Driving Your Model - Traxxas Rustler 3705 Owner's Manual

18 • Traxxas

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 motors.
The radio system is not waterproof. Avoid driving through puddles,
mud, or snow. If water gets into the electronics it could damage them.
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.
When using the supplied optional pinions for top speed running, limit
your driving to paved surfaces only. Running in grass and off-road
could cause excessive loads on the electrical system in the model.
The Titan 12T motor will benefit from a short break in period
to ensure optimum performance and longer motor life. For the
first two battery packs, use the stock installed pinion gear and
accelerate smoothly (avoiding full throttle starts). Acceleration
should be gradual, with most of the driving being done at higher
speeds. This will help insure that the motor provides the best
performance and longest life.
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 which 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 under 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.
Vary your speed. The Titan 12T is a fan cooled motor, therefore
moderate to top-speed running helps reduce motor temperatures.
Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion gear will lower your
gear ratio, causing less power draw from the motor.
Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts to cause
binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean and the motor bushings
lightly lubricated.