Traxxas XL-5 Instructions

Troubleshooting Guide
This guide describes possible speed control problems, causes, and
simple solutions. Check these items before contacting Traxxas.
Steering channel works, but the motor will not run:
• The motor could be bad or have a damaged brush. Check the
motor and motor connections by supplying power directly to the
motor. Note: Disconnect the motor from the ESC before testing.
Remove the pinion gear from the motor or elevate the driving
wheels to avoid a runaway and damage to the vehicle.
• The speed control has thermally shut down (look for a solid
green LED). Allow the speed control to cool down. See the
overheating section.
• Make sure the XL-5's power cable is plugged into the throttle
channel of the receiver (Channel 2). Check the operation of the
radio system's throttle channel with a servo.
• Possible internal damage. Return the XL-5 to Traxxas for service.
Motor and steering servo do not work:
• Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor
connectors, and the battery packs.
• Possible internal damage: return the XL-5 to Traxxas for service.
XL-5 will not go into programming mode:
• Make sure the XL-5 is plugged into Channel 2 (the throttle
channel) on the receiver. If it is plugged into Channel 3 or the
battery terminal, it will not go into programming mode.
• Be sure the XL-5 is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
• Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions.
Motor runs backwards:
• Motor wired backwards: check the wiring and correct.
• Backwards motor timing: reverse the motor end bell.
XL-5 Warranty Information
Traxxas warrants your Traxxas electronic component to be
free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of
thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Before returning
any product for warranty service, please contact our service
department (1-888-TRAXXAS)* to discuss the problem you are
having with the product. After contacting Traxxas, send the
defective unit along with your proof of purchase indicating the
date purchased, your return address, e-mail, a daytime phone
number, and a brief description of the problem to:
Traxxas
1100 Klein Road
Plano, TX 75074
If the component is found to be defective, it will be repaired or
replaced at no charge. The warranty does not cover damage
caused by the following:
• Allowing water or moisture to enter speed control or get
onto PC board (#3018)
• Allowing foreign material to enter speed control or get onto
PC board.
• Using other than 4 to 8-cells (4.8 to 9.6 volts DC)
input voltage.
• Removing the stock battery connectors.
• Using the same gender connectors on the speed control's
motor and battery connections.
• Cross-connection of the battery/motor.
• Reverse voltage application.
• Using a motor with fewer than 15-turns (540 size).
• Incorrect installation or wiring.
• Components worn by use.
• Short-circuiting the heat sinks.
• Use without the heat sinks.
www.T R A XX A S .c o m
Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074, Phone: 972-265-8000, Fax: 972-265-8011, e-mail: support@Traxxas.com
*U.S. Customers Only
Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:
• Motor capacitors broken or missing: check and replace
the capacitors.
• The receiver or antenna is too close to power wires or batteries.
• Bad connections: check the wiring and connectors.
• Motor worn: replace the motor.
• Excessive current to the motor: use a milder motor or a smaller
pinion gear.
Model runs slowly / slow acceleration:
• Check the motor and battery connectors.
• Check to see if XL-5 is in Profile #3 (50% throttle)
• Bad battery or motor: check the operation with known
good batteries (freshly charged) and motor.
• Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment. Reprogram
the XL-5.
• Motor is improperly geared: use a milder motor or a smaller
pinion gear.
• Check the drive train for binding or restrictions.
XL-5 overheats and shuts down:
• Overloading the motor (running through tall grass, binding
in the drivetrain).
• Insufficient ventilation for the heat sinks. Cut ventilation holes
in the body or relocate the XL-5.
• Motor may exceed maximum specification. The XL-5 is limited
to motors with no fewer than 15-turns (540 size).
• Motor is improperly geared. Use a milder motor or a smaller
pinion gear.
• Check the drivetrain for restrictions.
• Removing the capacitors from the stock motor.
• Not installing capacitors on new motors (recommended:
three 0.1µF [50V]).
• Splices to the input wire harness.
• Disassembling the case.
• Tampering with moisture seals (#3018X).
• Excessive force when using the SET or EZ-Set button.
• Tampering with the internal electronics.
• Incorrect wiring of an FET servo.
• Allowing exposed wiring to short-circuit.
• Any damage caused by crash, flooding, or act of God.
In no case shall our liability exceed the product's original cost.
We reserve the right to modify warranty provisions without
notice. All warranty claims will be handled by Traxxas. Because
Traxxas has no control over the use and future installations
of the XL-5, no liability may be assumed nor will be accepted
for damage resulting from the use of this product. Every ESC
is thoroughly tested and cycled before leaving the Traxxas
facility and is, therefore, considered operational. By the act
of operating/connecting speed control, the user accepts all
resulting liability. Traxxas makes no other warranties expressed
or implied. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which
vary from state to state. After the expiration of the standard
30-day warranty, use the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty
to cover service and repairs. Documents and forms are
provided with your XL-5.
If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at
1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)
Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the
Traxxas XL-5 electronic speed
control. The XL-5 uses MOSFET
transistors and microprocessor
circuitry to deliver efficient,
high-frequency operation. When
combined with the large heat
#3018 #3018X
sinks and thermal shutdown
protection, the XL-5 provides solid power and performance. The low-loss
design provides long run times from 4 to 8-cell high-capacity battery packs.
The XL-5 delivers smooth, precise, full-proportional control over your speed
in forward and reverse, combined with powerful and intuitive full-range
braking control. EZ-Set push-button setup, multi-color LED, and three
™
easy-to-program drive profiles provide convenient, customized operation.
The sturdy XL-5 comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime
Electronics Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The XL-5 is
not a toy. It is a sophisticated electronic device capable of delivering large
amounts of current. Children under 8 years of age require adult supervision
for installation, setup, and use of the XL-5. If you have questions or need
assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS* .

Specifications:

Input Voltage ..................................................................4 to 8-Cells (4.8 to 9.6 Volts DC)
Case Size ........................................................................................1.23"W x 2.18"L x 0.61" H
Weight (#3018 / #3018X) ..................................................(2.79 Ounces / 3.03 Ounces)
Motor Limit ..................................................... 15-turns (540 Size) / 12-turns (550 Size)
On Resistance Forward ......................................................................................0.007 Ohms
On Resistance Reverse ........................................................................................0.014 Ohms
Peak Current - Forward ....................................................................................................100A
Peak Current - Reverse ........................................................................................................60A
Braking Current.......................................................................................................................60A
Continuous Current .............................................................................................................14A
BEC Voltage ..................................................................................................................... 6.0 VDC
BEC Current ................................................................................................................................ 1A
Power Wire .......................................................................................................... 14 Gauge / 5"
Input Harness Wire ........................................................................................... 26 Gauge / 9"
Transistor Type .............................................................................................................. MOSFET
PWM Frequency ............................................................................................................1600 Hz
Thermal Protection ...............................................................................Thermal Shutdown
Single Button Setup ...............................................................................................................Yes
Profile Selection:
Sport Mode (Profile #1): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Race Mode (Profile #2): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Training Mode (Profile #3): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
Important Precautions
Your XL-5 is an extremely powerful electronic device capable of delivering
high current. Please closely follow these precautions to prevent damage to
the speed control or other components.
• 15-Turn Motor Limit: The XL-5 has a 15-turn modified motor limit for 540
size motors and a 12-turn modified motor limit for 550 size motors with 0
timing when the motor is properly geared. If the motor or speed control
is overheating, try a smaller pinion gear. Do not attempt to use a more
powerful motor (fewer turns) than the above mentioned motor limits or
you could experience frequent thermal shutdown.
www. TR AX X AS .co m
Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074, Phone: 972-265-8000, Fax: 972-265-8011, e-mail: support@Traxxas.com
*U.S. Customers Only
Covers Part #3018, #3018X
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink
tubing to prevent short circuits.
• (#3018) Water and Electronics Do Not Mix: Do not operate the model in
or around water. Never allow water, moisture, or other foreign materials
to get inside the speed control.
• Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the battery pack from the
speed control when not in use. The on/off switch does not interrupt
current flow between the batteries and the XL-5.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching
on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
• Don't Get Burned: The transistor tabs and the heat sinks can get
extremely hot, so be careful not to touch them until they cool.
Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
• Always Use Heat Sinks: Three heat sinks are factory-installed on the
speed control and must be used for maximum cooling and performance.
• 4 to 8-Cells Only: The XL-5 can only accept a maximum input voltage of
9.6 volts. Always adhere to the minimum and maximum limitations of the
XL-5 as stated in the specifications table.
• Use Stock Connectors: If you decide to change the battery or motor
connectors, only change one battery or motor connector at a time. This
will prevent accidentally mis-wiring the speed control. If the XL-5 is not
wired exactly as shown in the diagram, it can be damaged! Please note
that modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee when
returned for service.
• Use Neutrally Timed Motors: For reverse use, the motors must have
0° timing. Modified motors (with adjustable end bells) timed to 0° or
Johnson/ Mabuchi (closed end bell) motors are recommended. Using
motors with other than 0° timing will draw excess current in reverse, and
can result in the speed control overheating and premature motor wear.
• No Reverse Voltage: The speed control is not protected against
reverse polarity voltage. When changing the battery and/or motor, be
sure to install the same type of connectors to avoid reverse polarity
damage to the speed control. Removing the battery connectors on the
speed control or using the same-gender connectors on the speed control
will void the product's warranty.
• Motor Capacitors Required: Three 0.1µF (50V) ceramic capacitors should
be properly installed on every motor to prevent radio interference.
Capacitors have been provided with the XL-5.
• Do Not Let the Transistor Tabs Touch: Never allow the three separate
transistor banks to touch each other or any exposed metal. This will
create a short circuit and damage the speed control.
• No Schottky Diodes: External schottky diodes are not compatible with
reversing speed controls. Using a schottky diode with the XL-5 will
damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.
XL-5 Wiring Diagram
XL-5 ESC
BATTERY
KC1033 Rev 080430
Motor