Traxxas Waterproof or Not
 

My EVX-2 has the cutout problems with fresh batts so I am going to send it in and this is traxxas response:

If there was moisture involved in the failure or if the original connectors are not attached, the repair will be $40.00 plus $5.00 shipping. If no moisture was present and the original connectors are attached, the repair will be $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping.

I thought the esc are waterproof ? If mostiure gets in isnt that a function design failure issue? Any way as luck would have it I don't have the orginal connectors on it so I am looking at the Novak Super Duty XR High-Voltage Esc (89.00)to run my kershaw 700 motors do you guys think this would work better and cooler than the evx-2 since its rated alot better in specs....can I dip in plasti-dip with just heatsink exposed and make the Novak SD as waterproof as the evx-2 ?

wow, let us know how that works out. With all the waterproof hype over the new emaxx I'd be pretty irate about that. Why don't you reply to that email and attach a link to the promo video of the emaxx splashing through water!?

J.

lol is says "Waterproof" right on top of the esc...anyway has anyone have luck with any other esc running in water? I thought I saw on here a novak SD dipped in plasti-dip except for the heatsinks...since I am not running the orig connectors and there is no warranty for being waterproof I might as well go with a better esc if thats an option...who runs those stock titan connectors anyway...its funny there are no replacement stock connectors available for those connectors from traxxas...

Well one of the biggest selling drives with the new E maxx is it's "WATER PROOF". IMO, moisture should not be a warranty determining factor based on this.

Is it water proof or isn't it? That's a good question.

There is something questionable about this setup if you ask me.

It's also rated for 16.8 volts, BUT IMO the setup draws too many amps for Nimh batteries to be used. I want to know what 7 cell Nimh batteries will work with this AND what batteries were used to make those incredible wheelie popping video's that Traxxas has on their website.

A friend of mine has melted down two pairs of 7 cell packs, then took the truck back to the hobby shop. Traxxas wanted the motors and ESC removed, and sent in for testing.

Well the update on this is, Traxxas says there is nothing wrong with the ESC or Motors. The guy at the hobby shop is saying that there must be something wrong with the charger and it didn't "peak" the batteries right. I charged the on my MRC Superbrain 989 with the correct "peak" settings and I'm not a noob to this kinda thing.

Well, in the battery world, if you don't charge a battery fully, you get decreased runtime. NOT melted and leaking cells.

The new E maxx is single speed with almost the same ratio as 2nd gear in the original E maxx. 1.84 in the tranny compared to the original 2nd gear ratio of 1.72.

Traxxas also released a statement saying that the warranty was voided if 4S Lipo was used with the EVX-2. I want to know why?

4S Lipo fresh off the charger is EXACTLY 16.8 volts! Ummmm..........I believe this is exactly the rating of the New "Water-proof" EVX-2.

Here's my theory AND my opinion. The stock setup is geared too high for the ESC with good batteries. Nimh isn't capable of pushing the kind of starting amperage the setup demands, so they take the punishment since they are the weakest link.

When Lipo's are used, the weakest link in the setup becomes the ESC.

Can someone direct me to some 7 cell Nimh packs that work with the stock E maxx? Any help would be appreciated.

I may do the novak SD and plasti-dip it and see what I get its rated for alot more power and if it gets wet the warranty will be the same as traxxas's warranty and I won't get dinged for he connectors each time....actually the connectors I used on the esc were the traxxas trx connectors fig that would be easier to pull apart and its still a traxxas connector...

If you're running brushed motors, I should expect the evx-2 to be a fine ESC. I would insist on getting it replaced. No reason to spend the money on the novak when you already have the EVX, and should be able to get it replaced free of charge.

J.

that's complete b.s., it says waterproof right on it. You won't see any gains with the sd and a $40 repair is much cheaper than the sd. Without factory connectors you're stuck, but I would definately make sure they understand it's the blue evx-2 waterproof model and ask the moisture question again.

I've had no problems with the esc on my 3905, I did cook a motor last week though. I'm sure the moisture issue is just because that has always been there warranty policy. I have faith that traxxas would stand behind there waterproof claim. But as for the connectors, that has also always been part of their policy, although it would suck to have to pay $40 just because of that. I am curious as to why you changed them though, are you running deans on everything else already? I prefer the trx plugs and have them on everything, right down to my rc18t running 3s lipo. As far as NiMh batteries go try the 4500mah packs from all-battery.com I've been very happy with mine and how can you go wrong for $30/each? Whatever you do I would recomend staying away from the venom packs.

It has nothing to do with moisture and Traxxas knows of this problem. When I called Traxxas, they told me to send it in since it was still under warranty and that they have a fix for it. Basically they would raise the voltage cutoff above 16.8v to allow for my matched 7 cell packs.

I got an RMA #, but ended up losing my receipt and never sending it in. Rainy season had ended and I just went brushless so I can't tell you if they really have a fix or not.

I just sold my E-maxx. All in all, I broke the rear bulkhead, 1 front center driveshaft and 2 revo driveshafts. The driveshafts may be bigger, but they still twist off at the joint. Brushless ready? Not really. I'm sticking to nitro conversions.

I do not have any experience with the evx 2, but I do have a super duty and it is a great esc. I am currently using it in a tamiya double blaze/twin dagger with a pair of the traxxas titan 12t (xl5 pede) motors on 3s lipo. It can handle those 2 motors and the 3s well, never gets much more than warm, and the motors stay reasonably cool with a pair of clip on heatsinks. I really wonder what kind of power I am pushing. The batt is an 18c 3300 3s, so 60amps cont. That would be about 550 watts. It is more powerful than a stock emaxx, and lighter too. Fun truck, will wheely in either direction!

There is no voltage cutoff on the EVX2. They had problems with some, but it was a component issue and they have always readily gone out of there way to fix their problems. I am sure the moisture comment was directed to the old EVX and not the EVX2, or you had someone that was not thinking straight when they told you that.

I am no fanboy and do not believe Traxxas makes the best on the world, however they make great products and their CS is second to none.

And as far as the 3905 not being brushless ready, I know people running 6s with a Pletty Big Maximum with no ill results, stock. If that isn't BL ready, what is?

I agree with you on the great CS. The guy I spoke to was polite and helpful.

But I'll disagree on Traxxas making "great" products. They make "good" products, not great. Now I know everyone has their own opinions on who makes the best products, but here are my points:

1. EVX2: good. Super Duty XR: great.
2. VXL3: good. Mamba Max: great.
3. Rustler VXL: good. E-Firestorm: great. (IMO)

My comment about the E-maxx not really being brushless ready was through my experience. IMO if you really want to call something "brushless ready", I want to see a lot more steel and a lot less plastic, especially in the driveline.

Obviously, for the money it's hard to beat Traxxas, but I'm at the point where I'm done with plastic axles and driveshafts.

Good I on the SD XR cause I ordered it to replace the evx-2 so when I send the evx2 off to be fixed I will have one to swap with if I have trouble with either...guess I will make adapters to keep the "high quality butt splicer type" connectors on the evx2 so next time they won't ding me ...geeze no other esc people do that connector charge you thing do they?

I had two super duty XR's fry on me in to different vehicles running two different setups, that ESC is far from Great and Novak's CS has only been marginal in my opinion.

While I don't own a VXL, but do own a Mamba, they are really two different markets. A more correct comparison is the sidewinder VS VXL.

Again, two different markets. The Firestorm isn't even BL and the rustler will typically hold up to abuse better.

You kind of answer this one for yourself with "a lot more money". The plastic components typically work fine and Traxxas addressed the major drive line issues. In the end anyone can break anything, but the stock 3905 holds up rather well under pressure.