User's Manual
18 
•
 TRAXXAS
USING THE RADIO SYSTEM
The TQi Radio System has been pre-adjusted at the factory. The 
adjustment should be checked before running the model, in case of 
movement during shipping. Here’s how:
1. 
Turn the transmitter switch on. The status LED on the transmitter 
should be solid green (not flashing).
2.
  Elevate the model on a block or a stand so that all the tires are 
off the ground. Make sure your hands are clear of the moving 
parts of the model.
3. 
Plug the battery pack in the model into the speed control. 
4. 
The on/off switch is integrated into the speed control. With the 
transmitter on, press and release the EZ-Set button (.25 seconds). 
The LED will shine either RED or GREEN (see note, below). This 
turns the model on. To turn the VXL-3s off, press and hold the 
EZ-Set button until the LED turns off (.5 seconds). Note: If the 
LED shines green, Low-Voltage Detection is activated. This 
may cause poor performance from the NiMH battery packs. 
Make sure to turn the Low-Voltage Detection on when using 
LiPo batteries. Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage 
Detection is turned off. See page 20 for more information.
5. 
Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forth and 
check for rapid operation of the steering servo. Also, check that 
the steering mechanism is not loose or binding. If the steering 
operates slowly, check for weak batteries.
6. 
When looking down at 
model, the front wheels 
should be pointing 
straight ahead. If the 
wheels are turned slightly 
to the left or right, slowly 
adjust the steering trim 
control on the transmitter until they are pointing straight ahead. 
7. 
Gently operate the throttle trigger to ensure that you have 
forward and reverse operation, and that the motor stops when 
the throttle trigger is at neutral. Warning: Do not apply full 
throttle in forward or reverse while the model is elevated.
8.  Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your model, 
followed by the hand-held transmitter.
Range-Testing the Radio System
Before each running session with your model, you should range-test 
your radio system to ensure that it operates properly.
1. 
 Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in 
the previous section.
2.
 Have a friend hold the model. Make sure hands and clothing are 
clear of the wheels and other moving parts on the model.
3.
 Walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach 
the farthest distance you plan to operate the model.
4.
 Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure 
that the model responds correctly. 
5. 
 Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem 
with the radio system or any external interference with your 
radio signal at your location. 
• Higher Speeds Require Greater Distance
The faster you drive your model, the more quickly it will near the 
limit of radio range. At 60mph, a model can cover 88 feet every 
second! It’s a thrill, but use caution to keep your model in range. 
If you want to see your model achieve its maximum speed, it 
is best to position yourself in the middle of the truck’s running 
area, not the far end, so you drive the truck towards and past 
your position. In addition to maximizing the radio’s range, this 
technique will keep your model closer to you, making it easier to 
see and control. 
No matter how fast or far you drive your model, always leave 
adequate space between you, the model, and others. Never drive 
directly toward yourself or others. 
TQi Binding Instructions
For proper operation, the transmitter and receiver must be
electronically ‘bound.’ This has been done for you at the factory.
Should you ever need to re-bind the system or bind to an additional 
transmitter or receiver, follow these instructions. Note: the receiver 
must be connected to a 4.8-6.0v (nominal) power source for binding 
and the transmitter and receiver must be within 5 feet of each other.
1. Press and hold the transmitter’s SET button as you switch 
transmitter on. The transmitter’s LED will flash red slowly.  
Release the SET button
2. Press and hold the receiver’s LINK button as you switch on  
the speed control by pressing the EZ-Set button. Release the 
LINK button.
0°0°
6, 7
Using Reverse: While driving, 
push the throttle trigger 
forward to apply brakes. 
Once stopped, return the 
throttle trigger to neutral. 
Push the throttle trigger 
forward again to engage 
proportional reverse. 
TRAXXAS TQ
i
 RADIO & VELINEON POWER SYSTEM










