Philips E-Maxx 3905 User Manual

MODEL 3905

owners manual

Introduction

3 Before You Proceed

4 Safety Precautions

5 Tools, Supplies and

Required Equipment

6 Anatomy of

the E-Maxx

7 Quick Start:

Getting Up

to Speed

8 Decorating

Your Model

9 The Traxxas

TQ Radio System

15 Adjusting the

Electronic Speed

Control

17 Driving Your Model

Thank you for purchasing the new Traxxas E-Maxx electric monster
truck. When it comes to gut-wrenching, wheelie-popping monster
torque, nothing comes close to E-Maxx. We are condent you will
appreciate the latest performance and appearance enhancements
that have been made to this legendary model. With tough twin
Titan® 550 motors and a powerful EVX-2 electronic speed control,
the E-Maxx is built for rock-stomping action. The new chassis and
water-resistant electronics are made to take abuse. Even innovative
technology from our top-of-the-line Revo® has found it’s way into
E-Maxx in the form of the patent-pending Torque-Control™ slipper
and sealed driveshafts.

This manual contains the instructions you will need to operate,
and maintain your model so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
We want you to feel condent that you own one of the best­performing models in the market and that it is backed by a team
of professionals who aim to provide the highest level of factory
support possible. Traxxas models are about experiencing total
performance and satisfaction, not just with your model, but also
with the company that stands behind it.

We know you’re excited about getting your new model on the
road, but it’s very important that you take some time to read
through the Owners Manual. This manual contains all the necessary
set-up and operating procedures that allow you to unlock the
performance and potential that Traxxas engineers designed into
your model. Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it’s

important to read and follow the procedures in this manual.

Traxxas Support

Traxxas support is with you every step of the
way. Refer to the next page to nd out how to
contact us and what your support options are.

Quick Start

This manual is designed with a Quick
Start path that outlines the necessary
procedures to get your model up
and running in the shortest time possible. If you are an
experienced R/C enthusiast you will nd it helpful and fast.
Be sure and read through the rest of the manual to learn
about important safety, maintenance, and adjustment
procedures. Turn to page 7 to begin.

20 Tuning Adjustments

25 Maintaining

Your Model

26 Troubleshooting

27 Index

2 • E-Maxx

Thank you again for going with Traxxas. We work hard every day
to assure you the highest level of customer satisfaction possible.
We truly want you to enjoy your new model!

Before You Proceed

Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any
accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your
model. Failure to follow these instructions will be considered
abuse and/or neglect.

Before running your model, look over this entire manual and
examine the model carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not
what you wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby

dealer absolutely cannot accept a model for return or exchange
after it has been run.

Warnings, helpful hints, & cross-references

Throughout this manual, you’ll notice warnings and helpful hints
identied by the icons below. Be sure to read them!

An important warning about personal safety or avoiding
damage to your model and related components.

Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier
and more fun.

Refers you to a page with a related topic.

Support

If you have any questions about your model or its operation,
call the Traxxas Technical Support line toll-free at:
1-888-TRAXXAS (1-888-872-9927)*

Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30am
to 9:00pm central time. Technical assistance is also available at
www.Traxxas.com. You may also e-mail customer support with your
question at [e-mail]. Join thousands of registered
members in our online community at Traxxas.com.

Traxxas offers a full-service, on-site repair facility to handle any
of your Traxxas service needs. Maintenance and replacement
parts may be purchased directly from Traxxas by phone or online
at www.BuyTraxxas.com. You can save time, along with shipping
and handling costs, by purchasing replacement parts from your
local dealer.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any of your product support needs.
We want you to be thoroughly satised with your new model!

Traxxas
1100 Klein Road
Plano, Texas 75074
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS

Traxxas U.K.
P.O. Box 1128
Winterbourne, Bristol
BS36-2SH
England
Phone: [phone]

Internet
www.Traxxas.com
E-mail: [e-mail]

Entire contents ©2007 Traxxas.
Traxxas, Ready-To-Race, Ready­To-Win, E-Maxx and ProGraphix
are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Traxxas. Other
brand names and marks are
the property of their respective
holders and are used only for
purposes of identication. No
part of this manual may be
reproduced or distributed in print
or electronic media without the
express written permission of
Traxxas. Specications are subject
to change without notice.

*Toll-free support is available to U.S. residents only.

E-Maxx • 3

Safety Precautions

bluehighway font

Choose the Model That is Right For You. For individual Models

No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.
Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.

Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.
Models require a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.

No previous experience with radio controlled models is required.
Model requires a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.

Previous experience with radio controlled models is recommended.
Model requires a higher level of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.

BELOW TEXT HAS BEEN UPDATED on 3-14-07
Kent wants maintenance text to be at the END of the paragraph.-- KB

All instructions and
precautions outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your model.

This model is not intended
for use by children under
8 years of age without the
supervision of a responsible
and knowledgeable adult.

Previous experience with
radio controlled models
is recommended. Models
require a higher level of
setup, maintenance, or
support equipment.

4 • E-Maxx

All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model.
Operate your model sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting,
safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your
model in a safe and responsible manner may result in property
damage and serious injury. The precautions outlined in this manual
should be strictly followed to help ensure safe operation. You alone
must see that the instructions are followed and the precautions are
adhered to.

Important Points to Remember

Your model is not intended for use on public roads or congested

areas where its operation can conict with or disrupt pedestrian
or vehicular trafc.

Never, under any circumstances, operate the model in crowds of

people. Your model is very fast and could cause injury if allowed
to collide with anyone.

Because your model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio

interference from many sources that are beyond your control.
Since radio interference can cause momentary losses of radio
control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around the
model in order to prevent collisions.

The motors, batteries, and speed control can become hot during

use. Be careful to avoid getting burned.

Don’t operate your model at night, or anytime your line of sight

to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.

Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.

Batteries and Battery Charging

Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with
care for safety and long battery life. Make sure to read and follow all
instructions and precautions that were provided with your battery
packs and your charger. It is your responsibility to charge and care
for your battery backs properly. In addition to your battery and
charger instructions, here are some more tips to keep in mind.

Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
Remove the batteries from the model while charging.
Always unplug the batteries from the electronic speed control

when the model is not in use and when it is being stored
or transported.

Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs

(before charging).

Do not use battery packs that have been damaged in any way.

Do not use battery packs that have damaged wiring, exposed

wiring, or a damaged connector.

Children should have responsible adult supervision when

charging and handling batteries.

Speed Control

Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the batteries from the

speed control when not in use.

Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter rst before

switching on the speed control to prevent runaways and
erratic performance.

Don’t Get Burned: The heat sink can get extremely hot, so be

careful not to touch it until it is cool. Supply adequate airow
for cooling.

Use Stock Connectors: If you decide to change the battery

or motor connectors, only change one battery or motor connector
at a time. This will prevent damage from accidentally mis-wiring
the speed control. Please note that modied speed controls can
be subject to a rewiring fee when returned for service. Removing
the battery connector on the speed control or using connectors
with no reverse-polarity protection on the speed control will void
the product’s warranty.

Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring

with heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits

Always Use Heat Sinks: Three heat sinks are factory-installed on

the speed control and must be used for maximum cooling and
performance.

No Reverse Voltage: The speed control is not protected against

reverse polarity voltage. When changing the battery and/or
motor, be sure to install the same type of connectors to avoid
reverse polarity damage to the speed control. Removing the
battery connectors on the speed control or using the same-gender
connectors on the speed control will void the product’s warranty.

Do Not Let the Transistor Tabs Touch: Never allow the three

separate transistor banks to touch each other or any exposed
metal. This will create a short circuit and damage the speed
control. (For example, laying a metal tool across the heat sinks can
damage the speed control.)

No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible

with reversing speed controls. Using a Schottky diode with the
EVX-2 will damage the ESC and void the 30-day warranty.

Tools, Supplies and Required Equipment

Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’ll need to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer, to operate
and maintain your model.

Supplied Tools and Equipment

2.0mm “T” wrench 8mm/5mm wrench

Suspension multi-tool

Required Tools and Equipment (sold separately)

1.5mm “L” wrench

Antenna nut wrench

2.5mm “L” wrench

Pre-load spacers and shock pistons

(on parts tree) see page 20

Body clips

Universal wrench

Foam blocks (battery spacers)

see page 12

For more information on
batteries, see Use the Right
Batteries on page 10.

A peak-detecting charger
is recommended for best
performance and longest
battery life. For more
information, see Use the
Right Charger on page 12.

Recommended Equipment

These items are not required
for the operation of your
model, but are a good idea to
include in any R/C toolbox:

• Safety glasses

• Thin, hobby-quality
cyanoacrylate instant tire
glue (CA glue)

• Hobby knife

• Side cutters and/or needle
nose pliers

• Philips screwdriver

• Soldering iron

8 AA alkaline

batteries

Warning: Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries should not be used with the EVX-2. The EVX-2 electronic speed control is not equipped with low-voltage detection.

Two NiMH battery packs (7.2V 6-cell

or 8.4-volt 7-cell [recommended])

(peak detecting type recommended - see sidebar)

NiMH battery charger

E-Maxx • 5

Anatomy of the E-Maxx

Half Shaft

Toe Link
(Turnbuckle)

Electronic Speed
Control (EVX-2)

Rear
Body Mount

Rear
Shock Tower

Skid Plate

Rear
Bumper

Steering Servo

Slipper Clutch Access Plug

Pinion Gear (left side)

Battery Hold-Down

Battery Compartment

Motors (Titan)

Hex Hub

Pivot Ball

Axle Carrier

Toe Link

(Turnbuckle)

Suspension
Arm (Front)

Front Body

Mount

Receiver

Box

Skid Plate

Front

Bumper

Rear
Bulkhead

Rear
Differential

Suspension
Arm (Rear)

6 • Traxxas

Transmission

Chassis

Spur Gear

Battery Compartment

Antenna Mount

Battery Hold-Down

Steering Servo

Front

Differential

Front

Bulkhead

Front

Shock Tower

Ultra Shock

(Oil Damper)

™

Quick Start: Getting up to Speed

The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom
corners of Quick Start pages.

1. Read the safety precautions on page 4 9. Detail your model • See page 8

For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse
could lead to personal injury.

2. Charge the battery packs • See sidebar, page 12 10. Drive your model • See page 17

Fully charge two 7.2 or 8.4-volt battery packs (not included). Charge your
batteries now so it will be ready when you finish the other setup procedures.

3. Install the antenna • See page 11 11. Maintaining your model • See page 25

Install the antenna mast in the model. Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance

4. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 11

The transmitter requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries.

5. Install battery packs in the model • See page 12

Your model requires two fully charged 7.2 or 8.4-volt battery packs
(not included).

Apply other decals if desired.

Driving tips and adjustments for your model.

of your model and keep it in excellent running condition.

The Quick Start Guide is
not intended to replace the
full operating instructions
available in this manual.
Please read this entire
manual for complete
instructions on the proper
use and maintenance of
your model.

6. Turn on the radio system • See page 14

Make a habit of turning the transmitter on rst, and off last.

7. Check servo operation • See page 14

Make sure the steering servos are working correctly.

8. Range test the radio system • See page 14

Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system works properly
at a distance and that there is no interference from outside sources.

Look for the Quick Start
logo at the bottom of
Quick Start pages.

E-Maxx • 7

Decorating your Model

Applying The Decals

The main decals for your model

have been applied at the factory.
The decals are printed on self-
adhesive clear mylar and are
die-cut for easy removal. Use a
hobby knife to lift the corner of a
decal and lift it from the backing.
To apply the decals, place one end
down, hold the other end up, and
gradually smooth the decal down
with your nger as you go. This will
prevent air bubbles. Placing both
ends of the decal down and then
trying to smooth it out will result in
air pockets.

Look at the photos on the box for

typical decal placement.

Tire Gluing

The factory tires on your E-Maxx are already glued to the rims. The
tires must be glued to the rims to prevent the rims from spinning
inside the tires. The instructions here are provided to show you how
to glue replacement tires to the rims in the future. Use CA tire glue
available from your local hobby dealer. You can glue the tires without
removing the wheels from the truck. For clarity, these instructions
show the process with the wheels removed.

1. Remove a wheel from E-Maxx using the larger (8mm) end of the
universal wrench.

2. Use your thumb to push the side
of the tire away from the rim. Place
one or two drops of CA glue into
the opening and release the tire.
Capillary action will draw the glue
around the bead of the tire.

3. Repeat step two at four or five
points around the rim, until the tire is completely secured to the rim.
Turn the rim over and repeat the process for the inside of the rim/
tire. Repeat for the other three wheels.

4. Reinstall the wheels, make sure none of the axle pins have fallen out
from behind the hex hubs.

8 • E-Maxx

16.8V ESC

WATERPROOF

The Traxxas TQ Radio System

CH.2

CH.1

16.8V ESC

WATERPROOF

Your model is equipped with the Traxxas TQ Radio System.

The Traxxas TQ Radio System is a 2-channel system that provides
high-power output up to a quarter mile. Model 3905 uses two steering
servos and an electronic speed control. The receiver is equipped with
four channels and dual channel 1 outputs for the steering servos.

TQ Transmitter

Antenna

Throttle Trim

Steering Trim

Throttle
Trigger

Throttle Neutral Adjust

Steering Wheel

Servo Reversing

Switch

Wiring Diagram

Channel 1
Steering Servos

Antenna

Motors
(Titan

Crystal

Receiver

High-Current
Connector

BATT/CH4 and CH3 are not used

Channel 2
EVX-2 Electronic
Speed Control

EVX-2 Electronic Speed Control

To Motor

High-Current

Battery Connector

EVX-2 Wiring Diagram

®

)

Power Switch

Battery Compartment

Power Indicator

Heat Sinks

LED

EZ-Set Button

E-Maxx • 9