Duratrax Axis User Manual

Warranty

• DuraTrax™will warranty this kit for 90 days after the purchase date from defects in materials or

workmanship. DuraTrax

will either repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.

• Make sure you save the receipt or invoice you were given when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase and we must see it before we can honor the warranty.

• To return your Axis for repairs covered under warranty you should send your buggy to:

Hobby Services

1610 Interstate Drive

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Service Department

Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time M-F

E-mail: hobbyservices@hobbico.com

Before Building:

We want the building and operating of this vehicle to be a success, so BEFORE removing any parts from the parts bags please read this manual thoroughly and watch the included video to familiarize yourself with the model. If for any reason you think this model is not for you, return it to your dealer immediately. PLEASE NOTE: Your hobby dealer cannot accept a return on any model after assembly has begun.

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction.................................................................................2

Safety Precautions .....................................................................2

Helpful Hints................................................................................2

Stress-Tech

™

Parts Guarantee...................................................2

Repair Service.............................................................................3

Specification & Description Changes.......................................3

Screw Information ......................................................................3

Required Items for Completion .................................................3

Tools You Will Need....................................................................3

Finishing the RTR Version.........................................................4

Assembly of the Pre-Built Version............................................6

Preparing the Radio System......................................................6

Radio Installation........................................................................6

Steering Linkage.......................................................................10

Brake and Throttle Linkage .....................................................10

Air Filter and Fuel Tubing Installation ....................................12

Radio Adjustments ...................................................................13

Wing Mounting..........................................................................14

Carburetor Settings ..................................................................15

Breaking in the Engine.............................................................15

Running the Engine..................................................................15

Engine Maintenance .................................................................16

Performance Tuning .................................................................17

Maintenance Tips......................................................................18

Engine Trouble Shooting.........................................................19

Thank you for purchasing the DuraTrax Axis. This manual contains the instructions you need to build, operate and maintain your new nitro R/C buggy. Read over this manual thoroughly before building or operating the Axis.

When the safety precautions are followed, the Axis will provide years of enjoyment. Use care and good sense at all times when operating this radio controlled buggy. Failure to use this vehicle in a safe, sensible manner can result in injury or damage to property. You and you alone must insure that the instructions are carefully followed and all safety precautions are obeyed.

• Do not operate the Axis near people.

Spectators should be behind the driver or at a safe distance away from the vehicle.

• The engine and exhaust produces quite a bit of noise. If you are disturbed by the amount of noise this buggy produces, wear ear protection such as earplugs. Do not run this vehicle when or where it can disturb others.

• The engine and exhaust can become very hot. Avoid touching any of these parts during use and until they have cooled down.

• Model engine fuel is poisonous. Make sure you read and follow all of the precautions on the fuel container. Keep fuel out of the reach of children.

• Model engine fuel is flammable and when ignited has a flame that is difficult to see. Avoid sparks, flames, smoking, or any other ignition source when fuel is near.

• The engine emits carbon dioxide just like real cars. Do not operate this model indoors.

• Before turning on the transmitter, make sure that no one else is on your frequency.

• Avoid working over a deep pile carpet. If you drop a small part or screw, it will be difficult to find.

• Place a mat or towel over your work surface. This will prevent parts from rolling off and will protect the work surface.

• Avoid running the buggy in cold weather. The plastic and metal parts can become brittle at low temperatures. In addition, grease and oil become thick, causing premature wear and poor performance.

• Test fit all parts before attaching them permanently.

We have engineered the Axis to take the rough and tumble abuse that makes R/C buggies fun. We are so confident of the quality and durability of the Stress-Tech™plastic parts that we will replace any Stress-Tech plastic part you break during the first 6 months you own the buggy. Just send in the part to us and we will send you a Free replacement. Please see the Axis parts list for the items covered under the Stress-Tech guarantee.

To receive your free replacement part please send the following to the Hobby Services address listed on the cover of this manual:

• The broken part must be included.

• The part number and description of the broken part.

• Dated copy of your invoice or purchase receipt.

• Your name, phone number and shipping address.

STRESS-TECH™PARTS GUARANTEE

HELPFUL HINTS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, you can still have your Axis repaired for a small charge by the experts at DuraTrax’s authorized repair facility, Hobby Services, at the address listed on the front page of this manual.

To speed up the repair process, please follow the instructions listed below.

1. Under most circumstances return the ENTIRE system:

buggy and radio. The exception would be sending in a Stress-Tech part. See the instructions under Stress-Tech Guarantee.

2. Make sure the transmitter is turned off, all batteries are

removed and fuel is drained from the tank.

3. Send written instructions which include: a list of all items

returned, a THOROUGH explanation of the problem, the service needed and your phone number during the day. If you expect the repair to be covered under warranty, be sure to include a proof of date of purchase (your store receipt or purchase invoice).

4. Also be sure to include your full return address.

All pictures, descriptions and specifications found in this instruction manual are subject to change without notice. DuraTrax maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in this manual.

Do not use too much force when tightening self-tapping screws into plastic. Overtightening will cause the threads in the plastic to strip. We recommend that you stop turning a self-tapping screw when you feel some resistance as the head of the screw comes in contact with the plastic. Avoid using powered screwdrivers when assembling this kit. They tend to overtighten the screws. Do not use thread locking compound on any self-tapping screws. The thread locking compound may damage the plastic. IMPORTANT: Use thread lock on any fastener that is threaded into metal or fastened with a nut. Vibration from the engine will cause the screws to loosen if thread locking compound is not used.

To operate the Axis these items are required:

• Glow plug starter (Hobbico Hot-Shot 2 -HCAP2520).

• Fuel bottle (DuraTrax Kwik-Pit Bottle - DTXP0125)

• Fuel (DuraTrax Red Alert fuel - DTXP0520)

• Air Filter Oil

• Glow plug wrench (DTXR1170)

• It is also helpful to have a couple of extra glow plugs on hand (O.S. #A3 plug - OSMG2690)

• Hobby knife (HCAR0105), #11 blades (HCAR0211)

(All of these items are available in a Nitro Starter Pack from DuraTrax - DTXP0200).

For the Pre-Built version of the Axis, you will also need:

• 2-channel radio with (1) standard servo and (1) high torque (70+ oz./in.) servo (for steering).

•

(12) “AA” batteries - (4) for the receiver and (8) for the transmitter.

• Small bottle of thread locking compound (GPMR6060).

To assemble the Pre-built version (DTXC0070), you will need the following tools:

• Phillips head screwdriver

• Flat blade screwdriver

• Needle-nose pliers

• Wire cutters or diagonal cutters (HCAR0630)

• Hobby knife (HCAR0105), #11 blades (HCAR0211)

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR COMPLETION

SCREW INFORMATION

SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES

REPAIR SERVICE

M3x14

M3x14 Screw

3mm

14mm

Self-Tapping

Screw

3mm

14mm

❏ 1. Remove the buggy, transmitter and parts from

the box.

❏ 2. Remove the twist-tie from the receiver antenna

wire. The receiver wire looks like a bundled thin wire that is attached to the receiver. Run the length of the antenna wire through your fingers to help straighten the wire out, this will make it easier to get the wire through the tube. Remove the antenna tube from the decal bag. Slide the antenna wire through the antenna tube. Do not coil or cut the antenna. Cut two pieces of fuel tubing 1/8" wide and slide them over the outside of the antenna tube and wire. This is to help hold the antenna tube on and avoid getting the antenna wire cut in a roll over. Note the placement of the tubing on the antenna tube.

❏ 3. Remove the air filter parts from the parts pack.

Slide the large rubber O-ring around the threads of the outer housing. The O-ring will help seal the air filter together. Soak the air cleaner element with an air filter oil, light machine oil, or, in a pinch, shock oil. Thoroughly soak the foam element and squeeze out the excess. Then install the filter element into the plastic outer housing.

❏ 4. Press the “L” shaped boot onto the bottom housing

of the air filter. Using one of the included tie-straps, secure the boot onto the bottom housing. Cut off the excess portion of the tie-strap. Screw the bottom and outer filter housing together. Note: Overtightening will

strip the threads.

❏ 5. Place the air filter onto the carburetor. Using the

remaining included tie-strap, secure the air filter to the carburetor. Cut the excess portion of the tie-strap off to avoid interference.

❏ 6. Locate the pre-drilled wing and place it onto the

wing mount plate. Make sure that holes in the wing line up with the wing mount plate. Place a tapered black plastic washer over each of the two holes. Then insert a 3x12mm screw through the washer and wing into the wing support. (Make sure not to overtighten the

screws holding the wing on to avoid stripping the holes in the wing support).

WING MOUNTING

AIR FILTER INSTALLATION

ANTENNA INSTALLATION

FINISHING THE AXIS RTR VERSION (DTXD70**)

❏ 7. Remove the receiver battery holder from the

radio box. Install (4) “AA” batteries (included) into the battery holder in the configuration molded into the battery holder.

❏ 8. Re-install the receiver battery into the radio box.

Note the placement of the receiver battery in the box. Make sure that the receiver switch is in the “off” position. Plug the connector on the receiver battery into the socket on the receiver switch. Wrap the receiver with the included foam rubber (if desired, secure with a rubber band, not included) to help reduce possible radio interference from vibration.

❏ 9. Remove the transmitter antenna from the holder

and screw it into the hole on top of the transmitter.

❏ 10. Slide open the battery door on the bottom of the

transmitter and remove the transmitter battery holder. Place 8 “AA” batteries (included) into the holder in the configuration molded into the plastic on the battery holder. Re-install the transmitter battery holder into the transmitter and re-install the battery door.

❏ 11. Turn on the transmitter using the switch on the

back (see photo with step 9). The green light on the side of the transmitter should light up. If there is no light on, turn the transmitter off and check to ensure that the battery holder is making contact with the copper contact on the inside of the battery compartment. Make sure the batteries are installed correctly. Turn the transmitter on and check for the green indicator light. If the green light appears, turn off the transmitter.

❏ 12. Remove the plastic from the outside of the body.

Apply the decals to the body and wing if desired.

❏ 13. Remove the body clips from the parts bag.

Place the body onto the body mounts. On each body mount place a body clip.

You are ready to go! Watch the video one more time and turn to page 15 for performance and maintenance tips.

RADIO SETUP

❏ 1. Remove the Axis buggy and the transmitter from

the box.

❏ 2. Remove the radio tray from the chassis by

removing the (8) 3x15mm flat head self tapping screws from the bottom of the chassis.

❏ 3. Install the receiver on/off switch. Remove the two

screws from the face plate of the on/off switch and remove the face plate. The switch should be in the “OFF” position. Insert the on/off switch up through the bottom of the radio plate. Then place the face plate over the top of the on/off switch and place the two screws back through the face plate into the on/off switch. Be sure to reinstall the face plate with the “OFF” position next to the switch button. Run both wires from the on/off switch through the hole in the side of the radio box.

RADIO INSTALLATION

ASSEMBLY OF THE AXIS PRE-BUILT VERSION (DTXC0070)

1. Install the batteries in the transmitter and the receiver battery holders.

2. Extend the transmitter antenna.

3. Connect the steering servo, throttle servo

and receiver battery to the receiver.

4. Extend the receiver antenna.

5. Adjust the servo trims of the transmitter to the neutral position.

6. Switch on the transmitter.

7. Switch on the receiver.

8. Operate the steering and throttle control. Make sure the servo arms move in proportion to the movement of the steering wheel and throttle trigger.

9. Switch off the receiver, then the transmitter.

Before installing the radio system in the pre-built DuraTrax Axis read the manufacturer’s instructions manual and follow the instructions shown below.

Servo Arm

Steering Servo

Throttle Servo

Receiver Battery Holder

4-AA Batteries

Transmitter

Antenna

8-AA Batteries

Receiver

Receiver Switch

Antenna

PREPARING THE RADIO SYSTEM

+ 14 hidden pages