Table of Contents
Advertisement
All instructions and
precautions outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your model.
This model is not intended
for use by children under
14 years of age without the
supervision of a responsible
and knowledgeable adult.
No previous experience
with radio controlled
models is required.
Models require a minimum
of setup, maintenance, or
support equipment.
1
4 • RUSTLER 4X4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model. Operate
your model sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting, safe, and
fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your model in
a safe and responsible manner may result in property damage and
serious injury. The precautions outlined in this manual should be
strictly followed to help ensure safe operation. You alone must see
that the instructions are followed and the precautions are adhered to.
Important Points to Remember
• Your model is not intended for use on public roads or congested areas
where its operation can conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
• Never, under any circumstances, operate the model in crowds of people.
Your model is very fast and could cause injury if allowed to collide with
anyone.
• Because your model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio
interference from many sources that are beyond your control. Since
radio interference can cause momentary losses of radio control, always
allow a safety margin in all directions around the model in order to
prevent collisions.
• The motor, battery, and speed control can become hot during use. Be
careful to avoid getting burned.
• Don't operate your model at night, or anytime your line of sight to the
model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
• Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.
Speed Control
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.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink
tubing to prevent short circuits.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching
on the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
• 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.
• 4-7 NiMH cells or 2 LiPo cells (2s) Only: The XL-5 can only accept a
maximum input voltage of 8.4 volts (NiMH), 7.4 volts (2s LiPo). Always
adhere to the minimum and maximum limitations of the XL-5 as stated in
the specifications table.
• Use the Factory Installed 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.
• 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.
• 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.
Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery
Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell NiMH
battery when it has reached the end of its useful life.
battery in the trash.
All Power Cell NiMH battery packs display the RBRC
(Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) icon, indicating they are
recyclable. To find a recycling center near you, ask your local hobby dealer
or visit www.call2recycle.org.
Do not throw your
Advertisement
Table of Contents
