Duratrax EVADER ST Operation 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 Evader ST for repairs covered under warranty you should send your truck to:

Hobby Services

1610 Interstate Drive

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Ser vice Depar tment

Phone: [phone]:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time M-F

E-mail:

[e-mail]

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product,the buyer is advised to
return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING.
IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE
OF THIS MODEL.

© Copyright 2001 DTXZ3100 For Kit DTXC0020/DTXD20**

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL

®

Length: 15.2" [385mm]
Width: 13" [330mm]
Height: 5.8" [147mm]
Weight: 3 lbs 6.3 oz
Wheelbase: 11.6" [295mm]
Motor: Photon Speed™20 Turn
Radio: 2-channel surface frequency

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext. 2

[e-mail]

™

®

INTRODUCTION................................................................2

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................2

HELPFUL HINTS...............................................................2

STRESS TECH PARTS GUARANTEE..............................3

REPAIR SERVICE .............................................................3

SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES ...............3

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR COMPLETION...........................3

TOOLS NEEDED FOR COMPLETION.............................3

TOOLS INCLUDED FOR MAINTENANCE.......................3

FINISHING THE RTR VERSION........................................4

FINISHING THE PRE-BUIL T VERSION ............................5

Preparing the Radio System.....................................5

Charge Y our Battery...................................................5

Steering Servo Installation .......................................6

Receiver Installation..................................................7

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL SET-UP......................8

MAINTENANCE TIPS........................................................8

Before Each Run ........................................................8

After Each Run ...........................................................8

After Every Ten Runs.................................................8

ASSEMBLY GUIDE ...........................................................9

TUNING GUIDE...............................................................11

Caster........................................................................11

Camber......................................................................11

Front T oe-In and T oe-Out.........................Back Cover

Wheelbase ................................................Back Cover

Battery Placement....................................Back Cover

Ride Height...............................................Back Cover

Camber Link Placement..........................Back Cover

Slipper Adjustment..................................Back Cover

Front Shock Adjustment .........................Back Cover

Rear Shock Adjustment ..........................Back Cover

Shock Oils & Shock Springs...................Back Cover

Thank you for purchasing the DuraTrax Evader ST. This
manual contains the instructions you need to build, operate
and maintain your new electric R/C stadium truck. Read
over this manual thoroughly before building or operating the
Evader ST.

When the safety precautions are followed, the Evader ST
will provide years of enjoyment.Use care and good sense at
all times when operating this radio controlled stadium truck.
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 Evader ST near people. Spectators
should be behind the driver or at a safe distance away
from the vehicle.

• Make sure to read the instructions with the battery and
charger before charging.

• Do not leave the charger unattended during charging. If
the battery or charger become hot at any time disconnect
the battery from the charger immediately! Failure to do
so may cause permanent damage to the charger and
battery, and may cause bodily harm.

• Do not cover the air intake holes on the charger during
charging, this may cause the charger to overheat.

• Do not allow the electronic speed control (ESC) or radio
equipment to come into contact with moisture.Water can
cause the electronics to short out and can cause
permanent damage.

• Always turn on the transmitter before turning on the
electronic speed control.

• Before turning on your radio check to make sure that no
one else is running on the same frequency as your
Evader ST.

• A void w orking ov er a deep pile carpet.If you drop a small
part or screw, it will be difficult to find.

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

• Avoid running the truck 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.

HELPFUL HINTS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

We have engineered the Evader ST to take the rough and
tumble abuse that makes R/C stadium trucks fun.We are so
confident of the quality and durability of the Stress-Tech
plastic parts that we will replace any Stress-T ech plastic part
you break during the first 12 months you own the truck.Just
send in the part to us and we will send you a FREE
replacement. Please see the Evader ST 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.

❏ 1.The broken part must be included.
❏ 2.The part number and description of the broken part.
❏ 3. Dated copy of your invoice or purchase receipt.
❏ 4.Your name, phone number and shipping address.

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, you can still have your Evader
ST 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:

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

❏ 2. Make sure the transmitter is turned off, and all of the

batteries are removed.

❏ 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.

T o operate the Ev ader ST the follo wing items are required:

❏ DuraTrax 6 cell battery pack (DTXC2065)
❏ DuraTrax 6-7 cell charger (DTXP4000)

For the pre-built version of the Evader ST, you will
also need:

❏ 2-channel radio with one (1) standard servo (FUTJ24**)
❏ Eight (8) “AA” batteries (for the transmitter)

❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ #2 Phillips head screwdriver (DTXR0124)
❏ Needle nose pliers (DTXR0300)

❏ 3/32", 1.5mm & 2.5mm hex Wrenches
❏ Tur nbuckle wrench
❏ Nut driver (4-way)

TOOLS INCLUDED FOR MAINTENANCE

AND CLEANING

TOOLS NEEDED FOR COMPLETION

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR COMPLETION

SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES

REPAIR SERVICE

STRESS-TECH™PARTS GUARANTEE

3

❏ 1. Remove the Evader ST and radio system from the box.
❏ 2. Charge the (not included) 6 or 7 cell battery on the (not

included) charger. See Safety Precautions before charging
and charge the battery according to the instructions that
came with your charger.

❏ 3. Install the transmitter antenna by screwing it into the
hole on the top of the transmitter.

❏ 4. Slide open the battery door on the bottom of the
transmitter.Install eight (8) “AA”batteries into the transmitter
in the configuration molded into the plastic on the battery
holder.Re-install the battery door.

❏ 5. Turn on the transmitter using the on/off (see step 3).
The red light on the transmitter should light up.If there is no
light on, turn the transmitter off and check to ensure that the
batteries are making contact with the metal contacts in the
battery holder. Make sure the batteries are installed
correctly. Turn the transmitter on and check for the red light.
If the red light appears, turn off the transmitter.If the red light
blinks, the batteries are low and should be replaced.

❏ 6. Straighten the receiver antenna. Route the receiver
antenna through the holes in the chassis as shown above.
Locate the antenna tube, and thread the receiver antenna
through the antenna tube. The antenna will be longer than
the antenna tube. DO NOT CUT OR COIL THE ANTENNA

WIRE. Press fit the antenna tube into the hole in the chassis.
Tip: Run the antenna wire through your fingers to
straighten out the kinks before running through the
antenna tube. Also, applying a small amount of soap
and water to the antenna wire will help lubricate the wire
for threading into the antenna tube.

❏ 7. Remove the body pin from the battery strap post, and
remove the battery strap from the Evader ST.

4

FINISHING THE EV ADER ST RTR VERSION (DTXD20**)

Route the antenna
through the chassis
and then through the tube.

Remove the pin and lift

the strap to install/remove

the battery pack

Install the strap

between the bumps.

5

❏

1. Install the “AA” batter ies in the transmitter.

❏

2. Install and extend the transmitter antenna.

❏

3. Connect the steering servo and electronic speed control

to the receiver.

❏

4. Uncoil and extend the receiver antenna.

❏

5. Hook up the charged 6 or 7 cell battery to the electronic

speed control.

❏

6. Adjust the servo trims of the transmitter to the

neutral position.

❏

7. Switch on the transmitter.

❏

8.Switch on the electronic speed control.

❏

9.Operate the steering and throttle control. Make sure the
steering servo arm and motor move in proportion to the
movement of the steering wheel and throttle trigger.

❏

10.Switch off the receiver, then the transmitter.

❏

1.Charge the 6 or 7 cell battery (not included) on your charger

(not included). See Safety Precautions before charging.

CHARGE Y OUR B A TTERY

PREPARING THE RADIO SYSTEM

FINISHING THE EVADER ST PRE-BUILT VERSION (DTXC0020)

❏ 8. Install the charged 6 or 7 cell battery into the battery
slot. Re-install the batter y strap onto the Evader ST. Note

that there is a channel in the chassis for the battery
strap to rest in. Re-install the body clip into the battery

strap post.
❏ 9.The transmitter features a dual rate knob labeled “D/R”

on the top of the transmitter. Turning it fully clockwise will
give you the greatest amount of steering travel. Turning it

counterclockwise will reduce the amount of steering travel.
If you are just learning to drive R/C you may w ant to use less
steering travel at first.

❏ 10. Decal the body as desired.
❏ 11. Proceed to page 8 for Maintenance Tips.

6

❏

1. Locate and remove from the parts bag two (2) steering
servo mounts, one (1) servo arm (determine which servo arm
is required for your radio system), one (1) 4-40 ball stud, one
(1) foam washer, two (2) 3x8mm pan head screws and two
(2) 4-40 x 5/16"flat head machined screws To ensure that
you are using the right size screw, match the screw to the
picture on the hardware chart.

❏

2. Attach the servo mounts to the servo using the two (2)
3x5mm screws as shown

❏

3. Install the 4-40 ball stud into the flat side of the steering
servo arm in the upper hole. With the steering servo centered
as described in “Preparing the Radio System”, install the
correct steering servo arm onto the ser vo splines as shown
above.(Note: If the steering servo is not properly centered, the
steering could be off).Re-install the servo horn screw , securing
the horn onto the servo.

❏

4. Remove the two (2) 4-40 x 3/4

"

socket head machined
screws from the upper plate and rotate the front of the truck
forward. (Note: Be careful that you do not loosen any of

the steering assembly parts during this process).

❏

5. Install the steering servo into the mounting slot. Line up
the holes in the servo mounts with the two holes in the chassis.
(Note: there are two different mounting holes in the servo
mounts. Use the appropriate holes for your servo). Install the
two (2) 4-40 x 5/16"flat head machined screws through the
bottom of the chassis into the servo mounts. Attach the
steering link ball cup onto the 4-40 ball stud on the servo.

STEERING SERVO INSTALLATION

7

❏

6.Install the servo brace onto the chassis using the two (2)
4-40 x 3/8"socket head machined screws and two (2)
4-40 x 3/4"socket head cap screws. Re-install the two (2)
4-40 x 3/4"socket head cap screws into the upper plate.

❏

1. Install the receiver onto the chassis as shown. Remove
the protective backing from one side of the included 1/4" thick
piece of foam tape and install it onto the chassis. Then
remove the other piece of protective backing and install the
receiver onto the foam rubber.

❏

2. Route the receiver antenna through the holes in the
chassis as shown above. Locate the antenna tube, and
thread the receiver antenna through the antenna tube. The
antenna will be longer than the antenna tube. DO NOT CUT
OR COIL THE ANTENNA WIRE. Press fit the antenna tube

into the hole in the chassis. Tip: Run the antenna wire

through your fingers to straighten out the kinks before
running through the antenna tube. Also, applying a small
amount of soap and water to the antenna wire will help
lubricate the wire for threading into the antenna tube.

❏

3. Remove the body pin from the battery strap post, and

remove the battery strap from the Evader ST.

❏ 4

.Install the charged 6 or 7 cell battery into the battery slot.

Re-install the battery strap onto the Evader ST. Note that

there is a channel in the chassis for the battery strap to
rest in. Re-install the body clip into the battery strap post.

❏

4. Decal the body if desired.

RECEIVER INSTALLATION

Remove the clip and lift

the strap to install/remove

the battery pack

Install the strap

between the bumps.

Route the antenna
through the chassis
and then through the tube.

8

Note: The set-up portion of the Sprint ESC occurs in the
first 2 seconds when the speed control is turned on.

❏

1. Set the throttle trim of the transmitter at neutral.

❏

2.Turn the transmitter on.

❏

3.Turn the electronic speed control on.

❏

4. Squeeze the throttle trigger all of the way and hold it for

2 seconds.

❏

5. Push the throttle trigger to full reverse and hold it for
2 seconds.

❏

6. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. The green LED
should turn on after a few seconds.

❏

7.The speed control will hold this setting until it is reset.

❏

8. If the speed control did not set-up, repeat the steps.

BALL DIFFERENTIAL BREAK-IN

The ball differential has been adjusted at the factory for proper
“break-in”. Do not tighten the differential before the truck has
been properly broken-in or you can damage the differential.

After running the truck for 2 or 3 battery packs, the ball
differential will require readjustment. This is the “normal”
break-in period for the ball differential. You will hear a
“squealing”sound when accelerating from a stop and the truck
will accelerate slower. This indicates that the differential is
properly broken-in and now requires adjustment. Do not run
the truck until the differential is properly readjusted as follows.

Adjusting the differential is quick and easy. Access the
adjusting screw by disconnecting the rear camber link
(using pliers) at the right rear wheel. Rotate the wheel and
universal joint out of the way.

While holding the left rear tire, tighten the adjusting screw by
inserting the included L-wrench into the cap screw on the
right side of the ball differential. The screw should be

tightened until it is “just snug.” Caution: Do not over tighten
the adjusting screw or you will damage the differential. Next,
loosen the screw 1/8 of a turn.

Reinstall the universal shaft back into the differential and
reattach the camber link. The ball differential may need
occasional adjustment to maintain performance.

BEFORE EACH RUN

❏

1. Check to make sure that all screws are tight and there

are not any screws missing.

❏

2.Check to make sure that the transmitter batteries are not low.

❏

3. Check to make sure that all of the moving parts of the

Evader move freely and do not bind.

❏

4.Check f or broken or damaged parts.Replace any broken
or damaged parts before running the Evader ST. Running of
the Evader ST with broken or damaged parts could result in
damage to other parts.

❏

5. Check to make sure that the receiver and speed control

are still properly secured to the chassis.

❏

6.Check to make sure that all wires are properly connected.

AFTER EACH RUN

❏

1. Clean any large globs of dir t or debris from the chassis

and moving parts.

❏

2. Disconnect and remove the battery from the Evader.

❏

3. Check for any broken or damaged parts.This way parts

may be replaced before the next run.

AFTER EVERY 10 RUNS

❏

1.

The servo saver is f actory set.During normal maintenance,
check its operation by grasping the servo arm and linkage and
turning one of the front tires left and right. If the wheels turn
without moving the linkages and servo arm then the unit is
operating properly. If the linkage and ser vo arm move, loosen
the knurled adjustment nut on the left side servo saver shaft.If
the servo saver becomes clogged with dirt, it may not work
properly which could cause servo or linkage damage.The servo
saver needs to be disassembled, cleaned and readjusted. To
safely adjust the servo saver, loosen the knurled aluminum
collar on the left side steering post completely .Then reinstall 1½
turns onto the post. Retest the servo saver as described above .
Adjust the servo saver tighter or looser if needed.

❏

2.Check to make sure that the bearings are free of dirt and

debris, and roll smoothly.

❏

3.Check the shoc ks for oil leakage .If the shocks have leaked
any shock fluid out, you should properly refill the shocks f or best
performance.Inspect the shock shafts for deep scratches.

❏

4. Check the motor brushes for wear.If the motor brushes

are severely worn or discolored they should be replaced.

❏

5. Check for buildup and wear on the bushings of the
motor. If the bushings are dirty, use DuraTrax Power Shot to
clean them. If the bushings are worn, replace the motor.

❏

6. Make sure the servo saver is free moving and does not

bind.This will help prevent stripping of the servo during running.

❏

7. Check for smooth gear mesh between the spur and
pinion gear.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

NOTE:The Sprint electronic speed control is pre-set at the

factory. The following instructions should be followed if
the pre-set needs to be changed. During nor mal running,
the speed control should be switched “on” and not given
input from the transmitter for 2 seconds.This bypasses the
set-up stage of the ESC.

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL SET UP

Camber Link

1. Remove the Camber Link.

2. Rotate the Universal Joint out of the way.

3. Adjust the diff screw using the L–Wrench.

Universal Joint

L–Wrench

9

The following information has been provided to help maintain
and tune the Evader ST.

ASSEMBLY GUIDE

43

99

47

100

48

102

81

98

45

44

101

46

81

67

39

F

49

51

104

S

67

50

81

S

53

57

38

C

E

67

C

52

D

38

94

50

56

5

90

81

T

2

B

S

95

91

S

8

L

6

67

36

97

41

81

53

42

F

40

37

1

D

C
S

81

24

M

10

The diff can be properly adjusted
by tightening the diff bolt until
snug and then back off 1/8 turn.

O

22

120

3/32" Hex wrench

121

G

113

120

19

112

92

96

109

21

108

123

93

18

74

S

79

67

S

81

58

82

107

M

117

108

58

X

116

83

X

20

P

MOTOR

(119)

110

89

80

108

108

17

P

110

86

64

85

16

86

W

J

V

P

H

G

D

87

O

When tuning the Evader ST make sure that you have equal
length shocks on both sides (left and right), camber rods and
steering rods. Also, make sure to have the shock pre-load
adjusters at the same setting from left to right. They do not
have to be the same front to rear.

CASTER

Caster refers to the angle at which the kingpin is at in relation
to the surface when viewed from the side .0 degrees of caster
means that the kingpin is straight up and down.The Evader
comes stock with 30 degrees of caster and is not adjustable.

CAMBER

Camber refers to the angle at which the tire and wheel ride in
relation to the ground when viewed from the front or rear.
Negative camber is when the tire and wheel lean inward and
positive camber is when the tire and wheel lean outward.
Typically you want 0 to 2 degrees of negative camber. Never
put in positive camber. Make sure that both sides have equal
amounts of camber by keeping the camber turnbuckles equal
in length.

TUNING GUIDE

11

122

76 (Rear)

4

75 (Front)

32

106

35

31

78 (Rear)
77 (Front)

33

71 (Rear)
70 (Front)

S

2. Slowly screw the cap
down about half way.

34

Push the piston part
way down to slowly

114

bleed off excess oil.

3. Tighten the cap a little

1. Fill to the top
with oil. Let all air

more and push the piston
down the rest of the way.

bubbles rise to
the top before
assembly.

4. Finally, tighten the cap
all the way.

With a properly filled shock, the piston can be pushed in completely
and will then rebound about 3/8".
Exercise the shock a few times and listen for air bubbles. If you hear
any squishing, rebuild the shock.

30˚ Caster

2º Negative Camber

Adjust

FRONT TOE-IN AND TOE-OUT

Toe-in and toe-out refers to the angle at which the tire is at
when viewed from above. Toe-in increases stability under
acceleration . However, toe-in also decreases steering when
entering a corner.Toe-out will increase steering into corners,
but will decrease the overall stability during acceleration.The
front typically is set-up with 0 to -2 degrees of toe-in.

Rear toe-in affects the traction of both the front and rear of
the truck. Rear toe-in increases the amount of traction in the
rear, but decreases steering. Decreasing rear toe-in will
increase steering, but will give less rear traction.The Evader
comes pre-set with 3 degrees of rear toe-in.

WHEEL BASE

Wheel base is the distance from the center of the front wheel
to the center of the rear wheel. By lengthening the wheel
base of the Evader it increases steering, but decrease rear
traction as a result of increase weight distribution to the front
wheels. Decreasing the wheel base of the Evader will
increase rear traction, but decrease steering.

BATTERY PLACEMENT

The battery placement of the Evader can be adjusted with the
foam spacers which will affect the trucks rear traction.
Spacing the battery in the forward position will create less
rear traction. Spacing the battery in the rear position will
create more rear traction.

RIDE HEIGHT

The ride height of the Evader ST effects how it jumps and
handles. The ride height of the Evader ST is adjustable
through the threaded pre-load adjusters on the shock bodies.
To measure the ride height of the Evader, set the truck up as
if you are ready to run. Push the front of the truck down all of
the way and release it.When the truck returns the front arms
should be parallel with the surface.The rear ride height is set

up the same except that the drive shafts are parallel with the
surface. Lowering the front ride height will increase steering
response due to more weight on the front wheels. Lowering
the rear ride height will increase rear traction and reduce
steering response due to more weight on the rear wheels.

CAMBER LINK PLACEMENT

The camber link placement affects the traction and handling
on rough tracks. By using a long mounting position, it will
increase traction but decrease stability. By shortening the link,
it will increase stability, but decrease traction.

SLIPPER ADJUSTMENT

The slipper clutch is designed to help prevent gear breakage
during jumping and controls traction. The slipper should not
be over tightened, this could cause damage to the diff erential
gears. The slipper should be set so that it slips for 1-2 feet
from a stop with a fully charged battery.

FRONT SHOCK ADJUSTMENT

Moving the tops of the shocks out will increase steering and
quicker suspension reaction.Moving the tops of the shocks in
will result in slower steering reaction, but will be smoother
over bumps .Mounting the bottoms of the shocks in the inside
hole will give more slow speed steering but will take away
some high speed steering.

REAR SHOCK ADJUSTMENT

Moving the tops of the shocks in will result in more traction in
the corners and will be smoother over the bumps.Moving the
tops of the shocks out will give the truck more steering and
handle large jumps better.

SHOCK OILS AND SHOCK SPRINGS

Many different combinations can be used between the shock
oils and shock springs. Some basic guidelines when setting
up the Evader are that if the rear end is stiff it will give the truck
more steering and have less rear traction.Hardening the front
will result in less steering and more rear traction. (Changing
the position of the threaded shock pre-load adjusters results
in ride-height change. It does not change the spring tension).
Thinner shock oil make the shocks react faster, b ut mak es the
truck less stable and may cause the truck to bottom out over
large jumps.Thicker shock oil makes the truck smoother over
large jumps and in straights, but less reactive over rough
sections. We have filled the shocks with 20 weight shock oil,
which is a good choice for most driving conditions.

STEERING DUAL RATE

Adjust the dual rate knob to increase or decrease the
steering travel. When first lear ning to drive, adjust the dual
rate knob for less steering travel. As you get to be a better
driver, adjust the dual rate knob for more steering travel.

1˚

1˚

1˚ T oe-in

Front wheels pointed towards each other

Front

Long

Middle

Short

Two Washers

In Front

One Washer

Either Side

Two Washers

In Rear