RE: widowmaker 22 mods
After reading a few threads on this boat (a mixed bag) I decided to get another v-hull. I really enjoy the hydros (UL-1/Elam), but sometimes it is just too darn windy here in S.Fla. I was just looking for something to play around with, so the Widow Maker and new Shockwave 26 were the front runners. After looking at the hardware each came with, I felt IMO the composite/glass, all aluminum running gear, and flex shaft on the Widow made it a better choice. And even after I placed the order I questioned myself as to the choice I made, but after running a few lipo's through this boat over the weekend, the choice I made was a good one! First this boat is very small, only 22" , it fits very nicely in the trunk. Next, the hull and graphics are way better in person than in the pics. Proboat must be listening because my strut and flexshaft look to be about dead straight with the back of the hull. The only thing I had to do was adjust the motor mount since it looked a little cocked to the right. I a battery I choose to run an Orion 7.4v 3200 carbon lipo I had laying around, and it fit perfectly. This pack only weights in at 5oz's, so it kept the CG as low as possible. The first run I was supprised at how well it took off from a stand still, and got on a plane rather quickly. Mine experianced a few hops at full speed like others had posted, but it wasn't bad at all, actually I was trying to jump my own wake, so the little hop's seemed quite harmless and fun. As for turning, I used the transmitters end point adjustment (or dual rate wheel) to keep it from tuning too sharply, Yes, it will want too hook if going too fast and turning too sharp. But one thing I found was if you drive it like a R/C car, and slow down a bit before the turn then, gunning it while turing it would hook up and shoot out of the turn. I estimate my run time at 6-8 min on the 3200, so a 5000 will probably get you in the 10-12 min range. Overall, it does what its intended to do, goes pretty darn quick, and is ment as a play around boat fun run boat. Its not a racing hull, its not SV27 type speed, but at around 22-25mph its more than enough speed for this little hull.
Posted on: 5/23/2010 1:26 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9753502

RE: HPI Vorza opinions:
I guess no one has read anything about this new buggy. First of all it was just released by HPI, most who pre-ordered didn't even get theirs till just before Christmas. So yes, parts will be thin IF you are waiting for HPI, or even Tower to list them. BUT parts are plentiful! How do I know this? Well, its based off of the Hotbodies D8, and Ve8 which have been out a bit longer. The drive train, chassis, shocks, ect are the exact same as HB according a review I just read on the Vorza. I'm also thinking of pulling the trigger on one since I own a HPI Blitz, Savage 4.6, and Baja 5b. I beat these cars on a regular basis and they hold up very well. HPI uses some of the best nylon composit plastics out there and if they do see a problem with A-arms or parts breaking prematurely, they often will have revisions with extra webbing or support added. Also I've never had to call, but from what I understand HPI customer service is as good as it gets.
Posted on: 1/24/2010 8:50 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9444851

RE: Looking to purchase a Raptor. Please advise.
I recently picked up a Raptor 30 V2 super combo, I highly recommend this combo if you do not want to build. This is not my first go around with nitro helis. I actually started with a Kyosho concept DX many years ago, then had an original Raptor 30 V1 10 yrs ago, a JR Ergo 30, JR Ergo 60, and Kyosho caliber 30. I sold off all my heli's, got the itch again and picked up a Eflight 400 3D. To be honest the electrics to me are a pain because they need to be spot on in the set-up, wind greatly affects them due to size, and usually a battery lasts maybe 8 minutes. Nitro's are much more stable, and seem to be easier to get in the ball park as far as setting them up goes. I have done all the build in the past, and with my schedule, had no desire to build anorther heli. So this super combo was right up my alley. The radio is actually pretty good for a FM radio, its a Hitec optic 6 to be exact, and the gyro, high speed servo combo included rivals the Futaba gy420. The servo's are standard units, but get the job done for basic forward flight and mild aerobatics. The only things I did to mine were add a remote glow plug adaptor, carbon/glass main blades, and header tank. So far the engine has been really good to me, and has plenty of power on 30%. If you do get one of these birds, I do recommend going over the screws after a few flights since my muffler screws loosened up and it started to fly erratically.
Posted on: 9/1/2009 8:44 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9062834

RE: RCCommand Battle Systems
Nick, How long has the problem with this particular board been known? Its not like this tank is 6 months old, I just got the darn thing. As far as contacting Bill, I feel I have been a very good, patient customer. I may have emailed Bill once a week during the build just to get a progress update, and never, ever asked for a rush job. As a matter of fact, I asked to delay sending it out till all the bugs, and features worked properly. I feel the battle system was never tested, since mine burnt out on the very first battle. I use to get email responses back within 24hrs, now nothing at all. Not even an update on the RX-18 I ordered with a few bits........For now I'm going to just leave it as is, I have no Tamiya's to battle against anyway.
Posted on: 8/23/2009 6:52 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9036825

RE: RCCommand Battle Systems
My experience with the RCC battle system has been frustrating to say the least. I purchased a custom Jagdpanther from Bill about 3 months ago, and it took about 1 1/2 months to get here. I was told it had electrical "noise issues" during the build, and they were finally resolved. I know custom builds take time, so I really wasn't in a hurry, just wanted it to be right. when I received my new custom jagd it sounded fantastic, played with it for a bit then decided to battle with my daughters KV-1. That where everything went down hill. During our battle my tank.. just stops running...no sound..nothing. I take it apart and smell the odor of electrical death. I first thought it was the RX-18 since I was on the move quite a bit. So, ordered a board and RX from RCC. that was last month.. still no board, or emails back. I decided to order from Mato to pick up a Stug III, along with 2 RX-18 boards. I received these in about a week, and quickly replaced my old units. She fired up and everything looked good, but no IR function at all. Then It stopped running again, burnt electrical death small again......This time I could tell it was from the RX-18, so my 2nd RX-18 goes in, but this time I decided to take out the RCC battle system, and in doing so I noticed a little crispy colored resistor on the main battle board. I'm betting somehow this is the root cause of all my problems. Reinstalled new boards, now it works perfectly again, sounds like a regular jagd, but I can run it and even battle heng long's without a hiccup, just not Tamiya's. So to say I'm not impressed with the RCC battle system would be an understatement. I think I will be buying a Darkiths DBC next time since from what I've read has been much more reliable.
Posted on: 8/22/2009 8:05 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9035297

RE: Thunder Tiger TG7000 Gyro with Futaba issues....
Agreed, the radio is a hitec optic 6. I'll probably just give mine to a friend to get him into flying. Even though my TG7000 seems to work, I have been eyeing up the Futaba GY520 for a possible future purchase, but for now the TG will have to do.
Posted on: 8/14/2009 8:29 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9017067

RE: Thunder Tiger TG7000 Gyro with Futaba issues....
I just purchased a Rapter 30 V2 super combo, the included radio right out of the box had an issue getting the TX battery plugged into the little white conector on the board. It would never snap into place, until I removed the back plate to physically make the connection on the board. Anyway, after that experiance I decided to scrap the radio anyway and installed my Futaba 9CHP with spektrum module. I was hesitant at first after reading all the reports of issues with Futaba/TG7000's, but mine seems to work well. I'm using the standard GY settings in my manual and it seems to switch from normal to HH mode, and a test hover has it holding the tail nicely. My thought is that if you use Futaba TX's in PPM mode 72MHz, or the spektrum system all is well with Futaba, seems the TG-7000 doesnt like PCM, and the new 2.4Ghz radios Futaba currently has. I'd love to buy a new TX, just the darn price tag getting in the way!
Posted on: 8/14/2009 4:26 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9016614

RE: New U.S.A. Mato warehouse?
Looks like the warehouse is in Oakland, CA. I ordered a Stug III IR version over the weekend with a few RX-18 boards and received my UPS shipping notice Tuesday. Looks like it will arrive on the 18th, so a week is not too bad for U.S customers, I'm in Florida so everything takes at least a week to get here.
Posted on: 8/12/2009 8:21 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9011691

RE: help in buying first 4wd buggy
Greetings. I'm picking up a Kyosho ZX-5 myself this week. I'm not new to R/C, but wanted another 4wd to run. I've had a few over the years and most recently had a BJconcepts and B44. Both of those cars were so fragile it wasnt funny. I sold these cars and thought I'd never give 4wd another shot, till now. I was thinking of a re-release of the hotshot, but I know from having a Frog and Hornet (re-release) they are not up to todays batteries and power systems. Kyosho have a great reputation, and following, most things I've read on the ZX-5 are all positive. Parts are pretty cheap for the ZX-5 and I've found stormer hobbies has a ton of parts for it. So I figure, why not. BTW Amain hobbies has the ready set for $199, and if you do a search for Amain hobbies discount codes you can find a $25 off coupon code. So a 4wd RTR for $174 plus S&H is a heck of a deal IMO.
Posted on: 5/4/2009 6:34 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8740565

RE: HOW DO I CLEAN MY CAR??
You can also get Electric motor cleaner spray from your LHS to get any goo off the engine, but like others have posted a toothbrush and some elbow grease is the best method. An air compressor works great in these areas. I've found my new 18v leaf blower works terrific on blowing trash out as well.
Posted on: 12/24/2008 10:35 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC 1/8th Scale Buggies"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8280001

RE: Venom-Racing GPV-1 motorcycle
I just placed my order for one of these. After about a month of trying out a EP TT Ducatti, I found the TT needed an area bigger than where I was running. however, I am still interested in bikes and if I like the venom, I'll invest in a BL system for it. Might even wait for the Venom BL system to come out for this.
Posted on: 12/19/2008 8:21 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8262861

RE: TT ducati fm1e steering mod
I actually went back to the stock fuel tubing set-up after trying one steering damper on the left side. For the life of me it just didnt "feel" the same to me. I even tried 1000wt gear diff oil. In the pic above with the home made spring set-up on the servo horn, I can see that he used what looks like an Ofna 1/8th offroad throttle linkage kit to get the springs, and slider piece on the horn. Shouldnt be any more than $10 for the kit, might have to give that a try.
Posted on: 11/29/2008 7:00 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8195575

RE: TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
She arrived today! I quickly threw open the box, took one look at the radio system, and said, "not gonna even run you!". So off with the body work to stick my Spektrum SR3001 RX. Then After looking at the ESC....not bad, but I have a Tekin R1 pro sitting in my box with a 3700KV motor, that will do nicely! After dropping the battery tray the motor just drops out after removing 2 screws...easy enough. So after replacing the electronics and adding a deans connector to the battery, I programmed everything and set-up the esc, she looks good, but I noticed the chain was extremely tight, so I loosened the rear axle and put just a little play to the chain, now the motor doesnt sound like it struggling to get the rear wheel moving. The next thing to go was the rubber bands holding the batt in, I had a set of velcro straps left over from my Scorpion crawler that worked perfectly....She was ready to go. I must say the bike is really well designed and looks rugged, I didnt get my new tires yet, so I'm stuck with those terrible kit tires. My front tire is the V shaped one, and right away when I tried to run it, any small deflection of the steering makes it go into a turn. So it seems you're either going straight or in a steep turn......nothing inbetween. Guess the new front tire will cure that. So far I'm pleased with it, and will run it after the new tires show up.
Posted on: 11/12/2008 7:06 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8141267

RE: Venom-Racing GPV-1 motorcycle
Any ideas when the race version will be out, and what will it include: RTR, or ARTR?
Posted on: 11/9/2008 9:02 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8131470

RE: TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
Well along with tires/rims, I also ordered a chain/sproket set, a spur gear adapter, a motor spacer (when I go brushless), steering damper kit, and aluminum body mounts. I did try to research this bike as much as possible, but this is the first I've read about the rear shock. I do have a spare set of Tamiya TRF shocks I may be able to make the proper legnth, I'll try to see how long my E-revo's shock is and try to match it. If all else fails I'll just buy the the revo shock itself.frpm there I ll just wait till I bend something, or it breaks to upgrade it further.
Posted on: 11/7/2008 5:43 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8124734

RE: TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
Mine wont arrive till end of next week. I did order new tires from 2wheel's web site. I did a little reading on the TT and everyone of those reviews stated how bad the stock tires are. I've done almost everything in R/C since the age of 12 including planes, helicopters, cars of all sizes, tanks, boats, and now motorcycles. While Ive grown board of some of those things, I can see how motorcycles can be challenging and looks rewarding when done properly, I cant wait!
Posted on: 11/7/2008 10:51 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8123607

RE: TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
I just ordered the Duc 999 EP today, I'll run it stock for now, till I gain experiance. I did watch it on youtube and seems a little tame in stock trim. But then you watch a brushless 999 and see what a beast it can become. No worries on what BL system to use in it, I have a GTB system, Sidewinder, and Tekin RS I'm sure one will fit. If all else fails I have a spare LRP quantum brushed ESC that I know will fit in anything. I've been doing R/C for many, many years this should be fun.
Posted on: 11/6/2008 7:18 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8121838

RE: TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
Thanks for the link, I listened to all of episode 2. It really sounds like the 1/5th bike in the long run would be the most enjoyable, and more room to grow. No matter which bike I choose, I would have to go to a parking lot, so that really doesnt concern me. I have a DX3R, so while the FM radio on the Venum is nice, its not totally necessary in my case. It looks ike the TT Ducati uses standard 1/10 motors and electronics, so my exhisting BL systems and Lipo packs will probably fit. Sounds like I've made my mind up........Ya right!
Posted on: 11/6/2008 2:55 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8121147

TT Ducati 999r EP VS Venum GPV-1
Hi, Im looking at purchasing my first EP motorcycle and have been looking at the TT Ducati EP, and the soon to be released GPV-1. I know the GPV-1 hasnt been out to get good drivers shakdown, but on terms of quality, parts, both are RTR, which one is the better buy? I do like how the TT has aluminum frame, rims, and is a little bigger, but the GPV-1 is newer, looks like its made of decent materials and has a good radio.
Posted on: 11/6/2008 6:43 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8120026

RE: SV27 Battery Thread
I'm not sure if this has been asked, but for those running lipos, are you adding any weight to the boat to make up for the weight differances between the lipo and NiMh packs?
Posted on: 8/29/2008 10:55 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7898715

RE: SV27 Battery Thread
I want to thank those who posted links to the Cheap battery packs site, Elite 4800 2s packs in particular. $65 a pack is a real bargin, I've ordered 4 of these for my supervee today. I'm totally done with NiMh, after today. My day went south after charging up my new set of promatch 4600's Ener-whatevers, going to the local pond and hearing a loud pop sound coming from my boat. It was the kind of sound you just know is no good. Luckily I didnt loose all power and was able to carefully bring her in. I was worried about an hull fire and was looking for any signs of smoke, but luckily once the hatch tape came off I removed the hatch to see a nasty looking cell blown apart. Nothin else was damaged....boy was I lucky. So after all that I'm buying nothing but lipo's from now on. I already have some small ones for R/C cars and small planes, so now my boat and anything else I buy will get a lipo. I read all those threads on R/C car forums of IB's and EP's blowing up, but it never happened to me till today. Guess you never know.
Posted on: 8/24/2008 6:40 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7881081

RE: Aquacraft Mini Rio
I just received 2 of these little beauties, and took one out today to try out. My first impression was "wow", faster than I thought from the videos. But it all came to an end when the drive wire came loose from the motor coupler. Luckly it made it back to shore, both boats have been gone through and both couplers were loose, a little tightening, and there good to go. My kids and I will have fun running these at the local park!
Posted on: 5/7/2008 6:12 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7468437

RE: NEW amain discount codes!!!!!!!
Thank you Madmaxx22!!!!! Just ordered an associated B44 and was able to take $25 off! It paid for USPS priority shipping, and then some!!!
Posted on: 3/24/2008 11:49 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Truggy"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7274336

New battle tanks at Mato
Anyone else see the new Tiger I, and T-34 battle tanks at Mato toys? Watch the video, its quite long, but the barrel movement is almost comical its so fast. I'm still trying to figure out where the IR sensors are, and is it me or does it sound like the Tiger I they are showing has gear box problems every time it turns sounds like gears stripping out, not a good promo video. Are these made by HL, or Matorro? I do like the T-34 though. Wonder if these are Tamiya battle system compatable.
Posted on: 3/22/2008 10:56 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7264551

RE: SV27 Stock Water Cooling
You can also replace the cooling jacket if it turns out the stock is not working well http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=ose-mjacket Its not that much $$ and fits perfectly. I'd say I get a good 6-8" of water shooting out my boat using both the trim tab upgrade, and this water jacket.
Posted on: 3/16/2008 9:09 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7232586

RE: SV27 Stock Water Cooling
I think most PPL on here have had some sort of issue with the cooling system on the supervee. Step one for me was to ditch the stock water inlet through the fin, and add these http://cgi.ebay.com/Supervee-Upgrade-Kit-Water-Pickup-Adjus-Trim-Tab-SV27_W0QQitemZ180224376606QQihZ008QQcategoryZ34058QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Not only does it mount without modifing the hull, it gives you adjustible tabs, and a new water pick-up point.
Posted on: 3/16/2008 9:03 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7232571

RE: What happened to my M10 Post?
Ya, strange. Made a post over on the electric airplane threads, and it was missing later too, and now. Then it was really hard to get on at around 12:00 today.
Posted on: 3/12/2008 2:46 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7213811

RE: Parkzone Supermarine Spitfire Mk11B
Why is it that the Spitfire has the wing to stabilizer out of alignment more than the other Parkzone planes? This is my 2nd spitfire, and I do have the P-51, and Focke Wulf also. All of them are not lined up, but the spitfire is off more than the others, as was my first spit. Maybe I shouldnt look at it any more, its not like it wont fly, It looks to me like its actually the wing saddle a little higher on one side than the other making it look crooked when you look down the middle.
Posted on: 3/12/2008 1:25 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7213459

RE: King Tiger is at Mato now!
Saw this last night, $199! ouch. I seriously question Matorro since all the problems with my Sturm out of the box. HL electronics have proven, dare I say it, to be far superior to Matorro. I say we all pass on this deal and more or less force these to sell for less, its probably $99 overpriced right now.
Posted on: 12/17/2007 9:17 AM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6768134

RE: ROAR rule on brushless rumer
So if castle is not ROAR approved, then Tekin will not be either, both are sensorless. From what I understand the onroad commitee here in FL will allow BL, AND hardcased Lipo's for all next years state races, I'm not sure what offroad is going to do. Really does it matter what ROAR decides to do? Most tracks only loosely follow ROAR rules, and generally if 4 or more guys ask the track director to add a modified BL and Lipo class, most but not all will probably give it a try, cant hurt to ask. My feeling is that sintered rotors have blown it a little bit for the stock racers. The original Novak 13.5 was only a few .1's from a good stock motor. Now with the Novak 13.5 with sintered rotor the power is more like a 19T than a stock. So now the 17.5 is supposed to to be the new stock equivialant, so what is ROAR supposed to do? The cats out of the bag and now they have to set the rules straight to get the stock equivilant the same with all manufactures. I'd like to see a roll back to non-sintered 13.5's from all manufactures, and probably 10.5's too to get 19T equivilant back.
Posted on: 11/23/2007 8:25 PM by Author "hobbimaster" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6664097