The Answers

[gertman]

Hi all,

I didn't really want to post the same thing in all of the threads so I made my own.

An Epoch 1/43 is a FULLY proportional radio control car. They come in two varities Spec 1 (this includes the Mach 5) and Spec 2. They come with charger, radio, and 1 set of AM 27mhz crystals. The remote takes 1 9v and the charger takes 6AA. The car comes complete with 3 NiMH batteries.

Spec 1

Spec 1 is the original and the slowest. This is the version with the large wheel wells. Suspension consists of a "t" plate in the rear and coil springs in the front, much like a stock Mini Z. The car has 3 NiMH batteries installed in the car when you get it. It comes with a charger that hooks up to the bottom like an AC adapter and takes 30sec to 1 min to charge. The charger is powered by 6 AA battaries. Average battery time is about 5min.
2 body styles are avalible: Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline GT-R

Mach5 (STILL Spec 1)

The only difference between this and the normal Spec 1's is (besides the body) oversized tires that use the original wheel of the Spec 1 as a rear hub. The new tires are widder and larger in diameter. The front hub is changable for when you change bodies from Mach 5 to Racer X's car. Obviosly, because the wheels are bigger these cars, the gear ratio is slightly altered which makes them faster than Spec 1's. Also they have more ground clearence.

Spec 2

With the Spec 2 version the elctronics have been redesigned and optimized. The wheel wells have been reduced to a normal size. The big news is a spring has been added to the rear "t" plate and a spacer is included in the front suspension. This spacer allows you to raise or lower the front end for more clearence. Also a much larger clear plastic bumper is included. The Spec 2 is the fastest of the bunch.

[gertman]

UPGRADES

There are upgrades availble:

-lights
-different front springs
-clear (lighter) lexan bodies
-different tires
-different color/style wheels

[gertman]

here is a picture of a Spec 1 and Spec 2

[gertman]

This is the Spec 2:

[gertman]

This is the Spec 1:

[gertman]

SPEED COMPARISON

The Spec 1 is slower than a Digi Q.

The Spec 2 is slightly faster than a Digi Q.

Neither can compare to a stock Mini Z. The only known way to increase speed is to get a lighter body.

[gertman]

for some more pictures go here:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ryangertner/lst?.dir=/RC+-+cars&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/

[Oman]

gertman, thnx for the info!!

My SPEC-2 is on its way..........btw where did you get yours?

[tinyrc]

gertman, thanks for the in-depth info! :D

[gertman]

I have a real good connection with a guy who sells on Ebay. He runs a hobby shop in Hong Kong.

[Hardtrukr]

Dooopppe. I really want the Impreza! :(

[Oman]

gertman, do you mind e-mailing me at skorange@hotmail.com which ebay member did you get them from and how much!

thnx

[Hardtrukr]

gertman-
before you may have seen on Mini-ZRacer.com that they make BB's, but I've found they arent. They are actually aluminum wheels!

[gertman]

Yes,

From your picture it is clear that they sell aluminum wheels. I do believe they also sell different style plastic ones too.

My view on aluminum wheels is this, on any and all RC cars, the addition of aluminum wheels is unsprung weight. Unsprung weight is the WORST!! It should be limitted as much as possible.

On 1/10 scale touring cars, aluminum wheels are prone to bending, slow the car down, and increase the tendencies for the car to push.

On 1/18 scale HPI Micro RS4s, aluminum wheels are not such a bad idea because they are one piece replacing many plastic parts that make up the stock wheels.

On 1/24 scale ABC hobbies cars, the wheel hubs are already made of aluminum. On the DTM X-4 the car has 4 hubs where as the DTM-SP does not. This fact alone does slow down the X-4 and hurts steering.

On 1/26 scale Mini-Zs I have aluminum wheels. At the time, this was the only way to get a wider flat tire on all 4 corners of a mini-z. I am sure they decrease the speed of the car.

I do have 1/5 scale bike that has billet aluminum wheels. I know this does slow the bike down considerably BUT this was a compromise the designers of the bike made. BECAUSE the added weight of the wheels is what keeps the motorcycle from falling over: they are like gyroscopes.

[Hardtrukr]

1/28 scale! geeezze. at least you didn't say 1/24 scale mini-z. i love the aluminum wheels for my Z! they add the right weight to keep the car on the ground. it improved my steering and acceleration! :)

[Oman]

YES!!! My Epoch Indoor Racer Spec2 finally came in!!:D

I have a digiq and a tomy bit charG and my epoch drives circles around them...its fast and controllable for its size and the craftmanship is just as good and even better than the digiq and the bits!!

[gertman]

Of course,

The epoch has everything a larger RC car has. The Bit Char-G is not proportional. It would only be far to compare it to the likes of a Tyco Canned Heat!!! As far as the Digi Q, for its size, it has amazing top speed. If not for the inital delay, it is almost as fast as the Epoch. Think of that, it's pretty amazing for something 1/3 or 1/4 the size!!!

I am not trying to take anything away from the Epoch. It IS the smallest fully proportional RC car and it handles like one!!!

Glad you bought one,

Enjoy

[Oman]

The Epoch SPEC2 is a must buy if you guys are planning to get into real miniature r/c racing...I have a bit CharG and DigiQ...and the Epoch is 10 times better than the the bit and DigiQ...

[kev71H]

I want one!!!!! Where can I get one????? Let me know!

[kev71H]

OH...my email is Kev71H@aol.com laters

[Crash Rehven]

Arrrgh!

another TinyRC that I want to get!!!
Grrrr... I've gotta stop reading the forums... bad for the wallet.

... about how much did you say you got the Epoch for?

[gertman]

I don't mean to belittle this fourm in anyway, BUT I posted a whole bunch of info and pictures on another fourm over here (http://www.**********s.com/forum/index.php?act=SF&f=2). I have gone into alot more detail on this fourm and they are going to start selling them through the "official" american distributor.

[Oman]

You should give ebay a shot...the SPEC2 were going for 80USD for a new complete set at one time

[tinyrc]

I have gone into alot more detail on this fourm and they are going to start selling them through the "official" american distributor.

Gertman, I read the thread, and I find it very hard to believe that there is an official US distributor, as when we've contacted them in the past they have told us that there is no US licensing for this product. Do you have any info on who this distributor is?

[irc]

I just spoke with a friend who was importing the Epoch here in the States and I can confirm there is now an official Epoch distributor in the USA. The new distributor gave him a call and not so kindly asked him to stop selling the car here.We have verified this through Epoch so it is true. I hope we have some contact with the new distributor soon so we can find out more about this great car. Oh yeah I would like to order all available hop=ups for my spec 2 ASAP in case you are reading this. :D

[microrcracing]

Hey Irc

Boy do I have some batteries for your Spec 2!

[irc]

Please tell me more!

[microrcracing]

1. the batteries fit only spec 2
2. they offer 33% more power
3. extended run times (with our tests)
4. the charge time is also longer about double- thats the only draw back so far.

The Spec 2 also must be taken apart and since stock pack has no plugs it must be un soldered and new pack must be installed and soldered too!

For the experienced Hobbyist. The Spec 2 is much easier to disassemble than to re-assemble:D

[irc]

Sounds good how do I get these batteries?

[Maxmos]

Man, i just order one. Another car? Well, hopefully it would be better than the bit-charg. Can't wait to get it.

[gertman]

I will say this confidentially, an Epoch is infinitely better than a Bit Char-G!!! In every way, it is proportional, handles! and is ALOT faster!!! I will definitely enjoy it!

TO microrcracing,

Please tell me 1st what are the cells that come in the Epoch's? The size aka 1/3AAA, 1/3AA, .........

And then of course, what brand and model number of these new cells you have installed.

[microrcracing]

The Epoch stock pack is a 3.6 volt 1/3 aaa(3 cells)

Our pack is 4.8 volts 1/3 aaa nimh (4cells)

Very fast Epoch!:D

[gertman]

There is room to mount a 4th cell!!!! WOW
I can't believe the ESC didn't blow with the extra voltage
Are the cells you are using 250 mah NiMh cells?

Could you post a picture, please.

[usagi]

These cars and other like them are that hard to find in your parts of the world? We can find them every where here.

[gertman]

are mod motors availble for the Epoch's over in Japan?

[usagi]

Yes, we can find them, amount other stuff.

[tinyrc]

These cars and other like them are that hard to find in your parts of the world? We can find them every where here.

usagi, the Epoch only just came out over here, we're one of only 2-3 companies that sells them so far.

[usagi]

oh I see......... gee they been out here for awhile.:)

[microrcracing]

Originally posted by gertman
There is room to mount a 4th cell!!!! WOW
I can't believe the ESC didn't blow with the extra voltage
Are the cells you are using 250 mah NiMh cells?

Could you post a picture, please.

I am really not tight lipped as you said in other forum:D
Here is a link to the picture. It is availble for purchase. I have actually put more cells in a spec 1 before with out hurting the esc.
But, the spec one is not a slap in mod. It requires lots of work.

Photo of Spec 2 Battery (http://www.microrcracing.com/images/spec24cell.jpg)

Please post info in other forum.

[gertman]

You weren't kidding, it was TUFF to get back together! Yes, I had an extra cell from one of my friends Spec 1 which died:( I am going to post step-by-step directions with pics on another site and put a link here when I am done. :D

It is faster!!:D

Thanks for the idea

[microrcracing]

P.s.

Don't forget that if you assemble pack yourself that that run times may be shortened due to soldering process. The tiny 1/3 aaa batteries hate too much heat.

[gertman]

AND

I am not such a great solder'er so I probably did over heat one of the cells! :(

It still works good for now. I haven't tried to re-charge it yet? Can you STILL use the standard Epoch charger? :confused:

Thanks again!! :cool:

[tinyrc]

Can you STILL use the standard Epoch charger?

Good point - do you need to double-charge or anything? Could you use a peak charger with the Epoch connector? What amp rating if so?

[gertman]

It took me almost as long as the actual mod :D , BUT pictures and a step by step guide is posted!!!!! :) :)HERE (http://www.**********s.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=562&st=0)

ENJOY!

[tinyrc]

Wow gertman, nice job!

[microrcracing]

Gertman,

You forgot to mention that the Spec 2 batteries could be purchased already complete, spot welded and shrink wrapped at Spec 2 batteries (http://www.microrcracing.com/epoch.htm)

They fit better and run longer than homemade packs. A little credit for the mod would be nice too. Instead of some guy in some forum.

[gertman]

Well,

Tight lipped: You STILL won't tell me the mah's of your pack.

I didn't mention you or a pic of your pack because I don't want to piss off the moderator of the site for mentioning another site. BUT you should feel free to post a link in that thread, it is YOUR SITE you would be supplying a link to.

Tell you what I WILL do, I am going to post a modified version of that thread as an article on Tiny RC's site, I'll mention you, put in a link to your site and a pic of your pack.

Is that good for you? :)

[MicroRCracer]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gertman

Neither can compare to a stock Mini Z. The only known way to increase speed is to get a lighter body. [/QUOte


cant a 4 cell spec2 beat a stock mini-z?

[gertman]

Yes, you got me, since I made that statement along time ago, we have since found ways to increase the speed of an Epoch by adding more cells.

Sorry, I do not have a stock mini-Z to compare to my 4-cell, BUt I have a feeling it would be very close.

[slagrec1]

Gertman, excellent "how to" article! Please answer a couple of questions before I get started with constructing a 4-cell pack.
The 4th battery in the picture had a tab already spot-welded...
The batteries I'm working with don't come with a tab. It's unlikely I'm going to find that same material (it's unusually "bendable") in my local hardware store. Any ideas on what it is, e.g. tin? or where to get some?

Also, the stock battery pack in encased in shrink-wrap. However, in your article you didn't replace the shrink-wrap to cover the 4th cell. Is that because the heat necessary to shrink the wrapping will damage the battery?

Thanks in advance.

[gertman]

You can use small guage wire or a piece of tin.

I did not re-shrink wrap the 4th cell because I didn't have any.

:)

[pixelator]

Originally posted by gertman

Sorry, I do not have a stock mini-Z to compare to my 4-cell, BUt I have a feeling it would be very close.

I pitted my X-Speed Overland (slightly slower than a Mini-Z Racer with same motor) against my recently-acquired 4-batt Epoch tonight. It was indeed quite close, but the Overland was very slightly quicker both in top end and off the line. The Overland doesn't have any other speed related upgrades (not even bearings) and was using the stock pinion gear.

I also have a racer with external Eagle turbo and S-03 with 12T pinion, bearings and other tweaks. It's quite a bit faster than either the Overland or the Epoch, obviously.

I am however quite impressed with the little Epoch overall with the 4 batt mod. Nimble, a little prone to losing traction but pretty quick for the size. I wish Epoch had taken the same tweak-it approach that Kyosho took with the Mini-Z. Sadly, the limited parts and access to same makes it less attractive to people who want to get the most out of their micro.

bill

[USRaja]

Does anyone still sell the Epoch new?

[gertman]

I only know of one place and that's right HERE at TinyRC's shop. But he only has a limitted supply of stuff left.

[tinyrc]

We've actually got a bunch more stuff than what's listed, so if you don't see what you need, just open a Support Ticket - thanks! :)

[B18c_tuner]

Does anyone still sell the Epoch new?
I have some cars available, only 1 is brand new in box. the rest BNIB's have sold already here is the link: http://tinyrc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23962

[masmojo]

Just thought I would kick the dust off in here!

I guess most of the 1/43 guys switched over to Dnano's when they came out and I have one on the way, BUT I still have 3 Epochs that I dug out of the closet. I have been running them on my 3 lane routed 1/43 scale slot car track and enjoying them quite a bit. I am guessing some new batteries would help immensely, but what I am wondering right now is where to get replacement springs for the front suspension!?