Been out of the game - too much has changed...help guide me?

[The Modfather]

Hi all. First and foremost, I absolutely HATE making these kinds of threads. I apologize in advance.

Some history: I got into RC'ing back when the RC10 was new. Mech speed control and a 2 stick controller. Meh - I'm old. Ran for a number of years, and hung up my controllers around the time the RC10 B3 came out. A few years later, I found that crawling had become mainstream, and knew I had to check it out. I picked up an AX-10, and was fortunate enough to be able to use a lot of my older gear (radio, receiver, ESC). Had a blast running that thing for a few years until life kicked me in the butt again. Put it on the shelf and focused on family and such. That was 5 years ago. I recently stumbled across some youtube vid, and realized how much I miss crawling, and that I want to get back into it.

This time I want to build a scaler. As such, I've been burning a ton of bandwidth looking for just the right setup. I was really torn on the SCX10-II kit, as I'm sure I'll end up tossing more than 1/2 of it, because upgrades. Tough call for me, but I have decided on the kit so I can upgrade stuff as needed. Ok, so that's out of the way. Next up on my to-do list is electronics. Just...wow. This is where I'm light years behind, and am reaching out for help.

Radio & Receiver: I have learned that crystals (channels) are no longer a thing. Still can't believe it took so long to happen. Looking for something that I won't outgrow in a short time. I ran my Airtronics CS2P for a LONG time and it never let me down.
Motor: Is brushless the way to go these days? When I signed off last, they were in their infancy. Is there a recommended ESC for a brushless setup? Do you prefer an internal or external BEC?
ESC: Speaking of ESCs, some have internal BEC's - some appear to not. Which is preferred?
Servo: I'm not gonna try and reuse any of my old parts on this build, so a new servo is in order. I saw on some youtube vid that there's a servo that you can wire directly into your battery - that sounds awesome to me, but never could find the video again. Any idea which one this may be? Are there other/better suggestions?
Battery and charger: I have to admit that I haven't done much research in this area. I am thinking LiPo is the way to roll, and I know that I want a high mAH battery. I like run time. Would like advice on a decent brand. I'd like a charger that is 120v, or 120/12. This used to be a thing back in the day - not sure if it still is. Regarding charger quality and features, is there still a huge variance between them all?

I guess I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. I'm not going to go top of the line on everything, but I'm definitely not going to go lo-cal like I did with my Scorpion - I'm certainly not going to reuse any of my old parts LOL!

Thanks in advance. Wall of text here, but if anything is unclear (or my understanding is incorrect on anything), please let me know.

-Moddy

edit: If there are threads here (or elsewhere) that are helpful, post em up - I'm not afraid of reading and doing my own research!

 

[Ditchrat]

If you get an scx10ii kit or rtr there isn't much at all that you have to toss. I watched a scx10ii get drive off the trail down a 100ft hill (about 45 degrees) end over end until it slammed into a rock, then get washed off a 3ft water fall into a 4ft deep hole.

After 20 minutes of recovery, a smashed trailfinder body and a disconnected battery was the only damage. It ran for another 2 hours until we were done for the day. No bent links, nothing broken. It was incredible the amount of force it survived.

Toss the wheels and tires, servo in the kit and run the heck out of it. It is really an impressive rig out of the box. I have seen many with tire changes kick the crap out of my heavily upgraded scx10.

Brushed esc= hobbywing 1080, best $40.00, maybe best brushed esc you can get. Read up on them.

 

[The Modfather]

If you get an scx10ii kit or rtr there isn't much at all that you have to toss. I watched a scx10ii get drive off the trail down a 100ft hill (about 45 degrees) end over end until it slammed into a rock, then get washed off a 3ft water fall into a 4ft deep hole.

After 20 minutes of recovery, a smashed trailfinder body and a disconnected battery was the only damage. It ran for another 2 hours until we were done for the day. No bent links, nothing broken. It was incredible the amount of force it survived.

Toss the wheels and tires, servo in the kit and run the heck out of it. It is really an impressive rig out of the box. I have seen many with tire changes kick the crap out of my heavily upgraded scx10.

Brushed esc= hobbywing 1080, best $40.00, maybe best brushed esc you can get. Read up on them.

Thanks for the reply, and the heads up on the 1080. I'm looking into it now!

Edit: Would you recommend an external BEC with a brushed setup?

 

[Ditchrat]

Thanks for the reply, and the heads up on the 1080. I'm looking into it now!

Edit: Would you recommend an external BEC with a brushed setup?

Well that standard canned answer around here is "yes", but it is ,maybe out dated.
Yes if the wattage of the servo exceeds the wattage available from the internal BEC.

I have rigs with external BEC because I needed 7.4v and run a 3s battery(earlier 1060 model with a 5.5v BEC). I have the exact same servo running off that 1080 internal esc and have zero issues with it. Which to me is a huge plus, the esc just gets cheaper when you consider that you now don't have to spend $20.00 to $30.00 on a BEC.

Opinions differ with experiences, so take a good look at lots of threads before you take my word as gospel.

I am working on a brushless scx10ii right now, so I need a different esc, as soon as I knew that I contacted Heyok for pricing. I have several of his BEC and have never had an issue. Not the only BEC available but you should consider one of his as you are looking at BEC's.

 

[The Modfather]

Thanks man! Currently reading up on LiPo as my power source - a little overwhelming, for sure, but I'm slowly figuring it out.

 

[lonleycreeper]

I have a very similar story to yours, AE, Rc10 black tub was my first hobby grade car, I converted to a 10T.

Upgrades all depend on what you want from your scaler...

I tend to run trails, so efficency an run time are important to me (7+miles at a time). I am running a scx10 based(loosely) F150 scaler with a cheap brushless system and 3000 kv motor. (kv=rpm per volts). On 3 s lipos. Wheelspeed is awsome! Mud,water, sand, snow and rocks are all in its diet It does not have instant reverse and that can make certain things challenging. Class 2 legal tires(4.75" tall max) but built more like a class 1. Full bumpers, working on a interior and various other things. My wifes hilux is built very similar, though it runs brushed, (HH Brxl Wp) and cheapy 35t motor. Both have Hitec 5646 servos Wp The Hilux will go further than the F150 but the F150 blows the Lux away with wheelspeed.(3.1 miles vs 3.5, on a pair of 2200mah 3s batteries)

SSD has incredible parts for about half of the premium Vanquish.

Proline, PitBull, And Rc4wd all have fantastic tires and compounds. Don't discount the Axial tires r35 compound or Duratrax c3 compound.

Holmes hobbies (HH) has amazing products, both brushed, and brushless escs, Motors, servos, and adapters. Cannot go wrong.

Castle (CC) kind of replaced Novak as the go to esc company.

Tekin is still around, and like always you pay a pretty penny for them.

Keeping a rig light will help with climbing loose stuff, and heavy rigs look more realistic moving around, and they are hard to beat where traction isn't an issue.

Crawling/scaling is a blast, hope you have fun, and...

Since threads are worthless with out pics... I will make your thread worthwhile.... Hope you don't mind.

 

[The Modfather]

I have a very similar story to yours, AE, Rc10 black tub was my first hobby grade car, I converted to a 10T.

NICE! I think mine was gold - but it was a heavy tank, and only got about 7-10 minutes run time out of it...provided I didn't break anything LOL!

I tend to run trails, so efficency an run time are important to me (7+miles at a time). I am running a scx10 based(loosely) F150 scaler with a cheap brushless system and 3000 kv motor. (kv=rpm per volts). On 3 s lipos. Wheelspeed is awsome! Mud,water, sand, snow and rocks are all in its diet It does not have instant reverse and that can make certain things challenging. Class 2 legal tires(4.75" tall max) but built more like a class 1. Full bumpers, working on a interior and various other things. My wifes hilux is built very similar, though it runs brushed, (HH Brxl Wp) and cheapy 35t motor. Both have Hitec 5646 servos Wp The Hilux will go further than the F150 but the F150 blows the Lux away with wheelspeed.

Not sure I'm looking for wheelspeed. But do you run a 7 mile loop on a single charge?!

SSD has incredible parts for about half of the premium Vanquish.

Proline, PitBull, And Rc4wd all have fantastic tires and compounds. Don't discount the Axial tires r35 compound or Duratrax c3 compound.

Holmes hobbies (HH) has amazing products, both brushed, and brushless escs, Motors, servos, and adapters. Cannot go wrong.

Castle (CC) kind of replaced Novak as the go to esc company.

Tekin is still around, and like always you pay a pretty penny for them.

Good info here! I forgot to ask in my original post which vendors are reputable/preferred. This helps a lot.

Since threads are worthless with out pics... I will make your thread worthwhile.... Hope you don't mind.

YES! I do love me some pix of rigs!

 

[lonleycreeper]

NICE! I think mine was gold - but it was a heavy tank, and only got about 7-10 minutes run time out of it...provided I didn't break anything LOL!


Not sure I'm looking for wheelspeed. But do you run a 7 mile loop on a single charge?!

3.1 miles up per pair of parralel 2200 mah 3s lipos. The last .4 miles up then back down the trail to the truck on the second pair, confirmed by my buddies Gps. I have a third pair of lipos in my pack. My buddy gets 3.5 miles out of the same size batteries.


Good info here! I forgot to ask in my original post which vendors are reputable/preferred. This helps a lot.



YES! I do love me some pix of rigs!

 

[TooOldForThis]

For a radio, check out the Flysky brand. Specifically their FS-GT3C. You can get them for around $45 including a rechargeable battery and receiver, and the functionality really can't be beat for the money.

IMO the best thing about it is the 10 model memory and the fact that you can buy extra receivers for less than $10 a pop. It's an easy way to get started on the road to having waaaaay too many R/C's. "thumbsup"

 

[The Modfather]

For a radio, check out the Flysky brand. Specifically their FS-GT3C. You can get them for around $45 including a rechargeable battery and receiver, and the functionality really can't be beat for the money.

IMO the best thing about it is the 10 model memory and the fact that you can buy extra receivers for less than $10 a pop. It's an easy way to get started on the road to having waaaaay too many R/C's. "thumbsup"

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1wg2uKFXXXXaVXFXXq6xXFXXXb/206039819/HTB1wg2uKFXXXXaVXFXXq6xXFXXXb.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]
Thanks! I saw these as I have been poking around - because of the amount of different manufacturers coupled with the fact that I've never heard of them, I admit I overlooked these guys. I will definitely put these guys on my list!

 

[Inspector86]

For a radio, check out the Flysky brand. Specifically their FS-GT3C. You can get them for around $45 including a rechargeable battery and receiver, and the functionality really can't be beat for the money.

IMO the best thing about it is the 10 model memory and the fact that you can buy extra receivers for less than $10 a pop. It's an easy way to get started on the road to having waaaaay too many R/C's. "thumbsup"

He completely omitted the fact that the GT3C can be easily hacked to 8 channels and 65 model memory.

 

[The Modfather]

He completely omitted the fact that the GT3C can be easily hacked to 8 channels and 65 model memory.

Holy crap - now I'm intrigued! This one just moved up on my list!

 

[StomperCrawler]

Here's what I'd get and where I'd get it:

$2 UBEC 6v 3a - eBay
$12 6621 or mg958 20kg servo - Banggood
$7 Turnigy 3s lipo 2200mah (anything bigger and the high COG will make the rig tipsy) - Hobbyking
$45 gt3c TX & RX with lipo battery - eBay
$60 Traxxas 4962 (qty 8 of 100mm eye-to-eye leak-free shocks; best shocks and best deal on them; other options are 2660=83mm, 2661=93mm, 2662=100mm) - eBay
... and the rest from RCCrawler-sponsor RPPhobby:

Updates: if you get the shocks then you can remove the extra shock oil from RPP since they'll come with silicone oil. Also, if you'd prefer the newer Wrangler body, it comes painted red in RTR form at RPP:

http://www.rpphobby.com/product_p/ax90060.htm

 

[The Modfather]

Here's what I'd get and where I'd get it:

$2 UBEC 6v 3a - eBay
$12 6621 or mg958 20kg servo - Banggood
$7 Turnigy 3s lipo 2200mah (anything bigger and the high COG will make the rig tipsy) - Hobbyking
$45 gt3c TX & RX with lipo battery - eBay
$60 Traxxas 4962 (qty 8 of 100mm eye-to-eye leak-free shocks; best shocks and best deal on them; other options are 2660=83mm, 2661=93mm, 2662=100mm) - eBay
... and the rest from RCCrawler-sponsor RPPhobby:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171211/aaab27342624006180edaf57a5c67e70.jpg[IMG]

Updates: if you get the shocks then you can remove the extra shock oil from RPP since they'll come with silicone oil. ;) Also, if you'd prefer the newer Wrangler body, it comes painted red in RTR form at RPP:

[url=http://www.rpphobby.com/product_p/ax90060.htm]Axial SCX10 II 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK CRC 4WD RTR[/url][/QUOTE]
Dude - quite the comprehensive list. Thank you for taking the time to do this! I am looking thru all of the stuff in here, and it looks like you've nailed everything!

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

I say keep your existing radio if you like it. You won't have much competition on channels these days!

Otherwise, great advice. The SCX10ii and TRX-4 are top of my list for rigs. Not really a lot that needs upgrading, but the RTR electronics are lackluster. I now have a line of TrailMaster Sport motors that are budget priced but have higher quality materials than the average sealed can.

 

[The Modfather]

I say keep your existing radio if you like it. You won't have much competition on channels these days!

Heh - I actually thought about this. I do like it - always have. But it's old and worn out, and I think it's time for something new

Otherwise, great advice. The SCX10ii and TRX-4 are top of my list for rigs. Not really a lot that needs upgrading, but the RTR electronics are lackluster. I now have a line of TrailMaster Sport motors that are budget priced but have higher quality materials than the average sealed can.

TrailMaster! I'll check em out!

edit: OOOH man do I feel like a dolt! You have TrailMaster motors on your site! Does anyone makes a stubby brushed motor per chance?

 

[StomperCrawler]

Dude - quite the comprehensive list. Thank you for taking the time to do this! I am looking thru all of the stuff in here, and it looks like you've nailed everything!

Thanks. I forgot to mention that some Double Deuce foams*would help the BFG tires perform better, but eventually you'll probably end up with Proline Hyrax tires like so many others. I make my own dual layer foams out of carpet padding and cushion foam for my Ripsaws 'cuz ima cheapskate. =P

Update: grab yourself some plastic beadlocks for $15 on eBay or $35 for Axial on RPP. Ungluing tires stinks.

 

[Ditchrat]

Thanks! I saw these as I have been poking around - because of the amount of different manufacturers coupled with the fact that I've never heard of them, I admit I overlooked these guys. I will definitely put these guys on my list!

$15.00 more and you can hack it to 8 channel. you cant beat it.

 

[TooOldForThis]

With everyone raving about the GT3C radio, its a good time to share some details of my experience:

The often-used pushbutton function of the selector wheel stopped working a couple months after I bought the radio. I later bought another identical GT3C transmitter to replace it, which showed up with a non-functioning screen. Sent that one back and wired in an aftermarket pushbutton on the first radio, which I knew how to do because of a YouTube video (this is a common failure point). Even after that disassembly and soldering process, I still don't feel proficient enough to do the hack that so many people seem to think is "easy".

I say all of this to make the point that it's a great cheap radio IF you're comfortable tinkering with electronics. That isn't everyone's cup of tea. If you want something with high-quality and tons of features right out of the box, that's what you're actually paying for with the name brands (Futaba, etc, etc.)

 

[The Modfather]

I say all of this to make the point that it's a great cheap radio IF you're comfortable tinkering with electronics. That isn't everyone's cup of tea. If you want something with high-quality and tons of features right out of the box, that's what you're actually paying for with the name brands (Futaba, etc, etc.)

Sounds like their quality control may be lacking a bit. I have always bought Airtronics radios in the past (with a few Futaba's thrown in for good measure) and have never had one go bad in any way. Weird.