Traxxas 6570 User Manual

DRAG TIMING SYSTEM

owner’s manual

MODEL 6570

INTRODUCTION

2 PRECAUTIONS

4 TIMING SYSTEM

COMPONENTS

5 GETTING STARTED

6 SYSTEM SETUP

9 RACING

10 MAINTENANCE

11 TROUBLESHOOTING

12 SYSTEM

PROGRAMMING

14 TRAXXAS DRAG

RACING SCHOOL

15 GLOSSARY

If you need assistance, give
us a call at 1-888-TRAXXAS.

We’re here to help you Monday
through Friday, 8:30am to
9:00pm central time.
E-mail customer support
with your question at
[e-mail].

Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas DTS-1 drag timing system. The Traxxas DTS-1 is designed to operate and
run races that are an accurate simulation of NHRA drag racing. We have tried to capture every detail and nuance
so that you and your friends can experience the intensity of competition of the real thing. Cutting the best light
and achieving the lowest ET requires practice and skill that develops over time. That’s all part of the fun. While
you may already be familiar with drag racing, in order to better understand the procedures and operation of the
DTS-1, we recommend that you go to Traxxas Drag Racing School on page 14 of this manual. There you will find
a glossary of terms and we’ll take you through the steps of an actual race. From there, go through the following
instructions to get your system set up and Ready-To-Race .

®

Precautions

Warning:

The DTS-1 uses visible lasers for the beams. Places where laser light is emitted are marked by yellow
warning stickers on the consoles. To avoid the potential for injury, do not look into the beam windows on the
consoles. Make sure the on/off switch is in the off position before installing batteries. Make sure the consoles are
flat on the ground before turning the power on. Do not direct the lasers at persons or animals. Children 14 years
and under require adult supervision. Read the warnings and precautions before proceeding or using your DTS-1.

• The DTS-1 timing system is not intended for use on public roads or congested areas where its operation can

conflict with or disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

• Never, under any circumstances, operate R/C models in crowds of people. R/C models can cause injury if

allowed to collide with anyone.

• Do not operate R/C models at night, or anytime your line of sight to the models may be obstructed or impaired

in any way.

• Because R/C models are controlled by radio, they are 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.

• Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.

2 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION

Caution: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may

result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Warning: The Starting and Finish Line Consoles emit lasers from both sides of the consoles. Do not power-on

the consoles unless they are flat on the ground. Do not pick up, transport, or store the consoles while they are
powered on. The consoles must be powered off before handling, carrying, transporting, or storing.

Warning: Laser Light - Avoid Direct Eye Exposure.

The DTS-1 Timing System uses visible lasers. Due to the potential for injury,
do not point the lasers at persons or animals.

Laser Specifications

Product: Laser Diode
Beam Power Level: Po: ≤5mW
Beam Diameter: <3mm
Beam Divergence: -5.6 mRad (Start)

-1.5 mRad (Finish)

Emissions: CW
Rating: 6.0V DC
Class: Class 3R Laser
Wave Length: 650nm

LASER LIGHT

AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE

CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT

635-655nm <5mW CW

EN/IEC 60825-1 2007

Check for Firmware Updates when Using Traxxas Link

The DTS-1 is ready to go right out of the box for stand-alone use. If you wish to connect the DTS-1 to your
Traxxas Link application (using a TQi transmitter with Docking Base and an iPhone or iTouch), then check for the
latest firmware updates to ensure optimum compatibility and performance with the Traxxas Link application.

Do this before taking the unit out to the running location. Updating the firmware can take 15-20 minutes, so
plan ahead. Refer to the instructions in the Traxxas Link app. The application will take you step by step through
the firmware updating process. The DTS-1 is ready to go right out of the box for stand-alone use and does

NOT require a firmware update for use without the Traxxas Link application.

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

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

Entire contents ©2012 Traxxas.
No part of this manual may be
reproduced or distributed in print
or electronic media without the
express written permission of
Traxxas. 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. Specifications are subject
to change without notice.

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 3

TIMING SYSTEM COMPONENTS

DTS-1 Starting Line Console and Tree DTS-1 Finish Line Console

Programming
Buttons

Beam Up/Down
Adjustment

Pre-Stage Beam

Flip-Out
Antenna

Ambient
Light Sensor

Stage Beam

Sun Shade

Pre-Stage LED
Stage LEDs

Yellow LEDs

Green LED

Red LED

Speaker

On/Off
Switch

Laser Reflector

Pocket for Ballast

(if necessary)

Reflector

Speed Trap

Beam Up/Down

Adjustment (Lane 1)

Speed Trap

Beam Up/Down

Adjustment (Lane 2)

Mounting Cover for

Optional Cooling Fan

(sold separately)

Protective

Ramp

Programming

Button

Speaker

Finish Beam Up/Down
Adjustment (Lane 1)

Programming LEDs
(Lane 1)

Programming
LEDs (Lane 2)

Speed Trap Beam

Mounting Cover for

Optional Cooling Fan

(sold separately)

Finish Beam Up/Down

Adjustment (Lane 2)

Finish Beam

On/Off
Switch

4 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

GETTING STARTED

Determine Where to Run

You will need a very flat and smooth surface to run the models. Avoid
surfaces that have a large “crown” or dips/gutters to facilitate drainage.
Find an area that is blocked from access by vehicular and pedestrian
traffic. A distance of 100-330
feet is recommended for
scale representations of
drag racing. Remember to
leave adequate room to
safely decelerate and stop
your vehicle once you cross
the finish line.

Scale

1/16 62.5 feet 82.5 feet

1/10 100 feet 132 feet

1/8 125 feet 165 feet

1/4 250 feet 330 feet

Distance equivalent to:

1000 Feet

(NHRA Rules)

1320 Feet

(Standard 1/4 mile)

Installing the Sun Shade

Slide the sun shade onto the top of the tree. Install the shade so MENU/
SET/OPTION label reads right-side up when facing the Starting Console.

Battery Installation

The DTS-1 System uses 8 AA batteries (4 in each console). The battery
compartments are located on the bottom of each console.

Note: The optional Traxxas rechargeable NiMH battery pack (#3037, sold
separately) can be used in place of the AA alkaline batteries.

1. Remove the battery compartment door by sliding the door open.

2. Remove the battery holder. Install 4 fresh batteries in the battery holder.
Correct orientation is indicated in the battery holder. Make sure the
battery holder is plugged into the console.

3. Reinstall the battery holder. Replace the battery door and snap it closed.

Starting Line Console

Battery Installation

Finish Line Console
Battery Installation

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 5

SYSTEM SETUP

Starting Line Console Setup

1 Place the DTS-1 Starting Line Console on the starting line. The second

beam is the actual start line.

2. The console must sit as flat and secure as possible without rocking on
an uneven surface.

3. LED’s produce a directional light beam. Raise the tree and position it so
that the LEDs are shining directly at you when you are at your driving
position behind the start line.

4. Fold out the antenna so that it points towards the finish line.

Flip antenna out

to horizontal

90°

Finish Line Console Setup

1. Install the console ramp by inserting the
ramp’s hinge pins into the console as shown
and rotating it into proper position. The
ramp is there to prevent a vehicle from a
direct impact with the Finish Line Console.

2. Use a tape measure or measuring wheel to mark of the track distance
you wish to run. See the chart on page 5.

3. Position the Finish Line Console so that the second beam (farthest
beam) shines across the finish line. It should sit on level ground as flat
and secure as possible without rocking on an uneven surface.

4. For maximum race accuracy, make sure both consoles are directly in
line as shown.

8
8

4

5. Make sure to leave adequate room past the finish line for you to safely
decelerate and stop your vehicle.

Linking the Starting and Finish Line Consoles

Switch the Starting Line Console and Finish Line Console on. It does not
matter which is turned on first. As the components electronically link, the
yellow LEDs on the consoles will light in a ‘rotating’ pattern. When the
link is complete, the 2 green LEDs on the Starting Line Console will flash

6 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

every 4 seconds and the console will beep. On the Finish Line Console the
lower right yellow LED (When facing the top of the unit) will flash every 4
seconds to indicate that the power is on and the unit is linked and ready.
The consoles will continue to link indefinitely until a link is established.

Note: The consoles may link so quickly that you do not see the “rotating”
yellow LEDs, and the green LEDs will light instantly.

Beam Setup

Stage Beam Reflector Setup

1. Two reflectors are used at the starting line, one for each lane. Space
the reflectors 2 to 3 feet away from the Starting Line Console, straight
out from the laser apertures. Position the reflectors so they are parallel
with the consoles.

2. Enter Beam Setup Mode on the Starting Line Console by

Entering Beam

Setup Mode

pressing and holding the OPTION button until two
beeps are heard. Release the button.

3. The Starting Line tree’s two green and two yellow LEDs
will flash until the pre-stage beams (green LEDs) and
the stage/start line beams (yellow LEDS) are

Press and hold.

Two Beeps. Release.

aligned with the reflector. (If the LEDs are not
flashing, the beams are already aligned.) Adjust
the position of the reflector to align with the
beams until the console beeps, indicating it
“sees” the reflector. Stop moving the reflector. The console will then
emit a “rising” success tone and the LEDs for that lane will light solid to
confirm the beam is properly aligned. Repeat for the other lane. Do not

look directly into the laser aperture. Note: If you have difficulty aligning
any of the beams, or the unit presents a slow-flashing LED to indicate there
is too much background light, see Beam Alignment Tips on page 8.

SYSTEM SETUP

2 to 3 feet

2 to 3 feet

Up to 330 feet

For maximum race accuracy,

ensure the two consoles

are directly in line.

10 to 14 feet

10 to 14 feet

10 to 14 feet

10 to 14 feet

Finish Beam Reflector Setup

1. There are two beams at the finish line. The first beam is the speed trap
beam. The second beam is the finish line. Four reflectors are used at the
finish line, two for each lane. Space the reflectors between 10-14 feet
away from the Finish Line Console, straight out from the laser apertures.
Position the reflectors so they are parallel with the consoles.

2. Enter Beam Setup Mode on the Finish Line Console
by pressing and holding the SET button until two
beeps are heard. Release the button.

3. The Finish Line Console will flash a yellow LED for
the Lane 1 speed trap beam. Adjust the position

132

of the reflector to align with the beam until the
console beeps, indicating it “sees” the reflector.
Stop moving the reflector. The console will
then emit a “rising” success tone and the LEDs for

4

that beam will light solid to confirm the beam is
properly aligned.

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 7

SYSTEM SETUP

4. The next LED in sequence will then flash yellow. This is the Lane 1
finish line beam. Repeat step 3 for this beam. The flashing LED will then
advance to the next beam. Repeat for remaining beams in Lane 2.
When all four beams are aligned, all LEDS will be solid yellow and then
turn off. The Lane 2 speed trap LED on the Finish Line Console (position
3 on the diagram on page 7) will then flash every 4 seconds, indicating
the console is on and ready to use. Note: If you have difficulty aligning any

of the beams, or the unit presents a slow-flashing LED to indicate there is too
much background light, see Beam Alignment Tips below.

Beam Alignment Tips

• The reflectors are marked with the correct beam height zone on the

side of the reflector. Turn the reflector so the height zone markings
face the beams to check beam height. Do not look directly into the

laser aperture.

Stage Laser Target Zone Finish Laser Target Zone

• If an LED is blinking slowly, this means there is too much background

light. This may occur if the console is facing a white wall or light-colored
building. Move to another location.

• The beams on the Starting Line Console must be set low enough to pass

beneath your vehicle so they will only be broken by the tires, not
the body or chassis.

• If you cannot achieve a solid LED and a “success” tone, you may need
to compensate for curvature in the running surface. Insert the included

2.5mm hex wrench into the beam adjustment opening and carefully
adjust the height of the beams.

Note: The beam adjustment openings are labeled to show which direction to turn
the wrench to raise and lower the beams. On the Starting Console, turn clockwise
to raise the beams, and counter-clockwise to lower them. On the Finish Console,
turn counter-clockwise to raise the beams, and clockwise to lower them.

Warning! Turn with very gentle force. Do not overturn the adjustment screws.

Damage caused by overturning the screws will not be covered by the warranty.

Reflector Alignment Codes

When you start a race, the DTS-1 will automatically perform a diagnostic check. If there is an error,
it will light LED(s) to indicate what the problem is and which reflector, console, or beam is affected

Starting Console LED (see diagram)

Lane 1 Lane 2

Finish Beam Finish Beam

Trap Beam Trap Beam

Stage Beam Stage Beam

Pre-Stage

Beam

Pre-Stage
Beam

Solid Reflector aligned

Flashing Fast Reflector misaligned

Flashing Slow

Lane 1 Red on Starting end error

Lane 2 Red on Finish end error

See the chart on Page 11 for other LED Codes

Too much
background light

8 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

RACING WITH THE DTS-1

After setting up the reflectors and powering-on the consoles, the
DTS-1 is ready for racing with the “Sportsman” tree light sequence and
“EZ-Staging” (EZ-Staging allows more time between staging and the
start of the race than Pro Staging). The DTS-1 can also be programmed
with other staging and tree modes. These are covered in the System
Programming and Menu Selections sections on page 12.

Starting a Race

1. Press and release the SET button.

2. The yellow LEDs in both lanes
will flash in sequence like runway
lights, indicating the vehicles can
roll forward to pre-stage. Note: If the LEDs do not light in the runway

sequence, the system has encountered an error. Consult the chart on
page 8 to remedy the problem.

3. By hand or by radio control, slowly roll your vehicle to the starting line.
The blue pre-stage LED will light to show you have crossed the pre­stage beam (A).

A

4. Roll the vehicle slowly forward until the white and blue staging LEDs
light (B). Your vehicle is now staged. Watch the tree, your race is about
to begin! Note: Once both vehicles are staged, EZ-Staging mode allows

2 seconds before the yellow lights count down and the green light starts
the race. If you are hand staging the vehicles switch to Hand Staging mode
to allow more time between staging and the race start. See page 12.

B

• Cancelling a race: after starting a race, you can press the SET button on
the Starting Line Console to cancel the race. When a race is cancelled,
the two red LEDs will blink three times and the console will emit a long
beep. The DTS-1 will then return to its idle mode (green LEDs flashing
every 4 seconds).

• Race time-out: if a vehicle is not detected (by breaking one of the stage
beams) within 60 seconds after starting a race, the system will time-out.

Note: The timing system allows
“deep staging.” When a vehicle
is deep-staged, the pre-stage
LEDs will go out while the
stage LEDs stay lit. The racer is
disqualified if the vehicle rolls
forward enough so that both the pre-stage and stage beams are unbroken.
See “Deep stage” definition in the Glossary for more information.

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 9

RACING WITH THE DTS-1

Solo Run

The DTS-1 can also be used to run a single vehicle.
Instead of pressing SET to start the race, press
MENU (to run solo in the left lane) or OPTION (to
run solo in the right lane). The staging and tree

Lane 1 Lane 2

modes will be the same as you have selected for
racing with two drivers, and the tree will give you the win-lights when you
cross the finish line, or “red-light” you if you leave the stage beams before
the green LED comes on to start the run. Note: The Starting Line Console

reflectors and Finish Line Console reflectors must be set up and aligned for
both lanes even when solo running.

Race Results

• Race winner: After the race, the Starting Line Console displays who won
the race by flashing all the LEDs in the lane of the winning driver multiple
times, then holding the white LED on for 20 seconds.

Tip: To clear the results before the 20 seconds is up, just press the SET button on
the Starting Line Console.

• Disqualified (DQ): If either racer takes off before the green light, the red
LED will light in the driver’s lane.

System Maintenance

Basic Maintenance

1. Turn the system off before performing any maintenance.

2. The dust covers / windows on the lasers need to be clean for best
operation. Use a soft cloth dampened with window cleaner or water to
gently wipe away any dust or dirt.

3. Reflectors should be cleaned the same way as the dust covers.

Binding the Starting Line Console and Finish Line Console

For proper operation, the Starting Line Console and Finish Line Console
must be electronically ‘bound.’ This has been done for you at the factory.
Should you ever need to re-bind the system, follow the instructions
below. Note: The Starting Line Console and Finish Line Console must have

batteries installed and must be within 5 feet of each other to bind properly.

1. On the Finish Line Console, press and hold the SET button and turn on

the power switch.

2. Release the SET button.

3. On the Starting Line Console, press and hold the SET button and turn

on the power switch.

4. Release the SET button. The Starting Line Console and Finish Line

Console will bind automatically.

10 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

TROUBLESHOOTING

DTS-1 LED Codes

System ready

System linking

Power-up failure

Low battery start console

Low battery finish console

Ready to race

Ready for solo run

System Link failure

Thermal Shutdown

(Temperature too high)

Starting Line Console Finish Line Console Sound

Green LEDs flash every 4 seconds Lane 2 speed trap LED flashes every 4 seconds Chirp once per minute

Yellow LEDs “rotate” Yellow LEDs “rotate” - - -

Lane 1 red LED on Lane 1 speed trap LED on - - -

Lane 1 red LED flash - - - - - -

Lane 2 red LED flash Lane 1 speed trap LED flashes - - -

Yellow LEDs cycle like “runway lights” - - - - - -

Yellow LEDs cycle like “runway lights”
in the selected lane, the other lane red

Finish Line Console Link Fail: The
bottom yellow LEDs flash alternately
and red LED on in Lane 2

Starting Line Console Shutdown
White stage LED blinks and red
LED on in Lane 1.

Shade the console, allow to cool,
or purchase accessory cooling fans.

Lane 1 yellow LEDs flash
“up and down”

Finish Line Console Shutdown

White stage LED blinks and red
LED on in Lane 2.

Shade the console, allow to cool,
or purchase accessory cooling fans.

- - - - - -

- - -

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 11

SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

Selecting the Staging and Tree Modes

The DTS-1 makes it easy to select from three Staging Modes and four Tree
Modes. Any Staging Mode can be used with any Tree Mode.

Staging Mode

Tree Mode

Pro Staging

Pro Tree

EZ-Staging

Sportsman Tree

Hand Staging

Pro Tree Practice

Sportsman Tree Practice

First, select a Staging Mode:

The Staging Mode menu controls how the competing vehicles will position
themselves for the start of the race.

1. Press and hold the MENU button until two beeps are heard.
Release the button.

2. Press the MENU button to alternate between the two menu items.
The top left yellow LED lights when Staging is selected; the second
yellow LED lights when Tree is selected. Stop when the top LED is lit to
select Staging Mode.

3. Press the OPTION button to select the Staging Mode you wish to use.
The LEDs on the right side of the tree indicate which option is selected.
Each time you press the OPTION button, the next LED will light. Option
explanations are on page 13; stop on the option you wish to select.

4. Press and release the SET button to confirm your Menu and Option
selections. The console will emit a “success” tone to confirm the settings
have been accepted.

Tip: Hold the SET button for 4 seconds to exit the menu without saving the
selected settings.

Next, select a Tree Mode:

The Tree Mode menu controls how the tree lights will “drop” to start the race.

1. Press and hold the MENU button until two beeps are heard.
Release the button.

2. Press the MENU button to alternate between the two menu options.
The top left yellow LED lights when Staging is selected; the second
yellow LED lights when Tree is selected. Stop when the second LED is lit
to select Tree Mode.

3. Press the OPTION button to select the Tree Mode you wish to use. The
LEDs on the right side of the tree indicate which option is selected.
Each time you press the OPTION button, the next LED will light. Option
explanations are on page 13; stop on the option you wish to choose.

4. Press and release the SET button to confirm your Menu and Option
selections. The console will emit a “success” tone to confirm the settings
have been accepted.

Tip: Hold the SET button for 4 seconds to exit back to Step 1 without saving the
selected settings.

12 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

Menu Selections

Staging Options

Option 1 - Pro Staging: In this mode, 60 seconds are

allowed for either vehicle to break a stage beam. Either
driver can stage first; after one vehicle is staged, the
Starting Line Console allows ten seconds for the second
vehicle to stage. The tree will begin the race 0.7 seconds

after the last driver stages his vehicle. Note: If the second vehicle does not

stage after 10 seconds, the tree will begin the race and the unstaged vehicle
will be disqualified.

Option 2 - EZ-Staging (Default Setting): This mode
operates the same as Pro Staging, but allows more time
between staging and the start of the race. The tree will
instead begin the race 2 seconds after the last driver
stages his vehicle. Note: If the second vehicle does not stage

after 10 seconds, the tree will begin the race and the unstaged vehicle will
be disqualified.

Option 3 - Hand Staging: Some vehicles do not have
the precise low-speed throttle capability required for
staging by radio control. The Hand Stage mode allows the
maximum amount of time between staging and the start

of the race, so the drivers have sufficient time to resume
their driving positions after staging their vehicles by hand. The tree will
begin the race 5 seconds after the last driver stages his vehicle.

Note: If the second vehicle does not stage after 10 seconds, the tree will
begin the race and the unstaged vehicle will be disqualified.

SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

Tree Options

Option 1 - Pro Tree: This simulates the start of an actual

pro race. After both vehicles are staged, the top three
yellow LEDs will light together, then after 4/10 of a second,
the green LED comes on.

Option 2 - Sportsman Tree (Default Setting): This
simulates the start of an actual sportsman race. After both
vehicles are staged, the top yellow LED lights first, then
each consecutive LED lights at a half-second interval until
the green LED lights.

Option 3 - Pro Tree Practice: This is the same as Pro Mode,
but no race is run. It is only for practicing staging and
launch. One or two racers are supported, and the Finish
Line Console is not used.

Option 4 - Sportsman Tree Practice: This is the same as
Sportsman Mode, but no race is run. It is only for practicing
staging and launch. One or two racers are supported, and
the Finish Line Console is not used.

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 13

TRAXXAS DRAG RACING SCHOOL

The Traxxas DTS-1 is designed to provide an authentic drag racing
simulation. To get the most from the experience, it helps to understand
the rules, procedures, and terminology around NHRA drag racing. Let’s
look at the sequence for a typical drag race (see the Glossary for a full
explanation of the terms used):

Step 1: Burnout

Before putting the vehicle on the starting line, a driver will perform a
burnout by slipping the rear tires on pavement under power. This cleans,
heats and softens the tires so they provide maximum grip.

Step 2: Staging

Staging is the process by which the competing vehicles are accurately
positioned on the starting line so the two vehicles are even. To do this,
the vehicles’ positions are measured by infrared beams (the DTS-1 system
achieves the same result with lasers). As the vehicles roll forward, their
front tires break the beams to first light the Pre-Stage Light, followed by
the Stage Light. Once both vehicles are staged, the Christmas tree will
begin the light sequence to start the race.

If the rules permit, a driver may choose to deep-stage his vehicle to buy
a few inches’ advantage over his competitor. Further strategy may be
employed by being the last driver to stage. Since the race begins only
when both vehicles are staged, being the final driver to stage affords a
level of control over the race. Delaying staging can be a means of psyching
out your opponent.

Step 3: Watch the lights
Once both vehicles are staged, the Christmas tree will drop the lights in
either the Sportsman or Pro sequence (you can select either with the DTS-

1). A skilled driver will not wait to actually see the green light, but will

instead anticipate it. Anticipating the light accounts for your reaction time
and the vehicle’s rollout (the distance required for the front tires to leave
the stage beam). Timed perfectly, the vehicle will leave the stage beam
the moment the green light comes on. But be careful—if you launch too
soon, you may “red light” and be disqualified.

Step 4: Launch
Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal, but not necessarily all the
power will go to the ground if track conditions cannot provide the
required traction. Full-size Funny Cars are equipped with adjustable
clutches that will allow slippage to prevent tire spin during the full­throttle launch. The Traxxas Funny Car simulates this by allowing you to
adjust the amount of torque the motor supplies when you flip the launch
control switch to instantly deliver full throttle. For other Traxxas vehicles,
the mechanical slipper clutch may be used to adjust power delivery.

Using the DTS-1 with TQi and Traxxas Link

The DTS-1 can be linked with the Traxxas TQi
transmitter and Traxxas Link application for an
even more immersive drag-racing experience.
See your reaction time, elapsed time, and
trap speed for each
run. Organize and run

complete race programs.
Even set up bracket races for heads-up racing with
vehicles of dissimilar performance. Traxxas Link makes
it easy to setup and operate the DTS-1 system right
from your transmitter. Traxxas TQi transmitter, Docking
Base, and Apple iPhone

®

or iPod touch® required, sold

separately. Get more information at Traxxas.com/dts1.

14 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

GLOSSARY

Bracket racing: A form of drag racing competition that allows vehicles
of unequal performance to race together fairly, based on their predicted
elapsed times.

Deep stage: Rolling forward on the starting line so that the pre-stage
bulb goes out while the stage bulb stays lit. This puts the racer closer to
the finish line, but it is risky because the racer is disqualified (loses) if he
goes too far and the stage beam goes out. It is also easier to jump the
start and be disqualified as well.

Elapsed time: Time measured from the instant the starting line beam is
cleared to when the finish line beam is broken.

Pre-Stage light: When the vehicle rolls into the pre-stage beam, the pre­stage bulb lights indicating the vehicle is very close to the starting line.
On the DTS-1, the pre-stage beam is about 23mm from the starting line.

Pro Tree: All three large yellow lights will flash simultaneously, followed
four-tenths of a second later by the green light

Reaction time: The time measured in thousandths of a second between
when the last yellow light flashes on the tree to when the vehicle leaves
the starting line and clears the stage beam. The reaction timer starts
when the third yellow comes on. Since there is a half-second (or .500
seconds) delay until the green light comes on, a .500 reaction time is
perfect. In the same way, the four tenths delay of the Pro Tree makes a
.400 a perfect light.

Made for

· iPod touch (4th generation)

· iPod touch (3rd generation)

· iPod touch (2nd generation)

“Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specically to
iPod and iPhone, respectively, and has been certied by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not
responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use
of this accessory with iPod and iPhone may affect wireless performance.

· iPhone 4S

· iPhone 4

· iPhone 3GS

· iPhone 3G

Red Light (Disqualified): A racer can “red light” or be disqualified if they
leave too soon (cross the starting line before the light turns green).

Rollout: Rollout is the distance that your tire has to travel to leave the
starting line.

Speed trap: There are two beams in the Finish Line Console including the
finish line beam. The speed of the vehicle is calculated between the first
beam and the finish line beam.

Round 1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

This is an example of a single-elimination race program. Winning drivers move on to the next
round. In this example, driver number 8 won each round to become the overall winner.

Round 2

Quarterfinal

1

3

6

8

9

11

13

16

Round 3

Semifinal

3

8

9

13

Round 4

Final

8

Winner

8

13

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 15

GLOSSARY

Sportsman Tree: (Full tree) The countdown lights (three yellow bulbs)
will flash consecutively five-tenths of a second apart, followed five-tenths
later by the green light.

Stage light: The stage bulb lights as the stage beam is broken, indicating
the front wheels are positioned exactly on the starting line. When the
stage bulb is lit in both lanes, the race is ready to begin.

Staging: Staging is the process of getting the two racer’s vehicles lined
up equally on the starting line. There are two beams on the starting line,
the pre-stage beam and the stage beam. These beams are designed to
aim at the side of the front tire.

Start line: The starting line is aligned with the stage beam. Timing starts
when the tire leaves the stage beam

Trans brake: A device that essentially locks first and reverse gears
together on a full size drag car to hold the vehicle in place while the
engine revs against the torque converter. Vehicle is launched by
releasing a button.

Trap speed: Speed of the vehicle as measured in the speed trap.

Tree (Christmas tree): The tree contains the stage lights and the

countdown lights needed to run the race. There is a set of lights for
each lane.

16 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM

Round 1

Round 2

Quarterfinal

Round 3

Semifinal

Race Program Form

Round 4

Final

Winner

Additional copies of this form may be downloaded at Traxxas.com

DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM • 17

KC1503-R00 120511

owner’s manual

1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074

1-888-TRAXXAS