Great day of racing at RER/CR&H (http://users.penn.com/~morg/track.html). Had 12 BuRPs to hash it out on the carpet. K1M ended the day with a run just 4 seconds off his present track record. Guess I shouldn't have posted that pic of him last week because he didn't let me win this week. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif Chris crossed the finish line second a lap behind and Mike, myself, and KSG finished yet another lap behind. Don had some kind of problem and went out of the race only 2:30 in. The B was where the second half of Team Fortner showed the way after battling it out with Starky and Johna.

We just have to figure out why those phone bats work so well now. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

I raced my SC18 against a field of micro RS4's today, and they smoked me! The track is a slick polished concrete surface. I even tried the silicone sealer on the tires to no avail. Anyone out there have any setup tips for this type of racing surface?
Thanks,
AEracer

AEracer>>> Sorry to here that http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/frown.gif Lets try to get you hooked up! First what were you running Car,diff,gears,batteries cells and number of cells? Were the Micros sliding at all and how modified were they?
How tight and big was the track and what kind of surface again?

[This message has been edited by BudBartos (edited 01-13-2002).]

BlueDeuceFan,

I was thinking about doing that but haven't gotten to the store yet to buy the labels. I didn't know they sold clear labels but am happy to hear that they do. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif I found a picture of the Monte Carlo headlights on the web and printed and cut them out and they look good. Now I just need to find a picture of the taillights and grill. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

Thanks for the tip!

cnc137.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by BudBartos:
AEracer&gt;&gt;&gt; Sorry to here that http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/frown.gif Lets try to get you hooked up! First what were you running Car,diff,gears,batteries cells and number of cells? Were the Micros sliding at all and how modified were they?
How tight and big was the track and what kind of surface again?

[This message has been edited by BudBartos (edited 01-13-2002).]</font>

Bud,
I'm running an SC18 with ball diff.
46T Spur 7 tooth pinion
6 cell 700mah nicd
The track was a short Tri-oval.
The micro's were sliding, but with the 4 wheel drive they were able to control the "drift" in the corner. If I gave my car too much throttle, the rear tires lit up and the car did 180's. The surface is a polished concrete, it's like driving on glass.
Thanks for your help,
AEracer

aeracer &gt;&gt; OK if your always running on the oval you can put some wedge in the car. Place car on a flat surface facing towards you, lift front of car in center of chassis with a xacto. You want the left side tire to come off the surface last, that will mean there is more weight on the right front tire and also the left rear tire. All the real oval cars do this! Just put 1/8th washers or a shim of some kind under the left front steering block. This will cause the car to push in the turn while turning left.But give you more rear bite.
Try to loosen the diff also so you get some slip in it and that will help hook up the rear tires.
Also run the rear pod LOOSE and have almost no damper fliud or spring tension on the rear damper disks.
Give that a try and see if it helps!
Or get those guys to race on somthing other than ice http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

AEracer: are the micro's running rubber tires? If so, maybe that's what you need too. No amount of setup will cure a lack of traction between your tires and the track. I think someone was talking about adapters to mount the HPI tires to an SC18 in an earlier post. Other than that, I suggest you try 4 or 5 cells. All that power is useless if you can't put it to the ground.

Bud,
Thanks for the tips, I tried everything you said except the wedge adjustment. Sorry I didn't mention that they change the setup of the track each week. They run road course, also. I really don't think I can hook up and run with those guys on that surface, the 4wd seems to get just enough grip to get around. I can tell from watching the micros they are powering through the corners. The cars look like sprint cars going into the corners. Their club is talking about getting some carpet, if they do that will even the playing field. The car generated a lot of interest, I think one of the guys will buy one when he sees it run on carpet. I just wish that their current "ice" surface would keep my beverage cold http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif.

K1M- The micros were running rubber tires. I have thought about making some capped tires, just not sure how to get the outside diameter true.

aeracer:

Have you tried the Green tires ( http://brpracing.com/18tires.html )? They may help some, but if Bud didn't suggest 'em, probably not much. How about traction compound? I'm trying to learn something here, too, so please tell me if these suggestions are not the ticket.

Nil

aeracer &gt;&gt; If they go to carpet you will dominate! Don't tell them that however http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

Mario the gear puller is too big for these motors. Paul or Kelly could you bring one Sunday to the Brat.

A few more questions for a BRP newbie. Again, I race a lot of TC and 12th scale and use fast servos (0.07sec. to 60). The servo I have picked out for my BRP is only 0.17 to 60. Will it be too slow? I have a fast Air. 94145, but its my 12th scale spare servo and since I am planning on gluing the servo in the BRP car, I'd rather not use it. I am hoping a super fast servo in a BRP is a bad thing!!!

Second newbie question. I have a Dynamite Power Pulse forw+reverse ESC I can use. A lot of other guys in our club are using Atoms and Cyclones. WIll I be at a speed disadvantage (and weight) because of this, or wont it matter much??? http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/confused.gif

Thanks for everyones help. If you havent already figured out-I am trying to limit the spending on this car, but will spend it IF I HAVE to to run up front (hopefully) http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/mad.gif

Most guys use standard radio equiptment, and cheapo speedos, I don't see how better equiptment would make much difference in these cars. You won't be seeing 12th scale speeds, so the servo would be real overkill (besides you would have to butcher an expensive servo), and the 18th's don't need the extra effeciency of a high preformance speedo. The smoother throttle responce may be welcomed in a larger car, but you will never feel it in these cars....JMHO

I agree. High dollar stuff in these cars IMO is overkill. I'm using Futaba 148 servos in my BuRPs with no problems and they are .20 or slower I believe. Not to offend anyone but I believe there may be some people trying to take these cars to seriously. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif Slap some cheap stuff in them and go have a good time. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif

I agree with Impact and Ovalman- Bud’s slogan is “simply fun” for these cars. Everyone who owns one understands this concept. I have had more fun racing these cars against family and friends than any other vehicle. What other form of RC lets you pack all your gear in a shoebox, run 15 to 20 minutes on a charge, with very little maintenance between runs?
Enjoy the ride http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif
AEracer

Thank you and Amen!!!! I want nothing more than to have an ultra-competitive-fun-low maintenance car to run that does NOT use mega-buck ESC-Servo-batteries, etc in them. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif My last 6-cell pack for my TC was $90.00!!!!
I am going to enjoy only lugging a small bag to the track!!!

I am thinking no matter what-I should hold the higher ground and only run relatively inexpensive equipment in my car!!!! No matter what others are running.
Thanks guys!!!

The slick surface is what the micro's were designed for. I'll bet they're a blast to run on that track. If you're not already using it, use traction compound! Soak the rears for as long as you can and in front, start with just a thin line on the inside edge of the tires. Wipe it off well and you might hook up ok, maybe even a slight push. Carpet costs money and if they figure out their cars aren't going to do well on it without considerable modification, they're not going to do it(they already have a perfect micro track). However, if they get carpet, Bud's right. You get to show them what an 18th scale rug rocket looks like, and, with BRP SC's selling for $60 at Tower, you might convince several of these guys to join you in kicking butt.

last post directed to aeracer. Sorry

Gordon- The micro's do look like a lot of fun to run on the track. They kind of look like 4WD sprint cars sliding around the corners. "18th scale rug rocket" LOL. I'll give the tire saucing a try. Would you run green compound tires on all 4 corners?
Thanks to everyone who has replied.
AEracer

When it comes to electronics, I have cheapo stuff for it. I run a traxxas 2018 servo out of my tmaxx, a very old esc(with reverse http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif)lol, and a traxxas 2 channel receiver. Top quality stuff eh? All of the "in to it" guys at my track have $200 radios, super small esc's and receivers, etc on their "awesome" micro rs4's. I do think the micro's are cool, but I'd stick with BRP anyday.

Hildy

BRP's are the perfect place to use an old radio and cheap ESC. Simply fun is right, all the fun of close competition without all the tuning and expense; that's what it's about. Save your money for other things and just have FUN!

aeracer&gt;&gt;green tires in the rear and blue(kit std)tires in the front. On a slippery surface, the idea is to get the car as biased toward the rear as possible(traction wise). Try to make sure the surface is clean. Remember, slow is fast, you are only going to do so well on this type of surface. Be very aware of your driving and you may very well beat these guys. NEXT&gt;&gt;electronics- are sort like buying a yacht.If you have to ask, you don't need them. I know it's a paraphrase. Any electronics will fit in a BRP car. If you feel you are losing races because of the size of your electronics(unlikely) or, you just like the way the small stuff looks, by all means, go with it. Otherwise, put in what you got, the car will work well, don't stress over it.(take this from a guy who stresses over things)

OK BRP racers I have a hot new item that I tested last race and it made a BIG differance.
We have some new magnets for the 16D motors
They are #432 XP Super power magnets, retail price $5.95. Don't know how soon Hank the main man will get them on the web site but it should be soon. What they do is give you lots more bottom end and let the motors run much cooler.
Ray &gt;&gt;&gt; Can't wait to see the smile on your face sunday when you run your new car http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif All the radio gear your putting in will work just fine.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by BudBartos:
They are #432 XP Super power magnets, retail price $5.95. </font>

What a deal. Now I just gotta get good enough that I could tell the difference, besides by the size of the dent.

Nil

What's new at Speedster Racing?

You may now preview the Speedstore (http://www.teamspeedster.com)

I have never raced an R/C car before and my brother and I are thinking about trying to race our BRPs and I want to race my 1/10th Scale HPI RS4 Pro 3 also this weekend at Bratenahl.

So, what do we need to bring to race for the day and what time do we need to be there so we don't miss out?

I have 2 FM crystal sets for my FM Radio that I am going to use with my Pro 3 but my brother and I only have one AM crystal set each for our AM Radios for our BRPs. Do we need to buy another crystal set for both of our cars to be able to race?

We also only have one charger and are hoping we can make do with that for at least this weekend???

I have two 1700mAh battery packs for my Pro 3 but we only have one 600mAh pack for each of our BRPs. Will this be good enough I hope?

Do we need to buy the transponder for recording our laps or are they provided?

If anyone could list the items they use on race day or what the minimum items you needed to race I would appreciate it.

Thank you,

cnc137.

cnc you should have an extra set of crystals for each car. Most of us have at least 3. If you can I would also suggest that you should have another charger.It will be hard to keep up with 1 charger. The transponders are provided ,you will pick it up just before each race and return it before you go to turn marshal. I'm sure the club and the racers will work with you and be of any help that we can. Don't be afraid to ask questions.See you Sunday.

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on buying an extra set of crystals for my car and I will let my brother know also. I don't know if we are going to be able to have another charger since my brother wanted to order his online at TowerHobbies.com since he has a gift certificate and a coupon for $10 off. So, I don't think we are going to have an extra charger this Sunday but hopefully we can make do.

I have another question. Do we need a discharger or are the batteries normally pretty much discharged by the time the race is over? We don't have one and I don't feel like buying one right now. Can I just charge the batteries even though they aren't all the way run down? Will that hurt them??? I usually hold the trigger on my radio controller at my house until the tires stop spinning to run the batteries down but that won't work at the track since I might be controlling someone else's car. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

Last question. If my brother wanted to rent a BRP car for his daughter to race this Sunday how would he go about doing that? Does he need to call ahead or show up earlier or are they all already spoken for?

Thanks in advance for the help!

cnc137.

cnc-Get there around 7:30am if you would like to help set-up the track. 9:00 am for sign-up. Like 2Slow00 said-ask questions!!!!
I also agree you need one more charger.
Also-check out "Cleveland Style at the Brat" under On-Road Racing. That is the Bratenahl racers thread!!!! I'll list what you need for your HPI there!!! The owner of BRP will be at the track Sunday so he should have everything you need for that car!!!

[This message has been edited by rayhuang (edited 01-16-2002).]

cnc e-mail Bud and see if there are more Brp rentals available. If you get one you will never be able to keep up with just the one charger. You might want to wait to race the sedan another day.

I have to race the Pro 3 or my wife will kill me since I paid a lot of money for it last October and when I was buying the BRP to race with my brother she asked me if I was going to still use the expensive car and I told her yes. So, if I would not race it I probably wouldn't be allowed back in the house. http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif hehe... lol... http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif

Does bud rent chargers??? http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/biggrin.gif hehe...

CNC &gt;&gt; I will have a extra charger there you can use and buy if you like! Just bring what you think you will need, there will be lots of folks that will help you out. I pit up on the stage by the way.
TO ALL &gt;&gt; the new magnets are on the web site #432

Bud: what's the trick to getting the clips out that hold the magnets in without deforming them? I can hook onto them from the open end with needlenose pliers and slide it out, but it gets bent by the time I get it out where I can get ahold of it.

[This message has been edited by k1m (edited 01-16-2002).]

cnc:

My son & I manage OK on one charger with two touring cars and one BRP. We have lots of batteries for the TCs, but only one for the BRP.

We don't bother to discharge in between. When we get better, maybe some of the niceties these experts talk about will matter, but with only a year of experience so far, the edge in speed doesn't matter much.

Hope you don't break the HPI; it might be hard to bum parts for it. We've found everybody generous in providing parts & advice to keep us running, but TC3s are in best supply.

Nil

K1M- push the magnets out with a screwdriver before you remove the clips....getting them back in...well that's another story..LOL

Hello all, another BRP SC18 was born to this world last night at 11pm!!!!! What a cool little car!!! Can't wait to race it Sunday!!!

Ray...I hope you didn't paint your car red, yellow, and green http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/tongue.gif

K1M.&gt;&gt;&gt;Push one magnet out do not upset clips, push new one in that spot then remove the other and push the other new one in.At least thats what I have done! If you still have trouble break out the super glue http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/smile.gif

Bud, wait till you see what Don D. found. Looking forward to sunday, Pete & myself are only running 1/18 only, no touring sunday.

If one of you guys that race at the Brat could get a pic of that early BRP and post it here, I'm sure we'd all like to see it. I understand the chassis was made of folded lexan?

Does anyone have any information on the 16D deathstar motors? I remember them being mentioned earlier in this thread, but I don't recall anyone mentioning the performance.
Thank you,
AEracer

Performance of the 16D deathstar is pretty good. They seem to have more torque than the green endbell motors that originally came with our BuRPs without sacrificing to much top end.

[This message has been edited by Nil (edited 01-18-2002).]

AEracer: The Deathstar motors were inexpensive speedy little motors. We did have one that the comm just came apart on though. The green endbell Parmas that come with BRPs are epoxy balanced and seem to last quite a while. With any of these 16d motors, make sure they're not bound up after you tighten the mountings screws.

is anyone here uses ES-01 ESC with no problem?

I don't recommend using an ES-01 with 16d motors. They're better suited to Mini Z's and Micro's.

how 'bout with the stock motor, is it okay to use it?

The stock motor is a 16D.

Congratulations to Bud Bartos for winning the first ever 1/18th scale nationals. 28 racers showed up for this event. There were door prizes including a televison set and a C D player.