RE: My Stampede with new body!!! check it out
I was looking at doing that exact conversion. I guess I don't have to ask about feasibility. I'd like to see how it looks with the lowered body mounts if you could post a couple of pics. Especially a side profile.
Posted on: 5/26/2008 3:00 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7542671

RE: Charger choices
What about lipo balancing for the ICE?
Posted on: 5/11/2008 11:49 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7485276

RE: Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
When I called Horizon, they wanted me to pay shipping too. Once I told them it was unreasonable for a customer who just purchased this new "defective" product back so they can look at it, they agreed to cover the shipping cost. That same day, I received a reply from the retailer I purchased this from. Instead of risking that Spektrum (Horizon) looks at this and claims everyting is ok (then sending it back the same as it was), I'll at least know the retailer has just gone ahead and swapped it out. That should also be much quicker than waiting for Horizon to get to my unit once they receive it. There was someone else here who had the same issue as I have and they had this exact issue with Horizon support. They are now having to send it back a second time, also at their own cost. I'm just avoiding the risk of having that issue since the retailer was willing to go the extra mile. I didn't demand or expect it, but I was sure glad they offered to support me. They will retain me as a follow up customer as a result, as well as receive positive references such as these posts.
Posted on: 5/8/2008 12:49 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7470092

RE: Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
*** Update *** Horizon said to send in the transmitter and they would look at it. No promises of just replacing it. I had to convince them to send a call ticket so I wouldn't have to pay shipping. Told them it was brand new, just received it and had issues day one. Then when I ask why should I pay to ship back defective stuff, they ask me when did I purchased it? I just told them I just purchased it. Now the good news. I also contacted the place I purchased it from (online, but they have a shop too). They replied today offering to just go ahead and replace my radio [8D]. I just needed to some the old one back. That's more like the customer service I was hoping for. In this case, I didn't bother complaining about the shipping cost because at least I know I'm getting a new radio and not taking the chance that I just get the same one back supposedly fixed. Someone else here is still going through that same problem with Horizon (sent in for repairs only to get it back with the same issue persisting). BTW, the shop helping me out is TheBarnFloor.com Thanks!
Posted on: 5/7/2008 12:23 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7465496

RE: Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
Another Update: I've now tested my DX3.0 with 2 different vehicles and 3 different receivers. Basically there is a range issue with all, so I'll assume the issue is with the transmitter. The batteries are fresh, still reading 12+ volts, so that isn't the reason. I can't imagine all 3 receivers are bad, so hopefully they'll swap out the transmitter. What a bummer. Hopefully the wait isn't too long.
Posted on: 5/3/2008 11:29 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7453191

RE: Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
Update: Separated wiring of ESC and servo leads. No change. Swapped receivers (have 3) and saw a minor improvement, but still nothing close to what I get with a regular FM setup. Is the average range with DSM less than with FM? I sent Spektrum and email 4 days ago and have still not heard back yet.
Posted on: 5/3/2008 4:11 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7451871

RE: IB4200 Battery Care?
Tom, Thanks for the info. Can I balance the cells by using a very low charge rate such that the already peaked cells don't get damages while the still undercharged cells continue to charge? In theory, I can charge individual cells. This would be doable with the SxS packs, but not the stick packs.
Posted on: 5/2/2008 2:22 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7448266

RE: IB4200 Battery Care?
Thanks for the info. How slow is slow enough? I suspect that my Competition Electronics's charger can't go low enough. 5A min. discharge. One of my others might do down to an amp, but I'll need to verify. Do I need to discharge below 1A?
Posted on: 5/1/2008 1:23 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7442580

RE: omg... look what happened to me...
[quote]ORIGINAL: jaejw1 oh i have plenty of old videos with me and the lovely permax.. the problem is that they dont make them any more and to find one at my LHS was just a gem find [/quote] They didn't happen to have any more by chance???[:D]
Posted on: 4/30/2008 11:00 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7442129

RE: IB4200 Battery Care?
Anybody? There have got to be folks out there with decent first hand experience with these packs.
Posted on: 4/30/2008 10:52 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7442096

RE: Seeking Charger Recommendation LiPo/NiMh
Didn't get the charger yet. Still researching, but I needed the power supply anyways. You can do the computer power supply conversion. It seems to make more sense if you already have a spare, or want need more than 20 amps. It wasn't worth the work given that I didn't have the spare power supply laying around and would have to purchase that just to start. Yes, you could hook it to your car battery if that was convenient. On the charger, the BC-6-10 is still a contender.
Posted on: 4/30/2008 10:51 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7442085

RE: Seeking Charger Recommendation LiPo/NiMh
[link=http://hobbypeople.net/gallery/158301.asp]ProPeak 20 Amp[/link] Just picked this up over the weekend. So far so good, and at $63 not a bad deal. Fan runs real quiet... almost like it is not on.
Posted on: 4/30/2008 12:04 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7438049

RE: Your Favorite brushed motor..
The challenger ran smoking hot. I pulled it out after just one run so I wouldn't waste it. Dropped the old Titan back in. That motor has lasted over a year so far. I know it has lost some of its punch, enough that I still want to replace it. I was looking for a moderate, but reliable replacement that would work with the existing ESC. (This is in my Son's Stampede.) Trinity suggested their Monster Max motors. I am considering their 17T version.
Posted on: 4/29/2008 5:03 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7436159

RE: Your Favorite brushed motor..
Got it. I'm running brushless in my MF now. Have not tried brushed on it yet. Tried the new Associated 19T Challenger in my son's Stampede at the suggestion of the LHS, but that was a huge mistake. Not sure how it would do in the XXXT, but would hope it was significantly better there.
Posted on: 4/29/2008 1:18 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7435240

RE: Your Favorite brushed motor..
Why not try one of the Trinity Monster Max motors 550? They are also big can motors like the Titan, and you get a choice of turns (19, 17, and I think 15).
Posted on: 4/29/2008 12:55 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7435151

RE: Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
Did you test with multiple receivers to find out if it was the transmitter or receiver? I'll probably run that test since I have three to work with. It would be nice if it was just a bad receiver since that would be much easier to ship back, and I'd still have the others to use in the interim.
Posted on: 4/29/2008 12:00 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7434962

RE: Help need with get full stering/gas with Spektrum 3.0
Check to see if your dual rate steering is what is limiting your travel. Just bump it up to 100% Same for your throttle/brake.
Posted on: 4/29/2008 2:16 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7433801

Spektrum DX3.0 Range Issues
Just got a new Spektrum DX3.0 and installed it in a new XXX-T with an also new Sidewinder ESC & 5700 motor. I'm getting poor range with it and don't know if I've got a defective radio, or if there is something I need to change. Antenna goes vertical almost immediatly from the receiver exit. Receiver kept away from electrical. Batteries tested were IB4200s and GP3300s. Same results for both types of packs, and range issues occurred with fresh packs as well as with continued use. I might get 100ft and then the car shuts down, or glitches. I get way better range with my FM radio. The only thing questionable is that I twisted my servo lead and ESC leads together for cleaner routing going to the receiver. (Maybe an issue?)
Posted on: 4/29/2008 2:10 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7433789

RE: Best Battery/Charger combo for $80
[quote]ORIGINAL: Chris_RC ya, I was looking at those but one person said when they bought them online they received their generic 3300 packs. How much run time would he get if he bought that pack for the rustler xl-5? [/quote] Yes they look more generic now, but someone here took one of the newer packs apart and still found GP3300 cells inside. This cosmetic change might have been intentional. (Agreement with the manufacturer?) I probably get 15 min in a Stampede with the 12T Titan, and they perform notably better than a Venom3000 pack. I only bought two when they were on sale and not confident that they were going to be real GP3300s. Now I wished I had purchased a couple more packs (they were $19 in Dec).
Posted on: 4/28/2008 12:59 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7430457

RE: Is a Pro-boat Apache Cat a good choice for a noob?
There is very little room inside that hull. A six cell pack fits snugly as it is. You'd have to cut away the entire battery tray, but I'd still guess you might max out at 8 cells. 3s Lipo is probably the way to go given the lack of space.
Posted on: 4/27/2008 1:05 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7426143

RE: Best Battery/Charger combo for $80
Here's another option with reputable cells: [link=http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2147160&cp=&sr=1&origkw=rechargeable+battery+rc&kw=rechargeable+battery+rc&parentPage=search]GP3300 Battery Pack[/link] Surprisingly, you'll find quality GP3300 cells inside what otherwise appears to be a generic 6 cell pack for $24. They were $20 when on sale. You should be able to get these at the local store. Just ask if you don't see them. Sometimes they are behind the counter. I've had good luck with these along with numerous others here. There's a thread on this forum about them where someone took the pack apart and confirmed what was inside. Current pack packaging doesn't show what the cells are. (Black with red/white generic label).
Posted on: 4/27/2008 12:40 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7426068

RE: Seeking Charger Recommendation LiPo/NiMh
Thanks for the info. I noticed that you sold both Hyperion and Bantam. I'd be interested in how they compared. I don't necessarily need the 10A charge rate. If I'm willing to do with 5A, would you suggest something different? I already have a 20A power supply, so AC/DC is not required.
Posted on: 4/27/2008 3:46 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7424947

IB4200 Battery Care?
I have a few IB4200 six cell packs that I acquired used. They are supposed to be around a year old, but have sat unused for a little while. I've heard they require some specific care, but have not really read any specific information on what exactly I should do. About the only thing I've been told to do is to do a forming charge initially since they have been sitting. I'd need a bit more info on that as well. I have a good charger (Competition Electronics Turbo30) that would allow me to control charge/peak/discharge pretty well. Can someone point me to the right info? Thanks!
Posted on: 4/27/2008 12:57 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7424654

RE: Which Radio? I dont know anymore I cant think!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: fusebmx13 well that doesnt matter, im not going to get that receiver deal anyways. and the dx3.0 costs 250 and the futaba costs 190 just to let you know. [/quote] You can get the [b]dx3.0 for $199[/b] at thebarnfloor.com Just got mine last week. Came with the extra receiver + servos. Also added a 3rd receiver for $59, and the promo gives you a 4th for free. The DX3.0 looks exactly like the JR XS3. In fact, most of the programming options are exactly the same. Aside from a 4 model memory, I'm happy. *** Forgot to mention, the price is listed at $249, but putting it in your shopping cart will reveal the $199 price [8D]. ***
Posted on: 4/24/2008 1:27 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7412575

Seeking Charger Recommendation LiPo/NiMh
I'm looking for recommendations for a new charger. I'm going to start using LiPo after a period of only NiMh packs. I will be charging IB1400, GP3300, IB4200 NiMh packs as well as the newer LiPos I'll start buying. I have a couple of 1300 2s 25c packs for my 1/18 scale brushless truggy to start, but anticipate eventually getting something for the 1/10 scale trucks as well. So eventually 4000-5000Mah 2s LiPo packs. I don't necessarily need the high $$$ pro charger, but it would be good to have something that would help condition/maintain the current NiMh packs, as well as safely charge the newer LiPo packs. I assumed that getting a balancing charger was a wise choice, but I wondered why I see a number of the popular multipurpose chargers not be balancing chargers (Team Checkpoint, Duratrax ICE, Triton2). Thanks!
Posted on: 4/24/2008 1:06 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7412545

RE: The Official Traxxas Slash short-course race truck
This looks mostly like they reused much of the Stampede/XL5 with a new (yes better) chassis and waterproofed but otherwise same electronics. Trans seems to be pretty much the same as the VXL, which just swaps the diff and idler gears from the XL5. That really amounts to a $7 upgrade from the XL5 Stampede/Rustler/Bandit. (Just did that myself.) I'd say that recycled much of what they already had, addressed some prior issues and added requested features (waterproofing & battery flexibility), then packaged it up as a new platform.
Posted on: 4/18/2008 1:38 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7388188

RE: Radio Help In My Stampede. Spektrum Maybe?
Check out here:[link=http://www.thebarnfloor.com]TheBarnFloor[/link] They seem to have the best Spektrum deal right now. DX2.0 - comes with [b]1[/b] receiver and 2 servos $139 DX3.0 - comes with [b]2[/b] receivers and 2 servos $199 Also, there is the Spektrum free receiver promo until the end of April. Buy a system, and for each additional receiver you purchase, you get another free. Up to two free (if you buy 2 additional.) Basically, buy one, get one free. My DX3 arrives tomorrow [:D]
Posted on: 4/18/2008 1:11 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7388120

RE: 2 questions, Sidewinder and 989 Superbrain
Yes, more adjustability with the cable, but not required. (Completely tunable throttle and brake curves, some settings allow you to specify the percentage instead of making one of 3-4 choices.) Also, if newer firmware versions get released, you'd also need the cable to install them. Newer firmware in my Mamba25 made a huge improvement from the original older firmware. Another plus is that you can customize the settings and save them in separate files so you can easily switch an entire setup just by loading the desired file.
Posted on: 4/18/2008 1:03 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7388093

RE: losti xxxt ??
No prebuilt diff or diff rebuild kit as a single package. You'll have to get the individual sets of parts. It's not too bad though. Black case is either MF1/reg XXXT or CR. Not a Gen2 trans from the MF2. You can compare parts explosion diagrams with yours and figure out if it is a CR or other. Or as you suggested, just take the trans to the LHS. They may need to see the case split open, plus you'd want to do that just to see what you actually need.
Posted on: 4/7/2008 1:16 AM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7344520

RE: losti xxxt ??
Since you are fixing your trans/diff, look at the parts you have and compare. Trans housing is black for Gen1 trans in XXX-T and MF, and grey for MF2 Gen2 trans. Some parts might be the same for all.
Posted on: 4/6/2008 2:55 PM by Author "banzaij" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7341757