VF/DNA/BWD 2.2 Mantis prototype vid...sneak peak

[billet works]

Ok guys, here is the first vid of the 2.2 Mantis prototype in action. H3RESQ (designer and builder of this beast) was playin around on the rocks at Crawlapalooza and someone pulled out a vid cam for us...thanks Shane.

This is a prototype 2.2 Mantis with no wheel weight, no dig, in droop form (so the belly is actually sitting lower than intended), and was final assembled Friday night (finished about 2AM Sat. actually) prior to the comp Saturday. Current setup is 12.5" WB and 10" TW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY94AOKMkMQ

Don

[maro69camaro]

ok there is only one thing that i dont like so far about it. the way the chassis that when you get the front over somthing and it hangs up, looks like its hard to get it to back up over the skid like at 1:58 in the vid then when it does back up it get thrown to one side. and i understand there no weight but dont have much flex.

[mjderstine]

im a fan of the design. It does appear to be long but that must be from the way the chassis is designed. optical illusion.

good stuff man, looks like it crawls great even in the prototype mode.

[H3RESQ]

Originally Posted by maro69camaro

ok there is only one thing that i dont like so far about it. the way the chassis that when you get the front over somthing and it hangs up, looks like its hard to get it to back up over the skid like at 1:58 in the vid then when it does back up it get thrown to one side. and i understand there no weight but dont have much flex.

This is very true. If you look at the picture's you'll notice a gap between the belly of the chassis and the motor area of axle's. In the final production this area will be forward, This moves the belly forward and let's the tires help block it from happening. At the same time it create's more clearance when the next protoype raises the shock mounts allowing the truck to be sprung.
Please keep in mind this is the first prototype and I drew it up to short. The next will have a 1/2 longer tail and 3/4 inch taller shock mount's. This will allow a tad more tail flex, better belly clearance, and move the belly closer to motor in turn mostly eliminating your concern......it was obviously my concern to as you can here me talk about in the video.

[hotwheels000]

Great Job DNA, Jason you know how much I like this design.Cant wait to see the final production unit.

[Nabil]

its looking good jason :thumbsup:

[muddauber7]

Got to check this out in person at Crawlapalooza.
Very, Very nice...awesome design work man.
A work of art...
Get them bugs worked out,
and you should have a winner on your hands.

[JAM MaxAmps.com]

Simply innovative. Nice work Jason.

Jason

[03kjrocky]

Lookin good

But any update on the "Mantis super chassis"


Thanks

[Offroader5]

Originally Posted by 03kjrocky

Lookin good

But any update on the "Mantis super chassis"


Thanks

Ditto...I was under the impression that this was to be a super chassis? Is it planned to have both?

[billet works]

Originally Posted by Offroader5

Ditto...I was under the impression that this was to be a super chassis? Is it planned to have both?

We are doing both super and 2.2, but we wanted to get the 2.2 perfected and released first.

Don

[H3RESQ]

UPDATE: Working on a steering setup since BTA isn't an option. Hooked up the dual Mamba Pro's today.

Should have it up and running this weekend at the ORCRC comp.

Final prototype (if I got everything right.lol) should be cut tomorrow and in my hand's for testing within the week, thanks to the hard worker's at DNA. Look for a full in-depth build thread.

[bbyrd22]

I like this chassis, from what I saw at CrawlaP. Can't wait to see your results. Might have to change chassis's on the berg.

Originally Posted by H3RESQ

UPDATE: Working on a steering setup since BTA isn't an option. Hooked up the dual Mamba Pro's today.

Should have it up and running this weekend at the ORCRC comp.

Final prototype (if I got everything right.lol) should be cut tomorrow and in my hand's for testing within the week, thanks to the hard worker's at DNA. Look for a full in-depth build thread.

[Offroader5]

Originally Posted by billet works

We are doing both super and 2.2, but we wanted to get the 2.2 perfected and released first.

Don

Good to hear. I'm plannin' on rebuilding my super around this chassis.

[JUSTGOINGSLOW]

I think it's a genius idea. I really like it, can't wait to see the final version

[H3RESQ]

Originally Posted by JUSTGOINGSLOW

I think it's a genius idea. I really like it, can't wait to see the final version

lol. I guess even (i) a blind dog can find a fire hydrant once in awhile.

[BILLYGOAT]

gret job guys. i really like this idea of half torsion. i want to build a super with one hint hint

[H3RESQ]

I hope to get a test run today with steering setup and dual Mamba setup. Wheel's are weighted.

We will see how she does.

[upnover1]

Interesting, so the entire servo moves while steering ?

[H3RESQ]

Originally Posted by upnover1

Interesting, so the entire servo moves while steering ?

Correct. I had the same kinda BTA setup on my 2.2 torsion. Work's well. Grover built the one you see on the Mantis.

Flipped it so knuckle's are in the rear now, added nylon bushing's. DNA will be making a production version of this steering. I'm heading to run this rig in about an hour, I'll get some video of body off so you can see steering working.