Traxxas 1508 - Manual (Page 2)

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the new Traxxas Villain IV offshore
racing boat. This manual contains the instructions you will need
to operate and maintain your new Villain IV boat. Look over the
manual and examine the Villain IV carefully before running it.
If for some reason you think the Villain IV is not what you want-
ed, then do not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely
cannot accept a Villain IV for return or exchange after it has been
run, or after any of the parts bags have been opened (kit version).
Please read all of the Operating Instructions and Precautions
before attempting to drive your new Villain IV. These instructions
are written with the assumption that this is your first radio-con-
trolled model. Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast,
please continue reading to learn about the special features that
make the Villain IV unique. Pay special attention to the mechani-
cal and safety precautions outlined in this manual.
This manual includes steps for operating the radio system
which is only included on Villain IV model 1508. Other models
may not include the radio system.
If you have any questions about your new model, then call Traxxas’
technical support line at 1-888-TRAXXAS or1-800-323-0069
(U.S.A. residents only. Outside U.S. call 972-613-3300). Technical
support is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30
PM Central Standard Time. We hope that you will enjoy many
hours with your Villain IV.
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
If the precautions are followed, and your Villain IV is operated
sensibly and with care at all times, it is exciting, safe, and fun for
you and your spectators. Failure to operate your Villain IV in a
safe and responsible manner could result in property damage
and injury. You alone must see to it that the instructions are fol-
lowed and the precautions are adhered to.
The Villain IV is not intended for use by children without the
supervision of a responsible adult. Every precaution outlined in
this manual should be followed to help ensure safe operation.
Traxxas Corporation shall not be liable for any loss or dam-
ages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or conse-
quential, arising from the use, misuse, or abuse of this prod-
uct and any chemical or accessory required to operate this
product.
• Do not drive the Villain IV at night.
• Never, under any circumstances, operate the Villain IV in any water
where people are swimming or wading. The Villain IV is fast
and could cause injury if allowed to collide with anyone.
• Because the Villain IV is controlled by radio, it is 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 boat in order to prevent collisions.
• Do not reach underneath the rear of the Villain IV. The propellers
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. Another section in this manual outlines safer
alternative methods for boat retrieval.
• Due to the high-performance nature of the Stinger 20-turn
electric motors, they 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
around the water to avoid mishaps such as slipping on a
muddy bank. Always observe water safety rules and regulations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
To operate the Villain IV, you will need the following equipment.
All of it should be available from your hobby shop. Some models
also require a two-channel radio system.
1. Small phillips head and flat screwdrivers (for adjustments)
2. “AA” size batteries for your radio system(12)
3. One or two 6 or 7-cell rechargeable battery packs
(1700mah or more is recommended for long run time)
4. A charger for the battery pack(s)
WHERE TO RUN
Select a body of water which is calm and free of debris, tree
stumps, moss, etc. Also, find a clean, stable area of shoreline to
launch from. The water must be at least 10-inches deep. 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. Running
the Villain in salt water is not recommended. Damage from
corrosion is not covered by the warranty
THE RADIO SYSTEM (Model 1508)
TWO-CHANNEL RADIO SYSTEM - The radio system in your model
consists of the RECEIVER, the TRANSMITTER, the steering
SERVO, the ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL, and the CRYSTALS.
It has two channels, one to operate the throttle, and one to operate
the steering. (Unassembled kits do not include the radio system.)
TRANSMITTER - The TRANSMITTER is the hand-held radio unit
which sends throttle and steering instructions to the model.
RECEIVER - The RECEIVER is the radio unit inside the model
which receives signals from the TRANSMITTER, and relays them
to the SERVO and ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL.
SERVO - The SERVO is the small motor unit in the model which
operates the steering mechanism.
FREQUENCY BAND - The FREQUENCY band is the radio
frequency that the transmitter uses to send signals to the model.
The FREQUENCY BAND for radio control vehicles is 27 MHZ
(mega-hertz).
CHANNEL - The 27 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND is divided into 6
CHANNELS so that up to six boats can be operated simultaneously.
These CHANNELS are referred to by their number and flag color.
The chart below lists the channels and their flag colors.
CRYSTAL (X-TAL) - The CRYSTAL is the plug-in device that
determines which channel (1-6) that 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 in the RECEIVER.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - The ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL is the device in the boat which controls the speed.
The electronics make it fully digital-proportional for precise
throttle control at all speeds.
NICAD (Ni-Cd) - These terms stand for rechargeable, nickel cad-
mium batteries. These batteries are the most economical and
can be recharged up to 500 times.
2
27MHZ FLAG COLOR CH# TRAXXAS CRYSTAL PART#
26.995 BROWN 1 2031
27.045 RED 2 2032
27.095 ORANGE 3 2033
27.145 YELLOW 4 2034
27.195 GREEN 5 2035
27.255 BLUE 6 2036
Available crystal sets