Plantraco Desktop Rover mods

slotsurfer · #1 11-18-2002, 11:14 PM

I had my one of the motors on my Rover quit on me the other day.So I took the it apart and replaced both motors with Mabuchi 130 size motors.I solder on some new capictors and I reinstalled the everything.The Rover runs a lot faster than it did before

The rover is a pretty easy tank to work on

Slotsurfer

tinyrc · #2 11-18-2002, 11:18 PM

Cool! I've been wanting to try that! How is run time now?

slotsurfer · #3 11-19-2002, 02:12 AM

Because you use the the 123A photo 3 volt lithium batteries they run forever.I found the best place to get batteries beside the internet is Target they have have Rayovac 123A two packs they sell for $9.99 and they have a instant $2.00 off coupon attached to the pack. Works out to $7.99 a pack or $3.99 per battery.

tinyrc · #4 11-19-2002, 08:53 AM

slotsurfer, I use the same cells, what I mean is do the hotter motors result in a big decrease in runtime?

slotsurfer · #5 11-19-2002, 10:09 PM

I have about a 1 hour and 20 minutes on this battery.I should be able to get a least another hour plus out of it.I will keep you posted.

dgilpin · #6 11-26-2002, 10:24 AM

another battery source:

check out www.cheapbatteries.com (surplus)

Get the Duracell DL223A packs for $2.00 and crack them apart to get two CR123's. They may be a little old, and they are not the Ultra's, but at that price who cares! They also have lithium 9volts that should run the transmitter for years ($6).

slotsurfer · #7 11-29-2002, 10:17 PM

Rover mods

I have come to the conclusion it not a good thing to Mod your rover yourself.My 1st rover died today.Plantraco sent me a gear set and I grinded them up in a few minutes of running them.So I thought it would be cool to make a lazer tag micro blimp.I took out the reciver board soldered some micro motors in place of the mabuchi 130 motors.I soldered one 3 volt battery in place and the reciver board started to smoke.It better to send the rover to plantraco with $35.00 and they will send you a new one.