VXL-3m Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Covers Parts #3375, 3370
Rev 090403 KC1206
Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas VXL-3m
™
electronic speed control. The Velineon
™
VXL-3m forward/reverse electronic speed control simplifies brushless technology with
easy, built-in profiles and intuitive programming. The VXL-3m uses advanced circuit design
that allows sensorless brushless motors to operate with the smoothness and precision
of the best brushed systems. The VXL-3m comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas
Lifetime Electronics Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The VXL-3m
is not a toy. It is a sophisticated electronic device capable of delivering large amounts of
current. Children under 8 years of age require adult supervision for use of the VXL-3m. If
you have questions or need assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS.
Specifications:
Input Voltage.............................................................................................6 to 12 cells NiMH, 2S to 3S LiPo
Motors ..................................................................................................................................Sensorless Brushless
Motor Limit.........................................................................................................................................................None
Continuous Current ..........................................................................................................................................52A
Peak Current ...................................................................................................................................................... 326A
BEC Voltage .......................................................................................................................................... 6.0 volts DC
Transistor Type ...........................................................................................................................................MOSFET
On-Resistance ............................................................................................................................................ 0.0005
Ω
PWM Frequency ......................................................................................................................................12,000Hz
Battery Connector ..................................................................................Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor Connectors .......................................................................................TRX 3.5mm Bullet Connectors
Motor / Battery Wiring .........................................................................................................................16-Gauge
Thermal Protection ....................................................................................Two-Stage Thermal shutdown
Weight ..................................................................................................................................................38g (1.34 oz)
Profiles:
Sport Mode (Profile 1)
- 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Race Mode (Profile 2)
- 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Training Mode
™
(Profile 3)
- 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
Important Precautions
VXL-3m Speed Control
•
Water and Electronics Do Not Mix
: Your VXL-3m brushless power system 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.
•
Disconnect the Batteries
: Always disconnect the battery pack from the speed control
when not in use.
•
Transmitter on First
: Switch on your transmitter first before switching on the speed
control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
•
Don’t Get Burned
: The heat sink can get extremely hot, so be careful not to touch it until
it is cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
•
Use Stock Connectors
: If you decide to change the battery or motor 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.
•
Insulate the Wires
: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring with heat shrink tubing
to prevent short circuits
Batteries and Battery Charging
The Velineon Power System 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 backs 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.
• Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs (before charging).
• Always unplug the battery from the electronic speed control when the model is not in
use and when it is being stored or transported.
• 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.
• Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and
handling batteries.
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.
The VXL-3m electronic speed control is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage
not to exceed 11.1 volts (3S packs). LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge voltage
threshold that should not be exceeded. The Velineon VXL-3m 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 products.
If you have questions about LiPo battery usage, please consult with your local hobby
dealer or contact the battery manufacturer.
Installation
The VXL-3m uses a special case design that allows it to slide into the chassis of the 1/16
E-Revo VXL and 1/16 Slash VXL 4WD models. To mount the VXL-3m speed control in non-
Traxxas models, double-sided servo tape may be used to secure the speed control.
Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control
:
• The VXL-3m does not use a conventional on/off switch. Pressing the EZ-Set button on
the speed control turns it on and off. It is not necessary to install an on/off switch into
the wiring harness.
• If you are planning to operate the speed control at the higher limits of its capabilities, cut
ventilation holes into the body for the heat sinks. Monitoring temperatures will extend
the lives of the batteries and motors and proper ventilation and cooling will prevent
premature thermal shutdown.
• Mount the speed control where it will be protected from crash damage. Also protect the
speed control from dirt and debris kicked up by the tires.
• Mount the speed control where you will have easy access to the plugs and the on/off
(EZ-Set) button without having to remove the body.
• Mount the speed control so that none of the power components (wiring, motor, ESC)
contacts any part of the radio system, particularly the antenna wire.
VXL-3m Wiring
The VXL-3m electronic speed control is capable of controlling sensorless brushless and
sendored brushless motors.
Sensorless brushless motors
Sensorless motors are the easiest and most reliable brushless motor type. The VXL-3m is
optimized to deliver the smoothest possible sensorless motor performance. The Velineon
380 is a sensorless brushless motor. The wiring (phase alignment) of the motor determines
its direction of rotation. Refer to the wiring diagram below.
Sensored brushless motors
The VXL-3m is compatible with sensored brushless motors, but does not use the sensor
harness. install the motor and connect the motor’s power wires as shown above. If the
motor’s sensor harness is not removeable, be sure secure the harness away from any of
the car’s moving parts.
Transmitter Setup
Traxxas TQ Radio Systems
Before attempting to program your VXL-3m, it is important to make sure your TQ
transmitter is properly adjusted (set back to the factory defaults). Otherwise, you may not
get the best performance from your speed control.
The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:
1. Set the throttle neutral switch to the 50/50 setting. This adjusts the transmitter’s throttle
trigger throw to 50% for throttle and 50% for braking and reverse. Experienced users
may wish to use the 70/30 setting if more broad proportional control is desired in
forward than with braking and reverse. This might be desirable in a racing environment
where reverse is disabled.
2. Set the throttle trim control to the middle “0” setting.
3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position. Do not change the
position of any of the servo reversing switches after programming the VXL-3m.
4. You are now ready to program your speed control.
Aftermarket (Non-Traxxas) Transmitters
The following instructions are provided as a general reference only for those who are
using non-Traxxas transmitters. Consult your transmitter’s instructions for information on
how to change the settings.
1. Set the High ATV (adjustable travel volume) or EPA (end point adjustment) to the
maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full throttle.
2. Set the Low ATV, EPA or ATL (low side only trim adjustment) to the maximum setting.
This is the amount of servo throw at full brakes or reverse.
3. Set the throttle trim to the middle (neutral setting).
4. Set the throttle channel reversing switch to either position. Do not change the switch
position after programming.
5. Set the trigger throw adjustment to 50% throttle and 50% brake (either mechanical
or electronic).
6. Set the exponential setting (if equipped) to the zero or fully linear setting.
Aftermarket Receivers
The VXL-3m is compatible with most aftermarket receivers. By removing the tab on the
edge of the power connector, the VXL-3m can be plugged directly into some models of
Futaba,
®
Airtronics,
®
Hitec,
®
and JR
®
receivers. Please refer to the manufacturer’s wiring
diagrams that came with your receiver. On the VXL-3m, the red wire
is positive, the black wire is negative, and the white wire is the control
wire.
Warning
: On some older Airtronics® radio systems, the positive
and negative terminals are opposite of the VXL-3m and an adapter
is required. Crossing the red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the
receiver and the VXL-3m. Study the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams
closely, or consult your hobby dealer.
Low-Voltage Detection Setting
The VXL-3m ESC is equipped with built-in Low Voltage Detection
for safe use with Lithium
Polymer (LiPo) batteries.
The Low Voltage Detection circuitry constantly monitors the
battery voltage. When the battery voltage begins to reach the minimum recommended
discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery packs, the VXL-3m will limit the power output
to 50% throttle. When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold,
the VXL-3m will shut down all motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly
blink red, indicating a low voltage shutdown. The VXL-3m will stay in this mode until a
TRAXXAS.com
Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074, Phone: 972-265-8000, Fax: 972-265-8011, e-mail: [email protected]
