Traxxas 6570 DTS-1 - Manual (Page 14)

14 • DTS-1 TIMING SYSTEM
The Traxxas DTS-1 is designed to provide an authentic drag racing
simulation. To get the most from the experience, it helps to understand
the rules, procedures, and terminology around NHRA drag racing. Let’s
look at the sequence for a typical drag race (see the Glossary for a full
explanation of the terms used):
Step 1: Burnout
Before putting the vehicle on the starting line, a driver will perform a
burnout by slipping the rear tires on pavement under power. This cleans,
heats and softens the tires so they provide maximum grip.
Step 2: Staging
Staging is the process by which the competing vehicles are accurately
positioned on the starting line so the two vehicles are even. To do this,
the vehicles’ positions are measured by infrared beams (the DTS-1 system
achieves the same result with lasers). As the vehicles roll forward, their
front tires break the beams to first light the Pre-Stage Light, followed by
the Stage Light. Once both vehicles are staged, the Christmas tree will
begin the light sequence to start the race.
If the rules permit, a driver may choose to deep-stage his vehicle to buy
a few inches’ advantage over his competitor. Further strategy may be
employed by being the last driver to stage. Since the race begins only
when both vehicles are staged, being the final driver to stage affords a
level of control over the race. Delaying staging can be a means of psyching
out your opponent.
Step 3: Watch the lights
Once both vehicles are staged, the Christmas tree will drop the lights in
either the Sportsman or Pro sequence (you can select either with the DTS-
1). A skilled driver will not wait to actually see the green light, but will
instead anticipate it. Anticipating the light accounts for your reaction time
and the vehicle’s rollout (the distance required for the front tires to leave
the stage beam). Timed perfectly, the vehicle will leave the stage beam
the moment the green light comes on. But be careful—if you launch too
soon, you may “red light” and be disqualified.
Step 4: Launch
Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal, but not necessarily all the
power will go to the ground if track conditions cannot provide the
required traction. Full-size Funny Cars are equipped with adjustable
clutches that will allow slippage to prevent tire spin during the full-
throttle launch. The Traxxas Funny Car simulates this by allowing you to
adjust the amount of torque the motor supplies when you flip the launch
control switch to instantly deliver full throttle. For other Traxxas vehicles,
the mechanical slipper clutch may be used to adjust power delivery.
Using the DTS-1 with TQi and Traxxas Link
The DTS-1 can be linked with the Traxxas TQi
transmitter and Traxxas Link application for an
even more immersive drag-racing experience.
See your reaction time, elapsed time, and
trap speed for each
run. Organize and run
complete race programs.
Even set up bracket races for heads-up racing with
vehicles of dissimilar performance. Traxxas Link makes
it easy to setup and operate the DTS-1 system right
from your transmitter. Traxxas TQi transmitter, Docking
Base, and Apple iPhone
® or iPod touch ® required, sold
separately. Get more information at Traxxas.com/dts1.
TRAXXAS DRAG RACING SCHOOL