Confessions of a scx10 newbie

[YounWha]

Excuse the typos as I am typing on a tablet.

I have just bought a scx10 Deadbolt RTR and have never owned an adult rc vehicle before. Like many I read online articles and forums for many weeks in preparation for my new ride. I even bought an Axial aluminum servo horn and steering links. I looked for a battery/charger combo and decided on the Thunder Ace 6 charger and Gens Ace 2s 4000 mah battery.

That being said - Christmas came and I got to open all of my toys.

Here are the problems I encountered during my 2 day setup/upgrade.

Problem 1: Battery connections

I was told to use Deans connectors so I picked up a pair at a local RC shop. The problem was I should have picked up 2 pair. One for the charger connection plus the ones for the esc/battery connections. So now I need to go to the local store again to get another pair.

Problem 2: 3 link to 4 link conversion

After figuring out how to take the scx10 apart enough to install the 4 link truss and remove the 3 link stuff I realized I didn't have the 30 mm screw that is needed to install the 4 link truss. Then I noticed I didn't have the screw kit bag people were referring to online. Maybe my Deadbolt didn't come with the bag? I couldn't even do the battery relocation because of the missing pieces.
Luckily I have a stainless steel screw set coming in and maybe it will have the m3 30 mm screws in there.

Other things I needed to make this RTR (which hasn't run yet).

Butane soldering iron kit with butane can
Heat shrink wraps
Red and black wire ranging from 12-16 gauge


Just some good general info on some of the snags I have ran into - thinking I was fully prepared.

Thanks

[Johnnysplits]

A- If you plan on being in this hobby for more than a month, get a LOT of connectors, not just one more pair.
B- Get a 60w soldering iron, preferably a solder station. No butane!

[YounWha]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

A- If you plan on being in this hobby for more than a month, get a LOT of connectors, not just one more pair.
B- Get a 60w soldering iron, preferably a solder station. No butane!

What issues am I going to have with butane?

Thanks

[lonleycreeper]

Originally Posted by YounWha

What issues am I going to have with butane?

Thanks

Temperature control is the biggest.

[sdmf]

If you already own the butane solder iron, just use it to get yourself running. I agree with the statement, buy a bag of like 50 pairs off eBay/amazon or whatever.

[billy bones]

A butane might be good to have in your field box but for your home work bench a quality 60w minim is the way to go.
I started with a 40w Weller, not really a bad unit, it got the job done.
I've recently upgraded to a track-power 955, WOW, soldering has become a pleasure rather then chore.
Take Johnnysplits advise, he wont steer you wrong.

[SkyJacked]

I used a butane solder for 2 times fixing a buddies at work since I'm a mechanic and I highly recommend like that said a solder station for home. The butane are good for industrial use like working on cars and major wiring but u will find out quick Ull melt a deans is a 1/2 sec when it's fully hot and I'll waste a lot more money than it's worth. Deans is they way to go. A TT screw kit is good deal do also get u won't regret it or this hobby as long as ur willing to drop a lil coin for some good upgraded stuff


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[YounWha]

I got the butane solder kit (home depot) mainly for using it on heat shrink wraps. Is this not a good idea?

[Johnnysplits]

Originally Posted by YounWha

I got the butane solder kit (home depot) mainly for using it on heat shrink wraps. Is this not a good idea?

That would be fine, just don't get too close lol.

[YounWha]

Will do...now I just need patience. Haven't even got to run it once yet :(

[Eric0424]

Originally Posted by YounWha

What issues am I going to have with butane?

Thanks

They clog and quit working often if you're not using high quality butane (Xikar Premium, Colibri). They still clog and quit working, but not as often.

A solder station would be your best bet if you plan on staying in the hobby or solder anything else. I use a TrakPower TK950, great unit runs about $70-80 though and it doesn't do you any good in the field.

If you buy bulk Dean's connectors, buy actual Dean's, not the knock-off "T-plugs" or "Dean's Style". They're just not as good and wear quickly (plating wears off, springs weaken). It's good to keep a few pair on hand.

[Randy Williams]

My Deadbolt didn't come with a bag of screws either. The builds I've seen usually give the part numbers for the screws to order them.

[Jrgunn5150]

No screws in mine either. I got some M3x30 screws at my LHS in the airplane section for .78

[YounWha]

Just checked HD and the longest they have are 20mm - dang it

[Eric0424]

Originally Posted by YounWha

Just checked HD and the longest they have are 20mm - dang it

Do you have local Fasenal? They carry a lot of small hardware in metric and SAE. Probably not open until Monday though. My local Tractor supply use to carry a lot of hardware, but stopped a couple of years ago. Check with them if there's one near you.

[YounWha]

My best best will be hobby town usa about 30 mins from where I live. Thanks

[Eric0424]

Originally Posted by YounWha

My best best will be hobby town usa about 30 mins from where I live. Thanks

Yeah, that would probably work.

[Johnnysplits]

Another word of advise, buy screws in bulk packs...you will lose screws, need screws for other projects, etc... It's not worth your time to keep going back to the store when you need screws. I have like 9 big plastic parts bins full of every size and style from 2mm to 6mm, 2-56 to 10-32. You can get whatever finish you want, I prefer stainless steel. Check these guys out...Team KNK Hardware --www.teamknkhardware.com

[byrnieman]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

Another word of advise, buy screws in bulk packs...you will lose screws, need screws for other projects, etc... It's not worth your time to keep going back to the store when you need screws. I have like 9 big plastic parts bins full of every size and style from 2mm to 6mm, 2-56 to 10-32. You can get whatever finish you want, I prefer stainless steel. Check these guys out...Team KNK Hardware --www.teamknkhardware.com

Obviously the stainless have the benefit of not rusting but do you find that they are softer / strip more easily??


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[bshaw95]

I had to get some screws from my local shop as well to do my battery relocation. still haven't done my 4 link conversion yet. not sure if I want to cms first or not.