Serpent S411 RTR 1/10 Scale Touring Car

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Serpent RC car. You are now part of a large following of Serpent fans worldwide. This car promises many hours of racing excitement. Serpent, founded in 1980 as an RC racing company, has developed numerous model cars, leveraging its extensive experience in today's models.

This manual provides steps for operating your Serpent car, including a quick-start section, parts list, exploded views, and an FAQ. A full assembly manual is available online at Serpent.com. Please read this manual carefully for your safety and to ensure you enjoy your car for a long time.

Serpent offers not just the car, but also support through its company, distributors, and dealers. The Serpent website, social media, and forum are available for assistance and additional information.

Enjoy the Serpent racing experience!

Contents

• Introduction
• Read this first
• Safety matters
• Required equipment
• Model specs / overview
• Transmitter system
• Speed controller
• Quickstart
• Q&A
• Basic Tuning
• Maintenance
• Partslist
• Exploded views

Read this first

• This is a highly technical hobby product for use in a safe racing environment. The car can reach speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph). Follow these guidelines for building and operating.
• Parental guidance is required for users under 16.
• Follow building instructions; contact your dealer if in doubt.
• Use proper tools and exercise caution with electric tools, knives, and other sharp objects.
• Be careful with liquids like lubrication oil or glue; do not swallow.
• Follow manufacturer instructions if irritation occurs.
• Operate the car cautiously, staying clear of rotating parts. Be aware that speed control parts can be very hot after use. Protective gloves are advised.
• Operate only in safe environments like racing tracks or closed parking lots. Avoid public roads, crowded areas, or areas with infants.
• Before operating, check the car's mechanical status and ensure transmitter and receiver batteries are fully charged.
• After use, check all mechanics. Clean the car immediately and inspect parts for wear or fractures. Replace as needed. Do not use water, methanol, thinner, or other solvents for cleaning.
• Store the car in a dry, heated place to prevent metal part corrosion.
• Avoid wet conditions, as water can cause corrosion on metal parts and bearings, leading to malfunction. If driven in wet conditions, ensure all electrical equipment is waterproofed and dry moving parts immediately afterward.

Safety matters

All instructions in this manual must be followed for safe use. This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years.

Important pre-cautions

• Operate the car only in designated areas with few people to prevent injury.
• The car has significant power, and rotating parts can cause damage. Motor and transmission parts can become very hot. Wear protective clothing and be careful when handling the car.
• Do not operate in dark conditions to avoid accidents due to lack of visibility and control.
• Use common sense while operating to fully enjoy the car.

Battery and battery-charging

• Batteries and charger are not included. Good quality NiMH or LiPo rechargeable battery packs with 4000 mA or more are recommended. Ensure batteries have the correct connector for the speed controller.
• Use a proper battery charger designed for the battery type and follow its instructions. Keep batteries and chargers in dry places and never leave them unattended during charging.
• Dispose of end-of-life batteries at a recycling facility. Visit www.call2recycle.org for more information.

Equipment

Included with your model

• Serpent modelcar, factory assembled and set-up
• Dragon-RC DTS-1 transmitter
• Dragon-RC DESC-1 speed controller
• Dragon-RC brushless motor
• Dragon-RC racing tyres, pre-mounts
• Dragon-Rc digital servo
• Dragon-RC prepainted and pre-cut bodyshell

Required for your model

• Multi Charger for transmitter and car batteries
• Battery pack (NiMH 6-cell or 2-S LiPo)
• 4 AA batteries for the transmitter
• Tools: selection of Allen tools and screwdrivers

Recommended materials

• Hobby knife
• Camber gauge
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Side cutter and nose plier
• Cleaning brush and towel
• Cleaning gum
• Thin bearing oil
• Transmission grease
• CA glue
• Degreaser

Model specs/overview

The overview diagram shows the following components of the Serpent S411 RTR:

• Front bodymount
• Front wishbone
• Steering servo
• Spool
• Top-deck
• Receiver
• Speedcontroller
• Brushless motor
• Camber link
• Rear wishbone
• Rear bodymount
• Shocktower front
• Shockabsorbers
• Race-tyres
• Steeringblock
• Chassis
• Steering system
• Front belt
• Battery strap
• Motor pinion
• Spur gear
• Center pulley and shaft
• Rear belt
• Differential
• Shocktower rear

Transmitter system

The car includes the Dragon-RC DTS-1 2.4 GHz transmitter (#210000), an advanced radio system with an LCD screen and user-friendly settings. It comes pre-tested and pre-set for immediate operation. Changes can be made by following the manual; default settings can be restored.

Transmitter Controls:

• SEL/Ch button: For selecting models and navigating menus.
• +/- button: For adjusting values and model numbers.
• ST D/R button: Dual Rate for steering.
• Th D/R button: Dual Rate for throttle.
• Power switch: Turns the transmitter on/off.
• Grip handle: For holding the transmitter.
• Battery box: Houses the AA batteries.
• LCD display: Shows battery voltage, model number, and settings.
• Steering wheel: Controls steering.
• Steering trim: Adjusts steering centering.
• Throttle trim: Adjusts throttle centering.
• Throttle trigger: Controls acceleration and braking.
• Charge connector: For charging the transmitter battery.

Receiver Functions:

• Switch: Controls Fail Safe and other functions.
• Connectors: CH1 (Steering servo), CH2 (Throttle servo), CH3, CH4, and Power connector.
• ABS: Anti-lock braking system.
• CH: Channel.
• D/R: Dual Rate.
• EPA: End Point Adjustment.
• EXP: Exponential.
• F/S: Fail Safe.
• REV: Reverse function for steering (ST) and throttle (TH).

LCD Transmitter Operation:

The transmitter uses 4 AA 1.5V batteries. Powering it on displays battery voltage and the selected model. Use SEL and +/- buttons to navigate and set parameters like REV, EPA, ABS, EXP, and MODEL NAME. The SET button confirms selections. TRIM and D/R settings can also be adjusted.

Note: Keep transmitter and receiver 40cm apart during operation. Do not operate with low battery power.

Binding the transmitter and receiver

To bind the transmitter and receiver:

1. Turn on the receiver power and press the Bind switch; the receiver's LED will flash.
2. Turn on the transmitter.
3. When the receiver's LED becomes solid, binding is complete.
4. Press the SEL button to save settings.

Control Operation:

• Throttle: Pull trigger backward for acceleration, push forward for braking/slowdown.
• Steering: Turn the wheel left or right to steer the car.
• Throttle Trim: Adjusts throttle servo at neutral position.
• Steering Trim: Adjusts front wheel alignment when straight.

Fail Safe function setting

1. Set TH and ST switches to normal.
2. Turn on transmitter and receiver.
3. Press the F/S SET button; the receiver LED will flash rapidly.
4. Put the throttle trigger at the brake position, press F/S SET; the LED will become solid.
5. For electric models, set the throttle trigger to the stop position during this setting.

Trouble shooting

If the system fails or experiences range issues, check the following. If problems persist, return the system to your dealer for inspection or repair.

For more help: Ask fellow drivers, your RC dealer, visit Serpent forums, or www.easyrc.com.

Speed controller: ESC

The car includes the Dragon-RC DESC-1 electronic speed controller, a stable and reliable 35A unit suitable for 6-cell NiMH or 2-S LiPo packs. It is pre-tested and pre-set with safe default values. For settings changes, refer to the manual. It's always possible to restore default settings.

FEATURES

• Designed for RC car RTR applications.
• Excellent start-up, acceleration, and linearity.
• Compatible with sensorless brushless motors.
• Running modes: Forward (single direction) and Forward/Backward (dual directions).
• Proportional ABS brake function with adjustable brake force and drag-brake force.
• Adjustable start modes ('Punch') from 'soft' to 'aggressive'.
• Multiple protection features: Low voltage cut-off (LiPo/NiMH), Over-heat, Throttle signal loss, Motor blocked.
• Splash proof and dustproof.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Suitable car: 1/10 On-Road (#400007)
• Battery: 4-9 cells NiMH or 2-3S LiPo
• Suitable Brushless Motor: 2S LiPo On-road: ≥9T 3650 size motor (#211004); Off-road: 18T 2030 size motor. 3S LiPo On-road: 18T 3650 size motor; Off-road: 24T 3650 size motor.
• BEC Output: 6V@1A (4-6 cell NiMH), 6V@1.5A (7-9 cell NiMH or 2-3S LiPo).
• Motor Type: Sensorless.
• Dimension: 31.5*24*15 mm (4-6 cell), 31.5*27.5*16 mm (7-9 cell).

BEGIN TO USE THE NEW ESC

Connect the ESC, motor, receiver, and servo as per diagrams. ESC power wires (+/-) connect to the battery. Motor wires (#A, #B, #C) connect to the motor. The ESC control cable connects to the receiver's throttle channel (CH2). If the motor runs backward, swap any two motor wire connections. The 'SET' button programs the ESC.

Throttle Range Setting (Throttle Range Calibration)

Calibrate the ESC to your transmitter's throttle range for proper operation. This is necessary when using a new ESC, new transmitter, or after changing transmitter settings like neutral position, ATV, or EPA.

Calibration Steps:

1. Preparation: Switch off ESC. Turn on transmitter. Set throttle channel direction to 'REV', EPA/ATV to '100%', and disable ABS.
2. Initiate Calibration: Hold the 'SET' key, then switch on the ESC. Release 'SET' when the red LED flashes. (Note: If 'SET' is held too long, the ESC enters program mode; switch off and restart calibration.)
3. Set Points:
   • Neutral Point: Move throttle stick to neutral, press 'SET'. Green LED flashes once.
   • Forward End Point: Move throttle stick to full forward, press 'SET'. Green LED flashes twice.
   • Backward End Point: Move throttle stick to full backward, press 'SET'. Green LED flashes three times.
4. Completion: Throttle range is calibrated. The motor can start after 3 seconds.

Throttle Range Explanation: The diagram illustrates the forward zone, neutral zone, and backward zone of the throttle stick, defining maximum throttle and brake points.

ESC Status and Protection

LED Status in Normal Running

• Neutral range: No LED lights.
• Forward/Backward: Red LED lights.
• Braking: Red LED flashes quickly.
• Full forward throttle: Green LED lights.

ALERT TONES

• Input voltage abnormal: 'beep-beep-, beep-beep-, beep-beep-' (1-second interval).
• Throttle signal abnormal: 'beep-, beep-, beep-' (2-second interval).

PROTECTION FUNCTION

• Low voltage cut-off: For LiPo, cuts output if voltage is below threshold for 2 seconds. For NiMH, voltage is interpreted based on cell count (e.g., 8.0V NiMH treated as 2S LiPo with a 5.2V threshold).
• Over-heat protection: Cuts output if ESC temperature exceeds threshold for 5 seconds. Green LED flashes single flashes.
• Throttle signal loss protection: Cuts output if throttle signal is lost for 0.2 seconds.

PROGRAM THE ESC

The ESC can be programmed using the 'SET' button. The programmable items include Running Mode, Drag Brake Force, Low Voltage Cut-Off Threshold, Start Mode (Punch), and Maximum Brake Force.

Programmable Items List (Default settings in white)

Explanation For Each Programmable Item

• Running Mode: 'Forward with Brake' is for competition (forward and brake only). 'Forward/Reverse with Brake' allows backward movement, suitable for training. 'Forward/Reverse' mode uses a single-click for reverse; 'Forward/Reverse with Brake' uses a double-click to prevent accidental reversing during braking.
• Drag Brake Force: Simulates slight braking when the throttle is at neutral.
• Low Voltage Cut-Off: Prevents over-discharging of lithium batteries. Reduces power by 70% after 2 seconds below threshold, then cuts output completely after 10 seconds. Red LED flashes double flashes.
• Start Mode (Punch): Controls acceleration aggressiveness from Level1 to Level4.
• Maximum Brake Force: Proportional brake force based on throttle stick position. High force can shorten braking but may damage gears.

Program The ESC With SET Button: Follow the flowchart for programming. The motor emits a 'Beep' tone simultaneously with LED flashes. Longer flashes and beeps indicate higher item numbers.

Reset All Items To Default Values: Hold the 'SET' key for over 3 seconds when the throttle is neutral (outside calibration/program mode). Red and green LEDs flash simultaneously to confirm reset.

Quick-start

This section provides a quick guide; for full details, read the complete manual.

1. Read the manual and safety precautions (page 3).
2. Buy and charge battery packs, reading their manuals carefully.
3. Buy and install batteries in the transmitter (page 6).
4. Install the battery pack in the model with the speed controller switched off. Connect cables correctly (avoid reversed polarity) and secure the battery pack.
5. Turn on the transmitter first, then the car. Turn off the car before the transmitter.
6. Check servo operation and ensure the car runs straight in neutral, trimming as needed.
7. Perform a radio system range test.
8. Personalize the car's body with decals if desired.
9. Drive your modelcar.
10. Maintain your modelcar (page 18).

Questions and Answers

Basic Tuning

Adjusting various components can fine-tune the car's performance:

• Springs: Softer springs allow more sag, chassis roll, dive, and less responsiveness (good for low-grip). Harder springs reduce sag, body lean, dive, and increase responsiveness (good for high-grip).
• Shock-angle: More vertical shocks feel harder; more horizontal shocks feel softer.
• Oil: Shock oil viscosity determines dampening. Thinner oil is softer with slower response; thicker oil is harder with faster response. Pistons with different hole counts also affect dampening.
• Differential: Varying oil viscosity in the gear differential affects traction and steering. Lighter oil increases rear traction on acceleration but may cause understeer; harder oil decreases rear traction but increases on-throttle steering.
• Front anti-roll bar (optional): Softer bars increase sag, chassis roll, dive, and responsiveness, providing more steering into corners.
• Rear anti-roll bar (optional): Softer bars increase sag, chassis roll, dive, and responsiveness, providing more rear traction and stability.
• Toe adjustment (Front): Adjust track rods. More toe-in increases steering but reduces stability; toe-out increases stability but reduces steering.
• Toe adjustment (Rear): Adjust suspension blocks. More toe-in increases traction and stability but reduces speed; less toe-in reduces stability and traction but increases speed.
• Ackermann: Use inner holes on steering blocks for more Ackermann (less direct steering response); use outer holes for more direct response.
• Front camber: More negative camber increases steering but also traction roll.
• Rear camber: More negative camber increases rear grip and understeer.
• Front caster: Optional caster blocks affect steering and traction roll. More caster increases steering and traction roll; less caster decreases steering and traction roll.
• Wheel-base length: Longer wheelbase offers more stability and slower reactions; shorter wheelbase is more nervous and direct.
• Gear-ratio (spur and pinion): Ensure correct gearmesh using a piece of paper.
• Ride-height: Adjust by pre-loading springs. Set desired height evenly on both sides; typically 5-6mm.

SET-UP SHEET

The setup sheet is a form to record car settings for different race conditions. Key parameters include:

• Race Details: Track, Date, Driver Name, Car Position, Race Length.
• Track Conditions: Temperature, Traction (Low, Medium, High), Track Type (Asphalt, Carpet), Technical/Fast.
• Front/Rear Setup: Toe, C-Hubs, Steering Block, C-Hubs, Wheelbase, Shock Absorbers (Oil, Spring, Thickness), Anti-roll Bar, Downstop, Camber, Body Position, Chassis, Topdeck, Rollcenter Spacer, Battery Weight/Position, Springs.
• Transmission: Gear Diff/Ball Diff (Type, Oil Viscosity), Spur Gear, Pinion, Final Drive Ratio, Rollout.
• Motor: Brand, Type, Timing.
• ESC: Brand, Model, Program Settings (Running Mode, Drag Brake, Low Voltage Cut-Off, Start Mode, Max Brake).
• Body: Type, Paint Scheme, Wing.
• Tyres: Type, Inserts, Additive, Diameter.
• Weight: Total weight, distribution.
• Remarks: General notes.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity:

• Belt and pulleys: Check belts for wear and missing teeth after each run. Replace if necessary. Check pulleys for wear and dirt; clean as needed.
• Shockabsorbers: Check for smooth operation and air bubbles by pushing shocks up/down. Clean and refill with 100% pure silicone oil as needed.
• Tyres: Replace worn or damaged tyres. Clean surfaces for better grip.
• Wheel-axles and driveshaft front: Remove wheels, check axles, driveshafts, and adaptors for dirt, play, and pins. Clean and lubricate touching parts.
• Differential: Check differential pulley for wear and dirt; clean as needed. Test for smooth operation by turning wheels in opposite directions. If gritty, the silicone oil may need replacement.

The full assembly manual is available online at www.serpent.com. Enter your model or part number, or select your car from the page, then go to the download section.

Partslist and Optionals list

This section lists all available parts and optional upgrades for the Serpent S411 RTR. The list is categorized for easy reference:

• Manual, Decals
• Radio Installation
• Servo Saver and Steering
• Shock Absorbers
• Shock Springs
• Chassis
• Front Section
• Rear Section
• Middle Section
• Transmission
• Bodies and Parts
• Onroad Tyres and Wheels
• Hardware
• Ball-bearings
• Spur Gears
• Pinions
• Tower/Bumper Mounting
• Final Assembly
• Front Suspension Assembly
• Rear Suspension Assembly
• Shock Assembly
• Merchandising / Decals

Detailed part numbers and descriptions are provided for each category.

Exploded views

The manual includes detailed exploded view diagrams for various assemblies, illustrating the placement and order of parts:

• Differential Assembly
• Solid Front Axle Assembly
• Front Assembly
• Rear Assembly
• Front Suspension Assembly
• Rear Suspension Assembly
• Shock Assembly
• Tower / Bumper Mounting
• Final Assembly

These diagrams are crucial for understanding the car's construction and for parts identification.