Batteries for the Epoch and comparison?

bluemax_1 · #1 03-29-2003, 05:39 PM

Hmmm.... haven't got one of these yet. I think someone else mentioned this too but gotta stop reading these forums! Tooo much temptation

Anyway, was wondering, the batts used in the Epochs are the same cells as in the Bits? If they are, does anyone know of any higher capacity than Perfection's new 200mAH batts? Should be interesting to biuld a 4-cell pack out of that and see how much longer it'll run over the regular 120mAH packs. Hopefully of course, the extra juice for the extra long runtime won't burn out the electronics!

Maybe someone else would like to try this and tell me how it goes, before I buy an Epoch myself?

Also was wondering how the Dgmaster compares to these? Anyone with any experience with those? Think they're about the same size, like 1/45 scale fully proportional too, but couldn't find much info on 'em.

AUDI-TT · #2 03-29-2003, 06:02 PM

here
http://www.batterieswholesale.com/p...3-aaa-210-h.htm

Reeyad · #3 03-30-2003, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bluemax_1

Also was wondering how the Dgmaster compares to these? Anyone with any experience with those? Think they're about the same size, like 1/45 scale fully proportional too, but couldn't find much info on 'em.

Dgmasters are not fully proportional, like epochs they have a six degree turning, mine is a lot faster then me epoch, but the handling is crap..............

bluemax_1 · #4 03-30-2003, 05:59 AM

Reeyad, I'm not too clear on what you mean by six degrees turning? Could you clarify a little? And are you saying your DGmaster is faster than the Epoch but the Epoch turns better?

chelboed · #5 03-30-2003, 08:43 AM

I have stated this before, when I run my 4cell Epoch on a double charge it runs shy of 10 minutes. I can feel that my motor case is getting warm after that. I usually let it rest a tiny bit. If you use 210 mah, you may not want to let it run the whole time, or you may burn out the motor.

I don't know how much heat they handle. Mine don't get REAL hot, but I am anal.

About the 6degree turning...

The Radio Shack 1/43 scale Viper is a DGmaster. It just has the Viper shell. It is virtually uncontrollable at high speeds. (unless you're just cruisin' around) It's hard to keep it on a track.

If you want a comparison and explanation as to why the DGmaster is not truly fully propo, and why it sux compared to the Epoch, click HERE

chelboed · #6 03-30-2003, 08:49 AM

The steering and acceleration both have 6 positions. the further you turn the wheel or squeeze the trigger, it will go the the next/further position. The Epoch is infinately proportional. The more you turn, the more the wheels turn. It's not like the ratchet system of the DG. Steering is very slow, so is reaction time of the rest of the car for that matter. There seems to be more of a delay in the controls vs. the Epoch.

A 2cell Epoch could wipe the floor with a 4cell DG. (hypothetical) It's not about speed here. It's about control. You can't hammer the DG and control it. You have to ease into it. The Epoch, however you can run hard and control well.

Namuna · #7 03-30-2003, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bluemax_1

Anyway, was wondering, the batts used in the Epochs are the same cells as in the Bits? If they are, does anyone know of any higher capacity than Perfection's new 200mAH batts? Should be interesting to biuld a 4-cell pack out of that and see how much longer it'll run over the regular 120mAH packs. Hopefully of course, the extra juice for the extra long runtime won't burn out the electronics!

As far as dimensions go, yes...The Epoch and Bits use the same size batts. But the stock Bit batts are 50mAH NiCads.

Now, I've got SERIOUS reservations about that Perfection 200mAH...So far the HIGHEST capacity NiMH that'll still fit (that I've seen) is the 160mAH batts.

I guess we'll see.

bluemax_1 · #8 03-31-2003, 04:30 PM

Hmm... so it sounds like even if they can run longer with 4-cells, it might not be the the best thing for the motor huh?

And Namuna, you mean the Perfection 200mAH is a different size? I thought they were all 1/3AAA cells? audi-TT also posted a site for 1/3AAA's with 210mAH capacity! Oh, and I was actually thinking of a Bit clone I have that runs on a 120mAH cell. Funny isn't it, that almost all the clones use higher capacity NiMH cells whilst all the official US versions (Microsizers, Zip Zaps) come standard with NiCads. Well, if running higher cap cell packs might burn out the motor, I guess I might as well save myself the trouble and get a ready-made 4-cell pack with the Epoch. (Still haven't bought one yet but it's getting hard to resist

)

And thanks chelboed for explaining the 6 degree turning thing. Makes it easier to stay away from the DGmaster.

chelboed · #9 03-31-2003, 04:45 PM

No problem, after running my Epoch so much, I can't stand to run my bit's, Zip's, or my DG... umm... RS viper. I love the propo of the Epoch. It has severely spoiled me. I hope to get a mini Z for my birthday on may 28th. I guess if I don't, Tiny could always just send me an RS4, or another Epoch that I can 5cell, hint...

.

On the Zaps though, they come std. with an NIMH 100mah cell, not NICD.

That's the cell I added to my Epoch (that is until I get my 4cell pack).

bluemax_1 · #10 04-01-2003, 03:04 AM

Hey Happy Birthday chelboed! Did you get your mini-z for your B'day? Maybe you should consider a mini-x. I've got one of those and I love the 4wd. They could make the differentials a little better but it's still a whole lotta fun!

Seems like you're slowly working your way up the R/C car scale. Bits, ZZs, Epoch and now looking at mini-z's and MRS4s

I've actually got an RS4 AND a mini-z that I'm trying to sell. Haven't even run 'em yet. I got the mini-x and started playing with it and decided not to keep either of the other 2. I like the mini-x's size 'cuz it's smaller than the RS4 and I can still run it in my apartment easily, and I like the 4wd which unfortunately the mini-z doesn't have. Kinda sucks in a way to have 2 cars that I haven't even taken out of the box yet. Can't really say how well they handle and stuff but oh well, I'm happy enough with the mini-x and my Digi-Q R's. Might be getting an Epoch though. Looks like the best of both worlds almost. Full propo and small enough to really have fun in a small space.

As it is, the mini-x is small enough to run in my apartment but it's still a little big for my track, and the Digi-Q R's are incredibly fast little buggers but they're so short they really are a little squirrelly on my carpet track, especialy the RX-7 with the turning front wheels.

bluemax_1 · #11 04-01-2003, 03:25 AM

BTW, forgot to ask, does the stock charger still work with the 4-cell mod or do I need to use a different charger. Just trying to decide if I should get the Epoch RTR or the chassis and body kit. I've actually got an Intellipeak Digital Pulse charger which can be set as low as 0.5 amps. Wonder if that'll work.

If the stock charger can handle the 4-cell, I might as well get that though, so I won't have to pull the car open everytime I need to charge the batt pack. I also have the Futaba T2PH Tx for the mini-x so I really don't need a Tx with the Epoch. How is the Epoch's Tx BTW? Any comments for or against?

Trying to decide if it would make sense to pay the extra $25 to get the Epoch RTR as opposed to just the chassis and body. Only real sense I see is that it would make it easier to sell the RTR if I decided I didn't want it.

Namuna · #12 04-01-2003, 08:49 AM

While I try to give as objective an opinion on things as possible...I'm just going to come right out and say that (in my opinion) the Epoch stock Tx is crap.

- It's got a 99cent store feel to it
- The throttle limiter is just a bar that limits the angle on the trigger
- The steering knob rubber slips off CONSTANTLY and you're forced to have to steer while applying pressure on the rubber to keep it on.

The good news is you can pull the crystal off the stock controller and it'll go right into a Perfex (the Mini-Z Tx) and works perfectly.

benjun · #13 04-02-2003, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Namuna

- The steering knob rubber slips off CONSTANTLY and you're forced to have to steer while applying pressure on the rubber to keep it on.

I've heard that the "quality" of epoch controllers vary. Some, like mine, although it definitely feels cheap, works well and the steering knob rubber stays in place. Others (unfortunately) aren't as lucky.

I bought a Mini Z Perfex to use with my Epoch and although it "feels" better, I end up using my epoch controller more (since it only uses 1 9V battery and for some strange reason I have better control with it)

mismalcur · #14 04-02-2003, 10:01 AM

i also have had no problems at all with my stock epoch controller. i agree that at first i had my doubts, it looks really cheap, very toyish, but it works very well. the added bonus of it only using one, nine volt battery was a real plus as well. i have had my car for a few months now, i run it just about everyday, and i have yet to even change the controller battery.

it may look cheap, but it works great for me

bluemax_1 · #15 04-02-2003, 08:59 PM

Hey, thanks for the input guys. Guess I might have to get the RTR set then. After all, the price diff between the RTR and the chassis body only is $25. The charger, which assume still works with the 4-cell mod costs $20, so the Tx really only costs $5 more with the RTR set.

Hmmm... but I'll have to put this off for a little bit. Need to get hop-ups for my 1:1