New Motor + Differential = TOO powerful??
 

I'm still pretty new to the Dnano world and learning as I go so bear with me.

I recently bought the X-Speed motor for my Audi R8 Dnano along with a ball bearing differential and decided to take it for a spin my HTUSA's track. I set it on "training" mode to see if I could notice any major changes and I could see a slight improvement (Running 6 - 6.5 second laps consistently on 3P Infeld). After a few practice laps. I put it back on normal mode.

The big problem is I now have almost ZERO turning radius as it just plows straight into the walls.

Is the combination too much for the car to handle?

I also recently bought a McLaren F1 GTR and paired it with the same remote. Could that be the problem as well? Should I invest in the gyro?

Wes

PS...

I also spent the money for the software for fine tuning it, but apparently, it doesn't work with Windows 7. Or is there a fix for that as well.

if i recall correctly, the instructions say specifically that the use of the xspeed without the gyro is not recommended. that being said, there are many other factors to consider including -and probably most importantly- tire compound. additionally, get to know your transmitter and how to tighten/widen the turning radius and understand that you've invested in 2 narrow track width cars which can have some difficulty handling cornering at high speeds. re: ics usb cable: u must use with winXP or Vista (iffy on vista, inoperable on 7). the ics settings only allow you to edit servo settings (response, speed, etc) and the degree to which the gyro assists driving.

Thanks man, I usually read the instructions, but I must have missed that part. I'll pick up a gyro on the way home.

The Gyro is worthless on the HT track.Try it without it.You are experiencing a severe push.You need to drop to a 35 or so front tire maybe a little harder rear tire.You probably have the diff too tight also.All of these are components of a "pushing" car.Good luck with your problem solving.Do 1 thing at a time to see what helped you most if any.This way you know what change yielded what results.

Keep in mind that flipside s also making their on ice software interface. This may allow you to use ics software tweaking on previously unsupported operating systems. I'll come back later with a link when I'm on a pc.

x speed motor on a HTUSA track is like driving a race car on a small autocross course. You can't go full throttle.

i noticed you're always saying a gyro is 'worthless'... have you used one or are you one of the 'a gyro is cheating' crowd? :rolleyes:

No I'm not against the gyro.However on the HT track the longest straight is less than 12 feet in length and the widest turn is a 4 ft radius.The gyro simply deadens the car too much to of use on such a tight track.I race with one of the top ranked dNano drivers over here and I was going to buy a gyro and it was suggested that money could be better spent.I have driven a car with one in it and I didn't care for it.If we were on a track like yours it would most likely be a very different story, as it would help to calm the little booger down as I am sure at top speed they are a handfull.But as far as the HT track I'll stand by my useless statement.Sorry but thats my opinion.I do have every other on car speed part though.

you're certainly entitled to your opinion... but i think you have a lack of understanding on how it works based on your statement. additionally, if you have the ICS USB Cable you can reduce/increase how much it 'works' so... perhaps you should consider giving it a try yourself after learning how to best put it to use for your driving style. there was good reason for their making this upgrade and in my experience, it only increases ease and enjoyment of the hobby so... why discourage that? jmho

assuming that it's not sufficiently enjoyable without the gyro. again, that too is pure opinion.

for example, the gyro is also available for the mini-z and i'm sure you will find, like all of us have, it is almost never used. just because the option is available doesn't mean it's necessary or will make it more enjoyable.

i'm perfectly happy with my dnano without a gyro and haven't even considered it for even a second for the mini-z.

that's why its called an 'optional part'... a dnano is not a mini-z and what works for one may not be necessary or even a consideration for the other. it makes no sense to say something is 'worthless' if one hasn't even tried it... that's my point. 'enjoyment' is based on perception but i can assume that something 'difficult to drive' is less enjoyable than something 'easy to drive' and say that would apply to most users, especially those new to the hobby. Synthesis quite clearly said he's new to dnano.... so, i'd think he should be given objective advice and again... that's JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION (JMHO).

You make a good point in that without trying something, you can't really dismiss it with any sense of authority.

I don't think dnanos are difficult to drive at all though so this informs my opinion of not being needed, not from acutal use. Maybe it's my years o experience with mini-z? I also find there are more similarities to a mini-z than differences despite the size difference. I freely admit that my opinion might change if having raced on something other than my rcp track I feel it might offer something I cannot do myself through driving skill/control.

Qon is correct in that it's a bit much to say it's worthless, it has some value to someone. Like me, it's just not warranted or required. Someone else on the very same track may very well benifit from it. Likely the new to rc mostly as throttle control and steering sensitivty are skills built over time.

I do appreciate all the help and opinions. :)

I kinda balked for now on the gyro, mostly because bills took a little more out of my check then anticipated, but I think the biggest thing I need to get down is throttle control.

@nitrojunkie: At first, I had no clue of what you were talking about, but it took me a minute. I'll look into the tire thing. The diff right now is set to Medium (2 rings). Maybe I should drop to soft?

@edhchoe: I found out the hard way. New paint streaks on the track wall to prove it. Lol.

I take my beater body to the HTUSA because of the white paint marks... :)

check my Diffs & Bearings @ YouTube for info on tuning... good luck and most of all, have fun!

Haha.. I might just give that title to my R8. :)

I WAS considering switching the motor to my McLaren, but decided against it since THAT one damn near drifts on the carpeted HTUSA track.

@MrNanoTrax: I'll take a look when I get home. I'm at work right now and YouTube is blocked.

Sorry for the terminology I have a bad habbit of assuming every one talks the same.For that I am sorry.A "pushing" car means it does not want to turn. This is also referred to as "tight".The counter action the gyro imparts will make this worse as it will counteract the steering forces which will induce a push.What we are running are Atomic 35's on the front and stock replacement rears.We have also changed to the PN aluminum rims all the way around.I have the stock diff set at less than the softest setting from the package and use no Kyosho supplied shims as they were too thick.I also have the Atomic Dampener plate.Sorry to have seemed to be bashing the gyro I did not mean to.But as for the HT track it is not money well spent.Like I said before on Qon's mega track I think it would be a very welcomed addition.The HT track needs a car that is "loose" or spinning out then adjust it to your driving style by adjusting your steering throws from the radio to take the oversteer out.It will take a little time but you will get it.What car are you working on?

Oh and by the way my green Lambo has white paint marks on all 4 corners and is missing both mirrors and the wipers.

I bought a gyro and quickly sold it back because I didn't see the benefit of it either.

It's all good Nitro, I'm still learning the terms and the "in's and out's". It's been a pleasure seeing such a helpful community, especially since half the time I go to my HTUSA, I end up starting at the wall of parts wondering if they're upgrades or just replacements... what does what... and the occasional "that looks cool but, will it fit".

Currently I'm working on my Audi R8 and may be purchasing the Jaguar DB9 this upcoming paycheck. I'm going to leave the Lambo's and Ferrari's alone. Great cars, but just too popular. I repainted my R8 to a green pearl to give it individuality since about 3 other people in my area have R8's... all the same color... and you can guess where that leads.

I'll admit, it's been a little intimidating being that this is my first R/C anything since I was 6. I thought I was avoiding that by skipping past all the big nitro cars and going to the Dnano, but I'll eventually learn and hopefully get into competitions and what not. I wouldn't mind finding a bigger track in my area, though. The "hype" factor of racing at my HTUSA track is starting to burn out quickly. With all the space they have in the back where the track is, you'd think they'd invest in something bigger. Still fun to drive, though. I've already had ideas of dropping some cash to making a scale replica of the Nurburgring (one of my favorite endurance race tracks on Gran Tourismo) whenever I get my house.

Qon... Thanks for the link to your YouTube videos. They were extremely helpful and educational.

Don't feel bad about the racing.We were doing good in my area and now its all but dried up.We have a really good group too. This time of year indoor activities start slowing down just like it did back in my slotcar days.Plus my HT is moving this comming weekend and the track has been at the new store for the last few weeks.Hopefully it will pick back up after the move. If not I'll have a complete set up ready to race up for sell and I'll move on to the next "best" thing.

summer is always the slow period for micro scale indoor racing. it'll pick up again in the fall when outdoor racing comes to a close.

no problem... that's what i'm here for :D

I have a gyro as well and the ics cable to tune it...i end up with it unplugged more often than not and i just took it off :P

I believe with fine tuning of the software to a driver's preference it may be utilized well...but i didn't like the gyro as much and enjoy driving my dnano without it (at least for now)...maybe i'll bust it out again and play with it soon.

When i had the type S motor in...it was way too fast for my small track...i ended up switching back to stock as well :P

-Ray