Duratrax Vendetta ST User Manual

™

ASSEMBL

Y AND OPERA

TION MANU

www

.duratrax.com

YYOU

WILL

NEED

PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER

DTXR0124

PLIERS

DTXR0300

ITEMS

INCLUDED

The following items are included in the box.

Chassis Body Decal Sheet (Not Shown) Transmitter Transmitter Antenna Transmitter Flag (Not Shown) Receiver Antenna Tube with Antenna Cap (Not Shown) Shock Spring Clips (Not Shown) “AA” Batteries (Qty 8) Exploded View/Parts Listing (Not Shown) Extra Servo Saver Adapters for Hitec,JR (Not Shown)

SAFETY PRECA

UTIONS

When the safety precautions are follow ed, the Vendetta ST will provide years of enjoyment. Use care and good sense at all times when operating this radio controlled truggy. 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 use lithium polymer batteries with the stock ESC unless a voltage cutoff unit is used.

• Do not operate the Vendetta ST near people.Spectators should be behind the driver or at a safe distance away from the vehicle.

• Water can cause the electronics to short out and can cause permanent damage.

• Always turn on the transmitter before turning on the receiver.

• Fully extend the transmitter antenna before operating your vehicle.

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

CHARGING PRECA

UTIONS

• Never leave the charger unattended during charging.

• If the battery or the charger become hot at any time, disconnect the battery from the charger immediately! Failure to do so could cause permanent damage to the charger and battery and may cause bodily harm.

• Do not allow water or moisture in contact with the charger.

• Do not place the charger on or near a flammable object during use.

• Only charge 6-cell, 2/3A-size batteries.

• Keep out of the reach of children.

• Avoid running the truggy 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.

SPECIFICA

TION AND

DESCRIPTION CHANGES

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. Visit www.duratrax.com for the latest updates and information for your model.

WWARRANTY

ARRANTY

• DuraTrax®guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. DuraTrax will warranty this kit for 90 days after the purchase date. DuraTrax will repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.

• Make sure you save the receipt or inv oice 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. Further, DuraTrax reser ves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

• In that DuraTrax has no control over the final user assembly or material used for final user assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product.By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

To return your Vendetta

for repairs covered under warranty, you should send your truggy to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Service Depar tment

Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Central Time M-F

E-mail:

hobbyservices@hobbico.com

www.hobbyservices.com

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.

STRESS-TECH

™

PPARARTS

GUGUARANTEE

ARANTEE

We have engineered the Vendetta ST to take the rough and tumble abuse that mak es R/C 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 12 months you own the truggy. Just send in the part to us and we will send you a FREE replacement. Please see the Vendetta 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 under the warranty on the left.

❏ 1.The broken part must be included. ❏ 2.The part number and description of

the broken part.

❏ 3. Copy of your dated invoice or

purchase receipt.

❏ 4.Your name, phone number and

shipping address.

REP

AIR SER

VICE

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, you can still have your Vendetta ST repaired for a small charge by the experts at DuraTrax’s authorized repair facility, Hobby Services.

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

❏ 1. Under most circumstances return the

ENTIRE vehicle. The exception would be sending in a Stress-Tech par t. See the instructions under the 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).

THINGS

THINGS TTOO

KNO

FINISHING

THE

VENDETT

A ST

• Install eight “AA” batteries into transmitter, making sure the polarity is correct.

• Insert the antenna into the top of the transmitter and tighten.

• Turn the transmitter on and check the battery light. If the red light glows steady, the batteries have enough voltage. If the red light blinks, the batteries are low and should be replaced.

TRANSMITTER PREPARATION

CHARGE THE BA TTER Y

• Plug in the included wall charger.

• Attach the included 6-cell (7.2V) battery to the charger.

• When the battery is fully discharged, it should take 3 hours to fully charge. A half-charged battery, 1-1/2 hours, etc.

• CAUTION: If the battery becomes hot to the touch, disconnect it from the charger.

–

Battery Light

3-Hour

Charger

7.2 V Battery

• Route the receiver antenna wire through the receiver antenna tube.

• Insert the antenna tube into the molded antenna mount on the battery strap.

• Install the antenna tube cap onto the top of the antenna tube.

• DO NOT cut or coil the receiver antenna wire.

• Remove the body clip from the battery strap post.

• Remove the battery strap.

• Install the included 7.2V battery into the chassis.

• Reinstall the battery strap and secure it in place with the body clip.

• Check that the ESC is “OFF,” and then plug the battery into the ESC.

RECEIVER ANTENNA INSTALLATION

6-CELL BATTERY INSTALLATION

DO NOT CUT ANTENNA WIRE!

7.2V Battery

• Turn the transmitter on.Then turn the receiver on.

• Tur n the transmitter wheel to the right—the front wheels should tur n to the right. If not, move the steering servo reverse switch.

• When running, adjust the steering trim so the truggy tracks straight.

• Gently pull back on the throttle trigger.The Vendetta ST should slowly move forward.If the truggy goes in reverse, move the throttle reversing switch on the transmitter. The throttle trim knob may also need to be adjusted to find neutral.

WHEELS TURN RIGHT

RADIO SYSTEM CHECK

• The Vendetta ST ESC is an auto-set ESC.

• You must lift the chassis off the ground during the ESC setup.

• Center the throttle trim knob on the transmitter.

• Connect the battery pack to the ESC, turn on the Tx, then the ESC.

• The LED will flash, then pull the trigger to full throttle for 2 seconds, then go to full reverse for 2 seconds.

• The ESC is now set up.

• You must set the ESC every time you change the battery.

ESC SETUP

Steering

Servo

Reverse

Switch

On/Off

Throttle

Servo

Reverse

Switch

Steering

Dual

Rate

Steering

Trim

Forward

Throttle

Trim

Reverse

CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEM FOR PROPER FUNCTION

BEFORE EACH RUN

• IMPORTANT: Check to make sure that all screws are tight. Always use threadlock (DTXR2010) on screws going into metal.

• Before running always check the condition of your radio system batteries and replace/recharge if necessary.

• Check to make sure that all of the moving parts of the Vendetta ST move freely and do not bind.

• Before running, turn on the radio and make sure the servos move easily and in the proper direction.

• Check for broken or damaged parts.Replace any broken or damaged parts before running the Vendetta ST .Running of the Vendetta ST with broken or damaged parts could result in damage to other parts.

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

• Check that the ESC and receiver are properly secured to the chassis.

AFTER EACH RUN

• Clean any large globs of dirt or debris from the chassis and moving parts.

• Check for any broken or damaged parts. This way parts may be replaced before the next run.

• Disconnect and remove the battery from the chassis.

AFTER EVERY 10 RUNS

• Check to make sure that the bearings are free of dirt and debris, and roll smoothly.

• Check the shocks for oil leakage. Inspect the shaft and O-rings for wear and damage. Replace if necessary. (A shock shaft with scratches you can feel with a fingernail should be replaced.)

• Check the tires to make sure they are still properly glued to the wheels.

MAINTENANCE

TIPS

• Decal the body to your liking. Use the photos on the box as a reference.

• Install the body onto the chassis using two body clips.

BODY INSTALLATION

When tuning the Vendetta ST make sure that you have equal lengths from one side to the other on the shocks and upper 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.

RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The ride height of the Vendetta ST is easily adjusted by using the included pre-load spacers.To increase the ride height of the Vendetta ST, install a pre-load spacer onto each of the shock bodies between the spring and the shock cap. The more pre-load clips you install, the more ride height you will achieve. Make sure you install the same amount of pre-load clips from side to side. To lower the ride height of the V endetta ST, remove the desired amount of pre-load spacers from the shocks. TIP: Rough, rocky surfaces require higher ride height; flat, smooth surfaces allow a lower ride height.

FRONT SHOCK ADJUSTMENT

Moving the tops of the shocks out will increase steering, resulting in quicker 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 smoother handling over bumps. Moving the tops of the shocks out will give the truggy more steering and better ability to handle the large jumps.

SHOCK SPRINGS

DuraTrax offers two different optional shock springs: Heavy (green) and Extra Firm (blue), the Vendetta ST comes stock with Medium springs (yellow). For rutted tracks with small jumps, a soft spring should be used. For tracks with large jumps, a heavy spring should be used to help prevent chassis slap.

SHOCK OIL

The Vendetta ST comes stock with 25 weight oil in the shocks.The handling of the truggy can be tuned by changing the shock oil to either heavier (bigger number) or lighter (lower number.) By putting heavier oil in the shocks, the truggy will have less chassis roll and become less responsive . Putting lighter oil in the shocks will cause the truggy to be more responsive and hav e more chassis roll.For smooth, flat surfaces, a thicker oil would be best. For surfaces that are rough or have jumps, a lighter oil would be best.

PINIONS

The Vendetta ST comes stock with the 13 tooth pinion. To obtain higher top speeds you can install a larger pinion gear onto the motor.This will, however, decrease your acceleration and run time. TIP: Smaller pinion equals more torque, less top speed. Larger pinion equals more top speed, less torque.

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 wheels lean inward and positive camber is when the wheels lean outward. Usually adding a small amount of negative camber (0° to -2°) will increase traction. However, adding too much camber will decrease traction. The objective is to keep as much of the tire as possible in contact with the running surface. Never put in positive camber. Make sure that both sides are equal.

Use the DuraTrax Pit Tech™Camber Gauge (DTXR1145) to accurately set up your Vendetta ST.

TOE-IN AND TOE-OUT

Toe-in is when the fronts of the tires point towards each other. Toe-out is when the fronts of the tires point away from each other. Toe-in increases stability dur ing acceleration and high speed.Howe v er , 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° of toe-in.For adjustable toe-in, install the optional steering turnbuckle set (DTXC9592).

CASTER

The Vendetta ST has adjustable caster. Caster refers to the angle of suspension vertically. By placing the adjuster clip behind the fron upper arm, you decrease caster angle. This will give more initial turn-in but decrease on power steering and straight line stability.

Placing the adjuster clip in front of the front upper arm increases the caster.This will increase on power steering and straight line stability, but reduce initial turn-in.

TUNING

GUIDE

2° Negative Camber

Adjust

Toe-In

Toe-Ou

MAINTENANCE

GUIDE

The following section is provided to help you with maintenance and repairs to your Vendetta ST. Pay extra attention to the notes and tips for proper assembly.

Gear Differential

8x12mm Ball Bearing

For Front and Rear

...2

Oil

...2

8x12mm Ball Bearing

...2

Differential Cross Pin A

...2

Differential Cross Pin B

Oil

...8

2x6mm F/H S/T Screw

+ 19 hidden pages