calling on all 540 racers
12-30-2007, 04:58 PM
#121
Best comment yet, that a club with a strong 540 class is a strong club all round. Notable that the attitude in WA is that 540 is a beginners or "hacks" class, and low and behold, both WA clubs suffer continually dwindling numbers, lots of long time racers quitting, fed up with the attitude and a few die hards coming on line to just throw insults at people with dissenting opinions.
Talk about attacking the symptoms not the problems.
540 is a great class, which needs support. It's not for some, but I am not about to bag out Stock or Mod either.
Talk about attacking the symptoms not the problems.
540 is a great class, which needs support. It's not for some, but I am not about to bag out Stock or Mod either.
12-31-2007, 04:20 PM
#122
Tech Regular
iTrader: (8)
Bolwell
[QUOTE=ant0276;4020824]Funny isn't it. I place more value in my RC trophies than my 125GP motorcycle trophies. To me, RC is just like any other motor sport, only smaller. I have a Bolwell Nagari Sports sedan,
QUOTE]
Oh dude, i would give my left nut for a Bolwell. What an incredible Australian made sports car. Saw one in some old blokes back shed on a work trip to Mt Gambier once..... oh I could go on for hours.... I wont...... But those cars man would give a bloody Jellyfish a bone.......seriously.
Give me give me
QUOTE]
Oh dude, i would give my left nut for a Bolwell. What an incredible Australian made sports car. Saw one in some old blokes back shed on a work trip to Mt Gambier once..... oh I could go on for hours.... I wont...... But those cars man would give a bloody Jellyfish a bone.......seriously.
Give me give me
01-01-2008, 03:22 PM
#123
Ive been reading this post on an off for a while now.
Ant, no need to apolgise. Ive been involved in many different forms of racing - WRC, F1, Dakar, GT, Karting, club level full size etc - and the skills needed to win with rc are just as high, albeit with muuuuch less cost, time and personal risk. The things we play with in terms of setup are just as advanced as any top level motorsport, and as you mentioned you dont need a hoist, workshop and a team of helpers just to get to the track! I wrote an article on it for Racing Lines a few years ago (if anyone is interested to read it, let me know).
I choose RC because I can afford the time and money to compete properly, it doesnt take up too much space, but most of all because I really enjoy it!
In terms of the value of a trophy - for me, it is about how hard it was to win, not what the sport is. And that all comes back to the same thing - competition. No competition means reduced value (dont care whether it is rc, full size, basketball, or whatever).
I think 540 is a great class for club level, and if properly supported and controlled, also for big events. It is cheap on equipment (mod is much better than a few years ago, but still hard on tyres...), you dont need specialised motor tools, and it is still FUN. OK its fun to have a 5.5 BL and the associated power if you can afford it (and have the skills), but do you really need to be doing 60kph on a narrow track to have fun if there is tight competition? Mod isnt for everyone.
There is talk about stopping trophy hunters from beating the newbies in 540. The biggest problem I had with karting was that they allowed cross entry between all classes. So you had the situation of racing in the J class (equivalent to 540) against the same guys winning the top classes. You had the crazy situation with motors being worth over $5K in the lowest class to be competitive! I think that stopping cross entry is essential. Maybe also a rule to stop anyone who has been in a Nats mod A final in the last 10 years from entering 540 at big events.
To really keep costs low, I would also suggest limiting tyre numbers (somtehing I would like in all classes). With 540, it sounds like you could use one set of tyres for a whole event. In terms of promoting the sport to new people, I think that would be a huge bonus.
I dont believe in trying to limit equipment (cars, batteries etc) any more as I dont think it is relevant. RTR B3s, B4s, RB5s, cheap packs etc have changed that, and people should be able to step up to RB stock with similar equipment if they want.
In terms of 'stopping the older guys from beating the youngsters': Surely a 13yo, with great eyesight and fast reactions, has a natural advantage over a 40yo who is doing it for fun??????
I like the idea of Division 1 / Division 2 /3 etc, but I think that amongst racers that is how the classes are perceived anyway (correct me if Im wrong).
I think we should all be doing everything we can to make the hobby / sport more attractive to new people, and this has to be one of the classes which helps that.
My 2c. Please feel free to disagree with any comments.
Ray
Ant, no need to apolgise. Ive been involved in many different forms of racing - WRC, F1, Dakar, GT, Karting, club level full size etc - and the skills needed to win with rc are just as high, albeit with muuuuch less cost, time and personal risk. The things we play with in terms of setup are just as advanced as any top level motorsport, and as you mentioned you dont need a hoist, workshop and a team of helpers just to get to the track! I wrote an article on it for Racing Lines a few years ago (if anyone is interested to read it, let me know).
I choose RC because I can afford the time and money to compete properly, it doesnt take up too much space, but most of all because I really enjoy it!
In terms of the value of a trophy - for me, it is about how hard it was to win, not what the sport is. And that all comes back to the same thing - competition. No competition means reduced value (dont care whether it is rc, full size, basketball, or whatever).
I think 540 is a great class for club level, and if properly supported and controlled, also for big events. It is cheap on equipment (mod is much better than a few years ago, but still hard on tyres...), you dont need specialised motor tools, and it is still FUN. OK its fun to have a 5.5 BL and the associated power if you can afford it (and have the skills), but do you really need to be doing 60kph on a narrow track to have fun if there is tight competition? Mod isnt for everyone.
There is talk about stopping trophy hunters from beating the newbies in 540. The biggest problem I had with karting was that they allowed cross entry between all classes. So you had the situation of racing in the J class (equivalent to 540) against the same guys winning the top classes. You had the crazy situation with motors being worth over $5K in the lowest class to be competitive! I think that stopping cross entry is essential. Maybe also a rule to stop anyone who has been in a Nats mod A final in the last 10 years from entering 540 at big events.
To really keep costs low, I would also suggest limiting tyre numbers (somtehing I would like in all classes). With 540, it sounds like you could use one set of tyres for a whole event. In terms of promoting the sport to new people, I think that would be a huge bonus.
I dont believe in trying to limit equipment (cars, batteries etc) any more as I dont think it is relevant. RTR B3s, B4s, RB5s, cheap packs etc have changed that, and people should be able to step up to RB stock with similar equipment if they want.
In terms of 'stopping the older guys from beating the youngsters': Surely a 13yo, with great eyesight and fast reactions, has a natural advantage over a 40yo who is doing it for fun??????
I like the idea of Division 1 / Division 2 /3 etc, but I think that amongst racers that is how the classes are perceived anyway (correct me if Im wrong).
I think we should all be doing everything we can to make the hobby / sport more attractive to new people, and this has to be one of the classes which helps that.
My 2c. Please feel free to disagree with any comments.
Ray
01-01-2008, 06:11 PM
#126
Ive been reading this post on an off for a while now.
Ant, no need to apolgise. Ive been involved in many different forms of racing - WRC, F1, Dakar, GT, Karting, club level full size etc - and the skills needed to win with rc are just as high, albeit with muuuuch less cost, time and personal risk. The things we play with in terms of setup are just as advanced as any top level motorsport, and as you mentioned you dont need a hoist, workshop and a team of helpers just to get to the track! I wrote an article on it for Racing Lines a few years ago (if anyone is interested to read it, let me know).
I choose RC because I can afford the time and money to compete properly, it doesnt take up too much space, but most of all because I really enjoy it!
In terms of the value of a trophy - for me, it is about how hard it was to win, not what the sport is. And that all comes back to the same thing - competition. No competition means reduced value (dont care whether it is rc, full size, basketball, or whatever).
I think 540 is a great class for club level, and if properly supported and controlled, also for big events. It is cheap on equipment (mod is much better than a few years ago, but still hard on tyres...), you dont need specialised motor tools, and it is still FUN. OK its fun to have a 5.5 BL and the associated power if you can afford it (and have the skills), but do you really need to be doing 60kph on a narrow track to have fun if there is tight competition? Mod isnt for everyone.
There is talk about stopping trophy hunters from beating the newbies in 540. The biggest problem I had with karting was that they allowed cross entry between all classes. So you had the situation of racing in the J class (equivalent to 540) against the same guys winning the top classes. You had the crazy situation with motors being worth over $5K in the lowest class to be competitive! I think that stopping cross entry is essential. Maybe also a rule to stop anyone who has been in a Nats mod A final in the last 10 years from entering 540 at big events.
To really keep costs low, I would also suggest limiting tyre numbers (somtehing I would like in all classes). With 540, it sounds like you could use one set of tyres for a whole event. In terms of promoting the sport to new people, I think that would be a huge bonus.
I dont believe in trying to limit equipment (cars, batteries etc) any more as I dont think it is relevant. RTR B3s, B4s, RB5s, cheap packs etc have changed that, and people should be able to step up to RB stock with similar equipment if they want.
In terms of 'stopping the older guys from beating the youngsters': Surely a 13yo, with great eyesight and fast reactions, has a natural advantage over a 40yo who is doing it for fun??????
I like the idea of Division 1 / Division 2 /3 etc, but I think that amongst racers that is how the classes are perceived anyway (correct me if Im wrong).
I think we should all be doing everything we can to make the hobby / sport more attractive to new people, and this has to be one of the classes which helps that.
My 2c. Please feel free to disagree with any comments.
Ray
Ant, no need to apolgise. Ive been involved in many different forms of racing - WRC, F1, Dakar, GT, Karting, club level full size etc - and the skills needed to win with rc are just as high, albeit with muuuuch less cost, time and personal risk. The things we play with in terms of setup are just as advanced as any top level motorsport, and as you mentioned you dont need a hoist, workshop and a team of helpers just to get to the track! I wrote an article on it for Racing Lines a few years ago (if anyone is interested to read it, let me know).
I choose RC because I can afford the time and money to compete properly, it doesnt take up too much space, but most of all because I really enjoy it!
In terms of the value of a trophy - for me, it is about how hard it was to win, not what the sport is. And that all comes back to the same thing - competition. No competition means reduced value (dont care whether it is rc, full size, basketball, or whatever).
I think 540 is a great class for club level, and if properly supported and controlled, also for big events. It is cheap on equipment (mod is much better than a few years ago, but still hard on tyres...), you dont need specialised motor tools, and it is still FUN. OK its fun to have a 5.5 BL and the associated power if you can afford it (and have the skills), but do you really need to be doing 60kph on a narrow track to have fun if there is tight competition? Mod isnt for everyone.
There is talk about stopping trophy hunters from beating the newbies in 540. The biggest problem I had with karting was that they allowed cross entry between all classes. So you had the situation of racing in the J class (equivalent to 540) against the same guys winning the top classes. You had the crazy situation with motors being worth over $5K in the lowest class to be competitive! I think that stopping cross entry is essential. Maybe also a rule to stop anyone who has been in a Nats mod A final in the last 10 years from entering 540 at big events.
To really keep costs low, I would also suggest limiting tyre numbers (somtehing I would like in all classes). With 540, it sounds like you could use one set of tyres for a whole event. In terms of promoting the sport to new people, I think that would be a huge bonus.
I dont believe in trying to limit equipment (cars, batteries etc) any more as I dont think it is relevant. RTR B3s, B4s, RB5s, cheap packs etc have changed that, and people should be able to step up to RB stock with similar equipment if they want.
In terms of 'stopping the older guys from beating the youngsters': Surely a 13yo, with great eyesight and fast reactions, has a natural advantage over a 40yo who is doing it for fun??????
I like the idea of Division 1 / Division 2 /3 etc, but I think that amongst racers that is how the classes are perceived anyway (correct me if Im wrong).
I think we should all be doing everything we can to make the hobby / sport more attractive to new people, and this has to be one of the classes which helps that.
My 2c. Please feel free to disagree with any comments.
Ray
A lot of sense in this post. Does th comment re 40 year lold mean that we should be running slower classes as we begin to go grey. Our club runs a class for over 40's, perhaps we should make it over 50's to increase my chances of winning.
01-02-2008, 09:22 PM
#129
540
hi guys, I'm only new to this though my background covers "full size" motorsport & other past times in which I did quite well, I was given a mini last xmas (06) & started racing at nepean, though most monday nites were washed out, once I learned how to keep the the car off it's roof & on it's wheels I bought an "ebay" FK05 & put the elec bits into it including cable tied stick packs & 540 motor. Well, I went much faster and thought I'd try my luck at castle hill, everyone whom I spoke to said "if ya can do well there, you'll do well anywhere!" Straight into novice 540 & the results were quite good, after one p/score series moved up to 540 proper, these guys are quick! but still got good results. I'm overwhelmed at how good Castle Hill is, how professional Trevor & Linda are & how helpful most everyone is & I'm helping novices at the moment myself. But at 50 years of age, I think my limit will probably be 540, though I will have a stab at stock early this year. SORRY FOR BEING LONG WINDED but the point I'd like to put accross is that there's room enough for everyone, even at the top level, so would it really hurt to have 540 up there, you've all been in it longer than me, but you really need to encourage new people, much the same as any sport does to ensure it's future & 540 is an excellent step up platform...have a great new and all the best 
01-02-2008, 09:23 PM
#130
540
hi guys, I'm only new to this though my background covers "full size" motorsport & other past times in which I did quite well, I was given a mini last xmas (06) & started racing at nepean, though most monday nites were washed out, once I learned how to keep the the car off it's roof & on it's wheels I bought an "ebay" FK05 & put the elec bits into it including cable tied stick packs & 540 motor. Well, I went much faster and thought I'd try my luck at castle hill, everyone whom I spoke to said "if ya can do well there, you'll do well anywhere!" Straight into novice 540 & the results were quite good, after one p/score series moved up to 540 proper, these guys are quick! but still got good results. I'm overwhelmed at how good Castle Hill is, how professional Trevor & Linda are & how helpful most everyone is & I'm helping novices at the moment myself. But at 50 years of age, I think my limit will probably be 540, though I will have a stab at stock early this year. SORRY FOR BEING LONG WINDED but the point I'd like to put accross is that there's room enough for everyone, even at the top level, so would it really hurt to have 540 up there, you've all been in it longer than me, but you really need to encourage new people, much the same as any sport does to ensure it's future & 540 is an excellent step up platform...have a great new and all the best
01-14-2008, 01:47 AM
#131
hay people lets get this thread up and running again , what about other people , what do they think of 540
01-14-2008, 02:32 AM
#132
Need help on a technical question: I've been advised by some to use a capacitor over the motor wires for my 540...anyone know what type/rating to ask the Jaycar man for ?
01-14-2008, 05:52 AM
#134
You shouldnt really need them for 540, better still get spektrum instead!!!!
But if you are going capacitors i think you are meant to run 3 on the motor one from + terminal to can one from - terminal to can and one from - terminal to + terminal
People sometimes also use a schoktty diode across + and - terminal, more commonly this is soldered to the speedie so that you dont have to stick it to the motor every time you change the motor. However the schoktty diode is a waste of time for a 540.
01-14-2008, 06:30 AM
#135
Thanks Mangoman, ...actually upon closer inspection (and following someone else's prompting) I can see that it already has a capacitor on the inside of the endbell....that should do the job for the one or 2 meetings of use.