Traxxas tq, Radio system, Introduction – Traxxas 56076-1 User Manual

Page 9: Radio and power system terminology

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SUMMIT • 9

8

Applying the Decals

The main decals for your
model have been applied at
the factory. Additional decals
are printed on self-adhesive
clear mylar and are die-cut
for easy removal. Use a
hobby knife to lift the corner
of a decal and lift it from the
backing.

To apply the decals, place
one end down, hold the
other end up, and gradually
smooth the decal down with
your finger as you go. This
will prevent air bubbles.
Placing both ends of the
decal down and then trying
to smooth it out will result
in air pockets. Look at the
photos on the box for typical
decal placement.

TRAXXAS TQ

i

RADIO SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION

Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas
Link

Model Memory. The transmitter’s easy-to-use design provides instant

driving fun for new R/C enthusiasts, and also offers a full complement of
pro-level tuning features for advanced users – or anyone interested in
experimenting with the performance of their model. The steering and throttle
channels feature adjustable Exponential, End Points, and Sub-Trims. Steering
and braking Dual-Rate are also available. Many of the next-level features are
controlled by the Multi-Function knob, which can be programmed to control
a variety of functions. The detailed instructions (page 28) and Menu Tree
(page 30) included in this manual will help you understand and operate the
advanced functions of the new TQi radio system. For additional information
and how-to videos, visit Traxxas.com.

RADIO AND POWER SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and power
system terms. They will be used throughout this manual. A detailed
explanation of the advanced terminology and features of your new radio
system begins on page 28.

BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) - The BEC can either be in the receiver or in

the ESC. This circuit allows the receiver and servos to be powered by the
main battery pack in an electric model. This eliminates the need to carry a
separate pack of 4 AA batteries to power the radio equipment.

Current - Current is a measure of power flow through the electronics, usually

measured in amps. If you think of a wire as a garden hose, current is a
measure of how much water is flowing through the hose.

ESC (Electronic Speed Control) - An electronic speed control is the electronic

motor control inside the model. The EVX-2 uses MOSFET power transistors to
provide precise, digital proportional throttle control. Electronic speed controls
use power more efficiently than mechanical speed controls so that the batteries
run longer. An electronic speed control also has circuitry that prevents loss of
steering and throttle control as the batteries lose their charge.

Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter to send signals

to your model. This model operates on the 2.4GHz direct-sequence spread
spectrum.

LiPo - Abbreviation for Lithium Polymer. Rechargeable LiPo battery packs are

known for their special chemistry, which allows extremely high energy density
and current handling in a compact size. These are high performance batteries
that require special care and handling. LiPo battery packs are for advanced
users only.

mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour, a 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 model that receives signals from the

transmitter and relays them to the servos.

Resistance - In an electrical sense, resistance is a measure of how an object

resists or obstructs the flow of current through it. When flow is constricted,
energy is converted to heat and is lost.

Servo - Small motor unit in your model that operates the steering mechanism.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and steering

instructions to your model.

Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos,

made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of the
transmitter. Note: The Multi-Function knob must be programmed to serve as a
throttle trim adjustment.

Thermal Shutdown Protection - Temperature sensing electronics are used

in the ESC to detect overloading and overheating of the transistor circuitry.
If excessive temperature is detected, the unit automatically shuts down to
prevent damage to the electronics.

2-channel radio system - The TQ radio system, consisting of the receiver, the

transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two channels: one to operate
the throttle and one to operate the steering.

2.4GHz Spread Spectrum – This model is equipped with the latest R/C

technology. Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency crystals and
are prone to frequency conflicts, the TQi system automatically selects and
locks onto an open frequency and offers superior resistance to interference
and “glitching.”

Voltage - Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between

two points, such as between the positive battery terminal and ground.
Using the analogy of the garden hose, while current is the quantity of water
flow in the hose, voltage corresponds to the pressure that is forcing the
water through the hose.

550 and 540 - These numbers refer to the size of the motor. 550 motors have

armatures that are 30% longer than 540 motors.

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