Traxxas EVX-2, 3019 - Electronic Speed Control Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas EVX-2 electronic speed control. The EVX-2 uses MOSFET transistors and microprocessor circuitry to deliver efficient, high-frequency operation. The EVX-2 delivers smooth, precise, full-proportional control over your speed in forward and reverse. EZ-Set^g push-button setup, multi-color LED, and three easy-to-program drive profiles provide convenient, customized operation. The EVX-2 comes with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty and unmatched Traxxas customer support. The EVX-2 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 use of the EVX-2. If you have questions or need assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS.

Specifications

Profile Selection:
Profile #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Profile #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Profile #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse

Important Precautions

Your EVX-2 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.

EVX-2 General Precautions

• Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the battery packs from the speed control when not in use.
• 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.
• 6 to 14-cells Only: Always adhere to the minimum and maximum limitations of the EVX-2 as stated in the specifications table.
  Do not mix battery types (NiMH or NiCad), brands or capacities. Use the same voltage and capacity for both batteries. Using mismatched battery packs could damage the batteries and electronic speed control.
  
• 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 EVX-2 is not wired exactly as shown in the diagram below, 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.

EVX-2 Wiring Diagram

• 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.
  (For example, laying a metal tool across the heat sinks can damage the speed control.)

EVX-2 Advanced Precautions

• Motor Limit: EVX-2 has a 12-turn 550 modified motor limit 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.
• 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.
• Motor Capacitors Required: Ceramic capacitors should be properly installed on every motor to prevent radio interference. These are already installed on the factory Titan motor.
• No Schottky Diodes: External schottky diodes are not compatible with reversing speed controls. Using a schottky diode with the EVX-2 will damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.
• Note: This speed control is not intended for marine use.

Installation

Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control:

• The EVX-2 does not use a conventional on/off switch. Pressing the EZ-Set button on the speed control turns it on and off. It is not necessary to install an on/off switch into the wiring harness.
• Make sure there is adequate ventilation for the heat sink. If you are planning to operate the speed control at the higher limits of its capabilities, cut ventilation holes into the body for the heat sinks. Proper ventilation and cooling will prevent premature thermal shutdown.
• Mount the speed control where it will be protected from crash damage. Protect the heat sinks from coming in contact with metal that could short the banks of transistors. Also protect the speed control from dirt and debris kicked up by the tires.
• Mount the speed control where you will have easy access to the plugs and the on/off (EZ-Set) button without having to remove the body.
• Mount the speed control so that none of the power components (wiring, motor, ESC) contacts any part of the radio system, particularly the antenna wire. The receiver should be mounted so the antenna wire can be extended as far away from the speed control as possible. The antenna wire should be extended vertically in the mast and not wrapped on the chassis under the body. Excess antenna wire should not be coiled on the chassis. Servo cables and the antenna wire should not cross or come in contact with any of the motor or battery wires. These steps will help reduce the possibility of radio interference.
• Graphite or metal chassis have been known to transmit radio noise generated by the motor. If the receiver is to be mounted on the chassis, position it so the crystal and antenna are as far away from the chassis as possible. This may require you to mount the receiver on its side. This will reduce the chance of picking up radio interference from the motor.
• When mounting the speed control with double-sided servo tape, clean both application surfaces thoroughly with alcohol to remove any grease, dirt, oil, fingerprints, etc. The surfaces must be perfectly clean for maximum adhesion.
• The motors require capacitors to reduce the possibility of radio interference. If your motors are not equipped with capacitors, install the capacitors supplied with the EVX-2 as shown in the diagram below.
  

Transmitter Setup

Traxxas TQ Radio Systems

Before attempting to program your EVX-2, it is important to make sure your TQ transmitter is properly adjusted (set back to the factory defaults). Otherwise, you may not get the best performance from your speed control.
The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:

1. Set the throttle neutral switch to the 50/50 setting. This adjusts the transmitter's throttle trigger throw to 50% for throttle and 50% for braking and reverse. Experienced users may wish to use the 70/30 setting if more broad proportional control is desired in forward than with braking and reverse. This might be desirable in a racing environment where reverse is disabled.
2. Set the throttle trim control to the middle "0" setting.
3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position.
   Do not change the position of any of the servo reversing switches after programming the EVX-2.
4. You are now ready to program your speed control.

Aftermarket (Non-Traxxas) Transmitters

The following instructions are provided as a general reference only for those who are using non-Traxxas transmitters. Consult your transmitter's instructions for information on how to change the settings.

1. Set the High ATV (adjustable travel volume) or EPA (end point adjustment) to the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full throttle.
2. Set the Low ATV, EPA or ATL (low side only trim adjustment) to the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full brakes or reverse.
3. Set the throttle trim to the middle (neutral setting).
4. Set the throttle channel reversing switch to either position.
   Do not change the switch position after programming.
5. Set the trigger throw adjustment to 50% throttle and 50% brake (either mechanical or electronic).
6. Set the exponential setting (if equipped) to the zero or fully linear setting.

Aftermarket Receivers

The EVX-2 is compatible with most aftermarket receivers. By removing the tab on the edge of the power connector, the EVX-2 can be plugged directly into some models of Futabap Airtronics9 Hitecp and receivers. Please refer to the manufacturer's wiring diagrams that came with your receiver. On the EVX-2, the red wire is positive, the black wire is negative, and the white wire is the control wire.


On some older Airtronics@ radio systems, the positive and negative terminals are opposite of the EVX-2 and an adapter is required.
Crossing the red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the EVX-2. Study the manufacturer's wiring diagrams closely, or consult your hobby dealer.

Setup Programming

EVX-2 Setup Programming (Calibrating your ESC and transmitter)
Read through all of the following programming steps before you begin. If you get lost during programming or receive unexpected results, simply unplug the battery, wait a few seconds, plug the battery back in, and start over.

1. Disconnect each of the motor wires between the EVX-2 and the motors. This is a precaution to prevent runaway when the speed control is turned on before it is programmed.
2. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the EVX-2.
3. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
4. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (A). The LED will first turn green and then red. Release the EZ-Set button.
   
5. When the LED blinks RED ONCE. Pull the throttle trigger to the full throttle position and hold it there (B).
   
6. When the LED blinks RED TWICE. Push the throttle trigger to the full reverse and hold it there (C).
   
7. When the LED turns solid GREEN, programming is complete. The LED will continuously shine green indicating the EVX-2 is on and at neutral (D).
   

EVX-2 Operation

To operate the speed control and test the programming, place the vehicle on a stable block or stand so all of the driven wheels or propellers are off the ground. Reconnect the motor wires. Always make sure that objects and fingers are clear of the wheels.

1. With the transmitter on, press the EZ-Set button for ½ second, until the LED shines GREEN, then immediately release the button. This turns on the EVX-2. If you press and release too quickly, you may hear the steering servo jump but the LED may not stay on. Press the button again until the LED shines GREEN and then release. (Note: If the throttle is not at neutral or if the throttle trim has been altered, the LED will turn off after one second and the wheels may begin to drive.)
2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn off until full throttle power is reached. At full throttle, the led will shine GREEN.
3. Move the trigger forward to apply the brakes. Note that braking control is fully proportional. The LED will turn off until full braking power is reached. At full brakes, the LED will shine GREEN.
4. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. The LED will shine GREEN.
5. Move the throttle trigger forward again to engage reverse (Profile #1). The LED will turn off. Once full reverse power is reached, the LED will shine GREEN.
6. To stop, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Note that there is no programmed delay when changing from reverse to forward. Use caution to avoid slamming the speed control from reverse to forward. On high-traction surfaces, this could result in transmission or driveline damage.
7. To turn the EVX-2 off, press the EZ-Set button until the green LED turns off.

Thermal Shutdown Protection

The EVX-2 is equipped with thermal shutdown protection to guard against overheating caused by excessive current flow. If the operating temperature exceeds safe limits, the EVX-2 will automatically shut down and the EVX-2 LED will flash red. The LED on the face of the EVX-2 will continuously flash red, even if the throttle trigger is moved back and forth. After the speed control cools down to a safe level, the LED will continuously shine green. The EVX-2 will once again function normally.

EVX-2 Profile Selection

The speed control is factory set to Profile #1. To change the profile, follow the steps on described below. The speed control should be connected to the receiver and battery, and the transmitter should be adjusted as described previously. The profiles are selected by entering the programming mode.

EVX-2 Profile Description
Profile #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Profile #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Profile #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse

Selecting Sport Mode

(Profile #1)

1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the EVX-2 and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold the EZ-Set button until the light turns solid green, then solid red and then begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers).
   
3. When the light blinks red once, release the EZ-Set button.
   
4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.
   

Selecting Race Mode

(Profile #2)

1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the EVX-2 and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold the EZ-Set button until the light turns solid green, then solid red and then begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers).
   
3. When the light blinks red twice, release the EZ-Set button.
   
4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.
   

Selecting Training Mode*

(Profile #3)

1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the EVX-2 and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the EVX-2 off, press and hold the EZ-Set button until the light turns solid green, then solid red and then begins blinking red (indicating the Profile numbers).
   
3. When the light blinks red three times, release the EZ-Set button.
   
4. The light will then turn green and the model is ready to drive.
   

Note: If you missed the mode you wanted, keep the EZ-Set button pressed down and the blink cycle will repeat until a Mode is selected.
*patent pending

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(s) will not run

• The motor(s) could be bad or have a damaged brush. Check the motor(s) and motor connections by supplying power directly to the motor(s). Note: Disconnect the motor(s) from the ESC before testing. Remove the pinion gear from the motor(s) 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 EVX-2'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 EVX-2 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 EVX-2 to Traxxas for service.

EVX-2 will not go into programming mode

• Make sure the EVX-2 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 EVX-2 is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
• Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions.

Motor(s) run backwards

• Motor(s) wired backwards: check the wiring and correct.
• Backwards motor timing: reverse the motor end bells.

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 EVX-2 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 EVX-2.
• Motor is improperly geared: use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
• Check the drive train for binding or restrictions.

EVX-2 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 EVX-2.
• Motor may exceed maximum specification. The EVX-2 is limited to motors with no fewer than 19-turns (550 size) with molex connectors and 12-turns (550 size) with Traxxas High-Current Connectors.
• Motor is improperly geared. Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
• Check the drivetrain for restrictions.

If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at 1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)

Traxxas, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, TX 75074,
Phone: 972-265-8000,
Fax: 972-265-8011,
e-mail: support@Traxxas.com
www.TRAXXAS.com