Has anyone modified a RC4WD Tx? I want more power!!

[ZippoMan]

Hello there!

Why the heck did they cut the AA capacity in half? Can I add some jumpers and get the full 8 AA to work? It seems that 5.8V drops quickly and when it reaches 4.3V the TX starts flashing making me nervous!!

This is my first RC4WD Tx and Rx that I got used with my Axial SCX-10 Jeep. It works fine but can I add more power?

[grunt95]

you could run 2 blocks of 4 batteries in parralel it would add weight but it would double your time on them or you could get a battery pack from cheap battery.com and then you can recharge the batterys. just ideas.

[old man 52]

You can wire in a bec and set it at 6 volts and use a small lipo , Just watch the voltage and recharge as needed.

[JesterSpec]

Suggestion is to get a better transmitter.

[ZippoMan]

Originally Posted by JesterSpec

Suggestion is to get a better transmitter.

I know that but this one is for my girlfriend and will only be used for one vehicle. I don't have money to throw at a new radio when free works.

I just need more power and thanks for all the suggestions.

The Tx has the space for 8AA so I might just get them all working in there. I don't want to add a BEC or lipo. I guess I could look for a rechargeable lion or nimh pack with up to 11V output.

I just wanted a cheaper or freebie fix. I have a really old pistol grip radio I could rip into for the jumpers. The batteries are not a problem other than on the environment!! AA batteries are dirt cheap by the bulk pack at Costco.

[ZippoMan]

This is kind of what mine looks like other than the battery compartment is like most normal pistol grips where there is room for 8AA's. The one in the link has a modified newer style compartment. XR4 4-Channel 2.4Ghz Transmitter/Receiver Radio

I see it says green circuitry?? Hmmmmm maybe it can only go as high as 6V? I know my Futaba 3PM-X with 8 fresh AA's reads about 10.4V

[ZippoMan]

I just read the manual and it conflicts with the actual Transmitter.........LOL. It says it is powered by 8AA x 1.5V..........False!! I guess I can make it the full 8 in series. Giving closer to 11V to start. I will test and if I blow it up I guess my girl gets a new radio or my Futaba 3PM-X and I get a new 4PL....lol

[ZippoMan]

Well don't try adding 4 more AA in series!! 8AA = 11V = killed this radio now! It came on registered 11.2V then the screen just went blank. It only has blue screen now. DOH!!

Is there a reset button anywhere on this? I rewired it back the 4AA and still the same blue screen, nothing else shows.

[tgh117]

My guess is its probably fried now. On mine I just 4 extra batts in that empty side, so when things get low I could just swap over, but I guess that's too late at this point.

I actually had no real issues with this radio, worked quite well. I had the same feelings as you though, seemed to kill the batts quick. I have the 3 channel one as well, but that one takes 8 batts to power it.

Good luck.

[ZippoMan]

Yeah thanks, she is fried sadly! It isn't like a Futaba!! Oh well the guy threw it in with the Jeep I bought, he said he would make it RTR that way.

The low battery is annoying or was...lol. I know never to mess with a working radio.....oh and this one has very little info in the manual!! It said it uses 8AA my arse!!

My motto really is my luck....bad so I say "It's Only Money!" No one got hurt or killed just the radio.....GRRRRRRRRRRRRR and my feelings....lol Oh why didn't you cooperate Mr. RC4WD radio!! :(

[ZippoMan]

I just decided to buy a Futaba 4PLS!! Coming from HK for $218 + Shipping.........still less than buying new from most USA online stores!!

[tgh117]

Nice. I recently bought a dx 4s. Hopefully we are both happy with our purchases.

[wings_of_fire]

Originally Posted by ZippoMan

Well don't try adding 4 more AA in series!! 8AA = 11V = killed this radio now! It came on registered 11.2V then the screen just went blank. It only has blue screen now. DOH!!

Is there a reset button anywhere on this? I rewired it back the 4AA and still the same blue screen, nothing else shows.

If there is an overvoltage protection in the circuitry then you could be lucky.
Either contact the seller for warranty if any or open up the case and see what electronic componet is not working fine....

[ZippoMan]

Originally Posted by wings_of_fire

If there is an overvoltage protection in the circuitry then you could be lucky.
Either contact the seller for warranty if any or open up the case and see what electronic componet is not working fine....

It was used and abused by the previous owner.....No warranty and its my fault so I take the blame. Time for a way better radio anyway.

It's Only Money!! Booya!

[ZippoMan]

On a side note, anyone know if the RC4WD Rx works with a Futaba 4PLS? I see it uses the same technology FHSS if that means anything. Thanks for any info and if no one knows I will be first to try it when I get the new Futaba 4PLS in my hands.

I was just curious.