Home
Traxxas Spartan
Contents
1. Always turn your TQ 2 4GHz transmitter on first and off last This procedure will help to prevent your model from receiving stray signals from another transmitter or other source and running out of control Your model has electronic fail safes to prevent this type of malfunction but the first best defense against a runaway model is to always turn the transmitter on first and off last Always turn your transmitter on first Plug in the batteries Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio system Weak batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the transmitter Loss of the radio signal can cause you to lose control of your model In order for the transmitter and receiver to bind to one another the receiver in the model must be turned on within 20 seconds of turning on the transmitter The transmitter LED will flash fast red indicating a failure to link If you miss it simply turn off the transmitter and start over C Always turn on the transmitter before plugging in the battery Throttle Neutral Adjustment The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter face and controls the forward reverse travel of the throttle trigger Change the adjustment by pressing the button and sliding it to the desired position There are two settings available 50 50 Allows equal travel for both acceleration and reverse 70 30 Allows more throttle travel 70 and less reve
2. Flex Cable Housing Steering Servo Velineon 540XL Motor Battery Strap Channel Hull Aaen MDN Collet Water Cooling Jacket High Current Connector Propeller Nut Propeller Rudder Arm Rudder Waterproof Drive Strut Steering Linkage Support Receiver Box Stuffing Rudder Support Water Cooling Velineon VXL 6s Tube Seal Tube Marine Speed Control Drive Dog Rudder Trim Tab Battery Strap Trim Tab Propeller Turn Fin Power Cell Battery Turn Fin Propeller Nut 6 SPARTAN m The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom A corners of Quick Start pages A The Quick Start Guide is i not intended to replace the LJ 1 Charge the battery packs See page 11 LJ 5 Check servo operation See page 14 full operating instructions Charge your batteries included now so they will be ready when Make sure the steering servo is working correctly available in this manual you finish the other setup procedures SCE SUL tn ente manual for complete me i instructi th LJ 2 Install batteries in the transmitter See page 11 E 6 Range test the radio system See page 14 P inlet E lb sie use and maintenance of The transmitter requires 4 AA alkaline batteries Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system works your model properly at a distance and that there is no interference CL 3 Install battery packs in the mod
3. Pa Press SET green LED blinks Pa x Press SET red LED blinks Fe ks Press MENU twice red LED blinks x3 Turn steering wheel to desired max left and right travel Pa xs Press SET to save each position ENA Turn steering wheel to test settings IF END POINTS ARE OK Press hold MENU returns to driving mode IF END POINTS NEED TO BE CHANGED Press SET and repeat steps 6 8 To reset the END POINTS of STEERING servo to defaults Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks yen Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa Press SET green LED blinks Pa Press SET red LED blinks a Pat Press MENU 3 times red LED blinks x4 Pa xs Press SET to reset end points Press hold MENU returns to driving mode To REVERSE the direction of THROTTLE servo Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Fax Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa Eg Press SET green LED blinks Fe amp 2 Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa Press SET red LED blinks Pa xs Press SET to reverse servo direction Press hold MENU returns to driving mode To set the SUB TRIM Fa x a ae Fa Pe x 2 Pa x a PE Pa xs of the THROTTLE Press hold MENU Press MENU Press SET Press MENU Press SET Press MENU Use Multi Function Press SET Press hold MENU ae green LED blinks green LED blinks x2 green LED blinks green LED blinks x2 red LED bli
4. Before attempting to program your VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control ESC it is important to make sure that your transmitter is properly adjusted set back to the factory defaults Otherwise you may not get the best performance from your ESC Follow the steps below if your transmitter is not already adjusted as follows 1 Turn transmitter off 2 Hold both MENU and SET 3 Turn transmitter on 4 Release MENU and SET The transmitter LED will blink red 5 Press MENU once The transmitter LED will blink red twice repeatedly 6 Press SET to clear settings The LED will glow green and the transmitter is restored to default Setup Programming Calibrating your ESC and transmitter Read through all of the following programming steps before you begin If you get lost during programming or receive unexpected results simply unplug the batteries wait a few seconds plug the batteries back in and start over 1 Place the boat on the included stand Always make sure that objects and fingers are clear of the prop 2 Turn on the transmitter Pull and hold the trigger to full throttle 3 While holding full throttle connect two fully charged battery packs to the VXL 6s Marine ESC It will turn on automatically 4 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two seconds the ESC will beep once and its red LED will light The full throttle position is now stored 5 Move the trigger up to the full reve
5. overlaid on top of each other For example if you assign the Multi Function to adjust Steering Percentage and set it for 50 then reassign the knob to control Steering Sensitivity the transmitter will remember the Steering Percentage setting Adjustments you make to Steering Sensitivity will be applied to the 50 steering throw setting you selected previously Likewise setting the Multi Function knob to disabled will prevent the knob from making further adjustments but the last setting of the Multi Function knob will still apply Braking Percentage R C boats do not have brakes as the natural resistance of the water will slow and stop the boat when the throttle is shut off However if you use your TQ 2 4GHz transmitter with a car or truck you may find the Braking Percentage function useful When set for Braking Percentage the Multi Function knob will control the amount of brake travel applied by the throttle brake servo in a nitro powered model Electric models do not have a servo operated brake but the Braking Percentage function still operates the same way in electric models Turning the Multi Function knob full clockwise will deliver maximum brake throw turning the knob counter clockwise reduces brake throw Note Turning the dial counter clockwise to its stop will eliminate all brake action Traxxas Link is an exclusive patent pending feature of the TQ 2 4GHz transmitter Each time the transmitter is bound to a new
6. 3 End Points Use steering wheel to BACK Press both MENU and SET to go back one level in Press 6 Knob Disabled Three Blinks Red adjust Turn right to desired the menu tree MENU Six Blinks Red end point press set to save Turn left to desired endpoint and press set to save To reset max throw Let go of controls and press SET Press 4 Reset End Points Press SET to restore Four Blinks Red factory default endpoints MENU 2 Throttle Channel 2 Press Servo Reversing Press SET to reverse Two Blinks Green SET One Blink Red servo direction 2 Sub Trim Use knob to adjust sub Two Blinks Red trim Press SET to save EXIT Press and hold MENU to exit programming Your selected options will be saved ECHO Press and hold SET to activate the echo function Echo will play back your current position on the Menu Tree should you lose your place For example If your current position is Steering Channel End 2 Channel Setup i Press 1 Steering Channel 1 Press Two Blinks Green SET SET One Blink Green Points holding SET will cause the LED to blink green Press twice green once and then red three times Echo will not alter your adjustments or change your position in the programming sequence MENU Press SET to select an option Below is an example of how to access a function in the menu 3 Mode Selection i Press 1 Electric 3 End Points Use trigger to adjust Pull tree I
7. OFF MENU and SET 0J N red LED blinks red twice repeatedly 26 e SPARTAN 2 TQ 2 4GHZ ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Set Multi Function knob for STEERING SENSITIVITY Expo Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Pa Ked Press SET red LED blinks Fa xs Press SET to confirm green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode Set Multi Function knob for THROTTLE SENSITIVITY Expo Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Pa x Press SET red LED blinks Fe amp x2 Press MENU to confirm red LED blinks x2 Pa xs Press SET to select green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode Set Multi Function knob for STEERING DUAL RATE Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Pa Bed Press SET red LED blinks Pe x 13 Press MENU twice red LED blinks x3 Pa xs Press SET to select green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode Set Multi Function knob for BRAKING PERCENTAGE Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Pa Press SET red LED blinks a x u Press MENU 3 times red LED blinks x4 Pa xs Press SET to select green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode emun Re Pe bes PE ne FE od knob for Adjust the Multi THROTTLE TRIM Press hold MENU Press SET Press MENU 4 times Press SET to select Press hold MENU Function knob until the green LED blinks red LED blin
8. electronic speed control uses advanced circuitry to provide precise digital proportional throttle control Electronic speed controls use power more efficiently than mechanical speed controls so that the batteries run longer An electronic speed control also has circuitry that prevents loss of steering and throttle control as the batteries lose their charge Frequency band The radio frequency used by the transmitter to send signals to your model This model operates on the 2 4GHz direct sequence spread spectrum kV Rating Brushless motors are often rated by their kV number The kV rating equals no load motor rpm with 1 volt applied The kV increases as the number of wire turns in the motor decreases As the kV increases the current draw through the electronics also increases LiPo Abbreviation for Lithium Polymer Rechargeable LiPo battery packs are known for their special chemistry that allows extremely high energy density and current handling in a compact size These are high performance batteries that require special care and handling For advanced users only mAh Abbreviation for milliamp hour A measure of the capacity of the battery pack The higher the number the longer the battery will last between recharges Motor Over Temperature Detection The receiver monitors the motor temperature and reduces power to 25 when it detects a temperature that is above the normal operating range Disconnecting the battery and allow
9. which may potentially raise cornering speeds but also lessens stability If you experiment with this feature remember to retighten the adjustment screws after making your setting Adjusting the Drive Strut Rudder Angle Adjustment Screws Stock Position 0 Parallel to back of boat Spartan has a surface piercing prop meaning the prop is not fully submerged when the model is at speed Varying the depth that the prop is submerged will alter the model s performance The stock setting is 4mm above the lowest point of the hull To adjust prop depth loosen the drive strut adjustment screw and angle the strut down The minimum setting is approximately 2mm above the bottom of the hull Submerging more of the prop may increase speed with lower voltage battery configurations but amp draw will also be increased the electronic speed control and batteries will have to work harder reducing battery life For maximum performance with most battery configurations and in most conditions the stock setting is best Stock Setting Drive Strut a aa Screw Ig Minimum Setting ahihihihi Your model requires maintenance in order to stay in top running condition The following procedures should be taken very seriously Form the habit of visually inspecting the mechanical integrity of the model before and after each run Inspect the model for obvious damage or wear Normally some water will accumulate inside the boat
10. Empty any standing water out of the boat between runs Pour any water out the side or back of the boat e Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections e Check the tightness of the set screws in the collars on the steering linkages in the propeller Thread locking compound can be applied to these screws to prevent them from loosening e Check the mounting of the receiver and servo e Check the driveshaft seals for damage Do not attempt to run the model if these seals are damaged in any way Check the tightness of the propeller Visually inspect the prop for nicks dings and warping Replace if any damage is noticed e Check the operation of the radio system especially the condition of the batteries Visually inspect the hull for any cracks damage or possible leaks Drain all water out of the model and thoroughly dry it before you store it Store the model with the top deck removed so that any remaining moisture will evaporate After each run e Make certain the motor is completely dry particularly the bearings e Lubricate the motor bearings with the light oil included with your model Release the drive cable from the collet as explained on page 22 and remove the drive cable by pulling the propeller away from the drive strut Thoroughly dry the drive cable and lubricate it with the light oil included with your model Storage e Disconnect and remove all batteries e Thoroughly clean and dry th
11. experienced R C enthusiast you will find it helpful and fast Be sure and read through the rest of the manual to learn about important safety maintenance and adjustment procedures Turn to page 7 to begin Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your model Failure to follow these instructions will be considered abuse and or neglect Before running your model look over this entire manual and examine the model carefully If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted then do not continue any further Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a model for return or exchange after it has been run Throughout this manual you ll notice warnings and helpful hints identified by the icons below Be sure to read them An important warning about personal safety or avoiding damage to your model and related components Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier and more fun Q Refers you to a page with a related topic If you have any questions about your model or its operation call the Traxxas Technical Support line toll free at 1 888 TRAXXAS 1 888 872 9927 Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8 30am to 9 00pm central time Technical assistance is also available at Traxxas com You may also e mail customer support with your question at support Traxxas com Join thousands of registered members in our online community at T
12. from the water outlet while the boat is running at speed Traxxas 1100 Klein Road Plano Texas 75074 Phone 972 265 8000 Toll free 1 888 TRAXXAS Internet Traxxas com E mail support Traxxas com Entire contents 2010 Traxxas Traxxas Spartan Ready To Race Ready To Win and ProGraphix are trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Other brand names and marks are the property of their respective holders and are used only for purposes of identification No part of this manual may be reproduced or distributed in print or electronic media without the express written permission of Traxxas Specifications are subject to change without notice SPARTAN e 3 All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model This model is not intended for use by children under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult Battery choice see LiPo Batteries right effects the skill level of the model See chart below Batteries Two 7 Cell NiMH Stock Voltage 16 8V mAh 3000 mAh Batteries Two 2S LiPo Voltage 14 8V mAh 5000 mAh Batteries Two 3S LiPo Voltage 22 2V mAh 5000 mAh Nominal 4 SPARTAN Use the same batteries Do not mix battery types NiMH or NiCad brands or capacities Use the same voltage and capacity for both batteries Using mismatched battery packs could d
13. is not necessary to remove these screws only loosen them 6 Gently lift the power module from the motor end If it does not release easily from the hull rails loosen the retaining screws another turn 7 Slide the power module forward Gently pull on the module to slide the tabs out of the slots in the hull rails Note Sometimes the stuffing tube sticks in the seal Extra force may be required to break it free The following section addresses some very basic questions you may have about your model If you can t find a solution here you may call Traxxas Customer Service at 1 888 TRAXXAS U S residents only If the model stopped suddenly Release the transmitter trigger immediately Do not try and force the model to move Refer to the Boat Retrieval section on page 18 for recovery If there is an inconsistent reduction in power There could be something wound around the prop such as trash algae or fishing line If you continue to drive your model with a bound prop the high load could create excessive heat and seriously damage the batteries speed control or motor Refer to the Boat Retrieval section on page 18 for recovery The model might have struck an object in the water causing driveline damage Refer to the Boat Retrieval section on page 18 for recovery If there is an immediate reduction in power If the model s power output is reduced suddenly it is likely because the Low Voltage Detection or Motor Over
14. not recognize the new position when it is turned back on and will not operate the throttle This prevents the boat from running out of control due to an accidental change of the neutral position If Throttle Neutral Protection detects that the throttle neutral position has changed the VXL 6s speed control s green LED will blink and it will beep steadily Return the throttle trim position to neutral to resume normal throttle operation SPARTAN e 17 p Caution If your model suddenly stops running or runs very slowly release the throttle immediately Refer to Troubleshooting on page 23 for more information na gt 18 SPARTAN Now it s time to have some fun This section contains instructions on driving and making adjustments to your model Before you go on here are some important precautions to keep in mind Use extra caution when traveling into the wind and or against the direction of waves The added pitch motion caused by driving into cresting waves combined with wind blast tends to lift the boat out of the water further and might cause the boat to blow over backwards If the boat starts getting very light on the water about to blow over reduce throttle to settle the hull back into the water Always be ready to reduce the throttle if your model appears to be unstable or chine walking rocking violently from side to side Make trim tab or weight placement changes to reduce chine walking as this beh
15. pack beneath them and tighten the straps to hold the batteries snugly against the battery tray s foam pads They should be tight enough to prevent the batteries from sliding but should not be pulled excessively tight If you wish to use other positions in the battery tray simply remove the straps and reinstall them in the additional channels provided Assemble the straps as shown in the illustration Positioning the Battery Packs e Battery Packs Forward This is the standard battery position for Spartan Placing the battery packs at the front of the battery trays will give Spartan the greatest stability in all water and wind conditions Whether you are using the included Power Cell 7 cell batteries or aftermarket NiMH or LiPo packs always begin with the batteries in the forward position e Battery Packs Centered Smooth water and calm winds may allow you to move the battery packs rearward in the hull to allow the bow to ride higher and increase Spartan s speed Be aware that positioning the batteries farther aft increases the likelihood of the boat blowing over at speed or becoming unstable e Battery Packs Aft Positioning the batteries all the way back in their trays may provide higher top speeds but will also make Spartan more prone to blowing over spinouts and instability Experiment with this position only in very calm conditions and closely monitor the hull s attitude as you increase speed rN e
16. pack resistance will create additional heat and rob you of the full power the cells are capable of producing We recommend using Traxxas Power Cell batteries for best performance 2950 Battery Series 4 Power Cell 4200mAh NiMH 7 C flat 8 4V 2951 Battery Series 4 Power Cell 4200mAh NiMH 7 C hump 8 4V 2952 Battery Series 4 Power Cell 4200mAh NiMH 6 C flat 7 2V 2940 Battery Series 3 Power Cell 3300mAh NiMH 7 C flat 8 4V 2941 Battery Series 3 Power Cell 3300mAh NiMH 7 C hump 8 4V 2942 Battery Series 3 Power Cell 3300mAh NiMH 6 C flat 7 2V 2923 Battery Power Cell 3000mAh NiMH 7 C flat 8 4V 2926 Battery Power Cell 3000mAh NiMH 7 C hump 8 4V 2922 Battery Power Cell 3000mAh NiMH 6 C flat 7 2V 9 For more information on batteries see Use the Right Batteries on page 11 Recommended Equipment These items are not required 4 way Spare Two 7 cell NiMH battery pack with for the operation of your wrench Prop Traxxas High Current Connector model but are a good idea to include in any R C toolbox e Safety glasses e Thin hobby quality cyanoacrylate instant tire E a colonies i glue CA glue z 5 J e Hobby knife e Side cutters and or needle nose pliers vith Philips screwdriver e Soldering iron 4 AA alkaline Peak Detecting Charger batteries Traxxas EZ Peak recommended Boat Stand Assembly P KS Battery style is subject to change and may vary from images SPARTAN e
17. relative to the input from the steering wheel The exponential effect is When reinstalling the antenna first slide the antenna wire into indicated asa percentage the greater the percentage the greater bottom of antenna tube until white tip of antenna is at top of tube the effect The illustrations below show how this works under the black cap Next insert the antenna tube into the mount while making sure that antenna wire is in slot in the antenna mount Correct Me then install the set screw next to the antenna tube Use the supplied 1 5mm wrench to tighten the screw just until the antenna tube is securely in place Do not over tighten Do not bend or kink the antenna wire See the side bar for more information Do not shorten the antenna tube Normal Steering Sensitivity 0 exponential In this illustration the steering servo s travel and with it the steering motion of the model s rudder corresponds precisely with the steering wheel The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative purposes Decreased Steering Sensitivity Negative Exponential Tamika Range Effective Turning By tu rning the at Transmitter Range on Model Multi Function knob clockwise the steering sensitivity of the model will be decreased Note that a relatively large amount of steering wheel travel results in a smaller amount of servo travel The farther you turn the knob the more pronounced the effect becomes SPARTAN e 15 O D Veline
18. signal loss or interference the throttle will return to neutral and the steering will hold its last commanded position If Fail Safe activates while you are operating your model determine the reason for signal loss and resolve the problem before operating your model again When rechargeable batteries begin to lose their charge they will fade much faster than alkaline dry cells Stop immediately at the first sign of weak batteries Never turn the transmitter off when the battery pack is plugged in The model could run out of control i gt SPARTAN e 13 a5 14 SPARTAN The TQ 2 4GHz Radio System has been pre adjusted at the factory The adjustment should be checked before running the model in case of movement during shipping Here s how 1 Turn the transmitter switch on The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green not flashing 2 Elevate the model on the included stand Make sure your hands are clear of the moving parts of the model Keep fingers and objects away from the propeller 3 Plug the battery packs in the model into the speed control This turns the speed control on 4 Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forth and check for rapid operation of the steering servo Also check that the steering mechanism is not loose or binding If the steering operates slowly check for weak batteries 6 When looking down at the rear of model the rudder should be pointing stra
19. speed e Jumping your model or towing anything with it should not be attempted e Return your model to shore at the first sign of weak batteries Your model will begin to slow and the controls will become sluggish Cavitation If your model is running at full throttle but is only barely moving forward then the propeller is cavitating Try advancing the throttle slowly to get your model on plane If you are having trouble with cavitation check the propellers for nicks or tangled debris Your model 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 Where to Run Select a body of fresh water which is calm and free of debris tree stumps moss etc Do not drive your model in extremely rough choppy water or in high wind more than 15 MPH These conditions could cause your model to flip over Also find a clean stable area of shoreline to launch from The water must be at least 10 inches deep Be aware that some ponds restrict the use of model boats Always choose a launch site which is downwind so that the wind and waves will drift the boat back to you if it should ever become disabled or capsize Running your model in salt water is not recommended Damage from corrosion is not covered by the warranty Your model is too fast to run in a swimming pool If your model accidentally flips over and fills with water it is equipped with foam
20. the included stand and make sure objects and fingers are clear of the propeller 2 Turn on the transmitter Pull and hold the trigger to full throttle A 3 While holding full throttle connect two fully charged battery packs to the VXL 6s Marine ESC B It will turn on automatically 4 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two seconds the red LED will blink once and the ESC will beep once C 5 Move the trigger to neutral D The ESC is ready for use and is set to Profile 1 One Blink amp Beep Trigger Neutral Selecting Race Mode Profile 2 1 Place the boat on the included stand and make sure objects and fingers are clear of the propeller qa 2 Turn on the transmitter Pull and hold the trigger to full throttle A Full Throttle 3 While holding full throttle connect two fully charged battery packs to the VXL 6s Marine ESC B It will turn on automatically poate 4 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two seconds the red LED will blink and the ESC will beep once C 5 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two more seconds 4 seconds total the red LED will blink twice and the ESC will beep twice D 6 Move the trigger to neutral E The ESC is ready for use and is set to Profile 2 ATERPROOF One Blink amp Beep Two Blinks amp Beeps Triqger Neutral Selecting Training Mode Prof
21. H batteries The VXL 6s speed control s Low Voltage Detection has been disabled for best performance with these batteries The speed control s LED will glow red when it is turned on indicating Low Voltage Detection is disabled Be certain to activate Low Voltage Detection if you install LiPo batteries in your model Verify Low Voltage Detection setting 1 Turn on the transmitter with the throttle at neutral 2 Connect two fully charged batteries to the VXL 6s 3 If the ESC s LED glows red then the Low Voltage Detection is DISABLED not safe to use LiPo batteries If the LED glows green then Low Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED To activate Low Voltage Detection LiPo setting 1 Turn on the transmitter and hold the trigger to full reverse 2 While holding the trigger to full reverse connect two fully charged batteries to the VXL 6s 3 Continue to hold reverse After about ten seconds the red LED will go out and the green LED will switch on You will also hear a rising musical tone To disable Low Voltage Detection NiMH setting 1 Turn on the transmitter and hold the trigger to full reverse 2 While holding the trigger to full reverse connect two fully charged batteries to the VXL 6s 3 Continue to hold reverse After about ten seconds the green LED will go out and the red LED will switch on You will also hear a falling musical tone Transmitter Adjustments for the VXL 6s Marine speed control
22. Low Battery Alarm Put new batteries in the transmitter See page 11 for more information Flashing fast red 0 125 sec on 0 125 sec off Link Failure Error Transmitter and receiver are no longer bound Turn the system off and then back on to resume normal operation Find source of the link failure ie out of range low batteries damaged antenna Programming Patterns Mor Counts out number green or red then pauses Current menu position See Menu Tree for more information X X8 Fast green 8 times Menu setting accepted on SET X8 Fast red 8 times Menu SET invalid User error such as trying to delete a locked model LED Color Pattern Name Notes Solid green Normal Driving Mode See page 13 for information on how to use your transmitter controls Flashing slow red Binding See page 14 for more information on binding Flashing medium red Fail Safe Low Voltage Detect Consistent Low Voltage in the receiver triggers Fail Safe so there is enough power to center the throttle servo before it completely loses power Flashing fast red Motor Over Temperature Detection Motor temperature is above the normal operating range Power reduced to 25 See page 23 for troubleshooting Failsafe Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built in failsafe function that returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of a signal loss The LED on the t
23. MODEL 5708 pE PE ae ay a KF Vr R oJ VASA V R OWNER S MANUAL BEFORE YOU PROCEED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TOOLS SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ANATOMY OF THE SPARTAN QUICK START GETTING UP TO SPEED TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHz RADIO amp VELINEON POWER SYSTEM DRIVING YOUR MODEL ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL TROUBLESHOOTING TQ 2 4GHZ ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE 2 SPARTAN The Traxxas Spartan raises the bar for reliable high performance RC boating Never before has there been an R C boat with 50 mph speed waterproof electronics stable handling and the run after run ruggedness you expect from Traxxas all in a Ready To Race package with stunning factory applied graphics The Spartan is powered by an all new brushless speed control and motor system developed specifically for high performance marine use The long range TQ 2 4GHz radio system keeps you in control with switch on and drive convenience Stainless steel turn fins and trim tabs allow stable precise handling The machined aluminum drive strut and rudder assembly channel brushless power directly into the water for incredible speed aggressive cornering and blistering acceleration with a cascading roost that lets everyone know you ve got the wildest ride on the water Please keep in mind that this boat is not a toy and is not intended to be used by children without responsible adult supervision This is due to the inherent dan
24. Temperature Detection systems have switched on Low Voltage Detection will reduce power output to 50 if low battery voltage is detected Return the boat to shore immediately to recharge the batteries The LED on the speed control will slowly blink red indicating a low voltage shutdown e Motor Over Temperature Detection will reduce power to 25 if the motor s temperature exceeds its normal operating range Drive the model back to shore the LED on the receiver will flash red indicating motor over temperature Disconnect the battery and allow the motor to cool While the motor cools inspect the model for possible causes of overheating These may include e Worn motor bearings Driveline binding due to insufficient lubrication or wear Debris wrapped around the prop Plugged or disconnected water cooling lines Full power will be restored when the motor has cooled and a battery is reconnected to the speed control Allowing the motor to cool without disconnecting the battery will not restore full power Always disconnect the battery if Motor Over Temperature Detection reduces the model s power If you are not sure which of the above conditions occurred do not operate the model Refer to the Boat Retrieval section on page 18 for recovery While your model 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 tab angle correctly The trim tab angle should be trimmed d
25. amage the batteries and speed control Use Stock Connectors The Traxxas High Current Connectors installed on your model are the most efficient available and are designed to handle extreme loads For best performance do not use adapters or replace the Traxxas connectors with another brand If you do decide to change the battery 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 No Reverse Voltage The speed control is not protected against reverse polarity voltage When changing the battery and or motor be sure to install the same type of connectors to avoid reverse polarity damage to the speed control Removing the battery connectors 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 wiring with heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits amp amp Do not use a capacities Usetwo 6 cell 7 2V battery in Do not mix battery batteries with the combination with a same capacity Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with care for safety and long battery life Make su
26. as used to control another model the transmitter ignores the actual position of the trim knob This prevents the model from accidentally running away The LED on the face of the transmitter will rapidly blink green and the throttle trim knob Multi Function knob will not adjust the trim until it is moved back to its original position saved in memory To restore throttle trim control simply turn the multi function knob either direction until the LED stops blinking 24 SPARTAN Your Traxxas transmitter has a programmable Multi Function knob that can be set to control various advanced transmitter functions set to Steering Sensitivity by default see page 15 Accessing the programming menu is done by using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and observing signals from the LED An explanation of the menu structure follows on page 26 Experiment with the settings and features to see if they can improve your driving experience Throttle Sensitivity Throttle Exponential The Multi Function knob can be set to control Throttle Sensitivity Throttle Sensitivity works the same way as Steering Sensitivity as described on page 15 but applies the effect to the throttle channel Only forward throttle is affected brake reverse travel remains linear regardless of the Throttle Sensitivity setting Steering Percentage Dual Rate The Multi Function knob can be set to control the amount percentage of servo travel applied to steeri
27. avior can cause a crash in rougher water Always reduce the throttle when turning especially in rough water Once the boat has begun leaning into the corner increase throttle to maintain speed and keep the bow up Use caution when driving parallel to waves or wind chop The waves will cause excess rocking and may cause the boat to spin out or crash unexpectedly e When traveling at high speeds 40 mph be very gentle with control inputs to avoid hooking or flipping the boat Avoid reversing for more than a few seconds at a time Reversing causes water to rush over the stern of the boat and may cause it to sink Drain the boat after every run Even though every precaution has been made to keep water out of the hull it may be necessary to drain any ingested water Excess water in the hull will hurt performance and unbalance the boat Do not leave the boat sitting in the water after each run Water could enter the boat if the stuffing tube seal is worn Do not operate the boat continuously at low speeds when using LiPo batteries The ESC and motor could overheat from lack of cooling water flow e Remove the prop for transportation to avoid accidentally breaking it Do not lift the boat by grabbing the sides of the hatch opening This may cause the upper hull to tear Instead use two hands to lift or handle the boat grabbing the sides of the hull about 1 3 way up from the back To prevent spin outs avoid steering sharply at high
28. e The status LED will blink red once repeatedly 6 Press MENU once the LED will blink red twice repeatedly 7 Press SET the LED will blink rapidly green The memory is now locked Press MENU and SET to return to driving mode Note To unlock a memory press SET twice at step 5 The LED will blink rapidly green to indicate the model is unlocked To unlock all models press MENU twice at step 6 and then press SET To delete a model At some point you may wish to delete a model you no longer drive from the memory 1 Switch on the transmitter and receiver you wish to delete 2 Press and hold MENU Release when the status LED blinks green 3 Press MENU three times The status LED will blink green four times repeatedly 4 Press SET once The status LED will blink green once repeatedly 5 Press MENU once The status LED will blink green twice repeatedly 6 Press SET The memory is now selected to be deleted Press SET to delete the model Press and hold MENU to return to driving mode Notes Solid green Normal Driving Mode See page 13 for information on how to use your transmitter controls Slow red 0 5 sec on 0 5 sec off Binding See page 14 for more information on binding X X Flashing fast green 0 1 sec on 0 15 sec off Throttle Trim Seek Mode Turn the Multi Function knob right or left until the LED stops flashing See page 24 for more information Flashing medium red 0 25 sec on 0 25 sec off
29. e model before storing it Always store the model with the top deck cover removed This will allow harmful moisture and condensation to evaporate Centering your Servo Whenever your radio system has been removed for service or cleaning the steering servo must be re centered prior to installing the radio system in the model 1 If the radio system is already installed in the boat disconnect the servo horn from the servo 2 Connect the steering servo to channel 1 on your receiver and the electronic speed control to channel 2 3 Place fresh AA batteries in the transmitter and turn the power switch on 4 Turn the throttle and steering trim adjustments to the center position 5 Keep fingers and objects away from the propeller Connect two fresh battery packs to the electronic speed control The servo will automatically jump to its center position 6 The servo horn is now ready to be installed 7 Be careful not to move the servo shaft when installing the linkages Readjust the electronic speed control as described in the previous section i Always wear eye protection when using compressed air or spray cleaners and lubricants Water Cooling Diagram Water Outlet Sleeve Output Sleeve Input Motor ER ESC Output ESC Crossover Input ESC Cooling Sleeve ESC Crossover Output e While the drive cable is removed from the model dry and lubricate the bushings in the drive strut Apply o
30. el See page 12 OJ 7 Drive your Spartan See page 18 Driving tips and adjustments for your Spartan L 4 Turn on the radio system See page 13 L 8 Maintaining your Spartan See page 21 Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first and off last Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of your Spartan and keep it in excellent running condition Look for the Quick Start logo at the bottom of Quick Start pages os SPARTAN e 7 838 e SPARTAN Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQ 2 4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link technology The transmitter s easy to use design provides instant driving fun for new R C enthusiasts and also offers a full compliment of pro level tuning features for advanced users or anyone interested in experimenting with the performance of their model The steering and throttle channels feature adjustable Exponential End Points and Sub Trims Steering and braking Dual Rate are also available Many of the next level features are controlled by the Multi Function knob which can be programmed to control a variety functions The detailed instructions page 24 and Menu Tree page 26 included in this manual will help you understand and operate the advanced functions of the new TQ 2 4GHz radio system For additional information and how to videos visit Traxxas com Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and power system terms They will be used th
31. em for the motor you choose Traxxas is not responsible for damage to your model or the components you install in the model if you replace the Velineon power system with non Traxxas components Note The Motor Temperature Sensor may not fit onto aftermarket motors and will not work with an aftermarket receiver For the best performance we highly recommend the Spartan s factory installed Velineon brushless system It is optimized for the best performance reliability and ease of use in the Spartan and fully supported by Traxxas customer service If you have questions or need technical assistance call Traxxas at 1 888 872 9927 U S residents only SPARTAN e 23 Starting Over Restoring Factory Defaults When programming your 2 4GHz transmitter you may feel the need to start over with a clean slate Follow these simple steps to restore the factory settings 1 Turn transmitter off 2 Hold both MENU and SET 3 Turn transmitter on 4 Release MENU and SET The transmitter LED will blink red 5 Press MENU once The transmitter LED will blink red twice repeatedly Press SET to clear settings The LED will turn solid green and the transmitter is restored to default Throttle Trim Seek Mode When the Multi Function knob is set to throttle trim the transmitter remembers the throttle trim setting If the throttle trim knob is moved from the original setting while the transmitter is off or while the transmitter w
32. eter from 38 42mm with a pitch to diameter ratio of about 1 4 1 To determine this ratio divide pitch by diameter For example the Spartan s stock prop is 42mm in diameter with a pitch of 59mm 59 42 1 404 Avoid props larger than 42mm as these will increase amp draw and reduce performance Using Aftermarket Motors and Speed Controls The Velineon VXL 6s Marine Speed Control and Velineon 540XL motor have been optimized to work together for the absolute best performance reliability and efficiency Using an aftermarket motor with the VXL 6s speed control or an aftermarket speed control with the Velineon 540XL motor may result in damage to the Traxxas components and or aftermarket components Damage incurred by mixing Traxxas and aftermarket components will not be covered by any expressed or implied warranty Only use the Velineon VXL 6s Marine speed control with the Velineon 540XL motor If you wish to outfit your model with an aftermarket brushless system you must replace both the motor and the speed control Traxxas recommends a motor with a kV rating of 1600 1800 kV Make certain the speed control you choose is compatible with your motor is designed for marine use and is waterproof Water cooling is highly recommended Additional silicone tubing may be required to properly plumb your speed control s water cooling system The Traxxas water cooling motor jacket is not compatible with all motors Install an appropriate water cooling syst
33. flexed slightly farther than the actual position you wish to set This illustration shows 1mm of downward defection This small setting will cause a significant change in the hull s attitude Settings of 2 3mm deflection should be considered the maximum a Optional Accessory Machined Aluminum Trim Adjusters For the most precise trim adjustments Spartan can be outfitted with machined aluminum trim adjusters These install using the existing trim tab mounting holes so no drilling is required Once installed the adjusters stainless steel screws can be used to make fine trim settings Once Spartan is trimmed to your preference corrosion resistant nickel plated nuts hold the adjustment Refer to the parts list for more information and accessories SPARTAN e 19 20 e SPARTAN ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL Adjusting the Rudder Angle Spartan features an adjustable rudder support that permits the angle of the rudder to be changed to alter the model s cornering feel The stock setting is 0 or vertical meaning the rudder is parallel with the transom see illustration By loosening the rudder angle adjustment screws the rudder can be pivoted back up to 3 Altering the rudder angle effects how much the rudder lifts the hull while cornering Increasing the rudder angle will allow the hull to ride higher while cornering
34. 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 your model 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 Your model 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 your model Another major factor which affects run time is how your model 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 a high quality peak detec
35. gers that are always associated with any body of water Please respect the water and use extreme caution when launching and retrieving boats We re confident that you will enjoy the power speed and reliability that the Spartan has to offer We know you re excited about getting your new model in the water but it s very important that you take some time to read through the Owners Manual This manual contains all the necessary set up and operating procedures that allow you to unlock the performance and potential that Traxxas engineers designed into your model Even if you are an experienced R C enthusiast it s important to read and follow the procedures in this manual We want you to feel confident that you own one of the best performing models in the market and that it is backed by a team of professionals who aim to provide the highest level of factory support possible Traxxas models are about experiencing total performance and satisfaction not just with your model but also with the company that stands behind it We truly want you to enjoy your new model Thank you again for going with Traxxas Traxxas Support Traxxas support is with you every step of the way Refer to the next page to find out how to contact us and what your support options are Quick Start This manual is designed with a Quick Start path that outlines the necessary procedures to get your model up and running in the shortest time possible If you are an
36. ight back If the rudder is turned slightly to the left or right slowly adjust the steering trim control on the transmitter until it is pointing straight back 7 Gently operate the throttle trigger to ensure that you have forward and reverse operation and that the motor stops when the throttle trigger is at neutral Warning Do not apply full throttle in forward or reverse while the model is elevated 8 Once your adjustments have been made turn the receiver and the model off by unplugging the batteries then switch off the receiver The receiver is always switched off last Range Testing the Radio System Before each running session with your model you should range test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly 1 Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in the previous section 2 Have a friend watch the model Make sure hands and clothing are clear of the propeller and other moving parts on the model 3 Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully upright and then walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach the farthest distance you plan to operate the model 4 Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure that the model responds correctly 5 Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem with the radio system or any external interference with your radio signal at your location Higher Speeds Require Greater Distance The faste
37. il to the exposed bushing faces and also apply a few drops of oil to the oiling hole in the drive strut Reinstall the drive cable by reversing the removal steps Rudder with integrated water pickup i gt SPARTAN e 21 Keep all of the screws in the drive system tight 22 SPARTAN Radio Tray Removal Spartan s unique power module allows you to easily remove the motor drive system and electronics as a unit for easy access to the hull interior With the power module removed you can easily work on the drive system or electronics without the entire hull taking up your bench space To remove the power module follow these steps 1 Loosen the drive cable collet Using the two 10mm wrenches supplied grip the collet base and collet clamp Rotate the parts away from each in the direction shown to loosen the clamp You do not have to fully unthread the collet it will take less than one full rotation to loosen the clamp 2 Remove the drive cable Pull the propeller away from the drive strut The cable will come out with the propeller There is no need to remove the prop from the cable 3 Remove the steering linkage Use the supplied 2 5mm wrench to unthread the 15mm screw in the servo arm and disengage the steering linkage 4 Unplug the water cooling outlet tube A and inlet tube B 5 Loosen the retaining screws Use the supplied 2 5mm wrench to loosen the screws approximately 5 full turns It
38. ile 3 1 Place the boat on the included stand and make sure objects and fingers are clear of the propeller 2 Turn on the transmitter Pull and hold the trigger to full throttle A 3 While holding full throttle connect two fully charged battery packs to the VXL 6s Marine ESC B It will turn on automatically 4 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two seconds the red LED will blink and the ESC will beep once C 5 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two more seconds 4 seconds total the red LED will blink twice and the ESC will beep twice D 6 Continue to hold the transmitter trigger at full throttle After about two more seconds 6 seconds total the red LED will blink three times and the ESC will beep three times E 7 Move the trigger to neutral F The ESC is ready for use and is set to Profile 3 Three Blinks amp Beeps Trigger Neutral Over Voltage Detection The VXL 6s Marine speed control also detects when too much voltage is being input If batteries with more than 25 2 volts are connected to the speed control it will not operate The red and green LEDs will blink and an alternating high low tone will sound Unplug the batteries and install packs with 25 2 volts or less Throttle Neutral Protection If the transmitter s throttle neutral position is moved after the VXL 6s speed control has been switched off the speed control will
39. ing the motor to cool will reset the system to full power See page 23 for more information Neutral position The standing position that the servos seek when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting NiCad Abbreviation for nickel cadmium The original rechargeable hobby pack NiCad batteries have very high current handling high capacity and can last up to 1000 charging cycles Good charging procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a memory effect and shortened run times NiMH Abbreviation for nickel metal hydride Rechargeable NiMH batteries offer high current handling and much greater resistance to the memory effect NIMH batteries generally allow higher capacity than NiCad batteries They can last up to 500 charge cycles A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for optimal performance Receiver The radio unit inside your model that receives signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos Resistance In an electrical sense resistance is a measure of how an object resists or obstructs the flow of current through it When flow is constricted energy is converted to heat and is lost The Velineon power system is optimized to reduce electrical resistance and the resulting power robbing heat Rotor The rotor is the main shaft of the brushless motor In a brushless motor the magnets are mounted to the rotor and the electromagnetic windings are built in
40. is no programmed delay when changing from reverse to forward Use caution to avoid slamming the speed control from reverse to forward and vice versa This could result in driveline damage 6 Push the trigger away from the grip to apply reverse throttle The LED will go out then glow at full throttle Note that reverse throttle is only about 15 of forward throttle This is normal 7 To turn the speed control off unplug the batteries Thermal Shutdown Protection The VXL 6s Marine is equipped with thermal shutdown protection to guard against overheating caused by excessive current flow If the operating temperature exceeds safe limits the VXL 6s Marine will automatically shut down and the ESC s red LED will blink The LED will continuously blink red even if the throttle trigger is moved back and forth After the ESC cools down to a safe level the ESC will once again function normally VXL 6s Marine Profile Selection The speed control is factory set to Profile 1 To change the profile follow the steps on described below The speed control should be connected to the receiver and the transmitter should be adjusted as described previously The profiles are selected by entering the programming mode VXL 6s Marine Profile Description Profile 1 Sport Mode 100 Forward 15 Reverse Profile 2 Race Mode 100 Forward No Reverse Profile 3 Training Mode 50 Forward 15 Reverse Selecting Sport Mode Profile 1 1 Place the boat on
41. ks red LED blinks x5 green LED blinks x8 returns to driving mode LED turns solid green To LOCK the Pex PE P P rs Multi Function knob Press hold MENU green LED blinks Press SET red LED blinks Press MENU 5 times red LED blinks x6 Press SET to lock green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode To REVERSE the direction of STEERING servo Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Fe x 2 Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa Press SET green LED blinks Pa x Press SET red LED blinks Pa xs Press SET to reverse servo direction Press hold MENU returns to driving mode MENU TREE FORMULAS To select functions and make adjustments to the TQ 2 4GHz transmitter without referencing the menu tree turn your transmitter on find the function in the left column you wish to adjust and simply follow the corresponding steps Always turn your transmitter on first To set the SUB TRIM of the STEERING servo Pa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Fe x x2 Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa Press SET green LED blinks Pa x Press SET red LED blinks Pe x 2 Press MENU red LED blinks x2 Use Multi Function knob to set neutral Pa xs Press SET to save position Press hold MENU returns to driving mode To set the END POINTS of the STEERING servo Pa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Fe x x2 Press MENU green LED blinks x2
42. lease 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 Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools You ll need to purchase other items available from your hobby dealer to operate and maintain your model Two 10mm motor 2 5mm T 2 0mm T 1 5mm L coupler wrenches wrench wrench wrench Using Other Batteries Your model is equipped with a state of the art high performance power system It is designed to be able to flow large amounts power with the least amount of restriction The benefits are drastically increased speed and acceleration However this places extra demands on the battery and electrical system connections For best performance your model requires the use of NiMH battery packs that have cells rated for high discharge and use high quality low resistance assembly techniques such as the included Traxxas Power Cell Battery Pack Cheaply made battery packs do not retain their performance characteristics after repeated uses in high powered electric applications They will lose their punch and run time and may require frequent replacement In addition poor quality high resistance cell connectors could fail requiring disassembly and repair The main goal is to reduce all sources of high resistance in the pack This includes the connector the wire and the bars attaching the cells together High
43. lways allow a safety margin in all directions around the boat in order to prevent collisions Do not reach underneath the rear of your model The propeller could spin unexpectedly Always pick up the boat from the front or the side Because of the many dangers involved with any body of water Traxxas recommends that you never try to wade or swim to retrieve the boat Another section in this manual outlines safer alternative methods for boat retrieval Due to the high performance nature of the electric motor it can become extremely hot during use Do not touch the motor when installing and removing battery packs Most importantly use good common sense when you are around the water to avoid mishaps such as slipping on a muddy bank Always observe water safety rules and regulations No Brakes The VXL 6s Marine speed control is not equipped with brakes and should not be used in land based vehicles Disconnect the Batteries Always disconnect the battery packs from the speed control when not in use Transmitter on First Switch on your transmitter first before plugging in the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance Always Water Cooling A silicone water cooling jacket has been installed on the motor and the speed control is cooled by water running through the installed tubing Never operate your model without these cooling systems intact When operating your boat be certain a steady stream of water is coming
44. m The Traxxas connector s gold plated terminals with a large contact surfaces ensure positive current flow with the least amount of resistance Secure long lasting and easy to grip the Traxxas connector is engineered to extract all the power your battery has to give A Quick Reference Guide has been provided for you in the battery compartment of the transmitter Always store the Quick Reference Guide in your transmitter Use the Right Batteries Your transmitter uses AA batteries Use new alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries such as NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in your transmitter Make sure rechargeable batteries are fully charged according to the manufacturer s instructions If you use rechargeable batteries in your transmitter be aware that when they begin to lose their charge they lose power more quickly than regular alkaline batteries Caution Discontinue running your model at the first sign of weak batteries flashing red light on the transmitter to avoid losing control Ifthe power indicator doesn t light green check the polarity of the batteries Check rechargeable batteries for a full charge If you see any other flashing signal from the LED refer to the chart on page 25 to identify the code 05 P SPARTAN e 11 12 SPARTAN Spartan uses hook and loop straps to secure the batteries To install the batteries simply loosen the straps slide the battery
45. n the example the user is setting the Multi Function knob Three Blinks Green SET One Blink Red Three Blinks Red back to desired end point to be a steering Dual Rate control pres press set to save Push To set the Multi Function knob to control STEERING DUAL RATE MENU lonar a TO GESired enapelnit ana Press set tOsave To reset max throw Let go of controls and press SET 1 Switch the transmitter on Press 2 Press and hold MENU until the green LED lights It will blink in single MENU 2 Nitro i 4 Reset End Points Press SET to restore intervals Two Blinks Red Four Blinks Red factory default endpoints 3 Press SET The red LED will blink in single intervals to indicate Steering Dual Rate has been selected 4 Press MENU twice The red LED will blink three times repeatedly to 4 Traxxas Link H Press Model Locking e _ 1 Unlock Four Blinks Green SET One Blink Green One Blink Red indicate Steering Percentage has been selected 5 Press SET to select The green LED will blink 8 times fast to indicate successful selection 6 Press and hold MENU to return to driving mode 2 Lock Two Blinks Red Press DIr 3 y Unlock All Three Blinks Red Delete Model Press d1 Confirm Deletion i F SET Two Blinks Green One Blink Red Restoring Factory Defaults Press SET to clear settings LED will turn solid green Transmitter is restored to default Transmitter Hold both Transmitter Release MENU and SET Ms SE Are les k
46. ng Turning the Multi Function knob fully clockwise will deliver maximum steering throw turning the knob counter clockwise reduces steering throw note turning the dial counter clockwise to its stop will eliminate all servo travel Be aware that the steering End Point settings define the servo s maximum steering throw If you set Steering Percentage to 100 by turning the Multi Function knob fully clockwise the servo will travel all the way to its selected end point but not past it Many racers set Dual Rate so they have only as much steering throw as they need for the tightest turn thus making the vehicle easier to drive throughout the rest of the course Reducing steering throw can also be useful in making a car or truck easier to control on high traction surfaces and limiting steering output for oval racing where large amounts of steering travel are not required Throttle Trim Setting the Multi Function knob to serve as throttle trim will allow you to adjust the throttle s neutral position to prevent unwanted brake drag or throttle application when the transmitter trigger is at neutral Note Your transmitter is equipped with a Throttle Trim Seek mode to prevent accidental runaways See the sidebar for more information Steering and Throttle Sub Trim The Sub Trim function is used to precisely set the neutral point of the steering or throttle servo in the event that simply setting the trim knob to zero does not completely cen
47. nks red LED blinks x2 knob to set neutral to save position returns to driving mode IF END POINTS panso Pe Fo Pas Peo Pa Paes BO PRED oo POINTS of the Use throttle THROTELECero Press hold MENU Press MENU Press SET Press MENU Press SET Press MENU twice trigger to set desired Press SET to save Press hold MENU green LED blinks green LED blinks x2 green LED blinks green LED blinks x2 red LED blinks red LED blinks x3 max throttle or brake Use trigger to test returns to driving mode IF END POINTS NEED TO BE CHANGED Press SET and repeat steps 7 9 To reset the END POINTS of THROTTLE servo to defaults Fa x Press hold MENU green LED blinks Fe x 4 Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Fa Press SET green LED blinks Fe amp x2 Press MENU green LED blinks x2 Pa x Press SET red LED blinks a Bae Press MENU 3 times red LED blinks x4 Pa xs Press SET green LED blinks x8 Press hold MENU returns to driving mode SPARTAN e 27 MODEL 5708 ULD IL SD 1100 KLEIN ROAD PLANO TEXAS 75074 1 688 TRAXXAS 100930 KC1293 R01
48. on VXL 6s Marine Specifications Input voltage 4 8 25 7V 6 to 18 cells NiMH or 2S to 6S LiPo Supported Motors Sensorless brushless Motor limit None Continuous current 80A Peak current 300A BEC voltage 6 0V DC Transistor type MOSFET Battery connector Traxxas High Current Connector Motor connectors TRX 3 5mm bullet connectors Motor Battery Wiring 12 gauge Maxx Cable Protection systems Low Voltage Detection Over Voltage Thermal Overload Throttle Neutral Setting Protection 16 SPARTAN The VXL 6s Marine speed control is factory set and should not require any adjustments These instructions are provided for your reference VXL 6s Battery Settings Low Voltage Detection Setting The Velineon VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control is equipped with built in Low Voltage Detection The Low Voltage Detection circuitry constantly monitors the battery voltage When the battery voltage begins to reach the minimum recommended discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery packs the VXL 6s will limit the power output to 50 throttle so you may bring the boat back to shore When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold the VXL 6s will shut down all motor output The LED on the speed control will Slowly blink red indicating a low voltage shutdown The VXL 6s will stay in the reduced power mode until a fully charged battery is connected Your model includes two Power Cell NiM
49. own just enough to keep the bow of the boat from porpoising bouncing up and down in the current water conditions If the trim tabs are set too low then it pushes the bow lower and increases drag in the water see page 19 2 Maintain your boat Your model will be faster if it is kept clean and in good working order Replace the prop if it gets nicked or damaged Keep the motor clean and oiled Make sure the drivetrain turns freely with no binding or excess friction 3 Use the best batteries and charger you can afford Low cost low capacity battery packs will limit the performance of your model Likewise a low cost charger may not allow your batteries to achieve their peak power and capacity For best performance use battery packs rated for 3000mAh or higher Traxxas Power Cell NiMH packs are specially constructed for durability and performance in high power Traxxas models The Traxxas EZ Peak charger 2930 is recommended for use with Power Cell NiMH batteries If you plan to purchase LiPo batteries consult your local hobby dealer or call 1 888 TRAXXAS for advice on purchasing the appropriate LiPo batteries and LiPo charger for your model Using Aftermarket Props Spartan s included prop has been carefully designed for maximum performance and durability It does not require sharpening or balancing and is inexpensive to replace if damaged If you do wish to experiment with aftermarket props Traxxas recommends using props that range in diam
50. r you drive your model the more quickly it will near the limit of radio range At 5 0mph a model can cover 73 feet every second It s a thrill but use caution to keep your model in range If you want to see your model achieve its maximum speed it is best to position yourself in the midpoint of the model s running area not the far end so you drive back and forth past your position In addition to maximizing the radio s range this technique will keep your model closer to you making it easier to see and control TQ 2 4GHz Binding Instructions For proper operation the transmitter and receiver must be electronically bound This has been done for you at the factory Should you ever need to re bind the system or bind to an additional transmitter or receiver follow these instructions Note the receiver must be connected to a 4 8 6 0v nominal power source for binding and the transmitter and receiver must be within 5 feet of each other 1 Press and hold the transmitter s SET button as you switch transmitter on The transmitter s LED will flash red slowly 2 Press and hold the receiver s LINK button as you plug in the speed control 3 When the transmitter and receiver s LEDs turn solid green the system is bound and ready for use Confirm that the steering and throttle operate properly before driving your model Steering Sensitivity Exponential The Multi Function knob on the TQ2 4GHz transmitter has been prog
51. rammed to control Steering Sensitivity also known The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative purposes as exponential The standard setting for Steering Sensitivity is normal zero exponential with the dial full left in its range of travel This setting provides linear servo response the steering servo s movement will correspond exactly with the input from the transmitter s steering wheel Turning the knob clockwise from center will result in negative exponential and decrease steering sensitivity by making the servo less responsive near neutral with increasing sensitivity as the servo nears the limits of its travel range The farther you turn the knob the more pronounced the change To prevent loss of radio range do not kink or cut the Experiment Try varying degrees of exponential It s easy to go back black wire do not bend or to zero if you don t like the effect There s no wrong way to adjust cut the metal tip and do not exponential Any setting that makes you more comfortable with bend or cut the white wire at your model s handling is the right setting the end of the metal tip The receiver antenna has been set up and installed from the factory The antenna is secured by a 3x4mm set screw To remove the antenna tube simply remove the set screw with the included in steering servo movement will be The term exponential comes 1 5mm wrench from this effect the servo s travel changes exponentially
52. ransmitter and the receiver will rapidly flash red SPARTAN e 25 _ TQ 2 4GHZ ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Press MENU to move through options MENU TREE Press SET to select an option The menu tree below shows how to navigate through the TQ 2 4GHz transmitter s various settings and functions Press and hold MENU to enter the menu tree and use the following commands to navigate through the menu and select options Steering Sensitivity Expo Note The transmitter is live during programming One Blink Red so you can test the settings real time without having to exit the menu tree 2 Throttle Sensitivity Expo Two Blinks Red Enter Programming Press and hold MENU for 3 seconds MENU When you enter a menu you always start at the top Press MENU to move down the menu tree When you reach the bottom of the tree pressing Press MENU to move through options Press SET to select an option 3 Steering Dual Rate Three Blinks Red 1 Servo Reversing Press SET to reverse MENU again will return you to the top 4 Braking Ore Bel Bed Ap ON SET Press SET to move across the menu tree and select Four Blinks Red options When an option is committed to the Multi Function Knob Press 2 Sub Trim Use knob to adjust transmitter s memory the status LED will rapidly One Blink Green SET J Throttle Trim TwoBlinksRed sub trim Press SET to save i Five Blinks Red blink green
53. raxxas com Traxxas offers a full service on site repair facility to handle any of your Traxxas service needs Maintenance and replacement parts may be purchased directly from Traxxas by phone or online at BuyTraxxas com You can save time along with shipping and handling costs by purchasing replacement parts from your local dealer Do not hesitate to contact us with any of your product support needs We want you to be thoroughly satisfied with your new model Toll free support is available to U S residents only All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model Operate your model sensibly and with care and it will be exciting safe and fun for you and those around you Failure to operate your model in a safe and responsible manner may result in property damage and serious injury The precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to help ensure safe operation You alone must see that the instructions are followed and the precautions are adhered to Do not drive your model at night Never under any circumstances operate your model in any water where people are swimming or wading Your model is fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone Avoid running in areas reserved for water fowl e Because your model is controlled by radio it is subject to radio interference from many sources that are beyond your control Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of radio control a
54. re 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 packs properly In addition to your battery and charger instructions here are some more tips to keep in mind Never leave batteries to charge unattended e Remove the batteries from the model while charging Always unplug the batteries from the electronic speed control when the model is not in use and when it is being stored or transported Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs before charging Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and handling batteries 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 7 cell battery 8 4V pack Only use approved chargers for NiMH battery packs such as the Traxxas EZ Peak Charger Part 2930 Do not exceed the maximum charge rate of 4 amps Do not short circuit the battery pack This may cause burns and severe damage to the battery pack Do not burn or puncture the batteries Toxic materials could be released If eye or skin contact occurs flush with water Store the battery pack in a dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight Nickel Metal Hydride batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Batte
55. receiver it saves that receiver in its memory along with all the settings assigned to that receiver When the transmitter and any bound receiver are switched on the transmitter automatically recalls the settings for that receiver There is no need to manually select your vehicle from a list of model memory entries Model Lock The Traxxas Link feature can store up to twenty models receivers in its memory If you bind a twenty first receiver Traxxas Link will delete the oldest receiver from its memory in other words the model you used the longest time ago will be deleted Activating Model Lock will lock the receiver in memory so it cannot be deleted You may also bind multiple Traxxas Link transmitters to the same model making it possible to pick up any transmitter and any previously bound model in your collection and simply turn them on and drive With Traxxas Link there is no need remember which transmitter goes with which model and there is never a need to have to select any model from a list of model memory entries The transmitter and receiver do it all for you automatically To activate Model Lock 1 Switch on the transmitter and receiver you wish to lock 2 Press and hold MENU Release when the status LED blinks green 3 Press MENU three times The status LED will blink green four times repeatedly LED Color Pattern Name 4 Press SET The status LED will blink green in single flash intervals 5 Press SET onc
56. rect orientation as indicated in the battery compartment 3 Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed 4 Turn on the transmitter and check the status indicator for a solid green light If the status LED flashes red the transmitter batteries may be weak discharged or possibly installed incorrectly Replace with new or freshly charged batteries The power indicator light does not indicate the charge level of the battery pack installed in the model Refer to the Transmitter LED Codes table on page 25 for more information on the transmitter Status LED codes The most convenient type of charger for charging the included battery packs is an AC peak detecting charger that plugs directly into an AC wall outlet such as the TRX EZ Peak Part 2930 It contains special peak detection circuitry that automatically shuts the charger off when the battery is fully charged For faster charging the included batteries may be charged at 4 amps The TRX EZ Peak is a 4 amp charger and will charge one included battery in only 45 minutes Caution Never use a 15 minute timed charger to recharge your model s battery packs Overcharging may result causing damage to the battery packs The Traxxas High Current Connector Your model is equipped with the patented Traxxas High Current Connector Standard connectors restrict current flow and are not capable of delivering the power needed to maximize the output of the Velineon Brushless Power syste
57. roughout this manual A detailed explanation of the advanced terminology and features of your new radio system begins on page 24 2 4GHz Spread Spectrum This model is equipped with the latest R C technology Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency crystals and are prone to frequency conflicts the TQ 2 4GHz system automatically selects and locks onto an open frequency and offers superior resistance to interference and glitching BEC Battery Eliminator Circuit The BEC can either be in the receiver or in the ESC This circuit allows the receiver and servos to be powered by the main battery pack in an electric model This eliminates the need to carry a separate pack of 4 AA batteries to power the radio equipment Brushless Motor A D C brushless motor replaces the brushed motor s traditional commutator and brush arrangement with intelligent electronics that energize the electromagnetic windings in sequence to provide rotation Opposite of a brushed motor the brushless motor has its windings coils on the perimeter of the motor can and the magnets are mounted to the spinning rotor shaft Current Current is a measure of power flow through the electronics usually measured in amps If you think of a wire as a garden hose current is a measure of how much water is flowing through the hose ESC Electronic Speed Control An electronic speed control is the electronic motor control inside the model The VXL 6s Marine
58. rse position and hold it there After about two seconds you will hear two beeps and red LED will blink twice The reverse throttle position has been stored 6 Release the trigger so it is at the neutral position The ESC will beep three times and the red LED will blink three times After a short pause the ESC will beep three more times and the LED will blink three times red red green The speed control is now programmed and ready for use VXL 6s Marine Operation To operate the speed control and test the programming place the boat on the included stand so the propeller is off the ground Always make sure that objects and fingers are clear of the prop 1 Turn the transmitter on 2 Connect two fully charged batteries to the ESC It will turn on automatically The ESC will beep three times and blink three times red red green 3 One LED will glow If the red LED is glowing it means Low Voltage Detection has been switched off for use with NiMH batteries as included with the Spartan The green LED will glow when Low Voltage Detection is enabled for use with LiPo batteries Low Voltage Detection must be switched on when operating the model with LiPo batteries See the Low Voltage Detection Setting section for more information 4 Pull the transmitter s trigger toward the grip to apply forward throttle The LED will go out then glow at full throttle 5 Return the trigger to neutral and allow the prop to stop Note that there
59. rse travel 30 Note We strongly recommend to leave this control in its factory location until you become familiar with all the adjustments and capabilities of your model To change the throttle neutral adjust position turn the transmitter off before adjusting the neutral position You will need to reprogram your electronic speed control to recognize the 70 30 setting Turn to ESC Setup Programming on page 16 for instructions Steering Trim The electronic steering trim located on the face of the transmitter adjusts the neutral center point of the steering channel Multi Function Knob The Multi Function knob can be programmed to control a variety of functions From the factory the Multi Function knob controls steering sensitivity also known as exponential or expo When the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way to the left default position expo is off and steering sensitivity will be linear the most commonly used setting Turning the knob clockwise will add expo and decrease the steering sensitivity in the initial range of steering wheel travel left or right from center For more detail on steering exponential refer to page 15 D D Remember always turn the TQ transmitter on first and off last to avoid damage to your model Automatic Fail Safe The TQ 2 4GHz transmitter and receiver are equipped with an automatic fail safe system that does not require user programming In the event of
60. ry Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell battery when it has reached the end of its useful life All Power Cell battery packs display the RBRC Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation icon indicating they are recyclable To find a recycling center near you ask your local hobby dealer or visit www call2recycle org 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 LiPo batteries are intended only for advanced users that are educated on the risks associated with LiPo battery use Your model is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not to exceed 22 2 volts LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that should not be exceeded The Velineon VXL 6s Marine 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 Low Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use 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 models If you have questions about LiPo battery usage p
61. ter the servo When selected Sub Trim allows finer adjustment to the servo output shaft s position for precise setting of the neutral point Always set the Steering Trim knob to zero before making final adjustment if required using Sub Trim If Throttle Trim has been previously adjusted the Throttle Trim will need to be reprogrammed to zero before making final adjustment using Sub Trim Steering and Throttle End Points The TQ 2 4GHz transmitter allows you to choose the limit of the servo s travel range or its end point independently for left and right travel on the steering channel and throttle brake travel on the throttle channel This allows you to fine tune the servo settings to prevent binding caused by the servo moving steering or throttle linkages in the case of a nitro vehicle farther than their mechanical limits The end point adjustment settings you select will represent what you wish to be the servo s maximum travel the Steering Percentage or Braking Percentage functions will not override the End Point settings Setting Lock Once you ve adjusted all of these settings the way you like them you may want to disable the Multi Function knob so none of your settings can be changed This is especially handy if you operate multiple vehicles with a single transmitter via Traxxas Link Multiple Settings and the Multi Function Knob It is important to note that settings made with the Multi Function knob are
62. the transmitter and the servos The system uses two channels one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering Voltage Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between two points such as between the positive battery terminal and ground Using the analogy of the garden hose while current is the quantity of water flow in the hose voltage corresponds to the pressure that is forcing the water through the hose For maximum range always hold the transmitter so the antenna is in a vertical position pointing straight up The transmitter s antenna can be swiveled and angled to allow for a vertical position if necessary Do not kink the receiver s antenna wire Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range antenna will reduce range Extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range It is not necessary to extend the antenna wire out of the body but wrapping or coiling the antenna wire should be avoided Do not allow the antenna wire to extend outside the body without the protection of an antenna tube or the antenna wire may get cut or damaged reducing range Always keep the wire protected in the antenna tube to prevent the chance of damage DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver s antenna wire Cutting the DD To prevent loss of radio range do not kink or cut the black wire do not bend or cut the metal tip and do not bend or cut the white
63. ting charger Discharge the batteries completely after each run Vary your speed Continuous high speed shortens the run time on your model Maintain your model Do not allow debris or damaged parts to cause binding in the drivetrain Keep the motor clean and the motor bearings lightly lubricated Apply the throttle smoothly Hard acceleration especially from a stop will shorten your run time Adjusting the Trim Tabs Spartan features stainless steel trim tabs to help set the angle of the boat s hull as it rides in the water Setting the trim angle correctly will provide maximum speed and efficiency from your model From the factory the trim tabs are set for best all around performance and stability at Spartan s maximum speed but you can experiment with their position to improve performance Slightly bending the tabs down will cause the bow to run closer to the water wetting more of the hull and increasing stability Be sure to set the left and right trim tabs equally Hold a straightedge against the hull so it To adjust the trim tab extends past the trim tab The tab will rest grip it securely with a pair of on the straightedge or be within 1mm of pliers as close to the bend as its edge This is the stock setting Rigorous possible Flex the trim tab down testing has shown this setting to offer the to set a new angle Note that the best handling in most conditions trim tab has some spring back and will need to be
64. to the motor housing Sensored Sensored refers to a type of brushless motor that uses an internal sensor in the motor to communicate rotor position information back to the electronic speed control The VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control is designed for use with sensorless motors Sensorless Sensorless refers to a brushless motor that uses advanced instructions from an electronic speed control to provide smooth operation Additional motor sensors and wiring are not required The VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control is optimized for smooth sensorless control Servo Small motor unit in your model that operates the steering mechanism Solder Tabs Accessible external contacts on the motor that allows for easy wire replacement Transmitter The hand held radio unit that sends throttle and steering instructions to your model Trim The fine tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of the transmitter Note The Multi Function knob must be programmed to serve as a throttle trim adjustment Thermal Shutdown Protection Temperature sensing electronics used in the VXL 6s Marine electronic speed control detect overloading and overheating of the transistor circuitry If excessive temperature is detected the unit automatically shuts down to prevent damage to the electronics 2 channel radio system The TQ radio system consisting of the receiver
65. wire at the end of the metal tip fi Correct No SPARTAN e 9 ESC Motor Wiring Diagram BATTERY BATTERY Positive Negative A B E C 7 10 e SPARTAN Your model is equipped with the newest Traxxas 2 4 GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link The transmitter has two channels for controlling your throttle and steering The receiver inside the model has 5 output channels Your model is equipped with one servo and an electronic speed control Antenna Steering Wheel Multi Function Knob Throttle Neutral Adjust Steering Trim Throttle Trigger Power Switch Set Button Menu Button Red Green Status LED see page 25 for more info Battery Compartment CH4 BATT CH5 and Duplicate CH1 are not used Traxxas High Current Connector Male Output to Battery Receiver Cable RX wire Brushless Motor see side bar for proper motor wiring Motor Temperature Sensor Traxxas High Current Connectors Male to Batteries Receiver Channel 2 Electronic gt Speed Control Channel 1 Steering Servo to Motor Watercooling Watercooling Crossover Watercooling Crossover LEDs Watercooling Input Your TQ transmitter uses 4 AA batteries The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter Press in tab 1 Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and lifting the door up 2 Install the batteries in the cor
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search
Related Contents
身体組成分析装置MLT-550N Manual 1.1 ConTour Array™ Asus E9668 Graphics Tablet User Manual OpenStage Manager OpenStage 60/80 Bedienungsanleitung My Document - All Fire International Copyright © All rights reserved.
Failed to retrieve file