old racer getting back into it. **Warning** Noob questions
10-04-2014, 06:42 PM
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old racer getting back into it. **Warning** Noob questions
Hello folks,
First off, hello, and thanks for looking. I just picked up a package of RC vehicles, and have come to the realization that I didn't know what the heck I was looking at. Here's a list of what I have.
Axial Wraith 4wd- brushed -backyard bashing/rock crawling
Venom Gambler 2wd- brushless - Planned to try racing
Blitz 2wd- roller, but package came with brushless motor, esc, reciever, and servo - meant to be my daughters toy.
HPI Micro RS4 3wd (will be four once I buy a couple parts)- brushless - just a cool lil car, no plans
That's the package I just grabbed, radios for each, and a few batteries. (3 lipo's, a few normal)
Prior to that I had a traxxas 4-tec 4wdthat I picked up in a trade a couple years ago, but never touched, and I still have my old 2wd RC10 carpet car from 20 years ago when I was racing. I had a bunch, but this is all that's left.
My intent was to get into racing. I used to race on skating rinks, and a high banked oval carpet track. Now it seems off road is the thing. I'll learn.
Now onto my realization and why I didn't know what I was doing; The gambler is a discontinued truck from what I can tell. Yes, parts are out there, but on a limited basis. So using this as a racer is probably not the best idea. Plus, no local stores carry anything at all for it. Second realization from what I have been told, the blitz is a solid basher, but for racing, best I could try for is middle of the pack. I was told that one guy was very competitive with one, but it was highly tweaked. The wraith I'm cool with, and the mini is fun.
My question is, what would you suggest for a truck I can get (I want a 2wd & a 4wd), that won't hold me back once my driving skills are up to par? I don't want to be racing or investing in something that the truck will hold me back from being competitive. Back in the day, all the better guys ran team associated equipment, is that still the case? I was usually the guy that would get a losi, or traxxas vehicle, and try to compete with them on those. IIRC, my last new RC was a losi jrxt haha, ah the memories.
I'll probably have more questions in the future, but google and youtube are my friends, so I'll try to do my best to get most of my edjumacation from there.
lipo's and brushless are new to me. I'll figure that out in time.
First off, hello, and thanks for looking. I just picked up a package of RC vehicles, and have come to the realization that I didn't know what the heck I was looking at. Here's a list of what I have.
Axial Wraith 4wd- brushed -backyard bashing/rock crawling
Venom Gambler 2wd- brushless - Planned to try racing
Blitz 2wd- roller, but package came with brushless motor, esc, reciever, and servo - meant to be my daughters toy.
HPI Micro RS4 3wd (will be four once I buy a couple parts)- brushless - just a cool lil car, no plans
That's the package I just grabbed, radios for each, and a few batteries. (3 lipo's, a few normal)
Prior to that I had a traxxas 4-tec 4wdthat I picked up in a trade a couple years ago, but never touched, and I still have my old 2wd RC10 carpet car from 20 years ago when I was racing. I had a bunch, but this is all that's left.
My intent was to get into racing. I used to race on skating rinks, and a high banked oval carpet track. Now it seems off road is the thing. I'll learn.
Now onto my realization and why I didn't know what I was doing; The gambler is a discontinued truck from what I can tell. Yes, parts are out there, but on a limited basis. So using this as a racer is probably not the best idea. Plus, no local stores carry anything at all for it. Second realization from what I have been told, the blitz is a solid basher, but for racing, best I could try for is middle of the pack. I was told that one guy was very competitive with one, but it was highly tweaked. The wraith I'm cool with, and the mini is fun.
My question is, what would you suggest for a truck I can get (I want a 2wd & a 4wd), that won't hold me back once my driving skills are up to par? I don't want to be racing or investing in something that the truck will hold me back from being competitive. Back in the day, all the better guys ran team associated equipment, is that still the case? I was usually the guy that would get a losi, or traxxas vehicle, and try to compete with them on those. IIRC, my last new RC was a losi jrxt haha, ah the memories.
I'll probably have more questions in the future, but google and youtube are my friends, so I'll try to do my best to get most of my edjumacation from there.
lipo's and brushless are new to me. I'll figure that out in time.
10-05-2014, 08:15 AM
#2
First off the Wraith and just about everything Axial sells is top notch so keep it and bash.
If the Gambler is a runner I would clean it up nice and sell it. They were horrible pieces of junk right out of the box. Most came with leaky shocks and missing screws just to name a couple of issues.
The Blitz is a great truck and more than capable of running in the 2WD Mod class at most tracks. I own a pair of them and have been pretty happy with them overall. I don't feel the truck has held me back at all and it's not any better or worse than my Associated SC10.2 or Losi 22 SCT.
As for 4WD trucks. I'm not really into 4WD SCT's but I have watched a few races. It seems like the Losi and Associated trucks are pretty evenly matched.
If the Gambler is a runner I would clean it up nice and sell it. They were horrible pieces of junk right out of the box. Most came with leaky shocks and missing screws just to name a couple of issues.
The Blitz is a great truck and more than capable of running in the 2WD Mod class at most tracks. I own a pair of them and have been pretty happy with them overall. I don't feel the truck has held me back at all and it's not any better or worse than my Associated SC10.2 or Losi 22 SCT.
As for 4WD trucks. I'm not really into 4WD SCT's but I have watched a few races. It seems like the Losi and Associated trucks are pretty evenly matched.
10-05-2014, 09:37 AM
#3
This is a good primmer: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-c...ead-first.html
Welcome back! Ask away, that's why we're here.
You are going to need an up-to-date charger. Lipos are way different from NiCds and NiMhs. This is a single-port, AC-powered charger that I use:
Thunder AC680 Professional Dual-Power LiPo Balance Charger Discharger w AC Adapter for 1-6 Lipo 1-15 Nimh + USB to PC Software It's only $50.
For that price, you could buy TWO to charge up the kids' batteries. The only thing you need to know about Lipos is that they require a little thought and knowlege. You don't want to leave them fully charged for long, nor do you want to leave them discharged. They like to rest at about 3.8V/cell. That is why Lipo chargers have a "Storage" function. Use it every time you're done running for the day. The charger also has a "Balance Charge" mode. This makes sure each cell is charged to an equal level. I Balance Charge every time. Using the regular Charge function may save you a few minutes to 15min charging time, and is OK to use in a pinch, but I like to play it safe.
Also, and especially if you go brushless, DITCH THE WHITE MOLEX "TAMIYA" CONNECTORS. They are NOT meant for high power delivery and WILL melt. Convert everything to EC3 bullets, or Traxxas connectors NOW.
Welcome back! Ask away, that's why we're here.
You are going to need an up-to-date charger. Lipos are way different from NiCds and NiMhs. This is a single-port, AC-powered charger that I use:
Thunder AC680 Professional Dual-Power LiPo Balance Charger Discharger w AC Adapter for 1-6 Lipo 1-15 Nimh + USB to PC Software It's only $50.
For that price, you could buy TWO to charge up the kids' batteries. The only thing you need to know about Lipos is that they require a little thought and knowlege. You don't want to leave them fully charged for long, nor do you want to leave them discharged. They like to rest at about 3.8V/cell. That is why Lipo chargers have a "Storage" function. Use it every time you're done running for the day. The charger also has a "Balance Charge" mode. This makes sure each cell is charged to an equal level. I Balance Charge every time. Using the regular Charge function may save you a few minutes to 15min charging time, and is OK to use in a pinch, but I like to play it safe.
Also, and especially if you go brushless, DITCH THE WHITE MOLEX "TAMIYA" CONNECTORS. They are NOT meant for high power delivery and WILL melt. Convert everything to EC3 bullets, or Traxxas connectors NOW.
10-05-2014, 11:05 AM
#4
If you are planning on racing...I would go to the track to see what the competition is using or go online and find out what are the popular classes at the track. I used to race 2wd off-road buggies and now the big thing is Short Coarse Trucks and 1/8th scale truggies at the closest racing facility to me.
10-05-2014, 05:08 PM
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First off the Wraith and just about everything Axial sells is top notch so keep it and bash.
If the Gambler is a runner I would clean it up nice and sell it. They were horrible pieces of junk right out of the box. Most came with leaky shocks and missing screws just to name a couple of issues.
The Blitz is a great truck and more than capable of running in the 2WD Mod class at most tracks. I own a pair of them and have been pretty happy with them overall. I don't feel the truck has held me back at all and it's not any better or worse than my Associated SC10.2 or Losi 22 SCT.
As for 4WD trucks. I'm not really into 4WD SCT's but I have watched a few races. It seems like the Losi and Associated trucks are pretty evenly matched.
If the Gambler is a runner I would clean it up nice and sell it. They were horrible pieces of junk right out of the box. Most came with leaky shocks and missing screws just to name a couple of issues.
The Blitz is a great truck and more than capable of running in the 2WD Mod class at most tracks. I own a pair of them and have been pretty happy with them overall. I don't feel the truck has held me back at all and it's not any better or worse than my Associated SC10.2 or Losi 22 SCT.
As for 4WD trucks. I'm not really into 4WD SCT's but I have watched a few races. It seems like the Losi and Associated trucks are pretty evenly matched.
Right now I have the gambler apart and cleaning everything, and will reassemble properly. Then I'll decide what I want to do with it.
This is a good primmer: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-c...ead-first.html
Welcome back! Ask away, that's why we're here.
You are going to need an up-to-date charger. Lipos are way different from NiCds and NiMhs. This is a single-port, AC-powered charger that I use:
Thunder AC680 Professional Dual-Power LiPo Balance Charger Discharger w AC Adapter for 1-6 Lipo 1-15 Nimh + USB to PC Software It's only $50.
For that price, you could buy TWO to charge up the kids' batteries. The only thing you need to know about Lipos is that they require a little thought and knowlege. You don't want to leave them fully charged for long, nor do you want to leave them discharged. They like to rest at about 3.8V/cell. That is why Lipo chargers have a "Storage" function. Use it every time you're done running for the day. The charger also has a "Balance Charge" mode. This makes sure each cell is charged to an equal level. I Balance Charge every time. Using the regular Charge function may save you a few minutes to 15min charging time, and is OK to use in a pinch, but I like to play it safe.
Also, and especially if you go brushless, DITCH THE WHITE MOLEX "TAMIYA" CONNECTORS. They are NOT meant for high power delivery and WILL melt. Convert everything to EC3 bullets, or Traxxas connectors NOW.
Welcome back! Ask away, that's why we're here.
You are going to need an up-to-date charger. Lipos are way different from NiCds and NiMhs. This is a single-port, AC-powered charger that I use:
Thunder AC680 Professional Dual-Power LiPo Balance Charger Discharger w AC Adapter for 1-6 Lipo 1-15 Nimh + USB to PC Software It's only $50.
For that price, you could buy TWO to charge up the kids' batteries. The only thing you need to know about Lipos is that they require a little thought and knowlege. You don't want to leave them fully charged for long, nor do you want to leave them discharged. They like to rest at about 3.8V/cell. That is why Lipo chargers have a "Storage" function. Use it every time you're done running for the day. The charger also has a "Balance Charge" mode. This makes sure each cell is charged to an equal level. I Balance Charge every time. Using the regular Charge function may save you a few minutes to 15min charging time, and is OK to use in a pinch, but I like to play it safe.
Also, and especially if you go brushless, DITCH THE WHITE MOLEX "TAMIYA" CONNECTORS. They are NOT meant for high power delivery and WILL melt. Convert everything to EC3 bullets, or Traxxas connectors NOW.
If you are planning on racing...I would go to the track to see what the competition is using or go online and find out what are the popular classes at the track. I used to race 2wd off-road buggies and now the big thing is Short Coarse Trucks and 1/8th scale truggies at the closest racing facility to me.
11-06-2014, 12:04 PM
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EXT2Rob, I saw a while back you suggest a battery pack to someone else, it wasn't bad spec, and not overly pricey. Can you repeat that? I can't seem to find that thread.
11-06-2014, 05:57 PM
#7
I'm pretty sure he uses Gens Ace batteries or at least he used to use them from Hobby Partz if my memory is correct. PM him and I'm sure he'll get back to you.
11-06-2014, 08:34 PM
#8
Yeah, yer right. Gens Ace 50C I got to using Traxxas connectors, so I cut off the bullets and solder those on. But the Bullets are good too.
Sure Rusty, I'd get the bumpers for the Evader. Best to get one made for the car yer putting it on. The bumpers I got for the TT were the best thing I did for the car. Otherwise suspension arms took too much abuse.
Sure Rusty, I'd get the bumpers for the Evader. Best to get one made for the car yer putting it on. The bumpers I got for the TT were the best thing I did for the car. Otherwise suspension arms took too much abuse.
11-07-2014, 07:13 AM
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Thanks Rob. I think I'll be grabbing a couple of those. What are your thoughts on traxxas batteries? Local hobby shop pointed out they have a lifetime warranty. I got a couple in my package deal, are they worth the 50% replacement cost to trade them in? They're both a little swollen.
Also, any recommendation on a charger? I want to charge at least 2 batteries at a time, and do so fairly quickly. Local track charged $5 to charge my batteries for the day. Not bad, but having my own charger would be better.
Also, any recommendation on a charger? I want to charge at least 2 batteries at a time, and do so fairly quickly. Local track charged $5 to charge my batteries for the day. Not bad, but having my own charger would be better.
11-07-2014, 09:21 AM
#10
Well, I don't have any experience with Traxxas batteries. But in general, Traxxas stuff is a bit over-priced. Interesting that they warranty their batteries. I'd compare the 50% replacement charge against the cost of new Gens Ace. The thing about Traxxas' Lipos is that I've never seen any rated higher than 25C. In my experience with Gens Ace Lipos, I've found that paying a little more for the 40C or 50C packs worth it, because they don't get as warm under heavy use as well as having a little more punch.
Dual-Port chargers are gonna cost you. Onyx makes one, and several other makers have them too. You'd have to find one with a built-in AC/DC power supply. Otherwise, you have to also buy a separate power supply. That adds to the cost. As long as you aren't planning to charge your packs at higher than the standard 1C rate, IMO you'd be better off buying TWO Thunder AC680 chargers for $56ea. That charger will do 6Amps at 80Watts. (most single AC/DC chargers max at 5Amps 50Watts) And even dual chargers will sometimes split the total power between the two ports, so you may only get 25W per port.
When charging Lipos, the rule of thumb is to charge at 1Amp for every 1000mah of your pack. So if you have a 5000mah pack, you'd charge it at 5Amps for a "1C charge rate". Some packs are rated to be charged at higher rates, some aren't. What the difference is, I don't know. The designation MAY be totally arbitrary. But I charge my 5000mah packs at the charger's full 6Amps, no problem. That's only slightly over 1C.
THe most important thing about Lipos is that you must Storage Charge them when you're done for the day. DON'T leave them fully charged for more than a day. It will shorten their life. ALways use the "Storage Charge" function of the charger. It will charge the pack to it's "resting voltage" of 3.8V/cell.
Dual-Port chargers are gonna cost you. Onyx makes one, and several other makers have them too. You'd have to find one with a built-in AC/DC power supply. Otherwise, you have to also buy a separate power supply. That adds to the cost. As long as you aren't planning to charge your packs at higher than the standard 1C rate, IMO you'd be better off buying TWO Thunder AC680 chargers for $56ea. That charger will do 6Amps at 80Watts. (most single AC/DC chargers max at 5Amps 50Watts) And even dual chargers will sometimes split the total power between the two ports, so you may only get 25W per port.
When charging Lipos, the rule of thumb is to charge at 1Amp for every 1000mah of your pack. So if you have a 5000mah pack, you'd charge it at 5Amps for a "1C charge rate". Some packs are rated to be charged at higher rates, some aren't. What the difference is, I don't know. The designation MAY be totally arbitrary. But I charge my 5000mah packs at the charger's full 6Amps, no problem. That's only slightly over 1C.
THe most important thing about Lipos is that you must Storage Charge them when you're done for the day. DON'T leave them fully charged for more than a day. It will shorten their life. ALways use the "Storage Charge" function of the charger. It will charge the pack to it's "resting voltage" of 3.8V/cell.
11-07-2014, 07:35 PM
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[QUOTE=EXT2Rob;11913433]Well, I don't have any experience with Traxxas batteries. But in general, Traxxas stuff is a bit over-priced. Interesting that they warranty their batteries. I'd compare the 50% replacement charge against the cost of new Gens Ace. The thing about Traxxas' Lipos is that I've never seen any rated higher than 25C. In my experience with Gens Ace Lipos, I've found that paying a little more for the 40C or 50C packs worth it, because they don't get as warm under heavy use as well as having a little more punch.
Hi bro, where you get these Gens Ace batteries from? HobbyPartz? I just visited their facebook. And they say the Hobbypartz is not their U.S exclusive distributor any more. They take the franchise back and sell Gens Ace by themselves. oh yeah.. they also said they have a warehouse in Florida, maybe will set up offices there at the end of this year. Sounds great! I think I will have a try of the new battery.LOL..
Hi bro, where you get these Gens Ace batteries from? HobbyPartz? I just visited their facebook. And they say the Hobbypartz is not their U.S exclusive distributor any more. They take the franchise back and sell Gens Ace by themselves. oh yeah.. they also said they have a warehouse in Florida, maybe will set up offices there at the end of this year. Sounds great! I think I will have a try of the new battery.LOL..
11-09-2014, 01:48 PM
#12
Huh? Are they saying we won't be able to buy Gens Ace from HobbyPartz at all? Or is HobbyPartz just not going to be the only distributor in the US?
I don't do facebook, so I'd like a little more clarification on that. Hmm..may have to hop over to their support page....
I don't do facebook, so I'd like a little more clarification on that. Hmm..may have to hop over to their support page....
11-11-2014, 07:39 AM
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I ordered 9 batteries. For that price, I got 9 for the price of one. Luckily, I ordered mine last night, BEFORE they put the max of 2 like items in cart....hahah, awesome. Glad I stayed up late. I just wish they had more 4S batteries with better stats
11-24-2014, 08:14 AM
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Haha...Me too... It's really cheap. I think these Gens Ace guys are crazy. LOL...it doesn't matter, I don't care. I save a certain amount of money and get a VIP card.
Tell the truth, this is a good way of promotion. Good Thinking! Hope others also enjoy the 90% off ...... www.genstattu.com
Tell the truth, this is a good way of promotion. Good Thinking! Hope others also enjoy the 90% off ...... www.genstattu.com
11-25-2014, 02:37 PM
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If your just getting back into the hobby you will want reliable equipment. check out amain.com I just picked up a few kyosho parts for my buggies there having a cool black Friday sale going on nowhttp://www.amain.com/black-friday-deals-promotional/c5444?cID=5444&o=1
Last edited by JJMOON222; 11-25-2014 at 03:02 PM.
11-25-2014, 03:05 PM
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I've been through the gambler, and now the blitz. I've had enough problems at this point, Now I just want something that I wont break after 10 laps.
Just bought my daughter her Christmas gift. XXX-SCT package, and am going to paint her new body Pink & Purple. (Second hand, but the guy didn't use it much. Came with venom lipo, charger, and extra set of wheels. $90, can't complain at all) I'm using the body that came on that for my tekno.
She's been playing with my wraith on the rocks while I'm on the track/dealing with issues. So I can't wait to get her on the track.
12-02-2014, 06:55 AM
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Well, my first order finally came in. RC porn!!
BTW, Had the sc410 out on the track last weekend, and what a blast that was. I went both Saturday, and Sunday to practice. The guys at the shop fixed my wiring on Saturday, so only got about 2 packs through it. But Sunday was a blast, out on the track all day long, pack after pack. She definitely goes through battery packs pretty quick! I'm done playing with the blitz and the gambler. This was so much better, faster, and handled awesome.
BTW, Had the sc410 out on the track last weekend, and what a blast that was. I went both Saturday, and Sunday to practice. The guys at the shop fixed my wiring on Saturday, so only got about 2 packs through it. But Sunday was a blast, out on the track all day long, pack after pack. She definitely goes through battery packs pretty quick! I'm done playing with the blitz and the gambler. This was so much better, faster, and handled awesome.
12-02-2014, 07:22 AM
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12-16-2014, 07:15 AM
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