Getting back into the hobby
 

I've been in and out of RC twice now in the last decade or so. With school, family and work I haven't had the time. But I recently graduated and received some $$$ from my wife for Christmas along with a really nice Craftsman workbench. She insisted I get back into the hobby as I'm becoming a boring old geezer in my old age (late 20's :D)

So enough with the autobiography. My previous vehicles were a XX-CR and XXX-4. I figured I'd just get another Losi 1/10th as they've never let me down. Then my eye spotted the 8ight. And when I found out about the brushless conversion I was sold. I've got a kit on the way right now and have been re-learning all the new technology since 3-4 years ago. I swear, RC changes about as fast as PC technology. 3-4 years ago I never even heard about 1/8th electrics or LiPo batteries.

I've read a few dozen threads on this site along with several others but I still had a few questions for you vets:

First, what conversion kit is the best for an 8ight? I hear the Novak is specific to their motors so I'm a little iffy about that one. Is the Losi kit relatively universal to several types of motors? I've seen the one CC offers (or is offering soon) as well. Any insight on this would be helpful.

Second, it seems, like usual, that there are a ton of opinions on the best brushless setup. The MM or MMM (V.3) seem pretty solid from what most of you have said. I was thinking of an MM with a Neu motor (not sure on the specs yet, need to do a bit more research) since that combo seems pretty hot. I've thought about the HV Pro setup from Novak but it sounds like the MM/Neu combo is more favored. Keep in mind I'm a bit of a newb getting into the hobby again.

Lastly, does anyone know of a good value for a mid-level Rx/Tx? Used is fine by me. I don't even know if the track I used to race at is open anymore, and if it is, I don't know I'll have to time to be racing on any sort of serious level. Chances are I'll be bashing at the park with my boys more than anything so something like a spektrum DX3S, while a good investment, isn't going to be necessary at this point. I've been looking at the JR XS3 (FM) or do you think going with 2.4Ghz would be my best bet?

Thanks for any opinions or insight! :D

I need to find a wife like that..

I have an 8ight E, its a great car, and plenty fast for bashing. I'd suggest the Losi conversion, because it's simplest, and only uses one battery. Going with the recommended equipment is a good idea, you know everything works together, no guesswork or drilling.

For a brushless system, the losi or the Monster are both great. I'd avoid the Novak system, and the conversion.

DSM radio is pretty much standard now. If you can find even a base model, it will be far better than any plain FM radio.

Everything will come with complete care instructions. Read and abide, and you should have nothing but fun. ;)

M11
 

They come with the spekrum module on Rctech trading forum for about $175 can't beat the radio for that price.

Thanks for the feedback.
Yeah, she likes video games too. What a find I tell ya ;)

I've found a few good GSM's that fit into my budget so I'll definitely go that way for the radio. I'm still dinking around with the powertrain. I don't have the cash for it right now anyway so I'll probably continue to do some homework. I'd rather not have any regrets when spending >$200 for an ESC and motor.

I was considering going NiMh in the beginning then possibly upgrading to LiPo's in the future. But the more I read the more it seems like going straight to LiPo's would probably be better than wasting money on NiMh's. What do you guys think of this charger/battery?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...dProduct=7028#

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=6351

I've heard a few good things about the Accucell-6 even though it's cheap. And I figured a 5000mAH 20-30C was probably sufficient for now. I'm not set on a ESC/motor combo yet but do you think this would adequately power a MM/Neu combo?

Teknorc.com go there.

My buddy crazy carl just built a teknorc eight-t e truggy and it's sweet. I wanna build one now.


I after checking it out it's really good ! said it was simple.

get a mamba V3