The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Your T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with the TQ-3 radio system. The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides up to a quarter mile range and control for up to three servo outputs. The TQ-3 works in conjunction with the OptiDrive™ Electronic Shift Module to monitor and control the input and output signals for the throttle and shifting servos (channels). The OptiDrive monitors the voltage of the on-board batteries. The "Function" LED will flash red if the battery voltage is too low.
TQ-3 Transmitter |
T-Maxx 3.3 Wiring Diagram |
Antenna
Throttle Trim
Steering Trim
Reverse Shift
Forward Shift
Throttle
Trigger
Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel
CH.1
CH.2
CH.3
4-cell Battery
Holder
On/Off
Switch
Antenna
Receiver
Steering Servo
|
Battery |
|
OptiDrive ESM |
Channel 1 |
|
Channel 2 |
||
(Electronic Shift |
||
Channel 3 |
||
Module) |
||
|
Shifting Servo
|
|
|
Throttle/Brake |
|
|
Servo Reversing |
Servo |
|
|
Switch |
|
Power Switch |
Battery Compartment |
Power Indicator |
To Transmission |
(OptiDrive sensor) |
The OptiDrive ESM is designed to adapt and work with aftermarket three channel radio systems (see page 15).
T-MAXX 3.3 • 9
Learn terms related to the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine beginning on page 20.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
5-Cell Pack – Another term for RX Pack or rechargeable receiver pack. The RX pack is made up of five rechargeable NiMH battery cells and is used in place of the 4AA batteries in the model.
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.
Channel |
Frequency |
Flag |
Traxxas |
|
Band |
Color |
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 |
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 “RX” 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 3.3. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a 27 MHz frequency band.
mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour. Measure of the capacity of the battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery will last between recharges.
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 T-Maxx 3.3 that receives signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
RX Pack - RX is a common abbreviation for the radio receiver and items associated with it. RX Pack denotes the optional rechargeable battery pack used to power the radio system in the model. It is available as Traxxas part number 3037.
Servos - Small motor units in your T-Maxx 3.3 that operate the throttle 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 3.3.
Trim - 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.
10 • T-MAXX 3.3
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Installing Transmitter Batteries
Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in 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.
CH.1 |
CH.2 |
CH.3 |
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 batteries installed in the model.
3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.
Use the Right Batteries
Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries, or rechargeable batteries such as NiCad or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries in your transmitter. 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 3.3 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.
T-MAXX 3.3 • 11
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