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Nitro 4-Tec 3.3
Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system
terms. They will be used throughout this manual.
Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channels so that
up to six models can be operated simultaneously. Each channel is
referred to by its flag color and channel number, as shown below.
Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make sure
nobody else in your area is operating on the same channel. Always
clear your frequency by calling out your channel number before
operating your model. Wait or move to another area if your channel
is already being used.
Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines which channel the
radio system will operate on. For each channel, there are two crystals,
one for the receiver and one for the transmitter. Of those two crystals,
the one marked “RX” with the lower number (.455 MHz lower) must be
inserted into the receiver.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter to send
signals to your Nitro 4-Tec. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a 27
MHz frequency band.
mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour. Measure of the capacity of the
battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery will last
between recharges.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek when the
transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeable
hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current handling, high
capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. Good charging
procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a
“memory” effect and shortened run times.
NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH
batteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistance
to the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher
capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge
cycles. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required
for optimal performance.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your Nitro 4-Tec that receives signals
from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your Nitro 4-Tec that operate the throttle
and steering mechanisms.
Two-channel radio system - The TQ radio system, consisting of the
receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two
channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and steering
instructions to your Nitro 4-Tec.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos,
made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobs on the face of
the transmitter.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Channel
Frequency
Band
Flag
Color
Traxxas
Part No.
1 26.995 Brown 2031
2 27.045 Red 2032
3 27.095 Orange 2033
4 27.145 Yellow 2034
5 27.195 Green 2035
6 27.255 Blue 2036
Learn terms related to the
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
beginning on page 19.