New Variable length linkage for Dig setups.

[mascman]

Or...a shock!

I have a 3 pos switch on my TQ3, but no EPAs except the stock one.

Since my servo throw is greater than the distance I needed for the R2D dig, I started thinking about how to fix it...without wiring in the seperate EPAs.

It would shift without it, but the servo was strained when in dig mode...making that grinding noise. No matter how I bent the linkage, it was never quite right at full throw.

I grabbed an old TLT shock and with an internal spring or two I was able to get it set up.

Now, the linkage (shock) will shorten as it goes into dig, but not stress the servo when it's sitting there as it is now short enough. So basically it works as full length, compresses as it is pushing back, then is correct length when in dig.

The only inconvenience, which is not too bad, is that if I want to freewheel the rear, I have to shift into dig (Position 3), then to the center position of the 3 way switch.

Not groundbreaking news, but maybe it could help someone out?!

Just made a crappy cell phone vid to show.

[DeweyCJ5]

way to think outside the box i never would have thought of that

[mascman]

Originally Posted by DeweyCJ5

way to think outside the box i never would have thought of that

Thanks.

I wasn't sure if my explanation was clear or not.

[SACCO]

I think there is an adjustment pot/screw on the back bottom of the tq3 for the 3rd channel. It looks like a screw hole

[mascman]

Originally Posted by SACCO

I think there is an adjustment pot/screw on the back bottom of the tq3 for the 3rd channel. It looks like a screw hole

That will only get you more left or right...not shorten the throw.

It moves the whole throw in one direction or the other, but it will still move the same amount of distance.

[Failedabortion]

Why not mount the linkage closer to the center of the servo output?

[microgoat]

It's like a super heavy servo saver

[mascman]

The shock would still need to compress even if it were closer and it was working with this length. I even had a plastic arm that I drilled almost right at the center and it was still too much of a throw.

I don't know of any servo saver that will compress this much...if you do, let me know.

I really don't think a TLT shock is super heavy, but hey...maybe you're just weak? ;)

[Defender]

if you want something lighter I've seen ppl do the same thing with just fuel tube or springs on a rod.

[mascman]

Originally Posted by Defender

if you want something lighter I've seen ppl do the same thing with just fuel tube or springs on a rod.

Yeah...just like the throttle control on my old T-maxx. I didn't have the pieces on hand to get that working, but may see if the hobby shop has what I need.

Out of curiosity I weighed the servo saver and the shock body...the shock body was 3g more.

I could look for a smaller shock, but at less than 5 grams difference, the dig works, and my servo is safe...may just go with it for now.

I'm going to pull the servo saver apart and see if I can shorten the spring to get more play in it.

[Greatscott]

The shift linkage for an E-Maxx might be what you are looking for.

[mascman]

Originally Posted by Greatscott

The shift linkage for an E-Maxx might be what you are looking for.

I actually had one of those laying around...a whole Emaxx I mean! I'll have to try and find it...thanks.