newby in need of ... advise

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larry - 26 Jul 2003 16:43 GMT

I am entirely new to this. My children and I enjoy (real) F1 racing
and for whatever reason, I thought it would be fun to buy/build an RC
F1 car to use with my kids. I found and liked the Tamiya F201 kit and
will buy it unless there is something better that I am unaware of. Is
there?

Then again, there are the other things I need that I have even less
knowledge of. I know (read, "think") I will need a 2-channel radio, a
6-cell battery, a charger, superglue, threadlock and paint. I assume
I should also bite the bullet and use an ESC. The choices are nearly
overwhelming, especially
since I do not know anything about them. Can you make
recommendations? (I am a user of some other bulletin boards and
understand that "recommendations" are one thing that everyone loves to
make, so consider this like an early christmas or something. You are
welcome!)

I am happy to buy quality kit, but am not so interested in spending
money unnecessarily. I have already inquired of Tower and Hobbypeople
but both are reluctant to make suggestions other than to direct me to
their websites. Odd, especially since every other business i have
ever dealt with is there TO make suggestions and assist customers by
providing guidance.

So, here I am. Thanks, in advance.

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Jay A - 26 Jul 2003 17:35 GMT

F201 is a great car. Stock it runs decent, although the motor gets quite
hot compared quite hot compared to better motors I've run in the car (hot is
fine as long you don't keep running it consecutively without breaks not for
the motor's sake but for the chassis and motor mounts which are all
plastic).

Get the 2 channel radio and receiver with one servo (should be only 45-90
dollars depending on the radio). I recommend the airtronics mx-3 or futaba
magnum jr. You can get AM or FM (in real world conditions there is not much
difference but get fm if you can). All you need is a radio with endpoint
adjustments. The airtronics has digital setup and saves up to 5 setups and
some other nifty features.

You will defintely need an esc, no room for a mechanical one. With the low
costs of esc's nowadays, why bother? Go to the LHS and see what they
recommend, I'd say around 60-100 dollars is a good range.

Get at least 2 or 3 batteries also. I've seen 3000 mah sport packs go for
as little as $20. That way you can be charing one while you use another,
the third pack allows you to let a pack cool off while one is charging and
one is being used. As for the charger it's your call. I'm using both a 180
dollar reedy quasar pro while my neighbor has the mrc super brain 959
($50)and the 969(100). The reedy is nice because of the ability to better
fine tune your charges and larger charge and discharge rates but I've also
noticed the the superbrains are no slouch either. 969 seems to be the
better deal of the three as it has a built in fan which is lacking on the
959, and can also charge li-ion, and lead acid batteries. It supposedly can
charge 2 sets of batteries at once, at different rates.

If everything seems overwhelming go to your LHS to talk to someone
face-to-face. You'll get more of your questions answered that way. If it
seems like the person is just trying to upsell rather than get you what you
really need, go talk to someone else. Good luck with your search.

Jay

> I am entirely new to this. My children and I enjoy (real) F1 racing
> and for whatever reason, I thought it would be fun to buy/build an RC
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> So, here I am. Thanks, in advance.

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / July 2003

newby in need of ... advise