TOPIC:

I'm currently restoring a 20+ year old monster beetle. I',m looking to replace the mechanical speed controller with an electronic one (probably the mtroniks viper 2 eco 20). The following may sound like a stupid questions (but i am new to vintage rc.

I know i need a servo to activate the steering. The old mechanical speed controller connected to the speed servo using a rod. Do i need a servo if i'm using a new ESC?

Would standard acoms servos be ok, or do i need special servos to run with the viper speed controller?

Can anyone recommend a receiver, and will this work with my ESC?

Would an acoms controller/servo/receiver package (on ebay for around

Not a stupid question at all! I remember wondering about the same when I started up with modern electronics

An ESC does not require a servo as well. The ESC plugs directly into the receiver (in the "throtle servo port")
Tamiya makes the TEU101BK and 104BK which I think is good value for money if you are running a mild motor (max 23 T)

Acoms is a well know make of radio equipment, so I assume any system you would get from them would be ok. (get one made for RC cars)

-Lars

Just a mild concern - will a TEU101BK be up to powering a monster beetle? - Tamiya usually warn against using that controller in big wheel or high load stuff (It's only rated for stock 27 turn motors as well). I tried running one in my High lift & it really didn't like it! Nice smooth ESC though, might try some heftier FETs in one

I've been looking around and am thinking of getting the mtroniks viper eco 20 speed controller. I think it can handle a motor down to about 17turns, so should be more than good enough. The motor thaat i have my eye on is an orion 23 or 21 turn. Would a 21 turn be too much for the monster beetle? And although i'll be fitting full ballbearings, i hope my gear box can take it. Any thoughts?.....

Only thoughts are: putting uprated motors in monster beetles never turns out well - the diff is too weak (Semi-abusive use with a standard motor will destroy them). Don't bother with Orion motors - I've got 2 fried ones on my bench (21t & 23t) & neither have done any work! The best 'cheapy' tuned motors I've had have been the ones in the flat-sided 'Epic' labelled cans (eg Revenge of the monster). They seem to be quite powerful for a 27t & behave more like a modified. You can also take them apart for cleaning/repair/modification - I replaced an armature in one with a 21t & it's mental... not much help for monster beetles though