Radio System - Traxxas JATO 3.3 Owner's Manual

To prevent loss of radio range
do not kink or cut the black wire,
do not bend or cut the metal tip,
and do not bend or cut the white
wire at the end of the metal tip.
Correct No No No
Learn terms related to
the TRX 3.3 racing engine
beginning on page 16.
8 • JATO 3.3
TRAXXAS TQ

RADIO SYSTEM

i
INTRODUCTION
Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with
Traxxas Link ™ Model Memory. The transmitter's easy-to-use design
provides instant driving fun for new R/C enthusiasts, and also offers
a full compliment of pro-level tuning features for advanced users
– or anyone interested in experimenting with the performance of
their model. The steering and throttle channels feature adjustable
Exponential, End Points, and Sub-Trims. Steering and braking Dual
Rate are also available. Many of the next-level features are controlled
by the Multi-Function knob, which can be programmed to control
a variety of functions. The detailed instructions (page 39) and Menu
Tree (page 42) included in this manual will help you understand and
operate the advanced functions of the new TQi radio system. For
additional information and how-to videos, visit Traxxas.com.
RADIO SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and
power system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
A detailed explanation of the advanced terminology and features of
your new radio system begins on page 39.
2.4GHz Spread Spectrum – This model is equipped with the latest R/C
technology. Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency crystals
and are prone to frequency conflicts, the TQi system automatically
selects and locks onto an open frequency, and offers superior
resistance to interference and "glitching."
Current - Current is a measure of power flow through the
electronics, usually measured in amps. If you think of a wire as a
garden hose, current is a measure of how much water is flowing
through the hose.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter to
send signals to your model. This model operates on the 2.4GHz
direct-sequence spread spectrum.
mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour. A measure of the capacity of
the battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery
will last between recharges.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek when
the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeable
hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current handling, high
capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. Good charging
procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a
"memory" effect and shortened run times.
NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH
batteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistance
to the "memory" effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher
capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge
cycles. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for
optimal performance.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your model that receives signals from
the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your model that operates the steering,
throttle, and shifting mechanisms.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your model.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim knobs on
the face of the transmitter. Note: The Multi Function knob must be
programmed to serve as a throttle trim adjustment.
2-channel radio system - The TQi radio system, consisting of the
receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two
channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering.
RADIO SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS
• Do not kink the receiver's antenna wire. Kinks in the antenna wire
will reduce range.
• DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver's antenna wire. Cutting the
antenna will reduce range.
• Extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for
maximum range. It is not necessary to extend the antenna wire out
of the body, but wrapping or coiling the antenna wire should be
avoided.
• The antenna wire must be installed into the antenna tube to
protect it from getting cut or damaged, which will reduce range.
When installing the antenna wire into the antenna tube, be careful
not to kink the wire by pressing it against the antenna tube cap.
The antenna wire should extend to just below or to within one-half
inch below the cap.