Losi LOSB0012LE User Manual
LIMITED EDITION
Operations Guide
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Printed 10/09 ©2009 Losi, a Division of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
800-0403
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Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Losi® Limited Edition Aftershock™ Monster Truck. This is a highly developed off-road model
that features a sophisticated computer-based radio system and does require some mechanical experience and direct adult
supervision. This guide contains the basic instructions and drawings for operating and maintaining your new Limited
Edition Aftershock. Please take the time to read through it completely before running the model. Your hobby dealer
cannot, under any circumstances, accept a model for return or exchange that has been run.
Required Equipment
You will need the following items to operate your new Limited Edition Aftershock.
• 4 AA alkaline batteries for the transmitter
®
• Losi
Nitrotane™ 20% Sport Fuel. (LOSF0020 or LOSF0120) This is the only fuel that supports
the engine warranty.
• Fuel bottle (LOSB5201)
• Charger for 6V receiver pack
• Optional: Losi Nitro Starter Kit - Includes fuel bottle, ingiter, 3-way charger
and tuning screwdriver (LOSA99072)
Tools You Will Find Handy
In addition to the tools included with the Limited Edition Aftershock, you will nd the following both useful and in some
cases necessary.
• LOSB4603 4-Way Wrench
• LOSA99167 Tuning Screwdriver
• Small at blade and Phillips screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Quality .050”, 1/16”, 5/64”, 3/32”, 1.5mm and 2.5mm hex (Allen) drivers
Customer Support Contact
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
1-877-504-0233
productsupport@horizonhobby.com
Safety Precautions
THIS IS NOT A TOY! The Limited Edition Aftershock is a sophisticated, high-performance radio controlled model, which
needs to be operated with caution and common sense. Failure to operate this model in a safe and responsible manner
could result in personal and/or property damage. It is your responsibility to see that the instructions are followed and
precautions adhered to.
The Limited Edition Aftershock is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Losi and Horizon Hobby
shall not be liable for any loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential arising from the
use, misuse or abuse of this product or any product required to operate it.
* This is still a model; don’t expect it to do unrealistic stunts.
Warnings
• Fuel is dangerous if handled carelessly. Follow all directions and precautions on the fuel container.
• Keep fuel and all chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Always keep the fuel container closed and never use around an open ame or while smoking.
• The exhaust emits poisonous carbon monoxide fumes. Always run the model in a well ventilated area and never
attempt to run it indoors.
• The top of the engine and the exhaust pipe are extremely hot during and for a time after use. Use caution not to touch
these parts, especially when refueling.
• The engine can be loud, especially when run in a conned area. If you nd the noise objectionable, use ear protection.
• This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to interference from sources outside your control. Interference
can cause temporary loss of control so it is advisable to always keep a safety margin in all directions to avoid collisions.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from people and cars. The potential speed of this model can cause
injury or damage.
Engine Break-In and Adjustments
Breaking in your new engine is critical for proper performance. Failure to follow the break-in procedures can cause damage
and shortened engine life. During break-in and when running, always use Losi Nitrotane 20% Sport Fuel. Although the
carburetor is preadjusted at the factory, you must be familiar with the following adjustments and break-in procedure.
If you change fuel or run in dramatically different environments (hot/cold, high/low elevation, etc.), you will probably
have to adjust at least the high-speed needle to prevent overheating and maintain proper performance. Never, under any
circumstances, allow the engine to rev freely with the wheels off the ground.
Break-In Procedure
1.) The rst three tanks of fuel should be run with the high- and low-speed needles noticeably “rich” (see explanation
below). There should be a slight sluggishness and thick smoke when accelerating with the smoke decreasing as the
model gains speed. At speed, there should still be a noticeable trail of smoke from the exhaust pipe. Run the Limited
Edition Aftershock on a at surface in an oval pattern. Ease into the throttle as you accelerate on the straight sections,
easing off as you approach turns—letting the model roll through the turn before easing back on the throttle. This will
also allow you to get a feel for the steering response and handling characteristics of the model.
2.) You can also break in the engine by placing the model against a wall or xed object and allowing the engine to idle
through two full tanks of fuel. You may have to lean the low-speed mixture (slightly) as noted below.
Understanding “Rich” and “Lean” Fuel Mixture
Adjusting the carburetor is one of the most critical facets of running a nitro-powered RC vehicle. The fuel mixture is
referred to as being “rich” when there is too much fuel and “lean” when there is not enough fuel for the amount of air
entering the engine. The amount of fuel entering the engine is adjusted with high and low-speed threaded needle valves.
The low-speed needle is located in the front of the moving slide. The high-speed needle sticks straight up at the back
of the carburetor. Both feature a slotted head that is used as a reference and receptacle for a at blade screwdriver for
adjustments. The mixture is made richer by turning the needle counterclockwise and leaner by turning clockwise. An overly
rich mixture will yield sluggish acceleration and performance with thick smoke from the exhaust. A lean mixture can cause
the engine to hesitate before accelerating or, in some cases, to lose power momentarily after the initial acceleration.
A lean mixture also makes the engine run hotter than desired and does not provide enough lubrication for the internal
engine components, causing premature wear and damage. It is always advisable to run the engine slightly rich and never
lean to avoid overheating and possible damage.
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Base Start-up Settings from the Factory
1 Hour
2 Hour
High Speed Needle—23/4 turns out from bottom
Low Speed Needle—3 turns out from bottom
Engine Tuning
After the engine is broken in, you can tune it for optimum performance. When tuning,
it is critical that you be cautious of overheating as severe damage and premature
wear can occur. You want to make all carburetor adjustments in “one hour”
increments.
Low Speed Adjustment
The low-speed adjustment affects the idle and slightly off idle performance. The
optimum setting allows the motor to idle for at least 8−10 seconds. The model
should then accelerate with a slight amount of sluggishness and a noticeable
amount of smoke. The simplest way to check this is to make sure the engine has
been warmed up and let the engine idle for 8−10 seconds. If the low-speed mixture
is so far off that the engine won’t stay running this long, turn the idle stop screw
clockwise, increasing the idle speed. With the engine at idle, pinch and hold the fuel
Make all carburetor adjustments in one
hour increments. Imagine the slot in the
needle is the hour hand on a clock. Adjust
it as though you were moving the hour
hand from one hour to the next or previous
one.
Carb Adjustments:
line near the carburetor, cutting off the ow of fuel, and listen closely to the engine
rpm (speed). If the low-speed needle is set correctly, the engine speed will increase only slightly and then die. If the engine
increases several hundred rpm before stopping, the low-speed needle is too rich. Lean the mixture by turning the needle
clockwise one hour and trying again. If the engine speed does not increase but simply dies, the needle is too lean and
needs to be richened up by turning the needle counterclockwise one hour before trying again. After you have optimized the
low-speed setting, the engine will probably be idling faster. You will have to adjust the idle stop screw counterclockwise to
slow down the engine idle speed. The engine should accelerate at a constant pace without hesitating.
High-Speed Adjustment
After initial acceleration the engine should pull at a steady rate while maintaining a two-stroke whine and a noticeable
trail of smoke. If the engine labors and is sluggish with heavy smoke, the mixture is too rich and needs to be leaned by
turning the high-speed needle clockwise in one hour increments until it runs smoothly. If the engine isn’t smoking or starts
to die after acceleration, it is too lean and you must richen the mixture by turning the needle counterclockwise. Don’t be
confused by the sound of the engine and the actual performance. A leaner mixture will produce an exhaust note with a
higher pitch but this does not necessarily mean improved performance, as the engine is on the verge of overheating and
may incur possible damage. Ideally you want to run the engine so that it is on the slightly rich side of optimum. This will
give you the best combination of speed and engine life.
CAUTION: The engine is too lean and overheating if it accelerates rapidly with a high-pitched scream then seems to labor,
stops smoking or loses speed. This can be caused by the terrain, atmospheric conditions or drastic altitude changes. To
avoid permanent engine damage, immediately richen the mixture by turning the high-speed needle counterclockwise at
least “two hours” and be prepared for further adjustments before running any more.
About Glow Plugs
The glow plug is like the ignition system in your automobile. The coiled element in the center of the
plug glows red hot when connected to a 1.5-volt battery (located in the igniter). This is what ignites
the fuel/air mixture when compressed in the cylinder. After the engine res, the heat generated by
the burning fuel keeps the element hot. Common reasons for the engine not starting are the 1.5-volt
battery being weak or dead, the glow plug being wet with fuel, or the element burned out. Use a
spare glow plug to check the igniter. If the igniter makes the element glow, remove the plug from the
engine to check it in the same manner. A wet glow plug means there is excess fuel in the engine. To
DYN2494
eliminate this, put a rag over the head and turn the engine over a few seconds with your “Spin-Start.” Reinstall the glow
plug, making sure you have the brass gasket on it. The engine should now start.
Idle Speed
Needle
Slower
High-Speed Needle
As you turn this clockwise
(leaner), less fuel enters
the engine. Turning it
counterclockwise (richer) allows
more fuel to enter
the engine.
Faster
Idle Speed Screw
As you turn this clockwise, it
increases the carburetor opening
at idle and increases idle speed.
Turning it counterclockwise
decreases the opening and idle
speed.
Low-Speed Needle
As you turn this clockwise
(leaner), less fuel enters
the engine. Turning it
counterclockwise (richer) allows
more fuel to enter
the engine.
Richer
Leaner
Low-Speed
Needle
Testing the Temperature
The ideal operating temperature for the engine will vary with the air temperature but in general it should be in the 200°F
to 230°F (93.3°C to 110°C) range. A simple way to check the engine temperature is to put a few drops of water on the
top of the head/heat sink. It should take 3−5 seconds for the water to evaporate. If it boils away quickly the engine is
overheating and the high-speed needle needs to be richened (turned counterclockwise) at least “two hours.” If you plan
on racing or high-speed running, there are several inexpensive handheld digital temperature gauges available.
Richer
High-Speed
Needle
Leaner
Carb Opening
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About the Radio
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The Losi DSM radio installed in the Limited Edition Aftershock is a state of the art system featuring the latest technology
that requires no crystals. This system includes all the features you may nd useful. Be sure to read through the Radio
operation instructions on what and how to use these features. The following is a simple guide to items and functions
commonly referred to.
1. Steering Wheel - Controls the truck’s direction (left/right).
2. Throttle Trigger – Controls the speed and braking (pull for throttle and push forward for brakes).
3. Throttle Trim (TH.TRIM) - Allows you to set the idle/brake of the truck.
4. Steering Trim (ST.TRIM) – Adjusts the “hands off” direction of the truck.
5. Transmitter Antenna - Transmits signal to the receiver in the truck.
6. Servo Reversing Switches – Changes the direction of servo operation.
7. Power & Signal Indicators (LEDs)
Red (left) indicates signal strength
Green (right) indicates battery power
8. Power Switch - Turns your transmitter ON and OFF.
9. Steering Rate (ST.D/R) – Adjusts how much the wheels turn when steering wheel is turned right/left.
Steps to Re-Bind
1. Ensure that the transmitter and vehicle are both turned off.
2. Using the supplied Bind plug (which looks like a standard receiver plug with a wire loop installed). Insert the Bind
plug into the receiver slot labeled “BIND”. Looking down on the receiver this slot would be below the LED and is the
farthest from the LED, or nearest to the corner of the receiver.
Note: You do not need to remove any of the other plugs to re-bind.
3. With the Bind plug installed, turn on the vehicle. Notice a blinking Green LED within the receiver.
4. Now you are ready to turn on the transmitter. You should notice on the back of the transmitter a similar blinking
Orange LED under the translucent cover.
5. Both the receiver and transmitter blinking Green LEDs will stop blinking and become solid, indicating they have
“bound” themselves together.
6. Turn off both the vehicle and the transmitter then remove the Bind plug from the receiver. Failing to remove the Bind
plug will cause the receiver to attempt to re-bind every time you turn on the vehicle and transmitter.
7. Turn on both the vehicle and transmitter to ensure operation. If the transmitter does not control the vehicle, please
repeat steps 1–6. Should this not correct the problem please call Horizon Service/Repair for further assistance.
8. The Bind process is complete. Your vehicle’s radio system should be ready for use.
10. Endpoint Adjustment Pots – Allow you to adjust the maximum movement of the servos.
11. Bottom Cover – Removable for installing AA batteries.
12. Binding LED – Blinks when binding—solid indicates binding complete.
Re-Binding the Transmitter to the Receiver
®
The Losi DSM
radio system included in the Limited Edition Aftershock operates on 2.4GHz and provides 79 different
“channels”, which are automatically selected when the transmitter and vehicle are turned on. The communication between
the transmitter and receiver begins in the few seconds after the transmitter and vehicle are both turned on. This is called
the binding process. The Losi DSM radio system will not interfere with previous technology radio systems that operate on
27MHz or 75MHz frequencies, and you will not receive any interference from them. Although set at the factory, below are
the steps required to re-bind your transmitter to the receiver should the need arise. During the binding process there is a
unique ID from the transmitter communicated to the receiver to ensure trouble-free radio operation.
Steps 2 & 3 Step 4
Using the EPA Adjustment
The Endpoint Adjustment (EPA) feature of the Losi DSM radio allows you to set the amount the servo travels when you
turn the steering wheel or push/pull the throttle. This is especially helpful to prevent the servos from stalling with normal
operation.
Steering: First set the steering trim so the truck goes straight without touching the steering wheel. Lift the front
of the truck off of the ground and turn the steering wheel to the right. Use the included mini screwdriver
to adjust the pot marked “right” back and forth stopping when the wheels can turn to the right no more.
Repeat this procedure turning left using the pot marked “left”.
Throttle: First set your Throttle/Brake trim. With the engine not running,
remove the air cleaner. Pull full back on the throttle trigger
and note the position of the carburetor barrel. Adjust the
pot marked “throttle” back and forth so that the barrel just
reaches wide open (going further will only hurt performance).
Brake: Release the trigger and push it forward. Turn the pot marked
“brake” counterclockwise (away from the “+”) as far as it
will go. Now turn it clockwise (toward the “+”) until it stops
moving. This will give you maximum push brake.
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Radio Operation
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the radio system, as this is your direct link to the model.
• Never run your model with low receiver or transmitter batteries.
• Never leave the power on or the batteries will not last long.
2-Speed Adjustment
When new and during engine break-in, the two speed will not shift. Only after the engine has been broken in and the
needle valve adjusted, if necessary, will it start shifting. You may need to adjust the shift point after a while as the shoes
wear in.
• Always turn the transmitter ON before turning the model ON.
• When nished running, always turn the model OFF before the transmitter.
• For best operation, it will be necessary to keep the “trims” adjusted for both the steering and throttle
as noted below.
Steering Trim: The model should go straight without turning the steering wheel. If not, turn the trim knob marked “ST.
TRIM” found to the upper right of the steering wheel in the direction needed to make it do so. If this is not enough, please
refer to “Synchronizing the Steering Servos” below and reset your trim.
Throttle Trim: The model should idle without the tires rotating when the trigger is at its neutral position. If not, turn the
trim knob marked “TH.TRIM” located to the lower right of the steering wheel counterclockwise to reposition the throttle
servo until it does. Note that additional braking force is applied when you push the trigger forward.
Synchronizing the Steering Servos: If you remove the steering servos or the servo savers you will probably have to
make some small adjustments to ensure they are working together at maximum capacity. With the servo savers removed
and the linkages attached:
• Turn on the radio and reset the steering trim knob so the raised dot is lined up
with the line extending from the words “ST. TRIM”.
• Loosen the setscrews securing the linkage slightly and mount the servo savers
so they are timed as closely as possible like that seen in the photo.
Although pre-adjusted at the factory, the two speed can be adjusted to shift at the point that suits you best. Under normal
circumstances, it should shift slightly before the engine reaches maximum power. The actual distance traveled will vary
with the gear ratio and tune of the engine. There are two adjustment screws (see g 1) that must be changed evenly for
the two speed to function correctly. Turning these clockwise will make it shift later and require the engine to rev higher.
Turning them counterclockwise will make it shift earlier and require less engine speed. If you should get lost adjusting the
two speed, start over at the factory setting by lightly bottoming out the adjustment screws and then backing them out ve
full turns. The procedure for adjusting the two speed is as follows.
• Remove the gear cover.
• Turn the spur gears until the adjustment hole is visible in the bell housing between the large and small spur gears.
• Hold the small spur gear and, using your thumb, rotate the slipper forward until you can see the head of one of the
adjustment screws.
• Use a 5/64 Allen wrench to make your adjustment in 1/2-turn increments. Use the bent leg of the wrench
as your guide.
• Turn the slipper forward 1/2 rotation to adjust the other adjustment screw like the rst.
(Remember to always adjust BOTH screws the same amount)
• Test drive the model to check the new shift point and replace the gear cover if satised.
• Never run your model without the gear cover, as it is dangerous and gear damage will occur!
• Use the steering trim on the transmitter to ne-tune the timing of the
servo savers.
• Make sure the front tires are pointing forward and lock the steering linkage in
place by tightening the setscrews.
Maintenance
In addition to the service needs pointed out in this guide, you should try to maintain your new truck for proper
performance and to prevent wear. If dirt gets in the moving parts it can seriously hinder the performance of the model.
Use compressed air, a soft paintbrush, and/or toothbrush to remove dirt and dust. Avoid using solvents, if possible, as this
can actually wash the dirt into bearings and areas not accessible without disassembly causing additional wear. We suggest
you follow these basic guidelines. Remove as much freestanding dirt and dust as noted above. Never leave fuel in the tank
for more than a couple of hours. When done running for the day or longer, let the engine run out of fuel. Remove the air
cleaner and pour a little liquid or spray type penetrating oil, or quality after-run engine oil into the carburetor and spin
the engine over a few seconds. If needed, clean and re-oil the air cleaner before installing it back on the truck. Inspect the
truck for worn, broken, or binding parts and repair as necessary.
Adjusting the Slipper
The slipper is a key component of the drivetrain that is designed to help absorb sudden or
large impacts that would otherwise stress various drivetrain parts. You should never run
the Aftershock with the slipper locked (completely tight). The slipper can also be used as
a tuning aid for extremely slick conditions. To adjust the slipper start by turning the 1/4”
adjustment nut clockwise (tighten) until it gets tight and the spring is compressed. Do
not over-tighten as you will strip the nut. Now turn the adjustment nut counterclockwise
(loosen) one full turn. This should be a good overall setting.
Slipper–1 Turn Out
Figure 1
Always adjust BOTH adjustment screws evenly.
Later Sooner
Note: Outer (1st) spur
gear removed for
photo.
Turning the adjustment screws counterclockwise
makes the 2-speed shift sooner; turning clockwise
will make it shift later.
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