VXL-3s ESC Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas VXL-3s
™
electronic speed control. The Velineon
™
VXL-3s
forward/reverse electronic speed control simplifies
brushless technology with easy, built-in profiles
and intuitive programming. The VXL-3s uses
advanced circuit design that allows sensorless
brushless motors to operate with the smoothness
and precision of the best brushless systems. The VXL-3s comes with the
peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty and unmatched
Traxxas customer support. The VXL-3s is not a toy. It is a sophisticated
electronic device capable of delivering large amounts of current. Children
under 14 years of age require adult supervision for use of the VXL-3s. If you
have questions or need assistance call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS*.
Important Precautions
VXL-3s Speed Control
• Water and Electronics Do Not Mix: Your VXL-3s brushless power system
is waterproof for use in mud, snow, puddles and other wet conditions.
Make certain the other components of your model are waterproof or have
sufficient water resistance before driving in wet conditions.
• Disconnect the Batteries: Always disconnect the battery pack from the
speed control when not in use.
• Transmitter on First: Switch on your transmitter first before switching on
the speed control to prevent runaways and erratic performance.
• Don’t Get Burned: The heat sink can get extremely hot, so be careful not
to touch it until it is cool. Supply adequate airflow for cooling.
• Use Stock Connectors: If you decide to change the battery or motor
connectors, only change one battery or motor connector at a time. This
will prevent damage from accidentally mis-wiring the speed control.
Please note that modified speed controls can be subject to a rewiring fee
when returned for service. Removing the battery connector on the speed
control or using the same-gender connectors on the speed control will
void the product’s warranty.
• Insulate the Wires: Always insulate exposed or damaged wiring with heat
shrink tubing to prevent short circuits
Batteries and Battery Charging
The Velineon Power System uses rechargeable batteries that must be
handled with care for safety and long battery life. Make sure to read and
follow all instructions and precautions that were provided with your battery
packs and your charger. It is your responsibility to charge and care for your
battery backs properly. In addition to your battery and charger instructions,
here are some more tips to keep in mind.
• Never leave batteries to charge unattended.
• Remove the batteries from the model while charging.
• Allow the battery packs to cool off between runs (before charging).
• Always unplug the battery from the electronic speed control when the
model is not in use and when it is being stored or transported.
• Do not use battery packs that have been damaged in any way.
• Do not use battery packs that have damaged wiring, exposed wiring, or a
damaged connector.
• Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and
handling batteries.
LiPo Batteries
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are becoming popular for use in R/C
models due to their compact size, high energy density, and high-current
output. However, these types of batteries require special care and handling
procedures for long life and safe operation. WARNING: LiPo batteries are
intended only for advanced users that are educated on the risks associated
with LiPo battery use. Traxxas does not recommend that anyone under
the age of 14 use or handle LiPo battery packs without the supervision of
a knowledgeable and responsible adult.
The VXL-3s electronic speed control is able to use LiPo batteries with
nominal voltage not to exceed 11.1 volts (3S packs) volts. LiPo batteries
have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that should not be
exceeded. The Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed control is equipped with
built-in Low-Voltage Detection that alerts the driver when LiPo batteries
have reached their minimum voltage (discharge) threshold. It is the driver’s
responsibility to stop immediately to prevent the battery pack from
being discharged below its safe minimum threshold.
Low-Voltage Detection on the speed control is just one part of a
comprehensive plan for safe LiPo battery use. It is critical for you, the user,
to follow all other instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer
and the charger manufacturer for proper charging, use, and storage of
LiPo batteries. Make sure you understand how to use your LiPo batteries.
Be aware that Traxxas shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental,
or consequential damages arising out of the installation and/or use of LiPo
batteries in Traxxas products.
If you have questions about LiPo battery usage, please consult with your
local hobby dealer or contact the battery manufacturer.
Installation
The VXL-3s will install directly into most Traxxas models in the location of
the original speed control. Rustler, Bandit, and Stampede models require the
use of the VXL-3s mounting plate (part #3725, sold separately). The VXL-3s
can also be installed in the chassis with double-sided servo tape (part #1589,
sold separately). When mounting the speed control with double-sided servo
tape, clean both application surfaces thoroughly with alcohol. The surfaces
must be perfectly clean for maximum adhesion.
Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control:
• The VXL-3s does not use a conventional on/off switch. Pressing the
EZ-Set button on the speed control turns it on and off. It is not necessary
to install an on/off switch into the wiring harness.
• If you are planning to operate the speed control at the higher limits of
its capabilities, cut ventilation holes into the body for the heat sinks.
Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of
the batteries and motor and proper ventilation and
cooling will prevent premature thermal shutdown.
The VXL-3s is equipped with an additional connector
to supply power to an optional heat sink cooling fan.
An optional heat sink cooling fan can assist in cooling
the VXL-3s in high current motor applications.
• Mount the speed control so that none of the power components (wiring,
motor, ESC) contacts any part of the radio system, particularly the
antenna wire. The receiver should be mounted so the antenna wire can
be extended as far away from the speed control as possible. The antenna
wire should be extended vertically in the mast and not wrapped on the
chassis under the body. Excess antenna wire should not be coiled on
the chassis. Servo cables and the antenna wire should not cross or come
in contact with any of the motor or battery wires. These steps will help
reduce the possibility of radio interference.
• Mount the speed control where it will be protected from crash damage.
Also protect the speed control from dirt and debris kicked up by the tires.
• Mount the speed control where you will have easy access to the plugs and
the on/off (EZ-Set) button without having to remove the body.
VXL-3s Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Covers Part #3355R
Specifications:
Input voltage ...................................................... 4.8 - 11.1V (4 - 8 cells NiMH or 2S - 3S LiPo)
Supported motors .......................................................................................... Sensorless brushless
Battery connector .................................................................. Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor connectors ........................................................................ TRX 3.5mm bullet connectors
Motor/battery wiring ............................................................................... 12-gauge Maxx® Cable
Thermal protection ........................................................................... 2-stage thermal shutdown
Case size (l/w/h) ........................................................55mm (2.19)/ 39mm (1.54)/ 33mm (1.3)
Weight .................................................................................................................................. 90g (3.17oz)
Profile Selection:
Prole #1 (Sport Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Prole #2 (Race Mode): 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Prole #3 (Training Mode): 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
TRAXXAS.com
Traxxas, 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]
KC2014-R02 160217
*U.S. Customers Only