XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I am looking to do a budget build on an XR10. Here was my plan for the electronics, please let me know if you think this will work. I want to use a Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz 4-channel transmitter with matching reciever, 2 Novak Terra Claw 55t motors, the Axial AE-2 ESC, and a Tower Pro MG955 servo. I have three questions. Will this setup work, will I need a BEC for my servo, and what batteries should i look at?

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Are you planning to have all four wheels powered equally all the time because you are not listing a dig or a second ESC?

BECs are highly recommended and almost always required with any high powered servo and 3 cell battery packs.

What batteries? There isn't a lot of room on the XR10 so a small pack is recommended. We use 350mah 3 cell packs and 850mah 3 cell packs. I think you may be able to fit a 1300mah pack on the battery holder but most mount their batteries on the front axle.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I thought that the Axial ESC had dual motor capability. I am not planning on running a DIG unit yet.

Ok thats what I thought on the BEC

I'm looking for suggestions on companies and sizes for batteries.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

After doing more research I am leaning towards getting a Novak M2 DIG 3S ESC with 2 55t Terra Claw motors, will I need a BEC if i go with this combo?

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

the easiest thing to remember is that you ALWAYS need a BEC"thumbsup"

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Ok, Thanks!!!

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

The Ae-2 is a good ESC, but there are a few things that can be annoying to me, and probly others too. You should look into an ESC that has a programable throttle curve, it will allow you to set a curve to give you a much broader range of low rpm torque, with only ramping up at or near full stick when needed. The castle sv2 is cheaper and allows much more programing. The AE2 It is not dual motor capable which is probly enough to steer ya away with an MOA!!!:mrgreen:

Batteries: Its not as much a recommendation, as it is what you want to accomplish. There are some questions you need to answer first:

1. What voltage do you want to run? That is really up to you and the temperature. Higher cell counts will allow higher rpm s and torque, but create more heat at the same time.

2. What voltage is/are the ESC(s) rated for? If its rated for 4s, Ive found from experience to try to stay at least one cell below for no more than heat purposes. hot ESC meeting cold water= not promising results.

3. How much run time do you want? The higher the mah, generally equals longer run times. Remember higher mah = larger size and more weight.

4. How much space do you have to mount a battery? Do you have room for a stick battery, or would a saddle pack be better? soft case is smaller than hard case, but not as abuse or "oops" friendly.

5. C rating- its a personal decision thing. Brushed motors are not really going to run different on a 70c verses a 30c. Running dual esc and a bec, a 20 or 25 c battery might get a little warm depending on load.

If anyone can think of something I missed, please add it! I hoped this helped!!!!

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I would NOT recommend the M2. It's a nice ESC, but lacking if you really get into crawling, especially comping.
I had one for a while, sold it and went dual ESC's.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I agree with Charles.

Perhaps Novak may have improved them since I had the one I bought but I was extremely disappointed with the performance and that it was not working well with a BEC.

Two Mamba micros cost less and work better. I ended up using my old favorite dual FXRs and have not looked back.

Novak makes some good stuff and some not so good stuff, the M2 falls into the latter.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I am doing something similar. I think if you already have everything on hand why not. There is a nice write up on the xr10 sub forum.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I have my XR10 with an M2, and zero issues, maybe I am part of the few lucky ones... I will be doing a different setup, 2 esc, in my next XR10 build, just to compare...

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

I think I'm just going to get two Tekin FXR's with their 55T motors.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

You may wish to consider 45T or 35T motors for a little more wheel speed on 3S. 55Ts would be sloooow!

I'm using 35Ts and it feels about right with the 14T pinion gears.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Why a traxxas TQi?

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

+1, I'm running 2 35T handwounds on 3S hi "C" packs. Seems about right.

Cost for the lower turns is the same as higher turns, handwounds cost more than machine wound.

A pair of Tekin machine wound 35T's would be a decent choice for fun and lower cost. Br00d or Holmes Hobbies also do machine wounds for a little more money.

Yes, there is a difference in feel.


Traxxis radio??!! unless you already have it, at least get a hacked GT3B/C........

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Ok, I will look into the 35Ts or 45Ts. I want the Traxxas because I can plug my Iphone into it, I really like the way it all runs.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Pretty sure both Holmes and I have machine wounds that cost less than the Tekins..."thumbsup"

Later EddieO

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

You will not like the way it works with dual esc's. It makes it much harder to set up with the traxxas!!! just my 2 cents.

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

Do the Brood or Holmes Hobbies work as well or better than the Tekin's? Ok fine, what controllers should I look at, I'M ON A BUDGET!!

Re: XR10 Build - Electronics Help
 

The lowest cost ESCs for dual control would be the Castle Micro Sidewinders at $56 ea., less than one FXR and a Punk dig. You will still need a BEC but then you would need one regardless of ESC (except the Holmes which puts out 5A). You might need the castle link to program those ESCs if you don't have a friend with one or the LHS.

You can pick up a used Futaba 3PK for pretty cheap which will control dual ESCs.

I think the Holmes machine wind works better than the Tekin machine wind motors.