I was recently thinking about how all of traxxas's radios come in the exact same case (with the exception of the TQi) which got me thinking if traxxas uses the same computer boards in all of the models (2 channel, 3 channel, etc.) So when I got home today I took my radio apart and found there where 4 extra unused soldering pots. One is labeled "BSW: UP DWN" and the other is labeled "TSW: UP DWN" My question is has anyone ever turned their 2 or 3 channel radio into a 3 or 4 channel radio?

That looks like the Traxxas 2.4ghz Hi-Output Radio, the precursor to the TQ/TQi.

In that case? Yes. My 2-channel model was modified into the full-blown 5-channel version.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/elect...4-channel.html

Good article there from RC-Crawler.

One thing to note: You'll have to tell the radio it's a 5-Channel to permanently enable channel 3-5.

To do this, connect up your new switches, turn the radio off, then turn channel 5 ON. Then turn the radio on, wait 5 seconds, then off, then on again. It should have all 5 channels available in the menu for configuring after that.

I've hacked a few of them, and I noticed that little firmware hiccup after the first couple.

here is a quote from the same thread on URC

"I have heard of this being done, but I think that was on earlier model revisions. Later revisions had "improved" firmware which prohibited the extra channel features, even if the hardware were fitted. But if you do have an earlier model, then yes you can fit the extra switch hardware and have up to 5 channels."

That could explain the firmware hiccup in the first couple.

Rusty, wanna try it out tomorrow? I have a couple toggles lying around.

My firmware is not limited. I can use all five channels if I wanted to.

Yeah Nerdy we can try it tomorrow.