9LikesT.O.P. Racing "Photon" 1/10 EP Touring Car
08-24-2010, 05:55 AM
#5446
TOP ALLOY 20T CENTER PULLEY
08-24-2010, 06:46 AM
#5448
08-24-2010, 02:02 PM
#5452
08-24-2010, 08:06 PM
#5453
08-24-2010, 08:22 PM
#5454
We really need to understand that there is a difference between "grip" and "handling".
People widely confuse the effect of adjustments on "grip" (i.e maximising weight on the tyres) and "handling" (the feel of the car, the "initial grip", the "responsiveness").
Most adjustments that increase grip ALSO make the car feel "sluggish". Most adjusments that make a car feel "responsive" ALSO reduce grip.
This is why we get many posts from accomplished drivers and builders which seem contradictory. Some drivers are tuning for "handling", others are tuning for "grip", that's why you get so many different approaches.
Fast drivers tend to be fast with anything. I'm not a particularly fast driver but my cars drive well. My cars drive well enough for fast drivers to borrow them and knock 0.5sec/lap off my times immediately!
Everyone will have their own approach to setup.
My approach starts with steering lock - I set the car up to turn full circle in the narrowest normal section of the track. I can then click rates up or down from that a little if the car understeers or gets bound up.
I'll usually work from a kit setting unless I feel something is way off (very mismatched wheel rates, weight distribution or geometry)
I'll look at mid-corner balance first, roll-centre and bars have the most discrete effect on that.
Then I'll look at rear traction, spring rates, damping and toe in have a big effect on that. Rarely use anti-squat.
Then I'll look at turn in, front springs and damping have a big effect on that.
There are a whole load of possible adjustments. And there is no substitute for testing them yourself, one adjustment at a time in consistent condition.
That being said, I probably have a slightly different driving style to many, I tend to roll the car through the corners rather point and shoot.
For me, suspension setup is one of the most interesting parts of the hobby. Of course, it is all worthless if you haven't built the car right - thankfully the Photon is very easy to build right. My Scythe has a lot of little tweaks on it to make everything consistent.
People widely confuse the effect of adjustments on "grip" (i.e maximising weight on the tyres) and "handling" (the feel of the car, the "initial grip", the "responsiveness").
Most adjustments that increase grip ALSO make the car feel "sluggish". Most adjusments that make a car feel "responsive" ALSO reduce grip.
This is why we get many posts from accomplished drivers and builders which seem contradictory. Some drivers are tuning for "handling", others are tuning for "grip", that's why you get so many different approaches.
Fast drivers tend to be fast with anything. I'm not a particularly fast driver but my cars drive well. My cars drive well enough for fast drivers to borrow them and knock 0.5sec/lap off my times immediately!
Everyone will have their own approach to setup.
My approach starts with steering lock - I set the car up to turn full circle in the narrowest normal section of the track. I can then click rates up or down from that a little if the car understeers or gets bound up.
I'll usually work from a kit setting unless I feel something is way off (very mismatched wheel rates, weight distribution or geometry)
I'll look at mid-corner balance first, roll-centre and bars have the most discrete effect on that.
Then I'll look at rear traction, spring rates, damping and toe in have a big effect on that. Rarely use anti-squat.
Then I'll look at turn in, front springs and damping have a big effect on that.
There are a whole load of possible adjustments. And there is no substitute for testing them yourself, one adjustment at a time in consistent condition.
That being said, I probably have a slightly different driving style to many, I tend to roll the car through the corners rather point and shoot.
For me, suspension setup is one of the most interesting parts of the hobby. Of course, it is all worthless if you haven't built the car right - thankfully the Photon is very easy to build right. My Scythe has a lot of little tweaks on it to make everything consistent.
08-25-2010, 11:41 AM
#5455
08-25-2010, 11:46 AM
#5456
I am not currently on the list. But was just wondering as I have not seen them available anywhere. I am debating on getting my son a T3R or just giving him my older photon and getting a new one.
08-25-2010, 12:09 PM
#5457
I have been waiting to upgrade the to the new lipo chassis. Do the new kits have the lipo chassis or are you still adding it to them, and then you get both the lipo and older style chassis.
I am not currently on the list. But was just wondering as I have not seen them available anywhere. I am debating on getting my son a T3R or just giving him my older photon and getting a new one.
I am not currently on the list. But was just wondering as I have not seen them available anywhere. I am debating on getting my son a T3R or just giving him my older photon and getting a new one.
JK. If you're not on the list, you might want to contact TOP USA real soon. (ie. yesterday) These kits sell out before they get through customs.
08-25-2010, 02:09 PM
#5458
Plus, I am already way over on my RC spending for this year. But seriously he doesn't care as long as we can get parts. I have been letting him drive my 12 year old schumacher sst axis that I used to run 19T on asphalt. Suprisingly it still handles really well for being that old. 
I haven't seen any in stock for a couple months. This seems to be the car to have right now.
Anyone know why the lipo battery mounts are so complicated? And why you have to buy 2 kits instead of just having everything in one bag. As it's not like you can run with just one mount.
Anyone close to TOP should tell them to look at the EXOTEC ones. Simple and one piece.
08-25-2010, 02:27 PM
#5459
I have been waiting to upgrade the to the new lipo chassis. Do the new kits have the lipo chassis or are you still adding it to them, and then you get both the lipo and older style chassis.
I am not currently on the list. But was just wondering as I have not seen them available anywhere. I am debating on getting my son a T3R or just giving him my older photon and getting a new one.
I am not currently on the list. But was just wondering as I have not seen them available anywhere. I am debating on getting my son a T3R or just giving him my older photon and getting a new one.
If you are thinking of getting a Photon I would suggest getting on the waiting list asap by calling 650-583-8898 or emailing us at [email protected]
We can always sell more kits than we can get so its best to get your name in.
08-26-2010, 05:29 AM
#5460
Today had new option parts released !