Some advice for complete newbie to R/C

[DeadBert]

Hi Everyone

Just picked up a Savage X SS as I've been wanting to get into R/C since I was a kid.

Looking through the instructions the actual build doesnt seem too bad but what is making my head spin is the electronics side of things. I've had a search through these forums and am a few steps further forward but wanted some advice before commiting to anything.

As far as servos go it seems many people go HiTec, HS645MG for steering and HS625MG for throttle/brake. Will I go far wrong with these? Also, out of curiosity, what are the key things to look out for when buying servos?

The receiver (is this what people refer to as rx?) that seems to be popular is the Futaba FASST. I've seen a few models like R617, R608, R603 etc and was wondering which one to go for. Also, do the receivers come with an on/off switch and batteries or are these purchased seperately?

haven't even thought about a transmitter yet so any advice would be helpful. Like I say, I'm very new to this so don't want to spend more than I need to but I'm still after some very decent gear.

Anything else that I need or have overlooked for the electronics?

Thanks in advance

Chris

 

[Larsenracing]

Those servos will work great.

When buying servos things to watch are analog and digital, Digital is much better but more expensive. Another to watch for is speed and torque. Also the size you will need as there are several different sizes of servos. Most servos are rated at 4.8v and 6v. (4.8v is 4 AA's and 6v is a 5cell Hump pack)

The receivers do not come with on off switches as they are purchased separately but are cheap. I recommend the switch with the extra charge lead on them. And I do recommend the Futaba Fasst systems, I run 2 3PM's and love both. There are great for the price. This radio takes the R603FF. You will need to purchase a hump pack which is best and they can be gotten from our very own member here Chris at CDE (Check the Vendor Section) he makes very great packs. Similar to this http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPZT7&P=ML

If you have on there questions please feel free to ask.

PS>you will purchase a transmitter and receiver together and they need to be matched with your frequency. You will get it as a kit anyhow.

 

[Mickey]

hello bert let me start of by welcoming you to hpisf. the 2 servos you have listed are good for the savage but if you are considering a digital tx/rx (transmitter/ reciever) you should look at digital servos. when shopping for servos you should look at torque and speed with a savy you should have at least 130 oz for the steering and somewhere around 80oz for the trhottle/ brakes. as for the battery grab a good hump reciever pack. I'm not sure if the switch comes with the radio. hope this helps you. again welcome to hpisf

 

[Shaun]

well i cant add alot to the others advice i think they have it covered but just wanted to welcome u to the forum and to say feel free to ask questions anytime you need advice as thats what were all here for so again WELCOME!!!

 

[robo74]

Hi Everyone

Just picked up a Savage X SS as I've been wanting to get into R/C since I was a kid.

Looking through the instructions the actual build doesnt seem too bad but what is making my head spin is the electronics side of things. I've had a search through these forums and am a few steps further forward but wanted some advice before commiting to anything.

As far as servos go it seems many people go HiTec, HS645MG for steering and HS625MG for throttle/brake. Will I go far wrong with these? Also, out of curiosity, what are the key things to look out for when buying servos?

The receiver (is this what people refer to as rx?) that seems to be popular is the Futaba FASST. I've seen a few models like R617, R608, R603 etc and was wondering which one to go for. Also, do the receivers come with an on/off switch and batteries or are these purchased seperately?

haven't even thought about a transmitter yet so any advice would be helpful. Like I say, I'm very new to this so don't want to spend more than I need to but I'm still after some very decent gear.

Anything else that I need or have overlooked for the electronics?

Thanks in advance

Chris

Chris,

I was/am in the same exact boat.
I just bought the kit a couple weeks ago.

I did lots of reading here about the electronics. It seems to be that the 5645 for steering and 5625 for throttle is the best. Well, I have seen suggestions of other more expensive servos, but at that time, its out of my price range.

The 3pm radio gear seems to be good as well. I have not dropped the bomb on that yet. Airtronics has a radio out there that is cheaper, but I have seen mixed reviews on it. Still torn with my decision.

My build is going great. HPI really knows how to make a manual.
I have been taking it slow as its really cold here and I wont be bashing anytime soon. Unless we get a warm spell.

Good luck
Rob

 

[Larsenracing]

Well put and said robo74. I very much push the Hitec 5645mg for steering and the 5625MG for throttle/brake as they are the ones I run on about all my stuff, they are a little more expensive than the analog stuff but come with a much better benefit especially if going to a digital radio. These 2 servos are about the best bang for the buck when it comes to digital otherwise your going to spend up words of $100 each for anything better of from another brand. And as you said the Futaba 3PM Fasst 2.4 system is the bomb for the price like i mentioned in post #2.

Some of the benefits of going digital in the radio is more communication to the servos along with being faster. They also have much more adjustability. All spectrum and 2.4 systems are no worry with interference or run offs unless the power completely gets shut off. 2.4 is best.

As far as why digital servos are best is because they will hold there power much better, They have instant power where a analog servo needs to turn some degrees before reaching full power. They are also much more accurate. They will suck a tad more power but is no worry if your going to a Hump pack.

 

[frddyj]

Welcome to hpisf DeadBert! some real good advice on servos here. I also have & love the Futaba 3PM Tx & Rx

 

[DeadBert]

Hey all

This advice has really made my life easier!!! Good to know I'm not going to end up with useless gear.

Really looking forward to taking my savage out for its first spin.

Thanks again for the advice and the welcome.

Chris

 

[Shaun]

yes you will soon realize this is the place to be if your looking for a friendly place to turn to for help or maybe just to meet some great people with the same obsession as u!!! lol

 

[Dreadnaught]

just for the record, the futaba radio comes with a new switch doesnt it?.

*edit: i just looked it up, and the 3pm came with the on/off switch.

 

[PYROhafe]

yeah... good luck on not spending a whole lot bert... thats what i said when i got my savage too, and i keep finding stuff i want to add/do! lol GREAT FUN THO! wrenching and upgrading soon becomes half the fun!!

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!