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8 • NITRO RUSTLER

To prevent loss of radio range 
do not kink or cut the black wire, 
do not bend or cut the metal tip, 
and do not bend or cut the white 
wire at the end of the metal tip.

Correct

No

No

No

Learn terms related to 
the TRX 2.5 racing engine 
beginning on page 16.

INTRODUCTION

Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with 
Traxxas Link

 Model Memory. The transmitter’s easy-to-use design 

provides instant driving fun for new R/C enthusiasts, and also offers 
a full complement of pro-level tuning features for advanced users 
– or anyone interested in experimenting with the performance of 
their model. The steering and throttle channels feature adjustable 
Exponential, End Points, and Sub-Trims. Steering and braking Dual 
Rate are also available. Many of the next-level features are controlled 
by the Multi-Function knob, which can be programmed to control 
a variety of functions. The detailed instructions (page 36) and Menu 
Tree (page 39) included in this manual will help you understand and 
operate the advanced functions of the new TQi radio system. For 
additional information and how-to videos, visit Traxxas.com.

RADIO SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and 
power system terms. They will be used throughout this manual. A 
detailed explanation of the advanced terminology and features of your 
new radio system begins on page 36.

2.4GHz Spread Spectrum 

– This model is equipped with the latest 

R/C technology. Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency 
crystals and are prone to frequency conflicts, the TQi system 
automatically selects and locks onto an open frequency, and offers 
superior resistance to interference and “glitching.” 

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.

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.

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.

Servos

 – Small motor units in your model that operates 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. 

2-channel radio system

 – The TQi radio system, consisting of the 

receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two 
channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operate the 
steering.

RADIO SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS

• Do not kink the receiver antenna wire. Kinks in the antenna wire 

will reduce range.

• DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver antenna wire. Cutting the 

antenna will reduce range. 

• Extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for 

maximum range. In doing so, the antenna wire may be extended 
outside of the vehicle body. Do not wrap or coil the antenna wire 
to keep it from extending out of the body.

• The antenna wire must be installed into the antenna tube to 

protect it from getting cut or damaged, which will reduce range. 
When installing the antenna wire into the antenna tube, be 
careful not to kink the wire by pressing it against the antenna 
tube cap. The antenna wire should extend to just below or to 
within one-half inch below the cap.

TRAXXAS TQ

RADIO SYSTEM

Summary of Contents for Nitro rustler 44096-3

Page 1: ...owner s manual MODEL 44096 3...

Page 2: ...d proven to produce the best performing engine possible Using traditional or old fashioned procedures could reduce engine performance and longevity 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 TOOLS SU...

Page 3: ...s and helpful hints identified by the icons below Be sure to read them An important warning about personal safety or avoiding damage to your model and related components Special advice from Traxxas to...

Page 4: ...range You must extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range In doing so the antenna wire will be extended outside of the vehicle body Do not wrap or coil the antenna wire...

Page 5: ...el see page 18 Small flat blade screwdriver for tuning 1 8 inch blade After run oil to protect the engine from corrosion NiMH 7 2V battery pack 10 quart 5010 20 quart 5020 33 quart 5030 10 gallon 5060...

Page 6: ...ock Oil Damper Tie Rod Turnbuckle Throttle Brake Servo Transmission Air Filter Pipe Header Engine see pg 14 for details Pressure Line Fuel Line EZ Start Motor EZ Start Plug Shock Tower Body Mount Spur...

Page 7: ...RX 2 5 5 Install batteries in the transmitter See page 10 14 Break in your engine See pages 24 26 Nitro Rustler requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the transmitter sold separately Fol...

Page 8: ...ure 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 contro...

Page 9: ...ditional decals are 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...

Page 10: ...tab and sliding the door open 2 Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in the battery compartment 3 Reinstall the battery compartment door and snap it closed 4 Turn on the trans...

Page 11: ...k batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the transmitter Loss of the radio signal can cause you to lose control of your model RADIO SYSTEM BASIC ADJUSTMENTS Throttle Neutral Ad...

Page 12: ...Have a friend hold the model with the engine off 3 Walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach the farthest distance you plan to operate the model 4 Operate the controls on the trans...

Page 13: ...n and off to test how it is making your control of the vehicle easier and more precise For more information visit Traxxas com tsm Note TSM must be completely turned off while adjusting steering trim I...

Page 14: ...e break in will take between one and two hours Old style break in procedures such as idling the engine on the bench for several tanks of fuel or simply running the engine with a very rich fuel mixture...

Page 15: ...Head Cylinder head EZ Start Motor Low Speed Needle Throttle Arm Clutch Bell Flywheel Carburetor Air Intake Fuel Intake High Speed Needle Idle Speed Adjustment Screw EZ Start Plug Positive Wire Negativ...

Page 16: ...re inside the crankcase Crankcase The engine s body that contains all of the running mechanical components Crankshaft The main shaft of the engine that holds the reciprocating assembly Cooling fins Th...

Page 17: ...nnecting rod and moves up and down in the cylinder sleeve The precise fit between the piston and the sleeve creates a seal that allows the engine to have the required compression for combustion Port P...

Page 18: ...ps more power and a smooth throttle response For those who want to run higher nitro 33 Top Fuel is the optimum nitro percentage for the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine Increasing the nitro beyond 33 can introdu...

Page 19: ...dirt constantly move through the filter anytime the engine is running Even if you can t see dirt on the filter it is present inside the foam after any amount of run time If you exceed the recommended...

Page 20: ...o meter the fuel and maintain the ideal air fuel ratio in these ever changing conditions For example colder air is more dense more air molecules for a given volume of air and therefore requires more f...

Page 21: ...not re adjust your carburetor from the factory settings until after the engine is started and running and you have been able to observe the engine running to assess what minor adjustments may be requ...

Page 22: ...Do not charge batteries inside of an automobile Read the Safety Precautions section of this guide 1 Plug the charger into a 12 volt automotive auxiliary power socket The charger is compatible with 12...

Page 23: ...on circuit to shut off the power to the motor Allow at least three minutes for the starter motor to cool and the circuit to automatically reset before continuing Use the time to find and eliminate the...

Page 24: ...raking could cause the engine to stall unnecessarily Special break in fuels are not recommended Use the same fuel you plan to use everyday If possible avoid breaking in the engine on extremely hot or...

Page 25: ...may increase and cause the model to try to creep forward when stopped Reduce the idle speed by turning the idle speed adjustment screw see page 15 on the carburetor counterclockwise 3 When the fuel t...

Page 26: ...sleeve to wear prematurely Wrap the cooling head with a paper towel clean rag or sock to help keep the engine running around the recommended 200 to 215 F break in temp If too much heat is contained t...

Page 27: ...ng gradually lean the high speed fuel mixture in 1 16 turn increments Make several high speed passes after each adjustment to clear out the engine and note any change in performance The TRX 2 5 is ext...

Page 28: ...e idle speed adjustment screw to control engine idle 1 When the throttle servo is in its neutral position the throttle slide should be stopped against the idle speed adjustment screw 2 Turn the screw...

Page 29: ...in seventy degree weather For this reason we cannot give you a definitive temperature range that indicates the best possible engine tuning There is NO optimal temperature that can be used as a target...

Page 30: ...g distances This could cause the engine to build up enough speed to exceed maximum safe RPM limits Don t drive your Nitro Rustler with drivetrain damage of any kind The engine could be damaged due to...

Page 31: ...each front wheel Use the turnbuckles to adjust the alignment Adjusting the Camber The camber angle of both the front and rear wheels can be adjusted with the camber rods upper turnbuckles Use a squar...

Page 32: ...sleeve should be replaced when they no longer seal effectively loss of compression Symptoms include the engine being difficult to start when warm stalling when warm and stalling when throttle is sudde...

Page 33: ...ions 6 Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD 40 or after run oil that may come out of the carburetor or glow plug hole 7 Connect the EZ Start controller to the model and spin the...

Page 34: ...EZ Start motor in the Nitro Rustler The red wire should connect to the positive motor terminal indicated by a red dot next to the terminal The engine could be flooded If too much fuel accumulates in...

Page 35: ...r too long during startup then it can become flooded with fuel When the engine is flooded it will no longer turn due to excess fuel in the combustion chamber preventing upward movement of the piston U...

Page 36: ...ring Turning the Multi Function knob fully clockwise will deliver maximum steering throw turning the knob counterclockwise reduces steering throw note turning the dial counterclockwise to its stop wil...

Page 37: ...the servo s travel range or its end point independently for left and right travel on the steering channel and throttle brake travel on the throttle channel This allows you to fine tune the servo setti...

Page 38: ...e to select any model from a list of model memory entries The transmitter and receiver do it all for you automatically To activate Model Lock 1 Switch on the transmitter and receiver you wish to lock...

Page 39: ...s 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...

Page 40: ...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 settin...

Page 41: ...ms minimums or averages Use the recording function to document your dashboard view with sound so that you can keep your eyes on your driving and not miss a single apex Manage up to 30 Models with Trax...

Page 42: ...42 NITRO RUSTLER...

Page 43: ...NITRO RUSTLER 43...

Page 44: ...6250 TRAXXAS WAY McKINNEY TX 75070 1 888 TRAXXAS 151105 KC2340 R00 owner s manual...

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