New to MicroSizers, Have 2 Now, w/problems?

BackInBlack · #1 10-02-2002, 07:44 PM

Hi. My wife and I saw 'ZipZaps', and thought they might make cool stocking stuffers this year... Well, after doing a little research, we ordered 2 MicroSizers from Tower Hobbies for ourselves... Oh, what fun that they are!

But, the range is extremely poor, and I have read here that there is a snubber capacitor that can be removed for better performance. It appears that our transmitters do not have this cap installed, so what other options have we to increase the range. I'm not looking for the range that my T3 has, but something has to be better than 4 feet! Also, one of them seems to have sudden 'surges' of power while driving in a straight line. It speeds up and slows down at will. I don't know if it is an electrical or lack of lubrication (?) issue. I was hoping someone could shed some light, and maybe give us a few pointers for chasing the cat around the house

Thanks!!! -Brian

Deadite · #2 10-02-2002, 08:33 PM

I'm no expert man .... Why don't you disassemble the cars and then put them back together and see if that helps ... I don't know if that is why it starts and stops .... I haven't any advice on increasing your range

BackInBlack · #3 10-02-2002, 08:42 PM

Well, here's problem # 3... I'm an idiot... I painted the centers of the wheels flat black, and left the outer chrome ring. Upon further inspection, I notice that I have now seized the front wheels in place... What other tool is required to remove the pins holding the front wheels on? Hopefully I can salvage this...

BackInBlack · #4 10-02-2002, 08:58 PM

Ok, I fixed the paint in the wheels issue... Waited for the paint to dry, and then just spun the dried paint out of the axle. Now, about the range issue....

infinite · #5 10-02-2002, 09:09 PM

well the main thing is how comfortable you are with fiddling around with electronics... cause i got my car to go about 40ft +++
just by replacing the wire antenna with a telescopic antenna.. it's a relatively easy modification to do.. cause hey i'm not a electronics guru what so ever, so if i can do it then anyone can.. if you search the forum here for telescopic antennas or antenna mods. i'm sure you'll be able to find my earlier posts on how to do it..

BackInBlack · #6 10-03-2002, 05:25 AM

Well, I've not yet filled out my biography on the registration form. I am electronically and mechanically inclined. (I also belong to a couple of other intense automotive groups on the 'net, so I don't want to hear 'noobie can't use the search function...

) Just kidding!!!

I assume I can pick up a cordless telephone antenna at the 'Shack? Also, who uses what to lubricate the wheels, suspension, whatnot on their models? I hear that butter works well on plastic parts...

Namuna · #7 10-03-2002, 09:24 AM

Welcome to the Community BiB!

Check out #6 and #24 on the Bit FAQ (in my Sig)

BackInBlack · #8 10-03-2002, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Namuna
Welcome to the Community BiB!

Thanks! This is just the beginning of a new winter side hobby... My real hobby is creating custom inexpensive electronic modifications for my two Pontiac Grand Prixs'. Well, one of them if my wife's!

Here is my latest automotive eyecandy project:
http://www.clubgp.com/forum/link.asp?TOPIC_ID=6377608

Word of caution, the thread is around 6 pages long now, so get ready for some reading...

Maybe someday I'll start modding Micro's as well...

mr0072003 · #9 10-03-2002, 08:33 PM

Try the antenna extension on the chassis...get an extra inch and improved range.

BackInBlack · #10 10-04-2002, 06:01 AM

Does the antenna extension include the changing over to a solid wire, or is it just untying the knot underneath?

killboy · #11 10-04-2002, 08:15 AM

I think even on the ZipZaps the antenna (on the car) is routed all stupid, like the Bits. It goes from underneath the PCB, out the front, across the top to the back. You may be able to lift the PCB a little, and re-route the antenna straight out the back for an extra inch or two in length. Undo the knot if you want another half-inch or so, just be very careful with it afterwards not to pull it too hard.

'Shack has replacement telescopic cordless phone antennas that you can use on the controller. Good luck!

mr0072003 · #12 10-04-2002, 08:35 AM

Yeh as for the antenna mod....it's just a matter of untyong the the knot...and it makes a big differnce...the only downfall to it..is that if your running a freq's that are close...ex: 45 and 49....it picks up the freq on occasion.....but It's still a must do mod an pretty easy, just be carefull not to damage your PCB board....

BackInBlack · #13 10-05-2002, 02:13 PM

Well, I removed the smt cap on the top of the car's PCB, and changed the antenna to 22awg solid wire, same length as the factory wire, and that had helped tremedously. with the range problem. However, with all the added top weight, I can roll the car pretty easily. I will probably change the antenna again when I change the transmitter antenna. I will use the old transmitter antenna wire, cut it to length, and attach it to the car. I have a non-telescoping antenna I'd like to try on the transmitter.

Does anyone know the appropreate length that the transmitter antenna should be for proper transmission of each frequency?

killboy · #14 10-05-2002, 04:05 PM

I have the same top-heavy weight problem with my cat-5 double-twist antennas. Try laying the antenna back like the wind blew it back, or forward for more weight on the front tires.

As for transmitter antenna length, this has been mentioned before and the proper length was several feet...too long to be practical. Just go as long as you can and it will help.

BackInBlack · #15 10-05-2002, 08:14 PM

I tore apart a junk cordless telephone base, and replaced the wire antenna on the transmitter with the 3 foot long telescopic antenna from the phone. Wow, what a difference! When antenna, when collapsed and laying down, is a tiny bit longer than the controller is wide, so it look factory!

The power 'surging' problem now appears to affect BOTH cars now, and I think I've nailed down the issue: The forward button in the controller is flakey! It clicks OK, but I have to wiggle the button a bit to make a good connection across the contacts. Has anyone changed out the switches yet for better ones? I am contemplating turning an old Atari joystick into a controller. There should be just enough room in the base to install the transmitter PCB and batteries. I may have to build an external charger for the car though. I can route the antennal through the wire hole in the joystick. Anyone done this mod yet???