10
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.
ESC (Electronic Speed Control) - An electronic speed control is
the electronic motor control inside the model. The Villain EX
uses MOSFET power transistors to provide precise, digital
proportional throttle control. Electronic speed controls use
power more efficiently than mechanical speed controls so that
the batteries run longer. An electronic speed control also has
circuitry that prevents loss of steering and throttle control as
the batteries lose their charge.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter
to send signals to your Villain EX. 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 Villain EX that receives
signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servo - Small motor unit in your Villain EX that operate the
steering mechanism.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your Villain EX.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim sliders
on the face of the transmitter.
BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) - The BEC can either be in
the receiver or in the ESC.This circuit allows the receiver and
servos to be powered by the main battery pack in an electric
model.This eliminates the need to carry a separate pack of
4 AA batteries to power the radio equipment.
Thermal Shutdown Protection – Temperature sensing
electronics are used in the ESC to detect overloading and
overheating of the transistor circuitry. If excessive temperature
is detected, the unit automatically shuts down to prevent
damage to the electronics.
One-Touch Setup™- Novak Electronics trademark name for
circuitry inside the EVX electronic speed control that allows it
to adjust to the transmitter settings by pressing a button on
the speed control and operating the transmitter controls (see
page 16 for instructions).
