Driving Your Model - Traxxas HIGH TRAIL TRX 4 SPORT 82044-4 Owner's Manual

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22 • TRX-4 SPORT

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 batteries 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.
• 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.
• If an obstacle cannot be cleared by slow crawling, slowly increase
the vehicle speed as you drive toward the obstacle to allow the
suspension links and skiplates of the TRX-4 Sport to slide over it.
• 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 nuts and other screws on
your vehicle to ensure that all hardware remains properly tightened.
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 3000 mAh battery
pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 1500 mAh sport 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 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 XL-5 HV cool. Get plenty of airflow across the ESC heat sink.
• Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion gear will lower your
gear ratio and cause less power draw from the motor and batteries,
and reduce overall operating temperatures.
• 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.
RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS
Your new Traxxas TRX-4 Sport is designed with water-resistant features
to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic
speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving your
TRX-4 Sport through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet
conditions. Though highly water resistant, the TRX-4 Sport should not
be treated as though it is submersible or totally 100% waterproof. Water
resistance applies only to the installed electronic components. Running
in wet conditions requires additional care and maintenance for the
mechanical and electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal
parts and maintain their proper function.