Traxxas Spirit Operating Instructions Manual

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS &
ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas Spirit. This manual con-
tains the instructions you will need to set-up, operate, and main-
tain your new Spirit truck. The assembly portion of this manual
also covers Traxxas Tom-Cat. Look over this entire manual and
examine the Spirit carefully before running (or assembling) it. If for
some reason you think the Spirit is not what you wanted, then do
not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot
accept a Spirit for return or exchange after it has been run, or
after any of the kit bags have been opened. Please read all of the
Operating Instructions and Precautions before attempting to drive
your new Spirit. If you purchased the unassembled version of the
Spirit, then begin with the "Tools You Will Need" section. If you
have any questions about your new Spirit, then call Traxxas' tech-
nical support line at (888) TRAXXAS (888-872-9927) (U.S.A. resi-
dents only). Technical support is available Monday through Friday,
from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM Central Time. Questions can be e-
mailed 24 hours a day at support@traxxas.com. We hope that
you will enjoy your Spirit race truck.
THE TQ RADIO SYSTEM (RTR Models only)
TWO-CHANNEL RADIO SYSTEM - The radio system in your
model consists of the RECEIVER, the TRANSMITTER, the
SERVOS, and the CRYSTALS. It has two channels, one to operate
the throttle, and one to operate the steering.
Note: Unassembled kits do not include the radio system.
TRANSMITTER - The TRANSMITTER is the hand-held radio unit
which sends throttle and steering instructions to the model.
RECEIVER - The RECEIVER is the radio unit inside the model
which receives signals from the TRANSMITTER and relays them
to the SERVOS.
SERVO - The SERVOS are the small motor units in the model
which operate the steering and throttle mechanisms.
NICAD (Ni-Cd) - This term stands for rechargeable, nickel cad-
mium batteries. These batteries are most economical and can be
recharged up to 500 times.
FREQUENCY BAND - The FREQUENCY band is the radio
frequency that the transmitter uses to send signals to the model.
The TQ radio system operates on the 27 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND.
CLEARING YOUR FREQUENCY - CLEARING your frequency
means checking to be sure no one else in the area is operating
on the same CHANNEL as you.
CHANNEL - The 27 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND is divided into 6
CHANNELS, so that up to six models can be operated simultane-
ously. These CHANNELS are referred to by their number and flag
color. The chart below lists the channels and their flag colors.
27MHZ FLAG COLOR
26.995 BROWN
27.045 RED
27.095 ORANGE
27.145 YELLOW
27.195 GREEN
27.255 BLUE
CRYSTAL (X-TAL) - The CRYSTAL is the plug-in device that
determines which channel (1-6) the RADIO SYSTEM will operate
on. For each CHANNEL, there are two CRYSTALS, one for the
RECEIVER and one for the TRANSMITTER. Of those two
CRYSTALS, the one marked with the lower number (.455 MHZ
lower) must be inserted in the RECEIVER.
NEUTRAL POSITION - The NEUTRAL POSITION is the standing
position that the SERVOS seek when the TRANSMITTER controls
are at neutral.
TRIM - TRIM is the fine-tuning adjustment of the NEUTRAL
POSITION of the SERVOS. This adjustment is made by turning the
throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of the TRANSMITTER
Antenna
Throttle Trim
Steering Trim
Power Switch
Battery
Compartment
Power Indicator
PREPARING TO RUN
• INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
Your transmitter uses 8 "AA" size batteries. They should be
alkaline dry cells or nicad rechargeable batteries. The battery
compartment is located in the bottom of the transmitter. To remove
the battery door, push down on the tab and lift open the door.
CH# TRAXXAS PART#
1 2031
2 2032
3 2033
4 2034
5 2035
6 2036
Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel
Throttle Trigger
Servo Reversing Switches
Steering (R), Throttle (L)
1