Installation; Transmitter Setup; Profile Selection; Setup Programming - Traxxas XL-5 Instructions

Installation

The XL-5 provides multiple options for installation in many Traxxas models
equipped with either a mechanical speed control or the XL-1 ESC.
Rustler / Bandit / Stampede: The most secure option is to use the mounting
base sold separately as part #3625. It attaches to the chassis in the original
speed control location. Attach the XL-5 to the plate using the screw boss
on each side of the case. Installation in the Stampede requires Traxxas part
#3625 or aftermarket equivalent.
For installations without part #3625, the
XL-5 can be installed in the chassis as shown
in the photo with double-sided servo tape
(Traxxas Rustler model shown). The screw
bosses will need to be cut from the case with
a pair of side cutters to allow the XL-5 to fit in
the chassis side pod. The screw bosses may
need to be removed for installation in non-
Traxxas models as well. Note: The XL-5 is a
direct bolt-on in some Traxxas models (such
as the Slash).
For more details about XL-5 installation
in specific Traxxas models, please visit
the how-to section of our website at
www.Traxxas.com/support.
Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control:
• The XL-5 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 motor requires capacitors to reduce the possibility of radio
interference. If your motor is not equipped with capacitors, install the
capacitors supplied with the XL-5 as shown in the diagram below.

Transmitter Setup

Traxxas TQ Radio Systems
Before attempting to program your XL-5, 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 XL-5.
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 XL-5 is compatible with most aftermarket
receivers. By removing the tab on the edge of
the power connecter, the XL-5 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 XL-5, 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 XL-5 and an adapter is required. Crossing the
red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the XL-5. Study
the manufacturer's wiring diagrams closely, or consult your hobby dealer.

Setup Programming

The XL-5 must be programmed to work with the transmitter. The XL-5 has
to learn where the neutral, full throttle, and full brake (reverse) points are
located on the throttle trigger. Programming is accomplished by pressing
the EZ-Set* button on the ESC in sequence with the signals from the
flashing LED. Read through all of the 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. The default profile is Sport Mode (Profile #1), which has 100%
forward, 100% brakes, 100% reverse. You can change the profile later after
setup is complete.
1. Disconnect one of the motor wires between the XL-5 and the motor.
This is a precaution to prevent runaway when the speed control is
turned on for the first time (before it is programmed). The motor does
not run during the programming sequence. If the motor wires are
soldered you may leave them connected, but make sure to enter the
programming mode directly (step 4) to avoid a runaway.
2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the XL-5.
3. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral
as described above).
4. Press and hold the EZ-Set* button. The LED will first
turn green and then red. Once the LED turns red,
immediately release the EZ-Set* button. The red LED
Green then Red
will turn off after three seconds.
5. Next, the LED will blink RED ONCE.
Pull the throttle trigger to the full
throttle position and hold it there.
6. After three seconds, the LED
Once Red
will blink RED TWICE. Push
the throttle trigger to the full
reverse/brake position and
hold it there.
7. Finally, the LED will turn
Twice Red
solid GREEN, indicating the
programming sequence is complete. The LED
continuously shines green indicating the XL-5 is on
and at neutral.
8. To turn the XL-5 off, press the EZ-Set* button until
the green LED turns off.
XL-5 Operation
To operate the speed control and test the programming, reconnect the
motor wires and place the vehicle on a stable block or stand so that all of
the driven wheels are off the ground.
1. With the transmitter on, press the EZ-Set* button for / second or until
1
2
the LED shines GREEN, then immediately release the button. This turns
the XL-5 on. If you press and release too quickly, you may hear the
steering servo jump but the LED may not stay on. Simply 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 (Profile #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 XL-5 off, press and hold the EZ-Set* button for 1
until the green LED turns off.
8. The XL-5 is equipped with thermal shutdown protection to guard
against overheating caused by excessive current flow. If the operating
temperature exceeds safe limits, the XL-5 will automatically shut down.
The LED on the face of the XL-5 will continuously shine green, even if the
throttle trigger is moved back and forth. Once the temperature returns
to a safe level, the XL-5 will once again function normally. See the
Troubleshooting Guide for conditions that could cause the XL-5
to overheat.
* SET button on some 3018 XL-5 models

Profile Selection

The speed control is factory set to Sport Mode (100% forward, brakes, and
reverse). To disable reverse (Race Mode) or to allow 50% power (patent
pending Training Mode), follow these steps. The speed control should
be connected to the receiver and the transmitter adjusted as described
previously. The profiles are selected by entering the programming mode.
Profile Description
Sport Mode (Profile #1): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Race Mode (Profile #2): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Training Mode (Profile #3): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
Sport Mode (Profile #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse)
1. With the ESC off and the
A
battery plugged in, turn on the
transmitter with the throttle
at neutral.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set*
Green to Red to Off
button. The LED will turn green,
then change to red and then C
turn off. Continue holding the
EZ-Set* button (A).
3. When the LED blinks red ONCE
(B), release the EZ-Set* button (C).
Solid Green
Release
4. The LED will turn solid GREEN
(D), indicating the profile programming is complete.
Race Mode (Profile #2: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse)
1. With the ESC off and the
A
battery plugged in, turn on
the transmitter with the throttle
at neutral.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set*
button. The LED will turn green, Green to Red to Off
then change to red and then
C
turn off. Continue holding the
EZ-Set* button (A).
3. When the LED blinks red TWICE
(B), release the EZ-Set* button (C).
Release
4. The LED will turn solid GREEN
(D), indicating the profile programming is complete.
Training Mode † (Profile #3: 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse)
This profile is provided to reduce the power output allowing beginning
drivers to better control the model. As driving skills improve, simply
change to profile #1 or #2 for full-power operation.
1. With the ESC off and the
A
battery plugged in, turn on the
transmitter with the throttle
at neutral.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set*
Green to Red to Off
button. The LED will turn green,
then change to red and then
C
turn off. Continue holding the
/ seconds or
1
2 EZ-Set* button (A).
3. When the LED blinks red THREE
times (B), release the set
Release
button (C).
4. The LED will turn solid GREEN (D), indicating the profile programming
is complete .
B
One blink Red
D
Solid Green
B
Two blinks Red
D
Solid Green
B
Three blinks Red
D
Solid Green
†patent pending