FTX Siege Ready-To-Run Truggy

Congratulations on your purchase of the FTX 'Siege' 2WD Truggy. This 1/10th scale model has been factory assembled and all electrics installed and set up to make it the easiest possible introduction to the sport of driving RC cars.

WARNING

Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the product before operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property and cause serious injury. This is NOT a toy and must be operated with caution and common sense. Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible manner could result in damage, injury or damage to other property. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, set-up or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.

Safety Precautions and Warnings

You are responsible for operating this model such that it does not endanger yourself and others, or result in damage to the product or the property of others.
This model is controlled by a radio which is possibly subject to interference which can cause momentary loss of control so it is advisable to always keep a safe distance to avoid collisions or injury.
Age Recommendation: 14 years or over. This is not a toy. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision.

Carefully follow these directions and warnings, plus those of any additional equipment associated with the use of this model, chargers, ESC and motors, radio etc.

Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic or people.
Never operate the model in the street or in populated areas.
Always keep the vehicle in direct line of sight; you cannot control what you cannot see!
Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
Avoid water exposure; moisture causes damage to electronics and may result in the loss of control or permanent damage.
Avoid injury from high speed rotating parts, gears and axles etc.
Novices should seek advice from more experienced people to operate the model correctly and meet its performance potential.
Exercise caution when using tools and sharp instruments.
Do not put fingers or any objects inside rotating and moving parts.
Take care when carrying out repairs or maintenance as some parts may be sharp.
Do NOT touch equipment such as the motor, electronic speed control and battery, immediately after using your model because they can generate high temperatures.
Be sure that your operating frequency is clear before turning on your model.
Ensure that others are aware of your operating frequency.
When changing frequency ensure the crystals are installed correctly; they are marked TX for transmitter and RX for receiver.
Always turn on your transmitter before you turn on the receiver in the car. Always turn off the receiver before turning your transmitter off.
Keep the wheels of the model off the ground, and keep your hands away from the wheels when checking the operation of the radio equipment.
Prolong motor life by preventing overheat conditions. Undue motor wear can result from frequent turns, rapid change of direction forwards/backwards, continuous stop/starts, pushing/pulling objects, driving in deep sand and tall grass, or driving continuously up hill.

FTX Siege Truggy
Transmitter
Charger
Battery
Aerial Tube

Assembly Kit Required (Not Included in Packaging)

The following tools are typically required for assembly:

Allen Wrench (various sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4mm)
Cross Wrench (Large: 6/9/10/12mm)
Cross Wrench (Small: 2/2.5/3/4mm)
Turnbuckle Wrench
Servo Driver
Curve Head Scissors
Articulated Pliers
Body Cutter

Radio System Flow Diagram

This diagram illustrates the connection between the main electronic components:

Transmitter: The control unit held by the user.
Receiver (RX): Receives signals from the transmitter and sends commands to the ESC and steering servo. It typically uses a crystal for frequency matching.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): Controls the motor speed based on signals from the receiver. It connects to the battery and the motor.
Steering Servos: Actuate the steering mechanism based on signals from the receiver.
Battery Pack: Provides power to the ESC and receiver.
Power Switch: Controls the flow of power to the ESC and receiver.
Connected Battery Pack: Indicates the battery is connected and providing power.

Note: This illustration is for reference only.

Radio Introduction

This section details the functions of the transmitter controls:

1. Antenna: For transmitting signals.
2. Control Wheel: Controls steering (left/right).
3. Power Indicator: Shows transmitter power status.
4. Steering Trim: Fine-tunes steering alignment when the wheels are straight.
5. Throttle Trim: Sets the neutral point for throttle control.
6. EPA-Left (Steering): Adjusts the maximum travel for left steering.
7. EPA-Right (Steering): Adjusts the maximum travel for right steering.
8. EPA-Forward (Throttle): Adjusts the maximum forward throttle travel.
9. EPA-Reverse (Throttle): Adjusts the maximum reverse throttle travel.
10. Antenna: For receiving signals.
11. Throttle Reverse Switch: Reverses the throttle function (forward/reverse).
12. Steering Reverse Switch: Reverses the steering function (left/right).
13. Hook: For hanging the transmitter.
14. Crystal Slot: For inserting the radio frequency crystal.
15. Charging Socket: For charging the transmitter battery.
16. Power Switch: Turns the transmitter on/off.
17. Steering Dual Rate Control Dial: Adjusts the overall steering sensitivity/travel.
18. Battery Compartment: Holds the transmitter batteries.

To Keep Your Transmitter Ready to Use

Antenna Installation

To install the antenna: invert the antenna first, then turn it anti-clockwise until it is locked to the holder. Never turn it hard, as it will do damage to the thread inside the transmitter.

Battery Installation

Slide out the battery holding trap to expose the empty battery compartment. Insert eight AA size batteries into the marked spacer, ensuring correct polarity.

Transmitter Battery Information:

Please use batteries of the same types. Never mix new and old batteries.
Please remove batteries from the compartment if not in use for a long period of time.
Incorrect battery installation will cause leaks. Dispose of exhausted batteries into a recycle bin.
Verify that you should use crystals of the same frequency for your transmitter and receiver.
Please clean the rust and/or dirt with a knife if they are found on the battery contacts.
You can charge your rechargeable batteries by using a matched charger (DC 9.6V 250mA). Insert the charger plug into the transmitter charging slot to charge. Switch off transmitter power first before performing charging. Never charge your batteries unattended.

Use of the Transmitter

Power Switch

Switch on/off the power.

Antenna

Fully extend the antenna for better transmitting performance while driving your vehicle.

Battery Indicators

Always check battery level. You may lose control of your vehicle by low battery power. Full power is indicated by green and red lights; enough power is indicated by green and red lights.

Use of the Transmitter - Part 2

Steering Trim Dial

Steering Trim is to fine-tune the servo's course. To make some steering trim adjustment.

Throttle Trim Dial

Throttle Trim is to set the throttle's neutral point. To make some throttle trim adjustment.

Crystal Setting

This slot will be inserted with the frequency crystal of the transmitter. Please use a pair of matched crystals for transmitter and receiving system on the car.

Charging Jack

This should be used only for rechargeable batteries. Use the specified charger (DC 9.6V, 250MA) only. Do not overcharge (nominal charging time: 4-5 hours).

Trigger Control

This is to control speed and braking ability of your car. Pull the trigger to accelerate, release it to decelerate, and push it to brake. Pushing the trigger a second time activates the reverse function.

Steering Dual Rate Control Dial

This dial adjusts the overall travel of the steering servo. Push the dial forward for maximum steering. Pull the dial back to reduce the steering level.

EPA Adjustment (Steering)

EPA (End Point Adjustment) is to adjust left or right steering radius individually. Steering D/R (Dual Rate) adjusts both left and right steering at the same time.

EPA Adjustment (Throttle)

1) If the top speed going forward is either lower or higher than desired, check the EPA (Forward) settings.

2) If the top speed going backward is either lower or higher than desired, check the EPA (Backward) settings.

Use of the Transmitter - Part 3

Steering Control

It is to control steering of your car. Turn the wheel to the right and your car turns right. Turn the wheel to the left and your car turns left.

Running Aligned: The front wheels point straight.

To turn left: The front wheels point left.

To turn right: The front wheels point right.

The turning angle of the front wheels is subject to change in response to different turning angles on the steering control wheel of your transmitter.

Steering Reverse Switch

The Steering Reverse Switch is to change the direction of the steering servo. It will permit your steering reverse operation to your vehicle.

Control Wheel (Normal Mode): Steering operates normally.

Control Wheel (Reverse Mode): Steering direction is reversed.

Throttle Reverse Switch

The Throttle Reverse Switch is to change the throttle operation. It will provide the throttle reverse operation for your vehicle.

Neutral: The trigger is centered.

Throttle Trigger (Normal Mode):

Accelerate: Pull trigger back.
Decelerate/Brake: Push trigger forward.

Throttle Trigger (Reverse Mode):

Accelerate: Push trigger forward.
Decelerate/Brake: Pull trigger back.

To touch: Push trigger forward.

To push: Pull trigger back.

ESC Programming

Etronix Probe Plus Brushed ESC Programming

PLEASE NOTE: CHECK WHICH MODEL YOU HAVE - BRUSHED OR BRUSHLESS – BEFORE READING FOLLOWING SET-UP SECTION.

The Etronix Probe Plus ESC sets automatically once you have connected to the battery and turned on TX then RX. Make sure wheels are of the ground when you connect up power.

TO PROGRAM:

ESC SETUP: Make sure the power is off. Press and hold the SETUP key. Switch the power on. Do not release the key until the beeping sound is heard. It means the ESC is entering programming.
TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT:
- STOP SETUP: Centre the trigger. Press the SETUP key on the ESC once and the motor should start beeping, which means the STOP point is programmed and stored.
- FORWARD SETUP: Pull the trigger back in full and press the SETUP key a second time. The motor should beep twice. This means Forward Travel Range (0-100%) is programmed and stored.
- REVERSE SETUP: Push the trigger forwards in full and press the SETUP key a third time. The motor should beep three times. This means Reverse Travel Range (0-100%) is programmed and stored.
Once the operation is complete, ESC will quit programming automatically.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS ESC IS NOT WATERPROOF. DO NOT RUN IN WET CONDITIONS OR YOU WILL DAMAGE ELECTRONICS.

IMPORTANT! When setting ESC, ensure the vehicle is off the ground.

Etronix Photon Plus Brushless ESC Programming

Specification:

90amp
7.4v - 11.1v (2S-3S rated)
Sensorless & sensored compatible
Can be programmed with a programming card (not included).

Battery Charging and Installation

NiMH Battery Charging/Installing (Brushed Version)

Always store your model with the battery pack unplugged and removed. Always charge your battery away from the vehicle. The included 300mAh mains charger will take approximately 6 hours to charge a fully discharged battery, but always remove it from the charger if it becomes warm to the touch. Always disconnect the charger from the mains supply and the battery pack when not in use. Keep children away from the charger and battery during the charging process.

To install a charged battery: Remove the body clips and bodyshell. Remove the battery retainer clips, insert the battery, and reinstall the retainer with the flat side facing the battery, then re-insert the clips. When connecting the battery and turning the car on, ensure it is off the ground with wheels away from objects.

Notes on Battery Use:

Always allow the battery to cool after use, before recharging.
Always inspect the battery before charging.
Any bare wires, split heat shrink, or leakage is a sure sign of abuse.
Never attempt to charge dead or damaged batteries.
Do not disassemble the battery or cut the connector wires.
If the battery connector gets hot enough to melt, there is most likely a serious problem with your model, driveline, battery wires, or speed controller. Find and correct the problem before installing another charged battery pack.
NEVER charge the battery unattended in case of overcharging; you need to be able to monitor the battery during charging.
Charge away from flammable objects and on a non-flammable surface in case the battery becomes too hot.

LiPo Battery Charging/Installing (Brushless Version)

Always store your model with the battery pack unplugged and removed. Always charge your battery away from the vehicle. The included 850mAh mains LiPo balance charger will take up to 3 hours to re-charge the LiPo battery, depending on how discharged it is.

Before you start charging, ensure that your LiPo battery is placed inside the Voltz Vault safety LiPo sack. (LiPo batteries can be dangerous and must be handled with care. Before commencing with charging, ensure you familiarize yourself with our safety guidelines. Failure to do so could result in injury or damage. LiPo batteries require completely different charging and care than NiCd and NiMH batteries and must be used with a LiPo specific charger. Misuse can result in fire, personal injury and/or damage to property. The user assumes all liability and risk associated with the use of Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries. Immediately return the battery, unused, if you do not agree with these terms).

WARNING! NEVER LEAVE THE BATTERY UNATTENDED WHILE ON CHARGE.

The supplied charger can charge either 2s or 3s (cell number) LiPo batteries. The supplied battery is a 2s; ensure you plug it into the correct 2s balance port.

The Green LEDs turn Red to indicate how many cells are charging (2 will turn red), and all turn Green when charge is complete. If all three Red Lights flash together, stop the charge, disconnect, and start again.

When charging a completely discharged battery, the charger can become hot to touch. Always disconnect the charger from the mains supply and the battery pack when not in use.

To install a charged battery into the vehicle: Remove the body clips and bodyshell. Remove the battery retainer clips, insert the battery, and reinstall the retainer with the flat side facing the battery, then re-insert the clips.

Notes on Battery Use:

Always allow the battery to cool after use, before recharging.
Always inspect the battery before charging.
Any bare wires, split heat shrink, or leakage is a sure sign of abuse.
Never attempt to charge dead or damaged batteries.
Do not disassemble the battery or cut the connector wires.
If the battery connector, battery case, or cable insulation get hot enough to melt or split, there is most likely a serious problem with your model, driveline, battery wires, or speed controller. Find and correct the problem before installing another charged battery pack.
(PLEASE REFER TO OUR DETAILED LIPO HANDLING PAGE INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 34 OF THIS MANUAL)

Installation of Components

Installation of Servo

Your 1/10th Scale 2WD electric powered off-road vehicle has been already equipped with the relevant servo. The following is illustrated for the servo re-assembly and/or dimensioning the servo when necessary.

Step 1: Separate linkage, servo saver, mount and servo are prepared.
Step 2: Install servo saver to servo horn.
Step 3: Secure the servo saver with a screw.
Step 4: Install linkage to servo horn.
Step 5: Put the servo in place on the chassis.
Step 6: Secure the servo; the steering arms with two screws.
Step 7: Install servo linkage to steering strut.
Step 8: Install servo linkage to steering hub.

Installation of Motor

Your Truggy is built in STOCK (brushed version or brushless version).

Collect all parts as shown to prepare for installation.
Put the motor in place as shown.
Secure the motor with two screws.
Install the motor pinion onto the motor shaft and secure it with a set screw.
Loosen the two screws. Then take a hole from the gear between the motor and the gear unit on the paper as guides.
Tighten the two screws. Make sure the motor gear mesh correctly with the spur gear.
Remove the pinion and double-check the gear mesh.
Fasten the gear corner with two warning screws.
Attach the access plug to the gear cover.

NOTES:

If you hear a grinding sound, this is very small amounts of play between the gears. This does not mean a loss of performance, but it might suggest slight mesh adjustment is needed.

Installation of Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

Your 1/10th Scale 2WD electric powered off-road vehicle has been already equipped with the ESC at factory. This Truggy is built in STOCK (brushed version or brushless version).

Label a piece of double-side adhesive tape on your ESC bottom.
Paste your ESC on the chassis.
Install the receiver switch which is linked to your ESC and secure it with two screws.

Installation of Receiver

Label a piece of double-side adhesive tape on the bottom of your receiver.
Paste your receiver in place.
Paste your receiver in place.
The receiver antenna should go out of the antenna mount from the chassis bottom, as shown.
Slide the receiver antenna wire into one end of the antenna pipe and out the other end. Attach the antenna cap when ready.
Insert the servo connector into the Slot 1 on the receiver.
Insert the ESC connector into the Slot 2 on the receiver.
Insert the crystal into the receiver.

Checking All Wires and Connectors

Connect motor to ESC (yellow to yellow, blue to blue).
Keep all wires and connectors loose. Fasten them with the zip ties as shown.

Preparation Before Driving Your Vehicle

Your 1/10th Scale 2WD electric powered off-road Truggy is not provided with the battery and charger. You can buy them individually.

1. Install the battery pack into your vehicle.

When done, close the battery cover as shown to operate.
Contact the battery to your ESC.
Put the battery in place.
Replace the battery cover and then secure it together with the chassis.

WARNING:

Never charge the specified charger (7.4V, 500mA) or charge your battery pack when you are with LiPo battery.
For better battery performance, please charge batteries 2 hours before charging it.
Never charge your battery over 5-6 hours.
Never charge your battery unattended.
Always use the battery other than LiPo charger.

2. Turn on your radio control system on your vehicle.

Ensure the receiver is switched on.

Ensure the transmitter is switched on.

3. Checking Throttle Trim Dial

After tuning the throttle's neutral point, turn the throttle trim dial.

Forward: Accelerate.

Backward: Reverse.

Throttle Trim: Adjusts the neutral throttle position.

While the chassis is moving gently, turn the throttle trim dial until the car moves forward at a constant speed.

4. Checking Steering Performance

Turn the steering control wheel to the right and your model turns right.
Turn the steering control wheel to the left and your model turns left.

Left: Steering control wheel turned left.

Right: Steering control wheel turned right.

The front wheels point left.

The front wheels point right.

The turning angle of the front wheels is subject to change in response to different turning angles on the steering control wheel of your transmitter.

5. Checking Trigger Control

Pull the trigger back to accelerate, release it to decelerate, and push it to brake.
Return the trigger to Neutral and then push it at a second time to permit your car to go backwards.
To stop running your vehicle, leave the trigger unattached at Neutral.

To accelerate: Pull trigger back.

To brake/decelerate: Push trigger forward.

Neutral: Trigger centered.

Go backwards: Push trigger forward (second pull).

Go forwards: Pull trigger back.

6. Adjusting Steering Trim Dial

To keep the front wheels aligned, turn the steering trim dial.

Left: Steering Trim dial turned left.

Right: Steering Trim dial turned right.

The front wheels are straightly aligned.

To allow the front wheel to run straight, turn the steering trim dial gently whilst decelerating your car.

7. Tuning Steering Dual Rate Dial

Turn the front wheel at a free angle before you attempt to tune the Steering Dual Rate Control Dial.

Decrease: Steering Dual Rate Control Dial turned back.

Increase: Steering Dual Rate Control Dial turned forward.

This dial adjusts the overall travel of the steering servo.
Push the dial forward for maximum steering.
Pull the dial back to reduce the steering level.
Set the Steering Dual Rate Control Dial to Minimum first.
To set the desired steering level, increase it again whilst decelerating your vehicle.

-1. Low Steering Level

-2. High Steering Level

8. To Stop Running Your Vehicle

Note: To stop running your vehicle, you should turn off the receiver before turning the transmitter off. Remove the battery pack and store it away from the reach of children.

Turn off the receiver on your vehicle.
Turn off your transmitter.
Remove the battery pack from your vehicle if not in use for a long period of time. Store them separately.
Check all parts and immediately perform the measures of maintenance and/or replacement if necessary.
Maintenance: Clean all dust out with a soft brush and dry your car off with a soft cloth.

Retract the antenna.

To Tune Your Vehicle

Your model can be customized to enhance speed and performance. Simple adjustments and easily maintained settings will assure optimal operation and performance. When making adjustments, do so only in small increments and always check for other parts of the vehicle that are affected. Many aftermarket options are available to make your RC vehicle faster and stronger. Please read the section carefully and always make sure you write down your have settings in case you need to refer to them at a later date.

Front Steering Toe Angle

The front steering toe angle has a dramatic effect on how your car performs and how your tires wear. You can have toe-in, zero toe, or toe-out. This can be adjusted by turning the front turning linkage set with an adjustable wrench.

Toe-in: This will be less reactive and cause the vehicle to under-steer (the front wheels push straight on while turning). This can be advantageous for operators struggling to get grips with the driving of the vehicle.

Zero Toe: This will make the front wheels run straight and make the car very neutral. Tire wear will also be reduced, and the vehicle will feel easier to drive.

Toe-out: This will be more aggressive on the steering response, especially on small steering inputs. This will make the car want to over-steer (rear wheels slide on small steering inputs). This is useful as a race tuning aid to gain extra steering.

Front Turning Linkage Set

In adjust front turning linkage bar

Camber Adjustment

Camber can be adjusted on all 4 wheels of the car. You can have negative camber or positive camber, which will affect the contact patch of the tire both statically and while cornering. Camber is mainly used to control the wear of the tire. You should adjust the camber to square the wear across the surface of the tire. Camber is adjusted by the upper link turnbuckle linking the wheel to the chassis front and rear.

Front Upper Link Turnbuckle

Rear Upper Link Turnbuckle

Positive Camber: This is an example of positive camber. This is when the bottom of the wheel is closer to the centre of the car compared to the top of the wheel. Positive camber will give less contact area in the corner and less grip. Excessive amounts will cause less grip and uneven wear.

Negative Camber: This is an example of negative camber. This is when the top of the wheel is closer to the centre of the car compared to the bottom of the wheel. Negative camber will give more contact area in the corner and more grip. Excessive amounts will cause less grip and uneven wear.

Running Practice

Once you become comfortable driving the vehicle, perform driving practice on the tracks as shown in the figure. Keep practicing until you feel comfortable with the steering, throttle, and brake at low speeds. Once you are feeling comfortable, try operating on another track.

When you have mastered the basics, you will be able to drive at higher speeds in a more controlled fashion.

Troubleshooting

Please read this section if you have any fault trying to operate the vehicle. You should immediately stop driving to check your car, as long as it runs erratically.

Problem	Cause	Remedy
The vehicle does not move.	1) Transmitter or receiver is off. 2) Batteries are not placed correctly in the transmitter. 3) The battery pack is not charged enough.	1) Turn on both the transmitter and receiver. 2) Place batteries in the transmitter properly. 3) Charge the battery pack.
The vehicle does not follow your driving inputs.	1) Transmitter or receiver is off. 2) Transmitter or receiver antenna is not fully extended. 3) Someone else is using the same frequency as you.	1) Turn on both the transmitter and receiver. 2) Fully extend both antennas. 3) Change your frequency crystals.
Operating range is short.	1) Transmitter antenna is retracted. 2) Receiver antenna is not extended. 3) Receiver antenna is cut off. 4) Transmitter and/or receiver batteries are low. 5) Receiver battery is low.	1) Extend transmitter antenna fully. 2) Extend receiver antenna fully. 3) Contact your local distributor for repair. 4) Replace/recharge transmitter and/or receiver batteries. 5) Recharge receiver batteries.
Motor does not work.	1) Motor wires loose or damaged. 2) Receiver battery is weak.	1) Double-check motor wires. Repair/replace as necessary. 2) Recharge receiver batteries.