Best Computer for G4.5 around $800
Hello all, I am looking for some suggestions on desktop systems to run Realflight G4.5 on. I have been using my laptop for a year or so and it doesn't do to bad considering it just a laptop. Anyway, another hobby of mine is photography and I have decided to get a desktop to do my photo editing on. I would also like it to be a good system to run G4.5 on as well. Any system that can run G4.5 should do very well for my photo editing. So anyway, I am looking for suggestions of systems to buy in the $800 range. I Already have a good monitor on order so that is not a concern. I don't want to build my own computer so I would prefer something pre-built, or something I can custom order. If anybody has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have suggestions for complete systems, suggestions for the key components to look for would be great too (ie video card, processer, etc).. Thanks in advance for any opinions/info anybody can provide! Todd
Posted on: 10/15/2009 6:42 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9176247

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
There is an easier way than making a fixture and welding. I made a steel sleeve out of 1/4" rod. Drilled it a few thousands of an inch larger than the shaft, slipped the two halves together and brazed it. The good thing about brazing is number one, anybody can do it relatively easily, and number two, the silver solder gets sucked down into the sleeve as opposed to only the exposed end. I did this on mine over a week ago now and have run it hard since then with no problems. By the way, I cut approximately .300" out of the shaft. Let me know if anybody needs any clarification. I can post a pic of it in the truck as well, or next time I need to take it apart I can take one then too.
Posted on: 8/11/2009 2:46 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9006888

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
By the way, I forgot to mention the other day after installing all of my hop ups I got, that there definately is an issue with using the THS center CVD's along with the Traxxas center diff and brake kit. The output shaft on the diff is longer to give room for the rear brake which then doesn't leave enough room for the rear center CVD. My solution.. I cut the CVD in half, took out about .300", drilled a steel sleeve for a slip fit over the CVD and brazed it all back together. So far it is working great.
Posted on: 8/1/2009 10:47 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8981203

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
ok, question for you guys. My 3.3 is overheating bigtime. I am starting to wonder if I may have an air leak or two?? It is tuned very rich (around 5 turns out) and is putting out a ton of smoke/oil. I have the DX3S radio from Spektrum with the telemetry in it, and it was running 280-300 within 3 minutes of running. That may be partially because the parking lot was wet and I was spinning wheels some, but it should never get that hot that fast. Should I RTV the backplate and carb? Should I check anything else?
Posted on: 7/30/2009 12:28 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8975474

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Well, I have only run it a little so far at work on the asphalt parking lot, but so far I like it a lot with the diff and brake kit. It doesn't squat as much when accelerating and you can tell the power is more evenly distributed. Also, you can tell that the braking could be used for tuning in a race setup. Initially I had the rear brake set too tight and when I would hit the brakes, it would get "loose". From what I have read (I haven't done any racing yet) this can be used to change how the truck enters a turn, which would make sense.
Posted on: 7/30/2009 12:24 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8975465

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
looks good Slayer15.. I just got done putting the used Slayer that I just got last week back together. I installed a center diff., rear brake kit, changed the shock oil, and replaced a broken motor mount. Anxious for brake time at work so I can go outside and run it and see how she does now!
Posted on: 7/29/2009 6:37 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8974527

RE: scale deep vee suggestions?
Thanks for the information, but I am looking for scale looking deep vee's. I don't want a hydroplane or catamaran. So far I have found the Traxxas Villain, and Proboat Fastech Deep Vee. I already have plenty of batteries and chargers from my planes, helis, and trucks. The local hobby store has a Villain EX that I have been tempted to go pick up, but have resisted so far. How would this be as a first boat in a LONG time? Any other suggestions to look at similar to these?
Posted on: 7/27/2009 9:53 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8967367

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
I got the truck today! Came faster than I thought it would. I've already run 2 tanks of fuel through it. Just finished yanking the stock radio out and putting in my Spektrum receiver and setting that all up. Should be a lot nicer to drive with some exponential on the steering etc. The engine wasn't anywhere close to tuned right when I got it, but that's where my plane and heli engine knowledge comes in handy. It's running great now. It is fun to drive and FAST. I've already rolled it a few times, but I think that just comes with the territory. The body that came with it is pretty much trashed so I need to figure out what body I want and order another. What bodies work well with the Slayer? I know of the Hardcore and the Dessert Rat, any other options? I'm not sure that I wouldn't rather have something more like a normal truck style body like a Ram 1500. (I'm a diehard Dodge guy). But the CORR style bodies do look cool on them. Looking at the body that came with it, I'm thinking they probably get torn up pretty easily?? That's a big body that sticks out away from the chassis and wheels a lot. There isn't much to protect the body in a roll etc. (which is part of why I'm debating if a more narrow regular truck body may not be better)
Posted on: 7/25/2009 12:45 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8961915

scale deep vee suggestions?
Hey Guys, I am starting to think about maybe grabbing a boat. I have been in rc for 20 years and have dabbled in just about every aspect fo it, but haven't had a boat since the first year or two I was in rc. I think I would be interested in something brushless electric and a scale looking sport boat. Something like a Scarab, etc. Does anybody have any suggestions in things to look at? Also, i don't want to spend thousands on this boat, just want something I can have fun with "on the side" as planes and heli's are my main thing. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Todd
Posted on: 7/23/2009 6:41 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8958621

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
quick question I just thought of. I will probably need a new receiver pack for it when it gets here. I gather from the reading I've done it comes with a battery case for 4 AA batteries? I have never liked those and would rather get a nimh pack for it. What configuration fits the Slayer best? 2 over 2? Do most of you use 4 cells or 5?
Posted on: 7/23/2009 3:38 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8956905

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
lol.. it already has a swaybar kit on it and I have a half gallon or so of fuel here and the hobby store is only 10 minutes away. May go and pick some up tomorrow.(well, later today considering it's 3:30AM..lol) This is what is on it's way to me http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=533451
Posted on: 7/23/2009 3:31 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8956901

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Well, I just shook a little more money out of my pockets for my Slayer that I don't even have yet. My Slayer should be here Saturday, it's ready to go but I just ordered the THS center CVD's and Fastlane front and rear CVD's, along with the Slayer center diff. and Revo rear brake kit and some spare glowplugs etc.. I should be all set and I'm anxious to have some fun!
Posted on: 7/23/2009 12:37 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8956647

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
muttracer.. Carguy's point isn't that the 10% will make it run bad.. it's just going to cause the engine to wear faster. 10% oil is WAY low.
Posted on: 7/21/2009 11:38 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8953609

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Carguy, or anybody else who has made the upgrade. You mentioned the fastlane machine cvd's. I'm on there website now, is the kit what they call the "cvd wheel kit"? It is pretty vague as to what that is or what it includes for $70. What else will I still need to make the drivetrain more reliable?
Posted on: 7/20/2009 11:47 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8950728

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Well, the one I saw still had the stock Slayer wheels and tires on it, and as far as I know the same gearing, so I wouldn't say it was totally converted to a Revo, but pretty close. The guy just said it was too fast for how narrow it was, and that it helped eliminate the barrel rolling. I will probably keep it stock width for now and go from there. I may try and race it some at a local club that is forming. Only question is what class they will have me run in. They don't seem very strict. I'm thinking probably a Muggy class would be the closest.
Posted on: 7/20/2009 10:57 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8950575

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Oops.. I just looked 3 or 4 posts up and the same question was asked. Sorry for asking the same thing again. Does anybody have more input other than axels, driveshafts, and swaybars? Also any input on the Revo suspension arm question would be great. If I am going to get new axels, I should decide about longer suspension arms first obviously, right?
Posted on: 7/20/2009 6:05 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8949779

RE: OFFICIAL TRAXXAS SLAYER OWNERS THREAD
Hey Guys, I am about to join the Slayer crowd. I have a used Slayer on its way to me. It is basically stock, but has a swaybar kit on it and some upgraded shocks. My question is this. What upgrades should I consider, and are there any weakpoints in it that I should be ready to replace? Also, I saw a Slayer in the Marketplace that said it had Revo suspension arms on it to make it wider. Is this a simple bolt on mod, or do you need to mod anything further? Is it a good mod? It does look like a narrow truck in the pics I have seen. Thanks for any suggestions! By the way, I know I should read through all the pages of this thread before asking the question, but I haven't had time to do that yet. Thanks, Todd
Posted on: 7/20/2009 5:25 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8949663

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
hooking them up in series will result in more voltage. Meanign it would now be a 4s pack.. so 14.4 volts and still 5400mah capacity.
Posted on: 7/14/2009 8:05 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8933716

RE: Scorpion -6 for both 3S A123 and 3S LIPO / max beginner flight time
Hhhmm.. I am getting ready to buy a motor and esc for my Dragonus (same size, weight etc as a TRex for those who aren't familiar), and am a big fan of a123 for receiver packs and power for my E-Maxx monster truck. Going a123 sounds like an intriguing idea for my heli. Without having to sort through 35 pages of info, what seems to be the best setup for a123? So far from the reading I've done, I'm thinking possibly 3S, and the Scorpion 4400kv? What esc's should I consider? Have read Phoenix 45amp, hyperion 50amp, and the align esc's. From what I've read, I would need a BEC for anything but the Hyperion? I'm toying with this idea now a lot. I love a123 so far in other applications, and like trying new things. I'm relatively new to helis (do fff, and some loops, but that's about it so far) so I don't need crazy 3D performance. Thoughts/suggestions?? Now that the idea has been out there for a little while, are those of you who tried it initially glad you did? Is it worth doing, or should I stick with Lipos, which I also already have? Thanks, Todd
Posted on: 7/9/2009 6:10 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8919827

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
Well, I have owned many cars, trucks etc over the years. Cars were my intro to rc when I was around 10 or 12, then I got into planes around 15 and they along with helicopters have been my "main" thing ever since. I've had everything from buggies, to monster trucks, to a drift car (lots of fun btw..), and now I am waiting for my E-Maxx to get here from Ebay. I got a highly upgraded (except for the power train), never run E-Maxx. Can't wait to get it, upgrade to brushless and A123, and then do some cosmetic changes that I will post here. Don't want to talk to much about my idea until I find out if it's going to work. I'm sure it's been done before, but would be the first time I've seen it done, and I hate having the same thing everybody and there brother has.
Posted on: 7/3/2009 1:02 AM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8902731

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
no problem at all.. it's the cool thing about these forums. We are all here to help each other out. I come on here to ask a lot of questions, and enjoy helping out other people in return when I can.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 9:38 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899346

RE: Rich or lean? I'm really confused O.o
it is most likely the low speed needle. Get the engine running then let it sit at idle.. if it eventually slows down and/or dies completely it is most likely too rich, which is what I am guessing is the case. It's loading up with fuel.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 8:41 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899207

RE: Are Digital Servos limited in turning
are you using the same servo arm/servo saver? If it happens to be a shorter arm, it will give less steering.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 8:36 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899197

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
also you mentioned the number like 30c, this is just the maximum discharge rate of the battery. Meaning how strong of a power burst it can give, it will stay the same regardless of how the pack is configured. Generally, the better, more expensive cells will have the higher c numbers which is what lets them dump all of the power they have available at once, in our case meaning instant accelleration..
Posted on: 7/1/2009 8:13 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899133

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
and yes, that is correct, a 6S1P would run for roughly half as long as a 6S2P and both would have the same voltage.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 8:10 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899118

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
series and parallel has nothing to do with the physical arrangement of the cells. They could be configured as a stick pack (cells end to end), a flat pack (cells next to each other), any any other shape (hump, block, etc.) Series and parallel deals with how the cells are wired together. Series batteries are connected postive to negative in a "chain" which is what makes them add to each other's voltages, parallel cells are connected postive to positive and negative to negative, which makes them act as one bigger higher capacity cell.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 8:07 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899112

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
yes more or less.. the numbers indicate how many cells are in the pack, and wether they are hooked up in series or parallel. Series cells increase the voltage (lipos would be 1S=3.6volts, then 2S=7.2 volts, etc), parallel cells increase the capacity or run time (example a 3s2p pack would actually have 6 cells, which is basically 2 sets of 3 cells hooked together) so in your case you would end up with a 6S1P pack by Ying them together and the end result would be 22.2 volts and 5000mah capacity.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 7:13 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8898973

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
That pack is what you would want for your application if you wanted to go lipo.. 3s1p simply means 3 cells in series, to me the 1p is kind of goofy because it would usually mean "1" in parrallel, but in reality it is none in parallel because everything is hooked up in series. You would buy 2 of those packs and Y them together in series (not parallel like my case) to get a 6s1p pack.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 7:00 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8898939

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
it can be done either way.. I am doing it the way I am because otherwise it would be one very big, very heavy pack to mount on one side of the truck. Most of the time in smaller batteries it would be a single pack.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 6:54 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8898926

RE: Bought MAMBA MONSTER need lipos
the P numbers are how many cells in parallel.. in my case (5s2p) means I will have 5 cells in series (which gives higher voltage) and 2 cells in parallel (which give higher capacity). Basically I am buying 2, 5 cell 2300mah packs and "Y"ing them together to get in effect a 5 cell 4600mah pack.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 6:37 PM by Author "golfingguy27" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8898877