Leo 2 Motor question
10-01-2006 | 08:45 PM
#1
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From: Brooklyn,
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Leo 2 Motor question
Are the 540 motors from the Leo 2 the same as the ones found in Tamiya's standard kits? I wonder if they produce more torque. Are they worth replacing?
10-02-2006 | 07:28 AM
#2
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
The 540's are the standard RS series Mabuchi motors, avoid the high performance kind as they are tuned for single direction rotation (forward) where the Leo need forward and reverse with equal tuning performance.
You can upgrade easily within the same can size and shaft diameter without re-work.
You can upgrade easily within the same can size and shaft diameter without re-work.
10-02-2006 | 08:17 AM
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
ORIGINAL: heavyaslead
The 540's are the standard RS series Mabuchi motors, avoid the high performance kind as they are tuned for single direction rotation (forward) where the Leo need forward and reverse with equal tuning performance.
You can upgrade easily within the same can size and shaft diameter without re-work.
The 540's are the standard RS series Mabuchi motors, avoid the high performance kind as they are tuned for single direction rotation (forward) where the Leo need forward and reverse with equal tuning performance.
You can upgrade easily within the same can size and shaft diameter without re-work.
Thanks heavy, where can I find motors that are higher performance with the same can size? When you say "avoid the high performance kind" do you mean modified stock 27 turn motors like Trinity etc.
10-02-2006 | 09:22 AM
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From: Siberia, CANADA
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
I know people have used conrad motors with success. It's supposedly gives more punch compared to the Mabuchis. If you want a high quality motor you will have to get one with adjustable timing to bring the timing down to zero. If you go a step further and get handwand motors you will need to get custom winds from the mfg.
10-02-2006 | 09:28 AM
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From: , KY
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
What about using Tamiya's own 540 "Sport-tuned" motors. These are the black can motors. They are 20 turn single, with no advanced timing (can run forward or reverse equally). I don't think they would pose a problem to factory electronics, although hotter moters might. These motors are about $18 apiece at Tower I think.
10-02-2006 | 09:47 AM
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From: Siberia, CANADA
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
I wouldn't risk it especially if the tank is in power mode. The sports tuned US version is 27T motor with advanced timing. Dual motors is taxing on esc at best of times. The one in DMD is designed for 2 27T motors only. Tanks also have poor airflow compared to RC cars. If you want to risk a $300 DMD though ir's entirely up to you 
Keep in mind I'm not even sure if the DMD would work correctly with something not close to original motor specs. The newer MFU/DMD units tamiya makes (such as the truck MFU) detects pulses from the motor and adjusts the sounds accordingly.If this is the case with Leo DMD, you will have the sounds not syncing with the motor depending on how different the motors are.
Personally I'm leaning towards 2 Trinity D6 custom wand at 27T. Just needs to investigate if Team Orion will do custom winds for the V2, and whether the V2 actually produces more torque at a higher wind like conventional motors or less torque and power like the Cobalt.
Keep in mind I'm not even sure if the DMD would work correctly with something not close to original motor specs. The newer MFU/DMD units tamiya makes (such as the truck MFU) detects pulses from the motor and adjusts the sounds accordingly.If this is the case with Leo DMD, you will have the sounds not syncing with the motor depending on how different the motors are. Personally I'm leaning towards 2 Trinity D6 custom wand at 27T. Just needs to investigate if Team Orion will do custom winds for the V2, and whether the V2 actually produces more torque at a higher wind like conventional motors or less torque and power like the Cobalt.
10-02-2006 | 10:01 AM
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From: , KY
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
I don't know about all the electronics compatibility, but I'm reasonably sure the "Sport-tuned" Tamiya motors do not have advanced timing. Tamiya does offer "Super-stock" motors that are replaceable-endbell, advanced timing motors. The sport-tuned motor has the black can, and is sealed-endbell. It is a 20-turn single. It is similar in performance to a Traxxas Stinger 20-turn sealed-endebell motor, which could also be used equally in forward or reverse applications. These motors are exactly like the silver-can Mabuchis, they just have a 20-turn armature instead of 27.
10-02-2006 | 10:55 AM
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From: Siberia, CANADA
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
I am one hundred percent sure US/Japan version of the black sports tuned (RS-540 Sports Tuned #53068) is a 27T single wind motor. The European version of the motor under this name is a 23T single wind. As far as I know, the only 20T motor under Tamiya's name is the Dyna Run Stock back in mid 90s.
10-02-2006 | 11:13 AM
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
ORIGINAL: secretsg
I wouldn't risk it especially if the tank is in power mode. The sports tuned US version is 27T motor with advanced timing. Dual motors is taxing on esc at best of times. The one in DMD is designed for 2 27T motors only. Tanks also have poor airflow compared to RC cars. If you want to risk a $300 DMD though ir's entirely up to you Keep in mind I'm not even sure if the DMD would work correctly with something not close to original motor specs. The newer MFU/DMD units tamiya makes (such as the truck MFU) detects pulses from the motor and adjusts the sounds accordingly.If this is the case with Leo DMD, you will have the sounds not syncing with the motor depending on how different the motors are.
Personally I'm leaning towards 2 Trinity D6 custom wand at 27T. Just needs to investigate if Team Orion will do custom winds for the V2, and whether the V2 actually produces more torque at a higher wind like conventional motors or less torque and power like the Cobalt.
I wouldn't risk it especially if the tank is in power mode. The sports tuned US version is 27T motor with advanced timing. Dual motors is taxing on esc at best of times. The one in DMD is designed for 2 27T motors only. Tanks also have poor airflow compared to RC cars. If you want to risk a $300 DMD though ir's entirely up to you
Keep in mind I'm not even sure if the DMD would work correctly with something not close to original motor specs. The newer MFU/DMD units tamiya makes (such as the truck MFU) detects pulses from the motor and adjusts the sounds accordingly.If this is the case with Leo DMD, you will have the sounds not syncing with the motor depending on how different the motors are. Personally I'm leaning towards 2 Trinity D6 custom wand at 27T. Just needs to investigate if Team Orion will do custom winds for the V2, and whether the V2 actually produces more torque at a higher wind like conventional motors or less torque and power like the Cobalt.
10-02-2006 | 11:30 AM
#10
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
What are you really needing to get out of the motors? The 540's with the gearbox are quite powerful and will likley tear anything up you wish to abuse, certainly the torque is plenty to climb anything the tracks can grab! Even vertical!
A purest will use a planetary gearbox to get more torque (and sacrifice speed) even a modest 1:1.25 flyer planetary box in-line with the motor will fit in the gearbox housing with substaintial torque.
You could go for a higher RPM motor in the 540 size that has similar turn ratio just compare manufacturers specs. Or you could get really fancy and go brushless and add extra brush controllers and ESC's, now that would make a hot-rod!
A purest will use a planetary gearbox to get more torque (and sacrifice speed) even a modest 1:1.25 flyer planetary box in-line with the motor will fit in the gearbox housing with substaintial torque.
You could go for a higher RPM motor in the 540 size that has similar turn ratio just compare manufacturers specs. Or you could get really fancy and go brushless and add extra brush controllers and ESC's, now that would make a hot-rod!
10-02-2006 | 11:43 AM
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From: Siberia, CANADA
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
ORIGINAL: Amuro
I don't think trinity offers a 27T D6. Can you provide a link secretsg? Besides will motors other than 540 types fit the gear box?
I don't think trinity offers a 27T D6. Can you provide a link secretsg? Besides will motors other than 540 types fit the gear box?
10-02-2006 | 11:48 AM
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
It's not the need for speed. The stock motors lack ball bearings, anti vibration tech, surface mounted capacitors and can't be rebuilt. It just feels cheap in a kit with a price tag of $800+
The D6 motors should offer a lot more torque especially if you plan on going all metal with tracks and wheels.
The D6 motors should offer a lot more torque especially if you plan on going all metal with tracks and wheels.
10-02-2006 | 12:58 PM
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From: Brooklyn,
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
ORIGINAL: secretsg
It's not the need for speed. The stock motors lack ball bearings, anti vibration tech, surface mounted capacitors and can't be rebuilt. It just feels cheap in a kit with a price tag of $800+
The D6 motors should offer a lot more torque especially if you plan on going all metal with tracks and wheels.
It's not the need for speed. The stock motors lack ball bearings, anti vibration tech, surface mounted capacitors and can't be rebuilt. It just feels cheap in a kit with a price tag of $800+
The D6 motors should offer a lot more torque especially if you plan on going all metal with tracks and wheels.
EXACTLY!!! Eventually I was thinking of going with full metal tracks. I think metal wheels are a overkill and offer little advantage compared to the disadvantage of their weight.
With new motors I want a little more torque with ball bearings and the ability to repair. Overall, just better quality.
10-02-2006 | 01:26 PM
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
Do you think these motors would work?
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJBY1&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZS59&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEXL4&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJBY1&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZS59&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEXL4&P=0
10-02-2006 | 01:44 PM
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From: , KY
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
No. All of those motors feature advanced timing and locked endbells, so there is no other way to adjust the timing. If I'm not mistaken the Speed Gems motors from Trinity are set to zero from the factory, but can be advanced or retarded. They should be able to work as is.
10-02-2006 | 01:55 PM
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RE: Leo 2 Motor question
ORIGINAL: titan20
No. All of those motors feature advanced timing and locked endbells, so there is no other way to adjust the timing. If I'm not mistaken the Speed Gems motors from Trinity are set to zero from the factory, but can be advanced or retarded. They should be able to work as is.
No. All of those motors feature advanced timing and locked endbells, so there is no other way to adjust the timing. If I'm not mistaken the Speed Gems motors from Trinity are set to zero from the factory, but can be advanced or retarded. They should be able to work as is.
The speed Gems look good but they don't come in 27 turn. I don't remember if you can compensate the lower turns by adjusting the timing.
10-02-2006 | 02:37 PM
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From: , KY
RE: Leo 2 Motor question
No -- if you fooled with the timing, then the motors couldn't be ran at the same speeds forward and reverse. Truthfully, if I was after more torque, I would just go with a silver can 550 motor with a torque ring. You can find the stock replacement 550 motors available for most ready-to-run r/c boat kits for like $10 apiece.
