Posted: 5/20/14
The Axial Racing AX-3 transmitter included with Axial's RTR vehicles is both complex and simple. It’s complex in that it features state of the art technology such as a 2.4 GHz signal. In contrast, the AX-3 is simple in that it’s intended for use by users of all experience levels. Its operation is designed to be easy to understand.
Steering Wheel
The use and function of this component is pretty obvious, but what many people fail to realize and take advantage of is that the steering wheel and associated radio system provides fully proportional control—just like a real vehicle. Unlike typical RC toys, when you turn the AX-3’s steering wheel a little the model’s wheels turn a little. Even drivers who realize the controls are proportional tend to forget once the transmitter is in their hands. One of the keys to becoming a skilled RC driver is taking advantage of the proportional controls.
Throttle Trigger
Like the steering control, Axial Racing vehicles proportional control for throttle. The difference between the throttle trigger and the steering wheel is that the later performs more than one function. Squeezing the trigger operates the throttle, but pushing the trigger applies brakes and reverse (also proportional). On the Wraith and SCX10 vehicles equipped with the brushed AE-2 speed control, the default setting is to have full forward, brakes and full reverse. This is fully programmable. The brushless powered EXO Terra Buggy’s default setting is slightly different in that reverse is only activated after a two second delay.
Battery Strength Indicator
If the battery voltage becomes too low, control can be compromised. Axial Racing’s electronics systems have a built in fail safe, so if you lose signal, your vehicle will not be out of control. If signal is interrupted, the vehicle will coast to a stop as the speed control instantly goes to neutral. Even though the system is engineered for safety, for optimized performance, you should use transmitter batteries with sufficient charge. Full power delivers the best range.
Trims
The AX-3 features trim adjustments for steering and throttle. Trim is used to adjust the center point of the servos. Steering trim is often used to get the vehicle to track straight with no steering input. These dials should always be set to zero when installing a new servo and/or servo horn or installing a new speed control or recalibrating the speed control.
Dual Rate
The dual rate dial on the AX-3 is a feature many RTR radios don’t include. Dual rate reduces steering throw. This can be used to keep the servo from straining against the steering system’s physical stops.
On the EXO Terra Buggy, dual rate can be useful to tame the steering at high speeds or when traction is limited. New drivers will also benefit from reduced dual rate when driving a fast vehicle such as the EXO Terra Buggy.
Binding
Make sure the Axial Racing AR-3 receiver is properly installed and an adequately charged batter is in the vehicle. Steering servo plugged into the STR port (this is channel 1) and the ESC plugged into THR (this is channel 2). The servo and ESC have three-wire looms and the brown (negative) wire always goes towards the outside of the receiver.
1. Make sure the transmitter and ESC are off.
2. Plug the Bind plug included with your Axial Racing vehicle in the receiver’s third port (labeled “CH3)
3. Turn on speed control. The receiver’s status LED will blink. The blinking indicates the AR-3 is in Bind mode.
4. Open transmitter’s cover located on the top of the case.
5. Using the included pin-shaped tool, press and hold Bind button on the AX-3 transmitter
6. Turn on the AX-3 transmitter
7. When blinking stops on the AR-3 receiver, remove Bind plug from receiver
