Traxxas XL-5 Instructions

Electronic Speed Control
Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas XL-5
electronic speed control. The XL-5 delivers
smooth, precise, full-proportional control over
your speed in forward and reverse, combined
with powerful and intuitive full-range braking
control. The XL-5 comes with the peace-
#3018R
of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics
Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The XL-5 is not a toy.
It is a sophisticated electronic device capable of delivering large amounts
of current. Children under 14 years of age require adult supervision for
installation, setup, and use of the XL-5.
Specifications:
Input Voltage .............................................................................................. 4-7 cells NiMH; 2S LiPo
Case Size ...................................................................................................1.23"W x 2.18"L x 0.75" H
Weight (#3018R) .........................................................................................2.0 Ounces / 57 grams
Motor Limit ................................................................15-turns (540 Size) / 12-turns (550 Size)
On Resistance Forward ................................................................................................ 0.005 Ohms
On Resistance Reverse ...................................................................................................0.014 Ohms
Peak Current - Forward ...............................................................................................................100A
Peak Current - Reverse .................................................................................................................. 60A
Braking Current................................................................................................................................. 60A
Continuous Current ....................................................................................................................... 15A
BEC Voltage ................................................................................................................................6.0 VDC
BEC Current ...........................................................................................................................................1A
Power Wire .....................................................................................................................14 Gauge / 5"
Input Harness Wire ......................................................................................................26 Gauge / 9"
Transistor Type .........................................................................................................................MOSFET
PWM Frequency .......................................................................................................................1700 Hz
Thermal Protection ......................................................................................... Thermal Shutdown
Single Button Setup ......................................................................................................................... Yes
Low-Voltage Detection ...................................................................................Yes (User Enabled)
Profile Selection:
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
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Important Precautions
Your XL-5 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.
• 15-Turn Motor Limit: The XL-5 has a 15-turn modified motor limit for
540 size motors and a 12-turn modified motor limit for 550 size motors
with 0 timing when the motor is properly geared. If the motor or speed
control is overheating, try a smaller pinion gear. Do not attempt to use
a more powerful motor (fewer turns) than the above mentioned motor
limits or you could experience frequent thermal shutdown.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink
tubing to prevent short circuits.
• Water and Electronics Do Not Mix: The XL-5 speed control is
waterproof for use in mud, snow, puddles, and other wet conditions.
Make certain the other components of your model are waterproof or
have sufficient water resistance before driving in wet conditions.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching
on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
• Use Neutrally Timed Motors: For reverse use, the motors must have
0° timing. Modified motors (with adjustable end bells) timed to 0° or
Johnson/ Mabuchi (closed end bell) motors are recommended. Using
motors with other than 0° timing will draw excess current in reverse, and
can result in the speed control overheating and premature motor wear.
• 4-7 NiMH cells or 2 LiPo cells (2S) Only: The XL-5 can only accept a
maximum input voltage of 8.4 volts. Always adhere to the minimum and
maximum limitations of the XL-5 as stated in the specifications table.
Instructions
• 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 accidentally mis-wiring the speed control. If the XL-5 is not wired
exactly as shown in the diagram, it can be damaged! Please note that modified
speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee when returned for service.
• 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 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.
• Motor Capacitors Required: Three 0.1µF (50V) ceramic capacitors
should be properly installed on every motor to prevent radio
interference. Capacitors have been provided with the XL-5.
• No Schottky Diodes: External schottky diodes are not compatible with
reversing speed controls. Using a schottky diode with the XL-5 will
damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.
Batteries and Battery Charging
The XL-5 speed control 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 your battery
packs and your charger. It is your responsibility to charge and care for
your battery backs properly. In addition to your battery and charger
instructions, here are some more tips to keep in mind.
• Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
• Remove the batteries from the model while charging.
• Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs (before 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.
• 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.
LiPo Batteries
WARNING: Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries require special care and
handling procedures for long life and safe operation. 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-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-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.
Covers Part #3018R