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4 • SPARTAN

All instructions and 
precautions outlined in this 
manual should be strictly 
followed to ensure safe 
operation of your model.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Use the same batteries: 

Do not mix 

battery types (NiMH or NiCad), 
brands or capacities. Use the 
same voltage and capacity for 
both batteries. Using mismatched 
battery packs could damage the 
batteries and speed control. 

• Use Stock Connectors. The Traxxas 

High Current Connectors installed 
on your model are the most efficient available and are designed to handle 
extreme loads. For best performance, do not use adapters or replace the 
Traxxas connectors with another brand. If you do decide to change the 
battery connectors, only change one battery or motor connector at a time. 
This will prevent damage from accidentally mis-wiring the speed control. 
Please note that modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee 
when returned for service. 

Removing the battery connector on the speed 

control or using the same-gender connectors on the speed control will 
void the product’s warranty.

• No Reverse Voltage: The speed control is not protected against reverse polarity 

voltage. When changing the battery and/or motor, be sure to install the same 
type of connectors to avoid reverse polarity damage to the speed control. 
Removing the battery connectors on the speed control or using the same-
gender connectors on the speed control will void the product’s warranty.

• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing 

to prevent short circuits.

BATTERIES AND CHARGING 

Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with care for 
safety and long battery life. Make sure to read and follow all instructions and 
precautions that were provided with your battery packs and your charger. It 
is your responsibility to charge and care for your battery packs properly. In 
addition to your battery and charger instructions, here are some more tips to 
keep in mind.
• Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
• Remove the batteries from the model while charging.
• Always unplug the batteries from the electronic speed control when the 

model is not in use and when it is being stored or transported.

• Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs (before charging).
• Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and 

handling batteries.

• Do not use battery packs that have been damaged in any way.
• Do not use battery packs that have damaged wiring, exposed wiring, or a 

damaged connector. 

• Only use approved chargers for NiMH battery packs (such as the Traxxas  

EZ-Peak

 Charger, Part #2930). Do not exceed the maximum charge rate  

of 4 amps.

• Do not short-circuit the battery pack. This may cause burns and severe 

damage to the battery pack.

• Do not burn or puncture the batteries. Toxic materials could be released.  

If eye or skin contact occurs, flush with water.

• Store the battery pack in a dry location, away from heat sources and  

direct sunlight.

• Nickel Metal Hydride batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.

Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery

Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell battery when it 
has reached the end of its useful life. 

Do not throw your battery in the trash.

 

All Power Cell battery packs display the RBRC (Rechargeable Battery Recycling 
Corporation) icon, indicating they are recyclable. To find a recycling center 
near you, ask your local hobby dealer or visit www.call2recycle.org.

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 16 use or 

handle LiPo battery packs without the supervision of a knowledgeable and 
responsible adult. 

Your model is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not to exceed 
22.2 volts. LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that 
should not be exceeded. The Velineon VXL-6s Marine 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.  

1500

3600

Do not use a  

6-cell 7.2V battery in 

combination with a 

7-cell battery 8.4V pack.

1500

3600

Do not mix battery 

capacities. Use two 

batteries with the  

same capacity.

This model is not intended 
for use by children under 
16 years of age without the 
supervision of a responsible 
and knowledgeable adult. 
Battery choice (

see LiPo 

Batteries, right)

 effects the 

skill level of the model. See 
chart below.

Batteries: Two 7-Cell NiMH

 

(Stock)

Voltage*: 16.8V
mAh: 

3000+mAh

Batteries: Two 2S LiPo
Voltage*: 14.8V
mAh: 

5000+mAh

Batteries: Two 3S LiPo
Voltage*: 22.2V
mAh: 

5000+mAh

*Nominal

Summary of Contents for Spartan 5708

Page 1: ...MODEL 5708 owner s manual ...

Page 2: ...any body of water Please respect the water and use extreme caution when launching and retrieving boats We re confident that you will enjoy the power speed and reliability that the Spartan has to offer We know you re excited about getting your new model in the water but it s very important that you take some time to read through the Owners Manual This manual contains all the necessary set up and op...

Page 3: ...umstances operate your model in any water where people are swimming or wading Your model is fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone Avoid running in areas reserved for water fowl 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 loss of radio control always ...

Page 4: ...act occurs flush with water Store the battery pack in a dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight Nickel Metal Hydride batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell battery when it has reached the end of its useful life Do not throw your battery in the trash All Power Cell b...

Page 5: ...a demands on the battery and electrical system connections For best performance your model requires the use of NiMH battery packs that have cells rated for high discharge and use high quality low resistance assembly techniques such as the included Traxxas Power Cell Battery Pack Cheaply made battery packs do not retain their performance characteristics after repeated uses in high powered electric ...

Page 6: ... Steering Linkage Propeller Propeller Rudder Propeller Nut Propeller Nut Hatch Mount Flex Cable Housing Steering Servo High Current Connector Power Cell Battery Battery Strap Battery Strap Channel Waterproof Receiver Box Collet Water Cooling Jacket Velineon 540XL Motor Velineon VXL 6s Marine Speed Control Hull Rudder Arm Water Cooling Tube ...

Page 7: ...low this procedure to make sure your radio system works properly at a distance and that there is no interference 3 Install battery packs in the model See page 12 7 Drive your Spartan See page 18 Driving tips and adjustments for your Spartan 4 Turn on the radio system See page 13 8 Maintaining your Spartan See page 21 Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first and off last Follow these critic...

Page 8: ...ually 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 ESC Electronic Speed Control An electronic speed control is the electronic motor control inside the model The VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control uses advanced circuitry to provide precise digital proportional throttle control Electronic speed controls use power more...

Page 9: ...er Note The Multi Function knob must be programmed to serve as a throttle trim adjustment Thermal Shutdown Protection Temperature sensing electronics used in the VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control 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 T...

Page 10: ...ed Control Channel 1 Steering Servo to Motor LEDs Watercooling Input Watercooling Output Watercooling Crossover Watercooling Crossover VXL 6s MARINE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Traxxas High Current Connectors Male to Batteries Traxxas High Current Connector Male to Battery Receiver Cable RX wire ESC Motor Wiring Diagram CH3 CH4 BATT CH5 and Duplicate CH1 are not used TQ 2 4GHZ TRANSMITTER Antenna Ste...

Page 11: ... charger to recharge your model s battery packs Overcharging may result causing damage to the battery packs The Traxxas High Current Connector Your model is equipped with the patented Traxxas High Current Connector Standard connectors restrict current flow and are not capable of delivering the power needed to maximize the output of the Velineon Brushless Power system The Traxxas connector s gold p...

Page 12: ... of the battery trays will give Spartan the greatest stability in all water and wind conditions Whether you are using the included Power Cell 7 cell batteries or aftermarket NiMH or LiPo packs always begin with the batteries in the forward position Battery Packs Centered Smooth water and calm winds may allow you to move the battery packs rearward in the hull to allow the bow to ride higher and inc...

Page 13: ...sition turn the transmitter off before adjusting the neutral position You will need to reprogram your electronic speed control to recognize the 70 30 setting Turn to ESC Setup Programming on page 16 for instructions Steering Trim The electronic steering trim located on the face of the transmitter adjusts the neutral center point of the steering channel Multi Function Knob The Multi Function knob c...

Page 14: ...ous section 2 Have a friend watch the model Make sure hands and clothing are clear of the propeller and other moving parts on the model 3 Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully upright 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...

Page 15: ...ensitivity of the model will be decreased Note that a relatively large amount of steering wheel travel results in a smaller amount of servo travel The farther you turn the knob the more pronounced the effect becomes Decreased steering sensitivity may be helpful when driving your model at high speeds or anytime a less aggressive steering feel is desired The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative p...

Page 16: ...old both MENU and SET 3 Turn transmitter on 4 Release MENU and SET The transmitter LED will blink red 5 Press MENU once The transmitter LED will blink red twice repeatedly 6 Press SET to clear settings The LED will glow green and the transmitter is restored to default Setup Programming Calibrating your ESC and transmitter Read through all of the following programming steps before you begin If you ...

Page 17: ...It will turn on automatically 4 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two seconds the red LED will blink and the ESC will beep once C 5 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two more seconds 4 seconds total the red LED will blink twice and the ESC will beep twice D 6 Move the trigger to neutral E The ESC is ready for use and is set to...

Page 18: ...wly to get your model on plane If you are having trouble with cavitation check the propellers for nicks or tangled debris Your model s propellers are specially designed for their application and are very sensitive to any changes or modifications If a prop is damaged it should be replaced Where to Run Select a body of fresh water which is calm and free of debris tree stumps moss etc Do not drive yo...

Page 19: ...is setting to offer the best handling in most conditions To adjust the trim tab grip it securely with a pair of pliers as close to the bend as possible Flex the trim tab down to set a new angle Note that the trim tab has some spring back and will need to be flexed slightly farther than the actual position you wish to set This illustration shows 1mm of downward defection This small setting will cau...

Page 20: ...re remember to retighten the adjustment screws after making your setting Adjusting the Drive Strut Spartan has a surface piercing prop meaning the prop is not fully submerged when the model is at speed Varying the depth that the prop is submerged will alter the model s performance The stock setting is 4mm above the lowest point of the hull To adjust prop depth loosen the drive strut adjustment scr...

Page 21: ...age 22 and remove the drive cable by pulling the propeller away from the drive strut Thoroughly dry the drive cable and lubricate it with the light oil included with your model While the drive cable is removed from the model dry and lubricate the bushings in the drive strut Apply oil to the exposed bushing faces and also apply a few drops of oil to the oiling hole in the drive strut Reinstall the ...

Page 22: ...ller away from the drive strut The cable will come out with the propeller There is no need to remove the prop from the cable 3 Remove the steering linkage Use the supplied 2 5mm wrench to unthread the 15mm screw in the servo arm and disengage the steering linkage 4 Unplug the water cooling outlet tube A and inlet tube B 5 Loosen the retaining screws Use the supplied 2 5mm wrench to loosen the scre...

Page 23: ... with no binding or excess friction 3 Use the best batteries and charger you can afford Low cost low capacity battery packs will limit the performance of your model Likewise a low cost charger may not allow your batteries to achieve their peak power and capacity For best performance use battery packs rated for 3000mAh or higher Traxxas Power Cell NiMH packs are specially constructed for durability...

Page 24: ...e the servo s maximum travel the Steering Percentage or Braking Percentage functions will not override the End Point settings Setting Lock Once you ve adjusted all of these settings the way you like them you may want to disable the Multi Function knob so none of your settings can be changed This is especially handy if you operate multiple vehicles with a single transmitter via Traxxas Link Multipl...

Page 25: ...en once repeatedly 5 Press MENU once The status LED will blink green twice repeatedly 6 Press SET The memory is now selected to be deleted Press SET to delete the model Press and hold MENU to return to driving mode Failsafe Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built in failsafe function that returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of a signal loss The LED on th...

Page 26: ...point and press set to save To reset max throw Let go of controls and press SET The menu tree below shows how to navigate through the TQ 2 4GHz 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 MENU When you enter a menu you always start at the top Press MENU to move down the menu t...

Page 27: ...ks x2 Press SET green 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 settings IF END POINTS ARE OK Press hold MENU returns to driving mode IF END POINTS NEED TO BE CHANGED Press SET and repeat steps 6 8 To reset the END POINTS of STEERING servo to defau...

Page 28: ...100930 KC1293 R01 1100 Klein Road Plano Texas 75074 1 888 TRAXXAS owner s manual MODEL 5708 ...

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