Traxxas 70054-1 User manual

owner’ s manual
MODEL 70054-1

2 •1/16 SLASH 4WD
3BEFORE YOU
PROCEED
3SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
5TOOLS, SUPPLIES,
AND REQUIRED
EQUIPMENT
6ANATOMY OF THE
1/16 SLASH 4WD
7QUICK START:
GETTING UP
TO SPEED
8THE TRAXXAS
TQ 2.4GHz RADIO
SYSTEM
16 ADJUSTING THE
ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL
18 DRIVING YOUR MODEL
21 TUNING
ADJUSTMENTS
25 MAINTAINING
YOUR MODEL
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas 1/16 scale model. Your new
model combines proven Traxxas innovations including F1-
inspired, rocker-actuated suspension, waterproof electronics,
and a monocoque-style chassis for outstanding handling and
incredible speed and power. Your Traxxas model is designed for
high-performance driving, with balanced weight distribution,
lightweight and high-strength materials, and the precise
engineering that is the hallmark of all Traxxas vehicles.
This manual contains the instructions you will need to operate and
maintain your model so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
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 know you’re excited about getting your new model on the
road or trail, but it’s very important that you take some time to
read through the Owner’s Manual. This manual contains all the
necessary setup 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.
Thank you again for going with Traxxas. We work hard every day to
assure you the highest level of customer satisfaction possible. We
truly want you to enjoy your new model!
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 7 to begin.
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.
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

1/16 SLASH 4WD • 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!
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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
• Your model is not intended for use on public roads or congested areas where
its operation can conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
• Never, under any circumstances, operate the model in crowds of
people. Your model is very fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide
with anyone.
• 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 losses of radio control, always allow a safety margin in all
directions around the model in order to prevent collisions.
• The motor, battery, and speed control can become hot during use. Be careful
to avoid getting burned.
• Don’t operate your model at night, or anytime your line of sight to the model
may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
• Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.
Speed Control
• Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the battery from the speed
control when not in use.
• 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 heat sink can get extremely hot, so be careful not to
touch it until it is cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
• Use Stock Connectors: If you decide to change the battery
or motor 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 connectors with no reverse-polarity protection on the speed
control will void the product’s warranty.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring with heat
shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
• 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
Traxxas
6200 Traxxas Way,
McKinney, Texas 75070
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Internet
Traxxas.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Entire contents ©2015 Traxxas.
Traxxas, Ready-To-Race, Ready-
To-Win, Titan, 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 •1/16 SLASH 4WD
This model is not intended
for use by children under
14 years of age without the
supervision of a responsible
and knowledgeable adult.
All instructions and
precautions outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your model.
No previous experience with radio
controlled models is required.
Models require a minimum of setup,
maintenance, or support equipment.
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.
• No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible with
reversing speed controls. Using a Schottky diode will damage the electronic
speed control (ESC) and void the 30-day warranty.
• Using Two Batteries: When using two batteries, the batteries must be
connected in parallel. Never connect two batteries in series, this will cause the
ESC to fail. See page 12 for more information.
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 that were provided with the battery packs and your charger. 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.
• Use the supplied charger to charge the included battery.
See “Charging the Battery Pack” on page 11.
• 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).
• 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.
• Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and
handling batteries.
• 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 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 burn or puncture the batteries. Toxic materials could be released. If eye
or skin contact occurs, flush with water.
• Do not expose the charger to water or moisture.
• Do not disassemble the charger.
• Store the battery pack in a dry location, away from heat sources and direct
sunlight.
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries must be recycled or disposed of
properly.
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 14 use or
handle LiPo battery packs without the supervision of a knowledgeable and
responsible adult.
The XL-2.5 speed control is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not
to exceed 7.4 volts (2S packs). LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge
voltage threshold that should not be exceeded. The XL-2.5 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. 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 products.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHARGE LIPO BATTERIES OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF
BATTERY WITH THE INCLUDED TRAXXAS CHARGER.
If you have questions about LiPo battery usage, please consult with your local
hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer.
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.
Skill Level = Myriad Semi Bold
1 2 3 3+ 4 5
bluehighway font
For Expert Drivers
Choose the Model That is Right For You. For individual Models
No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.
Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. These
models are capable of high speeds, requiring experienced driving control.
Models require detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required
support equipment.
Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory.
These models are capable of very high speeds and require an even higher
level of skilled driving control. Models require detailed setup, and/or mainte-
nance procedures with required support equipment.
For Expert Drivers Only. This product is capable of extreme speed
and acceleration! It carries our highest skill level rating and is intended
for expert drivers only. Experience with nitro-powered radio controlled
models is required!
Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.
Models require a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.
Model requires a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. This model is
capable of high speeds, requiring experienced driving control. Model requires
detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with required support
equipment.
Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory. This model is
capable of very high speeds and requires an even higher level of skilled driving
control. Model requires detailed setup, and/or maintenance procedures with
required support equipment.
For Expert Drivers Only. This product is capable of extreme speed
and acceleration! It carries our highest skill level rating and is intended
for expert drivers only. Experience with nitro-powered radio controlled
models is required!
Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.
Model requires a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
BELOW TEXT HAS BEEN UPDATED on 3-14-07
Kent wants maintenance text to be at the END of the paragraph.-- KB
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1/16 SLASH 4WD • 5
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
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.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
(sold separately)
Recommended Equipment
These items are not required
for the operation of your
model, but are a good idea to
include in any R/C toolbox:
• Safety glasses
• Traxxas Ultra Premium Tire
Glue, Part #6468 (CA glue)
• Hobby knife
• Side cutters and/or needle
nose pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Soldering iron
For more information on
batteries, see Use the Right
Batteries on page 11.
SUPPLIED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
2.0mm “T” wrench 4-way wrench2.5mm ball driver wrench1.5mm “L” wrench
Body clips6-cell 2/3A NiMH battery
TRAXXAS
NiMH battery charger
APPLYING THE DECALS
The main decals for your model
have been applied at the factory.
Additional decals are printed on
self-adhesive clear mylar and are
die-cut for easy removal. Use a
hobby knife to lift the corner of a
decal and lift it from the backing.
To apply the decals, place one end
down, hold the other end up, and
gradually smooth the decal down
with your finger as you go. This will
prevent air bubbles. Placing both
ends of the decal down and then
trying to smooth it out will result in
air pockets.
Look at the photos on the box for
typical decal placement.
DECORATING YOUR MODEL
9
4 AA alkaline
batteries