Traxxas 82096-4, Owner'S Manual

TRX-4 • 11

Applying the Decals

The main decals for your 
model have been applied at 
the factory. Additional decals 
are 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

 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 31) and Menu Tree (page 34) 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 31.

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.

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 XL-5 HV uses MOSFET 
power transistors 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.

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.

NiMH

 - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride.  Rechargeable NiMH batteries 

offer high current handling and much greater resistance to the “memory” 
effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher capacity than NiCad 
batteries. They can last up to 500 charge cycles. A peak charger designed 
for NiMH batteries is required for optimal performance.

Receiver

 - The radio unit inside your model that receives signals from the 

transmitter and relays them to the servos.

Resistance 

- In an electrical sense, resistance is a measure of how an 

object resists or obstructs the flow of current through it. When flow is 
constricted, energy is converted to heat and is lost. 

Servo

 - Small motor unit in your model that operates the steering mechanism. 

Transmitter

 - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and steering 

instructions to your model.

Trim

 - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos, 

made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of the 
transmitter. 

Note

: The Multi-Function knob must be programmed to serve as 

a throttle trim adjustment.

Thermal Shutdown Protection

 - Temperature sensing electronics are 

used in the ESC to detect overloading and overheating of the transistor 
circuitry. If excessive temperature is detected, the unit automatically shuts 
down to prevent damage to the electronics.

2-channel radio system

 - The TQ radio system, consisting of the receiver, 

the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two channels: one to 
operate the throttle and one to operate the steering. 

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.” 

Voltage

 - Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between 

two points, such as between the positive battery terminal and ground. 
Using the analogy of the garden hose, while current is the quantity of 
water flow in the hose, voltage corresponds to the pressure that is forcing 
the water through the hose.

550 and 540

 - These numbers refer to the size of the motor. 550 motors 

have armatures that are 30% longer than 540 motors.

8