Its been a while... help needed!
 

Hi,

I used to race 1/10th off road electric a few years ago (in 2000!) and i'm trying to get back into racing. Unfortunately i've lost touch with the tecnical side and so have a few questions. I'm looking for a brushless system to run in my predator, what sort of things should i look out for? I'm also looking at buying new batteries (NiMH?) and a charger, can anyone reccomend any?

Thanks.

Brushless: Make sure whatever you get is sensored. Sensorless systems are worthless unless you have a monster truck and don't mind losing. I hear good things about the SpeedPassion GT. It's easy to program and smaller than any other (as best I can tell, and in a Pred, space is at a premium). Schumacher is a dealer for them. If you're in Europe I'd look for one of those. If you're in the U.S., I recommend the Novak GTB because Novak's customer support is second to none. I have no interest in LRP/Nosram since I fried a Sphere on a stock motor and it took 2 months to get a replacement.

As for batteries, I'd get into LiPo because you can get such long runtimes and the batteries aren't prone to being ruined if let to sit for 2 weeks. http://www.trakpower.com just came out with lipo saddle packs that will fit the pred. You need a special charger for lipo, though. Since I don't know where you live it's pretty hard to recommend specific products or stores.

I have to say my LRP and Nosram brushless speedos are excellent and to me at least seem easier to tune than the Novak (but the Novak does seem to have more adjustment). I think either of them are a good buy.

It might be worth making sure that whatever you choose will fit under the low shell on the Pred.

As for cells I am going to assume your in the UK. If you are then don't get Lipo if your going to race at BRCA events as they are not legal in off-road.

I would by cells from the latest 2008 homologation list which can be found on the BRCA electric board site. There have been real problems with some of the cells from last year and you wouldn't want to be buying 2007 spec cells at the moment.

Turn on,
Set drag brake to 1 or 2 flashes,
Use

The systems made by novak/lrp/nosram are the most widely available. My advice is to go to your local store and see what they stock as this will make support and assistance easier to coem by.

Also with the predator you will need to make some form of shelf for your esc to sit on as most of the brushless esc's are quite tall and will not fit under the shell, example below,

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/SV201040.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/SV201038.jpg

if space is an issue it could be worth researching into the new tekin speedo, its really compact. I have no experience with it though so i would get feedback from someone who has first.

You would still need a shelf of some sort, there really isn't a lot of room.

I run the Mamba Max in my Pred, and it's great. It all fits on the chassis, no shelves. I'm not sure about it's BRCA legality, although I think it's only the motor that's an issue, not the controller. Great performance.

speedo is legal but motor isnt on the mamba, so another motor is required. I run a orion vortex with mine at brca events, not all motors are compatible though. I like the general feel to the mamba but it can stutter at times (cogging) when accelerating, only mildly though. great system all in all but i think the sensored ones have the edge.

I shortened my motor wires, and re-routed the receiver wire, and have no cogging now at all. Might be of use to you..

ok cheers, i think the latest software update has helped also.

First of all thanks for all your comments :)

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the difference between sensored and sensorless?

I dont really want to get LiPo cells just yet because they're not BRCA legal, although i'm look for a changer that will charge both types of battery. Can anyone reccomend one?

I'm also wondering what servo to use? I remember KO Propo were all the rage when i was racing, is that still the case?

Thanks for your help everyone! :thumbsup:

i run a Mamba Max in my X10 & its never cogged stuttered or anything bad, i've not even had to shorten any wires or hardwire to remove any connectors :D

tbh i found the new firmware a bit of a dissapointment as it seemed to lose punch, it seems like you have to let it wind up now where it was really aggressive and explosive before!

it will probably be better to drive in the long run but it was kinda more fun before:woot:

i also had to make a little platform for the speedo in the centre of the car which is easily done from leftovers from other kits ;)

I ran the Novak GTB in my pred without making a platform (it is a good idea) just mount it to one side of the servo with power wires hanging over the shaft. As long as its inside the cabin of the bodyshell it should be OK. I have both KO and Futaba servos both are as good as each other make sure you get a metal geared servo for strength. Team Associated have just brought some servos out and they look good specs for the price. Look on the CML web site for them. Orion LRP and Nosram all do chargers that will charge LIPO and NIMH I dont have any of these but I think they are all pretty good.