Traxxas XL-2.5 Instructions

XL-2.5 Electronic Speed Control Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas XL-2.5
2.5 forward/reverse electronic speed control simplifies electronic speed control
technology with easy, built-in profiles and intuitive programming. The XL-2.5 comes
with the peace-of-mind of the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty and unmatched
Traxxas customer support. The XL-2.5 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 XL-2.5. If you have questions or need
assistance, call us at 1-888-TRAXXAS.
Specifications:
Input Voltage ...................................................................4-8 cells (4.8 to 9.6volts DC); 2S LiPo (7.4volts)
Motors ........................................................................................................................................................... Brushed
Motor Limit ...............................................................................................................................10-Turn (380 size)
BEC Voltage ..........................................................................................................................................6.0 volts DC
Transistor Type .......................................................................................................................................... MOSFET
On-Resistance............................................................................................................................................... 0.008Ω
PWM Frequency ..........................................................................................................................................2300Hz
Battery Connector ................................................................................... Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor Connectors .................................................................................................................Bullet Connectors
Motor / Battery Wiring ......................................................................................................................... 16-Gauge
Thermal Protection ............................................................................................................ Thermal shutdown
Weight ..................................................................................................................................................33g (1.16 oz)
Profiles: Sport Mode (Profile 1) - 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse
Race Mode (Profile 2) - 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse
Training Mode ™ (Profile 3) - 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse
Important Precautions
• Water and Electronics Do Not Mix: Your XL-2.5 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 from 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.
• No Reverse Voltage: The speed control is not protected against reverse polarity voltage. When
changing the battery and/or motor, be sure to install the same type of connectors to avoid reverse
polarity damage to the speed control. Removing the battery connectors on the speed control or
using the same-gender connectors on the speed control will void the product's warranty.
• No Schottky Diodes: External Schottky diodes are not compatible with reversing speed controls.
Using a Schottky diode will damage the electronic speed control and void the 30-day warranty.
Batteries and Battery Charging
The XL-2.5 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
Warning: Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries require special care and handling procedures
for long life and safe operation. 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 XL-2.5 speed control is able to use LiPo batteries with nominal voltage not to exceed
7.4 volts (2S packs). LiPo batteries have a minimum safe discharge voltage threshold that
should not be exceeded. The XL-2.5 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 XL-2.5 uses a special case design that allows it to slide into the chassis of most
1/16 models. To mount the XL-2.5 speed control in non-Traxxas models, double-
sided servo tape (not included) may be used to secure the speed control.
Here are some tips for choosing a location for the speed control:
• The XL-2.5 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.
• 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.
• If you are planning to operate the speed control at the higher limits of its
Traxxas, 6250 Traxxas Way, McKinney, TX 75070, Phone: 972-549-3000, Fax: 972-549-3011, e-mail: support@Traxxas.com
™ electronic speed control. The XL-
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capabilities, cut ventilation holes into the body for the heat sinks. Monitoring
temperatures will extend the lives of the batteries and motors and proper
ventilation and cooling will prevent premature thermal shutdown.
• 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.
• 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.
XL-2.5 Wiring
Transmitter Setup
Traxxas TQ Radio Systems
Before attempting to program your XL-2.5, 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. If you are using a TQ 27mHz AM radio, 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 XL-2.5. TQ 2.4GHz and TQi radios do not require this step.
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 XL-2.5 is compatible with most aftermarket receivers. By removing the tab
on the edge of the power connector, the XL-2.5 can be plugged directly into
some models of Futaba, ® Airtronics,
manufacturer's wiring diagrams that came with your receiver. On the XL-2.5, 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 XL-2.5 and an adapter is required. Crossing the
red (+) and black (-) wires could damage the receiver and the XL-2.5. Study the
manufacturer's wiring diagrams closely, or consult your hobby dealer.
XL-2.5 Battery Settings
(Low-Voltage Detection Setting)
The XL-2.5 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 XL-2.5 will limit the power output to 50%
throttle. When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold, the
XL-2.5 will shut down all motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly blink
red, indicating a low-voltage shutdown. The XL-2.5 will stay in this mode until a fully
charged battery is connected.
Your model includes a Power Cell NiMH battery. The XL-2.5 speed control's Low-
Voltage Detection has been disabled for best performance with this battery. The speed
control's LED will glow red when it is turned on, indicating Low-Voltage Detection is
disabled. Be certain to activate Low-Voltage Detection if you install LiPo batteries in
your model. Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled.
Verify that Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED:
1. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).
2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the XL-2.5.
3. Press and release the EZ-Set button to turn the XL-2.5 on. If the LED is solid red, then
the Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (not safe to use LiPo batteries). If the LED is
solid green, then Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED.
To activate Low-Voltage Detection (LiPo setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the XL-2.5 is on and RED.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (the LED
will turn off) (A). After ten seconds, the
motor will beep twice and the LED will
shine GREEN. Release the button (B).
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now ACTIVATED.
To disable Low-Voltage Detection (NiMH setting):
1. Make sure the LED on the XL-2.5 is on and GREEN.
2. Press and hold the EZ-Set button (the LED
will turn off) (A). After ten seconds, the
motor will beep three times and the LED
will shine RED. Release the button (B).
3. Low-Voltage Detection is now DISABLED.
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Covers Parts #3024R
® Hitec, ® and JR ® receivers. Please refer to the
Red LED: Hold 10 seconds 2 Beeps: LED shines green
Green LED: Hold 10 seconds 3 Beeps: LED shines red
KC2277-R01 Rev 151207