Driving Your Model - Traxxas LaTrax Valentino Rossi THE DOCTOR RALLY 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.
• 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
bolts 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 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.
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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 so you
can tune the suspension to fit your terrain. Rough surfaces
require a softer suspension (Position 1), while racing on a
smooth, prepared track with no bumps requires a firmer
suspension setting (Position 3). The suspension for your
model has been set up for optimal handling on all on-road
surfaces (Position 2).
Generally, you should adjust the front and rear shocks to
the same position. However, if the vehicle tends to under-
or over-steer, experiment with different shock positions for
the front and rear.
RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS
Your 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 and other
wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model
should not be treated as though it is submersible or 100%
waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed
electronic components. Running in wet conditions requires
additional care and maintenance for the mechanical and
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3