Further info on Epoch

steve1970 · #1 11-12-2002, 10:00 PM

I've been researching the Epoch Indoor Racers. I'm already a fan of the Bits & ZZ's, but thinking of moving up.

What kind of range do these cars have?

I've seen where "spare" motors are available...are there (or will there be) any modified motors?

Radio Shack has an Epoch clone out...will parts from the Epoch work on this clone? Would it be worth it to drop $50 to try it out, or should I just save my $$ for the real thing?

Thanks!

irc · #2 11-12-2002, 10:42 PM

Save your money for the Epoch it is far superior to the radio shack car and no parts are interchangeable

gertman · #3 11-12-2002, 10:49 PM

The radio shack car has no diff or much of a suspension......... meaning it does not handle as well. The Epoch has adjustable wheel base and ride height (Spec 2 only). Bodies come off easily.

What exactly do you expect from you car? aka How do you intened to use it? Where on what surface? Are you racing anyone or just playing around? Do you have an extra 30-40 bucks to drop on a batter car?

To me, the 'Shack car is more of a toy like a Tyco.

As far as I know, there are NO interchangable parts. Calling the 'Shack car a clone of an Epoch is really worng. The only thing they have in common is they are both fully proportional and are 1/43 scale.

I think range on an Epoch is 25 to 30 feet. Something like that. If you need larger range you could just use a different remote. That is another BIG difference, the Epoch has removable frequency crystals like a real RC. The Shack car does not.

steve1970 · #4 11-13-2002, 09:26 AM

Thank you for your responses!

I would mostly be using this just as a toy...not sure if there is anywhere or anyone to race around here (guess I should contact AMA about this...they are in my hometown!) I would like to be able to run the car indoors or outdoors. Upgrades and hop-ups are important to me (that's one of the reasons I got in to the ZZ's and MS's...aside from that fact that they are just so darned nifty!)

I hate to spend $90 on a toy, but it sounds like I'd be wasting $50 if I bought the RS version.

Again, thank you for taking the time to help this newbie!

tinyrc · #5 11-13-2002, 09:38 AM

steve1970, don't bother with the RS, go for the Epoch, you'll get a lot more out of it. As far as not having anyone to race, trust me, as soon as your friends see how awesome yours is, they'll be getting them too!

R|cer >< · #6 11-25-2002, 03:59 PM

Careful man! You think those tiny RCs were addictive?! Oh my!

Just bought a Spec-1 from TinyRC.com and its insane....right out of the box!

I am having one problem with the car though. After about 3-4 minutes of insane fun...it sputters and stops. Seems I'm not the only one having this problem. View post here. General Concensus says it has something to do with the gears.

irc · #7 11-25-2002, 06:59 PM

The sputtering and stoping means the battery has lost it's charge.

R|cer >< · #8 11-25-2002, 07:18 PM

After 3-4 minutes? I've read many reviews that state these cars should last atleast 8-9 minutes with 1 clean charge. Well, there I go believing every thing I read again!

gertman · #9 11-25-2002, 09:40 PM

If it's only lasting 3 to 4 min something is deffinintly up. BUT, I have noticed that my Spec 1's battery life is less than my Spec 2's.

R|cer >< · #10 11-26-2002, 05:31 PM

That's what I figured. NiCd batteries are horrid little creatures. NiMH please!

Ah well, guess I could try the 4 or 5 cell mod to get a longer run time.

gertman · #11 11-26-2002, 09:34 PM

R|cer ><,

I am a little confused by your last response. In total stock fourm Epoch's have 3 NiMh cells.

R|cer >< · #12 11-26-2002, 10:04 PM

Sorry Gert- I was actually talking about 2 different things in 1 poorly outlined statement.

I was thinking that the 4-5 cell mod would drain my rechargable AA batteries (which are NiCd) faster....and was also thinking to myself...."Self, you should get some of those nifty NiMh batteries instead." "Why is that?" "Glad you asked, self!!! Because they don't decrease in quality after you use them frequently!" "Self, you're the greatest!!!"

Wow, I really need more sleep!

gertman · #13 11-26-2002, 10:43 PM

LOL

All is clear now

irc · #14 11-27-2002, 12:56 AM

Are you using rechargeble batteries in your Epoch charger? If so they only put out 1.2V each which means 7.2 volts combined and the charger requires 9 volts of power so that could be a problem?

R|cer >< · #15 11-27-2002, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irc
Are you using rechargeble batteries in your Epoch charger? If so they only put out 1.2V each which means 7.2 volts combined and the charger requires 9 volts of power so that could be a problem?

Excellent! I shall try this out! Thanks irc!