Driving Your Model - Traxxas XRT ULTIMATE 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.
Where to drive
XRT Ultimate is a large vehicle capable of high speed and requires
a large area to run. Choose a location where the XRT Ultimate will
not have an opportunity to collide with onlookers or interfere with
pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Before running, also confirm that
there are no local ordinances or posted signs that prevent running
radio controlled vehicles (such as schools and parks). XRT Ultimate is
powerful and can create ruts and damage to groomed or preserved
landscapes. Be considerate of others by avoiding areas where XRT
Ultimate could cause damage.
Mixed driving across different surface types is recommended. If you
are running frequently in tall grass, deep sand, or other high load
conditions, you may overheat the motor or the speed control. This will
result in reduced power output until the system cools. We recommend
allowing time for the power system to cool between battery packs.
• 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 motors. See page 28 for
advanced user information on monitoring temperatures.
• 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, delayed vehicle response, or ESC shutdown due to the
Low-Voltage Detection circuitry. Stop immediately at the first sign of
weak batteries. When the batteries in the transmitter become weak,
the power light will begin to flash red. 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 3000mAh battery pack will theoretically
run twice as long as a 1500mAh 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 VXL-8s cool. Get plenty of airflow across the ESC heat sinks.
• 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.
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