Traxxas BANDIT - User Manual

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Summary

Safety Precautions

General Operating Safety

Essential safety guidelines for operating the model responsibly and safely.

Speed Control Safety

Precautions for safe operation and maintenance of the electronic speed control.

Battery Safety Precautions

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery Warnings

Critical safety information and handling procedures for LiPo batteries.

General Battery Charging and Handling

Precautions for charging and handling all types of batteries safely.

Battery Handling and Storage Safety

Safe Battery Handling Practices

Guidelines for preventing short circuits, fires, and damage during battery use.

Storage and Transportation of Batteries

Instructions for safe storage and transport of battery packs.

Traxxas TQ 2.4 GHz Radio System

Radio System Technical Details

Radio System Precautions

Important precautions to prevent loss of radio range and damage.

Installing the Battery and Antenna

Setting Up the Receiver Antenna

Instructions for properly installing the antenna tube and wire for optimal range.

Radio System Controls and Rules

Radio System Rules and Operation

Essential rules for turning the system on/off and basic operational procedures.

Radio System Adjustments and Testing

Range-Testing the Radio System

Radio System LED Codes and Fail-Safe

Receiver LED Codes and Fail-Safe

Receiver LED indicators and the function of the built-in fail-safe system.

Adjusting the Electronic Speed Control (XL-5)

XL-5 Battery Settings (Low-Voltage Detection)

How to enable or disable Low-Voltage Detection for different battery types.

XL-5 Setup Programming and Profiles

XL-5 Operation Modes

Description of Sport, Race, and Training modes for the speed control.

Selecting Sport and Race Modes

Selecting Training Mode and LED Codes

LED Codes and Protection Modes

Driving Your Model

Driving Precautions

Important safety and operational guidelines to follow while driving.

This manual describes the Traxxas electric models: the Rustler stadium race truck, the Bandit™ buggy, and the Stampede monster truck. These models are designed for high-speed action, featuring a powerful Titan 12T 550 motor and a smooth XL-5 electronic speed control. They come with updated tread patterns and rubber compounds for enhanced driving, and incorporate innovative technology like the patent-pending Torque-Control™ slipper clutch.

The manual serves as a comprehensive guide for operating and maintaining these models, ensuring years of enjoyment. It emphasizes that users should feel confident in owning a high-performing model backed by strong factory support. The Quick Start path helps users get their models running quickly, while detailed instructions cover safety, maintenance, and adjustment procedures.

Function Description:

The Traxxas models are radio-controlled vehicles designed for recreational driving. The TQ 2.4GHz radio system allows for precise control of steering and throttle. The electronic speed control (ESC) manages motor power, providing proportional throttle control and efficient power usage. The models are equipped with a slipper clutch to regulate power to the rear wheels, preventing tire spin and protecting the drivetrain. Shocks with oil dampers provide suspension and handling adjustments.

Usage Features:

Radio System: The TQ 2.4GHz transmitter automatically finds and locks onto an available frequency, allowing multiple models to operate simultaneously without interference. It features steering trim for fine-tuning the neutral position of the steering servo. The system includes fail-safe functionality that returns the throttle to a saved neutral position in case of signal loss.
Electronic Speed Control (XL-5): The XL-5 ESC offers precise, digital proportional throttle control. It includes thermal shutdown protection to prevent damage from overheating and Low-Voltage Detection, which can be activated for LiPo batteries to prevent over-discharge. The ESC has three selectable profiles: Sport Mode (100% forward, 100% brakes, 100% reverse), Race Mode (100% forward, 100% brakes, no reverse), and Training Mode (50% forward, 100% brakes, 50% reverse) to accommodate different skill levels.
Battery System: The models use NiMH or LiPo battery packs. Traxxas iD® batteries, when used with Traxxas iD chargers, allow for automatic recognition and optimized charging settings for ease of use and safety. The Traxxas High-Current Connector ensures efficient power flow from the battery to the ESC.
Wet Conditions Operation: The models are designed with water-resistant electronics (receiver, servos, ESC), allowing operation in wet conditions like puddles, wet grass, or snow. However, they are not fully submersible, and additional care and maintenance are required after wet use to prevent corrosion.
Gearing: The models come with stock gearing for a balance of acceleration and top speed. Optional pinion gears are available for higher top speed (larger pinion) or increased acceleration (smaller pinion). Gearing adjustments are crucial to prevent motor and ESC overheating, especially in demanding conditions or with different battery types.
Suspension and Handling: The four oil-damped shocks significantly influence handling. Adjustments can be made to pistons, springs, and oil viscosity to fine-tune damping. Spring pre-load spacers allow for ride height adjustment. Toe-in adjustments can be made using turnbuckles to improve stability and steering response.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspection: Users should regularly inspect the vehicle for cracked, bent, or damaged parts, check for binding in wheels and steering, and verify shock absorber operation. Wiring should be checked for fraying or loose connections, and the mounting of the receiver, servos, and ESC should be secure. Wheel nuts and chassis screws need to be tightened periodically.
Battery Care: Batteries should be charged according to manufacturer instructions. NiMH batteries should be recycled or disposed of properly at the end of their useful life.
Motor Maintenance: Every 10-15 runs, the motor should be removed, cleaned with electric motor cleaning spray, and its bushings lubricated with lightweight electric motor oil. This helps prolong motor life and maintain performance.
Shock Maintenance: The oil level in the shocks should be kept full using 100% pure silicone shock oil. Leakage around the top or bottom of the shock indicates a need for inspection or rebuild.
Suspension and Driveline: Suspension pins, turnbuckles, and screws should be inspected for damage or bending. The driveline, including drive yokes, axle half shafts, and gears, should be checked for wear, dirt, or binding. Components should be replaced as needed to restore factory tolerances.
Slipper Clutch: The slipper clutch pads should be inspected for wear. If the thickness of any pad is 1.8mm or less, the friction disc should be replaced.
Receiver Box: The receiver box has a watertight seal, but it's recommended to remove the cover during storage after wet running to allow trapped moisture to dry, improving long-term reliability of the electronics.
Cleaning: After running, especially in wet conditions, excess dirt and mud should be rinsed off with low-pressure water (avoiding bearings and transmission). Compressed air can be used for drying. Bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners should be sprayed with a water-displacing light oil like WD-40®.
Storage: Always disconnect and remove the battery from the model when storing it. For long-term storage, remove batteries from the transmitter as well.

Traxxas BANDIT Specifications

General

Scale	1:10
Engine type	Electric engine
Product type	Buggy
Housing color	Gray
Maximum speed	113 km/h
Housing material	-
Suggested gender	Boy/Girl
Channels quantity	2 channels
Construction type	Ready-to-Run (RTR)
Protection features	Waterproof
Recommended age (min)	- yr(s)
Transmitter frequency	2.4 GHz
Electronic speed control (ESC)	Yes
Battery technology	Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Quantity	1