18 • 1/16 SUMMIT VXL
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
Now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains instructions on
driving and making adjustments to your model. Before you go on, here
are some important precautions to keep in mind.
• Allow the model to cool for a few minutes between runs. This is
particularly important when using high-capacity battery packs that
allow extended periods of running. Monitoring temperatures will
extend the lives of the battery and motor.
• Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries or you
could lose control of it. Indications of low battery power include
slow operation and sluggish servos (slow to return to center). Stop
immediately at the first sign of weak batteries. When the batteries in
the transmitter become weak, the red power light will begin to flash.
Stop immediately and install new batteries.
• Do not drive the model at night, on public streets, or in large crowds of people.
• If the model becomes stuck against an object, do not continue to run
the motor. Remove the obstruction before continuing. Do not push or
pull objects with the model.
• Because the model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio
interference from many sources beyond your control. Since radio
interference can cause momentary losses of control, allow a safety
margin of space in all directions around the model in order to
prevent collisions.
• Use good, common sense whenever you are driving your model.
Intentionally driving in an abusive and rough manner will only result
in poor performance and broken parts. Take care of your model so
that you can enjoy it for a long time to come.
• High performance vehicles produce small vibrations which may
loosen hardware over time. Frequently check wheel nuts and other
screws on your vehicle to ensure that all hardware remains properly
tightened.
About Run Time
A large factor affecting run time is the type and condition of your
batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of the batteries determines
how large their “fuel tank” is. A 2000 mAh battery pack will theoretically
run twice as long as a 1000 mAh pack. Because of the wide variation in
the types of batteries that are available and the methods with which they
can be charged, it’s impossible to give exact run times for the model.
Another major factor that affects run time is how the model is driven.
Run times may decrease when the model is driven repetitively from a
stop to top-speed and with repetitive hard acceleration.
Tips for Increasing Run Time
• Use batteries with the highest mAh rating you can purchase.
• Use the included charger or a high-quality peak-detecting charger.
• Read and follow all maintenance and care instructions provided by
the manufacturer of your batteries and charger.
• Keep the ESC cool. Get plenty of airflow across the ESC heat sinks.
• Lower your gear ratio. Installing smaller pinion gears will lower your
gear ratio and cause less power draw from the motor and batteries,
and reduce overall operating temperatures.
• Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts to cause
binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean.
mAh Ratings and Power Output
The mAh rating of the battery can affect your top speed performance.
The higher capacity battery packs experience less voltage drop under
heavy load than low mAh rated packs. The higher voltage potential allows
increased speed until the battery begins to become discharged.
RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS
Your model is designed with water-resistant features to protect the
electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic speed control). This
gives you the freedom to have fun driving your model through puddles,
wet grass, snow, and other wet conditions. Though highly water
resistant, the model should not be treated as though it is submersible or
totally, 100% waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed
electronic components. Running in wet conditions requires additional
care and maintenance for the mechanical and electrical components to
prevent corrosion of metal parts and maintain their proper function.
Precautions
•
Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously
damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional
maintenance procedures will be required after running in wet
conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. Do
not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to accept
the additional care and maintenance responsibilities.
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