Traxxas goes BRUSHLESS! New VELINEON Power System

[PeterV]

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Traxxas has gone brushless, with an all-new, all-Traxxas power system! The Velineon-3s speed control auto-detects motor type (sensored/sensorless/brushed) and has low-voltage protection for use with LiPo packs. And it can handle 12.6 volts, so 3S LiPo and 10-cell sub-C packs are no problem! Go to www.traxxas.com for all the info--and read our EXCLUSIVE review in the August issue of RC Car Action!

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The Velineon-3s speed control has a large setup button, lensed LED for easy viewing at any angle, plug-in power wires, a built-in power lead for an optional fan, and a covered port for sensor the sensor harness (if you choose to use a sensored motor). Race Mode (forward only) Training Mode (50% throttle forward/reverse) and Sport Mode (full forward/reverse control) are easily selected.

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The VXL 3500 motor is a sensorless design.

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Traxxas came up with their own polarity-protected, no-loss plug design just for the Velineon system.

http://www.rccaraction.com//Media/MediaManager/vxl box.jpg

In addition to being offered as standard equipment in the VXL-edition Rustler, Stampede and Bandit, Traxxas will offer the system separately for use in any 540 motor application.

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Fast enough for ya? It's official: you don't need nitro for nitro performance.

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Bandit VXL. New graphics and black-chrome wheels set off the VXL-edition vehicles.

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Rustler VXL

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Stampede VXL

[vaderbxman]

I'm reserving judgement until I see a review or have first-hand experience with this, but it should be pretty cool if they can keep the prices low enough. Score one for the brushless world!

[skylineTT]

i just picked up the XL-5 system for my pede too haha. looks like the crawling world found their new scale tranny seeing as how this is upgraded with better gears and all. this should be a great system.

[4DMNYC]

Score one for the brushless world!

Score a big one for the brushless world. And kudos to Traxxas for being the first to bring brushless rtr's the mainstream. It's going to be so easy for people to get into brushless power from here on in. And it'll only get less expensive as more companies join in the fun.

[z-man280]

Exactly Tom. Even tho Losi brought us the XXX-T first, i think Traxxas is synonomous with bashers, and bringing it to the bashing public is where its at! Ya all thought i was crazy when i said to keep an eye on those texas boys, didnt ya?

[SS Pede]

My theory is that this press release is so revolutionary they had to shut down RCZ for a few days to figure out how to post it! :p

In short, I think this is an awesome offering from Traxxas! These vehicles are upgraded with almost all the hop-ups that people would normally have to put in a Pede/Rusty/Bandit to prepare for brushless power. 5x11 bearings in the wheels are standard, as are the front tie bar, a fully steel-geared transmission, and hex hardware all around. These vehicles are truly ready to go, even with brushless on board!

The stock Velineon motor is 3500 kV, which is a very wise choice by Traxxas IMO. This motor will be quick but not overwhelming on 6 cells, and could be absurdly fast if you invest in better batteries. Kudos to Traxxas for putting such a versatile BL system in these vehicles! I love how it can (apparently) automatically run sensored or sensorless motors. This gives VXL users many options for the future.

The Bandit is $325 on Tower, the Rusty is $330 and the Pede is $340.

[4DMNYC]

Those prices seem terrific! And usualy Tower jacks up the price on new rc's. So it'll probably drop a few bucks within the next few weeks.

[z-man280]

WOW! subtract a screw kit, the bigger hub carriers, bearings, metal gear trans, and tie bars, the cost of the XL-5, and you get brushless power for next to nothing!! way to go Traxxas!

[savage100]

I don't see why they did it to the rustler/bandit/pede. The emaxx needed an update, and everyone asked for it. So the only thing i was thinking is if they do what they did with the 3.3's. First released the tmaxx and revo, then a little later on, the 4tec and jato. So, maybe they are still going to update the emaxx, but if not, then they didn't really listen.

Also, this doesn't make sense considering marketing. They just released the xl5 versions about 2 months ago, and now this? Nobody will buy the others if this is even close to the same price.

I'm not saying this isn't cool, because i want to get the system for my oldy rustler, but i don't really see why they did it to these trucks at this time.

[SS Pede]

IMO the hobby is crying out for more RTR's like these. They couldn't have come sooner! They are significantly more expensive than the XL-5 vehicles, so maybe they'll attract a different crowd.

I think it would be very foolish of Traxxas to skip out on updating the E-Maxx. I bet we'll see a new one before too long.

BTW I think the Rustler looks downright MEAN.

[4DMNYC]

I agree that the E-maxx can use a brushless update. And I'm sure that they're working on it. But I think giving the pede, rusty and bandit a brushless update is a good idea as well. They create a great starting platform for someone looking to get into brushless in an inexpensive way.

Can you imagine the 4tec with this brushless system? zang zadamn!

[z-man280]

I don't see why they did it to the rustler/bandit/pede. The emaxx needed an update, and everyone asked for it. So the only thing i was thinking is if they do what they did with the 3.3's. First released the tmaxx and revo, then a little later on, the 4tec and jato. So, maybe they are still going to update the emaxx, but if not, then they didn't really listen.

Also, this doesn't make sense considering marketing. They just released the xl5 versions about 2 months ago, and now this? Nobody will buy the others if this is even close to the same price.

I'm not saying this isn't cool, because i want to get the system for my oldy rustler, but i don't really see why they did it to these trucks at this time.


i agree alot with what you say. It was great to see the XL-5 release, but yes, in only a short time we get BL power. Lets hope that there is a E-Revo in the near future, as i think that will be where the next gen. e -maxx will be going.

[scoob]

Lots of people were upset for some reason but honestly, I just like to see new brushless stuff getting into the mainsteam. Really anything new that is not nitro is more "fresh" somehow. I'm looking forward to the RCCA tests of this instead of just another 1/8 buggy or truggy.

[masterchief06]

Tried to post this in Pete V.'s blog, but to no avail, so here goes:

I personally believe that this is a great move for Traxxas, though it
should accompany some product line changes as well. The company as a whole has been a master at developing product lines consistent with the demands and trends of the industry. Their constant re-hashing of some older models, however, might not be the correct approach. While Traxxas is probably best known for their RTR products, its tough to gain the support of the entire industry without winning races- in fact Traxxas draws great scrutiny for this. With their Revo flagship chassis design and a great team driver in Slayden, they have begun to ascend the ladder of greats like Losi, Associated, and OFNA. With this brushless development, I encourage Traxxas to redesign their Rustler and Bandit chassis to more "mainstream" chassis designs, modeling themselves more to the likes of the T4 and the B4, respectively (no intended Team Associated bias, just great award-winning and title-winning platforms). Drop this incredible-looking Velineon system into a chassis design more like these, and quickly Traxxas will climb the long ladder to stardom. Continue to drop uber-developed technologies into dated chassis designs, and Traxxas will maintain its title as "King of Mediocrity with Some Small Delusions of Grandeur". Just my $.02‡

[z-man280]

well said Mike, i think you speak for the masses. Traxxas REALLY needs to bring back its racing program, they did it once, they can do it again.

[jacsac]

Yeah I was looking foward to those RCCA stickers too. I personally will never purchase this system but considering how much traxxas sells it will bring even more people into BL and hopefully drive prices down. The more BL the more likely we see BL make it into a stock class for roar.

[vaderbxman]

I don't think I'll be getting one because I'm too racy (more like a racing snob!! XD) but these look great for anyone just screwing around with a potent motor set-up.


Good one traxxas!!

[4DMNYC]

Anything that will drive BL prices down and bring more people into our understated hobby is a good thing. The level of market competition has been raised with the release of these new rc's. The future looks even brighter now for brushless power.

[Emaxx321]

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on this system. Traxxas is known for great customer support and I applaud their efforts. Pushing the boundaries... always pushing. Who would have thought this was coming... I sure did not peg Traxxas for such a system. I should doubt no more. My Emaxx was one of the coolest cars ever... can't wait for a HV version of this system to hit the shelves.

Jon

[chilledoutuk]

to update a a rustler to make it competitive would mean it would have to become inherantly weaker from the lightening and the use of brittle light graphite components.

The rustler and its sybiligs are popular because there the ideal bashing 1/10th cars as there durable.

it was only a few months ago i snapped my xxxt chassis upon landing from a mediocre backflip I don't think the ruster would have broken in the same crash situation.

325 for a velineon powered car that has a metal transmission and very good durability means traxxas will take even more of the backyard basher market with this new RTR .

i do though find it strange that the velineon system costs 250bucks on its own as tbh that will not sell as long as the mamba max systems are in stock but then again i think RTR is the market traxxas is after and the pricing indicates that.

[rob_s]

I'd like to see a 4WD truggy or buggy.

[t9dragon]

How can they claim that it will do over 65+ mph. The motor is rate as a 3500kv. Now I could see someone reaching those speeds with a Mamba Max 7700kv or 5700kv.

[SS Pede]

They probably used pretty darn high gearing to get the trucks over 60. But still, a low kV motor can be very fast if you add high voltage. Easily as fast or faster than the 7700 on 6-8 cells, I imagine. Compared to the 5700...well I dunno, we'll have to wait and see.

[t9dragon]

I still don't see that happening. Why didn't they upgrade the radio systems to FM?

[vaderbxman]

How about to spectrum? Or to keep prices low, how about to 75 Mhz so ore people could race together? There's an idea!

[savage100]

Well, one good thing is that they just set the standards for electric trucks now. If you could get a traxxas brushless, or a more expensive losi with no brushless, which would you get? Now i don't know the prices yet, so maybe they are more than i am thinking, but i'm just guessing.

[t9dragon]

Well about 2 years ago Losi released the XXX-T as a RTR Brushless. But it never really was a hit because of the price. I hope the prices listed in the first post are the MSRP.

[Chachi_RC]

My opinion of this release is that it is good for the industry as a whole to bring BL to the masses in an RTR form. BUT, I really think that people's disappointment came from the fact that everyone (ok, about 75% of the people) were asking and guessing that this would be an electric Revo or a newer EMaxx. When they saw another redo of the same vehicles that just got redone, they felt dissapointed. At first I was really mad, because I too want to buy an electric Revo from Traxxas (as opposed to making one), and this wasn't it. But now I am ok with it, because I figure that they have to start somewhere. My thoughts would be that we will see an electric Revo or an updated EMaxx with something similar to this system soon. At least I hope so! It would sadden me if they didn't because soooo many people have been asking for it over the last 2 years, that it would make me feel like they weren't listening to their customers. Really, do you think people have been begging for brushless Pedes, Rustlers, and Bandits that are a few generations behind? Or, is it more likely people are asking for a bad-boy electric, brushless Revo? Just my thoughts.....

[T-Maxxahol]

E Revo .. Or E truggy.. shoot even a E 1/8 buggy.... The Maxx all be it a good truck is dated and lets be realistic it had some durability issues... driveline and suspension when it first came out.. those issues addressed or not the sad fact is its dated..
Sometimes I dont want to mess with nitro I just want to plug and play..or bash in the backyard (even though Im a racer at heart) undetected by the neighbors...

Im sure its coming and this is a spin.. And kudo's to Traxxas for a mainstream affordable Brushless RTR

[savage100]

I would actually rather see a new type of truck from traxxas. Wheather it be a mini, 1/8 scale buggy, truggy, anything new, not just revisions of the trucks they already have. Now a e revo would be cool, but i would still rather see what they can do with a new class.

[chilledoutuk]

Funnily though although for people already entrenched in this hobby like us these new products are of little interest or significance its probably one of the biggest things to happen in rc for a long time.
This is an RTR electic product line that represents the true capabilitys of brushless powered vehicles to noobs.

I suspect that once people get cars like these they will stay with electric vehicles as the instant torque is very addictive.

People are saying that at 3500kv this motor wont be powerfull enought in comparison to the mamba max motors.

What people forget is the mamba max cm36 motors dont have full sized 540 rotors its somewhere inbetween 380 and 540 feigao size and the windings are not packed in very tightly at all.
In all the mamba motors are not true 540 brushless motors like for example the feigao,hacker 540 motors which means at a certain kv they will have a higher resistance and a lower power output at a given voltage.

I am not sure about the velineon motors but it is possible these are closer to what i call a true 540 motor with a full sized rotor and very tightly wound and crammed in windings.

If this was the case the motor even at 3500kv could be as powerful as a mamba max 5700.

I Have a feigao 540 7s and that motor whilst only producing 5070kv it just as if not more powerful than my 7700 cm36 mamba max motor when both geared for the same top speed.

[traxxas-dude]

I read some earlier posts in which people think they should revamp their bandit/rustler to race spec. I also read that others think it would make these cars weaker. My proposed solution would for traxxas to design a totally new car and buggy (4wd even), to give the racers a new car to choose from and to give bashers the proven tough designs of the rustler and bandit.

[Tamiya4ever]

I like the idea of a RTR brushless. I think that it will take off pretty well. However. I like many others wish they would come out with something brand new. I believe they will. But not sure when. I believe they could have developed the motors 1st. Then perhaps build them into a new truck. Perhaps a brushless truck based off the Revo.

[cpee]

i think this is a bold statement for traxxas we have been waiting for it they finally show the erevo will prob be our christmas presents i cant wait to try any 1 of these trucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TRAXXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







RON YA TOLD ME IT WAS COMMIN NOW WE GOT TO GET OUR HANDS ON ONE BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raster]

These look fantastic. It's a great move.

[lordoftraxxas]

Ok 1st off ive read every post to hear evryones opinion and there are some for the BL system by traxxas and some against it. I feel that this is a great move and will only make traxxas a better company then they already are. They (traxxas) tries to accomodate the consumers needs and wants but you have to understand that a company can only produce a certain amount of models before they start losing money. Yeah a "revamp" of the ruslter/bandit/stampede would be great but why change it when they still sell and still make money. This is a strategy to get those who want BL power vehicles at a cheap price and for the VL5 thats practically the budget model if you dont have the money for BL. I and I bet a bunch of others would love to see Traxxas Race Spec models but it all goes back to i have that amount of models before i lose money. It would be hard to sell the Rustler with its racing counter part and make lots of money. It would just add to the extra cost of producing both models. Which one would you want the Rustler BL or the Award Winning Rustler R Spec with its championship chassis, motor, and suspension. And you know a E-maxx is in the running. I think that will be out and following will be a E-Revo (Traxxas EVO :) ) I also feel that Traxxas releasing another class of vehicle for their production would be great. I am all for a Mini Maxx or a Mini Revo. All would be cool ideas including truggies and buggies. We Just have to wait and see.

[Bunsincunsin]

I am pretty sure Traxxas is coming out with an E-Revo soon. And it will most likely be equipped with their brushless system.

This guy here sounds like he is telling the truth...

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6715

[ElectricThunder]

Good idea, implemented in a great manner. I think advertising that it'll hit 70mph is ridiculous though. Yes, it takes a HUGE gear (31t pinion from what I recall?) and 3s 8000mah 20C lipo to achieve that speed. They probably had a huge, open area to hit that too. :eek:

I'll reserve judgement for when it comes out though; I would like to see first hand testing and what not. I just hope the ESC can live up to its specs. If it can, I just may buy the system solely for the ESC (especially since street price is supposed to be around 180-200 bucks)!

[myndseye]

Everyone here is saying why didn't they do this, and I am disappointed that they didn't do it to that one instead of, but what no one here is looking at is the fact that at the end of the day, it always boils down to the profit margin for any company. Why would Traxxas do a major retooling of production lines, as well as design new production lines, to shoehorn new gear into existing products or develop new vehicles, when they already have exitsting products that can take advantage of the direction they want to go in, with only minor changes? Also, why would any company take a major risk in new products, to make a minor portion of their customer base happy instead of the masses. Do you guys really think that there are more racers out there buying Traxxas products than Bashers? C'mon guys, its simple economics. Make some plastic gears metal, and send it out there. You can't beat the simplicity for the gains. I am willing to bet that there are plenty of people out there now looking to buy a Rustler because of this, that wouldn't have looked twice at one before the announcement.

And for all you guys that don't think that low kv, high voltage systems, outperform high kv, low voltage systems, really need to "brush up" on your brushless game.


The search engine where they search for you
http://try.chacha.com/?rid=2536

[Old_School_RC_1]

i gotta say i am very impressed - why change what works? just take the basic ingredients and make it better. they basicially released a stampede that i have already upgraded mine to. all i did was add the wheel bearings, brushless motor, and changed the gearing and left it as is...until it breaks, not replacing anything else. it's a good solid truck for bashing (which is why i bought it, i had zero intention of racing anything) , so why re-invent the wheel? only thing i am bummed about is i spent more creating mine when i could have just bought the entire thing in one shot.

putting this kind of power in the ol' bandit is just insane. i was thinking long ago of picking up a 2wd kit and brushless for goofing around in the backyward - light + loads of power = fun!! I was looking at a b4 (too expensive and a little to racy imo for bash duty) a sand viper (not bad, built for durability which is what i want) and for kicks a hornet (just about tough as they come, and the tranny could handle loads of power) - but after seeing this, might go with the bandit just for kicks.

oh, the black chrome wheels? SWEET

[masterchief06]

Everyone here is saying why didn't they do this, and I am disappointed that they didn't do it to that one instead of, but what no one here is looking at is the fact that at the end of the day, it always boils down to the profit margin for any company. Why would Traxxas do a major retooling of production lines, as well as design new production lines, to shoehorn new gear into existing products or develop new vehicles, when they already have exitsting products that can take advantage of the direction they want to go in, with only minor changes? Also, why would any company take a major risk in new products, to make a minor portion of their customer base happy instead of the masses. Do you guys really think that there are more racers out there buying Traxxas products than Bashers? C'mon guys, its simple economics. Make some plastic gears metal, and send it out there. You can't beat the simplicity for the gains. I am willing to bet that there are plenty of people out there now looking to buy a Rustler because of this, that wouldn't have looked twice at one before the announcement.

And for all you guys that don't think that low kv, high voltage systems, outperform high kv, low voltage systems, really need to "brush up" on your brushless game.


The search engine where they search for you
http://try.chacha.com/?rid=2536

I completely agree with what your saying, but I'm just thinking that Team Associated and Team Losi (among the other industry giants) have gained massive support through racing. Don't get me wrong, what Traxxas has done for the RTR market is nothing short of phenomenal, but I would just like to see them getting back into racing and seeing how they match up to the established greats. Take for example the Traxxas Revo. this is probably one of the most race-worthy platforms Traxxas has EVER made, and look at those who try to mod their Revo with all the Slayden mods, CF goodies, etc to make their rig raceable. IMO I see tons of people buying a car/truck in stock trim, doing weight reducing and critical structural reinforcement, throwing in mad power, and being competitive with their vehicle. This competitiveness is something that each and every one of us has, and is something that Traxxas could tap into as well. Another company to look at is Mugen. Mugen is a brand that has some incredible aftermarket support and fan base, and has done it strictly through racing. I have yet to see a "basher" per se by Mugen, and they have already catapulted themselves into the record books. Ask Mugen what their profit margins look like. I guarantee you 100% that any typical "racer" spends at least five times what a typical "basher" spends along their rc career. Bashers tend to buy a few vehicles (except for a select few that have to dedicate a room of their house to rc's) run the dog crap out of them, fix only when they brake, sometimes perform budgeted upgrades, and are content with the vehicle(s) they have for years. Racers on the other hand go through about a gallon of high performance fuel per race day, buy brand new tires/wheels only to shave them down to a specific ride height for that race day, then toss em out, go through motors like hotcakes, wreck every single day, and have to have the very cutting edge of technologies in their rigs to keep up with the other guys out there. I would say a typical racing rig is closer to $1000 if not more, and you could probably find multiple backup rigs in one guy's pit area. The profit margin is most certainly in the racer's favor.

With that said, Traxxas has and always will have complete control over the RTR market because of their foothold in the LHS's. The objective: get as many people as they can into a Traxxas vehicle, from first timers to seasoned vets. They have done this flawlessly, but I am just recommending that they develop a racing team and test their rides against the industry leaders.

Its awesome when you read about your favorite class of racing in RC Car Action , flip to the race's leader boards, and find that the top finishers used your chassis, or your setup in general. It just makes you walk around with a swelled chest and the confidence that your rig could do the same thing. If Traxxas were to tap into the racing market, they would become a juggernaut powerhouse of RTR and race-tested goodness. The rich creamy center? That would be their wallets getting so big they couldn't even sit straight.‡


Old_School- I couldn't agree with you more on the "stealth bling" that Traxxas has finally introduced. It just takes the look of those rides to the next level.

[vaderbxman]

I am pretty sure Traxxas is coming out with an E-Revo soon. And it will most likely be equipped with their brushless system.

This guy here sounds like he is telling the truth...

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6715

I'm with one of the guys posting there and I'm waiting for photo proof that Traxxas is indeed doing this before getting my hopes up. However, I think the possibility is there and is just waiting for the go-ahead.

[electro21]

...Why would Traxxas do a major retooling of production lines...to make a minor portion of their customer base happy...And for all you guys that don't think that low kv, high voltage systems, outperform high kv, low voltage systems, really need to "brush up" on your brushless game.

Couldn't have said it better myself.
...I guarantee you 100% that any typical "racer" spends at least five times what a typical "basher" spends along their rc career. Bashers tend to buy a few vehicles (except for a select few that have to dedicate a room of their house to rc's) run the dog crap out of them, fix only when they brake, sometimes perform budgeted upgrades, and are content with the vehicle(s) they have for years. Racers on the other hand go through about a gallon of high performance fuel per race day, buy brand new tires/wheels only to shave them down to a specific ride height for that race day, then toss em out, go through motors like hotcakes, wreck every single day, and have to have the very cutting edge of technologies in their rigs to keep up with the other guys out there.
This will greatly depend on an individuals location, b/c the 'typical' racer and 'typical' basher where you are is apparently quite different from where I am.

Bashers, as traxxas has figured out, run this hobby. Most bashers want to go fast, really fast, which cost money. Racer's don't need brushless systems to go around a track and definately don't need controllers that can handle more than 6 cells. Most everyone has heard of traxxas, but not as many have heard of Mugen and Serpeant. If every company made or specialized in racing vehicles their would be hardly any bashers and without bashers, this hobby would die.

[4DMNYC]

EDIT...sorry :o

[MattHiggins]

Check out the exclusive videos here (http://www.rccaraction.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=8C9E629450D448CBA0D0E2601DE00EC4&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=F6AE99CC7D7147E790C5EFFABA1B8B95).

[josh222]

Traxxas is putting digital servo in it but the same old 27mhz am radio

[myndseye]

[QUOTE=masterchief06] I guarantee you 100% that any typical "racer" spends at least five times what a typical "basher" spends along their rc career. QUOTE]


I hear what you are saying, but don't agree because you are missing key points in your assessment. Remember, this is about why didn't Traxxas do this or that because of the secondary benefits it would gain them with racers, when most of the things that racers spend on have very little to do with the original vehicle manufacturer. 3rd party companies dominate the hop-up industry. I have seen more RPM'd, Lunsford'd, titanium'd, aluminum'd, Acer'd, etc...vehicles at a race event, than anywhere else. None of which are offered by the manufacturer. In the defense of Bashers though, I have also seen more ROAR banned, custom CNC'd, too pretty to put on the track shelf queens, big block converted, brushless converted, and even dremel converted in extreme cases, vehicles in thier hands than anywhere else. Although manufacturers may be able to argue that high 3rd party upgrade support may contribute to the sales of their vehicles by some percentage, I can't ever remember buying one because I knew it was. After all, a completely hopped up ready to run kit will still have a hard time with a truly race bred rc. So, if you want to race, buy something that was designed for that purpose.

[ElectricThunder]

Everyone here is saying why didn't they do this, and I am disappointed that they didn't do it to that one instead of, but what no one here is looking at is the fact that at the end of the day, it always boils down to the profit margin for any company. Why would Traxxas do a major retooling of production lines, as well as design new production lines, to shoehorn new gear into existing products or develop new vehicles, when they already have exitsting products that can take advantage of the direction they want to go in, with only minor changes? Also, why would any company take a major risk in new products, to make a minor portion of their customer base happy instead of the masses. Do you guys really think that there are more racers out there buying Traxxas products than Bashers? C'mon guys, its simple economics. Make some plastic gears metal, and send it out there. You can't beat the simplicity for the gains. I am willing to bet that there are plenty of people out there now looking to buy a Rustler because of this, that wouldn't have looked twice at one before the announcement.

And for all you guys that don't think that low kv, high voltage systems, outperform high kv, low voltage systems, really need to "brush up" on your brushless game.

The search engine where they search for you
http://try.chacha.com/?rid=2536
Who said that? :confused: (didn't read the whole thread....:D)

[JDT]

Traxxas will make a pile off these things, racers will not buy them but guess what, racers are 5-10% of the rc car industry, how do you think companies like gpm and integy stay in business, it certainly ain't selling aluminum parts to xxx-t owners thats for sure. If you learned to drive better you could win with a traxxas, I assure you Adam Drake driving a rustler could smoke 99% of you "racers" with whatever "real" race truck you had. Traxxas has no need to cater to racers, bashers is where there bread is buttered and in case you didn't know they have all the competition crushed when it comes to retail sales, heck traxxas revenues for replacement parts was probably higher than losi's overall sales in 2006, a revo on every block lol.

[lordoftraxxas]

I agree with jdt on almost everything including Adam Drake smokin everyone in a Ruslter. You just need to adjust your driving style a little feel out the car and the track and youll be set.

[ososlow]

These things look great. The videos are insane. I would never have expected them to be that fast.
Good thing I didn't buy an XL5 Stampede when they came out. Now I just can't decide whether I want a Stampede or a Rustler. :cool:
Maybe both? :D

[SS Pede]

Those videos are awesome!!! What batteries are powering those vehicles? They look pretty quick, especially the Stampede! They were really airing it out there, huge speed and massive jumps! Too bad I already have a brushless Stampede! I might pick up one of these brushless systems in the future, who knows. It seems really great on paper.

[porra]

Tower is already showing a price of $189+ for the Velineon.

[fuzzychickens]

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSDB5**&P=0

Sounds like a deal to me. The rustler can't be much more than that.

[ElectricThunder]

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSDB5**&P=0

Sounds like a deal to me. The rustler can't be much more than that.
It's about $330 IIRC. The 'pede is about $340.

[Marv829]

I hope the VXL braking is smooth. I really like the MM's adjustable brake strength and curves. All three of my trucks have different brake settings, but they all use a linear throttle.

[Old_School_RC_1]

I agree with jdt on almost everything including Adam Drake smokin everyone in a Ruslter. You just need to adjust your driving style a little feel out the car and the track and youll be set.

it's funny, at the local level you find a little bit of everything running out there. I have seen plenty of rustlers win races, it had a lot to do with driving style and some luck - luck and and a lot of practice is how my nearly stock top force ended up regularly beating a field of losi's and a MRC's. Not all the time certainly, but we're not talking about the nationals here, we're talking Podunk raceway in nowhere PA. In any case, before my local track shut down, sometimes the entire field was rustlers. Pretty hard for one not to win, but that's what people bought. Cheap, and decent bang for the buck.

i'm not much of a racer - i enjoy it when i get the chance, but my schedule doesn't allow me to do it too often. i started back in the day with a Futaba FX10, and in the 17 years or so since, i have never bought a real high end race vehicle. Mugen? Xray? forget it, too expensive. Not bashing Mugen by any means - stuff is awesome, just not for me. I do have 5 Traxxas's though, and tons of tamiyas and HPI's and have probably spent enough on my t-maxx alone in the last few years to buy 3 mugens. i will race the bashers though when it comes up - why not? it's all about the fun and i like the challenge of taking a "non racing" platform and seeing what can be done with it.

[balang_479]

those wheels..... Dayum..

[ta_man]

... In any case, before my local track shut down, sometimes the entire field was rustlers. Pretty hard for one not to win, but that's what people bought. Cheap, and decent bang for the buck.
My club has a class on our dirt oval that is specifically for Rustlers. To keep it cheap, no mods to the car are allowed except the RPM carriers with the big bearings, adjustable turnbuckles, springs and shock oil. We use a club handout motor and a 1500 NiCd that must retail for $25 or less.

Last race I was wheel to wheel with 2nd place the entire race (I got third) and everyone was on the same lap at the end of the race.

[electro21]

...and i like the challenge of taking a "non racing" platform and seeing what can be done with it.
I agree, taking an HV-Maxx, 2400 Nicd powered E-maxx and beating revos on the track was fun. Didn't a T-maxx win a few of those big races?

[maxxmustang]

i wonder if they'll revamp the emaxx with 2 of these! now that would be sweet. these look pretty good, and now theres finally some more rtr brushles cars. hope they release more powerful systems

[electro21]

i'd rather have 1 powerful motor than 2. I think HPI will be the next to release a brushless RTR.

[balang_479]

yeah traxxas is Revamping everything in their lineup apart from the thing that everyone wants the most...

A NEW ELECTRIC MONSTER TRUCK...

but maybe we'll get a surprise.

[ElectricThunder]

yeah traxxas is Revamping everything in their lineup apart from the thing that everyone wants the most...

A NEW ELECTRIC MONSTER TRUCK...

but maybe we'll get a surprise.
I read over at RC monster that they're doing an Electric Revo (or something similar; I think he said with a 2 speed), and then a brushless maxx. This was from Thailand; apparently they have the stuff tested overseas for the first round, and I think they JUST shipped the prototypes to Texas for Traxxas to mess with now. Keep an eye out in July I think is what the guy from Thailand said.

Things are, once again, getting interesting in the RC world.

[4DMNYC]

Things are, once again, getting interesting in the RC world.

Indeed...As cool as these new brushless rtr's are. A new elceric MT would be perfect. From any manufacturer at this point. But a BL Revo would be pretty slick.

Also, I think axial/Robotronics are going to release an 8th BL buggy. And even the guys at Cen are supposed to be working on something similar. BL rtr's are about to get huge.

Go here (http://www.radiocontrolentertainment.com/videos.htm) and download the fifth video from the top. It's the 2006 Monster Madness video. I still don't know if they were serious or not.

[scoob]

I
People are saying that at 3500kv this motor wont be powerfull enought in comparison to the mamba max motors.

What people forget is the mamba max cm36 motors dont have full sized 540 rotors its somewhere inbetween 380 and 540 feigao size and the windings are not packed in very tightly at all.
In all the mamba motors are not true 540 brushless motors like for example the feigao,hacker 540 motors which means at a certain kv they will have a higher resistance and a lower power output at a given voltage.

I am not sure about the velineon motors but it is possible these are closer to what i call a true 540 motor with a full sized rotor and very tightly wound and crammed in windings.

If this was the case the motor even at 3500kv could be as powerful as a mamba max 5700.

I Have a feigao 540 7s and that motor whilst only producing 5070kv it just as if not more powerful than my 7700 cm36 mamba max motor when both geared for the same top speed.

You may be right. People who are judging by KV without even trying it haven't used larger motors. I have a 540 8s and it will eat my mm5700 with it's 4400 kv rating. There's a lot more motor to it. It weighs a good bit more becasue it is a true 540 not a 380 with lrger can to fit in place of 540 brushed motors. It pulls taller gearing due to a lot more torque.

Here is something interesting. I heard that the Traxxas motor is made by Feigao and I think it could be a 540s. look at this (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSDB8&P=7) link on Tower and it says it is a 10 turn 3500 KV motor. Now look at this (http://www.feigao.com/sdp/85838/4/cp-102738.html) link to Feigao brushless charts. The 540 10s is rated at 3549 KV. Hmmm ;)

[ElectricThunder]

Here is something interesting. I heard that the Traxxas motor is made by Feigao and I think it could be a 540s. look at this (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSDB8&P=7) link on Tower and it says it is a 10 turn 3500 KV motor. Now look at this (http://www.feigao.com/sdp/85838/4/cp-102738.html) link to Feigao brushless charts. The 540 10s is rated at 3549 KV. Hmmm ;)
Made by feigao, but reportedly designed in-house by Traxxas.:D

Good points on the rotor size though ya'll! Should be nifty to see how this all pans out.

[maxxmustang]

i've been looking on traxxas' website and im pretty freakin pyschced about these! this is really a big step for traxxas and i think its going to leave a print for a while

[Prelude14WRX]

Just watched the videos....awesome job Traxxas! These look like a lot of fun :D

[BrianB4NT]

Maybee I'm the only one, but I would like to see them revamp the electric 4-tech.

[luvsrc]

A brushless revo is a great racing truck, I live in Indiana and we have a race track here in terre haute and i just broke our track record last week end, I had the gorrillamaxx conversion kit.I'm excited to see a e revo version of traxxas soon and i know it is just a matter of time.But having brushless will not put you to the winning circle unless you get used to the different driving style of brushless power

[Smib]

Maybee I'm the only one, but I would like to see them revamp the electric 4-tech.

I am 100% with you. Get that thing a nice body like the one the nitro has, and give it the power to justify the good looks.

[savageP3]

their own polarity protected plug system? looks like a deans for dummies system.

[Old_School_RC_1]

Maybee I'm the only one, but I would like to see them revamp the electric 4-tech.

not at all, i'd like to see that too. at least drop in this new motor and please, please change the body!! even the nitro body would be a nice step up! that would be a fun play car indeed!

[Eli the rc guy]

I think this is great that Traxxas is going Brushless. That System seems very impressive indeed. I agree too that they should "revamp" the 4-tech. Maybe that would help them in the on-road electric racing as well? Good Job Traxxas!!! From what I've seen from the videos I would like to see what kind of damage it would do in my DI.

[Chachi_RC]

You have to wonder that now with these being re-re-done, that the 4-Tec and the E-Maxx are going to get some special treatment of some kind. You would have to figure brushless motors, new esc's, etc. But you would think it would be more than just the same treatment that they have given the nitro and electrics recently. I just wish they would hurry up! I am rc-less right now, and want to buy something new. I know the moment I run out and get something, that some new, cool vehicle will come out just tick me off!

[MumblinBerk]

hehe. I hear ya, Chachi. I had JUST bought my Pede XL5, immediately put a MM brushless system in, and ** POOF ** , the next week they announce the new VXL models.

Ah well. Tell ya what, though. If they bring out a brushless Emaxx or Revo, I'll be right on that in a heart-beat.

-mb

[electro21]

I must admit that I didn't expect traxxas to be the first with high powered brushless rtr cars. Although it makes sense now considering they are the rtr kings. Wouldn't it be something if they were the first to have an electric 1/8th buggy and/or truggy!

[MumblinBerk]

Well, I'll wager that they already know, if they enter the market soon with a well-designed brushless Emaxx or Revo equivalent, they are going to sweep up. People will be lining up to throw money at them. (Myself included.)

Emaxx could use a little re-working anyway. The time is ripe!

-MB

[electro21]

I just hope whatever truck the make, re-make, re-do, re-re-do, is 1/8th scale or bigger.

[osteologation]

I must admit that I didn't expect traxxas to be the first with high powered brushless rtr cars. Although it makes sense now considering they are the rtr kings. Wouldn't it be something if they were the first to have an electric 1/8th buggy and/or truggy!

what qualifies as "high powered"?

considering losi was the first to offer a brushless rtr.

[MumblinBerk]

Yeah, I was looking at that Losi XXT-"Sport". Price isn't too bad for an RTR Brushless. Thing I didn't like is the proprietary electronics and "sensored" motor. Required for the track (so far) if you're racing it. And while sensord brushless setups don't suffer from "cogging" issues at start-up, I prefer to stick with more universal sensorless systems, as that's what I'm most familiar with.

Will be interesting to see comparrisons between the XXT and the VXL.

I'm seriously thinking I might need a Rustler VXL to round-out my stable. But I'll wait to see what the hands-on reviews are like.

-MB

[vic2367]

great news from traxxas, :) ,,now am waiting for an updated emaxx...

[PeterV]

What do you mean by "proprietary," Mumblin? The XT Sport BL uses all Novak and JR Racing gear.

[austinelse]

We have been working with Traxxas the last several months on batteries for these setups. Our 2S/3S 4000HV-8000HV packs fit the chassis perfectly. I think that the 3S 5000 is the sweet spot. We offer the packs with the Traxxas connector already attached and ready to go. If you want to go 70mph then MaxAmps is the place to get your packs.

-Austin
www.MaxAmps.com

[MumblinBerk]

What do you mean by "proprietary," Mumblin? The XT Sport BL uses all Novak and JR Racing gear.

My bad, Pete. Poor choice of words. I'm coming from the r/c plane world where sensored systems are seldom used any more, as sensorless has become ubiquitous there.

Had been considering the Losi sport until I saw the clutter of wires involved with the sensored system. Then the VXL was announced.... Can't wait to see some hands-on reviews.

-MB

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

read our EXCLUSIVE review in the August issue of RC Car Action!


I foretell Traxxas gets an exclusive cover shot too no doubt.

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

I must admit that I didn't expect traxxas to be the first with high powered brushless rtr cars.

They are not. The prior mentioned Losi plus there is the MINI BL RTR IRC Proton I believe. It being RCCA tested at over 40mph rtr.

[zakerid]

it weird that I can't see this thread in the Hot New forum list.... Oh well. Looking forward to reading the review.

[MumblinBerk]

We have been working with Traxxas the last several months on batteries for these setups. Our 2S/3S 4000HV-8000HV packs fit the chassis perfectly. I think that the 3S 5000 is the sweet spot. We offer the packs with the Traxxas connector already attached and ready to go. If you want to go 70mph then MaxAmps is the place to get your packs.

-Austin
www.MaxAmps.com

Austin;

What is the scoop in these new battery connectors Traxxas is producing? I would expect them to be available on the market SOMEwhere by now so we can start making charger leads or adapters.

Would be an interesting twist if they've acutally come up with something better than Dean's or PowerPoles, tough I suspect most people are prepared to start snipping, and re-soldering on arrival.

-MB

[Chachi_RC]

But....the questions still is.....are they going to upgrade the EMaxx or 4tec? I was thinking they would make an E-Revo, but the trend is obviously to "re-do" current vehicles, not make new ones. Hello? Traxxas? Can you hear me? Hello?

[austinelse]

MB,

We have the Traxxas plugs available on our packs now. They are very nice. I would use them over the Deans. They are easier to pull apart and looks like they will accept the 12 awg wire better than the Deans plugs do. Here is the link to the 8000mah pack that they use to reach 70mph

http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=Lipo-8000-74-Pack

our 4000, 5000, 6000, and 8000 will all work. I think that the 3S 5000 would be the option that I would choose. It fits without having to extend the battery hold down straps.

-Austin

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

it weird that I can't see this thread in the Hot New forum list.... Oh well. Looking forward to reading the review.

Its not just you. This thread is stuck on page 3 for me. The order is out-of-order on a number of threads.

[t9dragon]

MB,

We have the Traxxas plugs available on our packs now. They are very nice. I would use them over the Deans. They are easier to pull apart and looks like they will accept the 12 awg wire better than the Deans plugs do. Here is the link to the 8000mah pack that they use to reach 70mph

http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=Lipo-8000-74-Pack

our 4000, 5000, 6000, and 8000 will all work. I think that the 3S 5000 would be the option that I would choose. It fits without having to extend the battery hold down straps.

-Austin


I couldn't find the new Traxxas plugs on your website.

[austinelse]

We have the Traxxas plugs available on all our packs. We do not have them for sale loose as we get them in bulk and do not have retail packaging for them.

-Austin

[t9dragon]

I would like to see a picture of the new plug.

[austinelse]

I will post one in a few hours.

-A

[austinelse]

t9dragon,

Here is the picture of the plug on the pack

http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=VXLRTRKIT&cat=75

[Chachi_RC]

Its not just you. This thread is stuck on page 3 for me. The order is out-of-order on a number of threads.

I think it is because with the new version of this forum it doesn't list them automatically in the "Last Post Time" order. Mine now always puts it in "Thread Start Time" view, and then I have to change it everytime. I want to see the last post not when the threads started. Kind of frustrating, but now I have it figured out. I'm not sure if you can save some defaults for this or not though.

[MumblinBerk]

t9dragon,

Here is the picture of the plug on the pack

http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=VXLRTRKIT&cat=75

Hmmmm....

I dunno, Austin. Ever since you posted that link, MaxAmps.com has been down for the count. Couldn't have had THAT many hits, could it?

-MB

[austinelse]

The server crashed at 4:00am. We have been working to restore it today. It should be back up in a few hours.

-Austin

[Jason MaxAmps]

Here ya' go guys this link will give you all the info on the Traxxas connector.

http://www.traxxas.com/products/accessories/trx_accessories_connector.htm

Jason
MaxAmps Crew Member
jason@maxamps.com
www.MaxAmps.com

[MumblinBerk]

Bummer about the server, Guys. Hope it doesn't give you too much of a headache getting back on-line.

Looking at those connectors:
Since the contacts aren't turned 90 degrees, they look like they may be a little easier to solder than Dean's.

How does that shroud work? Does it just slide into place after soldering, or does it open up somehow?

-MB

[Jason MaxAmps]

MumblinBerk, I'm not sure about the case of the connector as I haven't yet used one in my plane applications as of yet. Austin you'll have to answer this one.

Jason
MaxMAps Crew Member
jason@maxamps.com
www.maxamps.com

[Jason MaxAmps]

At the time of this post the site is still down.......Please be patient as we are working very hard to restore the site.

For orders and questions please call 1-888-654-4450

Again we are sorry for the trouble this may have caused anyone.......


Jason
MaxAmps Crew member
jason@maxamps.com
www.maxmaps.com

[austinelse]

The server is back up and we have recovered. That was a long night:)

-Austin

[Jason MaxAmps]

SWEEEET!

Jason
MaxAmps Crew Member

[RcLaB1]

JUst wanted to know, is the Velineon motor a 540 size can or is it the same size can as Mamba Max BL motors?

if it is a 540 size can, is it equivalent to a MambaMax 5700 , say with both are powered by the same voltage.

[MumblinBerk]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it's a much more sane KV rating. Something around 3500. While that won't flip you onto the lid from a stand-still, it should prove more usable, over-all. Cooler, longer run times. Drivers can then gear it and volt it for the performance you want given driving conditions. (track, street, dirt)

-MB

[gixxer]

Finally a company that decided to uses proper lipos for brushless :D. I'm ditching my Novak 3.5 setup for this.

I love how traxxas is the first company that does things right (except for adding another plug type in the market ;) ) Now they just need an inferno type 1/8 scale metal monster to handle this insane power and hold up to crashes and etc :D. Perhas traxxas would be the first for this also.

[SS Pede]

The Velineon is a 540 sized can just like the Mamba Max motors. What remains to be seen is whether or not the rotor is 540 size, or 380-ish like MM, Novak and other motors (too bad RCCA couldn't investigate this when it did the First Drive of the VXL vehicles). It's a 3500kV motor. At a given voltage it should be slower than the 5700, not sure how much off the top of my head. Still pretty insane with higher voltage though. If it can be overgeared to 60+ in a Rustler, it's probably pretty ballistic geared properly.

[SpEEdyBL]

I'm sure it has a 540 rotor. It has at least some of the same specs as feigao 540 10s, and who knows, it could be the same motor with the addition of solder tabs. At this point, I don't care how balistic a brushless motor is these days. I only care if it doesn't overheat. If it can't run for more than 5 minutes without overheating, its not worth it to me, no matter how powerful it is.

[MumblinBerk]

Agreed.

-MB

[SS Pede]

Ironically, one of the major advantages of BL technology is that (if geared reasonably and that sort of thing) you can run nonstop without heat issues. Clearly this is not always the case.

[nicholcgn]

I think the problem is that there is no cooling designed around most brushless systems. The motors need cooling and so does the esc. Not as much as a nitro maybe but you still need cooling. Look at our vehicles? The design of airflow is bad. I bet with proper airflow you could run until the motor lost bearings. I now I can run my current systems upwards of 30 mins. I think this could be a great system for electrics on the rtr market.

[ElectricThunder]

I think the problem is that there is no cooling designed around most brushless systems. The motors need cooling and so does the esc. Not as much as a nitro maybe but you still need cooling. Look at our vehicles? The design of airflow is bad. I bet with proper airflow you could run until the motor lost bearings. I now I can run my current systems upwards of 30 mins. I think this could be a great system for electrics on the rtr market.

I agree. Active cooling is needed with these higher powered systems. Just a rinky dink heatsink ain't cuttin' it (especially in something like a stadium truck, where the motor is in the back, and has a body over it, and probably gets very little airflow).

[MumblinBerk]

I'm just speculating here, but there is another factor keeping temps way up. We all seem to want the same things from our r/c systems. MORE! More speed, more power, etc.

We like to push things right to the edge to squeeze as much as we can get out of a given power system. (I know I do.) So what would we do with a more robust system that could more easily handle the strain? Obvious answer... we'd push it right to the edge, to "see what it could do" and we'd be right back at the starting line.

An alternative is to do what needs doing to keep the system running in it's "comfort zone", be that gearing it down, lightenting it up, or driving it differently. Whatever it takes to get there. Boring? Maybe.

Just a thought.

-MB

[SpEEdyBL]

One thing's for sure though. There are definately more efficient systems out there than others. The novak motors with the sintered rotors for example, seem to have impressive efficiency, despite some of their rediculously high kv's. I haven't heard of a thermal issue since novak started using the new rotors.

[Chachi_RC]

Being that I have yet to mess around with brushless motors, LiPos, etc, I really don’t have a base to go off of with this kind of talk. But, I was wondering if you guys saw the ad in one of the RC mags (can’t remember which one off the top of my head) in the current issue of the company that makes a hood scoop that can go on any lexan rc body. It isn’t your basic cut in the body to allow air through like the nitro guys do, but an actual channeled scoop that directs the front of the car air flow to inside the car or truck. Really, it is a pretty basic idea when you think about it, because 1:1 cars have been using this for a long time, but it seems like it could really help with these cooling issues on brushless motors. The magazine said it is a pretty cheap kit (I want to say around $10-$15 or less) and it comes as clear lexan so you can paint to match your body.

[electro21]

I must admit that I didn't expect traxxas to be the first with high powered brushless rtr cars...

By high powered I meant RTR electric with the same speeds as nitro RTR, basically like most of our vehicles are after we finish modding them. The losi RTR is not even close to high powered IMO.

[ElectricThunder]

I'm just speculating here, but there is another factor keeping temps way up. We all seem to want the same things from our r/c systems. MORE! More speed, more power, etc.

We like to push things right to the edge to squeeze as much as we can get out of a given power system. (I know I do.) So what would we do with a more robust system that could more easily handle the strain? Obvious answer... we'd push it right to the edge, to "see what it could do" and we'd be right back at the starting line.

An alternative is to do what needs doing to keep the system running in it's "comfort zone", be that gearing it down, lightenting it up, or driving it differently. Whatever it takes to get there. Boring? Maybe.

Just a thought.

-MB

Yes and no. I have my Rustler geared for 30mph with a Feigao 540 8s running Proline Mashers, and as a result, the motor gets around 140-150F, which isn't too terrible temperature wise. The Feigao is just ineffecient enough that it loves to produce heat if I just look at it funny.

I gear all my stuff by temperature, and so I try to get my motors to run in the 150F range max (this is a whole lot easier with my Novaks than my 5700 or 540 8s).

I agree with speedy about the Novaks. I'm seriously considering dumping my 5700 and 540 8s on ebay, and then just dishing out some extra cash for a GTB setup for the Rustler (then again....I'd like to see what else Novak has coming).:eek:

[bxpitbull44]

Yes and no. I have my Rustler geared for 30mph with a Feigao 540 8s running Proline Mashers, and as a result, the motor gets around 140-150F, which isn't too terrible temperature wise. The Feigao is just ineffecient enough that it loves to produce heat if I just look at it funny.:eek::D LOL!
I gear all my stuff by temperature, and so I try to get my motors to run in the 150F range max (this is a whole lot easier with my Novaks than my 5700 or 540 8s).

I agree with speedy about the Novaks. I'm seriously considering dumping my 5700 and 540 8s on ebay, and then just dishing out some extra cash for a GTB setup for the Rustler (then again....I'd like to see what else Novak has coming).:eek:

Novak definately has to be in the lab. Mess around, Traxxas will be the first to produce an 1/8th scale brushless car. Not like Schumacher's (whats up RURC), but a serpent, mugen like 1/8th scale jump off! Now that would be sweet.

[ElectricThunder]

Novak definately has to be in the lab. Mess around, Traxxas will be the first to produce an 1/8th scale brushless car. Not like Schumacher's (whats up RURC), but a serpent, mugen like 1/8th scale jump off! Now that would be sweet.

Word on the 'net is that Traxxas has plans for a brushless Revo, and possibly a brushless E-maxx. It wouldn't surprise me if they dive on in to the 1/8 market, seeing as how they've developed one brushless system already, what's to stop them from developing an even more serious system for larger scales?:D

[Chachi_RC]

Word on the 'net is that Traxxas has plans for a brushless Revo, and possibly a brushless E-maxx. It wouldn't surprise me if they dive on in to the 1/8 market, seeing as how they've developed one brushless system already, what's to stop them from developing an even more serious system for larger scales?:D

Yes! Electric Thunder, that is music to my ears! Where do you get this kind of info? I am not second guessing you by any means, but just want one so bad, and love to hear of any kind of news like this! Feel free to PM me if you want. Do you post on the Traxxas forums too?

[ElectricThunder]

Yes! Electric Thunder, that is music to my ears! Where do you get this kind of info? I am not second guessing you by any means, but just want one so bad, and love to hear of any kind of news like this! Feel free to PM me if you want. Do you post on the Traxxas forums too?

Before RC-monster went down, there was a member there from Thailand that made a thread about it. Apparently there was testing and development being done in Thailand (which makes sense, having it done overseas for cheaper). Last I remember, that dude said they were shipping the prototype over stateside to Texas for the Traxxas guys to check out. It sucks that Mike lost his forums; if he gets the original forums back, I'll see if I can find the posts about it. Now, of course, this guy could have just been yanking everyone around, as there were no pictures (makes sense, I wouldn't want anyone taking pictures of my prototypes!). I'm just repeating what I've read a while ago. Again, if the RC-monster forums get back to how they were, I'll see if I can dig up the thread/posts.:D

I do post on Traxxas' forums, but not under this username (I have a different username for most of the forums I visit; I dunno why I do that).;)

[scoob]

E-thunder, I remember that thread on rcmonster. The guy sounded like he knew what he was talking about and not just jerking around. I think an E-revo is right around the corner. It is an exciting time right now if your an electric fan. The E side of RC is finally exploding for the first time in a long time. I just found out Associated is releasing a 4WD buggy. Seems to be something new every week.

[ElectricThunder]

E-thunder, I remember that thread on rcmonster. The guy sounded like he knew what he was talking about and not just jerking around. I think an E-revo is right around the corner. It is an exciting time right now if your an electric fan. The E side of RC is finally exploding for the first time in a long time. I just found out Associated is releasing a 4WD buggy. Seems to be something new every week.

Thanks scoob. Now people won't think I'm crazy.:D

[Freedom]

I already have an E-Revo:D

[ElectricThunder]

I already have an E-Revo:D

Shhhhh.... You'll scare Traxxas away.:D

[SpEEdyBL]

What we need is an electric 1/8 buggy. Who would buy it? Everyone who wants one, and that includes all the people who are already doing conversions of their own. I'm sure most of those people are yearning for something more suited for electric, such as a buggy with a slipper clutch, no mod1 pitch gears and proper weight distrubution. How easy would it be to design? Easier than an MT. But the problem with a large scale brushless rtr right now would be finding the brushless system to power it with.

[Sorcerer001]

What we need is an electric 1/8 buggy. Who would buy it? Everyone who wants one, and that includes all the people who are already doing conversions of their own. I'm sure most of those people are yearning for something more suited for electric, such as a buggy with a slipper clutch, no mod1 pitch gears and proper weight distrubution. How easy would it be to design? Easier than an MT. But the problem with a large scale brushless rtr right now would be finding the brushless system to power it with.

I think the biggest problem you'd run in to right now is finding people that are willing to spend $500 on the power system, and another $150 - $200 (possibly more) on each battery pack required to run a heavy 1/8th scale car. It'd be a very niche segment.

[SS Pede]

If they made a 1/8 buggy with a system that ran well on 12-14 cells or equivalent, you could attract the Emaxx crowd and anyone else willing to drop $100 on a couple nice NiMH packs. I mean, a buggy would be lighter than a huge truck, so unless you wanted it to go 60 mph I would think that it be about as easy to design as a 35-40 mph brushless monster truck.

[SpEEdyBL]

I think the biggest problem you'd run in to right now is finding people that are willing to spend $500 on the power system, and another $150 - $200 (possibly more) on each battery pack required to run a heavy 1/8th scale car. It'd be a very niche segment.

I'm sorry but 1/8 buggies don't require more power than the 10 lb 4wd monster trucks that out out today. My 1/8 buggy (7.5lb) runs fine on a 3s 3200 mah kokam pack which heats up less than the mamba max esc and the feigao 8xl. They could make a $250 system and the total cost of the buggy would be $500. The two 6 cell packs required to power it would be $50.

[rob_s]

I just found out Associated is releasing a 4WD buggy.
Link?

[Chachi_RC]

http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=239907

The top topic on the Hot News and New Stuff thread!

[RacerTim]

I guess we'll find out how good these are soon enough. Traxxas says they are now shipping.
http://www.traxxas.com/scripts/trxnews/

[4wdmt]

Anyone here pre-ordered?

Don't forget to post some pics and feedback.

[jocktheglide165]

I like the new plug technology from traxxas now we can say, "traxxas plug" instead of, "tamiya plug" LOL....awesome.

[Flamnpede]

Too bad they don't have a car/truck that deserves their new brushless system. How many times are they going to rehash a ten year old design? Isn't anyone getting tired of the same ol crud year after year? Great they have a new brushless system now develop some new vehicles for it.:roll2:

[vaderbxman]

Make a Jato conversion. How hard could it be to re-arange the interior to accomidate all those goodies. I know space is tight because I helped a guy out with his Jato once, but you could run saddle packs, and it would be the coolest Jato around.

[Chachi_RC]

Too bad they don't have a car/truck that deserves their new brushless system. How many times are they going to rehash a ten year old design? Isn't anyone getting tired of the same ol crud year after year? Great they have a new brushless system now develop some new vehicles for it.:roll2:

You hit the nail on the head. Isn’t it funny how they did a “re-do” on the Rustler/Bandit/Stampede a few months ago by putting the XL5 esc in it, some bling wheels, a couple new colors, and they called them “new”. Then a few months later, they come out with the brushless versions of the same trucks, and call them “new” again!

I have been literally begging Traxxas for almost 2 years to make a truly new EMaxx with a brushless system, or make an E-Revo that is brushless, or at least brushless ready. Look at all the conversion kits out there! There is obviously a market for it and money to be made, which is obviously their motivation (makes sense, they are a business). This may be a cool system, but like you said, the platform they put it in is way over dated!

Did you see they came out with a “new” EMaxx though too? The only differences are that it now has a Traxxas made EVX2 esc, and also has X-rings instead of O-rings in the shocks. That is it. Oh wait, a couple different body colors too. As far as I know, everything else is the same.

Don’t get me wrong, I really love Traxxas for their bash ready, fun, easy to use products, the best customer service in the business, etc. But, it seems like they think their customer base is full of a bunch of idiots that they can keep “re-doing” all their vehicles, and re-do them multiple times over, and that people will keep buying them! What could happen is that Losi, Associated, Kyosho, or some other company is reading all these kinds of threads on this forum and the Traxxas forum, and they may come out with some really cool brushless 4wd stadium truck, buggy, or monster truck before Traxxas does, and they may fall from the high levels they are at. I really think that brushless 1/10th racing in all forms may come on really strong with all this new technology that is out there. I guess time will tell.

Just my $.02, or as long as this post is, my $2.00!!!!

[SCHMACH]

it's not hard to convert a jato...i did mine...single speed conversion, saddle pack battery...never ran it...still have the chassis if anybody wants to convert theirs..maybe we can work something out

[SS Pede]

Yeah, brand new designs from Traxxas would be cool. But honestly, the VXL generation is pretty sweet IMO. Full bearings, steel transmission, sweet brushless system, probably some other things I'm forgetting. These things are LOADED. And people will be able to beat the tar out of them and they'll keep going. I would still love to see a total re-do of these vehicles, but frankly I'm very impressed as is. If I had an excuse to get a stadium truck right now, the VXL Rustler would be high on my list.

[SpEEdyBL]

You hit the nail on the head. Isn’t it funny how they did a “re-do” on the Rustler/Bandit/Stampede a few months ago by putting the XL5 esc in it, some bling wheels, a couple new colors, and they called them “new”. Then a few months later, they come out with the brushless versions of the same trucks, and call them “new” again!

I have been literally begging Traxxas for almost 2 years to make a truly new EMaxx with a brushless system, or make an E-Revo that is brushless, or at least brushless ready. Look at all the conversion kits out there! There is obviously a market for it and money to be made, which is obviously their motivation (makes sense, they are a business). This may be a cool system, but like you said, the platform they put it in is way over dated!

Did you see they came out with a “new” EMaxx though too? The only differences are that it now has a Traxxas made EVX2 esc, and also has X-rings instead of O-rings in the shocks. That is it. Oh wait, a couple different body colors too. As far as I know, everything else is the same.

Don’t get me wrong, I really love Traxxas for their bash ready, fun, easy to use products, the best customer service in the business, etc. But, it seems like they think their customer base is full of a bunch of idiots that they can keep “re-doing” all their vehicles, and re-do them multiple times over, and that people will keep buying them! What could happen is that Losi, Associated, Kyosho, or some other company is reading all these kinds of threads on this forum and the Traxxas forum, and they may come out with some really cool brushless 4wd stadium truck, buggy, or monster truck before Traxxas does, and they may fall from the high levels they are at. I really think that brushless 1/10th racing in all forms may come on really strong with all this new technology that is out there. I guess time will tell.

Just my $.02, or as long as this post is, my $2.00!!!!

Traxxas knows people will buy anything that says 70mph on it. That's the sad part.

[ElectricThunder]

Traxxas knows people will buy anything that says 70mph on it. That's the sad part.

SO TRUE! AHHHHHH!:roll2:

[savage25le]

i was at ultimate hobbies the other day and they had all these in stock, they looked pretty sweet. the rustler was 305

[ElectricThunder]

i was at ultimate hobbies the other day and they had all these in stock, they looked pretty sweet. the rustler was 305

Wow. That's about 40 bucks cheaper than Tower has it listed, and tower doesn't have 'em in stock yet.:eek: I'm sooooo tempted to get one...lol!

[MumblinBerk]

Mine is on the way.

-MB

[skellyo]

Took VXL Pede and VXL Rusty out for a drive this weekend. They are both stock, except for swapping out the radio for a Spektrum Pro Rx in each. I ran them on a 2S Trakpower Lipo.

The vehicles:
http://skellyo.com/vxls_1.jpg

http://skellyo.com/vxls_2.jpg

Pede testing:
35.2mph with stock gearing and a 2S Trakpower Lipo in there. Temps after running in low grass for 15 minutes were around 130F for the motor and 115F for the ESC with the temp today at 91F.

Rustler testing:
Popped in the GPS to see what it would do stock out of the box with a Trakpower pack in it:
http://skellyo.com/rusty_speed.jpg

The temps weren't that great on it though. After about 15 minutes of running it hard in the grass (with 92F weather outside), the ESC hit 155F and the motor was 165F. I have a feeling that if I were to run it on dirt, the temps would be a decent bit lower as the grass isn't as short as it is in the winter. However, this little truck is about the coolest RTR I've ever seen. Getting that kind of speed out of the box without something making smoke is pretty cool.

[masterchief06]

Chaci_RC and Flamnpede, from Page 1
Tried to post this in Pete V.'s blog, but to no avail, so here goes:

I personally believe that this is a great move for Traxxas, though it
should accompany some product line changes as well. The company as a whole has been a master at developing product lines consistent with the demands and trends of the industry. Their constant re-hashing of some older models, however, might not be the correct approach. While Traxxas is probably best known for their RTR products, its tough to gain the support of the entire industry without winning races- in fact Traxxas draws great scrutiny for this. With their Revo flagship chassis design and a great team driver in Slayden, they have begun to ascend the ladder of greats like Losi, Associated, and OFNA. With this brushless development, I encourage Traxxas to redesign their Rustler and Bandit chassis to more "mainstream" chassis designs, modeling themselves more to the likes of the T4 and the B4, respectively (no intended Team Associated bias, just great award-winning and title-winning platforms). Drop this incredible-looking Velineon system into a chassis design more like these, and quickly Traxxas will climb the long ladder to stardom. Continue to drop uber-developed technologies into dated chassis designs, and Traxxas will maintain its title as "King of Mediocrity with Some Small Delusions of Grandeur". Just my $.02‡

[rccardude04]

41.4mph! Nice! Is that 5.05 miles on one battery pack? I wonder how many miles my stampede has on it! :eek:
-Eric

[skellyo]

41.4mph! Nice! Is that 5.05 miles on one battery pack? I wonder how many miles my stampede has on it! :eek:
-Eric

LOL, no, that's probably the total distance I've used the GPS for since I've had it. I just reset the max speed when I strap it to a vehicle to check it out.

[rccardude04]

It says trip odo :p
You should check it sometime. I wouldn't doubt if a 20 minute run gives you that much mileage. Does it tell you average mph?
-Eric

[skellyo]

It says trip odo :p
You should check it sometime. I wouldn't doubt if a 20 minute run gives you that much mileage. Does it tell you average mph?
-Eric

Never tried it. I usually don't want to have to drive cautiously enough to keep the GPS hanging onto the vehicle. I typically will make a couple of runs when I first get setup, then remove the GPS and bash the rest of the pack.

[Chachi_RC]

masterchief06-

I actually read that post….and agree with you totally! I think the Velineon system seems awesome, but I just think from a marketing standpoint, they could have done this better. Putting it into these 10 year old platforms wasn’t the best way to release it. People are already down on the system and haven’t even seen it in person, just because they slapped it into the Stampede/Rustler/Bandit chassis. Especially after they already released the XL5 versions of them a few months before. I tell you, if I had bought an XL5, and then these come out, I would have been livid! All in all, it is probably a good system. But it is like taking the 400+hp V8 HEMI in the upcoming new Dodge Challenger, and putting it into the Neon, and calling it “new”. I just hope, as the speculation goes, that there is more to this system than this release. Word on the streets is that an E-Revo is on the way, but who really knows? No one but Traxxas. I was originally mad because they didn’t make what I wanted, but now I am ok with it, and will wait and see. Unfortunately, I really want an E-Revo, so I may have different motivation that wouldn’t be looking to buy that from Traxxas. I did enjoy your statement though, and was glad to see some one thinking along the lines that I was. Thanks masterchief!

[schenck77]

has anyone tried a sensored motor on the traxxas esc yet? interested in how they run the novak motors. thanks

[Flamnpede]

Glad to see I'm not the only one that thinks they should get with the program.As solid as the old cars are they need more than an update.

[gixxer]

Awesome just ordered one of these!

I GPS my TC4 with Novak brushless 3.5R and clocked my 3300gp team pack at 45mph. So i guess the 50mph on my radar gun is off. Perhaps if i cycle these cells i can get 47 but not 50. For some reason with an 2S 4800 lipo I was only able to achieve 42mph ***? This was using the recommended not overheating gearing.

I guess voltage=speed? I'm planning to put my 3S pack 11.1V with this new brushless setup and see what it'll do:D

[ElectricThunder]

Awesome just ordered one of these!

I GPS my TC4 with Novak brushless 3.5R and clocked my 3300gp team pack at 45mph. So i guess the 50mph on my radar gun is off. Perhaps if i cycle these cells i can get 47 but not 50. For some reason with an 2S 4800 lipo I was only able to achieve 42mph ***? This was using the recommended not overheating gearing.

I guess voltage=speed? I'm planning to put my 3S pack 11.1V with this new brushless setup and see what it'll do:D

Experiment with the VXL ESC and the 3.5r motor. I bet 3s lipo with that 3.5R on the VXL ESC will get your TC4 scootin' along nicely.:D

(Actually, I'm kinda curious how the VXL ESC will handle sensored motors with its built in sensor port.)

[skellyo]

Awesome just ordered one of these!

I GPS my TC4 with Novak brushless 3.5R and clocked my 3300gp team pack at 45mph. So i guess the 50mph on my radar gun is off. Perhaps if i cycle these cells i can get 47 but not 50. For some reason with an 2S 4800 lipo I was only able to achieve 42mph ***? This was using the recommended not overheating gearing.

I guess voltage=speed? I'm planning to put my 3S pack 11.1V with this new brushless setup and see what it'll do:D

A guy over on the traxxas.com forums has already hit 65mph with a Stampede on a 3S Maxamps lipo. He not only has a pic of the GPS, but a video of it as well.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XauByRV6fs8

[SS Pede]

I hadn't watched that video until now. That's a really fast Stampede! I think that video shows the speed very accurately, compared to some vids where it's really difficult to tell how fast the vehicle is. That's some nicely controlled driving at 65, too.

I'm also curious about how the VXL ESC runs with a sensored motor.

[KoKID]

WOO HOO! an e-rusty that can keep up with the nitros, lookout bashfest 2008 it looks like the return of my rusty in better form!!!

[chilledoutuk]

well it still handles like a turd though.
I personally would get the e-firestorm and put brushless in that.

[4DMNYC]

Joe! They finally let you register?! shweet, welcome to the forums.

[Mini-TBasher55]

well it still handles like a turd though.
I personally would get the e-firestorm and put brushless in that.

LOL. The e-firestorm won't be that much better. HPI is not what it used to be-I remember when all I saw in the LHS's was HPI cars and trucks, but now I rarely see anything of HPI's on display other than the Baja 5B. There's nothing wrong with the rustler-most of the time its the driver and for bashing you won't notice much of a difference anyways.

[pghrc]

i might get one for my e-maxx

[Mini-TBasher55]

i might get one for my e-maxx

It's not made for the E-Maxx and simply won't work in one. In theory, you would need 2, but you're not supposed to as it is bad for the system...The HV-Maxx would be the choice for an E-Maxx

[MA70_Ed]

It's not made for the E-Maxx and simply won't work in one. In theory, you would need 2, but you're not supposed to as it is bad for the system...The HV-Maxx would be the choice for an E-Maxx

check out the vid of the prototype VXL e-maxx at the traxxas site!

[Mini-TBasher55]

check out the vid of the prototype VXL e-maxx at the traxxas site!

L!K3 OmG!11!1

Yes, I've seen it. If you would care to look at the fine print you would know that those systems were modified for that application. Throwing in stock systems will be a train wreck-like I said, they're not for the E-Maxx. Traxxas specifically advises not to do that with stock systems as it will void the warranty of the systems. Unless you're some sort of brushless motor system designer that can modify the systems as Traxxas did, stick with the HV-Maxx.

[MA70_Ed]

ok dude, no need to flame

[Chachi_RC]

L!K3 OmG!11!1

Yes, I've seen it. If you would care to look at the fine print you would know that those systems were modified for that application. Throwing in stock systems will be a train wreck-like I said, they're not for the E-Maxx. Traxxas specifically advises not to do that with stock systems as it will void the warranty of the systems. Unless you're some sort of brushless motor system designer that can modify the systems as Traxxas did, stick with the HV-Maxx.

Actually, if you peruse the Traxxas forums, you will see that many are making a V-Twin out of the stock motors and ESCs and having incredible success and performance out of it. Granted, yes a larger brushless motor may work better, but there really aren’t that many mainstream large scale, affordable, brushless systems for this truck, although the numbers are growing fast. Plus, the EMaxx has always been a dual motor monster, so they have stuck to its heritage with the dual BL motors. Go and check out the Traxxas forums and look in the EMaxx thread and you will see what I am talking about.

Plus, word on the streets is that late February or early March, we may see the V-Twin as a production model! Go Traxxas Go!

[Mini-TBasher55]

Its not warranty covered, they recommend against it, and it would cost nearly $400. If it works for people that have the money, I say good for them, but I wouldn't do it or reccommend it as traxxas makes many points to reccommend against it.

My point of that post was that running a single one of these won't pull it, which is what I thought the OP wanted to do.

Yes, I have an E-maxx and their are many systems for it. Brushless systems for it have been around for a very long time, starting with the Hacker all the way to the HV-Maxx thats designed for it. Many people use 1/8th scale systems (mamba max esc and Feigao or other motor). All of these are more affordable than dual VXLs. Even using a very high end Neu motor and MM ESC that will give you some of the best performance you'll ever see, you
're still slightly under the price of dual VXLs. Combine that with the fact that the VXLs arent meant for the maxx, even if it works for some people (most likely running conservative gearing...I'd have to look it up) I'd rather go without it.

Edit: correction, roughly $340. Not as bad, but certainly much more expensive than other single motor designs made for the maxx.

I just looked up the dual VXLs projects. Its not a direct drop in, but you're right, its darn close. You do need to sync the motors, so Traxxas isn't lying, they did mod their stuff, but I get the feeling they did more than that even if you don't need to. The main point I was originally trying to make was that you can't do it with 1 VXL, which is what I think the OP was thinking of, but I cannot be sure.

[timie1]

I will just add a few extra cents of input on this dual VXL issue.
I don't know the weight of a single Neu motor and MM esc, but I'm guessing it's probably less than 2 VXL systems. It would have more power and be more suitable for the E-Maxx, be lighter probably, and therefore better power to weight ratio.

Also, even synching the titans in the E-MAxx is hard enough. Try changing the pinions. Take one pinion off and just have 1 pinion in contact with the spur, now spin the drivetrain. It's MUCH quieter with just the one motor meshing with the spur. I would be certain that when running with one motor, it would be lots quieter too.

I think there are more pro's for running a single motor system then there are pros for a dual motor setup. Just my opinion.

[thecraze]

Newbie to brushless. I just ordered a Velineon system. Will a Duratrax 4200mah NIMH give me decent power?