TR A X X AS • 19
VXL-3s Battery Settings (Low-Voltage Detection Setting)
The Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed control is equipped with
built-in Low-Voltage Detection. The Low Voltage Detection circuitry
constantly monitors the battery voltage. When the battery voltage
begins to reach the minimum recommended discharge voltage
threshold for LiPo battery packs, the VXL-3s will limit the power output
to 50% throttle. When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the
minimum threshold, the VXL-3s will shut down all motor output. The
LED on the speed control will slowly blink red, indicating a low voltage
shutdown. The VXL-3s will stay in this mode until a fully charged battery
is connected. The electronic speed control is factory set with Low-
Voltage Detection turned on.
Low-Voltage Detection can be turned
off for a slight increase in run-time when using NiMH batteries. Traxxas
recommends leaving Low Voltage Detection on at all times. When Low
Voltage Detection interrupts driving, NiMH batteries will already be at
the end of their useful charge and voltage will be decreasing rapidly.
Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is turned off.
Verify that Low-Voltage Detection is turned on:
1. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s.
3. Press and release the EZ-Set button to turn the VXL-3s on. If the LED is
solid green, then Low-Voltage Detection is ON). If the LED is solid red,
then the Low-Voltage Detection is OFF (not safe to use LiPo batteries).
To turn Low-Voltage Detection off (NiMH setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and green.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds.
The LED will turn off and then light red. Also, a
“falling” musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now OFF.
To turn Low-Voltage Detection on (LiPo setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and red.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds.
The LED will turn off and then light green. Also, a
“rising” musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now ON.
Transmitter Adjustments for the VXL-3s ESC
Before attempting to program your VXL-3s ESC, it is important to make sure
that your 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.
2. Set the throttle trim to the middle “0” setting. This sets the neutral position.
3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position.
4. Do not change the position of any of the servo reversing switches after
programming the VXL-3s ESC.
VXL-3s Setup Programming
(Calibrating your ESC and transmitter)
Read through all of the 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. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s.
2. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
3. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (A). The LED will first turn
green and then red. Release the EZ-Set button.
4. When the LED blinks RED ONCE. Pull the
throttle trigger to the full throttle position and
hold it there (B).
5. When the LED blinks RED TWICE. Push the
throttle trigger to the full reverse and hold it
there (C).
6. When the LED blinks GREEN ONCE,
programming is complete. The LED will then
shine green or red (depending on low-voltage detection
setting) indicating the VXL-3s is on and at neutral (D).
VXL-3s Operation
To operate the speed control and test programming, place the vehicle on
a stable block or stand so that all of the driven wheels are off the ground.
Disconnect motor wires “A” and “C” (
see page 11
), this will assure the motor
does not drive the wheels during testing. Do not test programming without
disconnecting the motor wires.
Note that in steps 1-7 below, Low Voltage Detection is turn ON (factory default)
and the LED shines green. If Low Voltage Detection is OFF, the LED will shine red
instead of green in steps 1-7 below.
1. With the transmitter on, press and release the EZ-Set button. The LED will
shine green. This turns the VXL-3s on.
2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn off until full throttle power is
reached. At full throttle, the LED will illuminate 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 illuminate 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 illuminate green.
6. To stop, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Note that there is
programmed delay when changing from reverse to forward. This
prevents damage to the transmission on high-traction surfaces.
Adjusting the Electronic Speed Control
VXL-3s Specifications
Input voltage:
4.8-11.1V (4 to 9 cells NiMH
or 2S to 3S LiPo)
Supported Motors:
Brushed
Brushless
Sensorless brushless
Motor limit:
None
Continuous current:
200A
Peak current :
320A
BEC voltage:
6.0V DC
Transistor type:
MOSFET
Battery connector:
Traxxas High-Current
Connector
Motor connectors:
TRX 3.5mm bullet
connectors
Motor/Battery Wiring:
12-gauge Maxx
®
Cable
Thermal Protection:
2-stage thermal shutdown
See page 27 for advanced
VXL-3s features and setup.
1
1
2
Green then Red
A
Once Red
B
Twice Red
C
Once Green
D
2
