Traxxas BXL-1 User manual

Thank you for purchasing the BXL-1 electronic speed control. The
BXL-1 offers smooth digital-proportional control over your forward and
reverse speeds. The BXL-1 does not have a BEC (battery eliminator
circuit) and must be powered by a separate 4-cell receiver pack (4AA
Batteries). This page contains the instructions you will need to set up
and operate your new speed control. Look over these instructions and
examine the speed control carefully before using it. If for some reason
you think this speed control is not what you wanted, then do not continue
any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a speed control
for return or exchange after it has been used. If you have any questions
about your new speed control, call Traxxas’ toll-free technical support
line at 1-888-TRAXXAS (U.S.A. residents only. Outside the U.S. call
972-265-8000). Technical support is available Monday through Friday,
from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM Central Time. We hope that you will enjoy the
performance and features of your new BXL-1 electronic speed control.
Please read the following instructions carefully to ensure long-lasting
performance from your BXL-1.
INSTALLATION:
Install the BXL-1 speed control using nylon tie wraps or other
mechanical means to secure the speed control for rough conditions.
On some models, it may be possible to mount the BXL-1 into the space
that originally held the old throttle servo. Servo-type mounting ears are
molded into the side of the BXL-1 case for this purpose.
CONNECTIONS:
The BXL-1 speed control can be used with 6 or 7 cell battery packs
(7.2 or 8.4 volts). If another manufacturer’s radio system components are
going to be combined with the BXL-1, pay careful attention to the wiring
sequence. The Traxxas BXL-1 is directly compatible with Futaba and
Traxxas systems. The red wire is positive, the black wire is negative, and
the white wire is the control signal. On some Airtronics/ Sanwa and
Novak systems, the positive and negative outputs are reversed from
the Traxxas sequence. Refer to their instructions to determine which
terminals on the receiver are positive and negative. The BXL-1 must be
connected properly to the receiver. Failure to do so could cause
damage to your receiver and/or speed control.
•USING THE 4-CELL BATTERY PACK:
A 4-cell battery pack must be used in conjunction with the BXL-1 speed
control. The BXL-1 does not have a BEC (battery eliminator circuit). By
using a 4-cell battery pack, you retain full-speed operation of the servo(s),
even when the main battery pack is almost completely discharged. Use
the battery holder on/off switch to turn the radio system on and off. Refer
to figure 1 for the correct wiring procedure.
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ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
ELECTRONIC
SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENT:
1. Install new or fully charged batteries in the transmitter.
2. Set the transmitter throttle trim control to the center neutral position.
3. If your transmitter is equipped with an adjustment to vary the amount
of throttle trigger travel,set it so that you have 70% of travel when you
move the throttle control forward and 30% when you move the throttle
back. On Traxxas transmitters, set the throttle neutral adjustment to the
70/30 position. This is to prevent fast reverse in marine applications.
4. Set the model up and anchor it so that the driven wheels are off the
ground or the propeller is free to spin.
5. Turn the transmitter on and then plug a freshly charged battery pack(s)
into the speed control (1 or 2 battery packs).
6. The Traxxas electronic speed control has two adjustments:the neutral
control and the proportional control. Use a small screwdriver to adjust
the controls.
CAUTION: The adjustment controls will only turn 1/4 turn left
or right from center. Do not turn the controls past their
stops or they will break. Use a light touch when making
adjustments. Controls damaged by overturning them past
their stops will not be covered under the warranty.
•Adjusting the neutral control: If the model’s motor started running when
you plugged in the battery pack, gently turn the neutral control right or left
until the motor stops running and the L.E.D. is off (neither green or red).
•Adjusting the proportional control: After setting the neutral control,
move the throttle lever or trigger on the transmitter to full throttle. Now,
carefully adjust the proportional control right or left until the motor is
running at its fastest speed and there is a strong,solid green light
emitted from the L.E.D. If the L.E.D. is shining red at full throttle,then
switch the throttle servo reversing switch on the transmitter and readjust.
The L.E.D. must show green at full throttle in order for the
speed control to work properly.
FORWARD/
REVERSE
ELECTRONIC
SPEED
CONTROL
Part #3007
TO
BATTERY
PACK
CHANNEL 1
STEERING
SERVO
ELECTRONIC
SPEED
CONTROL
CHANNEL-1
ANTENNA
RECEIVER
TO
MOTOR
CHANNEL-2
BATTERY
WIRE COLORS
BLACK
RED
WHITE
4-CELL
BATTERY HOLDER
PART# 3170
ON/OFF
SWITCH
BLACK
NEGATIVE
RED
POSITIVE
TO
MOTOR
BXL-1
Fig. 1
STOP STOP
1/4Turn 1/4Turn
Center
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ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL

IMPORTANT:
Always turn the transmitter on first, before you connect the
battery pack in your electric model. If you do not, the model
will operate erratically and appear to malfunction.
(Remember, the transmitter is on first and off last.)
PRECAUTIONS:
• Excessive heat is the main enemy to your speed control. Excessive
heat, which is built up from the improper installation and use of an
electronic speed control is the number one cause of failure. By being
attentive to the performance and care of your model, you can be
assured trouble-free operation.
• Do not overload your speed control. The harder your motor has to work,
the more current (amps) is drawn through the speed control.As the
current draw increases,so does the heat built-up. Here are some tips to
prevent overloading your BXL-1.
• Be sure that your model is not over-geared. Symptoms of over-gearing
include an extremely hot motor, hot batteries, short run time,an
extremely hot speed control, and sluggish acceleration. If you
experience any of these symptoms, try using a smaller pinion gear on
the motor. The other danger of being over-geared is that it can lead to
premature motor failure.When an overworked motor fails,it can
become a short circuit and severely damage your BXL-1.
• If your model encounters an obstacle which it cannot pass, or becomes
trapped in deep sand, do not continue to run the model. This will
prevent damage to the motor and speed control. Return the transmitter
controls to their neutral position and then free the model.
• Get into the habit of periodically checking the temperature of your
electronic components. If any of them are too hot to touch, especially
the speed control, do not continue to run your model. Wait a few
minutes for everything to cool down before continuing.
• The radio system is not waterproof. Avoid driving through puddles, wet
grass, or mud. For marine applications, protect the speed control
from submersion or standing water inside the boat. If water gets
into the electronics, it could damage them.
• Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries or you could
lose control of it. Indications of low battery power include: slow
operation, sluggish servos, and, for Traxxas transmitters, a flashing red
light. When using nicad batteries, be especially alert for signs of weak
batteries. Stop immediately at the first sign of weak batteries.
• Do not use modified motors with fewer than 18-turns of wire with the
BXL-1 speed control. More powerful motors increase current flow through
the electronics and could damage them. When using high-performance
motors, make sure that cooling air can pass over the heat sinks.
• Allow the speed control to cool down between battery packs to ensure
correct operation and long life.
LIMITED ELECTRONICS WARRANTY:
TRAXXAS CORPORATION warrants your TRAXXAS electronic product to
be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of thirty
(30) days from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, please
send the defective unit, along with your proof of purchase indicating the
date purchased, your return address, a daytime phone number, and a
brief description of the problem to:
TRAXXAS CORPORATION
1100 Klein RD.
Plano, TX 75074
If the component is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced
at no charge. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE DUE TO
CARELESSNESS, MISUSE, NEGLECT OR ABUSE. TRAXXAS makes no other
warranties,expressed or implied.TRAXXAS shall not be liable for any
indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the
assembly, installation,or use of this product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state. You are required to complete
and return the enclosed REGISTRATION CARD as a condition of the
coverage and performance of this warranty.
THE TRAXXAS EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
After the expiration date of the warranty period,TRAXXAS will repair
electronic components for a flat rate of $15.00 plus $5.00 for shipping
and handling.The products covered by this extended service plan
include electronic speed controls, transmitters, receivers, servos and
battery chargers. Motors and mechanical speed controls are not covered.
Other mechanical repairs will be estimated on an individual basis. The
covered repairs are limited to non-mechanical components which have
not been subjected to abuse, misuse,or neglect.The separate enclosed
form must be filled out completely and enclosed along with the product
to be repaired.
Return the unit(s) with a brief note describing the problem, plus a
daytime phone number and return address to:
TRAXXAS
1100 Klein RD.
Plano, TX 75074
For technical assistance, call 1-888-TRAXXAS
For orders & other information, call 972-265-8000
www.Traxxas.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
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