Micro update

I just recently got in a few parts for my HPI Baja Q32:

• Another USB charger
• HIGH SPEED GEARS/STABILITY set

Since I have 2 of these little buggies, one is going to get the gear set.  I also have a Q32 D8T on the way.  Now I just need to make some room to get a stunt park set up.  And yes, I will have a real Losi vs HPI Micro Stunt Park challenge.  I did one months back, but I'm not real happy with the video.  I may still put something together thou.

Speaking of stunt park, I wonder when HPI is going to release more templates?  Watching the official video, they still have more to go.  I'm sure I could eventually figure them out.

On a larger scale, think 1/18th size, I was looking on HPI's site at the one of the Micro RS4's.  While looking at the body options, I noticed that there are 2 new clear body options (scroll to bottom).  All I can say is that it's about time, and when can I get them!  And now I am also curious as to what the sticker options will be for each.  Hmmmm.

• #114446 - 2014 FORD FIESTA BODY (140MM)
• #114449 - NISSAN S13 BODY (140MM)

Why do I love micro's?  Cause they are great for indoors!  Being in Vegas, the Summers get a little too hot for me and the Winters a little too cold.  Hopefully with all these new micro stuff, I can get moving on more indoor play time.  Maybe even get the garage cleaned up and setup a little track.  Might try using some PVC piping.  Then I could tear down for storage, and build up any way I feel like (within the confines of garage space).

So now I have a choice to make for 2016: do I concentrate on my micros OR try to get into FPV quad racing?

More new stuff

In my last blog I mentioned a new camera.  I wanted to talk more about it in this post.

I've been looking around for an action camera.  Something that I can mount on some of my r/c vehicles to get a new perspective.  The GoPro seems to be the standard, and anyone doing action shots has one.  While I admit they are nice, they are just a bit to pricey for my basher budget.  The other one I was looking at was the Replay XD.  It is something different, and not GoPro.  But still a little pricey for a basher's first time trying an action camera.

While I continued my search, I came across what some might call a GoPro knock off.  They don't try to claim to be GoPro's, at least I haven't found that anywhere.  It is SJCAM.  The one that I went with is the SJ4000 without the Wi-Fi.  I have only used it a few times, but so far it isn't bad.  Since I don't have any other action cameras, I can't make a proper comparison.  The one thing I do like, besides the price, is that it does have a built in LCD screen.  This will probably decrease the over all run time when compared to a GoPro without one, but for a weekend basher to get started with using an action camera I think it's a good starter.

In fact I have already got a video uploaded that I shot 90% of with this camera.

I used a head strap designed for the GoPro, and the SJ4000 mounts to it with no problem.  It would be safe to say that the SJ4000 can probably use most of the GoPro cases and mounts.  I'll be using this camera more.

The only downside so far that I have with it is that my Windows 7 system won't detect it as a media storage device to grab off the video.  Luckily for me I have some memory card readers, so this is not a big problem.

Since I like this SJ4000, I was thinking about getting another.  But now SJCAM has released a cube camera, much like GoPro.

• SJCAM M10
• GoPro HERO4 Session

So guess which one is on my list?  The M10.

And speaking of new stuff, I have found a new r/c product manufacture: FireBrand RC.  They have some nice looking bodies and decals.  Now I have been trying to find some non truck and SUV bodies for my crawlers.  These guys happen to have The Judge.  A very nice semi truck body, but a little on the small scale for my SCX10 crawler.  But it does work.

I like their stuff, and will be getting more.

I'm back. . .

Well hopefully for a bit anyways.  I'm haven't been much of a blogger to begin with.

A lot has gone on since my last post back in Dec 2013.  I've gotten a few more kits, parts, bodies, and even a new camera.

I have ended up retiring the Venom/Atomik RC Creeper.  Parts are no longer available, and so it will be shelved.  Which is too bad, as I do enjoy the comp style crawler.  I am on the look-out for a possible replacement, and have come across 2 so far:

1. Axial Racing AX10 Deadbolt
2. Losi Night Crawler 2.0

The downside to both of these (and pretty much all comp style crawlers) is that there is no 2-speed transmission setup for them.  There is a 3rd party upgrade for the Axial rig, but it is too pricey for just a single upgrade option.  And the Losi Night Crawler comes with lights!  I like lights!

I don't recall mention this, but HPI Racing re-released their Micro RS4 chassis.  And they appear to be rotating on the body releases.  I have been able to pick up 3 new ones, along with extra parts.  And I have even gotten my original Micro RS4 kit back up an running.  I do hope that HPI keeps this chassis around for a long time.  Here a couple of my videos:

More on the HPI front, they also released a smaller kit.  The HPI Baja Q32.  I've added a couple of these to my R/C garage.  And they have also released a Truggy version, which I will be getting at least one of.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for micros.

I've also been looking at the Kyosho Mini-Z 4WD kits.  They look amazing, and with the size would make perfect kitchen and garage racers.  Might have to try to get a few to race with the nephews.

With the crawler side, I have gotten a new Vaterra RC Twin Hammers and recently Axial Yeti.  Both are IFS and solid rear axle rigs.  The Twin Hammers has been setup for crawling, and includes a 2-speed transmission.  The Yeti is more of a rock racer with IFS and solid rear axle, but 2-speed transmission is optional extra.  And since Axial has finally released the 2-speed conversion kit, i will be picking it up.  And with these 2 rigs, I am now looking for more 2-speed transmission cable kits.  Up on this list are:

1. Axial RR10 Bomber
2. Vaterra RC Ascender

Both of which have the 2-speed setup as an option extra.  But at least they are factory add-ons.

My Tamiya TT-01.  What can I say?  It's been in the R/C garage for a long time.  The last time I took it out, it didn't run long.  It was/is having a problem with the pinion/spur gear mesh.  I did, however, pick up a few new items for it.  Hopefully soon I can get it on the road and get the kinks worked out. And I suppose I could always listen to The Kinks.  That might help things out.  I still plan to get this setup for drifting.  My goal (I've been told it's good to have them) would be to get close to what this guy does.  He is great.  Here is just one of his videos:

All I can say is that I need to get an practice with my Micro RS4's and TT-01.  Once I can get them going, I can then look at getting a better drift setup.  If anyone knows of any local Las Vegas R/C drift clubs, please let me know.

The Winter Spider

Well it's actually my Tamiya TLT-1 with a new shell on it.  I used a Losi 1/18th Grappler body, painted it white, and dressed it up with some spider flames and a spider.  Turned out pretty good.  To get it running, I had to relocate some electronics.  So right now it has the following gear on:

• 2 Towardpro MG946R servos for 4WS
• Futaba MC230CR ESC
• Tactic TR654 receiver
• Tamiya stock motor (was not being used)
• Onyx 3000mAh 7.2v NiMH battery
• Tactic TTX650 transmitter

with it all together and setup to drive, I finally took it out for a drive in the front yard.  This little truck moves decent.  Here is the video:

I already have some updates in the works.  A new body has been trimmed, painted, decorated, and mounted.  This time I used a Team Associated SC18 Short Course Truck body.  It actually fits much better than the Grappler, and looks better too.  I painted it white and black, and used an old sticker set from another body.  I'm also working on getting some lights installed on it.  Problem is i have to make some custom light bucket mounts, so it may be a few months before I get them on.  In the meantime, I'll try to take out in the next coming weekends.  I may make one change and switch it over to the Spektrum DX3C gear.  I'll loose the on-demand front and rear steering, but the Tactic is going to the Honcho for some upcoming upgrades (more on that another time).

Happy end of 2013!

R/C Garage continues

Well the R/C garage continues.

E-Maxx:
I was able to successfully get my E-Maxx 90% disassembled.  The only things not taken apart were the front/rear diffs and the transmission.  Everything came apart quite easily.  Here is the E-Maxx in pieces, minus the wheels/tires:

Lots of parts.  During the disassemble process, I came across some bent screws.  So I ordered up replacements along with some shock rebuild kits.  All the parts came in and it was time to reassemble.  Using the manufacturers exploded views, I was able to get it back together.  There were a few screws that I got mixed up, but was able to get them all in their proper places.  During this process I missed a bent screw.  Well I got the screw back in with little effort, but decided this was a good time to buy a RPM upgrade part that came with screws.  I received it but have yet to get it in.  The E-Maxx is all together, mostly cleaned up, and waiting to hit the road and rocks.  Time for some more E-Maxx videos.  This has been a very good, fun, and durable R/C truck.  Many thanks to Traxxas for such a good product.  I have had it since 2004/2005 (can't remember which one), and only 3 bent screws so far.  And I consider myself a moderate basher.  So if you're getting into hobby-grade R/C, Traxxas is a great brand to start with.  Even though their models are already put together, it's always a good idea to do a complete tear down and rebuild every so often.  You will not always see the damage that happens during crashes and tumbles.

SCX10 Dingo:
Well the Dingo is finally out of the garage after doing an upgrade that I planned on for a later time.  I got in the extra parts to make the Dingo a 4-link rear suspension.  But after getting everything back together, there was some binding in the rear drive-train that went away as the rear axle got closer to the frame.  Not good.  After some thinking and looking at the spare parts I have, I was able to remove the binding.  I ended up using longer ball links on the ends of the upper links.  This ended up clocking the rear axle back, thus decreasing the angle of the axle input shaft to the rear drive shaft, which in turn eliminated the binding.  And since the rear was now 4-link, I decided to upgrade the front to 4-link.  Ordered the parts, got them in, and upgraded the front.  With the DIG and links done, time to get the lights in order.  For the body set, I'll keep the G.T Power RC lights (bought from Team Integy R/C).  I did have 2 of the lights going to the front bumper, but decided to remove them.  I also did some rearranging for better power connector access.  I also redid the Great Planes ElectriFly Flylites green light tube on the chassis. I also finally got my R/C Lights light set together and installed on the chassis.  Part of the light rewiring project included power switches for each set of lights.  This way I can turn them on and off as needed.  All lights are installed, routed as cleanly as I can, and working.  The R/C lights set runs off of the receiver, and the other 2 use 4 AA batteries each.  While I was at it, I decided to add some additional details: window wipers and side mirrors.  Now I just need to hit the rocks with it.  Speaking of hitting rocks, there is the Dingo 1st run video:

TLT-1:
The TLT-1 is back together, set up on electronics, and has a new body.  I took it out for a drive today, and it's a good little truck still.  A run video should hopefully be up before the end of this year.

Speaking of the end of this year, Merry Christmas people!

R/C Garage

This month has been an R/C garage month.

Micro-T:
I have the HIGHroller conversion almost complete.  I just need to get the ESC/Receiver mounted and all should be ready.

SCX10 Trail Honcho:
The Honcho has been converted over to 4-link rear setup.  From what I have read on 3-link vs 4-link, this will give better articulation in the rear with no axle steer.  For the crawler that's already my best, this should just make it better.

SCX10 Dingo:
I installed a DIG transmission, but ran into problems with getting the rear back together. It seems that even though the SCX10 is listed as compatible, it appears that you need to have a specific setup. I got a few parts ordered to make it a 4-link rear setup (which I was planning on anyways), and hopefully this will work. If not I'm going to have to figure out how to fit the DIG transmission to the Trail Honcho.

TLT-1 Rockbuster:
I decided to get the TLT-1 up and running, so a rebuild was in order. With the manual in hand, I got the truck apart and back together.  Unfortunately this model is discontinued, so an extra belt and spur gear are not possible.  With that I put in a brushed system instead of going with brushless.  Now I just need to setup the electronics and take it for a run.

EXO Terra Buggy:
After not being satisfied with trying to use my Castle Creations Mamba Max setup in the Dingo and not wanting to put that powers the TLT-1, I decided to put it back on the EXO.  While I had the EXO opened, I changed out the spur gear.  Since I still don't want crazy speed so I changed to a 50/14 gearing.

E-Maxx:
The E-Maxx was making a loud noise after the last run, so I decided it is next up.  I got the gear cover off and one of the pinions slipped.  I got it set back on and used some tired lock on the screw.  While getting it back together the shocks looked dirty.  Time for a shock rebuild. Oh what fun. With the shocks apart , I decided to do the whole truck.  I hope I can get back together ok.

Micro-T Project Part 2

I got everything disassembled. And I dub thee: Micro-T HIGHroller.  Yeah I've got to work on my name calling.