Looking To Purchase Axial AX-10 ARTR, need suggestions

[John Galbreath Jr.]

I have been into rock crawling for 7 years. But, it has been is a 1:1 rig.





I am looking into getting into RC Crawlers also. I have been studying about 2 weeks. And I thought 1:1 was confusing.

Things I know I want. Rear Steer, Front dig (prefer front and rear).

This is what I am looking at purchasing. Am I in the right direction? Any parts missing, or not needed?

Axial AX10 Scorpion ARTR (Almost-Ready-To-Run)
AX10 Rear Steer Kit

DS8711 Ultra Torque Servo
X2 on servos, front and rear steer. Racer's Edge ALUM PRO SERVO HORN SS AIR/JR/KO BLACK
X2 to replace plastic arms.

Pro Line Tuber - bolt-on cage system
Because I don't want to beat the body up.
FIFTY FIVE CRAWLER MOTOR
Wondering if I should upgrade to a handwound motor.

(Contining in next post)

[John Galbreath Jr.]

For springs, I want to go soft:
SPRING 14X90MM 1.32 LBS/IN RED Super Soft

For more ground clearance, bent links, Need 4:
Threaded Aluminum Pipe 6x101mm 30° Angle Orange(2)

To get weight low and forward. Move batteries to front axel:
Black Lower CG 2/3A pack mount

In order to mount stuff low:
Aluminum Upper Link Plate

Batteries, I am not sure Lipo 2, I think but this is what I put down:
Max Amps 1600 6 cell Saddle pack w/deans

Tires, I run BFG Red Label Stickies (Comp Compound) in the 1:1. I want the best gripping tire possible:
Fr/R Comp Claws 2.2 5.2 " Tires w/Foam, Blue (2)


I am going to continue the post, I am afraid of losing info, and I don't know what the size limit is on each post.

[John Galbreath Jr.]

I am not sure if I need this, or really what it does:
Castle Creations CC BEC Pro 20A 12S Switching Regulator

I replace the factory plastic skid, and to move the links in.
East End Machining Delrin Hybrid (Single Reverse Triangulation) Skid Plate for AX10

If I can use it with everything else, I want to move the steering behind the axel:
LD Racing AX10 BTA Steering kit.

For an ESC, I have been wavering. But after seeing the last programming upgrade, I think this is what I want:
Castle Creations 1/10 Mamba Max Pro ESC Smart Sense

Now, to get the front and rear dig:
R2 Dual DIG Tranny Black

Sideway R2 Servo Mount & Steering Kit

HiTec HS-645MG High-Torque 2BB Metal Gear Servo

I am really up in the air on radio. I have looked at the DX6i as it has 6 channels, but don't think I will like a stick. This morning I think I changed my mind (again) to this:
Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz Radio System 4-Channel No Servos

That puts me at about $1,300. Need guidance!?!?!?!?!?!?

[Brett B.]

Look's good so far, look into the Rooster crawler kit, or the Goat kit if you want to go brushless.

[JeremyH]

Well, it looks like you have done your homework! That is an excellent setup.

As for the BEC....your ESC has an internal BEC, however, when your motor requires more current, it will reduce the current provided to your servo. An external BEC provides constant current (it is hooked directly to the battery) to the servo, no matter what the motor does.

As for the radio....a stick takes a bit of getting used to, but it can be done. It's not really necessary for this type of crawler, but will work. You will need a 3 channel radio with a 3 position switch (4WD, front locked, rear locked). You should be able to control the rear steer with one of the other switches. A popular, but more expensive radio is the DX3R.

[oldhippie]

Here are my opinions on your choices, for what they're worth. If you plan to compete rear steer is only allowed in super class. Rear dig is not really an option on an axial. Don't mess with nimh batterys, just start off with 3 cell lipo. With all the money ya are throwing into an artr ya can go berg and get front and rear dig without torque twist. I'd say go at least to 45t motors but handwounds aren't needed (they are nice). I would choose rovers over comp claws anyday. While the proline tuber does look pretty kool, it is big and heavy compared to a body. If ya want to go tuber I'd look at the rockshow or beatlejuice but even the edge is a better choice than the proline tuber body IMHO. Wecome to the adiction!

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by oldhippie

Here are my opinions on your choices, for what they're worth. If you plan to compete rear steer is only allowed in super class. Rear dig is not really an option on an axial. Don't mess with nimh batterys, just start off with 3 cell lipo. With all the money ya are throwing into an artr ya can go berg and get front and rear dig without torque twist. I'd say go at least to 45t motors but handwounds aren't needed (they are nice). I would choose rovers over comp claws anyday. While the proline tuber does look pretty kool, it is big and heavy compared to a body. If ya want to go tuber I'd look at the rockshow or beatlejuice but even the edge is a better choice than the proline tuber body IMHO. Wecome to the adiction!

I will not be competing. In the south, we ride (1:1) in pay to ride off road parks, they do not allow night riding. I feel the RC is a natural if I can get guys interested for a night time activity. Building a course would be easy.

I had not thought about the weight of the Proline Tuber over a body, that is also high up weight=bad. Thanks for that.

I have read a lot abolut tires, not sure yet. May get rovers or pathers. I know I don't want what is in the kit.

Will I not have front and rear dig going with this transmission?

R2 Dual DIG Tranny Black


I have thought about MOA, and like the idea, but I have not found a kit to start with. I don't want to spend a bunch of time getting started. For me the fun is in the drive, not the build.

[oldhippie]

I see ya found that dual dig r2. Ya will need two servos and a 4 channel radio to run it. The traxxas tq doesn't have epa so it will be nearly impossible to set up the dig servos. It can be modded with epa pots but with all that ya still won't have enough channels/mixing to run rear steer. :-( Ya really need a good 6 channel stick (6ex - dx6) to work all the stuff ya are putting together. I am terrible with sticks. Ya might get away with that radio on a berg with rear steer and front /rear dig but I don't know if it can be modded with two 3 position switches (I think it can).

[oldhippie]

Originally Posted by John Galbreath Jr.

I have thought about MOA, and like the idea, but I have not found a kit to start with. I don't want to spend a bunch of time getting started. For me the fun is in the drive, not the build.

http://www.tcscrawlers.com/Enroute-B...p-p-16898.html

http://www.tcscrawlers.com/EnRoute-B...5-p-17888.html

http://www.jpcustomrcs.com/catalog/i...89/7195147.htm

http://www.ckrccrawlers.com/shop/ind...6a45ee1eb20ce3

http://www.ckrccrawlers.com/shop/ind...6a45ee1eb20ce3

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by oldhippie

I see ya found that dual dig r2. Ya will need two servos and a 4 channel radio to run it. The traxxas tq doesn't have epa so it will be nearly impossible to set up the dig servos. It can be modded with epa pots but with all that ya still won't have enough channels/mixing to run rear steer. :-( Ya really need a good 6 channel stick (6ex - dx6) to work all the stuff ya are putting together. I am terrible with sticks. Ya might get away with that radio on a berg with rear steer and front /rear dig but I don't know if it can be modded with two 3 position switches (I think it can).

What is EPA?

I did not realize the R2 took two servos, I figured one. So that means it would require 5 channels.

1 - throttle
2 - Front steer
3 - Rear Steer
4 - Front Dig
5 - Rear dig

That takes me out to the pistol grips, I am not sure on the stick.

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by oldhippie

http://www.tcscrawlers.com/Enroute-B...p-p-16898.html

This one looks nice. May have to adjust my thinking. More studying!!!! I like the ARTR approach.

If I remember correctly from a thread, the Ounk dig is electronic, So would not take channels on the radio, correct?

So, I could get by with a 3 channel.

1 - Throttle
2 - Front steer
3 - Rear steer.

Thanks for the help. It is cheap to change my mind at this point!!!!!

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by John Galbreath Jr.

If I remember correctly from a thread, the Ounk dig is electronic, So would not take channels on the radio, correct?

Correct. You would only require a radio with a 3 position switch...

[oldhippie]

Originally Posted by John Galbreath Jr.

This one looks nice. May have to adjust my thinking. More studying!!!! I like the ARTR approach.

If I remember correctly from a thread, the Ounk dig is electronic, So would not take channels on the radio, correct?

So, I could get by with a 3 channel.

1 - Throttle
2 - Front steer
3 - Rear steer.

Thanks for the help. It is cheap to change my mind at this point!!!!!

Yes the punk dig is electronic but it still needs a channel on the radio with a 3 position switch (front dig/4wd/rear dig) to operate.

You will need at least 4 channels to have controllable rear steer and dig.
front steer/throttle/dig/rear steer
Ya should also have a mix on the front and rear steer channels, so ya can turn front and rear together on the wheel.
A 4pk is the only pistol radio to do this, I think (ok there are a couple of cheapos out there).

[oSPANNERo]

My two cents, from just having built my first crawler:

Don't screw around with the radio... they are like laptops, buy one you can grow into, not out of. Its cheaper in the long run because if you do it wrong you have to buy a whole new one, not just upgrade a little component. I have the 4PK that practically "performs wifely duties" but the 3PM-X is also a great radio and a little more affordable. Both definitely have the 3 position switch you need for dig but the 3PM-X is only 3 channels while the 4PK is 4. (Surprise, surprise)

As for rear steer, I had it... it was neat and the crab steering made everyone laugh but really, it didn't help much so I took it off. (Had a buddy who needed a servo anyways and they are kinda hard to come by over here)

For ESC, if you can wait for it to come back in stock... or troll the For Sale section and get lucky... the Holmes Hobbies Torquemaster is the new, shiny, *must* have ESC for brushed crawlers. Again, get the right one the first time because they are expensive and you have to replace the whole thing, not just a piece. (Software excluded of course)

Here is a mostly complete list I put together for another thread, something extra to chew on, or just for more confusion! This was put together for 4 wheel steer AND rear DIG only:

TCScrawlers.com
Axial AX10 Scorpion Kit #AX90001 - $220.00 (Your base)
Futaba S9157 Digital Hi-Torque Servos (Works with R604FS RX) - ($140 x 3) $420.00
Hot Bodies Rover Crawler 2.2 Tire - ($19 x 2) $38.00
Gatekeeper Designs GC-2 Chassis kit - $99.00
Thunder Tech Racing/MIP Short C-Drive Spline Pair - $55.00
Axial Racing 72-103mm Shock Set 10mm Piston - ($41 x2) $82.00
TCS Black Anodized Aluminum Upper 4 Link/Servo Mount - ($11 x2) $22.00
TCS Crawlers Upgraded Skid Plate - $25.00

Holmeshobbies.com
35t TorqueMaster Pro Handwound - $56.00
Holmes Hobbies TorqueMaster BR-XL - $99.00
Castle BEC - $22.00
Castle Creations PC Link - $22.00
Hyperion EOS0610I charger - $170.00
Poly RC 2200mah Lipo Battery - $35.00

MyAtomic.com
4PK 2.4GHz FASST TX with R604FS RX - $500.00 (Has 4 channels)

vanquishproducts.com
Revolver DH ProComp 2.2 Wheels (Including Hardware) - $170.00
Accompanying wheel weights - ($28 x 3) $84.00
Vanquish Hurtz Shifter 3 Position Dig - $84.00

[pjr]

Stay away from the Traxxas radio.Its a good radio for a basher but to crawl I would look at the Futaba 3PM-MX

[lt99ls1]

Originally Posted by John Galbreath Jr.

I have been into rock crawling for 7 years. But, it has been is a 1:1 rig.





I am looking into getting into RC Crawlers also. I have been studying about 2 weeks. And I thought 1:1 was confusing.

Things I know I want. Rear Steer, Front dig (prefer front and rear).

(Contining in next post)

Nice pic of los primos.

Skip the A10 and buy a Losi Comp crawler.
Get front and rear dig right out of the box.
buy a losi mini servo and a 4 cannel radio and reciver.
buy a DMG chassis top
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...DmG-LCC002.jpg

convert the rear to a steering axle

Buy some hitec 7955 servos for the front and rear.

use this for an esc and motor
http://www.teamnovak.com/products/br...tic/index.html

use 3s 11.v lipos

and lastly be to have an ear to ear grin.

[slashracer111]

Wow you have done your research on rc crawling! Kinda off topic, but a few vids are on youtube of your truck, did madram11 shoot a few vids of it?

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by slashracer111

Wow you have done your research on rc crawling! Kinda off topic, but a few vids are on youtube of your truck, did madram11 shoot a few vids of it?

Yes, Cole (Madram11) and I are in the same offroad club, Hardline Crawlers. He shoots my rig a lot.

Most show up under a YouTube search for "Madram11 JohnG" or "Madram11 FireLogs".

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by lt99ls1

Nice pic of los primos.

Skip the A10 and buy a Losi Comp crawler.

Yes,that is the climb. I have a great rear steer line on that hill. I can even do it in the rain.

I will also look at the Losi. Also wondering about MOA. I can see I will really like hanging out at RCCrawlers.

[John Galbreath Jr.]

Originally Posted by pjr

Stay away from the Traxxas radio.Its a good radio for a basher but to crawl I would look at the Futaba 3PM-MX

Thanks for that. I had a Traxxas 3 channel on a Traxxas Nitro truck I have. It gliched a lot and could never get the neutrals set good. May not have improved much over the years.