Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-
system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
Channel
- The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6
channels so that up to six models can be operated
simultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its flag color and
channel number, as shown below.
Clearing your frequency -
A routine, verbal check to make sure
nobody else in your area is operating on the same channel.
Always clear your frequency by calling out your channel
number before operating your model. Wait or move to
another area if your channel is already being used.
Crystal (X-tal) -
The plug-in device that determines which
channel the radio system will operate on. For each channel,
there are two crystals, one for the receiver and one for the
transmitter. Of those two crystals, the one marked with the
lower number (.455 MHz lower) must be inserted into the
receiver.
ESC (Electronic Speed Control) -
An electronic speed control is
the electronic motor control inside the model. An ESC uses
MOSFET power transistors to provide precise, digital
proportional throttle and braking 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 E-Maxx. All Traxxas RTR models operate
on a 27 MHz frequency band.
Neutral position -
The standing position that the servos seek
when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad -
Refers to rechargeable, nickel-cadmium batteries. The
most economical choice, since they may be recharged up to
500 times.
Receiver -
The radio unit inside your E-Maxx that receives
signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos -
Small motor units in your E-Maxx that operate the
shifting and steering mechanisms.
Three-channel radio system -
The TQ-3 radio system,
consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The
system uses three channels: one to operate the steering, one
to operate the ESC (throttle/brakes) and a third channel to
control shifting.
Transmitter -
The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your E-Maxx.
Trim -
The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobs
on the face of the transmitter.
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.
Smart Braking
™
-
Trademark name for technology developed
by Novak Electronics that allows the same throttle trigger
motion to control both braking and reverse functions. The EVX
speed control senses how fast the model is running and
applies the brakes to slow the model. Once stopped, reverse is
applied.
Channel Frequency Band
Flag Color Traxxas Part No.
1
26.995
Brown
2031
2
27.045
Red
2032
3
27.095
Orange
2033
4
27.145
Yellow
2034
5
27.195
Green
2035
6
27.255
Blue
2036
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
12