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View Full Version : Brushless Mini Rio Setup Ideas



jfabcustom
09-07-2008, 10:50 PM
I'm new to RC boats, but Iv'e been around RC for a few years. I have a 1/10 brushless stadium truck and two electric Helicopters (CX2 and CP pro). I just got a Mini Rio with plans to go brushless. The past few weeks i've been doing research both at LHs's and on the internet. I have read through most of the Mini Rio stuff here at Offshoreelectrics.com. I wan't to build a fast, good quality, reliable boat but I'm trying to keep it relatively cheap. I am willing to spend $ on quality products though. I just have to save up and buy one thing at a time. I'm sure you guys know how that is. Maybee you guys could help me with a few dillemmas I have.

What kind of speed controls are you guys running?

I figured I could run an Ammo 28-35-2700 with the Great planes SS-35 ESC. It's the Elecrifly recomended ESC for that motor. It's only like $60 but it won't work with a surface radio because its for aircraft. Am I correct? I did find the "Rc Hydros PiStix Adapter" which would allow me to run an aircraft type ESC with a pistol type radio but this adapter has been discontinued. Anyone know where to get one or how to make one. Any ideas on other speed controll options?

What kind of radios are you guys running? What kind of Receivers fit in the hull?

Iv'e been thinking about getting a Spektrum DX2.0 pistol for my Stadium truck. It comes with a receiver and 2 servos for $170. The transmitter has a 2 model memory, so if I ran a Spektrum micro receiver ($100 I'm pretty sure it will fit in the Rio) I could use the pistol for both the truck and the boat. I wish i could get that PiStix adapter. any thoughts, suggestions?

What about Lipo recomendations?

I think 3s would be sufficient but not sure on how many mah. I guess whatever I can get that fits in the hull. The packs I have for my Helis might work. The Blade CP runs a 3S 800mah pack. Pretty sure I could fit 2 of them in the hull in paralell 11.1v that gives me 29,970RPM. Or maybee try 2 Blade CX2 Packs, they are 2S 800mah packs. They would give me 14.8v in series which means 39,960RPM. It would be nice if I could use the heli packs because I wouldn't have to buy new cells right away and I already have a charger/balancer. Any thoughts, suggestions?

Not sure what the RPMs translate to exactly as I am not familiar with boats. Does this sound right for this size hull? I guess I'll have to experiment with props too.

I know this is alot, but I'm sure there are plenty of other people with the same questions, and maybee some people who will share their answers. these are all my Ideas on the Mini Rio. Any Info, Advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks alot, James :buttrock: :rockon2:

Diegoboy
09-07-2008, 11:05 PM
James,
The ESC I use. Team Orion Captain

If you choose the Silver Series 35, you will need a 2 stick radio, a Pistix adapter, or a rubber band to hold your trigger in full reverse to stop the prop.
I run the 3s 1500mAh max amp lipo.
My RX is the Novak XXL (http://www.teamnovak.com/products/receiver/xxl/index.html)
If those batteries fit, go for it in parallel. 800mAh will not do much for the boat and 14.8 is too much voltage.

jfabcustom
09-08-2008, 04:00 AM
Diegoboy, do you need a pistix adapter or do you use a 2 stick or rubber band method for the Team Orion ESC? If so I might still go with the SS-35 because its cheaper. What are the dimensions on the ESC LxWxH? if it's smaller I might go with it.

Correct me if i'm wrong, the guy at the LHS told me that Voltage x KV = RPM. Is this true? if so why is 14.8v to much? Is 50,000 RPM to much for this hull.

Got any suggestions for a prop?

Diegoboy
09-08-2008, 08:14 AM
All good questions.
I use a JR XR3i pistol radio. I don't use the Pistix on the Team Orion ESC. I have used the Silver Series ESC's (45A) with the pistol TX and I had to use the rubber band technique.
That formula for RPM is correct, the boat itself will not handle well with that kind of power.
As for a prop, the boat will torque roll with the ammo on an octura x427; and the plastic red & purple ones . Get a prop turned down to 26mm. I turned down a plastic prop too far to 24mm. Till I get another prop to turn down, I think 26 - 25.5 is the target diameter to run the ammo without torque roll.

Diegoboy
09-08-2008, 08:15 AM
...Oh
The dimensions of the Team Orion 35A ESC is:
Size- L53mm/W26mm/H9mm/44 grams
Size- L2.0"/W1.0"/.05"/0.1 pounds

RCman
09-08-2008, 06:15 PM
All good questions.
I use a JR XR3i pistol radio. I don't use the Pistix on the Team Orion ESC. I have used the Silver Series ESC's (45A) with the pistol TX and I had to use the rubber band technique.
That formula for RPM is correct, the boat itself will not handle well with that kind of power.
As for a prop, the boat will torque roll with the ammo on an octura x427; and the plastic red & purple ones . Get a prop turned down to 26mm. I turned down a plastic prop too far to 24mm. Till I get another prop to turn down, I think 26 - 25.5 is the target diameter to run the ammo without torque roll.

diegoboy, you answer part of my queston i am having problems with torque roll and want know what you mean by turned down prop, like to have a link.
Thanks wil

Diegoboy
09-08-2008, 06:53 PM
Well...
I'm sure there are proper ways to do it. "EGNEG HELP ME OUT HERE"
What I did was put a 1/8 prop shaft in my rotary tool (dremel knock off). I installed the prop on the shaft. I spun the prop with the tool and feathered a file on the side. It reduced the prop diameter, then I just cleaned it up, and put it back on the boat. I don't think this method is a good idea for a prop intended for permanent use, I just wanted to find the "sweet spot" in diameter. I would then take an Octura x427 to a prop master "like EGNEG" and have him turn it to the desired diameter properly.

egneg
09-08-2008, 08:15 PM
To properly cut down a prop symmetry must be maintained from the trailing edge to the tongue. Folks have spent many hours designing the props for best performance. If a prop is not available for what you need it is best to have someone that can match , balance, and sharpen a prop to the desired specifications. Diego I hope this helps explain things.

jfabcustom
09-08-2008, 08:28 PM
Will the Orion ESC work with any pistol radio? If so I could just get a micro receiver and use my old JR pistol radio.

That XR3i is expensive, plus it's discontinued.
Just like the Novak XXL reciever and the Pistix adapter.

Diegoboy
09-08-2008, 08:34 PM
I have been through 3 of the team orion ESC's 35A and 45A, neither needed the pistix or rubber band.
3 because I sold the boats with them installed.

jfabcustom
09-17-2008, 10:42 PM
Hey thanks for all your help guys!:buttrock:
Soon I'll have enough $$ for the motor/ESC and reciever.:rockon2: I'll let you know how she runs when I get her all setup. I'll try and post some video.

jfabcustom
09-24-2008, 06:55 PM
Anyone consider using an ETTI 45A ESC they are water cooled! About $60 on Ebay check em out let me know what you think.

jfabcustom
09-25-2008, 10:40 PM
James,
The ESC I use. Team Orion Captain

If you choose the Silver Series 35, you will need a 2 stick radio, a Pistix adapter, or a rubber band to hold your trigger in full reverse to stop the prop.
I run the 3s 1500mAh max amp lipo.
My RX is the Novak XXL (http://www.teamnovak.com/products/receiver/xxl/index.html)
If those batteries fit, go for it in parallel. 800mAh will not do much for the boat and 14.8 is too much voltage.

Hey man, Do you know the C rating on the 1500mah max amp packs? Do you know what guage wire the leads are? What guage wire on the Orion Captain and the Ammo?

jfabcustom
10-01-2008, 12:15 AM
Ok Here are some pictures.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9280029.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9280030.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9280032.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9280033.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290034.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290035.jpg

jfabcustom
10-01-2008, 01:27 AM
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290035.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290037.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290043.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290044.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290046.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/jenai-84/P9290047.jpg

jfabcustom
10-01-2008, 01:30 AM
Just some mockup photos and ideas.

I ordered some lipos the other day, should be here soon. Then I can really fit everything up in the hull.

I got the .094 flex cable for the Mini Hydro because I didn't want to remove the stuffing tube, although I may have to eventually anyway.
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=mcr-mhfs

I still need to trim the cable and do something about the drive dog dragging. There's not much room for a bevel on it because of the set screw.

I'm gonna start woking on the cooling system soon. I think I'll try to make my own brass cooling coil and pickup as well. I'll try to post pics as I go.:buttrock::buttrock:

tth
10-01-2008, 01:33 AM
Nice work jfab. I acquired Diegoboys last Mini Rio that looks just like this one. The wife and I went test it out today. I was very surprised that it ran 32mph. I don't know what kv the ammo motor is but I ran it on the same electrifly 1250mah 3s lipo pack. The motor and battery was just warm to the touch but the ESC was still cool. Keep us informed and cool runnings.

jfabcustom
10-02-2008, 02:25 PM
Hey thanks man. And a big THANKS to Diegoboy for all the info and advice. Definitely saved me some $$. That's why I want to post all my pics and Ideas, hopefully they will help other people with their builds.

Support your fellow RC builders and local hobby shops.:rockon2:

jfabcustom
11-05-2008, 09:44 PM
Well, I've abandoned my Mini Rio project. She ran a few times and did pretty well. Didn't get the speed I thought she would. I estimate she did about 24mph tops. I ran a 27mm plastic prop. It didn't completely get rid of the torque roll issue. The hull would lean to far in right turns causing the boat to hop as it went around the corner. Maybee a turned down or detounged X427 or X430 would help.

Anyway, I decided that a cat hull would be a bit more stable for how much torque this setup has. So I bought a Pro Boat Mini Cat hull on Ebay for $52 shipped. I'll just swap everything into that hull. Not sure what I'll do with the Rio hull. Maybee just put the stock Esc/radio back in it for now.

iratner
11-06-2008, 02:21 PM
Better fiberglass the transom or you will develop a big leak real fast.

mikesf
11-07-2008, 04:28 AM
Well, I've abandoned my Mini Rio project. She ran a few times and did pretty well. Didn't get the speed I thought she would. I estimate she did about 24mph tops. I ran a 27mm plastic prop. It didn't completely get rid of the torque roll issue. The hull would lean to far in right turns causing the boat to hop as it went around the corner. Maybee a turned down or detounged X427 or X430 would help.

Anyway, I decided that a cat hull would be a bit more stable for how much torque this setup has. So I bought a Pro Boat Mini Cat hull on Ebay for $52 shipped. I'll just swap everything into that hull. Not sure what I'll do with the Rio hull. Maybee just put the stock Esc/radio back in it for now.

I would buy your hull if you don't need it and you are prepared to ship it to Greece...