Vetta Karoo Owner's Manual
Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Due
to ongoing development, the actual product may vary from images
shown.
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
This product is not a toy! (14+) Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Adult supervision required for ages under 18 years old. Contains
small parts, keep out of reach of children 3 years of age and younger.
Distributed in the UK by:
MADE IN CHINA
J Perkins Distribution
Northdown Business Park
Ashford Road
Maidstone, Kent
ME17 2DL
England
service@jperkins.com
To download the full Owner’s Manual & Technical
Information Guide, please visit www.vettaracing.com
Available in the U.S.A:
HobbyTown U.S.A
Legal
Before using your product, review all documentation and inspect the product
carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted, then do
not continue with unpacking, setup or operation of your product. Your local
hobby dealer cannot accept a product for return or exchange after partaking
in actions that produce wear and tear.
Read, understand and follow all instructions and accompanying material
carefully before operating or assembling your product to prevent serious
damage. Failure to complete these tasks properly or intentional aversion to
the content will be considered abuse and/or neglect.
Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Due to ongoing
development, the actual product may vary from images shown.
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
This product is not a toy! (14+) Recommended for ages 14 and up. Adult
supervision required for ages under 18 years old. Contains small parts, keep
out of reach of children 3 years of age and younger.
Important Information
Important Information
Throughout this manual you will see different notes, cautions and warnings
to help alert you to important information about the section you are reading.
Please see below for the descriptions and what to look for to identify each
type.
WARNING: THIS INFORMATION IS IMPERATIVE FOR YOU TO
UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW AS LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE
CONTENTS OF THE WARNING
COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION: THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO
UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW AS LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE
CONTENTS OF THE CAUTION COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR
PRODUCT THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Note/Tip: This information is important for you to keep in mind, most
commonly used to recall previously given information or to direct you to, or
provide you with, additional information on a subject.
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Contents
Notice.......................................................................................... 4
Precautions................................................................................. 4
Package Contents ...................................................................... 5
Needed to Complete .................................................................. 5
Introduction ................................................................................ 6
Features...................................................................................... 6
Getting Started........................................................................... 7
Charging.............................................................................7
Planet T3W Radio System ...................................................9
Wiring Schematic .....................................................................12
ESC Programming and Calibration..........................................12
General Care ............................................................................14
Maintenance ............................................................................14
Storage and Disposal ..............................................................18
Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................18
Troubleshooting Tables .......................................................19
Exploded Views.........................................................................21
Spare Parts List........................................................................26
3
Notice
Your product is factory calibrated and tested prior to final packaging, some
issues may arise during shipping and handling that can be easily be resolved at
home. For other adjustments it should be known that hobby grade radio controlled
products such as this differ from toy grade, in that they are intended to be
user-serviceable products where the user can program, disassemble and maintain
their own product. We try our best to ensure the information you need to introduce
you to this form of product ownership is available to you though this manual.
Please see the troubleshooting guide at the back of this manual for assistance in
resolving issues, either as they are experienced out of the box or as found
after regular use.
Note: Assuming your product functions properly as intended out of the box, the
best thing you can do is pay close attention to how it feels, sounds and functions.
This will help you identify problems later since you will have a reference of how the
product is supposed to perform.
If you require further information or assistance resolving a possible issue,
please consult the warranty card included with your product.
Precautions
Although great for first time users, this products is a advanced radio controlled vehicle
with sensitive electronics and moving parts capable of causing injury if used improperly.
Always use caution and common sense as failure to operate your product in a safe and
responsible manner can result in damage to the product or other properties. Therefore
this product is not intended for use or maintenance by children without direct adult
supervision. Vetta Racing and your hobby dealer shall not be liable for any loss
or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential,
arising from the use, misuse, or abuse of this product or any product required
to operate or maintain it.
WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP LOOSE CLOTHING, HAIR, TOOLS OR OTHER
MOVABLE OBJECTS AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS OF YOUR VEHICLE DURING
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION. SPINNING TIRES CAN EXPAND AND MAKE
CONTACT WITH SMALL TOOLS, OR HARDWARE AND SEND THEM FLYING AT
HIGH SPEEDS RISKING INJURY TO YOU OR OTHERS AROUND YOU.
• Your model can cause serious damage or injury so please use caution and
courtesy when operating your model.
• As a safety precaution, perform all transmitter and receiver adjustments
with all parts of the vehicle off the ground. This ensures the complete
control over the vehicle at all times during adjustments.
• Do not operate your model near traffic, bystanders, parking areas, or any
other area that could result in injury to people or damage to property.
• If at any time during the operation of your model you observe any erratic
or abnormal behavior of your model, immediately stop operation and
bring the model to a safe stop in a safe location to diagnose the problem.
• Always power on your transmitter before turning your vehicle on.
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• If you have little or no experience operating R/C models, we strongly
recommend you seek the assistance of your local hobby dealer.
• Do not expose the transmitter to water or excessive moisture.
• Do not operate radio controlled products in a lightning or thunder storm.
• Ensure your batteries (both Tx and vehicle) are charged before each use.
• Check all servos and electrical connections prior to each use.
• Use caution when handling your vehicle after use as electronics may get
HOT and could cause a burn if handled carelessly.
• Always allow the motor in your vehicle to cool completely before using it
again.
R/C models are an extremely fun hobby, but safety should never be ignored
or taken lightly. Always take caution when operating your model as damage
to property and injury can result from careless operation. Please consult
your local hobby dealer with any questions or troubleshooting issues. And
of course don’t forget to have fun, you deserve it after reading through all of
these safety tips!
Package Contents
• 1 x Vetta Karoo Desert Truck
• 1 x Planet TSW 2.4GHz 3-channel transmitter
• 1 x Rechargeable 7-cell 8.4V 1800mAh NiMH battery
• 1 x Mains charger
Items Needed to Complete and Enjoy
• 4 x AA alkaline batteries for the transmitter
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Features
• 100% factory assembled and ready to run.
• All-weather electronics.
• Heavy duty 550 brushed 21T motor and 40 amp ESC.
• 2S LiPo compatible.
• 6 link rear axle
• Adjustable, oil filled, coil-over shock absorbers.
• Impact resistant composite construction is strong, durable,
and lightweight.
• Scale appearance bumper and visible LED light rail.
• Toolless battery strap for easy battery installation and
removal.
• Non integrated electronic components.
Introduction
The Vetta Karoo has been based on the Desert racing trucks of the modern world.
You’ve only got to look and you can see the efforts put into the details of making
this as scale as possible, from the open windows and the internal roll cage, to the 6
point rear axle and LED bumper light rail. At the heart of this desert racer is a high
capacity rechargeable 1800 mah 8.4 volt NiMH battery pack coupled to a 40A ESC,
this drives the premium heavy duty 21T 550 brushed motor giving you a well
controlled positive power transfer to the 4WD system. Designed with the toughest
terrain in mind the independent suspension, fully adjustable oil-filled threaded
shocks and all-terrain high traction tires just soak up the punishment.
The Karoo is guided by our high resolution Planet T3W 3-channel transmitter.
Whether you’re mud slogging, desert racing, or high jumping, the Karoo just keeps
you wanting more.
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Getting Started
Below are some steps to help get started right away and most applicable
to those who have used RC products before. Please read through the manual to acquaint
yourself with the latest procedures, Warnings and Cautions.
Charging
• Never leave the battery unattended while charging and never operate the
charger without adult supervision.
• Never charge a warm battery, always allow the battery to cool to room
temperature before charging.
• Always use a fire-proof charge bag when charging/discharging LiPo
batteries
• Never drop the charger or battery and do not charge a damaged battery.
• Inspect the battery and charger before use. Never use a battery or
charger if the wire or connector has been damaged or if the battery has
experienced a short.
• Incorrect use of the battery, connections, or charging equipment can cause
personal injury or property damage.
• Never allow batteries or charger to come in contact with moisture at any
time.
• Stop charging immediately if the battery or charger becomes hot or
changes form during use.
Remove the four body clips from
the car and lift the body clear.
Locate the battery cradle at the
back of the car, release the hook
and loop tape and withdraw the
battery pack.
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LiPo compatibility
WARNING: WHEN USING LIPO BATTERIES, ONLY USE CHARGERS DESIGNED
FOR USE WITH LIPO BATTERIES FOR THE RC INDUSTRY THAT ENABLE BALANCE
CHARGING AND USE THE SUPPLIED CONNECTOR. USE OF OTHER (NON-RC
SPECIFIC) CHARGERS OR CONNECTORS CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC FALURES AND
CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR BATTERY AND/OR CONNECTED EQUIPMENT.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A TOY AND SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED, OPERATED, OR
MAINTAINED WITHOUT SUPERVISION OF AN ADULT.
If you have chosen to upgrade to a 2S LiPo battery please use and charge in accordance with
the guidelines supplied with the battery. LiPo batteries are sensitive to the charge current and,
as such, it should be chosen with care.
• The battery pack must have a compatible HCT plug, or use an adapter that
includes high current connectors.
• You can use a suitable LiPo battery pack, however you must change the
LVC (Low Voltage Cut-off) on the ESC
Re-insert the fully charged battery
pack into the cradle and tightly
secure it with the hook and loop
straps.
Ensure the radio switch is in the
OFF position, then connect the
battery to the ESC.
Plug the charger into a wall
socket, connect the battery to the
charger and place the battery on
a non-flammable surface. Switch
the wall socket ON noting that
a fully discharged battery will
be charged in approximately 3
hours. Periodically monitor the
temperature of the battery when
charging and disconnect if it
exceeds 120°F (49°C). Unplug
the battery when charged.
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Familiarize yourself with your Planet T3W radio system
Functions include servo reversing on both primary channels, steering dual rate, throttle trim,
steering trim, throttle end point adjustment. It also has a low voltage warning, LED status light,
optional charge socket and a switched third channel.
Features
• A simple to operate single model memory transmitter and receiver
• 2.4GHz operation avoids conflicts with other users
• Proportional steering and throttle control
• Rotary steering and throttle trims
• End point adjust on channel 2
• Handy, switched third channel for ancillary controls
• Adjustable steering rate - perfect for reducing the steering sensitivity for
younger or new drivers
Specifications
Memory Single model memory
Tx Batteries 4 x AA
Tx Length 165mm (5.8in)
Tx Height 215mm (11.07in)
Tx Width 90mm (5.05in)
Tx Weight 282g (0.62lb) without batteries
Remove the battery cover from the
underside of the T3W transmitter.
Insert four AA alkaline cells ensuring correct polarity - then
replace the battery cover.
Switch ON your Planet T3W
transmitter and ensure the LED is
lit solid red and that no alarms are
audible. Ensure that the CH2 EPA
dials are turned fully clockwise and
that the D/R (steering rate) dial is
centered. Ensure, also, that the CH1
and CH2 (trim) dials are centered
at zero.
LED
CH2 EPA
D/R
Ch1 / 2
Trim
ON / OFF
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Check the operation of the
throttle and steering. Pulling the
throttle trigger back will drive the
car forward, pushing the trigger
forward once will apply the brakes
while pushing the trigger forward
twice will drive the car in reverse.
Turning the wheel to the right will
cause the car to turn right and
vice versa.
Use the throttle CH1 and steering
trim Ch2 dials to fine-tune the
controls of your car. In doing so,
ensure that your Karoo Desert Truck
tracks in a straight line. Also
that it doesn’t creep forwards or
backwards at zero throttle.
Replace the body and secure it
with the four body clips.
IMPORTANT: When running your Karoo Desert Truck vehicle with the supplied
NiMH battery, the run time should be in excess of 5 minutes. If your run time
is significantly shorter than this (and no physical damage has been incurred –
say in a crash or impact – that may be causing components to bind) then it is
worth checking that the ESC has the correct NiMH battery LVC setting.
Confirm that the LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) point has been correctly set for
NiMH and not for LiPo or other lithium chemistry battery. The proceedure for
checking or setting the LVC for NiMH batteries is coverered in the ESC
settings.
Throttle
Forward
Break
Reverse
Left
Right
CH1
CH2
Locate the switch and turn ON
your Karoo Desert Truck. In the
unlikely event that the car does
not operate, see the PAIRING /
BINDING instructions at the back
of this guide.
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