New to RC. First Crawler on the way. A few questions...

[TheNewb]

I am proud to say that after spending time with a supervisor at work tinkering with his crawler I am now hooked. Never had any serious RC stuff, just the flimsy stuff as a kid. I ordered an Axial Wraith RTR last week, just waiting for it to make it to Japan so I can start crawling. I believe it comes with a 20T motor, will this be good for crawling? How do the numbers on motors correspond to power or torque? Higher number of turns better or worse for crawling I guess is what I'm asking. The battery and charger are not included so that's my next question. My supervisor was saying Lipo is the way to go but should I just start with a cheap Nickel battery? I cannot wait to get my Wraith and start studying it. Going to be over here for 3 years so I told my wife I had to pick a hobby, I'm confident I chose a good one!!!

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by TheNewb

How do the numbers on motors correspond to power or torque? Higher number of turns better or worse for crawling I guess is what I'm asking.

The lower the number, the higher the wheelspeed and lower the torque. The higher the number, the lower the wheelspeed and higher the torque.

Originally Posted by TheNewb

The battery and charger are not included so that's my next question. My supervisor was saying Lipo is the way to go but should I just start with a cheap Nickel battery?

It really depends on your budget. NiMH is a good bit cheaper, especially in the charger department. However, since you are starting out, now is a good time to go with a lipo compatible charger and just get started on the right foot.

[TheNewb]

So I should just buy a couple NiMH batts but get a charger that is compatible with both NiMH and Lipo's?

[Hoosierdady]

This is a good charger for the money IMO. It does both nihm and lipo. Ive had mine for a while with no issues, and alot of guys I know run the same one.
Genuine IMAX B6 AC AC DC LiPo Charger Lion NiCd NiMH Battery Charger w Adapters | eBay

As far as the lipos. Either this dude, or what ever you can find online elsewhere
Why buy batteries from CheapBatteryPacks

Make sure to get a fire safe lipo charging bag, and a low voltage warning alarm too. Most ESCs have one built in, but I dont trust em.

[johnnyh66]

You might as well go lipo now, make sure to get a fire resistant bag/box to store and charge the lipo's in.

For crawling, a 35t - 55t works well.

Most people will run these motors on 2s - 3s lipo.
If you get a good esc (like the Holmes Hobbies BR-XL) and a quality motor, you can run a 45t-65t motor on 4s-6s and have all the torque and wheel speed you want.

I run a Holmes Hobbies BR-XL esc and Holmes Hobbies 14t Puller (about a 55t) on 6s lipo and love the combo.

[TheNewb]

Thanks for the input! I can't believe how much detail and science goes into these things! They really are what you make of them I guess. I've been doing a little research on the Wraith and it seems that they all have a problem with weak steering linkages (I guess that's what it is) out of the box, both tires will point straight in towards each other if put into a bind. Should this be my first upgrade?

[Hoosierdady]

Originally Posted by TheNewb

Thanks for the input! I can't believe how much detail and science goes into these things! They really are what you make of them I guess. I've been doing a little research on the Wraith and it seems that they all have a problem with weak steering linkages (I guess that's what it is) out of the box, both tires will point straight in towards each other if put into a bind. Should this be my first upgrade?

Here ya go man. Just read through this thread.
Wraith Beginners Guide

[johnnyh66]

You can make all your own links using 8-32 stainless steel threaded rod, Traxxas Revo or Jato rod ends and aluminum/stainless sleeves.

[Hoosierdady]

As far as buying anything Crawler related...buy a star on here. The star will give you access to the classifieds area that will save you a TON of money in the long run. Its definately worth the $20 for the star. You'll save that much just in your first couple of purchases.

[TheNewb]

Thanks guys! I'll have to see what the local rc shop has to offer in the way of Lipo's. Hard to get them shipped over to Japan. I just put an order in for the charger though! Thanks for the link on the Wraith! What kind of rigs do you guys run?

[Hoosierdady]

Heres the link for a star btw http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/payments.php

Most of the time Local hobby shops are very high on their lipos. Id buy online, just my 0.02. Im into scale trucks. The low ground clearance of the Wraiths and southern buggies arent good for the terrain I drive on.

[TheNewb]

I heard that, I'm gonna have to scour this island for crawling spots.

[johnnyh66]

Originally Posted by TheNewb

What kind of rigs do you guys run?

One for every possible occasion... It's an addiction!