Driving Your Model

18 • RAPTOR

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.

•Allow the model to cool for a few minutes between runs. This is particularly important when using high-capacity (2400mAh and above) battery packs that allow extended periods of running. Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of the batteries and motor.

•Do not continue to operate the model with low batteries or you could lose control of it. Indications of low battery power include slow operation and sluggish servos (slow to return to center). Stop immediately at the first sign of weak batteries.

When the batteries in the transmitter become weak, the red power light will begin to flash. Stop immediately and install new batteries.

•Do not drive the model at night, on public streets, or in large crowds of people.

•If the model becomes stuck against an object, do not continue to run the motor. Remove the obstruction before continuing. Do not push or pull objects with the model.

•Because the model is controlled by radio, it is subject to radio interference from many sources beyond your control. Since radio interference can cause momentary losses of control, allow a safety margin of space in all directions around the model in order to prevent collisions.

•Use good, common sense whenever you are driving your model. Intentionally driving in an abusive and rough manner will only result in poor performance and broken parts. Take care of your model so that you can enjoy it for a long time to come.

•When using the supplied optional gearing for top speed running, limit your driving to paved surfaces only. Running in grass and off-road could cause excessive loads on the electrical system in the model.

•The Titan 12T motor will benefit from a short break-in period to ensure optimum performance and longer motor life. For the first battery pack, use the stock installed pinion gear and drive smoothly on a flat, paved surface. Accelerate smoothly (avoiding full throttle starts), with most of the driving being done at higher speeds. This will help ensure that the motor provides the best performance and longest life.

About Run Time

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 sport 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 to give exact run times for the model.

Another major factor that affects run time is how the model is driven. Run times may decrease when the model is driven repetitively from a stop to top-speed and with repetitive hard acceleration.

Tips for Increasing Run Time

•Use batteries with the highest mAh rating you can purchase.

•Read and follow all maintenance and care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your batteries.

•Use a high-quality peak-detecting charger.

•Vary your speed. The Titan12T is a fan cooled motor, therefore moderate to top- speed running helps reduce motor temperatures.

•Lower your gear ratio. Installing a smaller pinion gear will lower your gear ratio, causing less power draw from the motor.

•Maintain your model. Do not allow dirt or damaged parts to cause binding in the drivetrain. Keep the motor clean and the motor bushings lightly lubricated.

mAh Ratings and Power Output

The mAh rating of the battery can affect your top speed performance. The higher capacity battery packs experience less voltage drop under heavy load than low mAh rated packs. The higher voltage potential allows increased speed until the battery begins to become discharged.

RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS

Your new model is designed with water-resistant features to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving your model through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through other wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model should not be treated as though it is submersible or totally, 100% waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed electronic components. Running in wet conditions requires additional care and maintenance for the mechanical and electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal parts and maintain their proper function.

Precautions

•Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional maintenance procedures will be required after running in wet conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. Do not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to accept the additional care and maintenance responsibilities.

•Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet conditions.

•The Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter is not water resistant. Do not subject it to wet conditions such as rain.

•Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement weather where lightning may be present.

•Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water (ocean water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach.

•Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor. Special care must be taken to modify your gearing and/or your driving style in wet conditions to extend the life of the motor (details follow).

Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions

1.Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions” before proceeding. Make sure you understand the additional maintenance required with wet running.