22
SportMaxx Owner ’ s Manual Model 5110
SportMaxxOwner’s Manual
Model5110
Traxxas Corporation, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, Texas 75074, Phone: 972.613.3300, Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXASTraxxas U.K., P.O. Box 1128, Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH, England, Phone: 44.117.956.1002
Internet: www.Traxxas.com, www.T-Maxx.com
Traxxas CorporationCorporate Headquarters1100 Klein RoadPlano, Texas 75074Phone: 972-265-8000Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Traxxas U.K.P.O. Box 1128Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SHEnglandPhone: 44.117.956.1002
Internetwww.Traxxas.comwww.MaxxTrucks.comE-mail: [email protected]
Entire contents ©2003 Traxxas Corporation. Traxxas, SportMaxx,TRX 2.5, TQ-3, Top Fuel, EZ-Start, Ready-To-Race and ProGraphixare trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Corporation.Other brand names and marks are the property of theirrespective holders and are used only for purposes ofidentification. No part of this manual may be reproduced ordistributed in print or electronic media without the expresswritten permission of Traxxas.
020802
2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas SportMaxx nitro monstertruck. Traxxas engineers focused on the essentials ofperformance by putting plenty of horsepower in a lighterweight, more agile monster. The new wide Maxx suspensionfeatures multiple shock mounting adjustments, adjustable rideheight, and powerful 4-wheel disk braking. The transmission islean and mean with extremely low rotational mass for fasterthrottle response, and quicker acceleration. Rear wheel drivefurther improves the horsepower-to-weight ratio for excitingracing action. The SportMaxx is a serious, performance-mindedmachine for a new breed of driving enthusiast. Down the road,SportMaxx is completely upgradeable to full T-Maxxspecification with optional kits for reverse, 4-wheel drive, andtwo-speed operation. A three-channel radio system is alreadyinstalled to make upgrades easy. Plus nothing has moreaccessories and customization options than a TraxxasMaxx truck!
The SportMaxx’s new TRX 2.5 Racing Engine™ is the mostpowerful engine of its size ever available in a Ready-To-Runtruck. Two years of engineering development and advanceddesign, along with thousands of hours of testing, puts the TRX2.5 in a class by itself. Each part of the TRX 2.5 - from the air filteron the slide carburetor, to the tip on the dyno-tuned exhaustsystem - has been carefully engineered to provide maximumpower over the broadest RPM range.
Traxxas was the first with standard on-board electric starting.The new second generation EZ-Start has evolved into anincredibly advanced and reliable starting solution, featuringthermal protection for the motor and built-in diagnostics tomonitor the condition of the glow plug.
Obviously, there’s much going on between the wheels of yourSportMaxx. In this manual, we’ll take you step-by-step throughall necessary set-up, break-in, tuning, and operating procedures.Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it isimportant for you to read and follow the procedures in thismanual. Pay particular attention to the fuel requirementsand break-in procedures. The advanced design of the TRX2.5 racing engine does not follow old-fashioned thinkingregarding fuel and break-in procedures.
4 Before You Proceed
5 Safety Precautions
6 Tools, Supplies and RequiredEquipment
7 Anatomy of the SportMaxx
8 Quick Start: GettingUp to Speed
9 Gluing the Tires
10 Decorating Your SportMaxx
11 The Traxxas TQ-3Radio System
21 The TRX 2.5 racing engine
37 Driving theSportMaxx
38 Adjusting Your SportMaxx
41 Trouble ShootingYour SportMaxx
43 Maintainingand Storing Your SportMaxx
45 Index
3
Before You Proceed
Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and anyaccompanying materials to prevent serious damage to yourSportMaxx. Failure to follow these instructions will beconsidered abuse and/or neglect.
Before running your SportMaxx, look over this entire manual,and examine the truck carefully. If for some reason you decidethe SportMaxx is not what you wanted, then do not continueany further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept aSportMaxx for return or exchange after it has been run.
Warnings, helpful hints, and cross-referencesThroughout this manual, you’ll notice warnings and helpfulhints, identified by the icons below. Be sure to read them!
An important warning about personal safety or avoidingdamage to your SportMaxx and related components.
Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier andmore fun.
Refers you to a page with a related topic.
SupportIf you have any questions about your SportMaxx or itsoperation, call the Traxxas Technical Support line toll-free at:1-888-TRAXXAS (1-888-872-9927)
Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 9:00pm central time. Technical assistance is also availableat www.Traxxas.com. You may also e-mail customer supportwith your question at [email protected]. Join thousands ofTraxxas R/C enthusiasts in our online community atwww.ReadyToRun.org
Traxxas offers a full-service, on-site repair facility to handle anyof your Traxxas service needs. Maintenance and replacementparts may be purchased directly from Traxxas, or you can saveshipping and handling costs by purchasing them from yourlocal hobby dealer.
4
All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your newSportMaxx. Operate your SportMaxx sensibly and with care, andit will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you.Failure to operate your SportMaxx in a safe and responsiblemanner may result in property damage and serious injury. Theprecautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followedto help ensure safe operation. You alone must see that theinstructions are followed and the precautions are adhered to.
Important Points to Remember R/C fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous. Always follow alldirections and precautions printed on the fuel container.
R/C fuel, especially when in a fuel dispensing bottle, maylook like a cool drink to a child. Keep all fuel out of the reachof children at all times. Do not place fuel containers on theground where children can get to them while you aredriving.
R/C fuel is flammable. Never allow smoking, sparks, heat orflame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors.
The engine and exhaust system may become extremely hotduring use. Be careful not to touch the parts, especially whenrefueling or stopping the engine.
Prolonged exposure to the engine exhaust can be harmful.Avoid breathing the engine exhaust. Always run yourSportMaxx outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Never run theengine indoors.
Don’t operate your SportMaxx at night, or anytime your line ofsight to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
Never operate your SportMaxx in crowds of people or busypedestrian areas. The SportMaxx is large and fast, and maycause injury to those unaware of its presence.
Because the SportMaxx is controlled by radio, it is subject toradio interference from many sources beyond your control.Since radio interference can cause momentary loss ofcontrol, always allow a safety margin in all directions aroundyour model to prevent collisions.
The engine can be loud. If the noise makes youuncomfortable, wear ear protection. Be considerate of yourneighbors by not running your model early in the morningor late in the evening.
Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.▼▼
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All instructionsand precautionsoutlined in this
manual should be strictlyfollowed to ensure safeoperation of yourSportMaxx.
The SportMaxx isnot intended for
use by those under 16years of age without thesupervision of aresponsible andknowledgeable adult.
5
Safety Precautions
Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment
Your SportMaxx comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’llneed to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer,to operate and maintain your model.
For more info onbatteries, see Usethe Right Batteries
on page 13.
A peak-detectingcharger isrecommended for
best performance andlongest battery life. Formore information, see Usethe Right Charger on page30.
12 AA alkaline batteries for the radio system
7.2-volt NiCad battery pack for the EZ-Start starting system
NiCad battery charger
Traxxas Top Fuel™10% quart - #5010 • 20% quart - #502010% gallon - #5060 • 20% gallon- #5070
Fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas part #5001)
TRAXXAS
1.5mm hex wrench
2.0mm hex wrench
Glow plug (universal) wrench
Turnbuckle wrenches
Batteries
Fuel
Supplied ToolsYour SportMaxx comes with these specialty metric tools:
Other Required Tools and Supplies
Thin, hobby-quality cyanoacrylateinstant tire glue (often called CA glue)
Safety glasses
#2 Phillips screwdriver
After-run oil (WD-40™) to protect the engine from corrosion
#1 Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver (1/8 inch blade)
Filter oil (for the foam air filter) see page 27 for details
Hobby knife
6
U-Joint wrench
Anatomy of the SportMaxx
BatteryBox
FuelTank
Fuel TankLid
SteeringServo
SuspensionArm (upper)
Bumper(Front)
BumperMount
Skid Plate(front)
Cross-brace
Shock(Oil Damper)
TurnbuckleThrottle/BrakeServo
ReceiverBox
Transmission
AirFilter
Pipe
Header Enginesee pg. 20 for details
Pressure Line
Fuel Line
EZ-StartMotor
EZ-StartPlug
Bulkhead
ShockTower
BodyMount
SpurGear
Chassis
7
SlipperClutch
Half Shaft
On/OffSwitch
Access Plugfor Receiver Crystal
AntennaMount
PipeHanger
The following guide is an overview of theprocedures for getting your SportMaxx running,
from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine.Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for theQuick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages.
1. Charge the battery pack • See sidebar, page 30 The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt battery pack (not included).
2. Get the right fuel • See page 26Use Traxxas Top Fuel™ or consult with Traxxas before using other fuels.
3. Glue the tires • See page 9Glue the tires to the rims to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires.
4. Install the antenna • See page 15Install the antenna mast in the SportMaxx.
5. Decal and Install the body • See page 10You will need to use the body during the break-in process so it’s best to decal it before you use it on the truck.
6. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 13The SportMaxx requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the transmitter.
7. Install batteries in the model • See page 14The SportMaxx requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the receiver.
8. Install the EZ-Start battery • See page 30Install and connect the 7.2-volt battery pack in the EZ-Start controller.
9. Turn on the radio system • See page 18Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first, and off last.
10. Check servo operation • See page 19Make sure the throttle and steering servos are workingcorrectly.
11. Range test the radio system • See page 20Follow this procedure to make sure your radio systemworks properly at a distance and that there is nointerference from outside sources.
12. Fill the fuel tank • See page 26Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to fill the tank.
13. Connect the EZ-Start to the model • See page 31Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric startingsystem
14. Start the engine • See page 32Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2.5.
15. Break-in your engine • See page 32Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure the best-performing, longest-lasting engine.
16. Tune your engine • See page 34Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum engine performance.
17. Drive your SportMaxx • See page 37Driving tips and adjustments for your SportMaxx
18. Maintaining your SportMaxx • See page 43Follow these critical steps to maintain the performanceof your SportMaxx and keep it in excellent runningcondition.
The Quick StartGuide is notintended to
replace the full operatinginstructions available inthis manual. Please readthis entire manual forcomplete instructions on the proper use andmaintenance of your SportMaxx.
Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
8
The tires on your SportMaxx must be glued to the rims using CAtire glue to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires. Youcan glue the tires without removing the wheels from the truck.For clarity, these instructions show the process with the wheelsremoved.
1. Remove a wheel from theSportMaxx using the larger(8mm) end of the glow plug(universal) wrench.
2. Use your thumb to push theside of the tire away from therim. Place one or two drops ofCA glue into the opening andrelease the tire. Capillaryaction will draw the gluearound the bead of the tire.
3. Repeat step two at four or five points around the rim, until thetire is completely secured to the rim. Turn the rim over andrepeat the process for the inside of the rim/tire. Repeat for theother 3 wheels.
4. Reinstall the wheels, makingsure none of the axle pinshave fallen out from behindthe hex hubs.
Always wear safetyglasses to preventglue from splattering
into your eyes.
The acetone infingernail polishremover will
remove excess glue fromyour fingers.
For best resultswhile gluing, cleanthe bead of the tires
and the grooves of thewheels with denaturedalcohol before applyingglue. This removes any moldrelease agent residue fromthe tires and wheels,providing a better bond.
Gluing The Tires
9
Hub
Axle Pin
Decorating Your SportMaxx
Applying The Decals
The ProGraphix paintedbody is covered with aprotective film for shipping.You must remove this filmbefore applying any decals.
To remove the film, lift acorner of the film andcarefully pull it off the bodyin one continuous piece.
Your SportMaxx decals aredie-cut for easy removal. Usea hobby knife to lift thecorner of a decal and lift itfrom the backing.
Carefully position the decalover the desired locationand press one side on thebody. Pull the decal tightand use a finger to graduallysmooth out any air bubblesas you apply the decal.
Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.
10
11
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Your SportMaxx (model 5110) is equipped with the TQ-3 RadioSystem. The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides high-poweroutput up to a quarter mile and control for up to three servos.The SportMaxx makes use of two channels for throttle/brake andsteering. The third channel is reserved for future upgrades withoptional reverse module and third shifting servo (availableseparately).
CH.3
CH.2
CH.1
Antenna Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel
Throttle Trim
Steering Trim
3rd ChannelSwitch*
Power SwitchPower Indicator
Battery Compartment
ServoReversingSwitches
Throttle Trigger
SportMaxx WiringDiagram
AntennaOn/OffSwitch
BlackNegative
RedPositive
Receiver
4-CellBattery Holder
Channel 1Steering Servo
Channel 2Throttle Servo
Channel 3Channel 2 Channel 1
Battery
*
*Reserved for optional shift servo and reversing module
Your SportMaxx canbe outfitted with fullreversing capability
by installing the optionalreverse module (soldseparately).
Radio System TerminologyPlease take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6channels so that up to six models can be operatedsimultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its flag color andchannel number, as shown below.
Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make surenobody else in your area is operating on the same channel.Always clear your frequency by calling out your channelnumber before operating your model. Wait or move toanother area if your channel is already being used.
Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines whichchannel the radio system will operate on. For each channel,there are two crystals, one for the receiver and one for thetransmitter. Of those two crystals, the one marked with thelower number (.455 MHz lower) must be inserted into thereceiver.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitterto send signals to your SportMaxx. All Traxxas RTR modelsoperate on a 27 MHz frequency band.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seekwhen the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Refers to rechargeable, nickel-cadmium batteries. Themost economical choice, since they may be recharged up to500 times.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your SportMaxx that receivessignals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your SportMaxx that operate thethrottle and steering mechanisms.
Three-channel radio system - The TQ-3 radio system,consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. Thesystem uses three channels: one to operate the throttle, one tooperate the steering, and a third channel which is reserved forshifting with optional reverse module (sold separately).
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle andsteering instructions to your SportMaxx.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of theservos, made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobson the face of the transmitter.
Channel Frequency Band Flag Color Traxxas Part No.
1 26.995 Brown 2031
2 27.045 Red 2032
3 27.095 Orange 2033
4 27.145 Yellow 2034
5 27.195 Green 2035
6 27.255 Blue 2036
Learn terms relatedto the TRX 2.5racing engine
beginning on page 23.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
12
13
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Installing Transmitter BatteriesYour TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The batterycompartment is located at the base of the transmitter.
1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing thetab and lifting the door up.
2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicatedin the battery compartment.
3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.
4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator fora solid red light.
If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitterbatteries are weak, discharged or possibly installed incorrectly.Replace with new or freshly charged batteries. The powerindicator light does not indicate the charge level of thereceiver batteries in the model.
Use the Right BatteriesYour transmitter and receiveruse AA batteries. Use newalkaline batteries, orrechargeable batteries such asNiCad or Ni-MH (nickel-metalhydride) batteries in yourtransmitter and receiver. Makesure rechargeable batteries arefully charged according to themanufacturer’s instructions.
If you use rechargeable batteries in your transmitter, beaware that when they begin tolose their charge, they losepower much more quickly thanregular alkaline batteries. Caution: Discontinuerunning your SportMaxx atthe first sign of weakbatteries (flashing red light)to avoid losing control.
If the power indicatordoesn’t light red, checkthe polarity of the
batteries. Check rechargeablebatteries for a full charge.
CH.3
CH.2
CH.1
Installing Receiver BatteriesThe radio receiver in your SportMaxx uses 4 AA batteries. Thebattery holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath thebattery cover. The battery cover can be identified by the on/offswitch.
1. Remove the battery cover by removing the two 3x10mmroundhead self-tapping screws from the cover.
2. Remove the battery holder and install 4 AA alkaline batteries.Make careful note of the battery polarity by comparingagainst the diagrams in the battery holder.
3. Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.
4. Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the screws (see sidebar!).
On/Off Switch
4-cellbatteryholder
Direct the batterywires through theslot in the battery
cover. If the wires are notproperly routed, they maybecome broken or shorted,causing radio systemfailure and loss of control.
If you use rechargeable batteries in your receiver,be aware that when theybegin to lose their charge,they lose power much morequickly than regularalkaline batteries. Signs ofweak receiver batteriesinclude sluggish steeringresponse and shortenedradio range. Caution:Discontinue running yourSportMaxx at the first signof weak batteries to avoidlosing control.
If the radio systemdoesn’t appear towork when the
transmitter and receiverswitches are turned on,check for correct batteryinstallation.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
14
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
15
Spray a little windowcleaner on theantenna wire to
make it easier to pushthrough the antenna tube.
Don’t shorten thelength of theantenna wire. Its
length is tuned to thefrequency band; cutting itcould severely shorten theradio system’s range.
Don’t push thetransmitter antennadown from the top.
Pull it down from thebottom, one segment at atime, to prevent binding andkinking the antenna mast.
Setting Up the AntennaYou must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operateyour SportMaxx. You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip inthe bag with your manuals and documentation.
1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver cover.The SportMaxx receiver cover is mounted on the top of thechassis, near the front.
2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers and then insert theend of the wire into one end of the antenna tube. Push thewire all the way through the antenna tube.
3. Pull the remaining wire through the antenna tube, and theninsert the base of the antenna tube into the molded post ontop of the receiver cover.
4. Fold the remaining antenna wire over the top of the tubeand secure it with the antenna tip.
5. On the transmitter, always fully extend the telescopingantenna when running your SportMaxx. Make a habit of holding the transmitter so that the antenna points straight up.
Antenna Tip
Antenna Tube
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
CH.3
CH.2
CH.1
ACCELERATE BRAKE
LE
FT
NEUTRAL
RIG
HT
TQ-3 Radio System Controls
16
Other TQ-3 Radio System AdjustmentsIn addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls,your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment andservo reversing switches.
Throttle Neutral AdjustmentThe throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitterface and controls the forward/brake travel of the throttletrigger. Change the adjustment by pressing the button andsliding it to the desired position. There are two settingsavailable:
50/50: Allows equal travel for both acceleration and braking.
70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%) and less
brake travel (30%).
50/50 is the required setting for the SportMaxx with the TRX 2.5 racing engine.
Electronic Throttle TrimThe electronic throttle trim located on the face of thetransmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the throttleservo when the servo is at rest. This control has been preset foryou at the factory. If necessary, adjust the control so that thecarburetor is at idle, and the brakes are not applied (the model
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The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
17
will roll freely). Do not use the throttle trim to raise or lower theengine idle speed. Make the idle speed adjustment on thecarburetor.
Electronic Steering TrimThe electronic steering trim located on the face of thetransmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the steeringservo when the servo is at rest. Adjust this control to make themodel drive straight with no steering input at the wheel.
Servo Reversing SwitchesThe servo reversing switches are located on the front of thetransmitter, next to the on/off switch. Moving a switch reversesthe direction of the corresponding servo.
Each switch corresponds to a channel, as shown below. Forexample, if you turn the steering wheel to the right and yourfront wheels turn left, you would move the channel 1 switch tocorrect the servo direction. It may be necessary to adjust thecorresponding trim control after moving a switch.
CH.3
CH.2
CH.1
Channel Servo1 Steering2 Throttle and braking3 (Available for future use.)
TQ-3 Radio System RulesEach time you prepare to run yourSportMaxx, you must clear yourfrequency to be sure no one else in thearea is using the same channel as you.
There are six possible channels,numbered 1 through 6. Each isrepresented by a color. Look at thecrystal plugged into the back of yourtransmitter to determine which channelyour truck is assigned to.
Always turn your TQ-3 transmitter on first and off last. Thisprocedure will help to prevent your SportMaxx fromreceiving stray signals from another transmitter, or othersource, and running out of control.
Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on beforeyou start the engine. Never turn the radio system off whilethe engine is running. The on/off switch in the model onlyturns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine.
Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radiosystem. Weak batteries will limit the range of the radio signalbetween the receiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radiosignal can cause you to lose control of your SportMaxx.
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▼ Channel 1Brown
Channel 2Red
Channel 3Orange
Channel 4Yellow
Channel 5Green
Channel 6Blue
CH.3
CH.2
CH.1
1 2 3
Remember, alwaysturn the TQ-3transmitter on first
and off last to avoiddamage to yourSportMaxx.
18
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Using the TQ-3 Radio SystemThe TQ-3 Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory. Theadjustment should be checked, before running the model, incase of movement during shipping. Here’s how:
1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitterand turn the switch on. The red indicator light on thetransmitter should be solid red (not flashing).
2. Turn on the receiver switch in the model. The switch islocated on the battery cover.
3. Position the SportMaxx so that its front wheels are off theground.
4. Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forthand check for rapid operation of the steering servo. Also,check that the steering mechanism is not loose or binding. Ifthe steering operates slowly, check for weak receiverbatteries.
5. When looking down at model, the front wheels should bepointing straight ahead. If the wheels are turned slightly tothe left or right, slowly adjust the steering trim control on thetransmitter until they are pointing straight ahead.
6. Operate the throttle trigger on the transmitter and check forrapid operation of the throttle servo. When the throttletrigger is pulled back, the carburetor should open. When thethrottle trigger is pushed all the way forward, the brakeshould lock.
7. Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on yourSportMaxx, followed by the handheld transmitter.
Throttle/BrakeServo
Throttle
Brake
Steering Servo
0°0°
SportMaxx ServoOperation
When the engineis running, don’tuse the throttle
trim on the transmitter toadjust the engine idlespeed. Instead, use theidle speed adjustment onthe carburetor.
Because yourSportMaxxfeatures zero-
scrub-radius suspensionand wide tires, thesteering servo will notfully turn the front wheelswhen the vehicle is notmoving.
19
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Range-Testing the TQ-3 Radio SystemBefore each running session with your SportMaxx, you shouldrange-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly.
1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as describedin the previous section (Using Your Radio System, pages 17- 19).
2. Have friend hold the model with the engine off.
3. Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully extended, and thenwalk away from the model with the transmitter until you reachthe farthest distance you plan to operate the model.
4. Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be surethat the model responds correctly.
5. Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problemwith the radio system or any external interference with yourradio signal at your location.
Don’t attempt tooperate yourSportMaxx if there
are any problems with yourradio system or radiointerference at yourlocation.
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IntroductionThere’s nothing like the TRX 2.5 racing engine in your newSportMaxx. The TRX 2.5 racing engine is vastly superior totypical R/C engines and belongs in the category of specialtyhigh-performance racing engines. It’s the result of years offocused engineering development, and thousands of hours of controlled testing and rigorous real-world running. It offersunprecedented power and performance that turns ready-to-runinto Ready-To-Race®.
The TRX 2.5 racing engine takes a total-system approach. Eachpart of the engine, from the air filter to the exhaust tip, iscarefully engineered to work in harmony with other enginecomponents. Each part complements the next, to extractmaximum power. The TRX 2.5 is designed to be tolerant ofvariations in tuning, and to run successfully through a widerange of variable atmospheric conditions, such as changes intemperature, humidity, and altitude.
The TRX 2.5 is manufactured to exacting tolerances and requiresa specially-designed break-in procedure to accomplish the finalprecision fitting of the internal engine components. It is veryimportant that you follow the new break-in procedure as closelyas possible to achieve the best performance and longest lifefrom your TRX 2.5 racing engine. Old style break-in procedures,such as simply running the engine with a very rich fuel mixturefor the first 4 tanks of fuel, will not achieve the best results.Follow the steps in this manual.
A routine maintenance schedule is also required to keep theTRX 2.5 in top running condition. Cleaning the air filter aftereach hour of running is particularly important. Also it isextremely important to perform after-run maintenance on theengine to prevent corrosion from building up on the internalengine components (see page 44).
Traxxas stronglydiscourageschanging or
modifying any part of theTRX 2.5 racing engine. Oldtech tips and tricks thatmay have boosted thepower of other enginescould seriously diminish theperformance of the TRX 2.5.
There’s more advancedthinking, development andtesting in the stock parts ofyour TRX 2.5 than in manyaftermarket manufacturer’sso-called performanceparts. The TRX 2.5 is alreadythe most powerful enginesin its class and simply willnot benefit from average,low-tech, aftermarket bolton performance items.
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine
21
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine
TRX 2.5 IllustratedAir
FilterHead Protector
Head (Cylinder head)
EZ-StartDrive Unit
EZ-StartMotor
EngineMountLow-Speed
NeedleThrottle
Arm
ClutchBell
Flywheel
Carburetor
Air Intake
Fuel Intake
High-Speed Needle
Idle SpeedScrew
EZ-StartPlug
PositiveWire
NegativeWire
Fuel Line
Fuel Tank
Pipe
ExhaustTip
PressureLine
GroundWire
Glow PlugWire
EZ-StartController
22
Crankshaft
Crankcase
