Quote:
Originally Posted by SigmaF
Hey Guys,
Looking at getting back into RC cars and am a bit confused.....could do with a little advice....
So, I've narrowed it down to a Buggy...can race indoors and use outdoors on a variety of surfaces......I'll need the practise!!....don't really want to spend too much at first.......but, want to at least be competitive (the car at least!!)..
Currently looking at the Tamiya DF-03MS or Associated B44 (any recommendations for a good online deal for this?)
The Tamiya is a good deal cheaper - and perhaps will stand-up better to some accidental novice abuse!!
Power/Servos'......
All new technology to me......should I be looking Brushless or Brushed?
The Mambo MAx seems to be well rated.....but, it looks like I'll need to run Lipo and will not be able to race it?
As I'm getting back into it again - is it worth starting off with Lipo or can you still do okay with stick packs?
If I go brushed - any recommendations on motors suitable for Indoor racing use?
Finallly - what's going on with all of this balancing/discharging cell stuff?
Any recommendations for good online shops appreciated too!!
Thanks all!
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First of all - check out the local clubs to see what stuff is allowed and what is popular and well supported. Personally I always run something a bit different but sometimes that means you will go home early from lack of parts...
DF-03 will not be competitive with a B44. If you specifically want Tamiya the DB01 is a competitive budget chassis but needs a few hop ups to be great and then it costs as much as a full competition car. Yokomo B-MAX4 represents better value right now and won the Euros.
If you can afford the higher starting cost - go brushless. Even though I still run brushed and still compete with it I wouldn't buy high-end brushed new now - a Tamiya silvercan would be my limit!
I would go for a sensored system for racing rather than the (sensorless) Mamba. LRP/Nosram, Tekin and Novak have systems on the market that are popular with racers, and there are a few more speedo's coming from Japanese manufacturers in the near future.
LiPo debate is another biggie! My attitude is that (most) cars are still built around NiMH and that will give the best handling. But definitely buy a charger that has a good LiPo mode so you are future proofed.
Discharging/equalising is part of the routine with modern NiMH's unfortunately. Basically the cells have quite a high self-discharge rate and go out of balance if left for more than a few weeks. Equalising stops problems when you charge the packs back up. You don't need to do it every time - I check the voltages of the individual cells before a charge and if they are more than 0.02V different I equalise.
LiPo cells are easier to care for at present, especially if you have a balance charger. although I am sure the manufacturers will eventually find a way to make them difficult to care for too!