Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas Blast high-performance
racing boat. This manual contains the instructions you’ll need to
operate and maintain your new Blast. Look over the manual and
examine the Blast carefully before running it. If for some reason
you think the Blast is not what you wanted, then do not continue
any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a Blast for
return or exchange after it has been run.
Please read all of the operating instructions and precautions before
attempting to drive your new Blast. These instructions are written
with the assumption that this is your first radio controlled model.
Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it is important for
you to read and follow the procedures in this manual.
Pay special
attention to the mechanical and safety precautions outlined in
this manual.
If you have any questions about your new model, then call Traxxas’
technical support line at 1-888-TRAXXAS (1-888-872-9927 U.S.A.
residents only. Outside the U.S. call 972-265-8000). Technical
support is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to
9:00pm central time. We hope that you will enjoy your Blast for
many hours to come.
Personal Safety Precautions
If the precautions are followed, and your Blast is operated sensibly
and with care at all times, it is exciting, safe and fun for you
and your spectators. Failure to operate your Blast in a safe and
responsible manner could result in property damage and injury.
Please make sure to follow the instructions and adhere to the
precautions.
The Blast is not intended for use by children without a responsible
adult supervising. Every precaution outlined in this manual should
be followed to help ensure safe operation. Traxxas is not liable for
any loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential, arising from the use, misuse or abuse of this
product including any chemical or accessory required to operate it.
• Do not drive the Blast at night.
• Never, under any circumstances, operate the Blast in any water
where people are swimming or wading. The Blast is very fast
and could cause injury if it should collide with anyone.
• Because the Blast is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio
interference from many sources that are beyond your control.
Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of radio
control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around the
boat in order to prevent collisions.
• Do not reach underneath the rear of the Blast, the propeller could
spin unexpectedly. Always pick up the boat from the front or the side.
• Because of the many dangers involved with any body of water,
Traxxas recommends that you never try to wade or swim to
retrieve the boat. Page 5 of this manual outlines safer methods
for boat retrieval.
• Due to the high-performance nature of the Stinger 20-turn
electric motor, it will become extremely hot during use. Do not
touch the motor when installing and removing battery packs.
• Most importantly, use good common sense when you are near
water to avoid mishaps such as slipping on a muddy bank. Always
observe water safety rules and regulations.
Required Equipment
To operate the Blast, you will need the following equipment, all of
it should be available from your hobby shop.
1. “AA” size batteries for your transmitter(8)
2. 7.2V, 6-cell rechargeable battery pack
3. Charger for the battery pack
Where to Run
Select a body of water (must be at least 10-inches deep) which is
calm and free of debris, tree stumps, moss, etc. Also, find a clean,
stable area of shoreline to launch from. Be aware that some ponds
restrict the use of model boats. Always choose a launch site which
is downwind so that the wind and waves will drift the boat back to
you if it should ever flip. Do not run the Blast in salt water.
Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio system terms.
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 Blast. 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 - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeable
hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current handling, high
capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. Good charging
procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a
“memory” effect and shortened run times.
NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH
batteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistance
to the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher
capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge cycles.
A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for
optimal performance.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your Blast that receives signals from
the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your Blast that operate the throttle and
steering mechanisms.