Traxxas • 11
Use the Right Charger
The most convenient type
of charger is an AC peak-
detecting charger that plugs
directly into an AC wall
outlet. It contains special
peak-detection circuitry
that automatically shuts the
charger off when the battery
is fully charged.
If you’re using a 15-minute
timed charger, always fully
discharge the battery pack
before each charge. Some
high mAh battery packs
(1500 mAh or higher) require
more than the standard 15
minutes of charge time. If
the battery pack is cold after
15 minutes of charging,
add another 5 minutes of
charge time. Closely monitor
the battery pack and stop
charging it when it begins
to feel warm to the touch.
Never leave a battery
charging unattended.
Always follow charger
manufacturer’s instructions.
Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-
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.
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. 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. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a
27 MHz frequency band.
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.
MSC (Mechanical Speed Control)
- A mechanical speed control is
a servo driven throttle regulator. Mechanical speed controls use
resistors to regulate battery power to the motor.
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.
Servo
- Small motor unit in your model that operates the steering
mechanism.
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 throttle and steering trim sliders on
the face of the transmitter.
Thermal Shutdown Protection
- Temperature sensing electronics
are used in the ESC to detect overloading and overheating of the
transistor circuitry. If excessive temperature is detected, the unit
automatically shuts down to prevent damage to the electronics.
2-channel radio system
- The TQ 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.
550 and 540
- These numbers refer to the size of the motor. 550
motors have armatures that are 30% longer than 540 motors.
Channel
Frequency
Band
Flag
Color
Traxxas
Part No.
1
6.995
Brown
031
7.045
Red
03
3
7.095
Orange
033
4
7.145
Yellow
034
5
7.195
Green
035
6
7.55
Blue
036
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
