connect a fresh 7.2V battery pack to the
electronic speed control and turn the power switch to the
ON
position.
The servo will automatically jump to its center position.
Turn off the electronic speed control switch followed by the
transmitter. The servo is now ready to be installed. Be careful not to
move the servo shaft when installing the steering linkage.
Piloting the Blast
Your new Traxxas Blast is designed with water-resistant features to
protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servo, electronic speed
control). This gives you the freedom to have fun piloting your Blast.
Though highly water resistant, the Blast should not be treated as
though it is submersible or totally, 100% waterproof. Water resistance
applies only to the installed electronic components. Additional care
and maintenance is required when water contacts the mechanical
and electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal parts and
maintain their proper function.
Before you go on, here are some
important precautions to keep in mind.
• Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously
damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional maintenance
procedures will be required after running in order to maintain the
performance of your model.
• Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your battery
manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet conditions. Do
not use LiPo batteries in wet conditions.
Note
:
The Nautica ESC is not
LiPo compatible.
• The Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter is not water resistant.
• Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement
weather where lightning may be present.
• Do
not
allow your model to come in contact with salt water (ocean
water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or
other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly
corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model near a beach.
• Select a body of water (at least 10 inches deep) that is clear of moss and
grass. Do not drive the Blast in rough, choppy water or in high wind
(more than 15 mph). These conditions could cause your Blast to flip over.
• The Blast’s steering is very sensitive. A slight input on the steering
control will have a large effect on the boat. When the boat is in
open water, adjust the steering trim on the transmitter until the
boat travels in a straight line on its own. (
Note
: The Blast will only
travel in a straight line on its own when it is heading straight into or
away from the wind. Crosswinds will require constant steering input
to maintain a straight course.)
• To prevent spin outs, avoid sharp turns at high speed.
• Always be ready to reduce the throttle if the Blast appears to be
unstable or “chine walking” (rocking violently from side-to-side). Always
reduce the throttle when turning, especially in rough water. Jumping
the Blast or towing anything with it should not be attempted.
• Return the Blast to shore at the first sign of weak batteries (Blast will
begin to slow and the controls will become sluggish).
The TQ 2.4GHz transmitter has a directional antenna. For
maximum range, hold the antenna upright and pointed in the
direction of the model. Pointing the transmitter away from the
model will reduce radio range.
Forward
Neutral
TURN
R
IG
H
T
T
U
R
N
LEF
T
