Traxxas • 15
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Your speed control was
adjusted to the radio from
the factory. It is possible
for the throttle trim control
on the transmitter to have
moved during transit
or while handling the
transmitter. If the motor
runs when the model is
switched on, then move the
throttle trim control on the
transmitter until the motor
stops. If anything more
than a slight adjustment of
the throttle trim control is
required, then you should
readjust your speed control.
Refer to the adjustments
section on page 16.
Remember, always turn the
TQ transmitter on first and
off last to avoid damage to
your model.
When rechargeable batteries
begin to lose their charge,
they will fade much faster
than alkaline dry cells. Stop
immediately at the first sign
of weak batteries. Never turn
the transmitter off when the
battery pack is plugged
in. The model could run out
of control.
TQ Radio System Rules
Each time you prepare to run your model, you
must clear your frequency to be sure no one
else in the area is using the same channel as
you. There are six possible channels, numbered
1 through 6. Each is represented by a color.
Look at the crystal plugged into the back of
your transmitter to determine which channel
your model is assigned to.
Always turn your TQ transmitter on first and off
last. This procedure will help to prevent your model
from receiving stray signals from another transmitter,
or other source, and running out of control.
Always have the transmitter turned on before plug in
the battery.
Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio
system. Weak batteries will limit the range of the radio signal
between the receiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radio
signal can cause you to lose control of your model.
TQ Radio System Setup
The TQ Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory. The
adjustment should be checked, before running the model, in case
of movement during shipping. Here’s how:
1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitter and
turn the switch on. The red indicator light on the transmitter
should be solid red (not flashing).
2.
Elevate the model so that the rear tires are off the ground.
If you are holding the model, grip it firmly. Make sure your
hands are clear of the moving parts of the model.
3. Plug the battery pack in the model into the speed control.
4.
Mechanical Speed Control Models
- The servos should jump
and move to their idle (neutral) position. The motor may run
momentarily, causing the truck to lurch.
XL-5 Electronic Speed Control Models
- The on/off switch is
integrated into the speed control. With the transmitter on, press
the XL-5 set button for ½ second, until the LED shines GREEN,
then immediately release the button. This turns the model on (see
page 16 for more on XL-5 setup and operation). To turn the XL-5
off, press the set button until the green LED turns off.
5. Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forth and
check for rapid operation of the steering servo. Also, check that
the steering mechanism is not loose or binding. If the steering
operates slowly, check for weak batteries.
6. When looking down at model, the front wheels should be
pointing straight ahead. If the wheels are turned slightly to
the left or right, slowly adjust the steering trim control on the
transmitter until they are pointing straight ahead.
7. Operate the throttle trigger to ensure that you have full forward
and reverse operation, and that the motor stops when the
throttle trigger is at neutral.
8. Once adjustments are made, turn off your model, followed by
the hand held transmitter.
Range-Testing the TQ Radio System
Before each running session with your model, you should range-
test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly.
1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described
in the previous section.
2. Have a friend hold the model. Make sure hands and clothing are
clear of the wheels and other moving parts on the model.
3. Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully extended, and then
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 transmitter once again to be sure
that the model responds correctly.
5. Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem
with the radio system or any external interference with your
radio signal at your location.
Channel 1
Brown
Channel 2
Red
Channel 3
Orange
Channel 4
Yellow
Channel 5
Green
Channel 6
Blue
CH.2
CH.1
Always turn your
transmitter on first.
Turn on the model.
see TQ Radio System Setup, step 4.
1
2
Plug in the battery.
*
3
*Models with mechanical speed control do not use an on/off switch, plugging the battery in
turns the system on, unplugging the battery turns it off.
