VXL-8s Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Covers Part #3496
TRAXXAS.com
Traxxas, 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070, Phone: 972-549-3000, Fax: 972-549-3011, e-mail: [email protected]
HKC16025-R01 170608
*U.S. Customers Only
WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER!
FIRE HAZARD!
The VXL-8s electronic speed control requires use of Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
batteries with nominal voltage not to exceed 14.8 volts (4S packs). Charging
and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury,
and property damage if not performed per the instructions. In addition,
LiPo batteries pose a SEVERE risk of fire if not properly handled per the
instructions and require special care and handling procedures for long life
and safe operation. 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 14 use or handle LiPo battery
packs without the supervision of a knowledgeable and responsible adult.
Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
• LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that should
not be exceeded. The VXL-8s 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 is just one part of a comprehensive plan for safe LiPo
battery use. It is critical to follow all instructions for safe and proper charging,
use, and storage of LiPo batteries. Make sure you understand how to use
your LiPo batteries. If you have questions about LiPo battery usage, please
consult with your local hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer. As a
reminder, all batteries should be recycled at the end of their useful life.
• A LiPo balance charger (such as the Traxxas EZ-Peak Live™, part #2971, sold
separately) is required to charge the batteries. DO NOT use a charger designed
for NiMH or NiCad batteries. The use of a NiMH or NiCad charger or charge
mode will damage the batteries. Failure to use the correct charger may result in
battery damage, fire, personal injury, and/or property damage.
• ALWAYS inspect your LiPo batteries carefully before charging. Do not use
or charge battery packs that have been damaged in any way (bent, dented,
swollen, torn covering, or otherwise damaged).
• BEFORE you charge, ALWAYS confirm that the charger settings exactly match the
type (chemistry), specification, and configuration of the battery to be charged.
DO NOT exceed the maximum manufacturer recommended charge rate. DO NOT
attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries (explosion hazard), batteries that
have an internal charge circuit or a protection circuit, or batteries that have been
altered from original manufacturer configuration.
• While charging or discharging, ALWAYS place the battery
(all types of batteries) in a fire retardant/fire proof container
and on a non-flammable surface such as concrete.
• ALWAYS charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
• Charge the battery in a safe area away from flammable materials. Monitor
the charging process and never leave batteries unattended while charging.
Do not allow small children to charge or handle LiPo batteries.
• DO NOT disassemble, crush, short circuit, or expose the batteries to flame or
other source of ignition.
• DO NOT let any exposed battery contacts or wires touch each other. This will
cause the battery to short circuit and create the risk of fire.
• DO NOT leave the charger and battery unattended while charging,
discharging, or anytime the charger is ON with a battery connected. If
there are any signs of a malfunction, unplug the power source and/or stop
the charging process immediately.
• ALWAYS unplug the charger from the wall outlet and disconnect the battery
when not in use.
• Never charge LiPo battery packs in series or parallel. Charging packs in series
or parallel may result in improper charger cell recognition and an improper
charging rate that may lead to overcharging, cell imbalance, cell damage
and fire.
• If a battery gets hot to the touch during the charging process (temperature
greater than 110°F / 43°C), immediately disconnect the battery from the
charger and discontinue charging.
• DO NOT store or charge LiPo batteries with or around other batteries or battery
packs of any type, including other LiPos.
• Store and transport your LiPo batteries in a cool dry place. DO NOT store in direct
sunlight. DO NOT allow the storage temperature to exceed 140°F or 60°C, such
as in the trunk of a car, or the cells may be damaged and risk of fire created.
ALWAYS store battery packs safely out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a Class D fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.
• DO NOT disassemble LiPo batteries or cells. DO NOT disassemble the charger.
• DO NOT attempt to build your own LiPo battery pack from loose cells.
• REMOVE the battery from your model or device before charging.
• DO NOT expose the charger to water or moisture.
Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Velineon
™
VXL-8s
™
electronic speed control. The Velineon VXL-8s
forward/reverse electronic speed control simplifies
brushless technology with easy, built-in profiles and
intuitive programming. The VXL-8s uses advanced
circuit design that allows sensorless brushless motors to
operate with the smoothness and precision of the best
brushless systems. The VXL-8s comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime
Electronics Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The VXL-8s 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-8s.
If you have questions or need assistance, call us at
1-888-TRAXXAS*.
Important Precautions
VXL-8s Speed Control
•
Disconnect the Battery:
Always disconnect the battery or batteries from the
speed control when not in use. on the speed control to prevent runaways and
erratic performance.
•
Insulate the Wires:
Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing to
prevent short circuits.
•
Transmitter on First:
Switch on your transmitter first before switching
•
Don’t Get Burned:
The ESC and motor can become extremely hot during use, so
be careful not to touch them until they cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
•
Use Traxxas High-Current Connectors:
Do not change the battery and motor
connectors. Improper wiring can cause fire or damage to the ESC. Please note
that modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee when returned
for service.
•
No Reverse Voltage:
The ESC is not protected against reverse polarity voltage.
•
No Schottky Diodes:
External Schottky diodes are not compatible with reversing
speed controls. Using a Schottky diode with your speed control will damage the
ESC and void the warranty.
•
Always
adhere to the minimum and maximum limitations of the speed control as
stated in the specifications. Your ESC operates on two batteries. Do not mix battery
types, capacities, or charge levels. Use the same voltage, capacity, and charge level
for both batteries. Using mismatched battery packs could damage the batteries
and electronic speed control.
Specifications:
Input voltage ............................................................................4S/6S/8S LiPo (max. 33.6 volts)
Supported motors ......................................................................................Sensorless brushless
Battery connectors..............................................................Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor connectors......................................................................TRX 6.5mm bullet connectors
Motor/battery wiring ............................................................................ 10-gauge Maxx® Cable
Thermal protection .........................................................................2-stage thermal shutdown
Case size (l/w/h) ............................................. 58mm (2.28”)/ 72mm (2.83”)/ 46mm (1.81”)
Weight ...........................................................................................................................182g (6.42oz)
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
