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While the Villain is a great performer out of the box, there are
steps you can take to increase the speed of the boat.
1. Adjust the trim angle correctly.
The trim angle should be
trimmed down just enough to keep the bow of the boat
from porpoising (bouncing up and down) in the current
water conditions. If the trim is set too low, then it pushes the
bow lower and increases drag in the water (see page 20).
2. Maintain your boat.
Your Villain will be faster if it is kept
clean and in good working order. Replace the props if they
get nicked or damaged. Keep bushings and gears lubricated.
Keep the motors clean and oiled. Make sure the drivetrain
turns freely with no binding or excess friction. Maintain the
batteries by completely discharging the packs after each use.
This will minimize the “memory” effect of NiCad batteries.
3. Use the best batteries and charger you can afford.
Rechargeable batteries will lose their “punch” over time and
should be replaced when their fully charged performance
decreases significantly. Consider replacing worn-out sport
packs and a timed charger with high-performance batteries
and a good peak-detecting charger. A peak-detecting
charger charges batteries to their peak voltage and then
automatically shuts off. This assures perfectly charged
batteries every time.
4. Use aftermarket metal props.
Polished and balanced metal
props can significantly increase the speed and efficiency of
the Villain. To fit aftermarket props with 3/16 inch threads,
use the Traxxas accessory prop shaft (part #1529X). For the
best performance, choose props that can be purchased as
counter-rotating pairs, such as the Octura X447 props
(available from your hobby dealer). When larger props are
used, it may be necessary to use smaller pinion gears on
the motors.
5. Use more-powerful aftermarket motors.
Note: Do this at
your own risk! Changing the motors will void the warranty
for the XL-10 Marine speed control. Damage to the Xl-10
Marine ESC caused by excessive current flow is not covered
by warranty. Changing the motors is only recommended for
experienced users who understand the gearing needs and the
increased loads and cooling requirements placed on the
electronics.
The Stinger 540 motors are matched to the XL-10
Marine speed control to provide the best balance of
performance, efficiency, and run time. Higher performance,
zero-timed 550 or 540 motors may be used, however
efficiency and run time will decrease (sometimes by more
than half!). Aftermarket performance motors will run much
hotter and often require their own water-cooling system to
survive. The stock gear ratio will need to be modified by
changing the pinion gears on the motors. Adjust the gearing
to control current draw, run-time, and destructive heat build-
up. Improper gearing can destroy motors, batteries, and
electronics very quickly. Always start with small pinion gears
(12-tooth) and closely monitor the motor and battery
temperature, and run time. Pinion gear size may be
increased until any one of the motors, batteries, or speed
control become too hot, or the run time becomes
unacceptably short. There are practical limits to what the
electronics system in the Villain is capable of. For example, it
may not be possible to use the fastest 10-turn modified 540
motors and the largest aftermarket props without
generating so much current draw and heat that expensive
batteries and electronics will be immediately destroyed. Be
reasonable and conservative with your motor, gearing and
prop choices to avoid expensive damage.
Increasing Performance
When replacing a
motor, remove any
labels on the new
motor if you plan to use
the aluminum heat sinks.
Using a heat sink on a
motor with a label will
decrease the effectiveness
of the heat sink.
Summary of Contents for Villain 1506
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