Redcat Racing Mirage Info just incase your looking for mods , upgrades , or just some other info.

Well after studying up on this buggy I decided I should post some parts that are specifically available for the Mirage to  improve its durability and speed . Now theres lots of parts out there that will fit but I'm sticking with the basics.

If you have a early model I would recommend checking the Redcat racing parts section and update some the parts to V2 spec as they they did revise a few parts . The parts have new part #'s or have had leters added to the end of the original part # but they all say V2 in the description . Redcat Mirage V2 parts

Also If you have a new model it appears Redcat has replaced the ESC that was originally used with a ESC that is now only 3S capable and looks similar to a Hobby Wing esc but with different labels. ESC pictured below.

Similar to new ESC

ESC originally used

So a new 4s capable esc may be a good upgrade for the speed freaks out there as this buggy is reported to run at around 45 mph on 3S lipos and 4S lipos push it to nearly 60 mph.

Ok now for the nitty gritty .

TBR or T Bone Racing has come out with some front and rear bumpers and even side plates for the wing and If you play hard I really think you should check them out . http://t-bone-racing.net/Mirage-Pro-c502/

Helion Criterion available at Hobby Town USA 30+ mph RTR

Well I kept seeing ads for this buggy and decided to have a look see at what this buggy is all about . 

From what can be seen from the pictures available at this time Helion didn't really set out to break the mold but this isn't a bad thing as the basic buggy design is very reliable and with the addition of a substantial amount of plastic added to the most easily damaged areas such as the front shock tower I think this looks like a good basher for the person who may think about racing .

The first thing that intrigued me was the claim of  class leading top speeds . Upon further investigation I can say it probably does have the hottest sealed can brushed motor I have ever heard of since it is a 12 turn 540 motor instead of the  12 turn 550 motor some are using these days. What this means is more RPM for your money . As of this moment the next nastiest sealed can 540's are the 15 turn motors from HPI,Arrma, and dynamite so this should be a big kick in the pant's compared to the other offerings . 

The buggy also comes with front and rear 12mm wheel hexes The specs list the wheels as Team Associated and Kyosho compatible now thats a smart move.

I'm also glad that they include ball bearing everywhere including the steering bellcrank . I can't decide if I like the Idea of the plastic slider shafts but you never know .Hopefully the diff gears are good and strong.

I like that they designed the battery strap to accommodate a 7 cell hump pack and with waterproof electronics this new buggy is keeping up with the big names as most of them have went waterproof already . 

All in all I think Helion has made shopping for your next. budget buggy a bit more interesting but I do think the price ( $189.99 ) is a bit much for what you're getting . To be blunt I think there is someone out there this buggy is perfect for but my first thought after seeing the price was that a Traxxas bandit is only  $204.99 from Hobby town. I don't really think the price is low enough for what you get in my opinion this should be priced at $150 or below to compete with the ECX Boost and undercut the Arrma ADX-10 which runs around $160. 

If I was real picky I would point out that the Redcat Racing Twister XB in brushed form can normally be bought for $119.99 with free shipping and the brushless version runs about $185.99 with free shipping but they are in a slightly different category.

HPI Apache C1 VS Axial Racing Exo Terra Vs Redcat Racing Mirage and Sandstorm Baja Buggy .

Currently the big thing in RC is scale realism and why not thats what really made this hobby thrive in the 80's and early 90's and can always gain the attention of people not already Immersed in the hobby . My main goal with this post and many more to follow is to compare several similar RC's for the soul purpose of spreading information . This will be most usefully to the person thats not too familiar with all the option that are out there and may lead them to purchase a car or truck better suited to their needs than the one they seen driving around the park .

#107109 RTR APACHE C1  1/8th SCALE ELECTRIC 4WD DESERT RACING BUGGY with 2/4GHz RADIO      Price : hard to determine as it is listed discontinued on several retailers at this time. This big bad buggy is setup to run 2 7-cell NIMH battery packs or 2 2s lipo's . It features 2350 KV brushless motor and a 2.4GHZ radio system . All the electronics are waterproof but the ESC so take care if water is in your future.  SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 580mm Width: 300mm Height: 254mm Wheelbase: 375mm (adjustable) Drivetrain: Full-Time Shaft 4WD

Mirage 1/8 Scale Brushless Sand Rail:                           $259.99

 

SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 535mm  Width: 320mm  Height: 210mm  Wheelbase: 340mm  Drivetrain: Full-Time Shaft 4WD

Little smaller and a little slower but It really is RTR at a low price . Yes the charger is slow and the stock esc is only rated for up to 3S but there is a 3S lipo included . With a simple ESC change 4S power is in your grasp with its large battery compartment . Speaking of the battery compartment its accessed from the bottom of the chassis  for easy battery swaps.

 EXO - 1/10th Scale Electric 4WD Terra Buggy - RTR:                                                         $379.99

SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 482.6mm  Width: 295.3mm  Height: 228.6mm  Wheelbase: 334mm  Drivetrain: Full-Time Shaft 4WD

Now  This buggy is not all that much smaller than the last which Redcat calls a 1/8th scale and to be fair it is ruffly the size of a 1/8th scale buggy used for competition but as can be seen scale doesn't mean much .  But Just look at that pretty buggy .

Sandstorm 1/10 Scale Electric Baja Buggy:                   $119.99

SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 400mm  Width: 270mm  Height: 165mm  Wheelbase: 275mm  Drivetrain: Full-Time Shaft 4WD

THis little guy is small and cheap and doesn't look half bad but to be blunt it needs work. The stock esc being used at this time is mediocre at best and a replacement will be need if you have the need for speed. Eventually Redcat should have there brushless version out to match its brother the Sandstorm TK and when they do that the value will jump substantially .

Well hopefully this has lead you couple of more options that are out there but make sure to do your own research and get opinions from several people .

Cheap speed esc 2S-3S lipo compatible brushed esc Redcat Racing WP-1040

Well seems the esc that is coming in the Redcat Ground Pounder might be a good buy for someone looking for cheap speed . If the specs listed on ebay by Revolution Hobbies are correct this would be a good buy for a lot of people.

Product Description:

Specifications: FWD Cont. / Burst Current : 40A / 180A BWD Cont. / Burst Current: 20A / 90A Input: 2-3S Lipo, 5-9 Cells NiMH/NiCd Cars Applicable: 1:10 on-road, off-road Buggy, SCT, Truggy, Crawler, Tank & Boat Motor Limit: 2 Lipo or 6 NiMH: 540 or 550 size motor ≥ 12T, RPM < 30000 @ 7.2V 3 Lipo or 9 NiMH: 540 or 550 size motor ≥ 18T, RPM < 20000 @ 7.2V Resistance: FWD: 0.002 Ohm; BWD:0.004 Ohm Built-in BEC: 2A/5V (Linear mode BEC) PWM Frequency: 1KHz

Additional Information:

SKU rcvp3310006 Motor Type Brushed Forward Current (A) 40 Forward Burst Current (A) 180 Input Voltage (v) 7.4 - 11.1 BEC 2A / 5V Linear mode BEC Programmable Yes Fan Heatsink No Water Cooling No Dimension (mm) 46.5 x 34 x 28.5 Net Weight (kg) 0.065 Cross Weight (kg) 0.09

Now this ESC is available under Redcat Racing part Number's B7003R and B7003SR-T  and they place the MSRP is $31.99. Since they are available from Redcat Dealers  for around $25 dollars and since they can be bought from US sellers you won't have to wait for it to get here from overseas.

RedCat Ground Pounder 1/10th scale Monster Truck

Well I have had my second acquaintance with this truck having seen one about 4 years ago for the first time I can definitely say Redcat Racing has made some improvement to this little beast and definitely raised its value abit in the process . Now After browsing the Internet a bit on this truck I realized that there have been at least 3 revisions of this truck and the one I received may very well be version 5 . Now I don't know everything that has changed but I'm going to list the stuff I noticed was different on the one I have now and the one I seen previously .

1 The first thing I noticed was the esc had been changed and it now sports a esc that is labeled splash resistant plus 2 and 3s capable . According to some spec's I found listed for this esc it should be able to handle down to a 12 turn motor on a 7.2 volt NIMH pack or 2S lipo. On a 3S lipo it rated to handle down to a 18 turn motor so If you already have a 3s lipo pack it should be a blast especially with a 550 motor installed .

2 The transmitter and the receiver have been upgraded to a 2.4ghz radio system  and though the transmitter feels cheap " ok it is cheap " it seems fully capable of doing its job without driving you nuts plus it only takes 4 AA's and does allow for some unique steering action normally only found on more expensive models .

3 The servo's have been upgraded to metal geared units and if the spec's are right they should be plenty strong at 15kg or around 200 oz/in.

4 The motor mount has been changed to prevent the motor and pinion from deflecting under load .

5 The transmission has had a second brace installed to prevent it from deflecting and affecting the spur and pinion mesh.

6 Now this one could just be be me and my foggy memory but it seems the shock/ lower link mount has been beefed up a bit .

http://www.redcatracing.com/GroundPounder

Since this truck and its parts are widely available online through Redcat Racing and their many dealers I really think this truck should not be overlooked when shopping for a solid axle monster truck as it has several advantages compared to its competitors namely the HPI Wheely king (size), Tamiya TXT-2(price) , and to some extent the  Kyosho Kruiser VE (much more realistic as far as chassis and suspension).

General Specifications: Fully Assembled RTR kit with 4 wheel steering Gunmetal anodized 6061 aluminum “tube” style chassis and suspension links Gunmetal anodized aluminum threaded oil-filled shock bodies Pre-trimmed and finished monster truck body Shaft-driven, solid axle 4WD system 3ch 2.4ghz radio/receiver with independent front & rear steering functions included Powerful 540 brushed motor/ESC combo included Built-in adjustable motor mounts allows for quick gear ratio changes Hi-torque, metal gear front and rear steering servos included 7.2V battery pack and trickle charger included Dimensions: Length:  18” (457.2mm) Width:  13-1/4” (336.5mm) Height:  10-1/4” (260.4mm) Wheelbase:  12-1/2” (317.5mm) Tire Size:  5-7/8”h x 3-1/4”w (149.2mm x 82.6mm) Drive Hex Size:  12mm Axle width (hex to hex):  12-1/8” (308mm) Required Items: 4AA batteries required for radio transmitter

Redcat Racing Rampage Chimera EP Pro 1/5 TH Scale Brushless SandRail

Well this Rail just showed up on the Redcat sight and it looks like a cool car . It seems to be using a similar chassis to their Rampage XB-E and seems to have a slightly higher KV motor . I think the overall look is pretty good but I think I would have prefered a wing similar to the one used on the Mirage 1/8th scale buggy.  

In Stock   
$799.99

Manufacturer Description and spec:
http://www.redcatracing.com/Rampage-Chimera-Pro-Electric

RAMPAGE CHIMERA EP PRO Instant power is what you get from the Rampage Chimera EP Pro. This 1/5 scale electric large scale sand rail includes dual 11.1v LIPO Batteries, 2.4GHz remote control, 100% assembled and a lot more.  With its powerful 150A electronic speed controller and brushless motor, the Rampage Chimera EP Pro will impress!

Specifications

Motor Type

Brushless Motor 1220KV

Transmission

Single Speed

Drive System

4 Wheel Drive

Wheelbase

500mm

Chassis Type

4mm Aluminum 6061T6

Shocks

Aluminum Body Oil Filled

Speed Control

Brushless ESC 150A

Battery

Qty. 2 - 11.1v 3600mAh LIPO & Charger Included

Radio System

2.4GHz Radio System

Turnigy Infrared Thermometer (-33 ~ 180Celsius) (USA Warehouse)

Well been thinking for a long time that I needed a more compact thermometer so I put this into my cart to top it off . Really have no complaints it uses common button cell batteries that are easy to get and seems as accurate as my other thermometers construction seems good but only time will tell. I'll be sure to update this if it ends up dying.


Turnigy Infrared Thermometer (-33 ~ 180Celsius) (USA Warehouse)

Manufacturer's description:

The all new Turnigy temp checker now handles temp up to 356F! making it great for hot glow/gas engines!
Our Turnigy Infrared Thermometer can check the temperature of any Motor, ESC or battery simply by pointing and pressing the button. There is no need to make contact with the object!
An excellent way to check battery or motor temps!

Specifications.

Measuring Range : -33~180C (-27.4~356F)

Operating Range : 0~50C (32~122F)

Full Range Accuracy : +/- 2.5C, 2.5%

Distance :2~40cm

Emissivity Range : 0.95 fixed

Wave Length : 5um~14um

Power Supply : LR44X2

Spot Range: 1:1 (1mtr distance measures 1mtr spot size)

Display shown in Celsius/Centigrade & fahrenheit.

PRODUCT ID: TN006

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG 12AWG red black

Well I got my second batch of wire from hobbyking and its just as good as before.I can say I that I fully endorse this product and will continue to buy more . The silicon used is top quality and the wire itself has proven to be very  flexible and still resist to internal breakage.

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG (1mtr) BLACK (USA warehouse)

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG (1mtr) Red(USA warehouse

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) BLACK (USA warehouse)

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) Red (USA warehouse)

Manufacturer's description:
High quality TURNIGY Silicone wire.
High strand count.
Pure copper & pure silicone.
Temp rating: 200Deg C

STRC Alum Front Hinge-Pin Brace Associated SC10/B4/T4

Picked this up when I made my Tower Hobbies order for my B4.2RS and it seems that it is a reasonably quality piece as it is machined accurately and fits well . I do wish the anodizing was a bit thicker or more durable as I have already scratched it in a few places and eventually it will be more silver than gray but since I bought this for its improved strength  vs the stock piece and its low cost I suppose I shouldn't complain too much.

Manufacturer part # STC9665GM


Manufacturer description:

  This is the ST Racing Concepts CNC Machined Aluminum Front Hinge-pin Brace

                    FEATURES: The CNC machined aluminum front hinge-pin brace gives more strength and durability to the front suspension of your SC10, B4 or T4.  The blue anodizing matches up to the Associated blue while the other colors can be a part of the final touches to customizing your Associated off-road vehicle to a different color, making it stand out from others out there.  Try converting your entire car to Red, Silver or Gun metal.



          This brace is gunmetal gray in color.



SPECS:    length: 47mm  (1-11/16")
          width:  8.3mm (5/16")
          height: 7mm   (9/32")

HobbyKing Power Supply 100~240v 5A (USA Warehouse)

Well I bought this to replace my converted PC power supply when I go to the track . After using this for a few days it seems to do a good job of powering my 50 watt charger . It does not get as hot as many of my Laptop power supplies I have owned and think that should lead to a long life span . If it has a long life do not expect to hear much about this little guy but if dies soon I'll be sure to update this post.

Also for those wondering this power supply is rated at 75 watts.

HobbyKing Power Supply 100~240v 5A (USA Warehouse)

Manufacturer's description:

HobbyKing Power Supply 100~240v 5A

Input: AC100 ~ 240v 50/60Hz (International)
Output: DC15v 5A
CE approved

PRODUCT ID: HK15-5

JConcepts 3348 Mono - B4.1 | B44.1 | RB5 - 12mm hex rear wheel - 4 pc.

Well I picked up a set of these rear rims or technically,Well these come as a set of 2 pair of rear wheels and frankly where a great deal  I found the bead surface allowed me to glue the Team losi tires I planned to use much easier than the Team Associated rims I had bought at first and now see lots of Jconcepts rims in my future if for no other reason than their low cost . Now I actually paid less for the 2 pair of jconcept rims vs what I paid for 2 pair of team Associated rims and In my humble opinion the Jconcepts rims are a much more rugged design. I see these lasting for a good long while .



Manufacturer's description :

Mono - B4.1 | B44.1 | RB5 - 12mm hex rear wheel (white or yellow) - 4pc

Part # - 3348
(fits B4.1 / B44.1 rear with JC #2091 12mm clamping rear hex)

For many years the standard option on the Team Associated 2wd vehicles has been a proven bearing front wheel and pin-drive rear wheel setup.   Times have changed, JConcepts - Mono 12mm hex wheels are the latest accessory available for the Team Associated B4.1 buggy.    With the recent release of the Team Associated’s 12mm hex conversion, converting to a more durable interchangeable wheel setup is easier than ever.   JConcepts replacement wheels are designed in the popular dish style and available in bright white and fluorescent yellow.   When Team Associated makes an update, JConcepts delivers.

The new Mono wheels are the maximum size allowed under ROAR rules and make a statement with their large appearance, slight concave dish shaped design and superior inner rib design.   The wheels incorporate an outer glue catch that resists excess glue from running down the wheel face during the gluing process.  JConcepts wheels are manufactured using advanced techniques to ensure trueness and durability and are branded with the small JC logo for brand identification and authenticity. 

To use the 12mm hex wheel on the B4.1 it requires JConcepts part # 2091 clamping hex for the rear and the Team Associated hex conversion for front along with JConcepts part # 2135 clamping front hex.  

Mono 12mm hex wheels are a direct bolt-on and correct offset wheel for the Kyosho RB5 line of buggies.   Please note while running these wheels on the Kyosho RB-5 its necessary to run a locking style wheel nut JC #2089 (blue) or #2090 (black) in the rear to have proper thread engagement into the wheel nut.  JConcepts front wheels are only designed for running the standard configuration width (wide width) in the front.  Running without a locking rear wheel nut or running the front-end in a narrow configuration can cause potential problems.

Features:

• Popular dish styling and detail
• 4 wheels included per package
• Available in bright white and fluorescent yellow
• Vent holes
• Advanced manufacturing process and durable material
• Fits Kyosho RB5 as a direct fit
• Fits B4.1 front, B4.1 / B44.1 rear with adaptors

Flat 26AWG servo wire 1mtr (R/B/W) Servo Terminals (JR) Gold Plated (10pairs/set)

Well with my third order to Hobby King I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had added these 2 items .  I have needed these two for quite some time as it seems I have two or three esc's that need their receiver wire repaired not mention the four-five servos that need repaired. 

Given the low cost of these items I am extremely happy with there quality I actually had to work pretty hard to damage the wire and its silicon sleeving unless it comes in contact with something sharp (hobby knife etc) the sleeve is quite resilient  . 

Flat 26AWG servo wire 1mtr (R/B/W) (USA warehouse) Flat 26AWG servo wire 1mtr RED/BLACK/WHITE Make your own custom servo wires. Combine this with our servo plugs to form your own custom sizes to perfectly fit your model and save weight. Made with quality soft silicon wire. PRODUCT ID: AM-1304
Servo Terminals (JR) Gold Plated (10pairs/set) (USA warehouse) Servo Terminals (JR) Gold Plated (10pairs/set) PRODUCT ID: AM-1021Bx10

Well here is my third order from hobbyking ( Good thing I have been saving my points)

Well since i cooked my esc I figured I should buy a new one and I did plus a few thing on my HobbyKing wish list.

Description	Quantity
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG (1mtr) BLACK (USA warehouse)	1
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG (1mtr) RED (USA warehouse)	1
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) BLACK (USA warehouse)	1
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) RED (USA warehouse)	1
Flat 26AWG servo wire 1mtr (R/B/W) (USA warehouse)	1
Servo Terminals (JR) Gold Plated (10pairs/set) (USA warehouse)	1
HobbyKing Power Supply 100~240v 5A (USA Warehouse)	1
Turnigy Infrared Thermometer (-33 ~ 180Celsius) (USA Warehouse)	1
Turnigy TGY-9018MG Metal Gear Servo 2.5kg/13g/0.10 (USA Warehouse)	1
HobbyKing Brushless Car ESC 60A w/ Reverse (USA Warehouse)	1

Most of this is stuff no buddy cares about but there may be a few you have been spying as well.

First run on a track

Well went to the track yesterday for some practice, sadly I forgot to take pictures with the RC10B4.2RS and it went like I figured I had the wrong tires . I did do something I didn't  expect and that was to fry my esc I swapped the positive and negative bullets for my battery and instantly had smoke rolling out of the ESC but surprisingly it still worked just fine that is till I plugged my programing card in . After that it no longer functioned.So dont do that. I figure next time should go a bit better since I picked up a few more pairs of rims to mount up some new tires options . Now I just have to decide which esc I need to replace the one I ruined.

Well Traxxas brought out a new model that no one predicted TELLURIDE 4X4 (#67044)

Well I think no one saw this coming a especially me a new Skill level 1 Vehicle for the Traxxas line up . 

Now Several people have said that that they think the SSP: of $299 is is too high but given that the street price will be a bit lower I think its about right . Basicly this is a brushed Stampede 4X4 with Slash tires and a lot of cost saving corner cutting . Now to be Honest I like it its a bit different and I think it fit in the line up just right . I think this guy will be be selling like hotcakes to first timers who wants a 4X4.

TELLURIDE 4X4 (#67044) SPECS

Length: 16.73" (425mm) Front Track: 11.06" (281mm) Rear Track: 11.06" (281mm) Weight: 83.42oz (2.37 kg) Height (overall): 9.06" (230mm) Wheelbase: 10.75" (273mm) Front Shock Length: Long Rear Shock Length: XXLong Front Tires (pre-glued): Kumho replica 2.2" Rear Tires (pre-glued): Kumho replica 2.2" Front Wheels: 2.2" satin chrome, black beadlock-style Rear Wheels: 2.2" satin chrome, black beadlock-style Speed Control Type: XL-5™ Electronic Speed Control Motor (electric): Titan® 12T 550 (12-turn) Steering Servo: #2056 High Torque Waterproof Transmitter: TQ 2.4GHz Radio Receiver: #6519 3-Channel Micro Drive Ratio (overall): 19.69 (stock, out-of-box) Differential Type: Hardened Steel Bevel, Sealed, Limited Slip Gear Pitch: 48-Pitch Transmission: Shaft-Driven, Direct Drive 4WD Steering: Dual-Bellcrank with Integrated Servo Saver Chassis Type: Modified Tub Chassis Material: Composite Nylon Radio System: TQ 2.4GHz 2-channel Body: ProGraphix, Traxxas Telluride 4X4 Top-Speed: 30+mph* Skill Level: 1 Battery Tray Dimensions: 142mm x 48.5mm x 23mm, 25mm Included Batteries: Traxxas Power Cell Battery (NiMH, 7-C Stick) Required Batteries: 4 "AA" (transmitter) *With optional 25-tooth speed pinion gear (sold separately)