simplechamp's Serpent 811Be Cobra

[simplechamp]

I've been gaining some interest in racing lately, and also had the itch to build up a new kit. Some of my vehicles in the past have been entry/value level, or used rollers, but this time I wanted a high-end kit fresh out of the box. The Serpent fit that bill perfectly.

Chassis: Built it up all stock and to the factory setup, with the exception of adding DE Racing F/R skids and using Gorilla Snawt instead of the kit supplied grease. I was very impressed by this kit, everything was high quality, and it came with the carbon fiber parts that I like. The radio/ESC/servo mount is a good design, all the electronics including motor and ESC can be removed with 5 screws. The diffs are some of the smallest and lightest I have seen. The only changes planned right now are Ti turnbuckles, and alloy rear chassis brace per recommendations from others who own this buggy. The tires are some Ebay cheapo's I had laying around, but I'll be swapping those out once I find out what is popular at the local track. Still trying to decide on a paint scheme for the body.

Motor: Originally I was going to use a Viper VSE-B 1/8 I had on hand, but it was slightly too long to fit. After looking at motor options that were 68mm or less long, I settled on the LRP Dynamic 8 (2200kv). Most will agree that LRP's first try at 1/8 motors fell flat. Now they have released a new line of 1/8 motors that look much more competitive, and I wanted to try one out. They are standard 4-pole, 12-slot design, big rotor, easy to take apart, and parts are user replaceable.

ESC: No ESC installed yet, still in the mail. I'm going with a Xerun SCT Pro (120A). The Hobbywing/Xerun lineup seems to quickly be gaining acceptance as worthy competition for the other big names in 1/8 electric, so I wanted to see for myself. I originally had a standard Xerun 150A 1/8 ready to install, but it was too big and bulky for my liking, so I sold it and opted for the more compact SCT Pro.

Servo: Running a Hitec 7950TH. This thing is a beast. Overkill is probably an understatement, but I got a good deal for it on a trade, so I threw it in. Will be powered by a Castle BEC at 7.4V, to be installed along with the ESC. With this servo I think I'll probably need to install the optional hard servo saver spring.

Batteries: Decided to finally jump on the Gens Ace bandwagon. All I hear is good things about these cells. Will be running 2x2S 5000mah 50C. Since the packs have internal bullets I made a nice clean wiring setup, don't need to run with the balance plugs or use a series adapter like my other vehicles. The less connectors the better. I soldered on a Dean's without much thought, and I think when the ESC arrives I will solder the battery leads directly to it. I will be using different wires to charge and balance anyway.

Well, that's all of my long-winded rant (for now!) More to come once the ESC arrives and I have a chance to test it all out.

[_paralyzed_]

That is a sexy beast Very clean layout.

I love the big shocks, beefy cf towers, and have never seen a servo mounted that way.

I hope the racing goes well.

[snellemin]

Super clean layout. And yes, that servo mount is different. Run it and tell how the motor is.

[magman]

Nice...love the layout. The hinged batt trays are sweet. Interesting servo mount. Wondering if it will still be able to stand up to a beating...time will tell.

Just noticed the bullet like connectors on the motor....me like. It should make for a easier/cleaner soldering job

[FG101C]

You are going to like the buggy, by far the best rc I've ever driven. The build quality is on par or better than xray, I love mine.

[simplechamp]

Finally time for an update!

Got the ESC installed. Length was just right to fit on the ESC shelf. Got rid of the Dean's and wired with bullets directly to ESC. Zoomed around the yard a bit to get it calibrated and adjust settings. Low speed control is excellent, no cogging at all. Initial testing looks promising for the LRP motor. Geared 46/13, for about 37mph top speed. LRP's manual said gear for FDR of 12, so that's where I'm starting. Should still be room to gear up a bit once I put it through the paces. Probably going to put a capacitor pack on the batt inputs before really running it hard.

Ended up deciding to use the ESC's internal BEC for now, and it looks to be handling the 7950 fine. No RX brownouts or glitching. Already ordered the hard servo saver spring though, the stock one seems pretty weak compared to my other 1/8 vehicles.

Swapped the steel turnbuckles for Lunsford titanium, and the plastic rear chassis brace for alloy. Body is off getting painted, should be done next week. I told the guy I wanted Serpent orange, black, and white, and aside from that to do whatever he wanted, so I'm excited to see what he comes up with.

[Bondonutz]

Very nice Jason, Looks brillant !