How to get the Most Performance from Your 50+mph Speedboat

The Traxxas DCB M41 Widebody catamaran is a feature-packed, super-sized machine that delivers 50+mph when you add a pair of 3-cell Power Cell LiPo batteries. Right out of the box, the M41 comes loaded with extras including an aluminum drive strut, rudder and rudder support, stainless steel trim tabs and hardware, waterproof electronics, and of course, Velineon® brushless power.
DCB M41 action
The M41’s premium specs include nearly every “optional” feature an RC boater could want, but there’s still room to upgrade with telemetry sensors (and a couple of other surprises). Capturing speed and performance data in real time as you drive adds another level of excitement to the M41 experience. Traxxas makes it easy to receive RPM, temperature, and GPS speed telemetry directly on your smart device using the sensors outlined in this article, along with the Traxxas Link App.
DCB M41
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Parts List
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    • 6553X Telemetry Expander 2.0 with GPS module
    • 6511 Traxxas Link Wireless Module
    • 6520 RPM telemetry sensor
    • 6534 RPM telemetry trigger magnet and holder
    • 6526 Temperature telemetry sensor
    • 6535 Temperature sensor mount
    • 5731X Machined aluminum trim tab adjusters
    • 2075X High-torque metal-gear servo
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Telemetry Installation
Traxxas designed the M41 to be telemetry-ready from the start, so it’s easy to add the Telemetry Expander and sensors. We’re installing the 6553X Telemetry Expander 2.0 which includes the GPS module. The expander is also offered without the GPS module (6550X). To allow the TQi transmitter to interface with the Traxxas Link app, you’ll also need the 6511 Traxxas Link Wireless Module, sold separately.

6550 Telemetry Expander6550 Telemetry Expander
6551 Telemetry Expander with GPS module6551 Telemetry Expander with GPS module

Remove the electronics tray and motor to make telemetry installation easier. After unplugging the water-cooling tubing and motor wires, you only need to loosen two screws to release the electronics tray. The screws pull on catches that hold the tray in place, so you don’t need to remove the screws entirely—just loosen them. With the tray loosened, tilt it up and pull it away from the hull.

Removing the electronics trayRemoving the electronics tray
Loosen the two tray screwsLoosen the two tray screws
Lift out the electronics trayLift out the electronics tray

Use the included 10 mm wrenches to loosen the flex shaft coupler, then pull the prop out a few inches to free the cable from the coupler. Remove the screws that secure the motor mount to the hull.

Loosen the flex shaft couplerLoosen the flex shaft coupler
Remove the motor mount screwsRemove the motor mount screws

The RPM trigger magnet slides into the holder with the magnet’s red-dot side facing the motor. Remove the coupler from the motor shaft, slide the magnet holder into place, then secure it with the coupler.

The red dot faces the motorThe red dot faces the motor
Secure the magnet holder with the couplerSecure the magnet holder with the coupler

The temperature sensor mount makes certain the sensor’s thermistor is pressed firmly against the motor for accurate readings.

Temperature sensor mountTemperature sensor mount
The thermistor presses against the motorThe thermistor presses against the motor

Use the included zip-tie to mount the temperature sensor, then slide the RPM sensor into the motor mount and secure it with the supplied screw.

Secure the temperature sensor with the zip-tieSecure the temperature sensor with the zip-tie
Insert the RPM sensor into the motor mountInsert the RPM sensor into the motor mount

The electronics tray has bosses for the Telemetry Expander. Use the supplied screws to secure it. Open the Telemetry Expander and plug in the communications cable and temperature sensor. The sensor can be plugged into any of the smart-sensor ports.

Secure the Telemetry ExpanderSecure the Telemetry Expander
Open the expander boxOpen the expander box
Expander port diagramExpander port diagram

You’ll need to open up the waterproof receiver box to plug in the telemetry expander’s communication cable and the RPM and voltage sensors. If you’ve never opened and resealed a receiver box, watch this video to see how it’s done and keep it watertight. Follow Traxxas Support for the latest how-to and technical videos.

Open the waterproof receiver boxOpen the waterproof receiver box
Plug in the communication cable and RPM sensorPlug in the communication cable and RPM sensor

Bonus Upgrade
While we had the receiver box open, we took the opportunity to upgrade to a 2075X High Torque servo for metal-gear durability and a 56% boost in torque.

2075X megal gear servo2075X megal gear servo
The 2075X provides a 56% boost in torqueThe 2075X provides a 56% boost in torque
Telemetry installation complete!Telemetry installation complete!

Activating Telemetry
The M41 is now ready to send telemetry data to the TQi transmitter. To see the data, we need to install the Traxxas Link Wireless Module so the transmitter can communicate with our smart device and the Traxxas Link app via Bluetooth.

Wireless module
Installing module

After loading the app, follow these steps to connect to the TQi transmitter. If you get a message that the app wants to update the TQi’s firmware, just follow the on-screen instructions. After updating, you can power-up the M41 and choose your dashboard layout. When selecting sensors for the gauges, be sure to tap the “Refresh” button on the selection screen to make sure the app “finds” all the installed sensors.

Traxxas Link garage
Traxxas Link screens

Transmitter Phone Mount

Once you've added telemetry to your boat, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. Not only can you check speed and RPM, but you can keep an eye on temperatures and battery voltage to know when it's time to head to shore. The 6532 Transmitter Phone Mount attaches to your Traxxas transmitter and holds your phone securely in place with spring-loaded clips. Get telemetry readings the easy way with this super-helpful accessory.Transmitter Phone Mount

Installing Aluminum Trim Tab Adjusters
Before we hit the water, we’ll make a very quick hull mod and install the 5731X machined aluminum trim tab adjusters. These simply fit over the stainless-steel trim tabs and allow you to set tab angle by threading the adjusting screw in or out.

Aluminum trim tab adjusters
Aluminum trim tab adjusters

Threading the screw in pushes the tab down, which will reduce how much the bow rises out of the water at speed. This is useful for improving stability rougher water conditions.

Stock trim tabsStock trim tabs
Trim tab adjusters installedTrim tab adjusters installed
Turn the screw to adjustTurn the screw to adjust

From the factory, the trim tabs are set level with the hull bottom for best all-around performance and stability. Threading the screw into the adjuster will flex the tab down and lower the bow. A change of just 1 mm makes a difference.

Trim tab diagram

Adding telemetry to the M41 makes this big boat even more exciting. GPS speed lets you tell the crowd at the pond just how fast your last pass was down to the decimal point, and you can even see how many RPM the prop was turning. How hot’s the motor? You’ll never have to wonder when it’s temperature is displayed in real time—you can even set a warning alarm if the temperature exceeds the maximum you choose. Traxxas makes it easy!

M41 action
Shop DCB M41 Accessories

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