Problem setting up my Mamba

[Quinton]

I just got a used rc18t with a Mamba. When I plug in the batt it lights and sounds and the steering works but not the motor.
I tried troubleshooting it thru their site but can't figure out how to get the radio to "recognize" the Mamba.
Any good suggestions guys???
Help!
Thanks

[DaveG35]

Go to the documents section of their website (www.castlecreations.com) and print off the Mamba-25 User Guide. Try re-programming the settings.

[ducati777]

Yup, if the mamba is blinking red when you hit the gas, you're below the voltage cutoff. The prior owner might have run Lipos and had the low voltage set at 9 volts, which a 6 cell nimh pack would never reach.

Reprogram the mamba entirely. Play with the brake settings, launch settings as they can vary a lot depending on driving style.

[Quinton]

Well I came with an FM radio with lots of different options and such that could be making the esc finicky. I tried it first and the motor didn't work so I tried it again with my traxxas radio and it still isn't working.
The lights come on and it beeps at start-up but then the lights go off.
I try to set it up like the instructions say on 3.1 of the booklet but NOTHING is happening at all.
I dialed the trim all the way up like they suggest and still nothing.

Suggestions?

[ducati777]

Well you didn't mention if you programmed in the settings, checking the low voltage cutoff. Not only are there programming options, but there is a calibration mode, where you set up the mamba for your own transmitter. Both these actions need to be performed.

For example, what % are your brakes set to? If you're not sure, then you should read through how to program the mamba again. It sounds complicated, but it makes sense. I should point out you'll have to calibrate the controller to the mamba before you can program it.

[Quinton]

I should point out you'll have to calibrate the controller to the mamba before you can program it.

EXACTLY -That's what I'm having problems with.

[elcid4300]

This might sound silly but it comes from experience, make sure you have matching crystals in the RX and TX. I tried like heck one time to calibrate mine and found I had different crystals :p. If that fails, then call CC, tghey are always willing to help with any problems

EDIT: Well, after a closer look, I see that the steering works, so rule out the crystal thing. The other thing then would be to make sure the motor is plugged in the Receiver correctly, this I have also done :p

[Quinton]

I have matching crystals as my steering works but motor does not. I've called cc over and over again and can never get thru the line. :(

[elcid4300]

make sure the motor is plugged into the receiver correctly.

[Quinton]

What?
I've got red to red, etc. What else?

[elcid4300]

what kind of radio is it?

[Quinton]

I've tried it on my MX-3 radio and now I'm trying it with a traxxas am radio (since there are much less things to tinker with on it).

[elcid4300]

I have heard that on some Futaba radios if you flip the Throttle reversing switch it will help.....Other than that, I would keep trying to get in touch with CC. Can you post a picture of the Receiver?

[Quinton]

On the receiver am I suppose to plug anything into the Battery slot or am I suppose to use Ch 1 and Ch 2 only?

[elcid4300]

Channel 1 is for steering servo
Channel 2 is for ESC

[Quinton]

I was using the Batt slot instead. Just got ahold of Bernie and he walked me thru it. It's freakin workin, now I got to hook it all up and see how it runs!!!

[elcid4300]

MAMBA POWAH!!

I had a feeling it was something to do with the receiver! :p

[ducati777]

wtg elcid!

[Quinton]

Actually Shawn emailed me right before I got the message on here. :)

[elcid4300]

How do you like it? Which model is it?

[Quinton]

It is the Comp X 8000. So far it's OK. The tires are basicly bald so it can't get any traction and it seems like it cogs sometimes on the bottom, but hopefully that will get better if I mess with the settings.

[elcid4300]

Well, with an 8000 traction will always be an issue....silly power :D . I have a 6800 in my Xray M18 and I am happy with it on 5 cells. Make sure you run some decent batts like GP1100s. I also use the Intellect 1200s and they seem to be very well suited to the current drain of the Mamba.

[Quinton]

Right now I have an 8 cell pack of intellect 1200's. I think I'm going to buy a 6 cell gp1100 and see how it does.

[Quinton]

I haven't seen much of it's speed yet because I don't want to crash it yet and it's hard to get it to hookup. The 26mm street wheels helped out though.

Sometimes when I give it throttle it makes a stripping noise like the spur gear is stripping. Then I give it throttle again and it takes off? Is this called cogging or what do you think?
And then sometimes when I hit reverse the light will go red but it doesn't move. Not really a big deal, but it would be nice if it was consistent.

Thanks!

[elcid4300]

I don't believe the "stripping" noise is cogging. Ususally when it gogs, it'll just kinda stumble and take off slowly. Check you diffs to make sure they aren't slipping or your ring and pinion aren't on the way out. As for reverse, mine is a little picky sometimes to but it doesn't really bother me as I only use it when I get stuck up againt a curb.

[Rtsbasic]

The car has to be stationary for a sec or two before you can go into reverse. If you try too quick the red light just comes on signaling brakes I think. Its a safety thing.

[elcid4300]

The car has to be stationary for a sec or two before you can go into reverse. If you try too quick the red light just comes on signaling brakes I think. Its a safety thing.


I got ya....Sometimes I have to pump reverse 2 or 3 times to get it to work. Again, no big deal to me anyhow.

[Quinton]

I made mine go into reverse right away and it would whip around when I hit the brakes, not good so I switched back.
I also upped my timing and start up power to the max. Nice power now