SMC Networks 4910 User Manual

Traxxas Corporation Corporate Headquarters 1100 Klein Road Plano,Texas 75074 Phone: 972.265.8000 Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS

Traxxas U.K. P. O. Box 1128 Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH England Phone: 44.117.956.1002

Internet www.traxxas.com www.T-Maxx.com E-mail: support@traxxas.com

2.5, TQ-3, Top Fuel, EZ-Start, and ProGraphix are trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Corporation.Other brand names and marks are the property of their respective holders and are used only for purposes of identification. No part of this manual may be reproduced or distributed in print or electronic media without the express written permission of Traxxas.

020802

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro Monster Truck. Traxxas engineers have loaded your T-Maxx with innovative features and incredible “drive-over-anything” performance that you won’t find anywhere else!

Your T-Maxx combines automatic,two-speed shifting in forward and reverse, with powerful four-wheel disc braking. The patented transmission design and three-channel TQ-3 radio system put these functions right at your fingertips.

The new TRX 2.5 engine is the most powerful engine of its size ever available in a Ready-To-Run truck.Two years of engineering development and advanced design, along with thousands of hours of testing, puts the TRX 2.5 in a class by itself.Each part of the TRX 2.5—from the air filter on the slide carburetor,to the tip on the dyno-tuned exhaust system—has been carefully engineered to provide maximum power over the broadest RPM range.

Traxxas was the first with standard on-board electric starting. The new second generation EZ-Start has evolved into an incredibly advanced and reliable starting solution, featuring thermal protection for the motor and built-in diagnostics to monitor the condition of the glow plug.

Obviously,there’s much going on between the wheels of your T-Maxx. In this manual, we’ll take you step-by-step through all necessary set-up, break-in, tuning, and operating procedures.

Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast,it is important for you to read and follow the procedures in this manual. Pay particular attention to the fuel requirements and break-in procedures. The advanced design of the TRX

2.5 engine does not follow old-fashioned thinking regarding fuel and break-in procedures.

4 Before You Proceed

5 Safety Precautions

6 Tools, Supplies

and Required Equipment

7 Anatomy of the

T-Maxx

8 Quick Start: Getting

Up to Speed

9 Gluing the Tires

10 Decorating

Your T-Maxx

11 The Traxxas TQ-3

Radio System

21 The TRX 2.5 Engine

37 Driving the T-Maxx

38 Adjusting

Your T-Maxx

42 Trouble Shooting

Your T-Maxx

44 Maintaining

and Storing Your T-Maxx

46 Index

Before You Proceed

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

Before running your T-Maxx, look over this entire manual, and examine the truck carefully.If for some reason you decide the T-Maxx is not what you wanted, then do not continue any further.

Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a

T-Maxx for return or exchange after it has been run.

Warnings, helpful hints, and cross-references

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

An important warning about personal safety or avoiding damage to your T-Maxx 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 T-Maxx 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 8:30 am to 9:00 pm central time.Technical assistance is also available at www.Traxxas.com.You may also e-mail customer support with your question at support@traxxas.com. Join thousands of Traxxas R/C enthusiasts in our online community at ReadyToRun.org

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, or you can save shipping and handling costs by purchasing them from your local hobby dealer.

All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new T-Maxx. Operate your T-Maxx sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your T-Maxx 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

R/C fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous. Always follow all directions and precautions printed on the fuel container.

R/C fuel, especially when in a fuel dispensing bottle, may look like a cool drink to a child. Keep all fuel out of the reach of children at all times. Do not place fuel containers on the ground where children can get to them while you are driving.

R/C fuel is flammable. Never allow smoking, sparks,heat or flame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors.

The engine and exhaust system may become extremely hot during use. Be careful not to touch the parts, especially when refueling or stopping the engine.

Prolonged exposure to the engine exhaust can be harmful. Avoid breathing the engine exhaust. Always run your T-Maxx outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Never run the engine indoors.

Don’t operate your T-Maxx at night,or anytime your line of sight to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.

Never operate your T-Maxx in crowds of people or busy pedestrian areas.The T-Maxx is large and fast,and may cause injury to those unaware of its presence.

Because the T-Maxx is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from many sources beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around your model to prevent collisions.

The engine can be loud. If the noise makes you uncomfortable, wear ear protection. Be considerate of your neighbors by not running your model early in the morning or late in the evening.

Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.

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All instructions and precautions

outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your T-Maxx.

The T-Maxx is not

intended for use

by those under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult.

Safety Precautions

Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment

Your T-Maxx 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.

For more info on batteries, see Use

the Right Batteries

on page 13.

A peak-detecting charger is

recommended for best performance and longest battery life. For more information, see

Use

the Right Charger

on page

30.

12 AA alkaline batteries for the radio system

7.2-volt NiCad battery pack for the EZ-Start starting system

NiCad battery charger

Traxxas Top Fuel

10% quart - #5010 • 20% quart - #5020 10% gallon - #5060 • 20% gallon- #5070

Fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas part #5001)

TRAXXAS

1.5mm hex wrench

2.0mm hex wrench

Glow plug (universal) wrench

Turnbuckle wrenches

Batteries

Fuel

Supplied Tools

Your T-Maxx comes with these specialty metric tools:

Other Required Tools and Supplies

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

Safety glasses

#2 Phillips screwdriver

After-run oil (WD-40™) to protect the engine from corrosion

#1 Phillips screwdriver

Small flat-blade screwdriver (1/8 inch blade)

Filter oil (for the foam air filter)

see page 27 for details

Hobby knife

Anatomy of the T-Maxx

Battery

Box

Fuel

Tank

Fuel Tank Lid

Steering

Servo

Shifting Servo

Suspension

Arm (upper)

Bumper

(Front)

Bumper

Mount

Skid Plate

(front)

Cross-brace

Shock

(Oil Damper)

Differential

Turnbuckle

Throttle/Brake

Servo

Receiver

Box

Transmission

Air

Filter

Pipe

Header

Engine

see pg. 20 for details

Pressure Line

Fuel Line

EZ-Start

Motor

EZ-Start

Plug

Bulkhead

Shock Tow e r

Body

Mount

Spur Gear

Chassis

Slipper

Clutch

Half Shaft

On/Off Switch

Shift

Rod

Access Plug

for Receiver Crystal

Antenna

Mount

Pipe

Hanger

Access Plug

for Two Speed

Adjustment

The following guide is an overview of the

procedures for getting your T-Maxx running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine. Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step.Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages.

1. Charge the battery pack • See sidebar, page 30

The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt battery pack (not included).

2. Get the right fuel • See page 26

Use Traxxas Top Fuel™ or consult with Traxxas before using other fuels.

3. Glue the tires • See page 9

Glue the tires to the rims to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires.

4. Install the antenna • See page 15

Install the antenna mast in the T-Maxx.

5. Decal and Install the body • See page 10

You will need to use the body during the break-in process so it’s best to decal it before you use it on the truck.

6. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 13

The T-Maxx requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the transmitter.

7. Install batteries in the model • See page 14

The T-Maxx requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the receiver.

8. Install the EZ-Start battery • See page 30

Install and connect the 7.2-volt battery pack in the EZ-Start controller.

9. Turn on the radio system • See page 18

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

10. Check servo operation • See page 19

Make sure the throttle, shifting, and steering servos are working correctly.

11. Range test the radio system • See page 20

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

12. Fill the fuel tank • See page 26

Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to fill the tank.

13. Connect the EZ-Start to the model • See page 31

Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric starting system

14. Start the engine • See page 32

Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2.5.

15. Break-in your engine • See page 32

Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure the bestperforming, longest-lasting engine.

16. Tune your engine • See page 34

Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum engine performance.

17. Drive your T-Maxx • See page 37

Learn how to use the two-speed and reverse functions on your T-Maxx

18. Maintaining your T-Maxx • See page 44

Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of your T-Maxx 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 T-Maxx.

Quick Start: Getting up to Speed

The tires on your T-Maxx must be glued to the rims using CA tire glue to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires.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 the T-Maxx using the larger (8mm) end of the glow plug (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 3 wheels.

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

Always wear safety glasses to prevent glue from

splattering into your eyes.

The acetone in fingernail polish

remover will remove excess glue from your fingers.

For best results

while gluing, clean

the bead of the tires and the grooves of the wheels with denatured alcohol before applying glue. This removes any mold release agent residue from the tires and wheels, providing a better bond.

Gluing The Tires

Hub

Axle Pin

Decorating Your T-Maxx

Applying The Decals

The ProGraphix painted body is covered with a protective film for shipping. You must remove this film before applying any decals.

To remove the film, lift a corner of the film and carefully pull it off the body in one continuous piece.

Your T-Maxx decals are diecut for easy removal. Use a hobby knife to lift the corner of a decal and lift it from the backing.

Carefully position the decal over the desired location and press one side on the body.Pull the decal tight and use a finger to gradually smooth out any air bubbles as you apply the decal.

Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Your T-Maxx (model 4910) is equipped with the TQ-3 Radio System.The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides highpower output up to a quarter mile and control for up to three servos.

Antenna

Throttle Neutral Adjust

Steering Wheel

Throttle Trim

Steering Trim

Reverse Shift

Forward Shift

Power Switch

Power Indicator

Battery Compartment

Servo Reversing Switches

Throttle Trigger

T-Maxx Wiring Diagram

Antenna

On/Off Switch

Black Negative

Red Positive

Receiver

4-Cell

Battery Holder

Channel 1

Steering Servo

Channel 2

Throttle Servo

Channel 3

Shifting Servo

Channel 3 Channel 2 Channel 1

Battery

Radio System Terminology

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radiosystem terms.They will be used throughout this manual.

Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6

channels so that up to six models can be operated simultaneously.Each channel is referred to by its flag color and channel number, as shown below.

Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make sure

nobody else in your area is operating on the same channel. Always clear your frequency by calling out your channel number before operating your model.Wait or move to another area if your channel is already being used.

Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines which

channel the radio system will operate on. For each channel, there are two crystals, one for the receiver and one for the transmitter.Of those two crystals, the one marked with the lower number (.455 MHz lower) must be inserted into the receiver.

Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter

to send signals to your T-Maxx. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a 27 MHz frequency band.

Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek

when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.

NiCad - Refers to rechargeable, nickel-cadmium batteries. The

most economical choice, since they may be recharged up to 500 times.

Receiver - The radio unit inside your T-Maxx that receives

signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.

Servos - Small motor units in your T-Maxx that operate the

throttle, shifting, and steering mechanisms.

Three-channel radio system - The TQ-3 radio system,

consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos.The system uses three channels: one to operate the throttle, one to shift the transmission, and one to operate the steering.

Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and

steering instructions to your T-Maxx.

Tri m - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the

servos, made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of the transmitter.

Learn terms related to the TRX 2.5 engine beginning on page 23.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Channel Frequency Band Flag Color Traxxas Part No.

1 26.995 Brown 2031

2 27.045 Red 2032

3 27.095 Orange 2033

4 27.145 Yellow 2034

5 27.195 Green 2035

6 27.255 Blue 2036

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Installing Transmitter Batteries

Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries.The battery compartment is located at the base of the transmitter.

1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and lifting the door up.

2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in the battery compartment.

3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.

4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator for

a solid red light.

If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitter batteries are weak, discharged or possibly installed incorrectly. Replace with new or freshly charged batteries.The power indicator light does not indicate the charge level of the receiver batteries in the model.

Use the Right Batteries

Your transmitter and receiver use AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries, or rechargeable batteries such as NiCad or Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries in your transmitter and receiver. Make sure rechargeable batteries are fully charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you use rechargeable batteries in your transmitter, be aware that when they begin to lose their charge, they lose power much more quickly than regular alkaline batteries.

Caution: Discontinue running your T-Maxx at the first sign of weak batteries (flashing red light) to avoid losing control.

If the power indicator doesn’t light red, check

the polarity of the batteries. Check rechargeable batteries for a full charge.

CH.1

CH.2

CH.3

Installing Receiver Batteries

The radio receiver in your T-Maxx uses 4 AA batteries.The battery holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath the battery cover. The battery cover can be identified by the on/off switch.

1. Remove the battery cover by removing the two 3x10mm roundhead self-tapping screws from the cover.

2. Remove the battery holder and install 4 AA alkaline batteries. Make careful note of the battery polarity by comparing against the diagrams in the battery holder.

3. Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.

4. Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the screws

(see sidebar!).

On/Off Switch

4-cell battery holder

Direct the battery wires through the slot in the battery

cover.

If the wires are not properly routed,they may become broken or shorted, causing radio system failure and loss of control.

If you use rechargeable batteries in your receiver, be aware that when they begin to lose their charge, they lose power much more quickly than regular alkaline batteries. Signs of weak receiver batteries include sluggish steering response and shortened radio range.

Caution:

Discontinue running your T-Maxx at the first sign of weak batteries to avoid losing control.

If the radio system doesn’t appear to

work when the transmitter and receiver switches are turned on, check for correct battery installation.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Spray a little window cleaner on the

antenna wire to make it easier to push through the antenna tube.

Don’t shorten the

length of the

antenna wire. Its length is tuned to the frequency band; cutting it could severely shorten the radio system’s range.

Don’t push the

transmitter antenna

down from the top. Pull it down from the bottom, one segment at a time, to prevent binding and kinking the antenna mast.

Setting Up the Antenna

You must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate your T-Maxx.You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in the bag with your manuals and documentation.

1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver cover. The T-Maxx receiver cover is mounted on the top of the chassis, near the front.

2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers and then insert the end of the wire into one end of the antenna tube. Push the wire all the way through the antenna tube.

3. Pull the remaining wire through the antenna tube, and then insert the base of the antenna tube into the molded post on top of the receiver cover.

4. Fold the remaining antenna wire over the top of the tube and secure it with the antenna tip.

5. On the transmitter,always fully extend the telescoping antenna when running your T-Maxx.Make a habit of holding the transmitter so that the antenna points straight up.

Antenna Tip

Antenna Tube

+ 33 hidden pages