Driving Your Model - Traxxas LaTrax Prerunner Owner's Manual

DRIVING YOUR MODEL

Now it's time to have some fun! This section contains
instructions on driving and making adjustments to your
model. Before you go on, here are some important
precautions to keep in mind.
• Allow the model to cool for a few minutes between runs.
This is particularly important when using high-capacity
battery packs that allow extended periods of running.
Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of the
battery and motor.
• Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries
or you could lose control of it. Indications of low battery
power include slow operation and sluggish servos (slow
to return to center). Stop immediately at the first sign
of weak batteries. When the batteries in the transmitter
become weak, the red power light will begin to flash.
Stop immediately and install new batteries.
• Do not drive the model at night, on public streets, or in
large crowds of people.
• The stock gear combination on each model provides
good overall acceleration and top speed. For 25+mph
top speeds, install the optional high-speed gearing (parts
#7590X, 7591, and 7592, sold separately). The optional
high-speed gearing is only intended for high-speed
running on hard surfaces, and is not recommended for
off-road or repetitive starting and stopping or the motor
will be damaged.
• If the model becomes stuck against an object, do not
continue to run the motor. Remove the obstruction
before continuing. Do not push or pull objects with
the model.
• Avoid running your model in tall grass, deep sand,
or other conditions that severely limit the driving
performance of the model. This will strain the power
system and could cause early motor failure.
• Because the model is controlled by radio, it is subject
to radio interference from many sources beyond your
control. Since radio interference can cause momentary
losses of control, allow a safety margin of space in all
directions around the model in order to prevent collisions.
• Use good, common sense whenever you are driving
your model. Intentionally driving in an abusive and rough
manner will only result in poor performance and broken
parts. Take care of your model so that you can enjoy it
for a long time to come.
• High-performance vehicles produce small vibrations that
may loosen hardware over time. Frequently check wheel
bolts and other screws on your vehicle to ensure that all
hardware remains properly tightened.
16
About Run Time
A large factor affecting run time is the type and condition of
your batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries
determines how large their "fuel tank" is. A 2000 mAh battery
pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 1000 mAh pack.
Because of the wide variation in the types of batteries that are
available and the methods with which they can be charged,
it's impossible to give exact run times for the model. Another
major factor that affects run time is how the model is driven.
Run times may decrease when the model is driven repetitively
from a stop to top-speed and with repetitive hard acceleration.
Tips for Increasing Run Time
• Use batteries with the highest mAh rating you
can purchase.
• Use the included charger or a high-quality
peak-detecting charger.
• Read and follow all maintenance and care instructions
provided by the manufacturer of your batteries and charger.
• Keep the speed control cool.
• Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts
to cause binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean.
mAh Ratings and Power Output
The mAh rating of the battery can affect your top speed
performance. The higher capacity battery packs experience
less voltage drop under heavy load than low mAh rated
packs. The higher voltage potential allows increased speed
until the battery begins to become discharged.
SHOCK MOUNTING POSITIONS
Your model is equipped with adjustable shocks with
variable mounting positions so that you can tune the
suspension. It is designed to handle and perform well
during off-road driving. If you are going to drive on harder
surfaces, move the lower shock to Position 2. The upper
shock position can be adjusted and tuned to find the best
setup for your driving style.
SHOCK POSITIONS
Lower Position 1
Lower Position 2
Upper Position 1
Upper Position 2
Upper Position 3