TRAXXAS TRX1041 Radio System Owner’s Manual
- June 17, 2024
- Traxxas
Table of Contents
owners manual
MODELS 6507R, 6509R
Auf TRAXXAS.com
WARRANTY AND PRECAUTIONS
Important Radio System Precautions
- For maximum range, always point the front of the transmitter toward the model.
- Do not kink the receiver’s antenna wire. Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range.
- DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver’s antenna wire. Cutting the antenna will reduce range.
- Extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range. It is not necessary to extend the antenna wire out of the body, but wrapping or coiling the antenna wire should be avoided.
- Do not allow the antenna wire to extend outside the body without the protection of an antenna tube, or the antenna wire may get cut or damaged, reducing range. It is recommended to keep the wire inside the body (in the antenna tube) to prevent the chance of damage.
- To prevent loss of radio rangedo not kink or cut the black wire, do not bend or cut the metal tip, and do not cut the white wire at the end of the metal tip.
Warranty Information
Traxxas warrants your Traxxas electronic components to be free from defects in
materials or workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
purchase. Before returning any product for warranty service, please contact
our service department at 1-888-TRAXXAS (U.S. residents only) to discuss the
problem you are having with the product. After contacting Traxxas, send the
defective unit along with your proof of purchase indicating the date
purchased, your return address, e-mail, a daytime phone number, and a brief
description of the problem to:
Traxxas, 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, Texas 75070
Phone: 972-549-3000 Internet:
Traxxas.com E-mail: support@Traxxas.com
Detailed Limitations for Electronic Components:
- Allowing water, moisture, or other foreign material to enter the component or get onto the PC board.
- Exceeding the maximum input voltage of the electronic component.
- Reverse voltage application.
- Incorrect installation or wiring.
- Components worn from use.
- Splices to the input or switch harnesses.
- Disassembling the case.
- Excessive force when adjusting, pressing, or turning any of the controls.
- Tampering with the internal electronics.
- Incorrect wiring of an FET servo.
- Allowing exposed wiring to short circuit.
- Any damage caused by crash, flooding, or act of God.
Limitations
Any and all warranty coverage does not cover replacement of parts and
components damaged by abuse, neglect, improper or unreasonable use, crash
damage, water or excessive moisture, chemical damage, improper or infrequent
maintenance, accident, unauthorized alteration or modification, or items that
are considered consumable. Traxxas will not pay for the cost of shipping or
transportation of a defective component from you to us.
Limitations of Liability
Traxxas makes no other warranties expressed or implied. Traxxas shall not be
liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising
out of the assembly, installation, or use of their products or any accessory
or chemical required to use their products. By the act of operating/using the
product, the user accepts all resulting liability. In no case shall Traxxas’
liability exceed the actual purchase price paid for the product. Traxxas
reserves the right to modify warranty provisions without notice. All warranty
claims will be handled directly by Traxxas. The Traxxas warranty gives the
customer specific legal rights and possibly other rights that vary from state
to state. All dollar amounts stated are in United States dollars. The term
“lifetime” shall refer to the product’s production life at Traxxas. Traxxas is
not obligated to provide upgraded products at a reduced rate when a previous
product’s production cycle has ended.
Traxxas encourages you to register your model online
atTraxxas.com/ register.
Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty
After the expiration date of the free warranty period, Traxxas will repair
electronic components for a flat rate. The electronic products covered by this
extended service plan include electronic speed controls, transmitters,
receivers, servos, and battery chargers. Motors, batteries, and mechanical
speed controls are not covered. The covered repairs are limited to non-
mechanical components that have NOT been subjected to abuse, misuse, or
neglect. Products damaged by intentional abuse, misuse, modification, or
neglect, may be subject to additional charges.
Visit Traxxas.com or call 1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) for details on
extended warranty service and rates.
FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Firmware Version Identification Number (FVIN)
To locate the FVIN using the Traxxas Link App (see page 12):
- From the main screen of the Traxxas Link App, select SUPPORT.
- From the SUPPORT screen, select ABOUT.
- TQi Transmitter: The FVIN is the first number in the listed version of the TQi Transmitter Subsystem.
- TSM Receiver: The FVIN is the first number in the listed version of the TSM Receiver Subsystem
Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) CAN ICES-3
(B)
This device contains license-exempt transmitters that comply with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada’s licenseexempt RSS(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.This device may not
cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC/IC RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set
forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located
or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER
#6507R – 4-channel with Traxxas Link Wireless Module
6507R Transmitter contains FCC ID: XVE-TRX1018, IC: 8668A-TRX1018 Wireless
Module
#6509R – 2-channel, Traxxas Link Enabled
*Accessory sensor ports for use with standard voltage/temperature and RPM telemetry sensors.
**Accessory sensor expansion port for use with the Telemetry Expander Module
(see Traxxas.com for more information).
GETTING STARTED
Traxxas Link Wireless Module and Traxxas Link App
A Traxxas TQi transmitter with the Traxxas Link™ Wireless Module installed is
required to set up Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) for your specific
vehicle model using the Traxxas Link App. The Traxxas Link WirelessModule
(part #6511) is included with the #6507R TQi transmitter (available separately
for easy installation in the #6509R TQi transmitter). The Traxxas Link App is
available in the Apple App Store℠ or on Google Play™.
If you do not have the Traxxas Link Wireless module installed, then you will
not be able to use the Traxxas Link App to access the specific software for
your model. TSM will function, but it will not be optimized for your model and
you may experience some unexpected behavior from the vehicle. If youdo see
undesirable effects, turn the multi-function knob counterclockwise to reduce
TSM’s assistance until you are satisfied with the performance or turn TSM
completely off (see page 8 for additional information).
TQi Radio System Basic Adjustments
Steering Trim
The electronic steering trim located on the face of the transmitter adjusts
the neutral (center) point of the steering channel. Note: Traxxas
Stability Management (TSM) must be completely turned off while adjusting
steering trim. See page 8 for TSM adjustments.
Multi-Function Knob
The Multi-Function knob can be programmed to control a variety of functions.
From the factory, the Multi-Function knob controls Traxxas Stability
Management (TSM). For more detail on TSM, refer to page 8.
Receiver Installation
For best performance, it is recommended that the receiver be installed in the
same orientation as the original receiver (with the label facing upward).
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for additional information, wiring
diagrams, and detailed instructions on maintaining a watertight seal.
Use double-sided adhesive foam tape to install the receiver into the receiver
box. Once installed, plug the wires into the receiver.
GETTING STARTED
Installing Transmitter Batteries
Your TQi transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located
in the base of the transmitter.
- Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and sliding the door open.
- Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in the battery compartment.
- Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.
- Turn on the transmitter and check the status LED for a solid green light.
If the status LED flashes red, the transmitter batteries may be weak,
discharged or possibly installed incorrectly. Replace with new or freshly
charged batteries. The power indicator light does not indicate the charge
level of the battery pack installed in the model.
Refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 14 for more information on the
transmitter status LED codes.
Use the Right Batteries
Your transmitter uses AA batteries. Use new alkaline batteries.
Do not use rechargeable AA cells to power the TQi transmitter, as they will
not provide sufficient voltage for optimum transmitter performance.
CAUTION: Discontinue running your model at the first sign of weak
batteries (flashing red light on the transmitter) to avoid losing control.
Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
Disposal of the battery into fire or a hot oven, or mechanically crushing or
cutting of the battery, can result in an explosion. Extremely high
temperatures and/or extremely low air pressure can result in an explosion or
the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
Selecting Your Model Profile
The Traxxas Link App includes model profiles and customized Traxxas Stability
Management (TSM) settings for each Traxxas model. Download the Traxxas Link
App to your Apple® iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or Android™ device and select
your model from the Home screen (see page 12 for additional information).
If you do not have the Traxxas Link Wireless Module installed, then you will
not be able to use the Traxxas Link App to access the specific profile for
your model and the servo direction will need to be set manually. Follow the
instructions on page 16 to change these setting(s) to suit your model.
Using the Traxxas TQi Radio System with non-Traxxas Models
The TQi radio system can be used with all popular servos in any hobbygrade RC
vehicle. Follow the instructions on page 16 to change the servo setting(s) to
suit your model.
USING THE RADIO SYSTEM
Before installing the TQi radio system in your model, make certain the
steering trim knob is centered. After you have installed and bound the radio
system, confirm the steering servo and throttle servo (if installed) operate
properly: turning the steering wheel right makes the front wheels turn right
(and vice-versa), and pulling the trigger to the grip opens the throttle of
your nitro engine. If either control operates “backwards,” follow the menu
tree on page 16 or use the Traxxas Link App to reverse the servo’s operation.
After confirming correct servo operation, turn off TSM (see page 8) and use
the TQi’s steering trim knob to center your model’s front wheels so it drives
straight with the steering wheel at its neutral position; then, return the
multi-function knob to the desired TSM setting.
If there is not enough adjustment to achieve this with the steering trim knob,
reset the steering trim to its center position, then remove and reinstall the
servo’s steering horn to center the steering system as close as possible. The
steering trim knob can now be used to make the final adjustments.
Repeat this process for the throttle servo. To access throttle trim, follow
the steps in the menu tree on page 16.
If your model is equipped with an electronic speed control, it will have to be
calibrated to the TQi radio system. Follow the instructions included with your
vehicle or your speed control to calibrate it properly.
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.
- Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in the previous section.
- Have a friend hold the model. Make sure hands and clothing are clear of the wheels and other moving parts on the model.
- Walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach the farthest distance you plan to operate the model.
- Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure that the model responds correctly.
- 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 model’s running area, not the far end, so you drive the model 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.
- Press and hold the transmitter’s SET button as you switch the transmitter on. The transmitter’s LED will flash red slowly. Release the SET button.
- Press and hold the receiver’s LINK button as you switch the model on. Release the LINK button.
- When the transmitter’s and receiver’s LEDs turn solid green, the system is bound and ready for use. Confirm that the steering and throttle operate properly before driving your model.
TRAXXAS STABILITY MANAGEMENT (TSM)
Your radio system is equipped Traxxas Stability Management or TSM. TSM allows
you to experience all the speed and acceleration that was engineered into your
Traxxas model by helping you to maintain control of the vehicle in low-
traction situations. TSM helps provide straight ahead full-throttle
acceleration on slippery surfaces, without fishtailing, spinouts, or loss of
control.
TSM also dramatically improves braking control. High speed cornering and
control is also made possible as TSM makes corrections for you, without
intruding on your fun, or creating unexpected side effects.
The Multi-Function knob on the TQi transmitter has been programmed to control
TSM. The recommended (default) settin g for TSM is to rotate the knob to the
12:00 position (the zero mark on the dial).
Turn the knob clockwise to increase assistance; turn the knob counterclockwise
to decrease assistance. Turn the knob counterclockwise to its stop to turn TSM
completely off.
Note: TSM is deactivated automatically when driving or braking in
reverse.
When driving on surfaces with some traction, decrease the TSM setting to allow
the vehicle to feel more “loose” for power sliding, drifting, and so on. On
surfaces with very little traction (loose dirt, smooth concrete, ice/snow),
increase TSM to maximize acceleration and control.
Drive with TSM on and off to test how it is making your control of the vehicle
easier and more precise. For more information, visit
Traxxas.com/tsm.
Note: TSM must be completely turned off while adjusting steering trim.
ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE
Available Tuning Adjustments
All the features described below may also be accessed using the menu and set
buttons on the transmitter and observing signals from the LED. An explanation
of the menu structure follows on page 16. The following items can be adjusted
most easily using your mobile device with the Traxxas Link Wireless Module and
the Traxxas Link App (see page 12).
Your Traxxas transmitter has a programmable Multi-Function knob that can be
set to control various advanced transmitter functions (set to Traxxas
Stability Management (TSM) by default, see page 8). Experiment with the
settings and features to see if they can improve your driving experience.
Steering Sensitivity (Exponential)
The Multi-Function knob on the TQi transmitter can be set to control Steering
Sensitivity (also known as exponential). The standard setting for Steering
Sensitivity is “normal (zero exponential),” with the dial full left in its
range of travel. This setting provides linear servo response: the steering
servo’s movement will correspond exactly with the input from the transmitter’s
steering wheel. Turning the knob clockwise from center will result in
“negative exponential” and decrease steering sensitivity by making the servo
less responsive near neutral, with increasing sensitivity as the servo nears
the limits of its travel range.
The farther you turn the knob, the more pronounced the change in steering
servo movement will be. The term “exponential” comes from this effect; the
servo’s travel changes exponentially relative to the input from the steering
wheel. The exponential effect is indicated as a percentage—the greater the
percentage, the greater the effect. The illustrations below show how this
works.
Normal Steering Sensitivity (0% exponential):
In this illustration, the steering servo’s travel (and with it, the steering
motion of the model’s front wheels) corresponds precisely with the steering
wheel. The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
Decreased Steering Sensitivity (Negative Exponential):
By turning the Multi-Function knob clockwise, the steering sensitivity of the
model will be decreased. Note that a relatively large amount of steering wheel
travel results in a smaller amount of servo travel. The farther you turn the
knob, the more pronounced the effect becomes. Decreased steering sensitivity
may be helpful when driving on low-traction surfaces, when driving at high
speed, or on tracks that favor sweeping turns where gentle steering inputs are
required. The ranges are exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
Throttle Sensitivity (Throttle Exponential)
The Multi-Function knob can be set to control Throttle Sensitivity.
Throttle Sensitivity works the same way as Steering Sensitivity, but applies
the effect to the throttle channel. Only forward throttle is affected;
brake/reverse travel remains linear regardless of the Throttle Sensitivity
setting.
Steering Percentage (Dual Rate)
The Multi-Function knob can be set to control the amount (percentage) of servo
travel applied to steering. Turning the Multi-Function knob fully clockwise
will deliver maximum steering throw; turning the knob counterclockwise reduces
steering throw (note: turning the dial counterclockwise to its stop will
eliminate all servo travel). Be aware that the steering End Point settings
define the servo’s maximum steering throw. If you set Steering Percentage to
100% (by turning the MultiFunction knob fully clockwise), the servo will
travel all the way to its selected end point, but not past it. Many racers set
Steering Percentage so they have only as much steering throw as they need for
the track’s tightest turn, thus making the model easier to drive throughout
the rest of the course. Reducing steering throw can also be useful in making a
model easier to control on high-traction surfaces, and limiting steering
output for oval racing where large amounts of steering travel are not
required.
Braking Percentage
The Multi-Function knob may also be set to control the amount of brake travel
applied by the servo in a nitro-powered model. Electric models do not have a
servo-operated brake, but the Braking Percentage function still operates the
same way in electric models. Turning the Multi- Function knob full clockwise
will deliver maximum brake throw; turning the knob counterclockwise reduces
brake throw (Note: Turning the dial counterclockwise to its stop will
eliminate all brake action).
Throttle Trim
Setting the Multi-Function knob to serve as throttle trim will allow you to
adjust the throttle’s neutral position to prevent unwanted brake drag or
throttle application when the transmitter trigger is at neutral.
Note: Your transmitter is equipped with a Throttle Trim Seek mode to
prevent accidental runaways. See below for more information.
Throttle Trim Seek Mode
When the Multi-Function knob is set to throttle trim, the transmitter
remembers the throttle trim setting. If the throttle trim knob is moved from
the original setting while the transmitter is off, or while the transmitter
was used to control another model, the transmitter ignores the actual position
of the trim knob. This prevents the model from accidentally running away. The
LED on the face of the transmitter will rapidly blink green and the throttle
trim knob (Multi-Function knob) will not adjust the trim until it is moved
back to its original position saved in memory. To restore throttle trim
control, simply turn the Multi-Function knob either direction until the LED
stops blinking.
Steering and Throttle End Points
The TQi transmitter allows you to choose the limit of the servo’s travel range
(or its “end point”) independently for left and right travel (on the steering
channel) and throttle/brake travel (on the throttle channel). This allows you
to fine-tune the servo settings to prevent binding caused by the servo moving
steering or throttle linkages (in the case of a nitro model) farther than
their mechanical limits. The end point adjustment settings you select will
represent what you wish to be the servo’s maximum travel; the Steering
Percentage or Braking Percentage functions will not override the End Point
settings.
Steering and Throttle Sub-Trim
The Sub-Trim function is used to precisely set the neutral point of the
steering or throttle servo in the event that simply setting the trim knob to
“zero” does not completely center the servo. When selected, Sub-Trim allows
finer adjustment to the servo output shaft’s position for precise setting of
the neutral point. Always set the Steering Trim knob to zero before making
final adjustment (if required} using Sub-Trim. If Throttle Trim has been
previously adjusted, the Throttle Trim will need to be reprogrammed to “zero”
before making final adjustment using Sub-Trim.
Setting Lock
Once you’ve adjusted all of these settings the way you like them, you may want
to disable the Multi-Function knob so none of your settings can be changed.
This is especially handy if you operate multiple vehicles with a single
transmitter via Traxxas Link” Model Memory.
Multiple Settings and the Multi-Function Knob
It is important to note that settings made with the Multi-Function knob are
“overlaid” on top of each other. For example, if you assign the Multi-Function
to adjust Steering Percentage and set it for 50%, then reassign the knob to
control Steering Sensitivity, the transmitter will “remember” the Steering
Percentage setting. Adjustments you make to Steering Sensitivity will be
applied to the 50% steering throw setting you selected previously. Likewise,
setting the Multi-Function knob to “disabled” will prevent the knob from
making further adjustments, but the last setting of the Multi-Function knob
will still apply.
Failsafe
Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built-in failsafe function that
returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of signal
loss. The LED on the transmitter and the receiver will rapidly flash red to
indicate the failsafe has been activated.
Traxxas Link Wireless Module
The #6507R TQi transmitter is equipped with the Traxxas Link Wireless Module
(part #6511, available separately for easy installation in the #6509R TQi
transmitter).
This innovative accessory transforms your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or
Android™ device into a powerful tuning tool that equips your TQi with an
intuitive, highdefinition, full-color graphical user interface.
Traxxas Link
The powerful Traxxas Link App (available in the Apple App Store” or on Google
PlayTM) gives you complete control over the operation and tuning of your
Traxxas model with stunning visuals and absolute precision. Install Traxxas
Link telemetry sensors on the model, and Traxxas Link displays real-time data
such as speed, RPM, temperature, and battery voltage.
Intuitive iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android interface
Traxxas Link makes it easy to learn, understand, and access powerful tuning
options. Control Drive Effects settings such as TSM assistance percentage;
steering and throttle sensitivity; steering percentage; braking strength; and
throttle trim by simply touching and dragging the sliders on the screen.
Tap and slide to adjust TSM, Steering Sensitivity, Throttle Trim, Braking Percent, and more!
Real-Time Telemetry
With the installed telemetry sensors, the Traxxas Link dashboard comes to life
showing you speed, battery voltage, RPM, and temperature. Set threshold
warnings and log maximums, minimums, or averages. Use the recording function
to document your dashboard view, with sound, so that you can keep your eyes on
your driving and not miss a single apex.
The customizable Traxxas Link dashboard delivers real-time RPM, speed, temperature, and voltage data.
Manage up to 30 Models with Traxxas Link
The TQi radio system automatically keeps track of what vehicles it has bound
to and what settings were used for each–up to 30 models total! Traxxas Link
provides a visual interface to name the models, customize their settings,
attach profiles, and lock them into memory. Simply choose a model and any
previously bound transmitter, power them up, and start having fun.
Entire contents ©2022 Traxxas.
Other brand names and marks are the property of their respective holders and
are used only for purposes of identification. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or distributed in print or electronic media without the express
written permission of Traxxas.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
References
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