TRA3350R VXL-3s ESC Manual

• Graphite or metal chassis have been known to transmit radio noise 
generated by the motor. If the receiver is to be mounted on the chassis, 
position it so the crystal (if equipped) and antenna are as far away from 
the chassis as possible. This may require you to mount the receiver on its 
side. This will reduce the chance of picking up radio interference from the 
motor.
VXL-3s Wiring
The VXL-3s electronic speed control is capable of controlling sensorless 
brushless motors. The VXL-3s auto-detects the motor type and has 
numerous built-in safeguards to prevent damage from miswiring or 
damaged wiring.
Sensorless brushless motors
Sensorless motors are the easiest and most reliable brushless motor type. 
The VXL-3s is optimized to deliver the smoothest possible sensorless motor 
performance. The Velineon 3500 is a sensorless brushless motor. The wiring 
(phase alignment) of the motor determines its direction of rotation. Refer to 
the wiring diagram below.
Transmitter Setup
Traxxas TQ Radio Systems
Before attempting to program your VXL-3s, it is important to make sure 
your TQ transmitter is properly adjusted (set back to the factory defaults). 
Otherwise, you may not get the best performance from your speed control.
The transmitter should be adjusted as follows:
1. Set the throttle neutral switch to the 50/50 setting. This adjusts the 
transmitter’s throttle trigger throw to 50% for throttle and 50% for 
braking and reverse. Experienced users may wish to use the 70/30 
setting if more broad proportional control is desired in forward than with 
braking and reverse. This might be desirable in a racing environment 
where reverse is disabled.
2. Set the throttle trim control to the middle 0 setting.
3. Set the Channel 2 servo reversing switch to the left position. Do 
not change the position of any of the servo reversing switches after 
programming the VXL-3s.
4. You are now ready to program your speed control.
Aftermarket (Non-Traxxas) Transmitters  
The following instructions are provided as a general reference only for 
those who are using non-Traxxas transmitters. Consult your transmitter’s 
instructions for information on how to change the settings.
1. Set the High ATV (adjustable travel volume) or EPA (end point 
adjustment) to the maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw 
at full throttle.
2. Set the Low ATV, EPA or ATL (low side only trim adjustment) to the 
maximum setting. This is the amount of servo throw at full brakes  
or reverse.
3. Set the throttle trim to the middle (neutral setting). 
4. Set the throttle channel reversing switch to either position. Do not 
change the switch position after programming.
5. Set the trigger throw adjustment to 50% throttle and 50% brake (either 
mechanical or electronic).
6. Set the exponential setting (if equipped) to the zero or fully linear setting.
Aftermarket Receivers
The VXL-3s is compatible with most aftermarket 
receivers. By removing the tab on the edge of the power 
connector, the VXL-3s can be plugged directly into some 
models of Futaba®, Airtronics®, Hitec®, and JR® receivers. 
Please refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams that 
came with your receiver. On the VXL-3s, the red wire 
is positive, the black wire is negative, and the white wire is the control 
wire. Warning: On some older Airtronics® radio systems, the positive and 
negative terminals are opposite of the VXL-3s and an adapter is required. 
Crossing the red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the 
VXL-3s. Study the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams closely, or consult your 
hobby dealer.  
Low-Voltage Detection Setting
The Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed control is equipped with built-in 
Low-Voltage Detection. The Low Voltage Detection circuitry constantly 
monitors the battery voltage. When the battery voltage begins to reach 
the minimum recommended discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery 
packs, the VXL-3s will limit the power output to 50% throttle. When the 
battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold, the VXL-3s 
will shut down all motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly 
blink red, indicating a low voltage shutdown. The VXL-3s will stay in this 
mode until a fully charged battery is connected. 
The electronic speed control is factory set with Low-Voltage Detection activated. 
Low-Voltage Detection should be disabled when using NiMH batteries. Never 
use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled. 
Verify that Low-Voltage Detection is activated:
1. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s. 
3.
 Press and release the EZ-Set button to turn the VXL-3s on. If the LED is solid 
green, then Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED). If the LED is solid red, then 
the Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (not safe to use LiPo batteries).
To disable Low-Voltage Detection (NiMH setting):
1.
 Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and green. 
2.
 Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds. 
The LED will turn o and then light red. Also, a falling 
musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now DISABLED. 
To activate Low-Voltage Detection (LiPo setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the VXL-3s is on and red. 
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button for ten seconds. The 
LED will turn o and then light green. Also, a rising 
musical tone will be emitted from the motor.
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now ACTIVATED.
VXL-3s Setup Programming 
(Calibrating your ESC and transmitter)
Read through all of the programming steps before you begin. If you get 
lost during programming or receive unexpected results, simply unplug the 
battery, wait a few seconds, plug the battery back in, and start over. 
1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the VXL-3s. 
2. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
3. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (A). The LED will rst turn 
green and then red. Release the EZ-Set button. 
4. When the LED blinks RED ONCE. Pull the 
throttle trigger to the full throttle position and 
hold it there (B).
5.  When the LED blinks RED TWICE. Push the throttle 
trigger to the full reverse and hold it there (C).
6. When the LED blinks GREEN ONCE, programming 
is complete. The LED will then shine green or red 
(depending on low-voltage detection setting) 
indicating the VXL-3s is on and at neutral.
VXL-3s Operation
To operate the speed control and test programming, place the vehicle on 
a stable block or stand so that all of the driven wheels are off the ground. 
Disconnect motor wires A and C, this will assure the motor does not drive 
the wheels during testing. Do not test programming without disconnecting 
the motor wires.
Note that in steps 1-7 below, Low Voltage Detection is 
ACTIVATED (factory default) and the LED shines green. If Low Voltage Detection 
is DISABLED, the LED will shine red instead of green in the following steps.
1. With the transmitter on, press and release the EZ-Set button. The LED will 
shine green. This turns the VXL-3s on. 
2. Apply forward throttle. The LED will turn o until full throttle power is 
reached. At full throttle, the LED will illuminate green.
3. Move the trigger forward to apply the brakes. Note that braking control is 
fully proportional. The LED will turn o until full braking power is reached. 
At full brakes, the LED will illuminate green.
4. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. The LED will shine green.
5. Move the throttle trigger forward again to engage reverse (Prole #1). The LED 
will turn o. Once full reverse power is reached, the LED will illuminate green. 
6. Return the throttle trigger to neutral. (Note: There is programmed delay when 
changing from reverse to forward. This prevents damage to the transmission 
on high-traction surfaces.)
7. To turn the VXL-3s o, press the EZ-Set button until the LED turns 
o (.5 seconds). 
Green then Red
A
Once Red
B
Twice Red
C




