Whether you've just wrapped up performing some maintenance and cleaning or you opened the box to your new Traxxas R/C vehicle it's a good idea to check the receiver antenna for proper length.
The antenna wire runs from the receiver inside the receiver box to the antenna tube. The antenna wire feeds into the antenna tube which has a black cap at the end. Some models feature an antenna that stays inside the body while others may stick up through the body. The following information is applicable to whichever type of setup is on your R/C vehicle.
The antenna wire is black, and at the end of the wire you will see a silver metal piece with a translucent wire coming out. **DO NOT cut the translucent section or metal piece from the antenna. Doing so will significantly hinder the effective radio range.**
Feed the antenna wire up the antenna tube. Look for the translucent end of the wire; it should be even with or slightly below the top of the tube. Put the black antenna cap on and secure the antenna tube in the proper location. If there is excess antenna wire and it seems to be too long simply feed that section into the receiver box, and you're done.
- Do not kink the receiver's antenna wire. Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range. If using 'zip-ties' do not pull them too tight, this will cause kinks.
- DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver's antenna wire. Cutting the antenna will reduce range.
- Extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range. It is not always necessary to extend the antenna tube out of the body. If coiling the antenna wire is required do not create sharp bends in the wire, a coil should make a smooth circle.
- Do not allow the antenna wire to extend outside the body without the protection of an antenna tube, or the antenna wire may get cut or damaged, reducing range. It is recommended to keep the wire inside the body (in the antenna tube) to prevent the chance of damage.
