Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0, Owner'S Manual

10 • TRAXXAS

Applying the Decals

The main decals for your 
model have been applied at 
the factory. Additional decals 
have been printed on self-
adhesive clear mylar and are 
die-cut for easy removal. Use 
a hobby knife to lift the corner 
of a decal and lift it from the 
backing. 

To apply the decals, place one 
end down, hold the other end 
up, and gradually smooth the 
decal down with your finger 
as you go. This will prevent air 
bubbles. Placing both ends 
of the decal down and then 
trying to smooth it out will 
result in air pockets.  Look 
at the photos on the box for 
typical decal placement.

TRAXXAS TQ

i

 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION

Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with 
Traxxas Link

™

 Model Memory. The transmitter’s easy-to-use design 

provides instant driving fun for new R/C enthusiasts, and also offers 
a full complement of pro-level tuning features for advanced users 
– or anyone interested in experimenting with the performance of 
their model. The steering and throttle channels feature adjustable 
Exponential, End Points, and Sub-Trims. Steering and braking Dual-
Rate are also available. Many of the next-level features are controlled 
by the Multi-Function knob, which can be programmed to control 
a variety of functions. The detailed instructions (page 29) and Menu 
Tree (page 32) included in this manual will help you understand and 
operate the advanced functions of the new TQi radio system. For 
additional information and how-to videos, visit Traxxas.com.

RADIO AND POWER SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and 
power system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
A detailed explanation of the advanced terminology and features 
of your new radio system begins on page 29.

2.4GHz Spread Spectrum 

– This model is equipped with the latest 

R/C technology. Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency 
crystals and are prone to frequency conflicts, the TQi system 
automatically selects and locks onto an open frequency and offers 
superior resistance to interference and “glitching.” 

BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit)

 - The BEC can either be in the 

receiver or in the ESC. This circuit allows the receiver and servos 
to be powered by the main battery pack in an electric model. 
This eliminates the need to carry a separate pack of 4 AA 
batteries to power the radio equipment.

Brushless Motor

 - A D/C brushless motor replaces the brushed 

motor’s traditional commutator and brush arrangement with 
intelligent electronics that energize the electromagnetic 
windings in sequence to provide rotation. Opposite of a brushed 
motor, the brushless motor has its windings (coils) on the 
perimeter of the motor can and the magnets are mounted to the 
spinning rotor shaft.

Cogging 

- Cogging is a condition sometimes associated with 

brushless motors. Typically, it is a slight stutter noticed when 
accelerating from a stop. It happens for a very short period as the 
signals from the electronic speed control and the motor synch 

with each other. The VXL-3s electronic speed control is optimized 
to virtually eliminate cogging. 

Current

 - Current is a measure of power flow through the 

electronics, usually measured in amps. If you think of a wire as a 
garden hose, current is a measure of how much water is flowing 
through the hose.

ESC (Electronic Speed Control)

 - An electronic speed control is the 

electronic motor control inside the model. The VXL-3s electronic 
speed control uses advanced circuitry to provide precise, digital 
proportional throttle control. Electronic speed controls use 
power more efficiently than mechanical speed controls so that 
the batteries run longer. An electronic speed control also has 
circuitry that prevents loss of steering and throttle control as the 
batteries lose their charge.

Frequency band

 - The radio frequency used by the transmitter to 

send signals to your model. This model operates on the 2.4GHz 
direct-sequence spread spectrum.

kV Rating

 - Brushless motors are often rated by their kV number. 

The kV rating equals no-load motor rpm with 1 volt applied. The 
kV increases as the number of wire turns in the motor decreases. 
As the kV increases, the current draw through the electronics 
also increases. The Velineon 3500 motor is a 3500 kV motor 
optimized for the best speed and efficiency in lightweight 1/10 
scale models.

LiPo

 - Abbreviation for Lithium Polymer. Rechargeable LiPo 

battery packs are known for their special chemistry, which 
allows extremely high energy density and current handling in a 
compact size. These are high performance batteries that require 
special care and handling. LiPo battery packs are for advanced 
users only.

mAh

 – Abbreviation for milliamp hour, a measure of the capacity of 

the battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery 
will last between recharges.

Neutral position

 - The standing position that the servos seek when 

the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.

NiCad

 - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original 

rechargeable hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current 
handling, high capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. 
Good charging procedures are required to reduce the possibility 
of developing a “memory” effect and shortened run times.

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