|
| LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-31-2004, 08:49 PM | #1 |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
| How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler
This article is currently being updated. Please see the following vendors for your parts needs: www.orcrc.com/crawlmart/crawlmart.htm www.jpcustomrcs.com/home.html www.xtreme-rc-hobbies.net/ www.thecrawlerstore.com www.rcpcrawlers.com www.rc4wd.com www.jwcustomwurksrc.com/ www.holmeshobbies.com/home.php www.reignrc.com/ http://www.shop.rpphobby.com/categor...?categoryId=46 http://www.crawfordperformanceengine...n/commerce.cgi I'd like to thank everyone for posting in here. There are no stupid questions so ask anything you are unsure about. I will make sure you don't get flamed on and will delete any posts that are not made with good intentions. This thread is kept clean and posts are deleted regularly. Any info you post that is useful will be added to this original post so please keep asking questions and posting answers if you know them. Thanks again and good luck with your new build. Index: Part 1: Buying the components Part 2: Available Chassis Kits Part 3: Construction and assorted notes How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler Part 1: Buying the components This guide is designed to help newcomers with the task of acquiring the numerous components needed to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler. Move your mouse pointer over the associated text and left click to jump to the associated website. To make this all a little easier to use, I've compiled an abbreviated list for the beginner crawler to use. This list of parts is a good starting point for anyone to build a clod crawler. I've recommended components so you don't have to decide yourself. The majority of parts you will need to build your crawler are: Clod Axles Clod Chassis (you have to choose this one) Speed Control (recommend the tekin rebel 2) Servos (recommend 645mgs) tq3 system Batteries for truck (all but the stick can use whats listed below- subC 6 cell) Battery Charger (see recommended below) Tires (proline Moabs) Wheels (Proline velocity or mambo) Wheel Adapters Motors (Integy Lathe 65t with 8 tooth pinions) Diff Locks 1) Clodbuster Axles --Ebay --TheCrawlerStore.com --RCPCrawlers.com --rc4wd 2) High Torque Servos --Hitec HS-645MG Servos are the most popular. 133.31 oz/in at 6.0V --You can upgrade to digital and increased torque. HS-5645MG 164.2 oz/in at 6V[/url] --Hitec HSC-5955 - Robot servos provide the most torque, but at a high cost. 339 oz/in at 6V --Hitec HSR-5995 (180 degrees of rotation - programmable) - Robot servos provide the most torque, but at a high cost. 339 oz/in at 6V Note, this servo rotates 180 degrees. A normal servo only rotates 90 degrees. This helps preload the servo saver but may not be good for all applications 3) Servo Savers --Kimbrough Gas Car/Truck Servo Saver #124 --The Ofna Gas Car/Truck Servo Saver - Really good for the 180 degree rotation robot servo 4) 4 Wheel Steering Kits. Some chassis kits come with steering, so check with the manufacturer of the chassis you are buying to see if the chassis kit comes with steering or not. --RcGuy 4 Wheel Steering Kit --rc4wd steering kit 5) Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) --Tekin Rebel 2 --Novak Super Duty[/url] --The Novak Super Rooster was the standard ESC for rock crawling but is now discontinued. If you have one or can get one they are still a great choice for rock crawling. --If you have an EVX laying around, that can be used also. You can run one battery off your EVX, see how by clicking here. http://www.rccrawler.com/evx.htm 6) Radio System/Remote Control --The TQ3 with rear steer is very popular.www.TheCrawlerStore.com --Spectrum DX6 www.rcpcrawlers.com --Clod Mod Racing TQ3 www.rcpcrawlers.com --The Futaba 4WD remote is also a good option 7) Batteries --SMC 3600mAh Nimh packs are great www.thecrawlerstore.com --Or, a more economical choice if money is an issue, use DuraTrax Shark 6-Cell 1500mAh Sport Standard 8.) Battery Charger --DuraTrax Piranha AC/DC Digital Peak Charger NiCd/NiMH 9) Tires/Rims/Adapters --Axial Racing 8 Hole Beadlock Wheels --Pro-Line Moab tires are the most popular [/url] --Pro-Line Velocity rims for the Moabs or other 40 series tires (Requires clod to maxx wheel adapters, see below)[/url] --Pro-Line Mambo rims for the Moabs or other 40 series tires (Requires clod to maxx wheel adapters, see below)[/url] --E-Maxx and T-Maxx tires are fairly popular. --Imex items can be purchased directly from Imex. --IMEX JumboMaxx Swamp Dawgs for E-Maxx and T-Maxx --IMEX Rims for E-Maxx and T-Maxx --Or these clod to maxx adapters from TheCrawlerStore 10) Motors --You need two motors for a clodbuster. Lathe motors are the most popular. --There are several motor mount manufacturers: Thunder Tech Racing, RcGuy, rc4wd, etc. --Low tooth count pinions. 11) Top link mounts. Some trucks such as the Vprime require upper link mounts. 12) Diff Locks. These are needed to lock the differentials on the truck which is a must in rock crawling. How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler Part 2: Available Chassis "The Stick" "NN" "Hustler" Rockbull Gecko 2 V3 http://www.utrcrc.com/products.html Last edited by 666; 09-27-2008 at 12:34 PM. |
Sponsored Links | |
01-02-2005, 04:19 AM | #2 |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
| Re: How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler How to build - Part 3: Construction and assorted notes: This is a work in progress. Make sure to use locktight on any metal to metal hardware like a metal screw going into a metal part or into a metal nut. Nitro or gas powered r/c trucks do not make good crawlers at all for many reasons. Electric motors have allot more "control". You can control the torque and power you apply much more precisely. Electrics have instant reverse. Not all nitros even have reverse systems stock. Nitros free wheel (no brake or engine power) when the throttle on the radio is returned to neutral. This allows the truck to roll which you don't want to do when crawling on inclines. You can lock your differentials (diffs) using jb weld or hot glue. Four Wheel Steering: To make the most capable rock crawler you should setup four wheel steering (4ws - steer the front and rear wheels). You can use a Y servo cable to do this. The y cable is inexpensive ($4-$10) and you can get them at any local hobby shop or online hobby store. But this will give you full time 4ws which is not really that good. The best setup is an independent 4ws system. Setup like this, the front and rear servo are wired seperately into the receiver on different channels. For this you need to have at least a 3 channel radio system. The cheapest method to do this is to modify a tq3 system. You can buy the parts or a complete system from RCC vendors or you can modify your system with the info found here: My Modded TQ3 Update - Added EPA pots You can also use a 3 or more channel radio system. Different radio systems are listed above in part 1 of this article. Mounting servos: Here is some info on how to mount your servos to the clod axles. Aggressor Steering System Aggressor Steering System You should also cut off the 4 little knubs (steering stops) on each knuckle to increase turning radius. I use a pair of wire cutters or knips, but you can use a dremel tool with a cutoff wheel (use safety glasses) or any other means. About the super clodbuster kits: The super clod kit does not come with any type of controller and receiver, servos, batteries, or any wiring that you would use on a clod based crawler. the stock clod can't do much of anything. It's only worth buying for the axles. Making you own links: http://www.rccrawler.com/customlink.htm http://www.rccrawler.com/links2.htm Wiring your motors: http://www.utrcrc.com/utrcrc/tech.html Links to other usefull threads: RCCRAWLER tips, cheap tricks / parts guide. An explanation of the different types of crawlers, 2.2, super, unlimited, shafty, tubers, price considerations, performance, etc. A Detailed Description of the Different Types of Crawlers Last edited by badger; 04-16-2007 at 02:33 PM. |
02-11-2005, 02:08 PM | #3 |
Rock Crawler Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Oxford, MA
Posts: 802
|
How about ways to lock the axles. What works, what doesn't. Or do you not lock at all? Koko |
02-11-2005, 03:24 PM | #4 |
Rock Stacker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Heber, Utah
Posts: 87
|
Use JB weld, hot glue, or a commercial diff locker to lock your diff. It is a must to lock it. Crawling is all about getting the power to the ground.
Last edited by kevinlongisland; 04-22-2006 at 08:35 AM. |
04-25-2005, 09:08 AM | #5 | |
I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,399
| Quote:
Last edited by kevinlongisland; 04-22-2006 at 08:39 AM. | |
04-25-2005, 09:08 AM | #6 |
I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,399
|
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEHIND THE AXLE (BTA) STEERING! http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/tamiya-clod-buster/8546-does-behind-axles-limit-artic-post86788.html |
10-20-2005, 10:31 AM | #7 |
Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Belgium
Posts: 5
|
how do you link the servos for 4ws? or do you need a seperate channel for the rear wheels?
|
10-20-2005, 10:42 AM | #8 |
I wanna be Dave Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vegas
Posts: 7,172
|
You can get a Y adapter or you can adapt the third channel with a toggle switch from thecrawlerstore.com. Adapting the third channel will allow you to crab walk or steer opposite at will. |
11-12-2005, 11:30 AM | #9 | |
I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,399
| Quote:
They look stout; they did reinforce the dogbone area on the long side, but in not having that part where in necks down... You're likely going to take away a lot of your steering ability. | |
11-12-2005, 02:46 PM | #10 | |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
| Quote:
I had to triple check the post date. I just can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!! WHATS UP MAN! | |
12-10-2005, 11:06 AM | #11 | |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
| Quote:
Welcome to r/c crawling. You can buy a used crawler off of this site or ebay. That's always the cheapest route. If you want all new parts you can either buy a clod kit and sell off the remaining parts you don't use, or just buy a set of clod axles from one of the vendors on here. Then purchase one of the many chassis available or build your own. There are many options. Spend some time looking around the boards, reading and searching. After a while you'll figure out what route you want to take. Welcome to RCC! | |
01-20-2006, 04:23 AM | #12 |
Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 606
|
Hey RockRevolver, did you ever finish up that number crunching? I'm currently doing the same thing. Here's what I've come up with so far: clodbuster kit 190 towerhobbies integy lathe 55t motors 37 towerhobbies robinson 9tooth pinion 6 towerhobbies tekin rebel2 esc 80 towerhobbies the stick 199 thecrawlerstore adjustable motormounts 30 thecrawlerstore Hpi Bronco body 25 towerhobbies total 567 txt 355 towerhobbies integy lathe 55t motor 18 towerhobbies robinson 9tooth pinion 3 towerhobbies tekin rebel2 esc 80 towerhobbies gd600 13 towerhobbies total 469 clod axles 130 thecrawlerstore integy lathe 55t motors 37 towerhobbies robinson 9tooth pinion 6 towerhobbies tekin rebel2 esc 80 towerhobbies the stick 199 thecrawlerstore adjustable motormounts 30 thecrawlerstore tires 50 towerhobbies rims 17 towerhobbies wheel adapters 45 thecrawlerstore total 594 Oddly enuff its cheaper to buy the clod kit and go from there. I also plan on narrowing the stock clod rims and tires to try and keep costs down at first, the wife is giving me a spending limit, its my b-day and she has never really liked my RC addiction so i'm just grateful that she has even offered to get me something I actually like!!! All kidding aside, I'm really looking forward to getting started in this new(to me anyway) hobby. I also plan on using my JR XS3 Tx. With 4WS, can it be/should it be used as proportional steering just like front only steering or is it better to just have full tilt one way or the other in the rear like with the TQ3 kits that Kevin provides? I'm going with the Stick simply because if I end up not liking it, it will be easy to pass on and if I end up not being able to get enuff crawling, then I got the best from the start, not trying to brown nose! If I've missed anything, please let me know. I've been lurking here for about a month and you guys are doing some amazing stuff. Thanks for all the useful info you guys put out, keep it coming!! Tom |
01-20-2006, 07:39 AM | #13 | |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
| Quote:
| |
01-31-2006, 01:23 PM | #14 |
Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: winchester
Posts: 14
| Last edited by kevinlongisland; 04-22-2006 at 09:28 AM. |
02-26-2006, 04:16 AM | #15 |
Rock Crawler Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Warner Robins
Posts: 803
| Clodbuster gearing info: Pinion 32 pitch 13 tooth gear ratio 1:30.1 Speed, Stock 15mph / Run Time, about 8 minutes 2000mAH batteryPinion gear ratio: 8T 48.89:1 9T 43.46:1 10T 39.11:1 11T 35.56:1 12T 32.59:1 13T 30.08:1 14T 27.94:1 15T 26.07:1 16T 24.44:1 Figured I'd post it since people ask about it alot! |
03-16-2006, 07:02 PM | #16 |
Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nampa
Posts: 3
|
I want to build my own crawler from a clodbuster but there's one thing i don't understand, if the clodbuster has 2 motors, then doesn't it need an esc that is wired for 2 motors? How does this all work? I want to have one battery also.
|
03-17-2006, 10:19 PM | #17 | |
I wanna be Dave Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Happiness is a warm AK.
Posts: 12,563
| Quote:
http://www.utrcrc.com/tech.html Last edited by kevinlongisland; 04-22-2006 at 09:45 AM. | |
03-18-2006, 07:09 AM | #18 |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
|
Wire it up just like the picture. The front motor will have positive to positive, the rear motor will be opposite. So the rear will have the positive wire going to the negative terminal on the motor.
|
05-04-2006, 03:31 PM | #19 |
Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Folsom
Posts: 160
|
I have a quick newb question. I was wondering how some guys wire up for another battery pack to run the servo's. How does that join up with the ESC and that battery? Is there any other part that is needed other then the extra 6v battery? illustraions or pictures help a lot for me.
|
05-04-2006, 04:03 PM | #20 |
The Wheels Keep Turning Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 2,831
|
I know you have to disable (cut or disconnect) one of the power wires coming from the esc. Basically you set it up so the esc only has a signal to it from the receiver. But I can't remember now what wire you need to disable. It's somewhere here on the boards. You may want to ask this in the electronics section. Then you just plug the battery into the battery slot in the receiver.
|
LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/tamiya-clod-buster/4065-how-build-clodbuster-rock-crawler.html | ||||
Posted By | For | Type | Date | |
thecrawlerstore - Xtreme | This thread | Refback | 10-04-2011 10:48 PM |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
| |