cheap equipment
03-25-2010 | 08:35 AM
#26
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: 757jonp
Speaking of cheap Chinese junk and MG995's in particular......... I've been building and flying Mojo and Primo's for the past couple years, 3D planes calling for high torque servos. For the first Mojo, I took a chance and ordered 4 MG995's from Tesla Electronics on Ebay (180 oz/in at 4.8 volts) for $55 shipped to my door. After 200+ flights of thrashing the heck out of them, no problems whatsoever, none, zip. Ordered 4 more from Tesla for the next plane, a primo, same thing, absolutely no problems.
Pretty good deal I thought, but I noticed a couple of Chinese vendors offering MG995's even cheaper than Tesla on Ebay (Tesla is in the USA BTW), so for the heck of it I ordered 4 from them. Those turned out to be junk. Same identical sticker on them (Tower Pro MG995), but not the same servo. The ones from Tesla had a kinda dull black case with a purple QC sticker on the bottom, the Chinese ones had a shiny black case with no sticker of any sort on the bottom.
I've since ordered a dozen of the good MG995's from Tesla Electronics. All have the dull black case, never had a problem with them. In fact I swear except for the sticker on them, I'd say they are the same as Hi-tec MG645's. They appear to be the same servo right down to the purple QC sticker on the bottom. Probably made by the same factory, wherever that is.
No, I don't work for Tesla, just like to build and fly and not pay $100 each for quality servos!
Speaking of cheap Chinese junk and MG995's in particular......... I've been building and flying Mojo and Primo's for the past couple years, 3D planes calling for high torque servos. For the first Mojo, I took a chance and ordered 4 MG995's from Tesla Electronics on Ebay (180 oz/in at 4.8 volts) for $55 shipped to my door. After 200+ flights of thrashing the heck out of them, no problems whatsoever, none, zip. Ordered 4 more from Tesla for the next plane, a primo, same thing, absolutely no problems.
Pretty good deal I thought, but I noticed a couple of Chinese vendors offering MG995's even cheaper than Tesla on Ebay (Tesla is in the USA BTW), so for the heck of it I ordered 4 from them. Those turned out to be junk. Same identical sticker on them (Tower Pro MG995), but not the same servo. The ones from Tesla had a kinda dull black case with a purple QC sticker on the bottom, the Chinese ones had a shiny black case with no sticker of any sort on the bottom.
I've since ordered a dozen of the good MG995's from Tesla Electronics. All have the dull black case, never had a problem with them. In fact I swear except for the sticker on them, I'd say they are the same as Hi-tec MG645's. They appear to be the same servo right down to the purple QC sticker on the bottom. Probably made by the same factory, wherever that is.
No, I don't work for Tesla, just like to build and fly and not pay $100 each for quality servos!
03-25-2010 | 09:08 AM
#27
My Feedback: (13)
RE: cheap equipment
So many things come from China these days its not easy to know quality verses cost. So many hands getting their hands on the item before you ever see it.
I always use the internet feed back for things I see as cheap. Some of the time the items are the same, just repackaged an higher priced.
Today, word travels very fast via the net.
I ask myself: Why would I pay for a servo, the same price as a small flat screen monitor today?
Correct, the monitor will not control your model, but I can get a servo for $10.00.
Steve
I always use the internet feed back for things I see as cheap. Some of the time the items are the same, just repackaged an higher priced.
Today, word travels very fast via the net.
I ask myself: Why would I pay for a servo, the same price as a small flat screen monitor today?
Correct, the monitor will not control your model, but I can get a servo for $10.00.
Steve
03-25-2010 | 09:54 AM
#28
My Feedback: (48)
RE: cheap equipment
BW... Those appear to be the same ones I'm using. I'll agree, they aren't the fastest or most accurate on the market, certainly not "contest" grade. But for everyday use fooling around with Mojo's and Primo's, IMHO they're more than adequate, and seem to be rugged and dependable. I've heard a lot of talk about how they don't center consistently, but I haven't noticed that to any offensive degree.
And, how often to you fly a 3D plane straight anyway? Kind of a non issue, at least when I'm flying my favorite Mojo 60. I have a ball with that plane!
And, how often to you fly a 3D plane straight anyway? Kind of a non issue, at least when I'm flying my favorite Mojo 60. I have a ball with that plane!
03-25-2010 | 10:05 AM
#29
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: 757jonp
BW... Those appear to be the same ones I'm using. I'll agree, they aren't the fastest or most accurate on the market, certainly not ''contest'' grade. But for everyday use fooling around with Mojo's and Primo's, IMHO they're more than adequate, and seem to be rugged and dependable. I've heard a lot of talk about how they don't center consistently, but I haven't noticed that to any offensive degree.
And, how often to you fly a 3D plane straight anyway? Kind of a non issue, at least when I'm flying my favorite Mojo 60. I have a ball with that plane!
BW... Those appear to be the same ones I'm using. I'll agree, they aren't the fastest or most accurate on the market, certainly not ''contest'' grade. But for everyday use fooling around with Mojo's and Primo's, IMHO they're more than adequate, and seem to be rugged and dependable. I've heard a lot of talk about how they don't center consistently, but I haven't noticed that to any offensive degree.
And, how often to you fly a 3D plane straight anyway? Kind of a non issue, at least when I'm flying my favorite Mojo 60. I have a ball with that plane!
03-25-2010 | 10:10 AM
#30
RE: cheap equipment
757jonp
what is the link that you are buying your mg995 servos from.. Tried to google it and it did not come up. I use those servos from rctimer and would like to see about the ones from your source.
what is the link that you are buying your mg995 servos from.. Tried to google it and it did not come up. I use those servos from rctimer and would like to see about the ones from your source.
03-25-2010 | 10:19 AM
#31
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From: Emmaus,
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RE: cheap equipment
I just checked them out on eBay. I seached for mg995, then limited the seller to tesla_electronics.
Here's a direct link to one of their listings: [link=http://cgi.ebay.com/2-x-MG996R-Metal-Gear-Digital-Torque-Servo-2BB-MG995-RC_W0QQitemZ390152000083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Dri ves_Storage_Internal?hash=item5ad6df1253]eBay link[/link]
EDIT: Actually, the above link is for the newer version, the MG996R, but they also have listings for the MG995.
Here's a direct link to one of their listings: [link=http://cgi.ebay.com/2-x-MG996R-Metal-Gear-Digital-Torque-Servo-2BB-MG995-RC_W0QQitemZ390152000083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Dri ves_Storage_Internal?hash=item5ad6df1253]eBay link[/link]
EDIT: Actually, the above link is for the newer version, the MG996R, but they also have listings for the MG995.
03-25-2010 | 10:48 AM
#33
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RE: cheap equipment
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week. I spend alot of money on kits, and accessories...and too much time building them...to get chintzy on stuff like servos. If I'm putting 50 or 75 hours of my time into something..you'd better believe I'm going to spend the right money.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the "too good to be true" deals will work fine.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the "too good to be true" deals will work fine.
03-25-2010 | 10:54 AM
#34
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week. I spend alot of money on kits, and accessories...and too much time building them...to get chintzy on stuff like servos. If I'm putting 50 or 75 hours of my time into something..you'd better believe I'm going to spend the right money.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the ''too good to be true'' deals will work fine.
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week. I spend alot of money on kits, and accessories...and too much time building them...to get chintzy on stuff like servos. If I'm putting 50 or 75 hours of my time into something..you'd better believe I'm going to spend the right money.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the ''too good to be true'' deals will work fine.
03-25-2010 | 11:21 AM
#35
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From: Poolesville, MD
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week.
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week.
Especially since for the same $14.00 I can get high torque metal gear digital servos that have proven to be stronger and more reliable.
Either way you are paying for Asian products...
03-25-2010 | 11:38 AM
#36
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From: Emmaus,
PA
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week. I spend alot of money on kits, and accessories...and too much time building them...to get chintzy on stuff like servos. If I'm putting 50 or 75 hours of my time into something..you'd better believe I'm going to spend the right money.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the ''too good to be true'' deals will work fine.
You can get Futaba S3004s which are ball bearing servos for abour $14. I would take these over a $10 no name servo any day of the week. I spend alot of money on kits, and accessories...and too much time building them...to get chintzy on stuff like servos. If I'm putting 50 or 75 hours of my time into something..you'd better believe I'm going to spend the right money.
In a nutshell, this is the wrong hobby to be cutting corners in...if you put time and effort into your planes. If you're into only little park foamies, or stuff you pick out of a trash can...then the ''too good to be true'' deals will work fine.
03-25-2010 | 12:18 PM
#37
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RE: cheap equipment
[/quote]
Not me.
Especially since for the same $14.00 I can get high torque metal gear digital servos that have proven to be stronger and more reliable.
Either way you are paying for Asian products...
[/quote]
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Those are something I shop around...high torque, coreless, metal gears, digital, etc. I have a number of higher torque Futaba Coreless servos that were in the $50-$75 range.
I can't say I'd feel too comfortable with your $14 hightorque/metal/digi. But that's just me. I can't say I'd trust the longevity...I can buy a chinese made torque wrench at Autozone for $40 or $50...or I can buy a Snap On one for $350. For the first few uses they'll most likely be equal...after a while though we all know what will last.
Not me.
Especially since for the same $14.00 I can get high torque metal gear digital servos that have proven to be stronger and more reliable.
Either way you are paying for Asian products...
[/quote]
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Those are something I shop around...high torque, coreless, metal gears, digital, etc. I have a number of higher torque Futaba Coreless servos that were in the $50-$75 range.
I can't say I'd feel too comfortable with your $14 hightorque/metal/digi. But that's just me. I can't say I'd trust the longevity...I can buy a chinese made torque wrench at Autozone for $40 or $50...or I can buy a Snap On one for $350. For the first few uses they'll most likely be equal...after a while though we all know what will last.
03-25-2010 | 12:47 PM
#38
My Feedback: (48)
RE: cheap equipment
I wouldn't be to surprised if there were only 4 or 5 companies in the entire world that produce the servos that we use in our hobby. Granted, the major names may submit thier own specs on how they're to be produced, but keep in mind that it's a simple matter to change that little sticker on there that says Futaba, HiTec, JR, or whatever, even (gasp) Tower-Pro!
I'm sure it's true for ARF's also. The same factory is producing products for Hanger 9, Great Planes, etc. while also building for the so called lower end also, like CMpro, Nitro, Aeroworks, etc. I swear I've seen the same plane offered in different trim schemes and names too, such as the Great Planes Revolver sure looks like one called a Super Sports under CMPro or even World Models.
Hmmmmm. These guys are just under contract?
I'm sure it's true for ARF's also. The same factory is producing products for Hanger 9, Great Planes, etc. while also building for the so called lower end also, like CMpro, Nitro, Aeroworks, etc. I swear I've seen the same plane offered in different trim schemes and names too, such as the Great Planes Revolver sure looks like one called a Super Sports under CMPro or even World Models.
Hmmmmm. These guys are just under contract?
03-25-2010 | 02:33 PM
#39
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From: Poolesville, MD
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Tell them they can buy a $14.00 30oz/in servo or a $14.00 240oz/in digital (or analog) high torque servo both usuable on the same plane for the same purposes... and the choice is pretty simple... but it is never presented that way...
03-25-2010 | 03:18 PM
#40
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From: Emmaus,
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RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
...I can't say I'd feel too comfortable with your $14 hightorque/metal/digi. But that's just me. I can't say I'd trust the longevity...I can buy a chinese made torque wrench at Autozone for $40 or $50...or I can buy a Snap On one for $350. For the first few uses they'll most likely be equal...after a while though we all know what will last.
...I can't say I'd feel too comfortable with your $14 hightorque/metal/digi. But that's just me. I can't say I'd trust the longevity...I can buy a chinese made torque wrench at Autozone for $40 or $50...or I can buy a Snap On one for $350. For the first few uses they'll most likely be equal...after a while though we all know what will last.
03-25-2010 | 03:29 PM
#41
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: opjose
Often because the choice is perceived as not available to them...
Tell them they can buy a $14.00 30oz/in servo or a $14.00 240oz/in digital (or analog) high torque servo both usuable on the same plane for the same purposes... and the choice is pretty simple... but it is never presented that way...
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Sure...but beginners aren't typically looking for high torque metal gear digital servos...at least not in my experience.
Tell them they can buy a $14.00 30oz/in servo or a $14.00 240oz/in digital (or analog) high torque servo both usuable on the same plane for the same purposes... and the choice is pretty simple... but it is never presented that way...
03-25-2010 | 04:11 PM
#43
RE: cheap equipment
I agree, and I figure that I don't need anything close to that torque, so they should last longer and not work as hard.
Right now, I am pretty sure that I am finally going to bite the bullet and get a much needed new radio (Aurora 9) so there goes my extra money budget for a while.
Right now, I am pretty sure that I am finally going to bite the bullet and get a much needed new radio (Aurora 9) so there goes my extra money budget for a while.
03-25-2010 | 07:39 PM
#44
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From: urbana,
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RE: cheap equipment
www.rc-dymond.com try these ?? there is an add in model airplane news some low prices ??[8D]
03-25-2010 | 11:18 PM
#45
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: rdcntrl1
www.rc-dymond.com try these ?? there is an add in model airplane news some low prices ??[8D]
www.rc-dymond.com try these ?? there is an add in model airplane news some low prices ??[8D]
Anything that my hobby shop can get I let them match the price for me. He is a good guy and I want to see him in business. There is another shop around here that I tried to give my business. I even waited for him to order everything cause he had nothing in stock. I kept telling him when he ordered fuel I want to get a case or two for my planes( He dealt mainly in cars). I went by there one day and there was about 14 cases of car fuel. Never been back. He buys and sells gold now and dosen't do much rc sales.
Customer service is just as important to me as price of the product. rc-dymond failed, maybe I should have tried another email but...Nah.-BW
03-26-2010 | 10:18 AM
#47
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From: Austin,
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RE: cheap equipment
[b]First and foremost, I like to keep a local hobby store in business....just incase I need a screw and can't wait five days for mail. Second, I like to be able to talk to someone who knows something about what I am buying. I have had experiences where even the people I called at Horizon or Tower, didn't have a clue about a question. I would hate to have to call china for help. Last, I look a lot at build threads and pictures on the internet to see what others use and how they answer their problems.
03-26-2010 | 10:33 AM
#48
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From: Lakewood, CO
RE: cheap equipment
I take heat for buying some of that stuff too, but I don't care. It's a hobby and I'll buy whatever I like.
My last purchase was a 50cc engine shipped direct from Hong Kong, runs perfect so what the heck.
My last purchase was a 50cc engine shipped direct from Hong Kong, runs perfect so what the heck.
04-28-2010 | 04:32 AM
#49
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From: Palm Bay, FL
RE: cheap equipment
ORIGINAL: Minnreefer
Right now, I am pretty sure that I am finally going to bite the bullet and get a much needed new radio (Aurora 9) so there goes my extra money budget for a while.
Right now, I am pretty sure that I am finally going to bite the bullet and get a much needed new radio (Aurora 9) so there goes my extra money budget for a while.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_96...tm.htm#9694621
I used those MG servos without a problem. ak-models.com is where I got mine, fast shipping, great guy, fast replacement on anything I ever returned, no hassles. But he does have a 15% restocking fee if you want a refund.
