How To Set Up Telemetry On Your Sledge
Take Advantage of Sledge's Real-Time Telemetry
One of Sledge’s most powerful and innovative features is the ability to receive telemetry data and display it live on your smart device as you drive. Sledge is equipped to show you battery voltage, speed control temperature, motor RPM, and speed with no additional sensors required. Read on to find out how to take advantage of this high-tech feature.
The Sledge’s TQi transmitter and 5-channel TSM receiver are telemetry-capable.
The key to Sledge's real-time telemetry data lies in the powerful Velineon® VXL-6s speed control. To activate this capability, just add the optional Traxxas Link Wireless Module (sold separately) to the transmitter and install the free Traxxas Link App on your smart device. Traxxas Link telemetry is incredibly easy to activate and view, and you can even record telemetry data and share it via text, email, and social media right from the app. We’ll show you how below.
The #6511 Traxxas Link Wireless Module installs in seconds to enable Sledge’s Telemetry capability.
Get Even More Real-Time Data
This article outlines how to unlock the VXL-6s' built-in telemetry features. Step up to the next level with the Traxxas TQi Telemetry Expander 2.0 with GPS (6553X) and expander mount for Sledge (6563). The Traxxas Link GPS uses both GPS and GLONASS global positioning for precise, real-time speed, while additional sensors can be added to the expander to monitor motor temperature via the Traxxas Link app. View the complete lineup of Traxxas Telemetry accessories on the Traxxas Telemetry Finder.
Step 1: Install the Traxxas Link App on Your iOS or Android Device
The Traxxas Link app is available via Google Play and the Apple App Store. Simply install it as you would any other app.
The Traxxas Link app is available via Google Play and the Apple App Store. Simply install it as you would any other app.
Step 2: Remove the Module Port Cover
Turn your TQi transmitter over. Using a hobby knife, slice through the decal placed over the module port cover. Use a 1.5 mm hex wrench or driver to remove the screw that secures the cover, then lift the cover out.
Turn your TQi transmitter over. Using a hobby knife, slice through the decal placed over the module port cover. Use a 1.5 mm hex wrench or driver to remove the screw that secures the cover, then lift the cover out.
Step 3: Install the Traxxas Link Wireless Module
The module simply replaces the cover. Hook the module’s tabs into the port’s slots, then lower it into place and resecure with the 1.5 mm screw.
The module simply replaces the cover. Hook the module’s tabs into the port’s slots, then lower it into place and resecure with the 1.5 mm screw.
Step 4: Link the TQi Transmitter to the Traxxas Link App
Go to your device’s settings menu and activate Bluetooth. Open the Traxxas Link App and tap the Traxxas Link Wireless Module icon to access the Setup screen. Press the module’s Link button and touch the blue bar on the Setup screen—connection will be nearly instant. Go back to the Home screen and you’ll see the transmitter icon has turned green and the TQi’s battery level is displayed.
Go to your device’s settings menu and activate Bluetooth. Open the Traxxas Link App and tap the Traxxas Link Wireless Module icon to access the Setup screen. Press the module’s Link button and touch the blue bar on the Setup screen—connection will be nearly instant. Go back to the Home screen and you’ll see the transmitter icon has turned green and the TQi’s battery level is displayed.
Tap the Traxxas Link Wireless Module icon.
Press the Link button on the module.
Tap the blue button on the Setup screen.
Step 5: Power Sledge On
Power up your Sledge. The Traxxas Link home screen will update to show Sledge, the vehicle icon will turn green, and the communication icon will light green to show the transmitter, app, and Sledge are connected. After a moment, the Home screen will also show Sledge’s battery level.
Power up your Sledge. The Traxxas Link home screen will update to show Sledge, the vehicle icon will turn green, and the communication icon will light green to show the transmitter, app, and Sledge are connected. After a moment, the Home screen will also show Sledge’s battery level.
The Home screen instantly updates to show the connected model, communication status, and battery levels.
Step 6: View the Dashboard
Touch the Dashboard icon to view the default Gauge Cluster design with realistic tachometer, speedometer, speed control temperature, and battery voltage gauges. There is also a window for the saved Top Speed, and the Lights button pulls up controls for compatible Traxxas lighting systems. The Dashboard is fully configured and ready to use, and you’ll see the RPM and MPH needles move as you drive. Of course, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the Sledge, so Traxxas Link records the Dashboard for playback automatically—more on that next.
Touch the Dashboard icon to view the default Gauge Cluster design with realistic tachometer, speedometer, speed control temperature, and battery voltage gauges. There is also a window for the saved Top Speed, and the Lights button pulls up controls for compatible Traxxas lighting systems. The Dashboard is fully configured and ready to use, and you’ll see the RPM and MPH needles move as you drive. Of course, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the Sledge, so Traxxas Link records the Dashboard for playback automatically—more on that next.
Tap the Dashboard to view the Gauge Cluster display.
Recording Telemetry Data
Touch anywhere on the Dashboard app to view the editing and recording controls. You’ll see two recording settings in the lower right corner:
Touch anywhere on the Dashboard app to view the editing and recording controls. You’ll see two recording settings in the lower right corner:
Record: Touch Record and Traxxas Link will record dashboard data and show an elapsed time counter displayed at the top of the screen. Touch the dashboard and press Stop to end the recording and name it. Or just tap Save and the app will automatically name the file “Recording (number).” The app will ask if you’d like to enable your device’s microphone, which is useful for adding voice notes to the recording as you drive.
Instant Replay: Traxxas Link automatically saves the last minute of each run, so you can still view dashboard data even if you didn’t hit Record. Touch Instant Replay to save the playback. You can name the file yourself or tap Save and the app will name the file “Instant Replay (number).”
The app stores each recording with the name you choose and saves the day and time it was recorded.
Dashboard Playback
To view your telemetry recordings, go back to the Home screen and tap Media. You’ll see all your recordings listed by the names you’ve given them. Just tap the recording you wish to view. To rename or delete a recording, drag it left and an Edit button will appear.
To view your telemetry recordings, go back to the Home screen and tap Media. You’ll see all your recordings listed by the names you’ve given them. Just tap the recording you wish to view. To rename or delete a recording, drag it left and an Edit button will appear.
The Media screen allows you to view, rename, and delete recordings.
Sharing the Dashboard
As you view a telemetry recording, you can tap the screen to display a progress bar and controls to pause and share the playback. Slide the bar’s tab to move forward and back through the replay and tap Share to send the paused dashboard image via text or email, or post it to social media (the available social media options will vary depending on which you’ve installed on your device).
As you view a telemetry recording, you can tap the screen to display a progress bar and controls to pause and share the playback. Slide the bar’s tab to move forward and back through the replay and tap Share to send the paused dashboard image via text or email, or post it to social media (the available social media options will vary depending on which you’ve installed on your device).
The slider makes it easy to quickly scan your recordings.
Customizing the Dashboard
Touch anywhere on the dashboard to view the editing controls. In the lower left corner, touch Choose Theme to change the Gauge Cluster color scheme. In the upper right corner, touch Select Dashboard to choose the Grid Dashboard or Large Digital Speedometer displays. To edit the gauges, just touch the green Plus icon on the gauge you wish to edit. You can change the name of the gauge, set a warning level that will trigger an alert if exceeded, or remove the gauge and install another in its place.
Touch anywhere on the dashboard to view the editing controls. In the lower left corner, touch Choose Theme to change the Gauge Cluster color scheme. In the upper right corner, touch Select Dashboard to choose the Grid Dashboard or Large Digital Speedometer displays. To edit the gauges, just touch the green Plus icon on the gauge you wish to edit. You can change the name of the gauge, set a warning level that will trigger an alert if exceeded, or remove the gauge and install another in its place.
Traxxas Link includes two color schemes for the Gauge Cluster Display.
You can switch from the Gauge Cluster to the Grid Dashboard or Large Digital Speedometer with just a touch.
Optional: TQi Phone Mount
The optional 6532 phone mount installs without tools and holds your device securely for easy viewing and instant app access while you enjoy your Sledge—or any of your other Traxxas Link-enabled models. The padded spring clamp expands to hold larger phones, and the mount swivels and tilts so you can get the viewing angle just right.
The optional 6532 phone mount installs without tools and holds your device securely for easy viewing and instant app access while you enjoy your Sledge—or any of your other Traxxas Link-enabled models. The padded spring clamp expands to hold larger phones, and the mount swivels and tilts so you can get the viewing angle just right.
Learn More
We’ve covered the basics of activating the powerful Traxxas Link capabilities built into Sledge and other TQi-equipped models, but we’ve barely scratched the surface of all you can do with Traxxas Link. Manage up to 30 models, adjust steering and throttle for personalized control, set your own Training Mode levels and more—it’s all in there. For a deep dive into the TQi and the Traxxas Link app, click here or on the banner.
Don’t have a TQi radio system? Upgrade with the Power-Up Program
If you have a Traxxas model equipped with the TQ radio system and 3-channel receiver, you can upgrade to a TQi and 5-channel TSM receiver using the Power-Up Program. When you trade in your TQ system at your favorite Traxxas dealer or directly with Traxxas by mail, you can purchase a new TQi system at a discounted rate. Click the banner for full details and pricing.
If you have a Traxxas model equipped with the TQ radio system and 3-channel receiver, you can upgrade to a TQi and 5-channel TSM receiver using the Power-Up Program. When you trade in your TQ system at your favorite Traxxas dealer or directly with Traxxas by mail, you can purchase a new TQi system at a discounted rate. Click the banner for full details and pricing.
