Traxxas SportMaxx 5110 User manual

SportMaxx
Owner
’
s
Manual
Model
5110
Traxxas Corporation, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, Texas 75074, Phone: [phone], Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Traxxas U.K., P.O. Box 1128, Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH, England, Phone: [phone]
Internet: www.Traxxas.com, www.T-Maxx.com

Traxxas Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
1100 Klein Road
Plano, Texas 75074
Phone:[phone]
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Traxxas U.K.
P. O. Box 1128
Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH
England
Phone: [phone]
Internet
www.Traxxas.com
www.MaxxTrucks.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
Entire contents ©2003Traxxas Corporation.Traxxas,SportMaxx,
TRX 2.5, TQ-3,Top Fuel, EZ-Start, Ready-To-Race and ProGraphix
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Corporation.
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.
020802
2

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas SportMaxx nitro monster
truck. Traxxas engineers focused on the essentials of
performance by putting plenty of horsepower in a lighter
weight, more agile monster.The new wide Maxx suspension
features multiple shock mounting adjustments, adjustable ride
height, and powerful 4-wheel disk braking.The transmission is
lean and mean with extremely low rotational mass for faster
throttle response, and quicker acceleration. Rear wheel drive
further improves the horsepower-to-weight ratio for exciting
racing action. The SportMaxx is a serious, performance-minded
machine for a new breed of driving enthusiast. Down the road,
SportMaxx is completely upgradeable to full T-Maxx
specification with optional kits for reverse, 4-wheel drive, and
two-speed operation. A three-channel radio system is already
installed to make upgrades easy. Plus nothing has more
accessories and customization options than a Traxxas
Maxx truck!
The SportMaxx’s new TRX 2.5 Racing Engine™is the most
powerful engine of its size ever available in a Ready-To-Run
truck. Two years of engineering development and advanced
design, along with thousands of hours of testing, puts the TRX
2.5 in a class by itself. Each part of the TRX 2.5 - from the air filter
on the slide carburetor, to the tip on the dyno-tuned exhaust
system - has been carefully engineered to provide maximum
power over the broadest RPM range.
Traxxas was the first with standard on-board electric starting.
The new second generation EZ-Start has evolved into an
incredibly advanced and reliable starting solution, featuring
thermal protection for the motor and built-in diagnostics to
monitor the condition of the glow plug.
Obviously, there’s much going on between the wheels of your
SportMaxx. In this manual, we’ll take you step-by-step through
all necessary set-up, break-in, tuning, and operating procedures.
Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it is
important for you to read and follow the procedures in this
manual. Pay particular attention to the fuel requirements
and break-in procedures. The advanced design of the TRX
2.5 racing engine does not follow old-fashioned thinking
regarding fuel and break-in procedures.
4Before You Proceed
5Safety Precautions
6Tools, Supplies
and Required
Equipment
7Anatomy of the
SportMaxx
8Quick Start: Getting
Up to Speed
9Gluing the Tires
10 Decorating
Your SportMaxx
11 The Traxxas TQ-3
Radio System
21 The TRX 2.5
racing engine
37 Driving the
SportMaxx
38 Adjusting
Your SportMaxx
41 Trouble Shooting
Your SportMaxx
43 Maintaining
and Storing
Your SportMaxx
45 Index
3

Before You Proceed
Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any
accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your
SportMaxx. Failure to follow these instructions will be
considered abuse and/or neglect.
Before running your SportMaxx, look over this entire manual,
and examine the truck carefully. If for some reason you decide
the SportMaxx is not what you wanted, then do not continue
any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a
SportMaxx for return or exchange after it has been run.
Warnings, helpful hints, and 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 SportMaxx 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 SportMaxx 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 8:30
am to 9:00pm central time.Technical assistance is also available
at www.Traxxas.com.You may also e-mail customer support
with your question at [e-mail]. Join thousands of
Traxxas R/C enthusiasts in our online community at
www.ReadyToRun.org
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, or you can save
shipping and handling costs by purchasing them from your
local hobby dealer.
4

All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new
SportMaxx. Operate your SportMaxx sensibly and with care, and
it will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you.
Failure to operate your SportMaxx 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
R/C fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous. Always follow all
directions and precautions printed on the fuel container.
R/C fuel, especially when in a fuel dispensing bottle, may
look like a cool drink to a child. Keep all fuel out of the reach
of children at all times. Do not place fuel containers on the
ground where children can get to them while you are
driving.
R/C fuel is flammable. Never allow smoking, sparks, heat or
flame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors.
The engine and exhaust system may become extremely hot
during use. Be careful not to touch the parts, especially when
refueling or stopping the engine.
Prolonged exposure to the engine exhaust can be harmful.
Avoid breathing the engine exhaust. Always run your
SportMaxx outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Never run the
engine indoors.
Don’t operate your SportMaxx at night, or anytime your line of
sight to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
Never operate your SportMaxx in crowds of people or busy
pedestrian areas.The SportMaxx is large and fast, and may
cause injury to those unaware of its presence.
Because the SportMaxx is controlled by radio, it is subject to
radio interference from many sources beyond your control.
Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of
control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around
your model to prevent collisions.
The engine can be loud. If the noise makes you
uncomfortable, wear ear protection. Be considerate of your
neighbors by not running your model early in the morning
or late in the evening.
Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.
▼▼ ▼▼
▼▼▼▼ ▼▼
All instructions
and precautions
outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your
SportMaxx.
The SportMaxx is
not intended for
use by those under 16
years of age without the
supervision of a
responsible and
knowledgeable adult.
5
Safety Precautions

Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment
Your SportMaxx 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.
For more info on
batteries, see Use
the Right Batteries
on page 13.
A peak-detecting
charger is
recommended for
best performance and
longest battery life. For
more information, see Use
the Right Charger on page
30.
12 AA alkaline batteries for the radio system
7.2-volt NiCad battery pack for the
EZ-Start starting system
NiCad battery charger
Traxxas Top Fuel™
10% quart - #5010 • 20% quart - #5020
10% gallon - #5060 • 20% gallon- #5070
Fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas part #5001)
TRAXXAS
1.5mm hex wrench
2.0mm hex wrench
Glow plug (universal) wrench
Turnbuckle wrenches
Batteries
Fuel
Supplied Tools
Your SportMaxx comes with these specialty metric tools:
Other Required Tools and Supplies
Thin, hobby-quality cyanoacrylate
instant tire glue (often called CA glue)
Safety glasses
#2 Phillips screwdriver
After-run oil (WD-40™) to protect
the engine from corrosion
#1 Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver (1/8 inch blade)
Filter oil (for the foam air filter)
see page 27 for details
Hobby knife
6
U-Joint wrench

Anatomy of the SportMaxx
Battery
Box
Fuel
Tank
Fuel Tank
Lid
Steering
Servo
Suspension
Arm (upper)
Bumper
(Front)
Bumper
Mount
Skid Plate
(front)
Cross-brace
Shock
(Oil Damper)
Turnbuckle
Throttle/Brake
Servo
Receiver
Box
Transmission
Air
Filter
Pipe
Header Engine
see pg. 20 for details
Pressure Line
Fuel Line
EZ-Start
Motor
EZ-Start
Plug
Bulkhead
Shock
Tower
Body
Mount
Spur
Gear
Chassis
7
Slipper
Clutch
Half Shaft
On/Off
Switch
Access Plug
for Receiver Crystal
Antenna
Mount
Pipe
Hanger

The following guide is an overview of the
procedures for getting your SportMaxx running,
from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine.
Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for the
Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages.
1. Charge the battery pack • See sidebar, page 30
The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt
battery pack (not included).
2. Get the right fuel • See page 26
Use Traxxas Top Fuel™ or consult with Traxxas
before using other fuels.
3. Glue the tires • See page 9
Glue the tires to the rims to prevent the rims
from spinning inside the tires.
4. Install the antenna • See page 15
Install the antenna mast in the SportMaxx.
5. Decal and Install the body • See page 10
You will need to use the body during the break-in
process so it’s best to decal it before you use it on
the truck.
6. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 13
The SportMaxx requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable
batteries for the transmitter.
7. Install batteries in the model • See page 14
The SportMaxx requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable
batteries for the receiver.
8. Install the EZ-Start battery • See page 30
Install and connect the 7.2-volt battery pack in
the EZ-Start controller.
9. Turn on the radio system • See page 18
Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first, and off last.
10. Check servo operation • See page 19
Make sure the throttle and steering servos are working
correctly.
11. Range test the radio system • See page 20
Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system
works properly at a distance and that there is no
interference from outside sources.
12. Fill the fuel tank • See page 26
Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to fill the tank.
13. Connect the EZ-Start to the model • See page 31
Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric starting
system
14. Start the engine • See page 32
Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2.5.
15. Break-in your engine • See page 32
Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure the best-
performing, longest-lasting engine.
16. Tune your engine • See page 34
Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum
engine performance.
17. Drive your SportMaxx • See page 37
Driving tips and adjustments for your SportMaxx
18. Maintaining your SportMaxx • See page 43
Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance
of your SportMaxx and keep it in excellent running
condition.
The Quick Start
Guide is not
intended to
replace the full operating
instructions available in
this manual. Please read
this entire manual for
complete instructions
on the proper use and
maintenance of
your SportMaxx.
Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
8

The tires on your SportMaxx must be glued to the rims using CA
tire glue to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires.You
can glue the tires without removing the wheels from the truck.
For clarity, these instructions show the process with the wheels
removed.
1. Remove a wheel from the
SportMaxx using the larger
(8mm) end of the glow plug
(universal) wrench.
2. Use your thumb to push the
side of the tire away from the
rim. Place one or two drops of
CA glue into the opening and
release the tire. Capillary
action will draw the glue
around the bead of the tire.
3. Repeat step two at four or five points around the rim, until the
tire is completely secured to the rim.Turn the rim over and
repeat the process for the inside of the rim/tire. Repeat for the
other 3 wheels.
4. Reinstall the wheels, making
sure none of the axle pins
have fallen out from behind
the hex hubs.
Always wear safety
glasses to prevent
glue from splattering
into your eyes.
The acetone in
fingernail polish
remover will
remove excess glue from
your fingers.
For best results
while gluing, clean
the bead of the tires
and the grooves of the
wheels with denatured
alcohol before applying
glue. This removes any mold
release agent residue from
the tires and wheels,
providing a better bond.
Gluing The Tires
9
Hub
Axle Pin

Decorating Your SportMaxx
Applying The Decals
The ProGraphix painted
body is covered with a
protective film for shipping.
You must remove this film
before applying any decals.
To remove the film, lift a
corner of the film and
carefully pull it off the body
in one continuous piece.
Your SportMaxx decals are
die-cut for easy removal. Use
a hobby knife to lift the
corner of a decal and lift it
from the backing.
Carefully position the decal
over the desired location
and press one side on the
body. Pull the decal tight
and use a finger to gradually
smooth out any air bubbles
as you apply the decal.
Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.
10

11
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Your SportMaxx (model 5110) is equipped with the TQ-3 Radio
System.The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides high-power
output up to a quarter mile and control for up to three servos.
The SportMaxx makes use of two channels for throttle/brake and
steering.The third channel is reserved for future upgrades with
optional reverse module and third shifting servo (available
separately).
CH.3 CH.2 CH.1
Antenna
Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel
Throttle Trim
Steering Trim
3rd Channel
Switch*
Power Switch Power Indicator
Battery Compartment
Servo
Reversing
Switches
Throttle Trigger
SportMaxx Wiring
Diagram
Antenna On/Off
Switch
Black
Negative
Red
Positive
Receiver
4-Cell
Battery Holder
Channel 1
Steering Servo
Channel 2
Throttle Servo
Channel 3
Channel 2
Channel 1
Battery
*
*Reserved for optional shift servo and reversing module
Your SportMaxx can
be outfitted with full
reversing capability
by installing the optional
reverse module (sold
separately).

Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-
system terms.They will be used throughout this manual.
Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6
channels so that up to six models can be operated
simultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its flag color and
channel number, as shown below.
Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make sure
nobody else in your area is operating on the same channel.
Always clear your frequency by calling out your channel
number before operating your model. Wait or move to
another area if your channel is already being used.
Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines which
channel the radio system will operate on. For each channel,
there are two crystals, one for the receiver and one for the
transmitter. Of those two crystals, the one marked with the
lower number (.455 MHz lower) must be inserted into the
receiver.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter
to send signals to your SportMaxx. All Traxxas RTR models
operate on a 27 MHz frequency band.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek
when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Refers to rechargeable, nickel-cadmium batteries. The
most economical choice, since they may be recharged up to
500 times.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your SportMaxx that receives
signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your SportMaxx that operate the
throttle and steering mechanisms.
Three-channel radio system - The TQ-3 radio system,
consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos.The
system uses three channels: one to operate the throttle, one to
operate the steering, and a third channel which is reserved for
shifting with optional reverse module (sold separately).
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your SportMaxx.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobs
on the face of the transmitter.
Channel Frequency Band Flag Color Traxxas Part No.
1 26.995 Brown 2031
2 27.045 Red 2032
3 27.095 Orange 2033
4 27.145 Yellow 2034
5 27.195 Green 2035
6 27.255 Blue 2036
Learn terms related
to the TRX 2.5
racing engine
beginning on page 23.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
12

13
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Installing Transmitter Batteries
Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries.The battery
compartment is located at the base of the transmitter.
1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the
tab and lifting the door up.
2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated
in the battery compartment.
3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.
4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator for
a solid red light.
If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitter
batteries are 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
receiver batteries in the model.
Use the Right Batteries
Your transmitter and receiver
use AA batteries. Use new
alkaline batteries, or
rechargeable batteries such as
NiCad or Ni-MH (nickel-metal
hydride) batteries in your
transmitter and receiver. 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 much more quickly than
regular alkaline batteries.
Caution: Discontinue
running your SportMaxx at
the first sign of weak
batteries (flashing red light)
to avoid losing control.
If the power indicator
doesn’t light red, check
the polarity of the
batteries. Check rechargeable
batteries for a full charge.
CH.3 CH.2 CH.1

Installing Receiver Batteries
The radio receiver in your SportMaxx uses 4 AA batteries.The
battery holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath the
battery cover.The battery cover can be identified by the on/off
switch.
1. Remove the battery cover by removing the two 3x10mm
roundhead self-tapping screws from the cover.
2. Remove the battery holder and install 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Make careful note of the battery polarity by comparing
against the diagrams in the battery holder.
3. Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.
4. Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the screws
(see sidebar!).
On/Off
Switch
4-cell
battery
holder
Direct the battery
wires through the
slot in the battery
cover. If the wires are not
properly routed, they may
become broken or shorted,
causing radio system
failure and loss of control.
If you use rechargeable
batteries in your receiver,
be aware that when they
begin to lose their charge,
they lose power much more
quickly than regular
alkaline batteries. Signs of
weak receiver batteries
include sluggish steering
response and shortened
radio range. Caution:
Discontinue running your
SportMaxx at the first sign
of weak batteries to avoid
losing control.
If the radio system
doesn’t appear to
work when the
transmitter and receiver
switches are turned on,
check for correct battery
installation.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
14

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
15
Spray a little window
cleaner on the
antenna wire to
make it easier to push
through the antenna tube.
Don’t shorten the
length of the
antenna wire. Its
length is tuned to the
frequency band; cutting it
could severely shorten the
radio system’s range.
Don’t push the
transmitter antenna
down from the top.
Pull it down from the
bottom, one segment at a
time, to prevent binding and
kinking the antenna mast.
Setting Up the Antenna
You must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate
your SportMaxx. You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in
the bag with your manuals and documentation.
1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver cover.
The SportMaxx receiver cover is mounted on the top of the
chassis, near the front.
2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers and then insert the
end of the wire into one end of the antenna tube. Push the
wire all the way through the antenna tube.
3. Pull the remaining wire through the antenna tube, and then
insert the base of the antenna tube into the molded post on
top of the receiver cover.
4. Fold the remaining antenna wire over the top of the tube
and secure it with the antenna tip.
5. On the transmitter, always fully extend the telescoping
antenna when running your SportMaxx. Make a habit
of holding the transmitter so that the antenna points
straight up.
Antenna Tip
Antenna Tube

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
CH.3 CH.2 CH.1
ACCELERATE BRAKE
L
E
F
T
NEUTRAL
R
I
G
H
T
TQ-3 Radio System Controls
16
Other TQ-3 Radio System Adjustments
In addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls,
your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment and
servo reversing switches.
Throttle Neutral Adjustment
The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter
face and controls the forward/brake 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 braking.
70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%) and less
brake travel (30%).
50/50 is the required setting for the SportMaxx with
the TRX 2.5 racing engine.
Electronic Throttle Trim
The electronic throttle trim located on the face of the
transmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the throttle
servo when the servo is at rest.This control has been preset for
you at the factory. If necessary, adjust the control so that the
carburetor is at idle, and the brakes are not applied (the model
▼▼

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
17
will roll freely). Do not use the throttle trim to raise or lower the
engine idle speed. Make the idle speed adjustment on the
carburetor.
Electronic Steering Trim
The electronic steering trim located on the face of the
transmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the steering
servo when the servo is at rest. Adjust this control to make the
model drive straight with no steering input at the wheel.
Servo Reversing Switches
The servo reversing switches are located on the front of the
transmitter, next to the on/off switch. Moving a switch reverses
the direction of the corresponding servo.
Each switch corresponds to a channel, as shown below. For
example, if you turn the steering wheel to the right and your
front wheels turn left, you would move the channel 1 switch to
correct the servo direction. It may be necessary to adjust the
corresponding trim control after moving a switch.
CH.3 CH.2 CH.1
Channel Servo
1Steering
2Throttle and braking
3(Available for future use.)

TQ-3 Radio System Rules
Each time you prepare to run your
SportMaxx, you must clear your
frequency to be sure no one else in the
area is using the same channel as you.
There are six possible channels,
numbered 1 through 6. Each is
represented by a color. Look at the
crystal plugged into the back of your
transmitter to determine which channel
your truck is assigned to.
Always turn your TQ-3 transmitter on first and off last. This
procedure will help to prevent your SportMaxx from
receiving stray signals from another transmitter, or other
source, and running out of control.
Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before
you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while
the engine is running.The on/off switch in the model only
turns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine.
Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio
system. Weak batteries will limit the range of the radio signal
between the receiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radio
signal can cause you to lose control of your SportMaxx.
▼
▼▼ ▼
Channel 1
Brown
Channel 2
Red
Channel 3
Orange
Channel 4
Yellow
Channel 5
Green
Channel 6
Blue
CH.3 CH.2 CH.1
123
Remember, always
turn the TQ-3
transmitter on first
and off last to avoid
damage to your
SportMaxx.
18
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Using the TQ-3 Radio System
The TQ-3 Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory.The
adjustment should be checked, before running the model, in
case of movement during shipping. Here’s how:
1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitter
and turn the switch on.The red indicator light on the
transmitter should be solid red (not flashing).
2. Turn on the receiver switch in the model.The switch is
located on the battery cover.
3. Position the SportMaxx so that its front wheels are off the
ground.
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 receiver
batteries.
5. When looking down at model, the front wheels should be
pointing straight ahead. If the wheels are turned slightly to
the left or right, slowly adjust the steering trim control on the
transmitter until they are pointing straight ahead.
6. Operate the throttle trigger on the transmitter and check for
rapid operation of the throttle servo.When the throttle
trigger is pulled back, the carburetor should open.When the
throttle trigger is pushed all the way forward, the brake
should lock.
7. Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your
SportMaxx, followed by the handheld transmitter.
Throttle/Brake
Servo
Throttle
Brake
Steering
Servo
0°0°
SportMaxx Servo
Operation
When the engine
is running, don’t
use the throttle
trim on the transmitter to
adjust the engine idle
speed. Instead, use the
idle speed adjustment on
the carburetor.
Because your
SportMaxx
features zero-
scrub-radius suspension
and wide tires, the
steering servo will not
fully turn the front wheels
when the vehicle is not
moving.
19

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Range-Testing the TQ-3 Radio System
Before each running session with your SportMaxx, 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 (Using Your Radio System, pages 17- 19).
2. Have friend hold the model with the engine off.
3. Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully extended, 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.
Don’t attempt to
operate your
SportMaxx if there
are any problems with your
radio system or radio
interference at your
location.
20