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TRAXXAS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model. Operate your model
sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around
you. Failure to operate your model in a safe and responsible manner may result in
property damage and serious injury. The precautions outlined in this manual should
be strictly followed to help ensure safe operation. You alone must see that the
instructions are followed and the precautions are adhered to.
Important Points to Remember
• Your model is not intended for use on public roads or congested areas where its
operation can conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
• Never, under any circumstances, operate the model in crowds of people. Your model
is very fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone.
• Because your model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from
many sources that are beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause
momentary losses of radio control, always allow a safety margin in all directions
around the model in order to prevent collisions.
• The motor, battery, and speed control can become hot during use. Be careful to
avoid getting burned.
• Don’t operate your model at night, or anytime your line of sight to the model may be
obstructed or impaired in any way.
• Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.
Speed Control
Your model’s electronic speed control (ESC) is an extremely powerful electronic device
capable of delivering high current. Please closely follow these precautions to prevent
damage to the speed control or other components.
• Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the battery or batteries from the speed
control when not in use.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing to prevent
short circuits.
• Water and Electronics Do Not Mix: The speed control is waterproof for use in mud,
snow, puddles, and other wet conditions. Make certain the other components of
your model are waterproof or have sufficient water resistance before driving in wet
conditions.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching on the speed
control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
• Do not remove the heat sinks from the ESC. Three heat sinks are factory-installed on
the speed control and must be used for maximum cooling and performance.
• Don’t Get Burned: The ESC and motor can become extremely hot during use, so be
careful not to touch them until they cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
• Use the Factory-Installed Stock Connectors: Do not change the battery and motor
connectors. Improper wiring can cause fire or damage to the ESC. Please note that
modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee when returned for service.
• No Reverse Voltage: The ESC is not protected against reverse polarity voltage.
• Do Not Let the Transistor Tabs Touch: Never allow the three separate transistor banks
to touch each other or any exposed metal. This will create a short circuit and damage
the ESC.
• No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible with reversing
speed controls. Using a Schottky diode with your Traxxas speed control will damage
the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.
• Always adhere to the minimum and maximum limitations of the speed control as
stated in the specifications table in the Owner’s Manual. If your ESC operates on two
batteries, do not mix battery types and capacities. Use the same voltage and capacity
for both batteries. Using mismatched battery packs could damage the batteries and
electronic speed control.
LiPo Batteries
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are becoming popular for use in R/C models due to
their compact size, high energy density, and high-current output. However, these
types of batteries require special care and handling procedures for long life and safe
operation.
Warning:
LiPo batteries are intended only for advanced users that are
educated on the risks associated with LiPo battery use.
Traxxas does not recommend
that anyone under the age of 14 use or handle LiPo battery packs without the
supervision of a knowledgeable and responsible adult.
Your model is able to use LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries have a minimum safe
discharge voltage threshold that should not be exceeded. The electronic speed
control is equipped with built-in Low-Voltage Detection that alerts the driver when
LiPo batteries have reached their minimum voltage (discharge) threshold.
It is the
driver’s responsibility to stop immediately to prevent the battery pack from being
discharged below its safe minimum threshold.
Low-Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a comprehensive plan
for safe LiPo battery use.
It is critical for you, the user, to follow all other instructions
supplied by the battery manufacturer and the charger manufacturer for proper
charging, use, and storage of LiPo batteries. Make sure you understand how to use
your LiPo batteries.
Be aware that Traxxas shall not be liable for any special, indirect,
incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the installation and/or use of
LiPo batteries in Traxxas models. If you have questions about LiPo battery usage,
please consult with your local hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer. As a
reminder, all batteries should be recycled at the end of their useful life.
TERMS OF USE
- The buyer assumes all risk associated with using this product. Traxxas,
its affiliates, manufacturers, distributors, and retail partners cannot control the use,
application, charging or installation of this product and shall not be held responsible
for any accident, injury to persons, or damage to property resulting from the use of
this product.
After reading all, if you do not agree with these terms and conditions and are not
prepared to accept complete liability for the use of this product, return this product
immediately in new/unused condition to your place of purchase.
Your retailer
absolutely cannot accept product for return or exchange if it has been used in
any way.
If you have any questions call Traxxas Customer Support at 1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) Outside the US +1-972-265-8000 or e-mail [email protected].
Important Warnings for users of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries:
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are significantly more volatile than other
rechargeable batteries.
ONLY use a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) balance charger with a balance adapter (Such as
the Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus Charger #2933 or the 2-Cell /3-Cell LiPo Balance Charger)
to charge LiPo batteries. Never use NiMH or NiCD type chargers or charge modes
to charge LiPo batteries. The use of a NiMH or NiCD charger or charge mode will
damage the batteries and may cause fire and personal injury.
Never charge LiPo battery packs in series or parallel with this charger. Charging
packs in series or parallel may result in improper charger cell recognition and an
improper charging rate that may lead to overcharging, cell imbalance, cell damage
and fire.
• ALWAYS inspect your LiPo batteries carefully before charging. Look for any loose
leads or connectors, damaged wire insulation, damaged cell packaging, impact
damage, fluid leaks, swelling (a sign of internal damage), cell deformity, missing
labels, or any other damage or irregularity. If any of the above conditions are
observed, do not charge or use the battery pack.
• Do not store or charge LiPo batteries with or around other batteries or battery packs
of any type, including other LiPos.
• Store and transport your LiPo batteries in a cool dry place. Do not store in direct
sunlight. Do not allow the storage temperature to exceed 140°F or 60°C or the cells
may be damaged and risk of fire created.
• Do NOT disassemble LiPo batteries or cells.
• Do NOT attempt to build your own LiPo battery pack from loose cells.
• ALWAYS proceed with caution and use good common sense at all times.
Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, Texas 75074 • Phone: 972-265-8000 • 1-888-TRAXXAS (U.S. Only) • Traxxas.com • E-mail: [email protected]
WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER!
FIRE HAZARD!
Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for
fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the
instructions. In addition, Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries pose a SEVERE risk of
fire if not properly handled per the instructions. Before use, read and follow all
manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, and precautions. Never allow children under 14 years old
to charge or use LiPo batteries without the supervision of a responsible, knowledgeable adult.
• While charging or discharging, ALWAYS place the battery (all types of batteries) in a fire
retardant/fire proof container and on a non-flammable surface such as concrete.
• ALWAYS charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
• REMOVE flammable items and combustible materials from the charging area.
• ONLY use a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) balance charger with a balance adapter to charge LiPo
batteries.
• If any battery or cell is damaged in any way, do NOT charge, discharge, or use the battery.
• BEFORE you charge, ALWAYS confirm that the charger settings exactly match the battery
type (chemistry), specification, and configuration to be charged.
• Do NOT exceed the maximum manufacturer recommended charge rate.
• Do NOT disassemble, crush, short circuit, or expose the batteries to flame or other source
of ignition.
• NEVER leave batteries unattended while charging.
