So here's where we are with it, it runs and goes well...
BUT... Always a but isn't there.
It seems to FLY in reverse but goes, OK going forwards..
I watched another Youtube video and that guy puts yellow to yellow and green to blue... (Ours were the other way round).
When i reverse them like that as per his description, obviously my controller is reversed, so down is up and up is down. But i can't see anything in the menu to change that setting. I could reverse the servo, which has now set us to left and right correctly, but a setting for the forwards/back i don't see.
Controller is a Reflex Stick Pro 3.1LCD if that helps.
Glad you and your lad are having fun! Just had a browse of the manual and this might be useful , also check the epa is set at 100% for throttle reverse and steering in both directions.
Settings are changed by means of the “SEL”, “CH”, “+” and “-“ buttons.
1. Press +/- to select the desired model. You have the choice of 15 memory spaces. The model number and model name are indicated on the LCD display.
2. Press “SEL” to take you to the desired setting. The following functions are available for selection:
a) “REV” setting (reverse direction of servo rotation)
Press the “CH” button and choose between ST, TH or 3C and
4C. Press +/- for normal or reverse. 4.
b) “EPA” setting (servo travel limiter)
Press the “CH” button and choose between TH or ST. To select the direction of rotation, the throttle must be to the front or back with TH, and the steering wheel must be moved left or right with ST. The display shows LFU for left and forwards and RBU for right and brake. The desired value can be set between 0 and 120% by means of +/-.
It'll definitely have a channel reverse on there somewhere.
Page 26 on here should do it:
There will be a reverse throttle switch on the back of your transmitter.
SORTED !!
a) “REV” setting (reverse direction of servo rotation) Press the “CH” button and choose between ST, TH or 3C and 4C. Press +/- for normal or reverse.
So, using the CH button, the first click is for ST (steering), click it again and you get TH (throttle), then + to set to 'rev' for reverse throttle..... which is now forwards at full power.
IT's in the menu settings not.... sorted 🙂
Thanks for all the help guys.
It's a flying beast !!!!
That’s more like it!
Weeksy, Weeksy, Weeksy! I have to get one now!
When I get the inevitable shit-storm from my missus I'm going to send her round to yours. Assuming that you live on my road.
That brings back memories! Grasshopper is the only car I ever managed to barrel roll 😀
Weeksy, Weeksy, Weeksy! I have to get one now!
When I get the inevitable shit-storm from my missus I’m going to send her round to yours. Assuming that you live on my road.
Apologies to all 🙂
It seemed like a good idea on Friday after a few ciders... it then went from £80 to £200 for me... So i feel all of your pain.
Friday i showed Mrs Weeksy and was met with "Wasn't more than £50 was it?"
Errrrm, yeah... it was dear... LOL.
I'll do the front wheel bearings today if they arrive and then maybe the engine/rear ones this weekend once i can work out how to take it apart without removing EVERYTHING ! lol.
I'm just going to say that the car was £65... and not mention the radio, batteries, bearings, speed controller, fast charger, spare batteries and so on.
I'm looking at a spend of about £180. For a toy. Hmmm.
However. Savings on Diesel in the last 5 weeks are now somewhere north of £200.
Also...
Is the battery box door staying on?
What rating battery do you have and how is it lasting?
What helmet design are you going for on your driver?
And finally. Can you run these things on a beach without knackering them? Not thinking of dunes, but the damp compacted sand that you get at low tide. I fancy a trip to Southport when I'm allowed out.
Is the battery box door staying on?
Yes
What rating battery do you have and how is it lasting?
Overlander 3300mah 7.2v Battery. Don't know yet.. My lad is doing homework and we're waiting for decals.
What helmet design are you going for on your driver?
I don't know if he'll get painted yet 🙂 I'm not an arty kind of guy.
Eddie Cheever's was quite cool. I may have a go at this.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49776594686_eaf52dd64b_5k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49776594686_eaf52dd64b_5k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2iQA4pL ]2020-04-15_11-57-40[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49776594541_1d66547ba1_5k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49776594541_1d66547ba1_5k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2iQA4ng ]2020-04-15_11-57-35[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr
Harry_the_Spider
SubscriberI’m just going to say that the car was £65… and not mention the radio, batteries, bearings, speed controller, fast charger, spare batteries and so on.
I’m looking at a spend of about £180. For a toy. Hmmm.
However. Savings on Diesel in the last 5 weeks are now somewhere north of £200
It’s not a toy, it’s an exercise in mindfulness to de-stress over the current situation.
Is what I’m telling my wife when I get home from work and a big box is waiting for me.
In all seriousness, building these things keeps me sane......playing with them makes me happy.
Off today, will be taking the Lunchbox for a walk in the park.
They can't touch you for it.
Harry_the_Spider
"And finally. Can you run these things on a beach without knackering them? Not thinking of dunes, but the damp compacted sand that you get at low tide. I fancy a trip to Southport when I’m allowed out".
We used to run the 1/10 Tamiya buggies and trucks at Ainsdale in both the soft dunes and the damp compacted sand. The 4WD buggies where better and faster because they could gain more traction but recently (prior to lock down) i ran the HPI 5B there which was excellent fun, however I did need to spend a few hours cleaning it afterwards and didn't make many friends at the time as its not very quiet. When you are allowed give me a shout and I will bring a couple of cars.
WRT beach running I would;
- Decent 2RS bearings all round.
- Use a waterproof servo
- Use a waterproof ESC
- Make my receiver waterproof/resistant - small clip-it box & silicone(?)
- Do everything I could to prevent water/sand entering the drivetrain - Silicone sealant as a gasket? But have a way to regularly check what is going on inside - I have seen fabricated clear pinion covers that allow you to inspect the pinion/spur interface.
- Accept that the motor is a consumable
- Rinse it immediately after using.
oh, that escalated....
SOmeone was chatting on PB forum and pointed out one of these little things.
So that's on it's way 🙂
What are we rating for paint stripping, Dettol or oven cleaner?
weeksy
Subscriber
oh, that escalated….SOmeone was chatting on PB forum and pointed out one of these little things.
So that’s on it’s way 🙂
Sorry!*
*Not sorry
Sorry!*
*Not sorry
It's all quality time with me son. I don't want or need apologies 🙂
These little things look that much fun i can see the Grasshopper being shipped out and another little one replacing it. I'm hoping with the nostalgia factor and the fact it's fully built and working, i'd get what i paid for it 🙂
We'll find out once this little thing arrives and see which he prefers.
I'm lucky that i don't get an emotional attachment to the old cars like some, so wouldn't really care if it stays or goes 🙂
https://www.amazon.co.uk/VATOS-Remote-Control-Off-Road-Vehicle/dp/B07GVL3G73/
I bought one of these recently for my boy. price has gone up another £10 since I bought it.
The USB charger was duff, and i'm still waiting for a replacement from the vendor, bought another and a spare battery to get me going.
but its awesome fun little car.
I feel my wallet emptying...
This gets good reviews & looks to be a bargain for <£40.
I keep looking to get something for my daughter that is capable, but not stupid fast. It seems difficult though, as most of the reviews just immediately do speed tests and these things are like rockets....
For £40 I am not gonna cry too much if she smashes this to bits.
At the moment, I let her do the steering on my Neo Fighter, while I do the throttle...we still hit every obstacle in the garden, but in a controlled manner! 🙂
I've got an Axial SCX10 ii kit being delivered tomorrow... I hate you all haha 🙂
My daughter "dobbed me in" to the wife about my intended purchase.
"Where are you going to put that?" was the first question. Luckily I have thought this through and have space in a big plastic storage box that a Revell Victor K2 has recently vacated. In a move of tactical genius I kept the empty box in the under stairs cupboard as a place marker for future stupid purchases.
The price is a closely guarded secret at the moment. My only comment being that it will cost less than the diesel that I've not burnt in the last 5 weeks. She doesn't know that I would have got through 160 litres though!
I've also surveyed the garden and have worked out where I can put various ramps for performing "Sweet Jumps™" over walls, steps and flower beds.
Sounds ace mate, we've been doing the same, lots of jumps and crazy stuff. !
I’m hoping with the nostalgia factor and the fact it’s fully built and working, i’d get what i paid for it
People buy Tamiya because they want to build them, so I doubt that will be the case!
He’s right. eBay is full of the forgotten hopes and dreams of middle aged selling on cars they built and then ran for less than a week.
I’m under no illusion that mine will be much different, but it’s cheaper than the old hot hatches I always end up searching for after watching episodes of Wheeler Dealers!
Wife got a surprise last night when I told her that no it wasn’t bike parts in the box. Then I got “that” look when I told what was 🙂
Only got around to opening it this morning and OMG, that really is a lot of bits. With a 13 month old to look after on my days off, they’ll have a vaccine for corona virus before this thing’s finished.
At least in part due to this thread we've now got one of these winging its way to us...
The controller, servo, battery, charger and a selection of proper bearings arrived this morning.
Should be a lot of fun to build with Junior.
I have this painting to do - any tips? The cockpit part is white plastic. Do I try to mask off the guy's arms and t-shirt when I spray the flat black, or just do it all black and go over with the lighter colours?
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The lads broke youngest_oab's FTX surge a couple of days ago.
So he now has one of these in its way - we aim to reuse the FTX controller and servo. New battery ordered.
Just back from the park with the Lunchbox.
Our council are ace, two huge, empty RC tracks.
One with 18 sections and one with 9. Sand obstacles, jumpy bits, benches for a nice sit down, all mowed to perfection.
I'm not tall enough to use the ball cleaners though.
Is it cider o'clock???
@stumpy
I would say spend a couple of quid more on something like an FTX or second hand tamiya - they do sell spare parts for them. So a duffed up suspension part or stripped cog is a couple of quid and away you go again...
This thread is making me very nostalgic, used to race 1/10th scale r/c buggies twice a week as a kid in Darlo. Got my first paper round to fund it and eventually had a Saturday job in the local model shop (spent more than I ever earned). In the run up to Christmas we'd sell loads, a surprisingly high number of people wanted them pre-built so me and the owner could easily get 3 or 4 built in a day.
I started off with a second hand Tamiya Sand Scorcher
Went 4WD with a Kyosho Optima that I converted from chain to belt drive
Then an Optima Mid converted to LWB when they came out
Ended up with Kyosho Lazer ZX (4WD) and Ultima Pro (2WD)
Spent a fortune on different motors for different tracks, cells, upgrades (shiny alloy, Ti and Carbon) , speed controllers and RC kit.
Little Miss Smoggy wanted a Monster Truck a few years ago, so we got two of Maverick Ion 1/18th (buggy for me, truck for her). They're a good laugh although the transmitter failed in one of them and I think the only option is to replace transmitter and receiver/speed controller as they were updated. Almost as much as buying a new one for £80.
Father Christmas got my daughter an FTX Surge Monster Truck, so it was only fair that I got the Surge Truggy as an early birthday present today to join in the fun. We've already established that the only thing more fun that an RC car is... ...two RC cars!
May need to fit some of the chunkier MT wheels at some point...
Will get a kit to build when I'm not trying to pack childcare and work into the same period.
Any tips on soldering?
Got a LiPo battery/charger for my FTX Carnage, came with deans connectors so needed to swap the Tamiya connector on the esc.
Tried tonight but struggled, either the solder would stick to the cable and the tab but wouldn't stick both together or it just went clumpy/blotchy.
Managed to get a very messy joint, but not sure how secure/durable it will be.
Just using a cheap iron and sold from Wilkos, are more expensive ones easier to use with better results?
Theres a few good Youtube videos on Soldering.
Thanks, will have a look.
2 colts ordered, thanks Weeksy
Dammit, been lurking in this thread and hovering over the hornet but was resisting due to the cost. Those colts however are too much to resist so will get one. The potential for upgrades is a bad thing too as could cost a bit with lipo and brushless upgrades
Nice that ^^, always enjoyed a spin around the skate park.
This thread has sparked my interest again, dug my old Traxxas 1/16 summit out the other day thinking I'll charge the batteries up and go for a drive around the garden. Oh how foolish!
Batteries were nearly dead, steering servo dead as well. Plenty of wear in the suspension and bearings as well means I'm now £85 poorer and there is a service kit, new bearings and ball joint ends and a new servo in the post. Full strip down, clean and a rebuild on the way😂
First minor mechanical today "Daddy, this doesn't sound right when going backwards"
Quick peek and the engine/motor was loose.
Sadly it was an engine out jobbie to get to the 2 bolts and tighten them up... Only 10-15 mins but wasn't too complex.
Quickly sorted and back up and running 🙂
Update to my problems with my Neo Fighter - a new ESC and it's running again 🙂
That said, I do fancy building another one... any suggestions as to one that's a decent build? I'd love another Grasshopper, but I fear that would be about 2 hours of build time and it's done! Any suggestions for a readily available (I'm in Spain) yet fairly complicated to build RC car?
The Grasshopper took me about 6.
But was my first. I think I'd complete it in 2 maybe 3 now. So yes, maybe not the best for you
Been watching with interest. My heart says go Tamiya and have fun with building it, but I think for most part its going to be too fast for the 6yr old and back yard action. Looking at the Colt has led me to the Outback Mini which looks like it could be fun.
Love this thread. Am tempted to buy another car just for the fun of building it 🙂
@weeksy - Loving the Grasshopper. Are the shocks just springs? My son's WLToys 12428 (crap name, ace car) came with dry shocks and was a bit bouncy. Rather than upgrade the shocks I added some 2mm o-rings and filled them with oil. Makes a huge difference to the handling.
My Zombie lost a screw on the steering arm while driving on the lawn the other day. No RC shops open under lockdown, long wait for a pack of spares from AliExpress (ordered anyway, they'll come in handy).
[img] 
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Job jobbed.
Loving the Grasshopper. Are the shocks just springs
Yup and quite soft at that. But we're not bothered as such. We're only playing with it, not going racing or anything like that. So it doesn't matter.
I took a punt on a cheap Mad Bull (with an upgraded brushless ESC but a brushed motor) from eBay a while ago, and it's time to get it going. But I need two things: a charger (for classic NiMH batteries), and a transmitter and receiver.
Does anyone have any recommendations for budget-but-decent-quality? Generally digital transmitter / receivers seem to be £50 and up from the online shops (if they're still open?) and then there's something like this, which comes with a motor I don't need and I've no idea of the quality:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401929778387
...and smart chargers look to have a similar variation in price - but I don't know the brands or the quality.
I'm hoping that "running around after a possibly knackered RC car" can count as part of our daily exercise quota. 😉
SkyRC chargers are good.
Flysky transmitters are decent enough for bashing.
took ours with us on daily bike ride yesterday. empty car parks are fun..
Pierre
Subscriber…and smart chargers look to have a similar variation in price – but I don’t know the brands or the quality.
The main problem with chargers is that there's a lot of copies out there, and some of them don't have the overcharging protection that lipo batteries absolutely need. I have a pretty basic Imax B6 which works great, but you've mostly got to be careful about where you source it.
Flysky GT3C still seems to be the king of the "good enough" radios.
So the ftx colt arrived today.
First proper rc car and it is a right laugh, glad I didn't get a bigger one as our garden is only little, maybe once bits come back in stock I will do a little upgrading.
thanks for spending my money as a result of this thread
WOW the bearing kit for engine and wheels makes a MASSIVE difference on the Grasshopper... just wow... wow..
Video please.
Ah, Jaysus - every time this thread is bumped to the top it stimulates me to look at another car. We got my son an FTX mauler for Christmas which has been superb fun, he loves it. Now I want one (but, of course, an even better one!)
nightmare!
I can believe it, the little boy wants to have the colt, so as a result it made me have a look at something like the ftx outlaw brushless
Video please.
LAter, it's school time again i'm afraid... after 3:30pm
@big_scot_nanny our FTX Mauker arrived yesterday and instantly every obstacle in the garden has been rendered obsolete, need to find bigger branches and logs! 😉
I ended up going for a pair of FTX Outback mini 2.0’s. Who knew going so slow could be so much fun. Been building a few mini courses with different obstacles to put them to the test.
Does the Grasshopper still come with a 380 motor?
no idea... none at all 🙂
Yep. 380.
no idea… none at all
A 540 might make a slight difference to speed, too 🙂
Work has started on my scratch build. Aluminium sheet has turned up and I’ve started working out where everything is going to go. Also had the shell turn up, ready for cutting up as I only intend to use the front half.
Although difficult to picture at the moment, this is what I’m aiming for
@flange Looks like a fun project, are you going to build a full tube frame?
I am indeed - 4mm tubing turned up today. It’s a lot of work if I’m honest, but quite therapeutic. Currently testing to see if I’ll MIG or braze - I’ve got a MIG so that’s the cheaper option but I think braze will look nicer. Then there’s the cutting and fish-mouthing of the rods themselves...lots to work out!
I find I enjoy the build more than running them sometimes. I’ve fairly recently started to braze a few bits together but before that I used mig for all my rc metalwork. The brazing gives a lovely finish with good prep but I actually found not doing fish mouths on the mig welded bits worked better as the wire filled the void. I tend to use fairly high amps and a medium wire speed then tack both sides of the joint.
Where did you source your tube? I normally use solid rod as it’s easier to find locally.
Here’s the last cage I used the mig on.
I’ve been playing in the garden with my Top Force, turning the boost & turbo up on the ESC. Made it fly 😁 but then bust it 😦
Needs a new rear diff as I’ve stripped the splines on the out drives. It was quick though! Briefly.
@weeksy
I'm sure I have a 540 motor in a box somewhere.
If you drop me a line I'll send it to you.👍
Replacement driveshafts for my FTX Mini 2.0s still haven't turned up after 4 weeks....
I spent an hour making a replacement cross journal from two bent brass pins, dental floss wrapped round and superglue.
Hope the replacement parts turn up soon as I'm not making another one!
Merak
Member
@weeksy
I’m sure I have a 540 motor in a box somewhere.If you drop me a line I’ll send it to you.👍
And I've got a spare one too for when Harry gets around to building his. 🙂
Again, drop us a line and I'll stick it in the post.
