October 21, 2010

Video – JConcepts new Inverse wheel

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhFaniiPPgE[/youtube]

JConcepts drivers, Jason Ruona, Paul Wynn and JR Mitch have been busy performing pre-worlds testing at Coral Springs and Tampa, FL with a prototype version of the new JConcepts Inverse 1/8th scale buggy wheel. This new wheel which is unique in construction is 2-piece with the conventional design being inverted. This allows for a very smooth interior design which resists dirt and debris build-up during hard racing conditions while also providing stability. Additionally, the interior remains in focus as it can be adjusted to change the amount of natural flexibility of the wheel. The outside of the wheel is ribbed and braced for support while being protected and capped by a dish which gives the racer the option of color or dish swaps with ease. Look for more details as they emerge on the new Inverse wheel during the 2010 IFMAR World Championships here on Red RC.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


October 20, 2010

Vox Otto V.1 3.5cc engine

Vox Otto V.1 3.5cc engine

Having announced their new engine line a month ago, Vox have released their first pair of 1/8th scale competition engines. The Otto V.1 is the result of the combination of production expertise and parts resizing, aimed at obtaining a new weight distribution through the new cooling head design without affecting the cooling efficiency. The new design has managed to reduce the weight of the engine to 320 grams while at the same time lowering the centre of gravity. The internal components, piston, cylinder and crankshaft are the result of careful design and material choice, with special attention paid to the final assembly process and quality standards. The Otto V.1 is available in Factory tuned as well as standard version.

View more images here


October 20, 2010

Maifield takes truggy victory at Sidewinder Nitro Explosion

Maifield takes truggy victory at Sidewinder Nitro Explosion

Racing in Southern California always provides a solid test of equipment and driver, with intense competition from some of the nation’s best, the Sidewinder Nitro Explosion is always a racers end of year measuring stick. This year the crew from Thunder Alley ran a dry surface condition which produced slightly more tire wear but allowed the best of the best to stretch their legs a little extra with the IFMAR Worlds approaching. Ryan Maifield driving his Associated RC8T-CE truck kit was a Punishing force all weekend. Mounting up a set of the trusty yellow compound Cross Hairs for the 45-minute A-main proved to once again be the ticket. As usual, Maifield was spot on with his driving as he took the lead near the middle of the race and proceeded to drive away from the field taking another win with JConcepts. Ryan’s RC8T-CE topped off with Punisher body and Illuzion HD wing are back on top in Southern California. The marquee event of the weekend in the 1/8th buggy class, Ryan drove the RC8b once again to the top taking a well deserved TQ. Going to his go-to tires, the yellow compound Crossbows were perfect for the Thunder Alley dry track conditions. At or around the 10 minute mark with Maifield leading, a mechanical problem sidelined him, forcing him out of contention. Although a bad break, the ace driver from sunny Arizona will race another day.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


October 20, 2010

IDM Factory tuned engines & new tire range

IDM Factory tuned engines & new tire range

Daniele Ielasi was in contact with us to tell us about his new IDM product releases including an update to his line of .21 and .12 engines. The new individually numbered special edition versions of the Evo4 motor are Factory tuned and feature extra internal tuning for extra performance. IDM have also released their new tire & wheels with the rims featuring carbon fibre inside the material for increased hardness so that the wheel always stays constant even in extremely hot conditions. Available for 1/8th and 1/10th scale cars, they come in the usual range of shores.

View the tire range here


October 20, 2010

LRP ‘Boost 0’ speed control proposal

LRP 'Boost 0' speed control proposal

LRP have announced that they are sending a rule proposal for ‘Boost 0 speed controls’ to all the important RC federations to help create a new standard for this setting in all ESCs. As there was no exact definition of ‘Boost 0’, the drivers couldn’t be sure that the ‘Boost 0’ speed controls from the different manufacturers were on the same performance level. With the LRP rule proposal, the definite technical meaning of ‘Boost 0’ is now clearly defined for the very first time. Other manufacturers also get a firm base to ensure that ‘Boost 0’ speed controls of different manufacturers can be allowed in one class, because they are based on the same preconditions. Speed controllers eligible for ‘Boost 0’ classes must provide zero timing advance, along with disabling advanced motor control functions (i.e. Boost, Cheat Mode, Turbo, etc). When the ‘Boost 0’ profile is enabled, it shall be indicated by a blinking LED while the ESC is armed and in neutral position. The commutation sequence is limited to ‘6-step’ type and commutation of the speed control must follow the motors hall sensor signals 1:1, e.g. no shifted timing (no matter if advanced or retarded) is allowed at any RPM.

Source: LRP [lrp.cc]


October 20, 2010

HoBao 1/8th offroad tire inserts

HoBao 1/8th offroad tire inserts

HoBao have released 3 new molded foam inserts for off-road racers. Available in 3 different compounds the black (firm) insert is ideal for maximising control as the extra firmness allows the tyre to maintain its shape. This in turn means the tyre has increased traction and maneuverability. The grey (medium) compound is better suited for tracks which include jumps. There is more ‘give’ in the insert allowing it to soak up more of the impact when landing. For the best of both worlds you can always go for the more professional dual compound. While more expensive than the other single colour inserts, the dual insert has hardened shoulders with a softer strip in the middle. This means you get the added traction of the black insert with the improved dampening of the grey insert.

Source: CML [cmldistribution.co.uk]


October 20, 2010

Tresrey DEX410 aluminium servo saver crank

Tresrey DEX410 aluminium servo saver crank

New from Tresrey, is this high precision machined aluminium servo saver crank for the Team Durango DEX410/R. This part helps resolve one of the only few weak points of the car and is a perfect replacement with standard plastic crank. Easy to install, Made in Japan, it will be available on late October.

View the part mounted here


October 20, 2010

Speed Power Esprit range of chargers

Speed Power Esprit range of chargers

Speed Power have released their new Esprit series of chargers. First up is the DC A2 Lithium battery balance charger that has a charge current of 0.1 to 3.5A and can handle up to 4 cells. Capable of charging LiPo, LiIon and LiFe batteries, it has a simple operation with information being shown on the LCD display which includes voltage, current, capacity, charging time and battery type. Speed Power also offer the B1 basic charger which takes AC power and has a max charging current of 3 x 650mA and can handle up to 3 cells. You can check out these new Speed Power products along with the Speed Passion and East Coast ranges at this  weekend’s iHobby show in Rosemont Illinois at booth 1908.

View the B1 charger here