Traxxas Spartan 57076-1 User manual

MODEL 57076-1
owner’ s manual

2 •SPARTAN
3BEFORE YOU PROCEED
3SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
7ANATOMY OF
THE SPARTAN
8QUICK START:
GETTING UP TO SPEED
9TQ i RADIO & BRUSHLESS
POWER SYSTEM
17 ADJUSTING THE
ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL
19 DRIVING YOUR MODEL
20 ADJUSTING
YOUR MODEL
22 MAINTAINING
YOUR MODEL
24 TROUBLESHOOTING
25 TQ i ADVANCED
TUNING GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
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 TQi 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 dangers 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
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 8 to begin.
REGISTERING YOUR MODEL
In order to serve you better as our customer, please
register your product within 10 days of your purchase
online at Traxxas.com/register.
Traxxas.com/register
FCC Compliance
This device contains a module that complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as described in part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The limits for a Class B digital device are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential settings. This product generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if
not operated in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Canada, Industry Canada (IC)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This
device may not cause interference, and this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with radio frequency exposure limits set forth by FCC and Industry Canada for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of
20 centimeters between the radiator and your body or bystanders and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

SPARTAN •3
BEFORE YOU PROCEED
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.
Warnings, Helpful Hints, & Cross-References
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.
Refers you to a page with a related topic.
SUPPORT
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 [email protected]. Join thousands of registered
members in our online community at Traxxas.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!
Traxxas
6200 Traxxas Way
McKinney, Texas 75070
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Internet
Traxxas.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Entire contents ©2014 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.
*Toll-free support is available to U.S. residents only.
1

4 •SPARTAN
All instructions and
precautions outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your model.
1500
3600
Do not use a
6-cell 7.2V battery in
combination with a
7-cell battery 8.4V pack.
1500
3600
Do not mix battery
capacities. Use two
batteries with the
same capacity.
This model is not intended
for use by children under
14 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
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.
Important Points to Remember
• 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!
• 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,
always 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. The Boat Retrieval section in this manual outlines safer,
alternative methods for boat retrieval.
• Due to the high-performance nature of the electric motor, it can
become 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.
Speed Control
Your model’s electronic speed control (ESC) 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.
• Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the battery or batteries
from the speed control when not in use.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink
tubing to prevent short circuits.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before
switching on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic
performance.
• Don’t Get Burned: The ESC and motor can become extremely hot
during use, so be careful not to touch them until they cool.
• Use the Factory-Installed Stock Connectors: Do not change the
battery and motor connectors. Improper wiring can cause fire or
damage to the ESC. Please note that modified speed controls can
be subject to a rewiring fee when returned for service.
• No Reverse Voltage: The ESC is not protected against reverse
polarity voltage.
• No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible
with reversing speed controls. Using a Schottky diode with your
Traxxas speed control will damage the ESC and void the 30-day
warranty.
• Always adhere to the
minimum and maximum
limitations of the speed
control as stated in the
specifications table in the
Owner’s Manual. If your ESC
operates on two batteries,
do not mix battery types
and capacities. Use the same
voltage and capacity for both batteries. Using mismatched battery
packs could damage the batteries and electronic speed control.
Batteries and Battery Charging
Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with
care for safety and long battery life. Make sure to read and follow
all instructions and precautions for charging and maintaining the
batteries. It is your responsibility to charge and care for the battery
packs properly. In addition to your battery and charger instructions,
here are some more tips to keep in mind.
• Do not charge batteries inside of an automobile. Do not charge
batteries while driving in an automobile. The charger is equipped
with a long cord intended to allow the battery to be charged
outside of an automobile when using the automobile’s auxiliary
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SPARTAN •5
power socket. If the cord will not reach outside of the automobile,
find another power source.
• Never charge batteries on wood, cloth, carpet or on any other
flammable material.
• Do not operate the charger in a cluttered space, or place objects on
top of the charger or battery.
• If a battery gets hot to the touch during the charging process
(temperature greater than 140°F / 60°C), disconnect the battery
from the charger and discontinue charging immediately.
• Always store battery packs safely out of the reach of children and
pets.
• Do not short-circuit the battery pack. This may cause burns and
severe damage to the battery pack and create the risk of fire.
• Do not expose the charger to water or moisture.
• Do not disassemble the charger.
• Use the supplied charger to charge the included battery. See
“Charging the Battery Pack” on page 12.
• Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
• Remove the battery from the model while charging.
• Always unplug the battery from the electronic speed control when
the model is not in use and when it is being stored or transported.
• Allow the battery pack 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.
• 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 Battery
Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell NiMH
battery when it has reached the end of its useful life. Do not throw
your battery in the trash. All Power Cell NiMH 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. Warning: LiPo batteries are intended only for advanced
users that are educated on the risks associated with LiPo battery
use. Traxxas does not recommend that anyone under the age of
16 use or handle LiPo battery packs without the supervision of a
knowledgeable and responsible adult.
Your model is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not
to exceed 11.1 volts (3S packs). LiPo batteries have a minimum
safe discharge voltage threshold that should not be exceeded. The
Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed control is equipped with built-in
Low-Voltage Detection that alerts the driver when LiPo batteries
have reached their minimum voltage (discharge) threshold. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stop immediately to prevent the battery
pack from being discharged below its safe minimum threshold.
Low-Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a
comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use. It is critical for you,
the user, to follow all other instructions supplied by the battery
manufacturer and the charger manufacturer for proper charging,
use, and storage of LiPo batteries. Do not attempt to charge LiPo
batteries with the Traxxas charger included in this package. Make
sure you understand how to use your LiPo batteries. 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, please consult with your local hobby dealer
or contact the battery manufacturer. As a reminder, all batteries
should be recycled at the end of their useful life.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHARGE LIPO BATTERIES OR ANY OTHER TYPE
OF BATTERY WITH THE INCLUDED TRAXXAS CHARGER.