Traxxas XL-1 Quick Start Manual

Thank you for purchasing the XL-1 electronic speed control. The XL-1 offers smooth
digital-proportional control over your forward and reverse speeds. It also allows full
control of the model when the main battery voltage is extremely low. This page
contains the instructions you will need to set up and operate your new speed
control. Look over these instructions and examine the speed control carefully
before using it. If for some reason you think this speed control is not what you
wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot
accept a speed control for return or exchange after it has been used. If you have
any questions about your new speed control, call Traxxas' toll-free technical
support line at 1-888-TRAXXAS(U.S.A. residents only, outside the U.S. call 972-265-
8000). Technical support is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to
9:00 PM central time. We hope that you will enjoy the performance and features of
your new XL-1 electronic speed control.

INSTALLATION:

Install the XL-1 speed control in a location where cooling air can pass over the heat
sink. If possible, allow room for accessing the controls on the face of the XL-1.
Mount the speed control on a flat surface using double-sided servo tape. For
marine applications, use nylon tie wraps or other mechanical means to secure the
speed control for rough conditions. On some models, it may be possible to mount
the XL-1 into the space that originally held the old throttle servo. Servo-type
mounting ears are molded into the side of the XL-1 case for this purpose. If you
must mount the XL-1 inside a closed compartment, it will be necessary to cut
ventilation holes into the lid of the compartment. Cover these holes with a thin-
mesh screen to help keep dirt and pebbles out. With some Lexan bodies, it may be
necessary to cut ventilation holes so that air can pass across the heat sinks.

CONNECTIONS:

The XL-1 speed control can be used with 6 or 7 cell battery packs (7.2 or 8.4 volts).
The red, black and white cable coming from the XL-1 connects to the channel-2
receptacle on the receiver. If another manufacturer's radio system components are
going to be combined with the XL-1, pay careful attention to the wiring sequence.
The Traxxas XL-1 is directly compatible with Futaba and Traxxas systems. The red
wire is positive, the black wire is negative and the white wire is the control signal.
On some Airtronics/ Sanwa and Novak systems, the positive and negative outputs
are reversed from the Traxxas sequence. Refer to their instructions to determine
which terminals on the receiver are positive and negative. The XL-1 must be
connected properly to the receiver, failure to do so could cause damage to your
receiver and/or speed control.
Power for the radio system comes from the electronic speed control when it's
connected to the main battery. The on/off switch on the speed control turns the
entire radio system on or off in the model. The Xl-1 has a B.E.C. (Battery Eliminator
Circuit) and does not need a separate 4-cell battery pack. There is no need to
connect anything to the "BATT" (battery) terminal on the receiver except under
very special circumstances described in the next section. The following wiring
diagram shows typical wiring connections.
XL-1
FORWARD/
REVERSE
ELECTRONIC
SPEED
CONTROL
Part #3006
ON/OFF
SWITCH
TO
MOTOR
TO
BATTERY
PACK
RECEIVER
CHANNEL 1
CHANNEL 2
ANTENNA
WIRE COLORS
BLACK
RED
WHITE
Using a 4-Cell Battery Pack - In some applications, such as marine or airplane use,
a 4-cell battery pack can be used in conjunction with the XL-1 speed control.
Normally, when the main battery pack begins to lose voltage, the steering servo(s)
become sluggish, though still under your control. You should stop at this time and
replace the battery pack with a fresh battery. By using a 4-cell battery pack, you
retain full-speed operation of the remaining servo(s), even when the main battery
pack is almost completely discharged. The disadvantage is the extra weight and
space penalty of the 4-cell battery pack. Before connecting the servo cable to the
channel-2 receptacle, the red (positive) wire in the E.S.C. servo cable must be
removed from the plug and taped to prevent short circuits. Plug the 4-cell battery
pack into the "battery" receptacle, leave the speed control on/off switch in the "on"
position. Use the battery holder on/off switch to turn the radio system on and off.
The diagram below shows the wiring connections.
TO
MOTOR
TO
BATTERY
PACK
Remove and
tape red wire
RECEIVER
CHANNEL-1
CHANNEL-2
BATTERY
ANTENNA
WIRE COLORS
BLACK
RED
WHITE
BLACK RED
NEGATIVE
POSITIVE
ELECTRONIC
SPEED
CONTROL
BATTERY
CHANNEL 1
STEERING
SERVO
RED
POSITIVE
BLACK
NEGATIVE
ON/OFF
SWITCH
BATTERY HOLDER
PART# 3170
ON/OFF
SWITCH
(Leave on or
remove & connect wires)
CHANNEL 1
STEERING
SERVO
FORM 3006INST
4-CELL
REV 040830