TRX4 Lights

• Traxxas® Lighting Kit
• LED Lights
• RC4WD Remote Control
• Absima Light Switch
• Alternatives to the Absima Light Switch
• LEDs from China

TRX4 Traxxas® Lighting Kit

The TRX4-specific headlight is available in two different versions: the standard version and the Pro. The differences lie partly in their functionality: the Pro version has indicators, brake lights etc., whilst the standard version simply provides lighting for the car. The disadvantage of the Pro version is that it cannot easily be paired with another receiver, as it is controlled via the Link module and requires a special connector on the Traxxas® receiver.
Prices vary considerably, so it is worth doing a quick search online to find out more.

I only use the standard lighting kit as I use a different remote control in each vehicle and find the Pro version has too many cables. The standard kit comes with a power supply that can be controlled using various electronic switches. The link is provided as an example.

Here’s a link to the standard Traxxas light kit (part no: 8095) for the Defender and the Proscale extension kit (part no: 6591).. If you want to upgrade your vehicle with the original Traxxas lights, simply search briefly on the official website by entering “car name (e.g. Bronco) light” in the search field, make a note of the relevant item, and then look for it in your preferred shop or ask your trusted dealer. Make sure to

Please note:
Not all TRX vehicles offer both options. If you’re using the original Traxxas® remote control with a Link module, these sets are an excellent choice

Some people power the Traxxas® lights with 6 volts. Experience suggests this should work, but nobody really knows for sure how long the Traxxas® SMDs will last under these conditions. However, the RC4WD remote control can be operated without any problems using the just under 3 volts and 500mA from the power supply.
The terminals on the power supply are connected in parallel, which allows up to four lights or remote controls to be connected.

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TRX4 LED light

When it comes to LED lighting, there is a huge selection available in shops and online from all the well-known manufacturers. However, if you know what you’re doing, you can also have a go yourself and solder something together. It’s important to bear in mind that an LED cannot, of course, be connected directly to a 2S or 3S LiPo battery. LEDs require a significantly lower voltage. If you’re planning to do this, you’ll need to work out the correct resistors and solder these, along with the wires, into the circuit.
Even pre-wired LEDs aren’t necessarily designed for the correct voltage. Please make sure you read the information leaflet.
A word of advice: if you don’t understand any of this, ask a friend or steer clear of it altogether and get a plug-and-play solution.

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RC4WD remote control

The RC4WD remote control allows you to conveniently control the lights on the TRX4. After all, there’s little point in driving with all the lights on during the day. The wheel arch lights really don’t need to be on during the day. What’s more, it also increases battery consumption. With the remote control, the lights can be switched on or off independently, from a distance of up to 15 metres across four channels. Please note: this remote control is really intended for the lights and not for winches.

RC4WD specifies an operating voltage of 6–9 volts, but it can also be powered by the 3 volts from the Traxxas® power supply. The unit is waterproof, so there’s nothing to stop you from driving through water.

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Absima light switches

With the Power Switch, Absima offers a way to switch the lights on or off via a free channel. The module is plugged into a free switching channel on the receiver and then allows you to control two loads (lights). You can see below how the module switches. I now use these switches in most of my vehicles as I don’t want to carry anything else in my pocket.

Sequence of operations

Click – Light 1 on
Click – Light 1 off, Light 2 on
Click – Lights 1 and 2 on
Click – Lights 1 and 2 flashing
Click – Lights 1 and 2 off

At the moment, there appears to be a batch that cannot maintain a stable voltage. This means that a steering manoeuvre causes the connected light to switch off again. This happens even with a 6-amp BEC. Absima is aware that the modules are causing problems and is currently investigating the fault. I tested this with an HW Xerun foc R2 set to 6 volts at the output as well as 7.4 volts. The receivers used were Absima’s own and also Futaba models. I rarely managed to achieve a truly stable connection.
I have loads of these parts here, none of which perform reliably, so I really would advise against them.

Absima alternatives

Light control switch which does not cause any problems when turning. It is therefore plugged into channel 3 and can then switch the light on and off.

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TRX4 LEDs – Chinese imports

Yes, those lovely lights from the Middle Kingdom that you can buy on eBay or from the big A. Nobody knows what’s really inside them or how many volts this sort of SMD technology requires to operate. I’m sure everyone has had a laugh at the amusing descriptions of these products at some point.

It’s clear that bits like this can sometimes go up in smoke. Whether the cost of a burnt-out car is worth the saving on the bulbs is something everyone has to decide for themselves.
Perhaps it’s better to buy from a local retailer or a trusted online shop after all. They know what they’re selling (let’s assume that’s the case) and can also offer advice or information on voltage and any resistors that might be needed.

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