Traxxas 82096-4, Owner'S Manual

TRX-4 • 31

Your Traxxas transmitter has a programmable Multi-Function knob 
that can be set to control various advanced transmitter functions (set 
to Cruise Control by default, see page 17). Accessing the programming 
menu is done by using the menu and set buttons on the transmitter and 
observing signals from the LED. An explanation of the menu structure 
follows on page 34. Experiment with the settings and features to see if 
they can improve your driving experience.  

Steering Sensitivity (Exponential)

The Multi-Function knob on the TQi transmitter can be programmed to 

control Steering Sensitivity (also known as exponential). The standard 

setting for Steering Sensitivity is “normal (zero exponential),” with 

the dial full left in its range of travel. This setting provides linear servo 

response: the steering servo’s movement will correspond exactly 

with the input from the transmitter’s steering wheel. Turning the 

knob clockwise from center will result in “negative exponential” and 

decrease steering sensitivity by making the servo less responsive near 

neutral, with increasing sensitivity as the servo nears the limits of its 

travel range. The farther you turn the knob, the more pronounced the 

change in steering servo movement will be. The term “exponential” 

comes from this effect; the servo’s travel changes exponentially 

relative to the input from the steering wheel. The exponential effect is 

indicated as a percentage—the greater the percentage, the greater the 

effect. The illustrations below show how this works. 

Normal Steering Sensitivity (0% 

exponential):

In this illustration, the steering 

servo’s travel (and with it, the 

steering motion of the model’s 

front wheels) corresponds 

precisely with the steering wheel. 

The ranges are exaggerated for 

illustrative purposes.

Decreased Steering Sensitivity 

(Negative Exponential):

By turning the Multi-Function knob 

clockwise, the steering sensitivity of 

the model will be decreased. Note 

that a relatively large amount of 

steering wheel travel results in a 

smaller amount of servo travel. The 

farther you turn the knob, the more 

pronounced the effect becomes. 

Decreased steering sensitivity may be 

helpful when driving on low-traction 

surfaces and when driving at high 

speed. The ranges are exaggerated  

for illustrative purposes.

Throttle Sensitivity (Throttle Exponential)

The Multi-Function knob can be set to control Throttle Sensitivity. 
Throttle Sensitivity works the same way as Steering Sensitivity, but 
applies the effect to the throttle channel. Only forward throttle is 
affected; brake/reverse travel remains linear regardless of the Throttle 
Sensitivity setting. 

Steering Percentage (Dual-Rate)

The Multi-Function knob can be set to control the amount (percentage) 
of servo travel applied to steering. Turning the Multi-Function knob 
fully clockwise will deliver maximum steering throw; turning the 
knob counterclockwise reduces steering throw (

Note

: turning the dial 

counterclockwise to its stop will eliminate all servo travel). Be aware that 
the steering End Point settings define the servo’s maximum steering 
throw. If you set Steering Percentage to 100% (by turning the Multi-
Function knob fully clockwise), the servo will travel all the way to its 
selected end point, but not past it. Many racers set Dual-Rate so they 
have only as much steering throw as they need for the track’s tightest 
turn, thus making the model easier to drive throughout the rest of the 
course. Reducing steering throw can also be useful in making a model 
easier to control on high-traction surfaces, and limiting steering output 
for oval racing where large amounts of steering travel are not required. 

Braking Percentage

The Multi-Function knob may also be set to control the amount of brake 
travel applied by the servo in a nitro-powered model. Electric models do 
not have a servo-operated brake, but the Braking Percentage function 
still operates the same way in electric models. Turning the Multi-Function 
knob full clockwise will deliver maximum brake throw; turning the 
knob counterclockwise reduces brake throw (

Note

: Turning the dial 

counterclockwise to its stop will eliminate all brake action).

Throttle Trim

Setting the Multi-Function knob to serve as throttle trim will allow you 
to adjust the throttle’s neutral position to prevent unwanted brake drag 
or throttle application when the transmitter trigger is at neutral. 

Note

: 

Your transmitter is equipped with a Throttle Trim Seek Mode to prevent 
accidental runaways. See the sidebar for more information.

Traxxas Stability Management (TSM)

The Multi-Function knob on the TQi 

transmitter can be programmed to 

control Traxxas Stability Management 

or TSM. TSM allows you to experience all the speed and acceleration that 

was engineered into your Traxxas model by helping you to maintain 

control of the vehicle in low-traction situations or over rough terrain. TSM 

also dramatically improves braking control and makes corrections for you, 

without intruding on your fun, or creating unexpected side effects. 

TQ

i

 ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE

Starting Over:

Restoring Factory Defaults

When programming your TQi 
transmitter, you may feel the 
need to start over with a clean 
slate. Follow these simple steps 
to restore the factory settings:
1. Turn the transmitter off.
2. Hold both MENU and SET.
3. Turn the transmitter on.
4. Release MENU and SET.  

The transmitter LED will 
blink red.

5. Press MENU 6 times. The 

transmitter LED will blink  
red 7 times repeatedly.

6. Press SET to clear settings. 

The LED will turn solid 
green and the transmitter is 
restored to default.

Turning Range  

at Transmitter

Effective Turning 

Range on Model