Serpent X20 RC Car RTR On-Road 2.4GHz Electric RC Car 4WD Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Serpent X20 RC Car RTR (Ready-to-Race). This 1/10 scale electric touring car is designed for on-road racing and recreational use, featuring a 4WD system and a powerful brushless motor set. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure you get the most out of your new RC car.

Note: For safety reasons, transmitter batteries (4 x AA) and a car battery (Lipo 4000mAh or more) are not included and need to be purchased separately.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety warnings before operating the RC car. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the product.

• Age Recommendation: This product is not suitable for children under 14 years of age. Adult supervision is required for younger users.
• Battery Safety: Use only recommended LiPo batteries (4000mAh or more) and ensure proper charging and handling. Never overcharge or discharge batteries. Store batteries in a safe, fireproof location.
• Operating Environment: Operate the RC car in open, clear areas away from people, pets, and obstacles. Avoid public roads, crowded areas, and wet conditions.
• Electrical Components: Keep all electrical components dry. Water can damage the electronics and cause malfunctions.
• Moving Parts: Keep fingers, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts such as wheels, gears, and belts to prevent injury.
• Heat: The motor and ESC can become very hot during operation. Avoid touching them immediately after use.

3. Package Contents

Your Serpent X20 RTR package includes the following items:

• 1/10 Scale Serpent X20 RC Car (pre-assembled)
• Dragon-RC DTS-3 2.4GHz Transmitter
• Dragon-RC Receiver DRS-3 2.4GHz
• Dragon-RC Speedo DX-10 WP 45A ESC with fan
• Dragon-RC Motor DL-10 brushless 13.5T 3450kv
• Dragon-RC digital servo 0.13s - 6kg
• Operating Instructions
• Original Box

4. Specifications

Key Features:

• Chassis: Super narrow, symmetrical, durable carbon chassis plate with optimized flex design.
• Topdeck: Durable carbon topdeck with optimized flex design. Battery-mount brackets and Lipo-holders allow the battery tape to run over instead of under the chassis. Holders can be reversed for other battery positions.
• Bumper / Bodymount: Large foam front bumper captured by an upper and lower nylon bumper. Front bodymount is mounted through the front bumper, and rear ones are seated on the shocktower.
• Spool: Front nylon lightweight spool with screw mounted front gearpully.
• Transmission / Belts / Pulleys: Smooth low friction fine pitch belts combined with optimized nylon pulleys.
• Driveshaft / Wheel Hex / Wheel Axle: Steel driveshafts, combined with ballraced wheel axles and nylon wheel-hex adaptors.
• Gear-Diff: Very compact ballraced gear differential in the rear, with steel gears and axles for durability.
• Motor Mount: Machined aluminium motor mount / middle schaft support. Ball raced middle shaft with 2 small pulleys and the main Serpent spur gear.
• Shock Absorbers: Latest type competition shock absorbers with membranes and checked color-coded race springs.
• Front Suspension: Moulded front brackets, with belt tension adjusting through excenters. Durable lower rear wishbones connected pivot balls to the chassis. An anti-roll bar system can be mounted as option.
• Rear Suspension: Moulded rear brackets.
• Shocktower Front/Rear: Black nylon shocktower with 2 upper shock mounting holes to choose from. The rear body post is mounted to the top of the rear shocktower.
• Steering System: Optimized Ackermann for neutral steering-feeling.
• Tyres-Wheels: Fitted with Dragon-RC rubber racing tyres with foam inlays on Serpent TC wheels for super-grip.
• Body: EFRA approved 1/10 scale Serpent TC body Lex-is fitted, fully pre-cut and prepainted in a superb paintjob (Orange-Red-Blue-Green).

5. Setup Guide

5.1. Battery Installation

1. Transmitter Batteries: Open the battery compartment on the Dragon-RC DTS-3 2.4GHz Transmitter. Insert 4 x AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Close the compartment.
2. Car Battery (LiPo):
   

   

   
   Carefully place your charged LiPo battery (4000mAh or more, not included) into the designated battery tray on the chassis. Secure it using the provided nylon battery tape holder. The holders allow the tape to run over the chassis.
3. Connect Battery: Connect the LiPo battery to the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). Ensure the connectors are firmly seated.

5.2. Body Shell Installation

1. Place the pre-painted body shell over the chassis, aligning the body posts with the holes in the body.
2. Secure the body with the body clips on each post.

5.3. Initial Checks

• Steering: Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter. The front wheels of the car should turn left and right. Adjust the steering trim on the transmitter if the wheels are not centered.
• Throttle: Gently pull the throttle trigger on the transmitter. The motor should respond.
• Shocks: Press down on each corner of the car to check the shock absorbers. They should compress and rebound smoothly.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1. Powering On/Off

1. Turn on the transmitter first.
2. Turn on the RC car by pressing the power button on the ESC.
3. To power off, turn off the RC car first, then turn off the transmitter.

6.2. Basic Controls

• Steering Wheel: Turn left or right to control the direction of the car.
• Throttle Trigger: Pull to accelerate forward. Push to brake or reverse.

6.3. Driving Tips

• Start slowly to get a feel for the controls.
• Practice steering and throttle control in an open area.
• The 4WD system provides excellent traction; experiment with different surfaces.
• Avoid driving in wet conditions or through puddles to protect electronics.
• Monitor battery levels and stop driving when power diminishes to prevent over-discharging the LiPo battery.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance will prolong the life and performance of your RC car.

• Cleaning: After each use, clean the car to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air. Avoid using water directly on electronics.
• Inspecting Components: Regularly check for loose screws, damaged parts, or worn tires. Tighten screws as needed.
• Lubrication: Apply appropriate RC lubricant to moving parts like gears and bearings as recommended by RC hobby guides.
• Battery Care: Always store LiPo batteries at a storage voltage (around 3.8V per cell) if not used for extended periods. Never leave batteries fully charged or fully discharged.
• Motor and ESC: Ensure the motor and ESC are free from obstructions and that the cooling fan (if present) is working correctly.

8. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Car not responding to transmitter:
  
  • Check if both the car and transmitter are powered on.
  • Ensure batteries in both the car and transmitter are charged.
  • Verify that the transmitter and receiver are properly bound (refer to transmitter manual for binding procedure).
• Car runs slowly or stops suddenly:
  
  • Battery is low; recharge or replace.
  • Motor or ESC may be overheating. Allow components to cool down.
  • Check for debris obstructing the drivetrain.
• Steering is erratic or not centered:
  
  • Adjust the steering trim on the transmitter.
  • Check for damage to steering linkages or servo.
• Unusual noises during operation:
  
  • Inspect gears for damage or foreign objects.
  • Check for loose components or bearings.

9. User Tips

• Spare Parts: If you need spare parts, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or the seller directly for genuine components to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Battery Capacity: While the car requires a LiPo 4000mAh or more, consider higher capacity batteries for extended run times.
• Surface Versatility: The X20 RTR is designed for on-road use but can handle various smooth surfaces. Be mindful of rough terrain to prevent damage.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty claims, technical support, or inquiries regarding spare parts, please refer to the contact information provided by your retailer or the manufacturer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.