ABC DTM newbie-- help unleash the beast

[ZenFlea]

Hey all,
Breaking the seal with post #0001. I'll be receiving a used rolling DTM SP chassis next week and I was hoping to get some advice from you all about setup. This is my first foray into RC in over 10 years so I'm a bit anxious. Does anyone use the ABC CRP (esc, servo, rx) module on their SP? If so what do you think of it and are there any problems with body fitment or motor handling ability (can it take a 180)? Recommended esc, rx's that are comparable pricewise? I plan on running on asphalt mostly. Oh and finally, does anyone have the DTM SP manual they'd be willing to scan or part with to help a brotha out?

Thanks for the help,
Z

[ZenFlea]

Alright after a little research this is what my SP might look like pending input from you guys:

ESC: Futaba mc230cr (would Novak Spy be better? need something with reverse)
servo: hitec hs-81mg
RX: hitec hfs-03mm (anything smaller? differences between AM and FM?)
transmitter: Futaba Magnum Sport or Junior? (is the difference noticeable with such a small car?)
motor: orion elite stock or gpm high speed? (would i have to solder caps on myself?)
suspension: kyosho mini-z springs up front (yellow), no damper in rear, full bearing set
battery: 600mah abc nimh pack (are there higher mah cells in this size?)
bodies: Tamiya 1/24 scale model Denso Sard Supra http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXGT47&P=W and Porsche 911GT http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXGT55&P=W

Also what's a good, cheap variable rate charger? As you can see I'm flying blind here. Any help MUCH appreciated.

Thanks,
Z

[dtmracer]

hi, i used to use the tamiya crp unit on mine. i took off the plastic case and heat shrinked it. yes this can handle the 180 motors. i like the crp unit mainly beacause its soooooooo small and light. the only downside is the somewhat big servo that comes with it. i wish i could change servos but cant. i went with a orion coreless mod motor and switched electronics though. i use the duratraxx intellipeak charger, runs about 55 bucks i think. there is another similar to it, called the brain. i forgot who made it but it is good also and i think it is 40 bucks.

[gertman]

tamiya crp Sorry I am unfarmiliar with this? Do you by chance meen the ABC crp unit?

[gertman]

ZenFlea,

I had a lot of trouble with my ABC crp unit so I don't use it anymore. I would suggest they SPY over any other ESC. For a receiver, it depends on whether you want AM or FM. FM generally gives you better range and less glitching. Unfortunately, no one yet makes a 75mhz FM receiver. By the way, the ABC CRP unit is available in FM 27mhz. Mini-Z and Epoch's are on AM 27mhz. Just so you know, AM and FM are NOT compatible.

[ZenFlea]

Found this on towerhobbies website:http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXCBC7&P=0 Would this work with a Futaba Magnum Jr. 2peka 75mhz? Also anyone have the kit manual?

Thanks again,
Z

[dtmracer]

yeah, i bought the crp unit made by tamiya. its 75 mhz. it is the one with the rx and esc in one little black case. i the abc one is different.

[gertman]

ZenFlea,

That receiver you linked to looks monsterous!!! I think it's WAY too big.

Don't get me wrong, it would fit BUT I would suggest a smaller lighter one.

The smallest good quality FM 75mhz receiver is Novak's XXL

IF you want an AM 27mhz receiver they are smaller. I would suggest the one from the Mini-X or the Hitech Shredder.

IS your Futaba remote FM or AM?

[ZenFlea]

The Hitec receiver is actually only slightly larger and heavier than the xxl but I guess Novak is the only way to go. I'm bidding on a FM magnum jr on ebay hence the need for a good fm receiver.

So revised and pricier setup:

ESC: Novak Spy $56
RX: Novak XXL FM 75mhz $59
Transmitter: Magnum Jr. FM ---bidding
servo: Hitec hs-81mg $22
bearing set: $25
motor: GPM High Speed
kyosho yellow springs
600mah nimh

How does this look? Overall I'm spending quite a bit more than I originally planned. Venturing in on micro rs4 territory. I won't be able to invest in any other car for awhile. Will this whip put together make me forget all about the micro? I don't mind the outlay as long as the performance doesn't have me wishing for more soon after.

THNKS
Z

[gertman]

Yeah your probably right, the picture they had of the receiver was of a different model.

Anyway I would say YES you will be a ton faster BUT let me warn you, an SP is alot harder to drive than a Micro on some tracks. You know the SP is rear wheel drive, right?

So what have you decided about a charger?

[irc]

IM running the Mini X electronics in my SP with very good luck.Hitec does make a Micro FM receiver that is slightly smaller than the Novak. That and an ES01 would work and save you a bit of $. The HS 81 MG is a good Hitec micro servo. I think this would be a good set up for the $. You could also use an Mtroniks ESC in place of the ES01 but it is larger. You should expect a very fast car with the 180 motor and a good battery!!!

[gertman]

the ES01 won't work with a GPM 180 motor!!:D

[ZenFlea]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I was worried there wouldn't be much support for the ABC's. Yes I know the SP is RWD. The drivability on technical tracks isn't quite as important as runtime (the X4 has a much smaller battery) and speed for me. There aren't many tracks around me much less any other 1/24 scale cars to legitimately race against so this car will probably see most action on the large newly paved parking lot near campus. I've decided if I'm doing this I might as well do it right and not skimp on electronics. The thought of having electronics that can handle moving up to larger motors when I eventually get an rs4 makes sense. Well I guess I'll have time to paint and detail those two Tamiya models while I'm slowly saving up for every component.

THNKS,
Z

[irc]

Hey Gert,

I did not know he was running a GPM 180. I have an ES)1 in my RS4 with the stock 180 with no problems

[Mondo]

As an owner of a few Micro RS4s and Mini-Z's, I know what's out there regarding small scale electronics.
I am still tempted to debble in an ABC, but the Micro RS4s are taking up too much attention right now (Indoor racing season)

The electronics of choice have to be the Novak SPY and XXL.
The Quantum Pro Micro is also an awesome small scale ESC.
As these can handle 7 cells and a BB300 motor on a Micro RS4, they should be ideal for an ABC DTM

Just my 2c worth

[irc]

This set up worked well in my Aktiv car. This is an ESC from Aktiv.

[was ist los?]

what car is that irc? one of those german cars?

[irc]

It's the Aktiv Road Racer. We have another order coming soon as the first were pre sold. This car is killer and very light in weight. This car os produced in Austria and we are on are way to being the USA distributor.

[was ist los?]

wow that car is cool, but just by looking at it, it looks way heavy, but you have already said it is light.

[irc]

I still need to weigh it. Im sure it weighs more than my SP but it seams to not be so balistic at take off and carries alot of speed in the corners.

[ZenFlea]

Hey,
I'm currently trying to put together an sc18 system but had always planned on adding a good 1/24 racer to my garage as well. Could you go into more detail about this car and how you think it compares to the ABC DTM SP?

THNKS,
Z

[irc]

Sure, So far the main difference is the Aktiv car comes with ball bearings, 180 motor and all alloy componets and chassis. The SP comes with bushings, 130 motor and fiberglass / plastic chassis and componets. One other nice feature about the Aktiv car is you can solid mount the sterring servo. The suspension systems are totaly diffrent but both seam to be tunable and work good. due to the alloy parts weighing more the Aktiv car is not as balistic at take off but seams to carry more speed in the corners. I like both cars quite a bit and if possible buy them both!

[was ist los?]

if you want solid for the servo, try gluing it down with shoo-goo or some thick adhesive. it works for me and less play. also, it can come off, but you probably have to use a screw driver. lol