Traxxas VXL-3S Brushless ESC (Waterproof)
About this part
This is the Traxxas VXL-3S Brushless Electronic Speed Control. This Speed Control simplifies brushless technology with easy, built-in profiles and intuitive programming. The VXL-3s uses advanced circuit design that allows sensorless brushless motors to operate with the smoothness and precision of the best brushed systems. It sets up, operates, and programs just like the Traxxas XL-5 family of ESCs so there's no tricky new procedures to learn. Traxxas's exclusive patented Training Mode is also included to limit full throttle to 50% for young or inexperienced drivers. For the most advanced users, the VXL-3s is equipped with two-stage low voltage detection to allow LiPo battery use. The VXL-3s is manufactured by Traxxas to ensure the highest level of quality and support and is backed by the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty.
Features:
- Patented Traxxas High-Current Connector eliminates a common bottleneck and maintains pure, unrestricted power flow from the battery to the brushless power system.
- Built-in two-stage low voltage detection for Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery use provides a clear signal to the driver that the battery pack is nearing its minimum voltage threshold.
- Widest range of battery options ranging from 4-cell NiMH or NiCad packs all the way up to 3S LiPo battery packs (11.1 volt)
- The patented Training Mode™ is an exclusive Traxxas feature that reduces the overall power output of the VXL-3s by 50%, making it easier for new or younger drivers to control their model. When they're ready, simply change profiles to unleash full-throttle action.
- Advanced circuit design allows sensorless brushless motors to operate with the smoothness and precision of the best brushed systems. There's no need for additional sensor wiring and hardware complexity.
- The EZ-Set® push-button setup operates and programs just like other Traxxas speed controls such as the XL-5. This eliminates the need to learn a new set of procedures.
- The VXL-3s is programmable with three drive profiles:
- Sport Mode – Fwd / Brake / Rev
- Race Mode – Fwd / Brake
- Training Mode**™ – 50% Fwd / Brake / 50% Rev
- Multi-color LED provides clear feedback
- Since the VXL-3s allows experimentation with many kinds of motors, it is equipped with numerous failsafe features to help protect against common mishaps that can cause other systems to fail.
- Two-stage thermal shutdown protection protects the VXL-3s from overheating.
- Locked Rotor Protection™ prevents system damage by cutting power if the vehicle is stuck or the motor is bound.
- Battery Over-Voltage Protection™ causes the ESC to go into failsafe mode if the maximum input voltage is exceeded.
- Water resistant case design uses rubber seals and o-rings to protect against damage caused by water and moisture.
- Micro-fin aluminum heatsink dissipates heat.
- The built-in auxiliary fan output powers a snap-on accessory fan for increased cooling capacity during extreme use. A handy clasp on the speed control case keeps the wire neatly in place until you are ready to use it.
- MOSFET design provides high-current output (320 amp peak) with incredibly low resistance (.00075 (ohm)).
- Gold plated 3.5mm bullet connectors on 12-gauge Maxx® Cable flow full power to the motor without performance strangling resistance.
Specifications:
Input Voltage: NiCad/NiMH 4-9 Cells (4.8 to 10.8 Volts DC);
LiPo 2-3 Cells: (7.4 to 11.1 Volts DC)
Case Size: 39mmW x 55mmD x 33mmH
Weight: 90 grams
Motor Limit (Brushed/Brushless): No motor limit
On Resistance Forward: 0.00075 Ohms
On Resistance Reverse: 0.00075 Ohms
Peak Current - Forward: 320A
Peak Current - Reverse: 320A
Braking Current: 320A
Continuous Current: 200A
BEC Voltage: 6.0 V
BEC Current: 2.5A (with 6-cell NiMH)
Power Wire: 12-Gauge Maxx® Cable
Input Harness Wire: 26 Gauge / 100mm
Transistor Type: MOSFET
Low Voltage Detection: 2-Stage indicators, switchable (on or off)
Thermal Protection: 2-Stage thermal shutdown
Single-Button Setup: Yes, Traxxas EZ-Set®
Battery Input Connector : Traxxas High-Current Connector
Motor Types (Autodetect): Brushed, brushless
Ports: RX Input, motor sensor, auxiliary fan
Reviews3.6 · 5 reviews
Mine is 5 years old and still kicking. It's connected to a Castle 1210 motor in a Rustler and has no overheating issues. For a basher where programmability isn't an issue I would highly recommend the VXL.
Still garbage. Go hobbywing. Max 10 sct is perfect replacement.
Works great, arrived in a timely manner. Ordering process was extremely easy.
Works perfect but wire are a little short but it works great
These ESC's are ok, they work fine when they work but every one i’ve had eventually goes up in smoke. Interestingly they never go bad when they’re running but every time you plug them in there’s a chance for a smoke show. They’re ok but i wouldn’t trust them.
Reviewers are mixed on the Traxxas VXL-3S Brushless ESC. Several report reliable long-term use, including one owner running it for five years with a Castle 1210 motor in a Rustler without overheating, and praise for its suitability for bashing where programmability is not needed. Others say it works well and note fast delivery and an easy ordering process. Criticisms include one reviewer who reports the ESC failing with smoke on power-up and another who finds the supplied wires somewhat short. One reviewer recommends a competing ESC instead. The sample is small and the reviews are not fully consistent on reliability.
- + Long-term durability reported
- + Works well for bashing
- + Fast delivery and easy ordering
- − Reports of failure on power-up
- − Wires are a little short
- − Recommended alternative from a competitor