Danchee ridgerock
 

Ok so long story short, I have been out of the hobby for about 5ish years, not a newbie by any means, I started with a Redcat ROCKSLIDE RS10 XT, then I built a fully custom bully super comp and hacked a gt3c flysky which was awesome.

Anyways theres alittle background so you get an idea when I say that this new Danchee RidgeRock crawler is pretty awesome for what it is, I got 2 of them see if my son, (6yrs old) will enjoy the hobby.

On black friday on Amazon they were $109 each , I also got 4 DS3218mg 20KG Digital servos with 4 25t aluminum servo horns for $53, cause crawlers love better servos not that the stock ones wernt ok ish, everything got better with the 3s lipos I already had Zippy 1300 20c.

Out of the box this thing is awesome, super light, and capable. Roughly 45ish mins of run time on stock battery. Well I couldn't help myself and I love xt60 connectors so that was mod one for me 3s will wake up anything lol. then I cut about half an inch out of the body sides and re did the hole slightly forward moving the body down and back on the chassis.

This did 2 things it looks better to me and 2nd when it tumbles over the ability to self ride it back on its wheels is way easier. The next mod was the servos which is pretty strait forward minus I had to trim the servo horn for clearance. The new servos are metal geared and body so they add weight but in a good way to the axle down low so this helps traction and cg.

Then it was on to the wheels and tires, while the wheels are 3 piece beadlocks they are all plastic so they are super light, I like them ok but I like narrower wheels on crawlers for obvious reasons.
By cutting and shutting the wheels you make them narrower and this forces the tire to get a larger OD and gives you better side lug bubble out past the wheel. then last but not least is the tire, they are an ok stock tire for bashing but for crawling they needed help.

I cut the center lugs out to help with tire bite, then I wire wheeled the tires inside and out to take the sheen off and break the tire in so I could sauce them up with some WD40, this softens the tire up considerably they are much better now softer and more malleable, I also cut the foams down to fit the narrower wheels and cut triangles out of them to soften the foams cause they are not so good very cheap. However I will be getting some 2.2 Proline Hyrax predators very soon.

For now though this rig is super cheap and super capable and 4WS is just awesome, with the 4 selectable modes.

All of my pics will get loaded up shortly just getting my subscription back up to date, for now all pics can be seen on my members album/profile.

Please Let me know what you think, and remember this rig has a total of $175 in it and could crawl pretty close to the super comp I built years ago, at a mere fraction of the cost minus the size difference of the super and digs. A fly sky GT3C hacked and digs could be in the future as well as some metal or delrin lower links for better clearance.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...albums4588.htm

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

So its been about a week now and i'm still blown away how well this budget crawler performs, in light of the mods done I have spent very little and all that has been spent can easily move over to a new rig. I did end up getting the Proline Hyrax Predator compond tires and wow, tire tech has certainly came along ways even in 5 ish years when I took a break from this hobby.

Updates I did the pin spring mod, why cause its cheap and easy and gives you droop in your shocks and lowers cg yet again. I also cut the body down even further on the sides, I am really liking how this little budget crawler is turning out. I also used a heat gun on the lower links to put alittle bent in them for extra clearance.

In the future I am still thinking of adding one or more digs and since the hobby has got caught up I will probably go with a Flysky fs-gt5, they already have 6 channels and no mods needed and the price point is pretty good. Any ways here are some side by side shots of box stock and my budget build Danchee RidgeRock.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Pretty awesome , especially for so little invested. Great ingenuity!!!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

AK KRAWLER, thx for the reply, was being to wonder if anyone noticed this thread at all, yes for very little invested I could probably comp this thing, I know for sure with digs it would be comp worthy, I know its barely hobby grade almost toy quality, but the capability / valve for money has been great, I have done some basic tests and it can go up a 39 degree incline board just fine.

I have also ran multiple 3s lipo packs threw it with zero issues. Over all if anyone has some one on the fence on getting into RC crawling at The Danchee RidgeRocks price point it will differently give them some prospective and possibly the bug. "thumbsup"

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

So after installing the larger Proline Hyrax predator compound tires, I decided I wanted to get even more out of the tires by getting on ebay and ordering 25 needle valve replacements for sports balls and then sealed up my wheels really good and installed them, the tires are nearly 7 inches OD and the the steering linkage was flexing to much. I did end up breaking one of my 4 link links so I ended up getting some traxxas 5347 rod ends, from the local hobby shop and some 8/32 all tread 3 feet at lowes, and some 1/4 brake line 3 strait feet at O Reilly auto parts, and built up some custom super strong links for cheap. The cool thing about inflated tires is by adjusting the psi the tired can have super grip or if needed by airing down or extra clearance by airing up.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Yup, I’m watching this over here, too. Pretty cool...if you’re wondering about people being interested, I’m in, FWIW. But yeah, lots of clever things going on here and you’re definitely doing something worth posting about on the cheap...Also, I’ve never done much of it myself, but maybe some video linked to see it in action?
Linc.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

I've never really messed with making any videos, :shock: ill have to give it a shot apparently "thumbsup"

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

So ill have to get some real free time to work on making a video since I've never done it before, until then here are some more shots of my rig verse my sons box stock Danchee. "thumbsup"

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

As requested I have tired to make a little video, grated before all the bs comments come I have never made a video or shot and drove at the same time so I know its horrible but I'm going to start trying to refine the process so please helpful comments and questions and I'll do my best to answer and correct things for future posts and possible videos. Video link below

https://youtu.be/325NvgzO_So

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

These are awesome trucks! We got one, and ran it down at RRW Krawlzone in Tennessee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9fnfa2ra6I


Thats one of our favorite crawlers that we have. We've made several videos on it.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Not a bad video for your first one. I am also working on a danchee ridgerock. This is my first crawler and I’m having a blast. How did you do the mod to lower the body?

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

any issues with holes in the tire yet those hyrax are so thin they get holes vary easy i must have dozens of holes in my sidewalls the worst part is if your air filed your done till its fixed

if i were you i would put the stock tires inside the hyrax and use the stock tire like a tube

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Did the spring mod effect the articulation of the vehicle? I’m thinking about doing it to mine.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Davidrcbasher, great videos I wish we had good places like that here in kansas to crawl, Jlane for the body mod of lowering it, I literally cut about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch off the side and then used what I cut off to recenter the holes more foward on the body to bring the body down and back, I'll post side by side comparison with my sons box stock so you can see the difference, and yes on the pin spring mod you will lose a small amount of articulation but since these things have so much it helps rather than herts the performance. Last but not least ferp420, I use E6000 and Gorilla contact adhesive to seal my wheels and tires and yes from the factory the hyrax tires had some pin holes, I aired them up held under water found the leaks and sealed with the glue as needed they hold a constant psi now, just have to have a very flexible glue, or rubber cement. Also I still have the foams inside so if i get a hole i still have the foam as back up but wont be able to adjust psi.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Thanks for the response. It looks really good and I love the low look.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Jlane, yeah I love the shorter body look and by doing the pin spring mod the CG is way lower meaning its tipping point fwd to aft and side to side is way higher, so looks good and performance is better as well.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Awesome info! Do you have a part number for the Hyrax tires? Are they for a 1.9 or 2.2 wheel? Also, any more pics of how you cut the wheels?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Charlieboyd65 here are the tires I ordered, they were the proline hyrax predator compound 2.2 size.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/163731930115

Pretty good Video on a cutting down a wheel,

https://youtu.be/32T3Brm71ag

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Thanks so much. Quick question: Aren't the stock tires/wheels 1.9? Did you have to do something to make the 2.2s fit on the stock wheels?

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Charlieboyd65 the wheels are 2.2 I just put the same tires on mine, however they are not the predator compound.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

I think I might do the same. I just did the proline hyrax tires and added about 2 3/4 oz to the wheels. Picked up some sticky wheel weights from harbor freight and stuck them to inside of the wheel when I had them apart. I’m on the look out now for a metal MOA (motor on axle). I’m hoping I can find one that will fit! All the plastic worries me a little with the new servo!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Yes the wheels and tires on the danchee are the 2.2 size 100%. also here are side by side comparisons of a box stock wheel and tire vs my cut down wheel and with inflated tires. I cut 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch out of the back side of the rim, its easier to cut it from this side and you get more steering clearance and a wider stance this way. I then used longer strews to help secure the wheel and help alignment and straighten the wheel.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

That video totally helped me understand why you’re stoked on it. And straight up and down couch mantle-ing.

Also cool to see you have quite the Danchee posse showing up in here!
All the best, Lincoln

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

LincolnofDeath, yeah for such a small budget rc the danchee is really the best bag for buck for a newbie or a seasoned hobbyist who wants to tweak it and make it there own, don't get me wrong I love the high dollar name brand stuff too, but I have really started tapering toward the underdog budget world of rc, For me and my 6 year old son they're great I just by them in pairs or three at a time so I always have spare parts. Along with the danchee, I bought three WLtoys 12428 buggies,70 ish apiece and a couple of wltoys a979-b, 60 ish apiece, for the money they are tones of fun. You can full send one to the moon and if and when it dose break they are next to nothing to buy replacement parts for or just have a whole new one ready to go. I have one WLtoy 12428 buggy cracked out, with full size servo, 45 amp brushless 4370 kv setup, its a rocket and has less than 150 in it so if the completely blows up no biggy. If anyone is interested I can try and show those too, not sure if i can on here though, they aren't crawlers.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

How much of a wheel spacer (mm) do you recommend to avoid rubbing body and links? Thanks!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

charlieboyd65 If you just want to go with a wheel spacer for clearance ill put a link below to ones I have used and have had good luck with vs cutting the body shorter and cutting and shutting the wheels. If you use wheel spacers you will have to drill the wheel out to fit the new wheel nut. Ill put a link to a youtube video showing this process down below. Hope this helps let me know if there is anything else I can help with. I used the 12mm spacers because 20mm seems to wide to me, this is all imo.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDmyowhLBgE

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Any thoughts on what would be a better controller... The GT3 or GT5? From what I was looking at it looks like you have to go to the settings and use the selector wheel for the 4 steering options on the GT5. Not sure if you can program them for on the fly buttons. Also, not sure about the on the fly dig option. It looks like you can do this with the GT3 hacked controller from some videos Ive seen. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks again for all the good tips and advice. My son and I enjoy working on the buggy together.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

charlieboyd65, I did the hacked GT3 C model and it was awesome, alittle bit of a pain but if you take your time and do the reading on here and there is a site that a guy will hack it for you for a price. Once the GT3 was hacked it was awesome, turned into a 6ch, to try something new I went ahead and got the GT5 and so far I really like it, I haven't set up dig or 4 wheel steer as of yet but these are going to be in the works later. The GT5 is a 6 ch radio out of the box so there is a tonne of possibilities, Cant really go wrong with flysky setups for the price, wish I had further details on the new one I just haven't messed with it alot.

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Right on, thanks. Maybe I'll try to GT3 first since it seems proven. Definitely interested to hear your thoughts on the GT5 once you get some time to mess with it.

Thanks

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

So after further research, I've decided I want to use the GT3C for the thumb controls. In order to do this what all will I need other than the hacked radio?

GT3C radio + stuff to hack/solder/firmware

New receiver (any suggestions)?
Do I need 2 new ESCs?

Thanks again!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

charlieboyd65 you will need a flysky 6ch receiver, and 2 esc's or a dig unit depending on if you want front or rear dig or both. There is a thread on this forum almost a mile long on the hacked GT3C and setups people have done or used, In my experience with the hacked GT3C run a 6ch receiver's, and 2 esc's for both front and rear dig, you will basically have a super class comp rig that would have the capability of 4ws, front and rear digs "thumbsup"

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

charlieboyd65, in electronics Thread: GT3B Hack Question and Answer Thread 245 pgs.

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you also need a st link programer so your computer can talk to the radio



i found a bunch on ebay from $2 to $5 heres a link to one there are cheaper ones though and i dont think it matters i got a cheap one and it worked

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/382561155569

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Has anyone had any luck finding a metal axle that would fit the ridgerock? I’m very new to the crawler scene, and I have no idea if those parts are interchangeable between vehicles. Thanks for the help!

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

i have metal scx10ii axles under a barbie car anything is posable if you want it bad enuff

and have some basic skills

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Jlane, like ferp420 said any thing is possible, these things are motor and servo on axle so they would be pretty much compatible with any motor and servo on axle rig out there, so bully, has metal axles but, metal will add weight, any 10th or 1/8 scale with 540 motors would honestly be an upgrade. Believe me I'm looking into doing some pretty serious mods to this thing however if I wanted a full on metal or comp build I would just build one from scratch, my purpose here on this danchee is to make the best budget friendly little rig I can, with that being said anything and everything will be a possibility if it can be had at a reasonable price. "thumbsup"

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

Thanks for the feedback! I have been trying to keep it budget friendly as well. I will have to do some looking now that I know!

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Now that’s funny! You are correct saying anything is possible I just didn’t want to waste a ton of money! But now it sounds like I have many options.

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i found a thrashed barbie mini cooper at good will for 2 bucks missing a bunch of parts lol as soon as i saw it i new i had to build a crawler out of it lol

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-9-s...ni-cooper.html

Re: Danchee ridgerock
 

ferp420, that's awesome got any pics, I'm interested to see how it turned out. :mrgreen: