TRAXXAS RALLY • 17
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
Patent-Pending Training
Mode (Profile #3) reduces
forward and reverse throttle
by 50%. Training Mode
is provided to reduce the
power output allowing
beginning drivers to better
control the model. As driving
skills improve, simply change
to Sport or Race Mode for
full-power operation.
Tip For Fast Mode Changes
The VXL-3s is set to Profile 1
(Sport Mode) as the default.
To quickly change to Profile 3
(Training Mode), with the
transmitter on, press and
hold the SET button until the
light blinks red three times
and then release.
For full power, quickly change
back to Profile 1 (Sport Mode)
by pressing and holding the
SET button until the light
blinks red one time and
then releasing.
The VXL-3s has built in
programming that prevents
accidental activation of
reverse while in forward
motion and vice-versa. You
must come to a complete
stop, release the throttle
trigger, then apply opposite
throttle to engage the motor
in the desired direction.
See page 24 for Advanced VXL-3s features.
VXL-3s Profile Selection
The speed control is factory set to Profile #1 (100% forward, brakes, and
reverse). To disable reverse (Profile #2) or to allow 50% forward and 50%
reverse (Profile #3), follow the steps below. The speed control should be
connected to the receiver and battery, and the transmitter should be
adjusted as described previously. The profiles are selected by entering the
programming mode.
Profile Description
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
Selecting Sport Mode
(Profile #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse)
1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to
the VXL-3s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-3s off, press and hold
the EZ-Set button until the LED turns solid
green, then solid red and then begins blinking
red (indicating the Profile numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red once, release
the EZ-Set button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green
(Low-Voltage Detection ACTIVE) or red (Low-
Voltage Detection DISABLED). The model is ready to drive.
Selecting Race Mode
(Profile #2: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse)
1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to
the VXL-3s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-3s off, press and hold
the EZ-Set button until the LED turns solid
green, then solid red and then begins blinking
red (indicating the Profile numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red twice, release
the EZ-Set button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green
(Low-Voltage Detection ACTIVE) or red (Low-
Voltage Detection DISABLED). The model is ready to drive.
Selecting Training Mode
(Profile #3: 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse)
1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the
VXL-3s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-3s off, press and hold the EZ-
Set button until the LED turns solid green,
then solid red and then begins blinking red
(indicating the Profile numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red three
times, release the EZ-Set button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green
(Low-Voltage Detection ACTIVE) or red (Low-
Voltage Detection DISABLED). The model is
ready to drive.
Note:
If you missed the mode you wanted, keep the EZ-Set button pressed
down and the blink cycle will repeat until the button is released and a Mode
is selected.
LED Codes and Protection Modes
• Solid Green
: VXL-3s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is
ACTIVATED (LiPo setting).
• Solid Red
: VXL-3s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is
DISABLED (NiCad/NiMH setting).
Never use LiPo batteries while
Low-Voltage Detection is disabled.
• Fast Blinking Red
: Thermal Shutdown Protection Stage 1. If the
motor has lower than normal power and the VXL-3s is hot, the VXL-
3s has entered
Stage 1 Thermal Shutdown Protection
to guard
against overheating caused by excessive current flow. If the motor
has no power and the VXL-3s is very hot, the VXL-3s has entered
Stage 2 Thermal Shutdown Protection
and has automatically
shut down. Let the VXL-3s cool. Make sure your model is properly
geared for the conditions (see page 23).
• Slow Blinking Red
(with Low-Voltage Detection on): The VXL-3s
has entered
Low-Voltage Protection
. When the battery voltage
begins to reach the minimum recommended discharge voltage
threshold for LiPo battery packs, the VXL-3s will limit the power
output to 50% throttle. When the battery voltage attempts to
fall below the minimum threshold, the VXL-3s will shut down all
motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly blink red,
indicating a low voltage shutdown. The VXL-3s will stay in this
mode until a fully charged battery is connected.
• Alternating; Blinks Red then Green
: If the motor has no power,
the VXL-3s has entered
Over
Voltage Protection
. If a battery with
too high voltage is used, the VXL-3s will go into a fail-safe mode.
Warning
: If input voltage exceeds approximately 20-volts,
the ESC may be damaged. Do not exceed 12.6 maximum peak
input voltage.
• Blinking Green
: The VXL-3s is indicating the transmitter
Throttle Trim is incorrectly set. If the Multi-Function knob is
set to throttle trim, then adjust the Throttle Trim to the middle
“0” setting.
B
One blink Red
A
Green to Red to Off
D
Solid
C
Release
B
Two blinks Red
A
Green to Red to Off
D
Solid
C
Release
Three blinks Red
Green to Red to Off
B
A
D
Solid
C
Release
