Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309

This is a first glance report on the Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309 Nitro Monster Truck.

New With The Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309

Now 10% Larger Than Previous Revo 3.3 — Wider and Taller

The new Revo 3.3 is now 10% larger than the previous version of the Revo, making it both wider and taller.

The new size should give it more stability due to the extra 1 inch in width the new Revo 3.3 now boasts.

More importantly, the overall size increase should also make it even more fun for Bashing.

New ProGraphix Painted Body

The new Revo 3.3 comes with a professionally painted ProGraphix body with fully applied decals.  The body comes in 4 color variations although it may not be easy to track down a very specific color you’re looking for.

New TQ 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Transmitter and Mini Receiver

Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Transmitter

The next thing Traxxas upgraded was their radio system.  The new Revo 3.3 now comes with the Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Transmitter Radio.

The radio uses DSS (digital spread-spectrum) technology which was designed to provide glitch-free control with no hassle crystal-free operation.

The system also has electronic trim controls, a low-battery indicator, servo-reversing ability, and a grip-mounted third channel switch.

The other cool thing about the 2.4GHz radio systems is that the antennas are much smaller compared to the old radio systems.

Traxxas 2.4GHz Mini Receiver

Paired up with the radio comes a 4-channel 2.4 GHz Mini Receiver which has dual-steering-servo inputs as well as built-in programmable failsafe circutry.

The failsafe circutry is there to turn the throttle to neutral in the even the receiver loses connection with the radio for whatever reason.

Just like the radio, the mini-receiver does not have a crystal so there is worry about finding a free frequency like the old radios.  You just switch on the radio and the mini-receiver automatically locates and syncs up with it.

New Dual Digital, High-Torque, Waterproof, Ball-Bearing Steering Servos

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Steering Servos

These steering servos produce 125 oz.-in. of torque each for a total of 250 oz.-in. of total torque for turning the tires.  I have to admit, that’s pretty impressive.

The servos have ball-baring output shafts, and they’re also waterproof, which makes them perfect for Bashing!

The Savage-X I have only came with a single low-torque servo and I already had to buy high-torque servo for it that I’ll be replacing soon as the one it comes with just doesn’t cut it.  These dual servos on the new Revo should be a huge improvement on that.

New Geode™ Wheels and 6.3″ Maxx Tires

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Wheels

The new Geode™ wheels that come with the Revo 3.3 have an extra half-inch offset on each side which is what increases the Revo 3.3’s width by a full inch, which gives it more stability when Bashing and fast-speed cornering is involved.

The 6.3″ Maxx Tires give you the best of both worlds, whether you end up driving on pavement or dirt.  Made from a soft-compound, the tires provide good traction on both surfaces.

New Heavy-Duty Reversing Transmission with OptiDrive®

Traxxas Revo Reversing Transmission

Another really cool addition to the #5309 Revo package is the Reversing Transmission with OptiDrive®.

Since I’m not a racer, I love having the ability to go in reverse on my cars, so this addition is another reason the new Revo will probably make a perfect RC Car for all kind of Bashing fun.

This new reversing transmission has an electronic module in it that prevents you from accidentally shifting into reverse at high speeds.  The module won’t allow you to shift into reverse until the vehicle has slowed down to a safe speed for shifting into reverse.

Now Includes NiMH Receiver and EZ-Start Battery Packs

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Batteries

Both batteries are rechargeable and the package comes with included wall chargers.

The only batteries that are not included in the package are the 8 AA batteries you’ll need for the radio.

Now Includes Fuel Bottle, Spare Glow Plugs and Air Filter Elements

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Fuel Bottle

The whole point of this new Revo 3.3 package is to go beyond the concept of a “Ready-To-Run” package, taking it into the new “Ready-to-Drive” stage where you have pretty much everything you need to get going right away.

With most RTR packages there’s always something you still need to pick-up separately, such as the batteries, fuel bottle, glow plugs and air filters.

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Glow Plug

Well, in this package Traxxas just included it all in the package so you don’t have to purchase them separately.

They throw in a 500cc fuel bottle with a blue-anodized spout, a spare Glow Plug, and spare Air Filter Elements.

Pretty much the only thing you will need that’s not included in the box is the Nitro Fuel and the 8 AA batteries you’ll need for the radio.

Besides all the Revo 3.3 (#5309) extras featured above, the Revo 3.3 package also comes standard with all the usual Revo 3.3 goodies, including:

• TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine
• Mirror-Polish Resonator Dual-Chamber Aluminum Pipe
• Large High-Volume Dual-Stage Air Filter
• EZ-Start® Electric Start
• 150 cc Fuel Tank
• Hard-anodized, Teflon®-Coated GTR Shocks
• Smooth and Durable TiN Shock Shafts
• Aluminum 17mm Splined Wheel Hub and Hex Nut
• Large 6×13mm Outer Axle Bearings
• Steel Pivon Ball Retainers
• 3D Semi-Monocoque Chassis
• Large Diameter Disc Brake
• Sealed Limited Slip Differentials
• Super-Duty Sealed Driveshafts
• Sealed Pivot Ball Suspension
• Progressive-2 Rockers for balanced Handling in All Conditions
• 4.25″ Ground-Clearance
• Rubber-Sealed Ball Bearings
• Hex-Hardware
• Pro-Quality Tools
• Traxxas Customer Support
  

Quick Info on the Traxxas Revo 3.3 (#5309) 4WD Monster Truck

• Road Type: Off-Road
• Engine Type: Nitro.  TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine
• Chassis Style: Monster Truck
• Build Type: RTR
• Scale: 1/10th
• Drive Train: 4WD
• Reverse: Yes
• Availability: Now
• Price: MSRP $700

Pictures:

Quick Specs:

• Wheelbase: 348 mm
• Length: 525 mm
• Weight: 4.75kg (no fuel)
• Center Ground Clearance: 108 mm
• Track: 444.5 mm Front, 447 mm Rear
• Gear Ratio: 25.55:1 (1st) and 16.31:1 (2nd)
• Suspension: Fully Independent Progressive 2 Rockers
• Drive Train: Shaft Driven 4WD
• Tire Type: Geode™ Mirror-Chrome Wheels
• Motor: TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine w/ EZ-Start®
• Radio: Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Radio
• Servos: Dual Digital, High-Torque, Waterproof, Ball-Bearing Steering Servos

Key Features:

• Included Accessories:
  • 1200mAh 5-cell receiver battery
  • 1500mAh 6-cell EZ-Start pack
  • Fuel filler bottle
  • Extra glow plug
  • Extra oiled air filter
  • Long travel rockers & springs
• NEW wide-track body with custom graphics
• TQ 2.4GHz 3-CH radio system
• Four channel 2.4GHz micro receiver
• New 17mm hex Geode™ mirror-chrome
  wheels with pre-glued on 6.3” Maxx-Sized Tires
• 17mm aluminum splined wheel hubs and nuts
• Large capacity 150cc fuel tank
• Hard-anodized Teflon®-coated GTR shocks
  with TiN shock shafts
• High flow dual-stage air filter
• Installed progressive 2 long travel rockers
• Dual 2075 digital high-torque, ball bearing steering servos deliver 250 oz-in & 0.16-sec transit time
• Blue-anodized chassis and chassis brace
• RX box includes 5-cell flat rechargeable RX pack
• Heavy-duty reversing OptiDrive® transmission
  • Two-speed forward/reverse transmission
  • Low rotating mass for quick, high-revving acceleration
  • Constant drive engagement is smooth and instantly responsive
  • Sealed case protects gears & two-speed from damaging debris
• Large diameter front disc brake
• Polished Resonator™ dual chamber tuned pipe
• High-revving TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine for proven championship-winning horsepower and speed
  • Bigger piston and sleeve delivers extreme power
  • Consistent and smooth throughout the entire power band
  • Straight-through exhaust flow
  • Slide carburetor
  • Knife-edged connecting rod
  • Large aluminum blue-anodized cooling head
  • Super-light piston and rod
  • High-performance ball bearings
  • Backed by Traxxas Lifetime Engine Replacement Plan.
• 45+mph top speed
• EZ-Start® push-button electric starting.
• Torque-Control™ slipper clutch
• Sealed limited slip front and rear differentials
• Super-duty sealed driveshafts
• Sealed pivot ball suspension
• Rubber-sealed ball bearings
• Hex hardware
• New ProGraphix® body graphics

What You’ll Need:

• 8 AA Batteries for Radio
• Nitro Fuel

Where to Buy

*Images Courtesy Traxxas

Futaba 4PK 2.4G FASST System

For a limited time, Futaba is offering a trade-up program for those who want to upgrade their old radio systems to the new Futaba FASST series of radios.

The FASST system radios feature Continuous Channel Shifting™ which shifts the frequency of the radios hundreds of times per second to avoid conflicts and interruptions, Pre-Vision™ which scans incoming data for errors, Dual Antenna Diversity™ which allows the system to switch between the two antennas to pick the one with the best signal automatically, Easy Link™ which allows you to sync your radio and your receiver at the push of one button.

The radios look pretty sweet, so I did a bit of research on the Trade-Up program to see what it’s all about.

The Scoop on the Trade-Up Program

• You must purchase a Futaba FASST system between July 1st and October 31st, 2009
• Your old radio shippment must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2009
• The program allows trade-ups for other brand systems as well, such as Airtronics, Hitec, JR, KO Propo, MultiPlex, Spektrum and of course old Futaba radios as well
• Radio’s that come with RTR kits are not eligible
• Trade-Up Certificates can be used for future Futaba purchases, so this is not a rebate program where they send you check
• 4PK Systems get a $75 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PK (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3VCS (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PM (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3GR-FS (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• Full details on the program are available here.

So if you’re upgrading from an old 27, 75 MHz radio system to the new Futaba 4PK system (Approx. $400) you could get a $50 trade-up certificate for your old radio.  That’s not bad but you do have to factor in the shipping costs of sending in your radio to Futaba.

If it ends up costing you $30 to ship your old radio, then you’re in effect only getting $20 for your old radio.  You may be able to sell it for more cash than that on eBay or Craigs List or something.  This is especially true for the lower end $15 certificates, as you could easily pay that much just for shipping your old radio system in.

So, if you’re thinking of buying one of the new Futaba FASST radio systems it might be worth to check into their Trade-Up program but just remember to factor in your shipping costs into the equation.

For full program details check out this link:

Futaba Trade-Up Program Details

Team Associated RC8B Kit

This is a first glance report on the Team Associated RC8B Buggy Kit.

This new Buggy Kit from Team Associated is basically a performance and durability upgrade to their RC8.

Team Associated upgraded the shocks, shock towers, suspension mounts, top plate, battery box position, and optimized the steering geometry.

So basically they pimped out the RC8 with some really nice blue aluminum parts, as well as some other goodies.

This is a kit version too, which makes me drool because I love putting together kits, but just to make things a little simpler they pre-assembled the shocks, diffs, and turnbuckles to speed up the kit build.

After you take a glance, leave a comment below and tell me what you think of Team Associated’s new RC8B Buggy Kit.

Quick Info on the Team Associated RC8B Buggy Kit:

• Road Type: Off-Road.
• Engine Type: Nitro.  .21 class rear exhaust engine (not included).
• Chassis Style: Buggy.
• Build Type: Kit.
• Scale: 1/8th.
• Drive Train: 4WD.
• Reverse: No.
• Availability: June 2009.
• Price: MSRP $849.99

Pictures:

Quick Specs:

• Wheelbase: 323 mm
• Width: 305 mm
• Length: 470 mm
• Weight: 3,750g (will vary depending on engine & electronics used)
• Track: 259 mm
• Internal Gear Ratio: 4.30:1
• Suspension: 4-Wheel Independent
• Drive Train: 4WD
• Tire Type: not included
• Motor: .21 Class Rear Exhaust Engine (not included)
• Radio: 2-Channel Radio (FM/PCM Recommended – not included)
• Servos: not included

Key Features:

• Pre-assembled shocks, diffs, and turnbuckles with Factory Team shock and diff fluids included
• Factory Team 16mm Big Bore threaded, hard-anodized shocks feature heavy-duty 4mm TiN coated stainless steel shock shafts for maximum smoothness
• New 5mm 7075 blue aluminum shock towers allow the driver to stand the shock angle up for a more aggressive suspension
• Optimized front upper camber link bushings allow for more tuning options and are easier to adjust and maintain
• 7075 blue aluminum suspension mounts front and rear, with inserts to allow easy and quick adjustment of rear toe-in, rear anti-squat, and front kick-up
• Optimized steering geometry for more consistency and reduced bump-steer
• Updated wing mount with additional clearance for 16mm shocks
• Molded composite radio tray includes optional forward placement battery box for increased steering
• Molded composite front and rear chassis braces
• Tough steel-alloy shock stand-offs
• Factory Team 83mm big wheels included
• Machined aluminum racing clutch shoes
• Lightweight engine mounts
• Factory Team 7075 blue aluminum one-piece top plate
• Light-weight 3mm hard-anodized chassis
• 4.30:1 ratio gearboxes for maximum punch
• Heatsink brake discs with “FFC” Free Float Caliper brake system eliminates the possibility of unwanted brake drag while on throttle
• Two-piece split-center diff mount allows quick and easy access to the center diff
• Caster blocks adjust 14, 16, or 18 degrees with molded inserts
• 3.5mm light CVA drivetrain with full ball bearings
• Rear molded CVA boots to keep dirt and mud out of rear joints
• Blue aluminum hexes and nylon locking wheel nuts

What You’ll Need:

• .21 Class rear exhaust engine
• 2-Channel radio (FM/PCM recommended)
• Receiver
• 2 Servos
• 4.8v-6.0v Receiver battery pack (RC8 will accept either 5-cell flat or hump pack)
• Muffler or manifold and spring
• AA-size Batteries for transmitter
• Fuel
• Glow starter (#1737)
• Starter box (#1750)
• Lexan-specific spray paint
• Tires
• Tools: Hex wrenches, hobby knife, needlenose pliers, wire cutters, Lexan scissors (#1737)
• Other suggested items: Reamer/hole punch, CA glue (#1597), thread-locking glue (#1596), silicone fluid

Where to Find Out More:

Official Team Associated Site

*Images Courtesy Team Associated

Losi Mini LST2 Limited Edition RTR

This is a first glance report on the Losi Mini-LST2 Limited Edition RTR.

This is Losi’s new version of the original Mini-LST2.  In this limited edition, Losi upgraded the tires and wheels, upgraded to a LiPo battery and an exclusive Limited Edition Mini-LST2 body.

This is a 1/18th scale mini-monster truck so it would make a perfect mini-basher for travelling when you don’t feel like hauling around your 1/8th scale basher.

The new 7.4V LiPo battery this version comes with should give this little speed-demon longer run times and more overall speed.

After you take a glance, leave a comment below and tell me what you think of Losi’s new RTR.

Quick Info on the Losi Mini LST2 Limited Edition RTR

• Road Type: Off-Road.
• Engine Type: Electric. Dual Frenzy-370 Motors.
• Chassis Style: Mini-Monster Truck.
• Build Type: RTR.
• Scale: 1/18th.
• Drive Train: 4WD.
• Reverse: Yes.
• Availability: Now.
• Price: MSRP $299.99

Pictures:

Quick Specs:

• Wheelbase: 7.2 inches (185 mm)
• Width: 8.2 inches (209 mm)
• Length: 10.6 inches (271 mm)
• Weight: 2.2lbs (1000 g)
• Batteries: 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo Battery and 4-AA (included)
• Charger: 110-240V AC Wall Charger (included)
• Chassis: Dual-Deck Aluminum
• Suspension: 4-Wheel Independent
• Drive Train: 4WD with 3 Differentials and Reverse
• Tire Type: Losi Mini-Duplex
• Motor: Dual 370-Type Motors
• Speed Control: Losi Dual Motor ESC
• Radio: Losi Radio System with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology
• Servos: Twin Steering Servos
• Body:  Limited Edition Black Mini-LST2
• Ball Bearings:  Complete

Key Features:

• 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery and 110-240V AC wall charger
• Losi radio system with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM technology
• Factory-decorated, limited edition Black Mini-LST2 body
• Mini-Torquer chrome dish wheels with mounted Mini-Duplex tires
• Dual-deck aluminum chassis
• Dual Frenzy-370 motors
• Losi dual motor ESC
• Twin steering servos
• Aluminum oil-filled shock bodies with threaded adjusters
• Complete ball bearings
• Metal ring and pinion gears
• Gear cover that allows use of the Mini-T dual-disk slipper
• 4WD drivetrain with slipper clutch
• 4 AA batteries for the transmitter included

What You’ll Need:

• Nothing. It’s a fully complete RTR Package so you’re ready to roll straight out of the box. Even the batteries are included.

Where to Buy:

Where to Find Out More:

Official Losi Site

*Images Courtesy Losi.com

Tamiya TRF801X Racing Buggy Kit

This is a first glance report on the Tamiya TRF801X Racing Buggy Kit.

Although this buggy kit probably targets racers more than RC Car Bashers, I’m a total sucker for any kind of kits that are coming out in a hobby now mostly dominated by RTR’s, so I decided to take a quick glance at this buggy.

Besides being another 1/8th scale racing buggy kit, what makes the Tamiya TRF801X different?

Well, the first thing Tamiya did differently is they put a 15 degree slant on the engine mount to help optimize the lateral weight distribution of the buggy.

The other thing the TRF801X has is two different locations for your receiver battery which allows you to customize your weight distribution.

Those are the two unique features of this buggy, but of course there are many other features listed below.  I’d love to get one of these kits in for review, if nothing else to at least get to build the thing.  I love building kits. :)

After you take a glance, leave a comment below and tell me what you think of Tamiya’s new kit.

Quick Info on the Tamiya TRF801X

• Road Type: Off-Road
• Engine Type: Nitro
• Chassis Style: Buggy
• Build Type: Kit
• Scale: 1/8th
• Drive Train: 4WD
• Reverse: No
• Availability: May / June 2009
• Price: MSRP $1,023

Pictures:

Quick Specs:

• Wheelbase:  320mm – 327mm
• Width:  495 mm
• Length:  307 mm
• Dry Weight:  Depends on Engine & Electronics
• Gear Ratio:  11.34:1
• Fuel Capacity:  125cc
• Engine Size: .21 – .28cc

Kit Features:

• Features a 15 degree engine mount. The 15 degree engine mount will optimize the weight distribution of the buggy for better lateral weight distribution.
• The 801X incorporates two receiver battery locations in order to provide the ability to adjust weight distribution.
• Highly rigid 3mm A7075 anodized duralumin chassis.
• Machined aluminum shock towers, front steering knuckles, and engine mount.
• Full ball bearings.
• Chassis side guards.
• Low wear, efficient straight line drive train and universal drive shafts.
• Carbon fiber upper deck and servo tray.
• Fully sealed box for electronics.
• Equipped with sealed bevel differential gearboxes.
• Uses spiral cut ring and pinion gears.
• Uses a universal joint for the front and rear drive shafts and the propeller shaft.
• 3 shoe aluminum clutch
• Aluminum dampers w/ shaft boots.
• Locknut captured suspension hinge pins.
• 15mm large volume shocks with shaft boots.
• Uses a 17mm hex wheel hub.
• Dual 32mm brakes and a turnbuckle brake linkage system.
• Adjustable turnbuckle linkages.
• Equipped with front and rear stabilizers.
• High volume air filter.
• Low profile polycarbonate body and a high down force wing.
• Decorative body stickers.

What You’ll Need:

• Nitro Engine .21-.28cc
• Manifold & Pipe
• Fuel filter
• Glow Plugs and Glow Plug Ignitor
• Two Channel Radio with Two High Torque Servos
• 6.0 V Receiver Battery (2×3 Config)
• Tires & Wheels
• Nitro Fuel
• 1/8th Scale Starter Box
• Paint for Polycarbonate Body

Tamiya TRF801X Video:

Where to Buy

Where to Find Out More:

Official Tamiya Site
Official TRF801X Site

*Images Courtesy TamiyaUSA.com

Original MBX5T Engine Mount

Modified MBX5T Engine Mount

So I finally got around to modifying the one-piece MBX5T Engine Mount that came with the kit to make it fit my Axial 32 Spec 1s engine today.  I actually picked up an engine mount for the MBX6T the other day since that one comes in two pieces to see if it would fit, but unfortunately the hole alignments are different between the two models so the other engine mount didn’t fit.

I decided to just cut the engine mount with my Dremel.
As you can see in the pictures of the engine mount from the top and bottom views, the engine mount comes as a single piece and the problem is the rear of the engine mount because the Axial 32 Spec 1s engine has a pull-start which gives the back of the engine a bump that doesn’t fit inside the engine mount.

So I grabbed my Dremel and started cutting.  It actually wsn’t very easy to cut through the mount, and I ended up breaking a few cutting discs in the process, but I finally managed to get the cut done.

Once I got the back cut, I had to go back and grind the edges a bit more to make room for the rear lip of the engine.  To make things a bit more complicated, the hole for the bottom screws was pretty close to where I was grinding so I had to be careful not to go too far and cut into the hole, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to get the screw in there from the bottom of the chassis.

Here’s what the modified engine mount looked like after I was done with it and once mounted onto the engine.  I know it’s not pretty, but it did fit.

Here’s a 360 degree view of what the Axial 32 Spec 1 looks like from all four sides with the modified engine mount in place.

Now, to get the engine actually mounted onto the MBX5T, I had to make one further modification.  Because the lip of the pull-start module at the back actually stuck out by a few millimeters I had to raise the engine a bit in order for it to fit properly onto the chassis.  My buddy Seb suggested I use some 4mm washers underneath the engine mount to raise the engine which is what I did.

Engine Mount Raised With 4mm Washers

To raise the engine, I used three 4mm washers stacked on top of each other for each of the four holes that mount the engine. Getting that done wasn’t very easy though. Trying to get three washers to stay on top of each other while you place the engine on top and try to get the screws mounted from below proved to be quite impossible.

After trying to do it a few times I got frustrated as the washers wouldn’t stay on top of each other in perfect alignment. Then I had the idea of gluing the washers together on top of each other so that they stay, but I didn’t have any crazy glue left as mine dried up. Then I thought about using thread lock to do it. It worked perfectly!

I put a little bit of thread lock on the surface of the washers and created little 3-washer blocks that stuck together as soon as the thread lock dried.

Full Gallery of Images from MBX5T Engine Mount Modification

I bought this Axial Infrared Temperature Gun (AX20000) so that I can monitor the temperature on my nitro engines.  I’ve had it for a couple of years and I’ve found it very useful.

I know there are RC Car guru’s out there that can tune and tweak their nitro engines just by listening to them hum, but personally I prefer to be able to measure the temperature of my engine so that I can see how any adjustments I do affect the temperature.

Using a temperature gun like this is also a good way to learn more about nitro engines and what makes them tick.

Basically how these guns work is that you point the sensor at the engine, press the button, and within seconds the temperature gun tells you how hot your engine is running.  The sensor does not touch the engine, it just has to be near it.

I once saw a similar instrument used at a grocery store by the manager going around checking the temperature of the frozen foods in their freezers.

Axial Infrared Temperature Gun Features:

• Temperature Rage of 0 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• Operates in either Celsius or Fahrenheit mode
• Accuracy of +/- 3%
• Dimensions of 15mm x 100mm (1.5cm x 10cm)
• Wrist Lanyard
• Protective Metal Case

Axial Infrared Temperature Gun Review – The Good

• Good battery life.  I’ve had it for over 2 years and included batteries are still running strong.
• Super easy to use.  Point it at the engine.  Press the button.  You’ve got a readout in seconds.
• Small, compact, easily fits in your pocket.  About the size of a thick pen.
• Looks nice, not as clunky as some other temperature guns out there.
• Very nice protective carrying case.
• Good quality for price.
• Auto shut off.

Axial Infrared Temperature Gun – The Bad

• Would have been nice if the digital display was back-lit.  Normally not a huge problem except if you plan on RC bashing after dark.
• I like wearing the lanyard around my neck.  Would have been nice if it had an easier on/off clip that separates the temp. gun from the lanyard.
• Would be nice to be able to shut it off by holding the button down for a few seconds.  Has auto-off though after about 15 seconds.

Gallery

Where to Buy

Over the last couple of days I charged all my batteries and picked up some nitro fuel for my Savage X.

This afternoon I finally got it running again.

It’s been two years since I’ve had time to play with it (or any RC’s) so I had to totally reacquaint myself with how everything works on the Savage X.

The first step was to get the engine started.  It’s been so long I couldn’t even remember the process of doing that exactly, but after finding my Savage manual I figured it out.

Starting a Savage X is actually quite simple:

1. Turn on your radio, then receiver.
2. Prime it by plugging the exhaust with your finger and turning the engine with the Roto Start until you see the fuel reach the engine with no air-bubbles left.
3. Push down with your glow plug ignitor while at the same time turning the engine over with the Roto Start.

It took a couple of tries, but considering the car sat there for two years it actually started up pretty quick.

Once I got it running, however, I had to play with all my engine adjustments.  To start with, it was idling really high so when I lifted the chassis the wheels would start turning forward so I had to play with the idle adjustment to turn the idling down.

Once I got it to the point where it would idle without the wheels wanting to turn I started playing with my fuel mixture.  I really can’t remember why I had things setup the way they were on the engine, so after making a few small adjustments I just decided to re-set the High Speed Needle adjustment back to the factory settings and start from there.

I have an Axial Temperature Gun so I was watching my engine temperature to make sure I don’t overheat it.  I took the car for a spin in my back yard for about 10-15minutes and just drove it around at low-med speed just to get a feel for the engine and to watch the temperatures.  I’m pretty sure I finished breaking in the engine two years ago before I stopped playing with it, but just in case I’m going to take it easy on it and kind of go through some of the same steps of breaking the engine in again.

Here’s a list of things I think I still need to do to get this monster in top bashing shape:

• Get the engine properly tuned and fully broken in.
• Look into steering servo.  Current one seems to be really weak.  I think I bought a stronger one 2 years ago but never installed it.  If so, get it installed.
• I bought a reverse module 2 years ago but didn’t install it yet so get that installed as well.

Once those are done, this puppy should be ready for some serious back yard bashing!

Two years ago I picked up this Mugen Seiki MBX5T Prospec kit and finished building it to the point where I needed to install an engine.

Unfortunately, the engine mount that came with the kit did not fit the Axial engine I bought so I had to put the build on hold to find a proper engine mount or to modify the engine mount that came with the kit.

After a couple of weeks of looking around for an engine mount kit that would fit, I realized (1) I needed to make my own by cutting the one that came with the kit, and (2) it was time to invest in a Dremel drill.

Another week or so passed before I picked up a Dremel drill, but before I had the time to make the engine mount modifications I had to put my RC hobby on hold to focus on a new business venture I had started.  Summer turned to fall and fall turned to winter, and now here I am almost two years later with a brand spankin new Mugen MBX5T that’s 90% built except that it has no engine.

So, this will be one of my projects I’ll be working on in the next while to get this little rocket running.  Here are some pictures I took of my Mugen in my back yard.  It looks so bare with no engine and with the unpainted body.

My MBX5T with no engine.

My Mugen MBX5T and my puppy Zoe. A stare-down.