Driving Your Model - Traxxas STAMPEDE 4x4 BRUSHLESS Manual

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20 • RUSTLER 4X4

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 (2400mAh and
above) 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.
• 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 BL-2s cool. Get plenty of airflow across the ESC heat sinks.
• Use the correct Low-Voltage Detection setting for your battery
(see page 18). Low-Voltage Detection can be off for maximum
NiMH battery runtime. Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage
Detection is turned off.
• Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion or larger spur
gear will lower your gear ratio, causing less power draw from the
motor and battery, and reducing 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 model 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 model through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through
other wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model
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.
Precautions
• Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously
damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional
maintenance procedures will be required after running in wet