RC truck help

phreek · 08-08-2007, 02:02 AM

Not sure if it goes here, but oh well.

I have the original Tamiya Clod Buster. It's not a bad truck, but it does have it's problems. I guess that's because of the crappy stock equipment on it. My main problem is with the speed control/servo arm. I'll start running it and let off the throttle, but the truck keeps going. Then I have to end up chasing to the next block to catch it. Once I do that, I have to disconnect the battery, then slide the arm back to neutral. Can anyone recommend a solution on how to fix this, or recommend a better servo/speed control?

Also, the truck has four wheel steering. I hate that. Does anyone know how to fix that so it's just the front wheels that turn?

Allen · 08-08-2007, 02:44 AM

I wanna get into turbine rc boats.. I just have too many things going on right now.

My guess if the rear wheels turn the rear axle has spindles? You've pro'lly just have to get a new axle.

o_o; Sounds like the servo doesn't have enough power?

phreek · 08-09-2007, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen

I wanna get into turbine rc boats.. I just have too many things going on right now.

http://towerhobbies.com They might be able to get you started. I'd like to get into boats, but I'm rarely around water, so it just isn't worth it for me.

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My guess if the rear wheels turn the rear axle has spindles? You've pro'lly just have to get a new axle.

Nah, I found out they make lock-out kits.

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o_o; Sounds like the servo doesn't have enough power?

I took the wheels off, and tried turning them with the controller and the servo horn moved, but not really enough to make a difference. So I plan on getting two of these and then plan on getting this chasis. If one can't already tell, it'll be a rock crawler if I get around to it. Although, I'll probably need that four-wheel steering...

Allen · 08-09-2007, 03:29 AM

Cool site.

I want a real turbine with a turbo shaft driving a prop. When I get into machinist courses I will get plans to make my own mini jet turbine.

Thanks, though.

Awesome chassis. Would be cool to build a 4 x 4 like that.

YaY4Beer! · 08-09-2007, 05:04 AM

Most servos are potentiometer controlled motors. This is a basically a sweeping conductor across a resistor that varies voltage as it moves. The change in voltage is what controls the speed of the motor, which, in turn, controls the servo arm. If there are no visual signs of wear on the servo assembly, this usually means there is a dead spot in the potentiometer. This means the servo stops moving once it hits the dead spot. To test this, slowly move the stick on your transmitter that adjusts the throttle to see if the servo stops moving.

The same symptom may also be caused by a faulty transmitter. To test this, hook up another servo to the same channel as the throttle. If the problem persists in the second servo, then it is your transmitter and not your servo.

BTW, I fly RC planes and helicopters.

Also, I'm a fan of Futaba parts for my plane, but you'll have to see what they offer for cars/trucks.

phreek · 08-13-2007, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YaY4Beer!

Most servos are potentiometer controlled motors. This is a basically a sweeping conductor across a resistor that varies voltage as it moves. The change in voltage is what controls the speed of the motor, which, in turn, controls the servo arm. If there are no visual signs of wear on the servo assembly, this usually means there is a dead spot in the potentiometer. This means the servo stops moving once it hits the dead spot. To test this, slowly move the stick on your transmitter that adjusts the throttle to see if the servo stops moving.

The same symptom may also be caused by a faulty transmitter. To test this, hook up another servo to the same channel as the throttle. If the problem persists in the second servo, then it is your transmitter and not your servo.

I don't think it's a dead spot. I took the links off, then tried to steer to see how much the servo horns moved, and it barely moved.

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BTW, I fly RC planes and helicopters.

That's awesome. Do you fly those big, gas planes, that could pass for very small aircraft? My grandmother's neighbor is part of some big RC plane club in Woodland, California. He said he could get set me up with a plane for $800. =| Little more than I'd like to spend. A little hypocritical though.

YaY4Beer! · 08-18-2007, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phreek

I don't think it's a dead spot. I took the links off, then tried to steer to see how much the servo horns moved, and it barely moved.

Have you tried switching channels with another servo to see if it is your transmitter? If so, and the servo is still barely moving, I would just start by replacing it. It is possible that there is too much resistance in the servo or its just plain worn out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phreek

That's awesome. Do you fly those big, gas planes, that could pass for very small aircraft? My grandmother's neighbor is part of some big RC plane club in Woodland, California. He said he could get set me up with a plane for $800. =| Little more than I'd like to spend. A little hypocritical though.

Currently I'm flying a Nitro Gas A6M5 52. It has a wingspan of about 82.5 inches (2.1 meters). It's similar to this one but mine is sand brown.

Be warned though. I started with RC cars and boats. Planes is a whole different story. RC in general is a very expensive hobby, but planes is just crazy.

phreek · 08-21-2007, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YaY4Beer!

Have you tried switching channels with another servo to see if it is your transmitter? If so, and the servo is still barely moving, I would just start by replacing it. It is possible that there is too much resistance in the servo or its just plain worn out.

No, I haven't tried that. How do I do that? =\

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Currently I'm flying a Nitro Gas [FONT=arial, helvetica][SIZE=2]A6M5 52. It has a wingspan of about 82.5 inches (2.1 meters). It's similar to this one but mine is sand brown.

That's huge. I saw a B-52 a couple years ago in a RC store that was probably about that size. Can't imagine having a rough landing in one of those.

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Be warned though. I started with RC cars and boats. Planes is a whole different story. RC in general is a very expensive hobby, but planes is just crazy.

Yeah, I don't really plan on getting into planes or boats. Maybe helicopters farther down the line.

YaY4Beer! · 08-21-2007, 01:20 AM

There should be a receiver located somewhere on the truck. The servo hooks up to the receiver. On the receiver (depending on how many channels you have) should be a way to switch the channels to test the transmitter/receiver. Switch the servo to see if the problem still exists. If it does, its the servo. If the problem moves, its either your transmitter or receiver.

phreek · 08-24-2007, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YaY4Beer!

There should be a receiver located somewhere on the truck. The servo hooks up to the receiver. On the receiver (depending on how many channels you have) should be a way to switch the channels to test the transmitter/receiver. Switch the servo to see if the problem still exists. If it does, its the servo. If the problem moves, its either your transmitter or receiver.

I don't think I can switch channels. If I do, I think I'd have to get another crystal or chip or whatever it uses.

I did get two new servos though. I take that back; they aren't really new, but they're new to me. One is a JR Racing Z270 Standard Racing Servo and the other just says Hot Bodies on it. I think they came off of a nitro powered buggy. I'm going to try to hook them up tomorrow. Not really what I wanted, but hopefully they'll fix things until I can get the ones I want.