MotorMan1515

I have been out of the loop for about 4 years for electrics. I have a Team Losi XX4 with a Novak Super Rooster ESP and a Trinity modified motor. Just wondering what a good battery pack would be for getting back into possibly some track time as well as just play? I haven't been into it since the 2400 mah packs were the new big thing. I was thinking of getting a few sport packs, but I need to solder the cells into a saddle pack. Also, would my esp be able to run with the 4200 and 4600 mah packs? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

hyperguy

iTrader: (22)

ur speedo will be fine. i run the 4200's, good power, and run time. at my local track we run 6 min qualifiers and mains and NO problems with runtime.

Jeff K.

iTrader: (18)

You might want a new motor though, or you could go Brushless.

MotorMan1515

OK thanks! I was thinking of getting a brushless motor, except I don't really have the money right now for a pack and a brushless esc and brushless motor.

MotorMan1515

How many turns should I get if I buy a new modified motor? I never got the concept for what the advantages are with more turns and less turns.

Jeff K.

iTrader: (18)

Mod, you can go with 10, 11, or 12 turn. I have a Checkpoint 10turn in my XX-4. Less turns is faster, but less run times. 12turn is good enough though, so you can get your skills back up to what they used to be, and then drop in the 10turn or brushless when you get the money. Checkpoint motors are only $70 and last a real long time between comm cuts.

MotorMan1515

Last question, I don't believe my charger to be able to work with my new 4200 NiMH cells. I have a Astro Flight 114D digital peak charger. What would be a good, relatively cheap charger?

Drew Manzella

iTrader: (35)

The Duratrax Ice seems to be a pretty nice charger for the money.

Since you are buying a new one you might as well get one that will do Lipo as well. The Ice will do it all for about $130. You will need a power supply however.

http://www.duratrax.com/caraccys/dtxp4170.html

EDIT: Note that I don't own one of these but I have used one a few times, and the LHS owner here (Whom I trust greatly when it comes to products being decent and a worthwhile purchase) uses one exclusively.

MotorMan1515

Yeah I noticed that. What are people using as a cheap power supply for the ice? I didn't particularly want to spend another $80 for one.

cmain

iTrader: (23)

some clearance on motors on associated site the KR is a nice motor for 19.99
http://www.teamassociated.com/misc/i...ials_reedy.htm

a good inexpensive charger is the duratrax pirrana
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products.../dtxp4005.html

the ice is a better choice in the long run but costs more and requires a power supply.
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...dtxp4170m.html

Drew Manzella

iTrader: (35)

The guy I know who has one is using a Hobbico.

Most power supplies with enough amp output to run a peak charger are gonna cost you $80+.

I have 2. One is a monster 30A that I run my Turbo 35 GFX off of and then the one I use everyday is a 400W power supply from a computer converted for RC use. The first one cost me $180 but the 2nd one was free because I had it laying around.

MotorMan1515

Is there a way to convert a power supply from a computer or something into a use-able power supply for the Ice?

Drew Manzella

iTrader: (35)

http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2129

If something is confusing feel free to PM me. I worked through all the "kinks" with mine.

I found that mine is flakey on power-up, since you can't put the load on after it is powered up. You have to turn it on with the charger already attached and occasionally it takes a few tries. Luckily the price is right for the level of hassle.

Drew Manzella

iTrader: (35)

As a side-note, I built my power supply per the instructions in that thread using the light bulb method. I don't like the bulb and since finding one with the necessary specs, and no part number is difficult I am probably using the wrong one (which may be why I can't attach the load after it is powered up). I plan on switching the bulb out for resistors in the near future.

I'd suggest going that route from the get-go. You will need a 22 ohm 25 watt for the 12 volt rail and 6.8 ohm 25 watt for the 5 volt rail. Also get a heatsink to mount them to. Radio Shack should have the resistors and possibly the heatsink.

And just to confirm - I have borrowed my LHS owner's Ice and it runs fine off my PC power supply.

JamesnMeyer

iTrader: (41)

Motorman - It can be done as someone has posted. I have two that I use that I converted and it's not very hard at all. I do recommend that you use a good power supply if you plan on running multiple chargers and other devices. The cheep ones drop heavy on the voltage when taxed