Nitro Rustler

Quick Start: Getting up to SpeedThe following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottomcorners of Quick Start pages.1. Read the safety precautions on page 4For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misusecould lead to personal injury.2. Charge the EZ-Start battery pack See page 25The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt batterypack (sold separately).3. Install the antenna See page 13Install the antenna mast in the model.4. Detail the body See page 8The Nitro Rustler body comes with most decals already applied. If youwish to add more decals, do it now before you break-in your engine.5. Install batteries in the transmitter See page 11Nitro Rustler requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteriesfor the transmitter.6. Install batteries in the model See page 12The Nitro Rustler requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries forthe receiver.7. Install the EZ-Start battery See page 25Install and connect a charged 7.2-volt battery pack in the EZ-Startcontroller.8. Turn on the radio system See page 15Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first, and off last.10. Range test the radio system See page 16Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system works properly ata distance and that there is no interference from outside sources.11. Fill the fuel tank See page 22Use a fuel-dispensing bottle to fill the tank.The Quick Start Guide isnot intended to replace thefull operating instructionsavailable in this manual.Please read this entiremanual for completeinstructions on the properuse and maintenance ofyour model.12. Connect the EZ-Start to the model See page 26Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric starting system13. Start the engine See page 27Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2.5.14. Break-in your engine See pages 27-29Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure thebest-performing, longest-lasting engine.15. Tune your engine See page 30Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimumengine performance.16. Drive your Nitro Rustler See page 33Driving tips and adjustments for your Nitro Rustler.17. Maintaining your model See pages 35Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of yourNitro Rustler and keep it in excellent running condition.Look for the Quick Startlogo at the bottom ofQuick Start pages.9. Check servo operation See page 16Make sure the throttle, shifting, and steering servos areworking correctly.Nitro Rustler

Gluing the Tires and Decorating Your ModelAlways wear safety glassesto prevent glue fromsplattering into your eyes.Gluing the TiresApplying the DecalsThe factory tires on your Nitro Rustler are already glued to the rims.The tires must be glued to the rims to prevent the rims from spinninginside the tires. The instructions here are provided to show you howto glue replacement tires to the rims in the future. Use CA tire glueavailable from your local hobby dealer.The main decals have already beenapplied to your Nitro Rustler. The extradecals provided are die-cut for easyremoval. Use a hobby knife to lift thecorner of a decal and remove it fromthe backing.AThe acetone in fingernailpolish remover will removeexcess glue from your fingers.For best results whilegluing, clean the bead ofthe tires and the grooves ofthe wheels with denaturedalcohol before applyingglue. This removes anymold release agent residuefrom the tires and wheels,providing a better bond.BC1. Remove a wheel from the Nitro Rustlerusing the larger (8mm) end of the glow plug(universal) wrench on the front wheels (A). Usethe 4-way wrench (7mm) on the rear wheels (B).2. Use your thumb to push the side of the tireaway from the rim. Place one or two drops ofCA glue into the opening and release the tire.Capillary action will draw the glue around thebead of the tire (C).3. Repeat step two at four or five points aroundthe rim, until the tire is completely securedto the rim. Turn the rim over and repeat theprocess for the inside of the rim/tire. Repeat forthe other 3 wheels.4. Reinstall the wheels,make sure none of theaxle pins have fallen outfrom behind the hexhubs (rear wheels only). Nitro RustlerHubAxle PinCarefully position the decal over thedesired location and press one side onthe body. Pull the decal tight and use afinger to gradually smooth out any airbubbles as you apply the decal.Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemYour Nitro Rustler (model 4410) is equipped with the TQ Radio System. The TQ is a 2-channel system that provides high-power output up to aquarter mile and control for two servos. The Nitro Rustler makes use of two channels for throttle/brake and steering.TQ TransmitterAntennaNitro Rustler Wiring DiagramRedPositiveThrottle Neutral AdjustBlackNegativeSteering WheelThrottle TrimSteering TrimAntennaOn/OffSwitch4-CellBattery HolderReceiverThrottleTriggerChannel 2Throttle ServoChannel 1Channel 2BatteryServo ReversingSwitchChannel 1Steering ServoCH.2CH.1Power SwitchBattery CompartmentPower IndicatorNitro Rustler

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemRadio System TerminologyLearn terms related tothe TRX 2.5 racing enginebeginning on page 19.Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radiosystem terms. They will be used throughout this manual.Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channelsso that up to six models can be operated simultaneously. Eachchannel is referred to by its flag color and channel number, asshown below.Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make surenobody else in your area is operating on the same channel.Always clear your frequency by calling out your channel numberbefore operating your model. Wait or move to another area if yourchannel is already being used.Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines which channelthe radio system will operate on. For each channel, there are twocrystals, one for the receiver and one for the transmitter. Of thosetwo crystals, the one marked with the lower number (.455 MHzlower) must be inserted into the receiver.1FrequencyBand 6.995FlagColorBrownTraxxasPart No. 031 7.045Red 03 3 7.095Orange 0334 7.145Yellow 0345 7.195Green 0356 7. 55Blue 036ChannelFrequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter tosend signals to your model. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a27 MHz frequency band.mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour. A measure of the capacity ofthe battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the batterywill last between recharges.Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek whenthe transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.NiCad - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeablehobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current handling,high capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. Goodcharging procedures are required to reduce the possibility ofdeveloping a “memory” effect and shortened run times.10 Nitro RustlerNiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMHbatteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistanceto the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow highercapacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 chargecycles. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required foroptimal performance.Receiver - The radio unit inside your model that receives signalsfrom the transmitter and relays them to the servos.Servo - Small motor unit in your model that operates the steeringmechanism.Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle andsteering instructions to your model.Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of theservos, made by adjusting the throttle and steering trim sliders onthe face of the transmitter.2-channel radio system - The TQ radio system, consisting ofthe receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system usestwo channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operatethe steering.

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemInstalling Transmitter BatteriesYour TQ transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The battery compartmentis located in the base of the transmitter.Use the Right BatteriesYour transmitter uses AAbatteries. Use new alkalinebatteries, or rechargeablebatteries such as NiCador NiMH (Nickel MetalHydride) batteries in yourtransmitter. Make surerechargeable batteries arefully charged accordingto the manufacturer’sinstructions.If you use rechargeablebatteries in yourtransmitter, be awarethat when they beginto lose their charge, theylose power more quicklythan regular alkalinebatteries.1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab andlifting the door up.2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in thebattery compartment.3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator for a solidred light.If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitter batteriesare weak, discharged or possibly installed incorrectly. Replace withnew or freshly charged batteries. The power indicator light does notindicate the charge level of the battery pack installed in the model.Caution: Discontinuerunning your model at thefirst sign of weak batteries(flashing red light) to avoidlosing control.If the power indicatordoesn’t light red, check thepolarity of the batteries.Check rechargeablebatteries for a full charge.CH.1CH.2Nitro Rustler 11

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemInstalling Receiver BatteriesDirect the battery wiresthrough the slot in the batterycover. If the wires are notproperly routed, they maybecome broken or shorted,causing radio system failureand loss of control. If you userechargeable batteries inyour receiver, be aware thatwhen they begin to lose theircharge, they lose power muchmore quickly than regularalkaline batteries. Signsof weak receiver batteriesinclude sluggish steeringresponse and shortened radiorange. Caution: Discontinuerunning your Nitro Rustler atthe first sign of weak batteriesto avoid losing control.The radio receiver in your Nitro Rustler uses four AA batteries. Thebattery holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath thebattery cover on the rear bumper.1. Remove the battery cover by removing the two body clips fromthe posts.2. Remove the battery holder and install four AA alkaline batteries.Make careful note of the battery polarity by comparing against thediagrams in the battery holder.3. Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.4. Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the body clips(see sidebar!).Traxxas TRX Power System (optional)The optional Traxxas TRX Power System canbe purchased separately to power the radiosystem in the Nitro Rustler. Benefits include theeconomy of a rechargeable 5-cell nickel metalhydride (NiMH) battery pack that replaces AAalkaline batteries, and increased voltage fordramatically improved servo performance. TheTRX Power Charger (Part #3030X) is a peakdetecting unit that will charge the RX Power Pack (Part #3036 flat packor #3037 hump pack) in about one hour. The peak detection circuitryautomatically shuts off the charger when the maximum charge hasbeen achieved. The TRX Power Charger also includes a 7.2V adapter forcharging 7.2V EZ-Start batteries. The TRX Power Charger can operate oneither AC or DC power. A special wiring harness for Nitro Rustler (Traxxaspart #3034) that includes a handy external charging jack is required.The optional DC car adapter (Part #3032) features atangle-free, extra long wire and integrated fuse. Thelong charging cord allows the model to remain outsidethe car while charging. Caution! Never charge batteriesin an enclosed car interior or while driving. Never leavecharging batteries unattended. Monitor them closely.Traxxas’ integrated TRX Power System is the easiest way to add thepower and economy of rechargeable batteries to your Nitro Rustler.Consult your hobby dealer for purchasing information.4-cellbatteryholderIf the radio system doesn’tappear to work when thetransmitter and receiverswitches are turned on, checkfor correct battery installation.12 Nitro Rustler

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemSetting Up the AntennaYou must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate yourNitro Rustler. You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in the bagwith your manuals and documentation.Antenna Tip1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver. The NitroRustler receiver is mounted on the front of the upper chassis. Thereceiver is wrapped in a balloon for protection. The color of theballoon indicates the channel number (see page 10).2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers (see sidebar) and theninsert the end of the wire into one end of the antenna tube. Pushthe wire all the way through the antenna tube.3. Pull the remaining wire through the antenna tube, and theninsert the base of the antenna tube into the molded post on topof the chassis.4. Fold the remaining antenna wire over the top of the tube andsecure it with the antenna tip.5. On the transmitter, always fully extend the telescoping antennawhen running your Nitro Rustler. Make a habit of holding thetransmitter so that the antenna points straight up.Antenna TubeSpray a little window cleaneron the antenna wire to makeit easier to push through theantenna tube.If there are any kinks in theblack antenna wire, it willbe more difficult to pushthrough the antenna tube.Pull the wire straight bysandwiching it between yourthumb and index finger andrunning your fingers alongthe length of the wire (withmedium pressure).Don’t shorten the length ofthe antenna wire. Its lengthis tuned to the frequencyband; cutting it couldseverely shorten the radiosystem’s range.Don’t push the transmitterantenna down from thetop. Pull it down from thebottom, one segment at atime, to prevent binding andkinking the antenna mast.Nitro Rustler 13

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemTQ Radio System ControlsRN RIGHTTUNLTUR EFTSteeringBrake/ReverseNeutralThere are two settings available:50/50: Allows equal travel for bothacceleration and reverse.70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%)and less reverse travel (30%).50/50 is the default setting for theNitro Rustler.Electronic Throttle TrimThe electronic throttle trim located on the face of the transmitteradjusts the neutral (center) point of the throttle servo when theservo is at rest. This control has been preset for you at the factory.If necessary, adjust the control so that the carburetor is at idle, andthe brakes are not applied (the model will roll freely). Do not usethe throttle trim to raise or lower the engine idle speed. Make theidle speed adjustment on the carburetor.Electronic Steering TrimThe electronic steering trim located on the face of the transmitteradjusts the neutral (center) point of the steering servo whenthe servo is at rest. Adjust this control to make the model drivestraight with no steering input at the wheel.CH.1CH.2AccelerateTQ Radio System AdjustmentsIn addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls,your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment and servoreversing switches. These are preset at the factory and shouldnot require further adjustment.Throttle Neutral AdjustmentThe throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter faceand controls the forward/reverse travel of the throttle trigger.Change the adjustment by pressing the button and sliding it tothe desired position.14 Nitro RustlerServo Reversing SwitchesThe servo reversing switches are located on the front of thetransmitter, next to the on/off switch. Moving a switch reversesthe direction of the corresponding servo.CH.1Each switch corresponds to a channel, as shown below. Forexample, if you turn the steering wheel to the right and yourfront wheels turn left, you would move the channel 1 switch tocorrect the servo direction. It may be necessary to adjust thecorresponding trim control after moving a lt SettingCH.2

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemTQ Radio System RulesEach time you prepare to run your Nitro Rustler,you must clear your frequency to be sure noone else in the area is using the same channelas you.Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before youstart the engine. Never turn the radio system off while the engineis running. The on/off switch in the model only turns the receiveron and off. It does not turn off the engine.Channel 1BrownChannel 2RedChannel 3OrangeThere are six possible channels, numbered 1through 6. Each is represented by a color. Lookat the crystal plugged into the back of yourtransmitter to determine which channel yourtruck is assigned to.Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio system.Weak batteries will limit the range of the radio signal between thereceiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radio signal can cause youto lose control of your Nitro Rustler.Channel 4YellowChannel 5GreenChannel 6BlueAlways turn your TQ transmitter on first and off last. Thisprocedure will help to prevent your Nitro Rustler from receivingstray signals from another transmitter, or other source, andrunning out of control.Remember, always turn theTQ transmitter on first andoff last to avoid damage toyour model.The Nitro Rustler’s on/offswitch does not have anindicator plate to showwhich direction is on.However, you can tell bylooking at the wires thatcome out of the switchbox.Moving the switch towardsthe gray/gray-white wiresturns the receiver on.CH.1CH.2123Always turn your transmitter on first.Always turn your receiver on second.Then start your engine.Nitro Rustler 15

The Traxxas TQ Radio SystemUsing the TQ Radio SystemWhen the engine is running,do not use the throttle trimon the transmitter to adjustthe engine idle speed.Always use the idle speedadjustment screw (see page18) on the carburetor.Don’t attempt to operateyour Nitro Rustler if thereare any problems withyour radio system or radiointerference at your location.The TQ Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory.The adjustment should be checked, before running the model,in case of movement duri

potential that Traxxas engineers designed into Nitro Rustler. Even if you are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it’s important to read and follow the procedures in this manual. Nitro Rustler contains new technologies that you may not be familiar with. Pay particular attention to the fuel and break-in requirements for the engine.