Safety Precautions; Important Points To Remember; Batteries And Battery Charging; Speed Control - Traxxas RUSTLER VXL Owner's Manual

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
8 years of age without the
supervision of a responsible
and knowledgeable adult.
Gearing and battery choice
(see LiPo Batteries, right)
effect the skill level of the
model. See chart below.
See the gearing chart on page
26 for more information.
1
4 • TR A X X AS

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.

Batteries and Battery Charging

Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with care for
safety and long battery life. Make sure to read and follow all instructions and
precautions that were provided with your battery packs and your charger. It
is your responsibility to charge and care for your battery backs properly. In
addition to your battery and charger instructions, here are some more tips
to keep in mind.
Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
Remove the batteries from the model while charging.
Always unplug the battery from the electronic speed control when the
model is not in use and when it is being stored or transported.
Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs (before charging).
Do not use battery packs that have been damaged in any way.
Do not use battery packs that have damaged wiring, exposed wiring, or a
damaged connector.
Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and
handling batteries.
LiPo Batteries
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are becoming popular for use in R/C
models due to their compact size, high energy density, and high-current
output. However, these types of batteries require special care and handling
procedures for long life and safe operation.
intended only for advanced users that are educated on the risks associated
with LiPo battery use. Traxxas does not recommend that anyone under
the age of 16 use or handle LiPo battery packs without the supervision of
a knowledgeable and responsible adult.
Your model is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not to exceed
11.1 volts (3S packs) volts. LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge
voltage threshold that should not be exceeded. The Velineon VXL-3s
electronic speed control is equipped with built-in Low-Voltage Detection
that alerts the driver when LiPo batteries have reached their minimum
voltage (discharge) threshold. It is the driver's responsibility to stop
immediately to prevent the battery pack from being discharged below its
safe minimum threshold.
Low-Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a
comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use.
to follow all other instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer and
the charger manufacturer for proper charging, use, and storage of LiPo
batteries. Make sure you understand how to use your LiPo batteries.
aware that Traxxas shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental,
or consequential damages arising out of the installation and/or use of LiPo
batteries in Traxxas models.
If you have questions about LiPo battery usage, please consult with your
local hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer. As a reminder,
all batteries should be recycled at the end of their useful life. Do not throw
batteries away in the trash. Ask your hobby dealer for the location of the
closest recycling center or go online to www.rbrc.org (Rechargeable Battery
Recycling Corporation) to find a recycling center near you.

Speed Control

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.
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 heat sink can get extremely hot, so be careful not
to touch it until it is cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
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 damage from accidentally mis-wiring the speed control.
Please note that modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee
when returned for service. Removing the battery connector on the speed
control or using the same-gender connectors on the speed control will
void the product's warranty.
Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring with heat
shrink tubing to prevent short circuits
Warning: LiPo batteries are
It is critical for you, the user,
Be