Now it’s time to have some
fun! This section contains
instructions on driving and
making adjustments to your
Villain EX. Before you go on,
here are some important
precautions to keep in mind.
Select a body of water,
at least 10 inches deep,
which is clear of moss and grass. Do not drive the Villain EX
in extremely rough, choppy water or in high wind (more
than 15 MPH). These conditions could cause your Villain EX
to flip over.
The Villain EX’s steering is very sensitive. A slight input on
the steering control will have a large effect on the boat.
When the boat is out in open water, adjust the steering trim
on the transmitter until the boat travels in a straight line on
its own. (
Note:
The Villain EX will only travel in a straight line
on its own when it is heading straight into or away from the
wind. Crosswinds will require constant steering input to
maintain a straight course.)
To prevent spin outs, avoid steering sharply at high speed.
Always be ready to reduce the throttle if the Villain EX
appears to be unstable or “chine walking” (rocking violently
from side-to-side). Always reduce the throttle when turning,
especially in rough water. Jumping the Villain EX or towing
anything with it should not be attempted.
Return the Villain EX to shore at the first sign of weak
batteries. The Villain EX will begin to slow and the controls
will become sluggish.
Cavitation
If the Villain EX is running at full throttle but is only barely
moving forward then the propeller is cavitating. Try advancing
the throttle slowly to get the Villain EX on plane. If you are
having trouble with cavitation, check the propellers for nicks or
tangled debris. The Villain EX’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.
Run Time
The Villain EX is able to achieve long run times due to the
greater efficiency of the high voltage electrical system. A large
factor affecting run time is the type and condition of your
batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries
determines how large their “fuel tank” is. A 3000 mAh battery
pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 1500 mAh pack.
Because of the wide variation in the types of batteries that are
available and the methods with which they can be charged, it’s
impossible for us to give you exact run times for the
Villain EX. Another major factor which affects run time is how
the Villain EX is driven. Our experience has shown that the run
times are shorter when the boat is driven continuously at
top speed.
Tips for Increasing Run Time
Use batteries with the highest mAh rating you can purchase.
Use a high-quality peak-detecting charger.
Discharge the batteries completely after each run.
Vary your speed. Continuous high speed shortens the run
time on the Villain EX.
Maintain your Villain EX. Do not allow debris or damaged
parts to cause binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motors
clean and the motor bushings lightly lubricated.
Apply the throttle smoothly. Hard acceleration, especially
from a stop, will shorten your run time.
Boat Retrieval
If the Villain EX accidentally flips over and fills with water, it is
equipped with foam flotation to help prevent it from sinking.
Traxxas does not recommend swimming or wading to retrieve a
boat. If you have chosen your launch sight carefully (downwind),
the Villain EX will probably drift back to you on its own.
If there is no wind, you will need a tennis ball and a length of
string. Tie the tennis ball securely to one end of the string and
then throw the ball over the drifting boat. Pull the ball in and try
to entangle the boat in the string. Pull the boat back slowly to
shore. If only the bow of the boat remains visible, try using a
fishing lure with many hooks and a fishing pole. Try to snag the
lip of the upper deck or drive mechanism with the hooks.
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
▼
Driving the Villain EX
19
Caution!
If the
Villain EX
suddenly
stops running or
runs very slowly,
release
the throttle immediately!
There could be trash
wound around the props
(such as a plastic bag or
fishing line). If you
continue to drive the
Villain EX with bound
props, the high load could
create excessive heat and
seriously damage the
batteries, speed control, or
motors. Retrieve your
Villain through other
means
(see Boat Retrieval
on the left)
.
Allow the motors
to cool for 15
minutes between
runs. This will extend the
life of the motors.