Jato 3.3 E conversion

Evening all,

I was bought a Jato 3.3 for Christmas, and I have only just gotten around to opening the box. Nitro is not really my cup of tea, and the neighbours aren't fans of the noise either, so I'm going to do an E conversion on it whilst it is nice and clean!

I have already ordered a Mamba Max Esc, and stripped down the chassis to get rid of most of the Nitro Junk, and I have a few queries. I was planning on either locking the transmission, or modifying it so that it is locked (single speed) and all braking is done by the motor. I'm a bit concerned that the slipper clutch is going to cause problems here though, unless it is tightened right down. Anyone had any issues here?

AS for locking the transmission, then I'm thinking that ordering the single speed conversion set (part no 5593X) might be easier though. Does anyone know what sort of gear ration this option part gives?

I intend to modify the original chassis to accept a motor mount, and also a steering servo mount. I've taken off the original radio tray, and the idea is to possibly get a custom chassis machined once I have a working modified original one.

as for batteries, then I would quite like to use the same packs I use for some of my RC planes (4s A123 packs), and hopefully a single pack (2300mAh) will suffice, although the option for paralleling two packs is there to give longer run times. I think the Mamba Max Esc should just about cope with the 4s A123 packs (they are about the same as a 3s Lipo). The only decision left, is the motor to use. I'm guessing something around 3000kV should do the trick?

Finally, pinions. I can get hold of Mod 1 hardened steel pinions quite easily (through a supplier I use at work), but the jato spur gear is mod 0.8. I know the revo spur gear is mod 1 (at least it was when I had a revo a few years ago, are they still?). does anyone know if the Revo spur gears will fit on the Jato?

If any one has any tips or advice, I'd love to hear it!

Cheers
Andy

[lincpimp]

Hey Andy.

I have done 2 ejatos so far...

stick with the stock 58-56-54t spurs, the are .8mod = 32 pitch. If you stay with a motor with an 1/8 shaft like the traxxas velineon motor, you can use any 32p pinion, like the ones traxxas sell for the emaxx. This will also give you more room between the trans and motor, some gearing choices with a revo 40t spur may have interference issues with the motor/tranny.

As far as 4s1p a123 goes, they will work fine with the MM. And depending on the geaing you chose, 1p should do fine.

I used the single speed setup in both of mine, and the slipper clutch did not cause any issues. I set the clutch to slip slightly, I do not run it loose. Motor brakes are fine, but the jato is 2wd so it does tend to spin out under hard braking.

Here are some pics of the 1st one I did. The other has a stretched chassis (welded in some extra chassis material)

[BrianG]

Single speed ratio is 2.067:1.

A motor kv of 3000-3500 would be good for 3s and 4s.

Revo spurs will fit a Jato, but they are smaller in diameter, and you may have a hard time getting a pinion to fit yet not geared too high. You can use a 32p pinion as 32p is VERY VERY close to mod 0.8. I've been using a 32p pinion on a Mod0.8 spur forever and it works just fine.

That's good to know about the 32DP pinion being a close fit, thanks :) I did wonder about the clearance if I went for a smaller spur gear too, so sticking with the stock jato spur is a good thing :) Out of interest, what size pinions have you guys been running?

Thanks for the pictures Lincpimp, your motor mount is pretty much the same as how I was thinking of mounting mine, an angle bracket that also forms the 6mm spacer required to replace the stock jato engine mount (at the forward gearbox retaining bolts). Have you drilled the motor mount for a single sized pinion, or do you have some allowance for adjustment in the postion of the motor (and therefore gear mesh between pinion and spur)?

Based on a 24T pinion and a single speed conversion installed, then I reckon a top speed of around 35mph should be acheivable on a 4s A123 pack and a 3000kV motor. Should be plenty to begin with :)

Cheers
Andy

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by bigandy

Thanks for the pictures Lincpimp, your motor mount is pretty much the same as how I was thinking of mounting mine, an angle bracket that also forms the 6mm spacer required to replace the stock jato engine mount (at the forward gearbox retaining bolts). Have you drilled the motor mount for a single sized pinion, or do you have some allowance for adjustment in the postion of the motor (and therefore gear mesh between pinion and spur)?

Cheers
Andy

I just ran a 22t pinion with the 54t spur, so I just drilled the motor mount to fit that gearing. I did have some adjustment on the motor plate like the stock nitro engine adjusts.

Good stuff :) I've just order a couple of Emaxx pinions (20 and 22T) to begin with.

I've just spent half an hour shimming the steering block/pivots and it has removed a load of slop from the steering :)

Cheers
Andy