Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas VXL-3s
™
electronic speed control. The Velineon
™
VXL-3s
forward/reverse electronic speed control simplifies
brushless technology with easy, built-in profiles
and intuitive programming. Tri-mode operation
auto detects the motor type for brushed, sensored
or sensorless brushless motors. The VXL-3s uses
advanced circuit design that allows sensorless brushless motors to operate
with the smoothness and precision of the best brushed systems. The VXL-3s
comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty
and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The VXL-3s is not a toy. It is
a sophisticated electronic device capable of delivering large amounts of
current. Children under 14 years of age require adult supervision for use of the
VXL-3s. If you have questions or need assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS.
Important Precautions
VXL-3s Speed Control
•
Water and Electronics Do Not Mix:
Your VXL-3s 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-3s electronic speed control is able to use LiPo batteries with
nominal voltage not to exceed 11.1 volts (3S packs) volts. LiPo batteries
have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that should not be
exceeded. The Velineon VXL-3s 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-3s provides two options for installation in many Traxxas models.
The most secure option is to use the mounting plate sold separately as part
#3725. It attaches to the chassis in the original speed control location.
For installations without part #3725, the VXL-3s can be
installed in the chassis with double-sided servo tape
(see illustration, Traxxas Rustler shown). The screw
bosses will need to be cut from the case with a pair
of side cutters to allow the VXL-3s to fit in the chassis
side pod. The screw bosses may need to be removed
for installation in non-Traxxas models as well. When
mounting the speed control with double-sided servo
tape, clean both application surfaces thoroughly
with alcohol. The surfaces must be perfectly clean for
maximum adhesion.
Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control
:
• The VXL-3s 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. The VXL-3s is equipped with an additional connector to supply
power to an optional heat sink cooling fan. An optional heat sink cooling
fan can assist in cooling the VXL-3s in high current motor applications.
VXL-3s Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Covers Part #3355X
Specifications:
Input voltage ...................................................... 4.8 - 11.1V (4 - 9 cells NiMH or 2S - 3S LiPo)
Supported motors ............................................. Brushed / Brushless / Sensorless brushless
Motor limit .........................................................................................................................................None
Continuous current ........................................................................................................................200A
Peak current .............................................................................................................................. 320A
BEC voltage ..................................................................................................................................6.0V DC
Transistor type .......................................................................................................................... MOSFET
On-resistance ................................................................................. 0.00075
Ω
Max (0.006/8 FETs)
PWM frequency .......................................................................................................................12,000Hz
Battery connector .................................................................. Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor connectors ........................................................................TRX 3.5mm bullet connectors
Motor/battery wiring ...............................................................................12-gauge Maxx® Cable
Thermal protection ........................................................................... 2-stage thermal shutdown
Case size (l/w/h) ........................................................55mm (2.19)/ 39mm (1.54)/ 33mm (1.3)
Weight .................................................................................................................................. 90g (3.17oz)
Profile Selection:
Profile #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Profile #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Profile #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
TRAXXAS.com
Traxxas, 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070, Phone: 972-549-3000, Fax: 972-549-3011, e-mail: [email protected]
160217 KC1835-R02
*U.S. Customers Only
