brushless 1/5 4wd conversion about to begin! couple questions.
 

so i have been looking at getting a 1/5 buggy forever it seems and have wanted a baja 5b but wanted 4wd. so i ended up picking up a Redcat Rampage TT V2 roller for $500 brand new. it is 4wd shaft driven buggy. i already know what i need to do to convert it but its going to depend on being able to get a couple things.

the thing that is cool about the rampage is that the layout is exactly like a 1/8 truggy or buggy with a center diff and all.

anyway, i need to have a new gear made for the center diff. i have seen some of you talk about getting gears made from SDP-SI if i recall. can anyone tell me where i can go to get a gear made? or is this possible?


here is the roller i bought. and check out the video. pretty sweet. that is a gas one of course but i picked up the truck shell for mine also. looks much better than the ugly buggy shell.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXOrb...eature=related


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=rampage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/rampage.jpg" border="0" alt="rampage2"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=rampage2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/rampage2.jpg" border="0" alt="rampage"></a>

dude that is too sick! im diggin it. that truggy video is tite too. seems to handle quite well.
ive always loved BIG rc's. i wish i knew how to convert a 1/5 . whats your powerplant gonna be...any idea yet?

So you plan to remove the primary gear reduction unit and just run a pinion and a spur on the center drive? Not sure if it is a center diff, but I have not thoroughly read about this truck yet.


Not sure what reduction is in the diffs, or the tire height. Post up some info and we will see what can be done. Most will say something like a 2215 neu on 10s lipo will be a good starting point.

As far as the gear goes, we need some pics of the center spur to see how it is mounted.

that is exactly right Linc!

i will remove the primary gear reduction unit and just run the motor up to the center diff using a Neu 2215 1.5y on 10s lipo with one of Mikes new 8mm bore pinions. the problem is that the gear on the center diff has the teeth facing toward the back of the buggy. basically like the gears on a regular front or read diff on a 1/8 buggy. so i need to get a gear that can replace it that is like a regular spur gear. i wont know exact specs until the buggy gets here.

i will mount the motor to the chassis using a custom made mount. it will be much like a Tekno motor mount system so i can adjust gear mesh.

if i cant get a gear made or found i will look at other options but i dont think i can mount the motor up sidweays to gear reduction unit cuz the motor will probably hit into the rear drive shaft. again, i wont kknow this for sure until i get the buggy. i just emailed the seller to see if he could overnight it but i havent heard back.

if i can find a way to mount the motor up directly to the center diff/gear it will be a pretty sweet setup i think and very efficient. hope it works.

have you heard anything about having gears made before? and where to go?

Looking really close at that center diff/reduction unit- would it not be possible to just replace the whole thing with a unit from a 1:8 truggy/buggy? Would still need a custom mount for the motor probably, but I imagine it would be cheaper and easier than a custom spur, especially if you need several different sizes made to adjust gearing and such.. :neutral:

i have thought that too but i need to wait til i get the buggy here so i can see what size the cvd's are and such. even it that will work i worry about the teeth on a mod1 spur and pinion setup being strong enough. i mean, they must run mod1.5 on 1/5 cars for a reason, right?

so i did it! i have really taken the plunge now. i picked up a Neu 2215 2y today http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...u-2215&cat=117 and also picked up 2 of these on ebay for a steal.
http://www.robotmarketplace.com/prod...5000-10SX.html

i am kinda committed now to making this project work. i am bummed though cuz i missed my chance at a great deal on a Schulze 32-170 controller on ebay. so the last thing i need to get is the controller still. what is a good esc to get for a 10s/2215 Neu setup? i have looked at the Castle Phoenix 110 HV, the Castle Hydra 240 HV, and now the Schulze 32-170, and of course there is MGM. do they have a controller that will handle 10s? i am wanting to hear from some of the guys that have used these different controllers as to which one is the most reliable and still performs great. maybe i need to go look on the boat racing forums but any info i can get here is appreciated.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=neu2215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/neu2215.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=tp10s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/tp10s.jpg" border="0" alt="tp10s"></a>

Awesome,
I'm subscribed to this thread ;) !

I'm wondering why you didn't choose to purchase four Zippy/Turnigy 5S lipo's from HC? That would've been alot cheaper than two of those +500$ packs.

Get a ESC that has an LVC and the old Schulze ESCs don't have that feature. I have a Jeti SPIN200 if you're interested, send me a PM for price.

Edit: You're going to keep the mechanical brakes on it?

i already have a bunch of 5s packs that are enerland cell that i could have used but i like the idea of having a single pack and also a back up pack for plenty of run time. btw, did i mention that i paid less money for both of these than what it costs for a single quality 5s pack. i didnt pay retail. and they have only been used a few times. plus, i want to make sure i have quality packs to run this.

but for future ref. where can i get those zippy's?

i definitely want to keep mech brakes on if possible. buggy gets here tuesday so i will then start to figure out the layout and such.

pm sending now.

Hobbycity.com

The Zippy packs are being replaced with Turnigy packs.
And Zippy's are considered quite good packs, not much less in quality than the top-quality packs.
The Turnigy packs haven't been on the market long, but it seems they are as good as, or better than, the zippy's.





Also, you should check out the review video's about the redcat on youtube by a guy named "squirrelod".
He has many videos about RC, he's very experienced.
I'm not very fond of him though. His videos should be 5 times shorter, cut out all the useless chatter. :lol:

Be that as it may, it might be very interesting for you to have a look at his videos about the redcat.

PM replied. It should be a fun buggy after it's done.

Skip the squirrel reviews. Not worth your time.

i know this sounds stupid but what is a LVC? that lutach mentioned on a ESC. why is having a LVC important and what controllers have it that will work with my setup? or how can i know if they do?

low voltage cutoff

DUH! i knew it was something obvious. thanks. see how much i depend on you guys!

Low Voltage Cutoff. My Schulze 40.160 doesn't have it and I have to time my runs. With the LVC the ESC will just stop or slow down (depending on the ESC) when it reaches a set voltage or gets close to it. I set my LVC to 3.0V per cell, but most people play it safe by going 3.2-3.4 volts per cell.

so i checked out the squirrel reviews anyway. the guy is definitley wordy but its good to know that i picked a decent kit because i labored over this decisionforever.

anyone know if they make hydraulic brakes for the rampage?

I am pissed!!!!
 

so get this. i was all stoked when i saw the ups man pull up and bring up a huge box cuz my 1/5 wasnt supposed to be here til tomorrow. so i get the box in the garage and open it and it is the F-ing monster truck. i was so pissed off. there is nothing worse than waiting for an RC item you want so bad only to be utterly disappointed. needless to say its gonna be another week before i get to dig into my 1/5 scale buggy.

motor and lipos should be here wed.

so here is the latest.

i got my 10s TP packs today and the monster truck has been shipped back so they can now send the correct buggy out to me.

and here is the kicker. i decided to upgrade in the motor department and i picked up a Neu 2230 1y! WOOHOOOO!!!! After considering the weight of the vehicle the size of the 2215 i just thought it might be a little underpowered so i went with the 2230. there is plenty of room on the chassis. i may use the 2215 still. it just depends on what does the job the best.

get this - the Neu 2215 is 3.3" long and dia. of 2.26" and 25 ounces.
the 2230 is same dia. but 4.7" long!! and 48 ounces.

i was told the 2215 does a constant of 2500 watts which is about 3hp. does that mean the 2230 is good for 6hp with the 5000watts?


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=neu2230.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/neu2230.jpg" border="0" alt="neu2230"></a>

here are pics of the new TP packs. essentially the same size as 20 of my NeuEnergy 5s packs. they weigh 42 ounces which will balance the chassis perfectly if i use the Neu 2230 motor that wieghs 48 oz since will have the motor on one side and the lipo on the other side and the esc will be by the battery and will probably weigh 5-8 ounces depending on which one i get.

i cant wait to start on this thing.


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01173.jpg" border="0" alt="tp10s2"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01174.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01174.jpg" border="0" alt="tp10s1"></a>

also, while i had the monster truck here i looked at the center diff. it is not a viscous diff. its just a locked spur gear so equal drive is sent to front and rear. i found a spur gear that i will think will work to replace the stock one. it has the right hole pattern and right size holes i just need to find out if the holes will match up.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=redcatcenterdiff.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/redcatcenterdiff.jpg" border="0" alt="redcatcenterdiff"></a>

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=15spurgear1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/15spurgear1.jpg" border="0" alt="1/5spurgear"></a>

The 2215 will be PLENTY of power for that truck, 2230 will just rip up parts.

really? here was my reasoning for getting the 2230. i run a 14oz 1515 in a 9lb truggy. most people use either the 17oz 1521 or the 22oz 1527 to power a 12-14lb monster truck or muggy. well the 2215 is only 24.8 oz. it just seemed that if people used a motor that is 3-5 ounces heavier to power a truck only 3-5lbs heavier then going up another 5 ounces to the 2215 would not be enough for another 10-15lbs of truck. the rampage will weigh around 25lb i believe. it just seemed the 48 ounce 2230 was better matched.

the good thing is that i have 10 days to return one of the unused motors for a full refund. i would be willing to sell one for what i paid. these motors are not easy to find and when you order one you are looking at 2-3 months to get it sometimes. at least that is what i was told.

Spy, have you had the chance to run both the 2215 and 2230 on 1/5 vehicles? or what application do you have experience with the these motors? thanks for the heads up by the way.

Check out MasterBlaster (CoolRunnings on this forum) and his Baja 5b conversion. Mike is doing the conversion on it and he said 60+ MPH out of a ~24 pound Baja was easily possible and that it would just spin the tires until they got warm, then it would flip over backwards with the power. A 1521 in a 12-14 pound truck will keep the front wheels in the air without a problem and will push a 8-9 pound 1/8th Buggy to 90+ MPH. A 1527 is a little less powerful than the 2215 but I think the larger rotor diameter will give you more torque and that motor is so overpowered in any 1/8th scale truck it won't be usable, so the 2215 should be plenty. I don't know what the 2230 was built for, they're airplane motors but it must be to power an absolutely massive plane.

Got Started Today!!
 

so the buggy finally arrived today and i immediately got to work.

i stripped of the clutch/drive unit, gas tank, etc.

i have already modded the truck shell to fit so i now have a pretty cool looking truggy.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01186.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject3"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01187.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01187.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject2"></a>


i have a FG Marder Beetle shell coming as another shell. i love those beetle shells.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=fgbeetle.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/fgbeetle.jpg" border="0" alt="fgbeetle"></a>


so here is what i figure: i think getting the servos and speed control mounted wont be to hard as there is plenty of room. i know where i want to put everything on the chassis, what type of motor mount i will use, and battery tray but the main challenge with this project is going to be the center diff/spur gear. so here are some pics and some of the things i have done, tried, and or about to try. any help that anyone can provide on this would be great. if i can just find a spur gear from another kit that will work that would be so much easier than having a custom gear made.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01180.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject9"></a>

so here are the specs on the stock gear. the center hole is 12mm in dia. and the 4 outer holes are for m4 screws and are spaced 18mm apart. the diameter of the complete gear is 55mm and 31t.


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01175.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject14"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01176.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject13"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01179.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject10"></a>


what i have done so far is flip the center diff unit around so that the motor shaft and pinion will reach the spur gear without hitting the center diff mount. i also flipped the center diff upside down as this allows the spur to sit higher off the chassis. i can flip it either way depending on what size spur i end up getting. i figure i will need a spur gear between 36t-42t which i think anything in that range will fit no problem.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01182.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01182.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject7"></a>

here are some options i have found so far but i am open to suggestions or especially links to where i might find a spur gear that would fit right up.

First, Smartech makes a center diff unit excatly like a 1/8. it has the brake pads on the outdrives and its an actual viscous, bevel gear diff unlike the locked redcat diff. so i might just get the complete smartech center diff setup and mod the chassis so that i can mount it up. still would need a spur gear but this might be the esiest way to run the mech brakes.

http://www.oversizerc.com/c/230533/2...are-parts.html

Second, i have thought of just using the 5b differential and having a custom center diff mount made.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=5bdiff.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/5bdiff.jpg" border="0" alt="5bdiff"></a>


or what if i buy a gear like this and have it machined/drilled so that it will work? are these gears even possible to drill a hole in? i know they are hard as hell but wondering if drilling would work. this is a 37t spur gear and would be ideal.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=37tspurgear.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/37tspurgear.jpg" border="0" alt="37tspurgear"></a>

just a pic of the 2215 compared to a Tekno Nue 1515 1y.

and the 1/5 compared to my RC8T.


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01185.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01185.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject4"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01188.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01188.jpg" border="0" alt="5scaleproject1"></a>

You should run that beast at Black Sheep when you're all done. It's looking good so far!

i am worried because of the size and weight of these things that it would be a bit clumsy. i have seen some vids on youtube where they seem to do alright on a track but probably nowhere near as good as a 1/8 truggy. i will bring it down for sure though just for kicks. any suggestions on how i should handle this spur gear? i just found a 2215 Neu with a 5mm shaft so it made me think of just running mod1 pinion and a 1/8 center diff. i could do that but then would have to run smaller dogbones and i am sure they would just break.

WOW that motor is huge!

I believe Monster Mike makes some incredibly strong custom dog bones. You should hit him up about it to see what he suggests. I know he's done some 1/5 conversions before.

I would flip the motor to front right and run saddle packs - you have the room...

thats a good idea. i might try to do that. that would put more weight forward for better steering response and i have been a bit concerned about having all the weight so far back.

so i think this is going to be ideal. here are some pics of the layout this way. this layout will require i use the 2215 since the 2230 is too long to fit.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01192.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01192.jpg" border="0" alt="redcat20"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01191.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01191.jpg" border="0" alt="redcat21"></a>


here are a couple of pics of the 2230 that just came today. thing is a beast. it would be fun to try this motor just to see what would happen. not sure if i will be able to though.


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01190.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01190.jpg" border="0" alt="redcat22"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC01189.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC01189.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


i have a couple of questions about servos. i have been looking for a 1/4 scale high torque servo. the highest rating i have found is like 300oz which seems low for a truck this size. i have the standard size JR9100 HVT servo which is capable of 480oz. so it seems this would be the better choice or will it not work as well since it is a smaller servo? is it ok to use a standard servo as long as it has enough torque?


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=9100hvt.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/9100hvt.jpg" border="0" alt="9100hvt"></a>

HO-LY CRAP that is a beast of a motor! If you really wanted to you could move the packs further outwards and slide the center drive unit to the rear and allow you to run the 2230..... as for the servo- i dont think the size of the case matters as long as it has the torque to turn the wheels how you want them... Good luck- cant wait for the rest

HAND PORN ALERT!..... :lol:

Tell me you have small hands tho..... Wow thats a big motor!

my hands are roughly 9 inches...:wink:


but seriously i could fit the 2230 if i just flip the front and rear drive shafts and make new holes for the center diff assembly to mount. hmmm. keep the ideas coming guys.

On the spur gear front, are there not any other 1/5 scale trucks/buggies etc with a 'normal' center diff unit you could retro fit? Seems like a lot of hassle to get a custom gear made, especially if you might need 2 or 3 to adjust the gear ratio.. :neutral:

Liking the giant motors though, you just know something that big is gonna be alot of fun.

thats what she said..... just not to you :lol:



Im sorry that was too easy..

Just borrow this setup from a muggy for steering:

http://www.losi.com/ProdInfo/Gallery/dual-servos.jpg

Dual 7955's won't have any issue

But then there is issue of the servos fighting each other.