Hyper ST conversion

[chris_dono]

Hi guys,
i've read through the FAQ's and some posts here about the conversions and have a couple of questions.

Is there an elite motor mount available for the Hyper ST ? I couldn't see one on the site (unless you're using the Hyper 9 one ?)

I'm leaning towards the Tekin RX8 with 1700kv motor (on 4S to start with, but with a view to 5S at a later stage once I get used to it)

I run electric most of the time (10th, 12th, on-road etc) so brushless etc I've got no problem with, I just couldn't get on with Nitro personally.

I've read that the "slipperential" is a good idea.. is this basically the same thing as a slipper clutch that 10th uses ? (protects drivetrain etc)

Is there anything else I should be looking out for ?

Anyone out there already converted a Hyper ST, any pics to see or advice on the process ?

thanks
Chris

[Hyper-1983]

Slipperential is pretty much just as you described. Good idea if using the tekin to save somee stress on the rotor. Not sure if elite do a mount but I am nearly sure rc monster do. Very helpfull advice over there on all conversions and brushless combos. Also the only place to buy a slipperential as its the owner who created them. Hope this helps you.

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18982

[Marvin]

Elite don't yet do a motor mount that'll fit the Hyper ST. RC-Monster's 'Hyper' mount does fit, and there are quite a few Hyper ST conversions on their forums.

A slipperential is, as the name suggests, a 10th-style slipper clutch, combined with an 1/8th-style differential. Definately worth it with the Tekin for added peace of mind.

The Tekin system is good, though expensive, especially when you have to factor in the Hotwire. I think Stormer Hobbies were doing them really cheap, so have a look.

1700KV is a faster 5S motor, and a slower 4S one, so it's not a bad idea to start with 4S then go 5, but there isn't really much point to be honest. Just go 5S to start with, then use punch control or the slipper settings to calm it down.

[chris_dono]

well I run tekin in the 12th car already, so have a hotwire to hand, no need to get another one :)

An rc-monster motor mount and a slipperential sounds like the combo then for now :)

thanks guys, will let you know how i get on :)

[Marvin]

Ah - in which case Tekin all the way. Definately worth getting the slipperential - Randy Pike actually advised me to get one, and said they had been using it. He referred to it as a 'great tuning tool' or something similar.

You can also get the battery boxes from RC-M, and I think it best to get one of the custom sized versions - so it fits your packs like a glove.

[chris_dono]

ordered:
RX8 (1700 motor)
monster motor mount
slipperential
battery box (for sizing)

now i'm looking at lipos... Hyperion/flightpower/poly... soo much choice :)

[Marvin]

Hyperion, Neu, PolyRC/PolyQuest and Thunderpower. Cannot go wrong with those 4. I've used all four too, and from my experience they are all solid, good performing packs.

The series to go for:
Hyperion - the VX series - for better choice of capacities, and for the higher discharge rate
Neu - the EP or NP - for better value, and still excellent performance. Just make sure you get the 'V5' ones, that allow a 5C charge rate - you don't have to use it, but it means it'll keep its value better if you sell it on later - people like higher numbers.
PolyRC - always expensive, but you really have to go for the new 45C range.
Thunderpower - the 45C range looks great, but, if more on a budget, go for the 30C range - still plenty of choice and power.

Best place to go for LiPos (aside from Neu) is RC-LiPos (http://www.rclipos.com) in the US. They do free worldwide shipping, a bulk discount (if you buy 3 LiPos, you get 5 or 10% off), and try their best to prevent unwanted customs charges. The shipping they use isn't bad either - it's pretty quick. They are also about the same price as anywhere else, so you're not paying for the shipping through the price either.

Whereabouts in Kent are you anyways?

[chris_dono]

Cheers for the pointers :) I'll have a look at them

I'm in Orpington

[Marvin]

Are you planning on racing it? And where if so?

Do you do Faversham off-road at the moment? Or are you more like Eden-Park?

EDIT: Christ, they were poorly written...

Let's try again.

Are you planning on racing it, and if so, where?

Do you race at Faversham at the moment, or Eden Park? Or are you only on-road at the minute?

[chris_dono]

I'd like to race it, but I mainly concentrate on the on-road stuff during the summer

I've been to Faversham once and Eden Park a few times (2wd and 4wd) as well as West Kent when it's on

Where are you based ?
I know there's a fairly new club in Orpington itself which runs on a sunday

[Marvin]

I only race 1/8th now, though did do some meetings at Faversham.

I race at KMRC (just south of Maidstone) now, and that's pretty much it to be honest - though hopefully we'll get somewhere with the nationals too.

You will want to race it!

[chris_dono]

I've heard of KMRC but never got round to going there, hopefully when it's sorted I'll get a few days to play :)

[chris_dono]

the speedo/motor are on the way :)

quick question though.. with a slipperential the spur is 46t.. does a 15t pinion sounds about right ?

[Marvin]

What's the gear ratio of the Hyper ST? 4.3:1? Also, will you be running LPR/VTR tyres or MTR-type tyres?

[johnnygibbon]

i like the sound of this slipper. i have just got a hyper 10 sc . the 4wd short course truck . reckon a slipper is a good idea. would it fit and can you get em in the uk cheeers

[Marvin]

I can definately confirm that it won't fit. It only fits 1/8th size diffs. It also means therefore that the Hyper 9 and 9E can't benefit from it, as they both use the Mini Hyper ST centre differentials to reduce rotating mass.

[chris_dono]

What's the gear ratio of the Hyper ST? 4.3:1? Also, will you be running LPR/VTR tyres or MTR-type tyres?

According to rc-monster it's 3.909

The tyres i have are either kit or AKA cityblocks

[Marvin]

Using LPR-type tyres (like the AKA Cityblocks), you'll want an 11T pinion for most tracks, or a 12T if it's a very large track (or if you feel like it) on 5S.

On 4S, using the same tyres, you'll want either a 14 or 15T (for the same reasons).

The 52-tooth spur would be a better option, as it allows you a larger range of pinions that have more teeth (so wear less).

With the 52, on 18.5V, you'd want a 12/13/14T and on 14.8V, you'd want a 16/17T.

12/13 cover the 11 from earlier - neither is perfect, though I'd go towards the 13 if you want speed, and 12 if you want run time (only slightly more of each to be honest).

[chris_dono]

thanks for the help Marvin, looking forward to it now !

[jasonwipf]

Hey marvin, you guys try the castle 1800 motor on your buggies yet? My friend got one a few weeks ago seems pretty good. You know I'm a tekin guy but this motor felt really nice. I might almost suggest a RX8 ESC and a 1800 Castle motor combo for those that like the reliability of castle and the on the spot tuning / cooler temps of the RX8.

[Marvin]

We haven't - not much racing goes on this time of year as there are no indoor tracks, and the weather is poo.

Judging by Castle's track record it would be a good motor, so I have recommended it a few times, but lack of any availability in the UK (Horizon hadn't heard of it), means people are dissuaded easily.

[jasonwipf]

LOL UK guys like ordering from Horizon? how about tower hobbies?

[Marvin]

No, Horizon UK. UK distributor of Losi, and all the other Horizon brands (as well as Castle and a couple of others, Lunsford).

Many people just don't like ordering from the US, because of the import tax we get landed with (+17.5% of total cost (*including shipping) + £8 or £13.50 depending on how much you paid for shipping). US retailers don't seem to like marking up the values as tiny either.

[jasonwipf]

17.5% Import tax? wow. Is that a UK thing or EU? I didnt realize they had that so high, it really does seem to inhibit free trade huh?

[chris_dono]

it's not "Import Tax" it's VAT, which is 17.5% in the UK
some other countries in the EU have different rates..

it's similar, but not exactly like, sales tax in some US states

[Marvin]

Well, I meant VAT, but wasn't sure if Jason would know what that is. Import tax is something else you can get landed with for certain items, which is additional to VAT (I got hit with it once, though cannot remember what it was).

[jasonwipf]

so the tax is on all items or all imported or all imported from certain countries?

[Marvin]

VAT is at 17.5% on all items imported into the UK with a value of £18 or more (£30 or more if a gift). Then Import Tax is charged on certain goods - though I don't know the ins and outs of Import Tax. Then, to cap it off, Parcelforce (or whichever courier you're using, though for someone like UPS - where it's them all the way, it's usually included), charge you a 'Handling Fee' - £8 for 'normal' shipping (if you've used say, Priority Mail International), or £13.50 for 'fast' shipping (if you've used Express Mail International).

I've paid over £60 when I got my RX8 combo, a Hotwire and some conversion bits sent over. It's still worth it...

[jasonwipf]

Its still alot. 10% here 20% there add them all up and before you know it your paying over 50-70% of your total income in taxes especially in some very socialist countries (US getting there now too). Thats 6 plus months we work for the state before we earn for ourselves and state services (at least here in the U.S.) are much inferior to the private sector. Dont even get me started on the national debt. There are may "Tea Partiers" here in the U.S. revolting in massive demonstrations to protest our tax and spending practices.

[Marvin]

In fairness, our public services are (barring the typical English 'everything's crap') pretty good, it's just annoying, that's all.

[chris_dono]

after getting hit with the "import tax" i now have a slipperential, battery box, motor mount and pinion in my grubby hands !

One quick question though... in the instructions it says to put a bearing on the outdrive... there's none in the kit so I'm assuming I just use the ones from whatever vehicle rather than there being something missing from the kit ?

[Marvin]

Yes, precisely. Normally this would be 16mm OD bearings, but some cars are different.

[chris_dono]

thanks, I'll get to it :)
the engineering is really quite good though !

[chris_dono]

just going through it now after taking the stuff out of the truggy (outdrives, bearings etc)

I'm struggling to get a pin through the outdrive on the side that sits inside the diff.. seems like there's simply not enough clearance on it when the shim is placed in there, any ideas ?

[losi madness]

if anybody need a bradnew spider diff never used let me know