Traxxas 5709L - Manual (Page 19)

SPARTAN • 19
Caution! If your model
suddenly stops running or
runs very slowly, release the
throttle immediately! Refer
to Troubleshooting on page
24 for more information.
Now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains instructions on
driving and making adjustments to your model. Before you go on, here are
some important precautions to keep in mind.
• Use extra caution when traveling into the wind and/or against the direction
of waves. The added pitch motion caused by driving into cresting waves,
combined with wind blasts, tends to lift the boat out of the water further and
might cause the boat to blow over backwards.
• If the boat starts getting very light on the water (about to blow over), reduce
throttle to settle the hull back into the water.
• Always be ready to reduce the throttle if your model appears to be unstable
or “chine walking” (rocking violently from side to side). Make trim tab or
weight placement changes to reduce chine walking, as this behavior can
cause a crash in rougher water.
• Always reduce the throttle when turning, especially in rough water. Once the
boat has begun leaning into the corner, increase throttle to maintain speed
and keep the bow up.
• Use caution when driving parallel to waves or wind chop. The waves will cause
excess rocking, and may cause the boat to spin out or crash unexpectedly.
• When traveling at high speeds (40+ mph), be very gentle with control inputs
to avoid hooking or flipping the boat.
• Avoid reversing for more than a few seconds at a time. Reversing causes
water to rush over the stern of the boat and may cause it to sink.
• Drain the boat after every run. Even though every precaution has been made
to keep water out of the hull, it may be necessary to drain any ingested water.
Excess water in the hull will hurt performance and unbalance the boat.
• Do not leave the boat sitting in the water after each run. Water could enter
the boat if the stuffing tube seal is worn.
• Do not operate the boat continuously at low speeds when using LiPo
batteries. The ESC and motor could overheat from lack of cooling water flow.
• Remove the prop for transportation to avoid accidentally breaking it.
• Do not lift the boat by grabbing the sides of the hatch opening. This may
cause the upper hull to tear. Use two hands to lift or handle the boat,
grabbing the sides of the hull about 1/3 way up from the back.
• To prevent spin outs, avoid steering sharply at high speed.
• Jumping your model or towing anything with it should not be attempted.
• Return your model to shore at the first sign of weak batteries. Your model
will begin to slow and the controls will become sluggish.
Cavitation
If your model is running at full throttle but is only barely moving forward,
the propeller is cavitating. Try advancing the throttle slowly to get your
model on plane. If you are having trouble with cavitation, check the
propellers for nicks or tangled debris. Your model’s propeller is specially
designed for its application and is very sensitive to any changes or
modifications. If a prop is damaged, it should be replaced.
Where to Run
Select a body of fresh water, which is calm and free of debris, tree stumps,
moss, etc. Do not drive your model in extremely rough, choppy water or in
high wind (more than 15mph); these conditions could cause your model
to flip over. Also, find a clean, stable area of shoreline as a launch site. 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 that is downwind so
that the wind and waves will drift the boat back to you if it should ever
become disabled or capsize. Running your model in salt water is not
recommended. Damage from corrosion is not covered by the warranty.
Your model is too fast to run in a swimming pool.
BOAT RETRIEVAL
DANGER! DO NOT SWIM OR WADE INTO THE WATER TO RETRIEVE A
BOAT. If your model accidentally flips over and fills with water, it is
equipped with foam flotation to help prevent it from sinking. If you
have chosen your launch sight carefully (downwind), your model will
probably drift back to you on its own. If there is no wind, you will need
a tennis ball and a length of string. Tie the tennis ball securely to one
end of the string and then throw the ball over the drifting boat. Pull
the ball in and try to entangle the boat in the string. Pull the boat back
slowly to shore. If only the bow of the boat remains visible, try using a
fishing lure with many hooks and a fishing pole. Try to snag the lip of
the upper deck or drive mechanism with the hooks.
RUN TIME
Your model is able to achieve long run times due to the greater efficiency
of the high voltage electrical system. A large factor affecting run time is the
type and condition of your batteries. The milliamp hour (mAh) rating of
the batteries determines how large their “fuel tank” is. A 3000 mAh battery
pack will theoretically run twice as long as a 1500 mAh pack. Because
of the wide variation in the types of batteries that are available and the
methods with which they can be charged, it’s impossible for us to give you
exact run times for your model. Another major factor which affects run
time is how your model is driven. Our experience has shown that the run
times are shorter when the boat is driven continuously at top speed.
Tips for Increasing Run Time
• Use a high-quality peak-detecting charger.
• Vary your speed. Continuous high speed shortens the run time on your model.
• Maintain your model. Do not allow debris or damaged parts to cause
binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean and the motor bearings
lightly lubricated.
• Apply the throttle smoothly. Hard acceleration, especially from a stop, will
shorten your run time.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
8