Traxxas Evx-2 marine User manual

Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas EVX-2

electronic speed control. The EVX-2 uses MOSFET

transistors and microprocessor circuitry to

deliver efcient, high-frequency operation. The

EVX-2 delivers smooth, precise, full-proportional

control over your speed in forward and reverse.

EZ-Set

push-button setup, multi-color LED, and

three easy-to-program drive proles provide convenient, customized

operation. The EVX-2 comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas

Lifetime Electronics Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support.

The EVX-2 is not a toy. It is a sophisticated electronic device capable

of delivering large amounts of current. Children under 8 years of age

require adult supervision for use of the EVX-2. If you have questions or

need assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS.

Important Precautions

Your EVX-2 is an extremely powerful electronic device capable of

delivering high current. Please closely follow these precautions to

prevent damage to the speed control or other components.

EVX-2 General Precautions

• Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the battery packs

from the speed control when not in use.

• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter rst before

switching on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic

performance.

• Don’t Get Burned: The transistor tabs and the heat sinks can get

extremely hot, so be careful not to touch them until they cool.

Supply adequate airow for cooling.

• Always Use Heat Sinks: Three heat sinks are factory-installed on

the speed control and must be used for maximum cooling and

performance.

• 6 to 14-cells Only: Always adhere to the minimum and maximum

limitations of the EVX-2 as stated in the specications table.

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 damage the batteries and electronic

speed control.

• Connectors: If you decide to change the

battery or motor connectors, only change

one battery or motor connector at a time.

This will prevent accidentally mis-wiring the

speed control. If the EVX-2 is not wired exactly

as shown in the diagram below, it can be

damaged! Please note that modied speed

controls can be subject to a rewiring fee when

returned for service.

• 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.

• Do Not Let the Transistor Tabs Touch: Never allow the three

separate transistor banks to touch each other or any exposed

metal. This will create a short circuit and damage the speed control.

(For example, laying a metal tool across the heat sinks can damage

the speed control.)

EVX-2 Advanced Precautions

• Motor Limit: EVX-2 has a 12-turn 550 modied motor limit when

the motor is properly geared. If the motor or speed control is

overheating, try a smaller pinion gear. Do not attempt to use a more

powerful motor (fewer turns) than the above mentioned motor

limits or you could experience frequent thermal shutdown.

• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink

tubing to prevent short circuits.

• Use Neutrally Timed Motors: For reverse use, the motors must have

0° timing. Modied motors (with adjustable end bells) timed to 0°

or Johnson/ Mabuchi (closed end bell) motors are recommended.

Using motors with other than 0° timing will draw excess current

in reverse, and can result in the speed control overheating and

premature motor wear.

• Motor Capacitors Required: Ceramic capacitors should be properly

installed on every motor to prevent radio interference. These are

already installed on the factory Titan motor.

• No Schottky Diodes: External schottky diodes are not compatible

with reversing speed controls. Using a schottky diode with the

EVX-2 will damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.

• Note: This speed control is not intended for marine use.

Electronic Speed Control Instructions

Covers Part #3019

Specifications:

Input Voltage ............................................................ 6 to 14-cells (7.2 to 16.8 volts DC)

Case Size ........................................................................................2.27”W x 2.00”D x 1.05”H

Weight (heat sinks/no heat sinks) ...............................................................4.1oz / 3.6 oz

Motor Limit (550 Size)*.................................................................................................12-turns

On-Resistance–Forward (@Trans)..................................................................0.004 Ohms

On-Resistance–Reverse (@Trans) ...................................................................0.004 Ohms

Rated Current - Forward ........................................................................................ 180 amps

Rated Current - Reverse ......................................................................................... 180 amps

Braking Current.......................................................................................................... 360 amps

Continuous Current (@100°F amb.) ....................................................................30 Amps

BEC Voltage .............................................................................................................6.0 volts DC

BEC Current ...................................................................................................................2.5 amps

Power Wire .......................................................................................................... 14 Gauge / 3”

Input Harness Wire ........................................................................................26 Gauge / 9.5”

Transistor Type .............................................................................................................. MOSFET

PWM Frequency ......................................................................................................1700 Hertz

Protection ..................................................................................................Thermal Shutdown

Single Button Setup ...............................................................................................................Yes

* Must be properly geared.

Profile Selection:

Prole #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse

Prole #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse

Prole #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse

www.TRAXXAS.com

Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074,

Phone: 972-265-8000, Fax: 972-265-8011, e-mail: [email protected]

Form 3019INST Rev 080211 KC1061

Troubleshooting Guide

This guide describes possible speed control problems, causes, and

simple solutions. Check these items before contacting Traxxas.

Steering channel works, but the motor(s) will not run:

• The motor(s) could be bad or have a damaged brush. Check the

motor(s) and motor connections by supplying power directly to

the motor(s). Note: Disconnect the motor(s) from the ESC before

testing. Remove the pinion gear from the motor(s) or elevate the

driving wheels to avoid a runaway and damage to the vehicle.

• The speed control has thermally shut down (look for a solid

green LED). Allow the speed control to cool down. See the

overheating section.

• Make sure the EVX-2’s power cable is plugged into the throttle

channel of the receiver (Channel 2). Check the operation of the

radio system’s throttle channel with a servo.

• Possible internal damage. Return the EVX-2 to Traxxas for service.

Motor and steering servo do not work:

• Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor

connectors, and the battery packs.

• Possible internal damage. Return the EVX-2 to Traxxas for service.

EVX-2 will not go into programming mode:

• Make sure the EVX-2 is plugged into Channel 2 (the throttle

channel) on the receiver. If it is plugged into Channel 3 or the

battery terminal, it will not go into programming mode.

• Be sure the EVX-2 is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.

• Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions.

Motor(s) run backwards:

• Motor(s) wired backwards: check the wiring and correct.

• Backwards motor timing: reverse the motor end bells.

Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:

• Motor capacitors broken or missing: check and replace

the capacitors.

• The receiver or antenna is too close to power wires or batteries.

• Bad connections: check the wiring and connectors.

• Motor worn: replace the motor.

• Excessive current to the motor: use a milder motor or a smaller

pinion gear.

Model runs slowly / slow acceleration:

• Check the motor and battery connectors.

• Check to see if EVX-2 is in Profile #3 (50% throttle)

• Bad battery or motor: check the operation with known

good batteries (freshly charged) and motor.

• Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment. Reprogram

the EVX-2.

• Motor is improperly geared: use a milder motor or a smaller

pinion gear.

• Check the drive train for binding or restrictions.

EVX-2 overheats and shuts down:

• Overloading the motor (running through tall grass, binding

in the drivetrain).

• Insufficient ventilation for the heat sinks. Cut ventilation holes

in the body or relocate the EVX-2.

• Motor may exceed maximum specification. The EVX-2 is limited to

motors with no fewer than 19-turns (550 size) with molex connectors

and 12-turns (550 size) with Traxxas High-Current Connectors.

• Motor is improperly geared. Use a milder motor or a smaller

pinion gear.

• Check the drivetrain for restrictions.

EVX-2 Warranty Information

Traxxas warrants your Traxxas electronic component to be

free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of

thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Before returning

any product for warranty service, please contact our service

department (1-888-TRAXXAS)* to discuss the problem you are

having with the product. After contacting Traxxas, send the

defective unit along with your proof of purchase indicating the

date purchased, your return address, e-mail, a daytime phone

number, and a brief description of the problem to:

Traxxas

1100 Klein Road

Plano, TX 75074

If the component is found to be defective, it will be repaired or

replaced at no charge. The warranty does not cover damage

caused by the following:

• Using other than 6 to14-cells (7.2 to 16.8 volts DC)

input voltage.

• Removing the stock battery connectors.

• Using the same gender connectors on the speed control’s motor

and battery connections.

• Cross-connection of the battery/motor(s).

• Reverse voltage application.

• Using motor(s) with fewer than 12-turns (550 size).

• Incorrect installation or wiring.

• Components worn by use.

• Short-circuiting the heat sinks.

• Use without the heat sinks.

• Removing the capacitors from the stock motor.

• Not installing capacitors on new motors (recommended:

three 0.1µF [50V]).

• Splices to the input wire harness.

• Disassembling the case.

• Tampering with moisture seals.

• Excessive force when using the EZ-Set button.

• Tampering with the internal electronics.

• Incorrect wiring of an FET servo.

• Allowing exposed wiring to short-circuit.

• Any damage caused by crash, flooding, or act of God.

In no case shall our liability exceed the product’s original cost.

We reserve the right to modify warranty provisions without

notice. All warranty claims will be handled by Traxxas. Because

Traxxas has no control over the use and future installations of

the EVX-2, no liability may be assumed nor will be accepted

for damage resulting from the use of this product. Every ESC

is thoroughly tested and cycled before leaving the Traxxas

facility and is, therefore, considered operational. By the act

of operating/connecting speed control, the user accepts all

resulting liability. Traxxas makes no other warranties expressed

or implied. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which

vary from state to state. After the expiration of the standard

30-day warranty, use the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty

to cover service and repairs. Documents and forms are provided

with your EVX-2.

If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at

1-888-TRAXXAS

(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)

*U.S. Customers Only

www.TRAXXAS.com

Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074,

Phone: 972-265-8000, Fax: 972-265-8011, e-mail: [email protected]

*U.S. Customers Only

EVX-2 Wiring Diagram

1500

3600

3800

Brand A NiMH

3800

Brand A NiMH

1500

3600

3800

Brand A NiMH

3800

Brand A NiMH

Do not mix battery

capacities. Use two

batteries with the

same capacity.

Use batteries that are

exactly the same cell

type, brand, voltage

and capacity.

080211 EVX-2 INST Sheet.indd 1 2/11/08 11:36:31 AM

Installation

Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control:

• The EVX-2 does not use a conventional on/off switch. Pressing the

EZ-Set button on the speed control turns it on and off. It is not

necessary to install an on/off switch into the wiring harness.

• Make sure there is adequate ventilation for the heat sink. If you

are planning to operate the speed control at the higher limits of

its capabilities, cut ventilation holes into the body for the heat

sinks. Proper ventilation and cooling will prevent premature

thermal shutdown.

• Mount the speed control where it will be protected from crash

damage. Protect the heat sinks from coming in contact with metal

that could short the banks of transistors. Also protect the speed

control from dirt and debris kicked up by the tires.

• Mount the speed control where you will have easy access to the plugs and

the on/off (EZ-Set) button without having to remove the body.

• Mount the speed control so that none of the power components (wiring,

motor, ESC) contacts any part of the radio system, particularly the

antenna wire. The receiver should be mounted so the antenna wire can

be extended as far away from the speed control as possible. The antenna

wire should be extended vertically in the mast and not wrapped on the

chassis under the body. Excess antenna wire should not be coiled on

the chassis. Servo cables and the antenna wire should not cross or come

in contact with any of the motor or battery wires. These steps will help

reduce the possibility of radio interference.

• Graphite or metal chassis have been known to transmit radio noise

generated by the motor. If the receiver is to be mounted on the

chassis, position it so the crystal and antenna are as far away from the

chassis as possible. This may require you to mount the receiver on its

side. This will reduce the chance of picking up radio interference from

the motor.

• When mounting the speed control with double-sided servo tape,

clean both application surfaces thoroughly with alcohol to remove

any grease, dirt, oil, fingerprints, etc. The surfaces must be perfectly

clean for maximum adhesion.

• The motors require capacitors to reduce the possibility of radio

interference. If your motors are not equipped with capacitors, install the

capacitors supplied with the EVX-2 as shown in the diagram below.

Transmitter Setup

Traxxas TQ Radio Systems

Before attempting to program your EVX-2, it is important to make

sure your TQ transmitter is properly adjusted (set back to the factory

defaults). Otherwise, you may not get the best performance from your

speed control.

The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:

1. Set the throttle neutral switch to the 50/50 setting. This adjusts the

transmitter’s throttle trigger throw to 50% for throttle and 50% for

braking and reverse. Experienced users may wish to use the 70/30

setting if more broad proportional control is desired in forward

than with braking and reverse. This might be desirable in a racing

environment where reverse is disabled.

2. Set the throttle trim control to the middle “0” setting.

3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position.

Do not change the position of any of the servo reversing switches

after programming the EVX-2.

4. You are now ready to program your speed control.

Aftermarket (Non-Traxxas) Transmitters

The following instructions are provided as a general reference

only for those who are using non-Traxxas transmitters. Consult

your transmitter’s instructions for information on how to change

the settings.

1. Set the High ATV (adjustable travel volume) or EPA (end point

adjustment) to the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo

throw at full throttle.

2. Set the Low ATV, EPA or ATL (low side only trim adjustment) to

the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full

brakes or reverse.

3. Set the throttle trim to the middle (neutral setting).

4. Set the throttle channel reversing switch to either position.

Do not change the switch position after programming.

5. Set the trigger throw adjustment to 50% throttle and 50% brake

(either mechanical or electronic).

6. Set the exponential setting (if equipped) to the zero or fully

linear setting.

Aftermarket Receivers

The EVX-2 is compatible with most aftermarket

receivers. By removing the tab on the edge

of the power connecter, the EVX-2 can be

plugged directly into some models of Futaba®,

Airtronics®

, Hitec®, and JR® receivers. Please

refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams

that came with your receiver. On the EVX-2,

the red wire is positive, the black wire is

negative, and the white wire is the control wire. Warning: On some

older Airtronics® radio systems, the positive and negative terminals are

opposite of the EVX-2 and an adapter is required. Crossing the red (+)

and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the EVX-2. Study the

manufacturer’s wiring diagrams closely, or consult your hobby dealer.

Setup Programming

EVX-2 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 battery, wait a few seconds, plug the battery back in,

and start over.

1. Disconnect each of the motor wires between

the EVX-2 and the motors. This is a precaution

to prevent runaway when the speed control is

turned on before it is programmed.

2. Connect two fully charged

battery packs to the EVX-2.

3. Turn on the transmitter (with the

throttle at neutral).

4. Press and hold the EZ-Set

button (A). The LED will rst turn

green and then red. Release the

EZ-Set button.

5. When the LED blinks RED ONCE.

Pull the throttle trigger to the

full throttle position and hold it

there (B).

6. When the LED blinks RED TWICE. Push the throttle

trigger to the full reverse and hold it there (C).

7. When the LED turns solid GREEN, programming is

complete. The LED will continuously shine green

indicating the EVX-2 is on and at neutral (D).

EVX-2 Operation

To operate the speed control and test the programming, place the

vehicle on a stable block or stand so all of the driven wheels or propellers

are off the ground. Reconnect the motor wires. Always

make sure that objects and ngers are clear of the wheels.

1. With the transmitter on, press the EZ-Set button for ½ second, until

the LED shines GREEN, then immediately release the button. This turns

on the EVX-2. If you press and release too quickly, you may hear the

steering servo jump but the LED may not stay on. Press the button again

until the LED shines GREEN and then release. (Note: If the throttle is not

at neutral or if the throttle trim has been altered, the LED will turn off

after one second and the wheels may begin to drive.)

2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn off until full throttle power

is reached. At full throttle, the led will shine GREEN.

3. Move the trigger forward to apply the brakes. Note that braking

control is fully proportional. The LED will turn off until full braking

power is reached. At full brakes, the LED will shine GREEN.

4. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. The LED will shine GREEN.

5. Move the throttle trigger forward again to engage reverse (Prole #1).

The LED will turn off. Once full reverse power is reached, the LED will

shine GREEN.

6. To stop, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Note that there is no

programmed delay when changing from reverse to forward. Use

caution to avoid slamming the speed control from reverse to forward.

On high-traction surfaces, this could result in transmission or driveline

damage.

7. To turn the EVX-2 off, press the EZ-Set button until the green LED

turns off.

Thermal Shutdown Protection

The EVX-2 is equipped with thermal shutdown protection to guard

against overheating caused by excessive current ow. If the operating

temperature exceeds safe limits, the EVX-2 will automatically shut down

and the EVX-2 LED will ash red. The LED on the face of the EVX-2 will

continuously ash red, even if the throttle trigger is moved back and

forth. After the speed control cools down to a safe level,

the LED will continuously shine green. The EVX-2 will once again

function normally.

EVX-2 Profile Selection

The speed control is factory set to Prole #1. To change the prole,

follow the steps on described below. The speed control should be

connected to the receiver and battery, and the transmitter should be

adjusted as described previously. The proles are selected by entering

the programming mode.

EVX-2 Prole Description

Prole #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse

Prole #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse

Prole #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse

Selecting Sport Mode (Prole #1)

1. Connect two fully charged battery

packs to the EVX-2 and turn on

your transmitter.

2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold

the EZ-Set button until the light

turns solid green, then solid red and

then begins blinking red (indicating

the Prole numbers).

3. When the light blinks red once,

release the EZ-Set button.

4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.

Selecting Race Mode (Prole #2)

1. Connect two fully charged battery

packs to the EVX-2 and turn on

your transmitter.

2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold

the EZ-Set button until the light turns

solid green, then solid red and then

begins blinking red (indicating the

Prole numbers).

3. When the light blinks red twice,

release the EZ-Set button.

4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.

Selecting Training Mode

(Prole #3)

1. Connect two fully charged battery

packs to the EVX-2 and turn on

your transmitter.

2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold

the EZ-Set button until the light turns

solid green, then solid red and then

begins blinking red (indicating the

Prole numbers).

3. When the light blinks red three

times, release the EZ-Set button.

4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.

Note: If you missed the mode you wanted, keep the EZ-Set button

pressed down and the blink cycle will repeat until a Mode is selected.

*patent pending

Green then Red

Once Red

Twice Red

Solid Green

One blink Red

Green to Red to Off

Solid Green

Release

Two blinks Red

Green to Red to Off

Solid Green

Release

Three blinks Red

Green to Red to Off

Solid Green

Release

080211 EVX-2 INST Sheet.indd 2 2/11/08 11:36:42 AM