Thermal Issues with the New Traxxas Spartan

[Diesel6401]

Since Traxxas knows about these problems and their warranty program is pretty awesome. I'm about to buy one of these boats and BEAT THE S**T out of it. Run it until it blows lol.....Would be fun to push a boat hard knowing all will be replaced for free lol....

"I ran it according to the manual, you said I could run 6s for 20+ minutes", I didn't know smoke was bad, I'm a newbie!!!

[martin]

Since Traxxas knows about these problems and their warranty program is pretty awesome. I'm about to buy one of these boats and BEAT THE S**T out of it. Run it until it blows lol.....Would be fun to push a boat hard knowing all will be replaced for free lol....

"I ran it according to the manual, you said I could run 6s for 20+ minutes", I didn't know smoke was bad, I'm a newbie!!!

Thats a good idea, Is their a limit on their warranty on how many times they will replace parts in the first year, You could thrash the boat on 6s for say 11 months getting free motors & escs then when you get your final free parts at 11 months sell the boat as fitted with brand new & unused motor & esc, Now that would be some warranty. Thanks Martin.

[JPriami]

So I read some above post about steven asking traxxas reps to come here and read. And you guys are taking about beating the boat and getting free new parts maliciously.

[Steven Vaccaro]

So I read some above post about steven asking traxxas reps to come here and read. And you guys are taking about beating the boat and getting free new parts maliciously.

Beating up on Traxxas isnt the best way to get them to help. I know there is a problem and it shouldn't have happened. But it did and now they have to deal with it and us. These things happen. And will continue to happen with most all companies, here and there. If you dont want it to happen to you, wait for the items second shipping. If you want to have the latest and greatest first, be prepared to handle some of the issues that may come with that.

What I do know, Traxxas is the Giant in the rc business. Traxxas putting out a rtr fe boat, can only be VERY good for rc boat racing. It will give people that normally wouldn't build, a rtr boat thats pretty quick out of the box. 30mph for a 36" boat is pretty good for a rtr that includes the nimh cells.

[Diesel6401]

So I read some above post about steven asking traxxas reps to come here and read. And you guys are taking about beating the boat and getting free new parts maliciously.

As long as I use stock power & don't supply more then 6s or use a prop larger then 42mm (per traxxas manual) I am covered!

[Steven Vaccaro]

As long as I use stock power & don't supply more then 6s or use a prop larger then 42mm (per traxxas manual) I am covered!

Again what does any of this talk accomplish?

[Diesel6401]

Again what does any of this talk accomplish?

That I have ADD and special needs

[dana]

with all the rtr's come out within the last 6 months, im really hopeful about the aquacraft cat... i think this will be a boat that really delivers....

[Steven Vaccaro]

That I have ADD and special needs

Now thats something we can both agree on.

[Diesel6401]

Now thats something we can both agree on.

On a serious note, I read a lot of manuals on different boats whether I own them or not (nerd I know), but I came across something in this manual that kinda shocked me:

The following statement is from the Spartan manual: What they don't tell you or inform you is the voltage range, motor size ect. I can vary easily see a new guy reaching for more speed and buying a 1800kv motor and rocking 6s on it, because the manual 1800kv range but did not specify voltage. They may find another 540xl motor like a Feigao and run 6s on a 9XL. That could be

Using Aftermarket Motors and Speed Controls
Important: The Velineon VXL-6s Marine Speed Control and Velineon 540XL motor have
been optimized to work together for the absolute best performance, reliability, and
efficiency. Using an aftermarket motor with the VXL-6s speed control, or an aftermarket
speed control with the Velineon 540XL motor, may result in damage to the Traxxas
components and/or aftermarket components. Damage incurred by mixing Traxxas and
aftermarket components will not be covered by any expressed or implied warranty. Only
use the Velineon VXL-6s Marine speed control with the Velineon 540XL motor.
If you wish to outfit your model with an aftermarket brushless system, you must replace both
the motor and the speed control. Traxxas recommends a motor with a kV rating of 1600-1800
kV. Make certain the speed control you choose is compatible with your motor, is designed
for marine use, and is waterproof. Water cooling is highly recommended. Additional silicone
tubing may be required to properly plumb your speed control’s water-cooling system. The
Traxxas water-cooling motor jacket is not compatible with all motors. Install an appropriate
water-cooling system for the motor you choose. Traxxas is not responsible for damage to
your model or the components you install in the model if you replace the Velineon power
system with non-Traxxas components. Note: The Motor Temperature Sensor may not fit onto
aftermarket motors and will not work with an aftermarket receiver.
For the best performance, we highly recommend the Spartan’s factory-installed Velineon
brushless system. It is optimized for the best performance, reliability, and ease of use in the
Spartan and fully supported by Traxxas customer service.

[Steven Vaccaro]

On a serious note, I read a lot of manuals on different boats whether I own them or not (nerd I know), but I came across something in this manual that kinda shocked me:

The following statement is from the Spartan manual: What they don't tell you or inform you is the voltage range, motor size ect. I can vary easily see a new guy reaching for more speed and buying a 1800kv motor and rocking 6s on it, because the manual 1800kv range but did not specify voltage. They may find another 540xl motor like a Feigao and run 6s on a 9XL. That could be

Now that's funny. A guy called me today, he has a castle 1515 2200kv motor.
He called Traxxas and they said it should work ok with their esc and 6S.
I said in my best Italian voice, "forget about it". lol

Also, not sure where he got my phone number, I thought it was tightly keep secret, like the Pepsi/Coke recipes.

[Checkmateguy01]

I can vary easily see a new guy reaching for more speed and buying a 1800kv motor and rocking 6s on it, because the manual 1800kv range but did not specify voltage. They may find another 540xl motor like a Feigao and run 6s on a 9XL. That could be

I guess you learn something new every day! I have a 540 9xl in the boat in my avatar pic, i had been pondering the idea that if i did get some lipo's for the Spartan, i would get couple each of 2s and 3s packs so i could run that Dumas hull on 6s, i honestly thought it wouldn't be a problem!! I still have no intensions of running the Spartan on 6s now after all the probs. For me i'm gonna stick to my origional reason for buying the Spartan, a fairly large sharp V-bottom to run at the lake and not have to worry about some rougher water, even if it does only run low 30's i'm fine with that.

[Diesel6401]

Now that's funny. A guy called me today, he has a castle 1515 2200kv motor.
He called Traxxas and they said it should work ok with their esc and 6S.
I said in my best Italian voice, "forget about it". lol

Also, not sure where he got my phone number, I thought it was tightly keep secret, like the Pepsi/Coke recipes.

Traxxas
How mad do you think that guy would have been to run his high $$$ nice CC1515 at 6s per traxxas and burn it and possible fry the esc at the same time. This boat is suppose to be bringing in new FE guys not giving them terrible advise and scaring them away.

[Bart Marshall]

On the Traxxas warranty-I asked customer service about changing out the traxxas connectors with deans or bullets and was told that would void the warranty on both the motor and speed control. After your waranty is up they offer a speed control swap at a special rate and that to will be voided with a connector change. So if problems with the speed control or motor are likely-and that seems to be the case-better stay with the stock connectors until these heat issues are resolved.

[Diesel6401]

On the Traxxas warranty-I asked customer service about changing out the traxxas connectors with deans or bullets and was told that would void the warranty on both the motor and speed control. After your waranty is up they offer a speed control swap at a special rate and that to will be voided with a connector change. So if problems with the speed control or motor are likely-and that seems to be the case-better stay with the stock connectors until these heat issues are resolved.

Very interesting on the connectors. I understand why though. Yes I think the flat rate is $65 on that esc. Info can be found here: http://www.traxxas.com/node/23141

BTW: Try to stay away from deans in FE boating.