How do i learn about rc?

[Chubaka]

I was thinking about opening a booth at the beach this year. We could fly in specialists from all over the world!

We shall start with the trx jato engineer team.

 

[CertifiedMike]

We shall start with the trx jato engineer team.

We'll make a FORTUNE taking bids on who gets to kick first!!!

 

[Chubaka]

We'll make a FORTUNE taking bids on who gets to kick first!!!

If Kevin can't make it can I use his kick as well?

 

[CertifiedMike]

If Kevin can't make it can I use his kick as well?

You guys will have to work that one out!
We might need to install a metal plate in case someone starts kicking but then can't stop... I could see that becoming a real problem too!

 

[thatcraig]

What RC(s) do you have? Which one have you taken time wrenching on? When I started, I took pics before I started of the components or area I was tackling. Some RC manufacturers have online exploded views, or assembly pages, that helped me understand the parts tremendously. Little separate parts trays help. Ice cube freezer trays can do it- & put post it notes in each one. Left to right can be the disassembly- then work Right to left to assemble- looking at pics on your phone as you go.

Axial scx10.3 and a slash

 

[Chubaka]

Axial scx10.3 and a slash

First link by horizon is the pdf manual with exploded views
https://www.google.com/search?q=scx...d-att-us-rvc3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

Trx slash 2wd I'm assuming.
https://www.google.com/search?clien...bliOs8QtKgLegQIERAB&biw=384&bih=701&dpr=2.818

 

[majin]

i was wrenching tonight, did half of it backwards... this is the way for me lol. i just sort of go for it. i sometimes have extra screws which is pretty scary
for me it depends on what I'm fixing, the more i do it the more i understand on it and the fewer extra screws i get.... sometimes.
watching you tube vids is sometimes helpful, posting a pic here of my confusion usually clears it up. someone on here has already done what I'm trying to do, but by now they can do it blindfolded lol
it does get easier as you repeatedly take the same part off and put it on wrong 2 or 3 times
i often take pics. ( if for no other reason that it helps to spruce up my build threads lol) i forget what direction my motor goes pretty often lol, and sometimes specific screws go in specific spots. sometimes it doesn't seem to matter as it may use 12 of the same screw.
axial for instance on the transmission, 2 of the 4 screws holding it in are longer. so i put a piece of tape with arrows pointing to the proper holes for the long screws, makes putting it back together easier. my cen on the other hand it uses the same 4 screws to hold the transmission in place.
i also use different pans for different things with a little paper label so i remember these are transmission screws, this is from steering blocks, so on and so forth. if the screw has a nut ill put the screw where it lives ( thru the rod end typically) and put the nut on so i always know where that long screw goes since its already there.
but most often i just do it wrong, realize somethings not right then i pop open the exploded view and will track down the issue that way often.
tonight i was trying to connect steering blocks, but my axle doesn't seperate for me to add them. was saddened. but i just put what brass i was able to on and threw the rest in a bag for some other project someday lol
the more you wrench the more it makes sense and the easier AND more rewarding it becomes.
tis a good feeling to diagnose the problem, get the parts AND fix the problem. it comes with a nice sense of accomplishment.
you just gotta get dirty lol

i have a bookmark set for each of my trucks. need to work on the ascent? click the ascent bookmark and it opens me right to the exploded view. same with all my trucks. makes everything easier. much less hunting around, find it once and save it

i click that, it takes me to this

i scroll down to the part thats broken and theres the replacemnt part number, i can click it and go straight to it, makes diagnosing and replacing much faster for me this way.
\much much less searching since its already saved

 

[9x19]

If you have a memory like mine you do. It's either that or buy two of everything so I can see where everything go's.

Two?

That's what your going with?

 

[xjtorc]

its just putting it back together and remembering where everything goes is the problem.

1. RTFM
2. Place a work mat, giant desk/mouse pad, or towel down on your work area before starting the disassembly.
3. RTFM
4. As you remove parts, thread the screws that belong with the part either back into the part itself, or the chassis location where they came from.
5. RTFM
6. Organize the parts on your towel in the order you remove them. When it's time to reassemble, work backwards.
7. RTFM
8. Give yourself a pat on the back. You did it. Now RTFM one more time.

To gain the practical knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of RC, the best thing I can recommend is this: Build a kit. Any kit. Take your time to learn and understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. The general principals translate across platforms.

 

[WickedFog]

For most RC cars and trucks, a lot of the assemblies are fairly similar. Diffs are similar. Shocks are similar. There are a number of differences with the legs of the RC, as in the c-hubs, uprights, driveshafts/dogbones/cvd's, etc, but even those are similar in a lot of ways. Steering setups can vary from kit to kit, but the only area where I have seen a lot of variance is the transmissions.

One thing to note when disassembling any RC, is pay particular attention to any shims or spacers. Some kits use spacers in front of or behind components like your C-hubs or uprights to adjust wheelbase. These are optional adjusting points on some kits of course. But it's good to note where they are. Then inside the transmission you might see shims in various places.

The more RC's you tear into the easier it gets. You will find diffs are a piece of cake. Shocks can be finicky, dealing with small e-clips and such, but they are quite fun to rebuild once you get the hang of it.

The latest rebuild I did (Losi XXX-SCT) required the use of the exploded view for screw sizes and such, which it turned out the exploded view was completely screwed up in a lot of places. But it did help figure some things out. There are a LOT of screws in that kit. The front and rear assembly had a lot of weirdly shaped parts that caused some initial confusion as well, that at first glance, didn't paint a clear picture of how they all went back together. Being a few weeks after disassembly, and the fact that I just removed screws and tossed the parts in a bucket didn't help though.

 

[CertifiedMike]

For most RC cars and trucks, a lot of the assemblies are fairly similar. Diffs are similar. Shocks are similar. There are a number of differences with the legs of the RC, as in the c-hubs, uprights, driveshafts/dogbones/cvd's, etc, but even those are similar in a lot of ways. Steering setups can vary from kit to kit, but the only area where I have seen a lot of variance is the transmissions.

One thing to note when disassembling any RC, is pay particular attention to any shims or spacers. Some kits use spacers in front of or behind components like your C-hubs or uprights to adjust wheelbase. These are optional adjusting points on some kits of course. But it's good to note where they are. Then inside the transmission you might see shims in various places.

The more RC's you tear into the easier it gets. You will find diffs are a piece of cake. Shocks can be finicky, dealing with small e-clips and such, but they are quite fun to rebuild once you get the hang of it.

The latest rebuild I did (Losi XXX-SCT) required the use of the exploded view for screw sizes and such, which it turned out the exploded view was completely screwed up in a lot of places. But it did help figure some things out. There are a LOT of screws in that kit. The front and rear assembly had a lot of weirdly shaped parts that caused some initial confusion as well, that at first glance, didn't paint a clear picture of how they all went back together. Being a few weeks after disassembly, and the fact that I just removed screws and tossed the parts in a bucket didn't help though.

When the exploded views and manuals are wrong, the pictures you DID TAKE (right?) will come in real handy!

I still watch vids on an unfamiliar project before I jump in. Nothing wrong with getting tips from someone who has done the job. Not just rc stuff btw.

Just be sure your videos were made by someone who IS actually more tallented or experienced than you!!!
I've watched a few 'how to' vids thay were painful examples of how to bumble through a job.

If you want to see how pros build, go read Littlemotor's builds.
He is meticulous, methodical, very well experienced and he even is a pretty nice guy too!
If you want tips and tricks, grab a pen!!!
You might not be building a nitro car but you WILL learn why 12.9 hardware is important.
You'll learn how and where and when to use locktite. You'll learn which lubes to use and which to avoid. Which tools are good and why.
Are you still reading this and not reading...

Thread 'Project “Old School”. A Littlemotor Jammin’ CRT.5 1/12 nitro truggy build for 2025!!! 😎🍻'

Feb 23, 2025

This one has had a LOT of super sleuthing, and Columbo’n to get the vehicle(s), and most importantly; the CRT.5 specific upgrades in order, and on the bench.. I knew I’d have to be my own LHS/parts support, so I managed to locate the best deals, on the cleanest trucks I could find… SPECIFICALLY to do some “kit breaking” for spares, as I do intend to run the absolute pisss outta this little dude..

I had a super nasty one back in 2006 or so when they came out. Was on a BCE 7075 chassis that was pure secks, and had allllll the bells & whistles.. These things look rather...

• Littlemotor
• Replies: 325
• Forum: RC Builds and Projects

• 
• 

??????

There are tons of tips and trick to help sharpen your skills like....

Thread 'How to Solder Correctly'

Jun 13, 2010

A lot of people have misconceptions about soldering, others are misinformed, some have no clue where to start, and many are bad at it whether they know it or not. :lol: Hopefully This post will help everyone solder better, have fewer issues and component failures, and have time for more fun because of it.

I know perfect soldering is not such a big issue in a hobby, And most never give it a second thought, but a poor job can cause failures and frustration. Even if the soldering you did looks good, you may have damaged the circuits inside your components. Doing a good job is not that hard...

• WoodiE
• Replies: 40
• Forum: Electric RC

• 

Explore this place and ask lots of questions!!!
Jump in and get your hands dirty!
Theres NOTHING in those RCs that can't be figured out... by you.

 

[Willy0942]

If you are here, you are in good hands RCT will help with any questions. Videos, and or pictures, will always help with any help you need.
Most rc vehicles have a YouTuber who has torn it down, or like they said blown up pics of the components, don’t get frustrated, have fun, play rc, and RCT has got your back

 

[Alwaysonauto]

I'm an old man who got my first RC probably well before you were born, but that's another story.
This one involves me getting a truck 'cause my son got one and his boys (the twins) have some too. I ran theirs and decided Grandpa had to have his own. Anyways, the mfg'r of the truck offered a 'hop up' kit of aluminum parts which my son got for me for Christmas last year. When I went to put the 'hop up' parts on the chassis, I found that there were some screws that didn't work included in the kit. I photographed the problem parts and location and explained what was happening in an email to the mfg'r. About a week later they responded that, HEY, I was right, the screws wouldn't work and the parts needed to be remade. They sent my son two sets of replacement parts for free, since he'd bought two sets originally, and thanked me for finding the problem.
People here are always willing to help.
Don't be afraid to take something apart. It was put together by a human more than likely, so you'll be able to get it together again, even if it takes some help doing so.
As they say, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

 

[FrankC]

I've watched a ton of RC videos every night and my favorite ones are when the people work on their rc. But I can't begin to work on my rc, I own three and I've taken one apart after a wreck and totaled it. But I can take them apart most of the time its just putting it back together and remembering where everything goes is the problem. Does this get easier with doing it? And do you guys have Any tips for me?

I take a lot of pictures with my phone as I’m taking it apart. Helps you “remember “ what part goes where.

 

[slw2206]

As others have said, there's a few good points to follow:

1 - Take pics or vids as you disassemble to remind you of the work you did
2 - Try to set parts aside in logical groups. For instance if you're disassembling the entire truck keep your suspension parts separate. Decide to tear down a shock? Keep those parts separate. Whatever logical groupings make sense to keep your head straight.
3 - Practice! No one has their entire truck memorized from Day 1. Take it apart and put it back together. Maybe focus on an assembly or two each time so you can focus on a section of the truck instead of the entire thing
4 - Keep exploded views of your vehicle handy. Always nice to be able tonreference an exploded view if you lose your way or get confused.
5 - Take your time while you learn. A famous saying is, "we never have time to do it right the first time, but we always have time to do it again!". Take your time, learn and do it right the first time.
6 - Participate in forums just like this! There's tons of knowledgeable folks here doing the same crazy stuff you're trying to do Maybe one of them has learned lessons already. Read existing posts, search the forums, and ask when needed!

 

[thatcraig]

i was wrenching tonight, did half of it backwards... this is the way for me lol. i just sort of go for it. i sometimes have extra screws which is pretty scary
for me it depends on what I'm fixing, the more i do it the more i understand on it and the fewer extra screws i get.... sometimes.
watching you tube vids is sometimes helpful, posting a pic here of my confusion usually clears it up. someone on here has already done what I'm trying to do, but by now they can do it blindfolded lol
it does get easier as you repeatedly take the same part off and put it on wrong 2 or 3 times
i often take pics. ( if for no other reason that it helps to spruce up my build threads lol) i forget what direction my motor goes pretty often lol, and sometimes specific screws go in specific spots. sometimes it doesn't seem to matter as it may use 12 of the same screw.
axial for instance on the transmission, 2 of the 4 screws holding it in are longer. so i put a piece of tape with arrows pointing to the proper holes for the long screws, makes putting it back together easier. my cen on the other hand it uses the same 4 screws to hold the transmission in place.
i also use different pans for different things with a little paper label so i remember these are transmission screws, this is from steering blocks, so on and so forth. if the screw has a nut ill put the screw where it lives ( thru the rod end typically) and put the nut on so i always know where that long screw goes since its already there.
but most often i just do it wrong, realize somethings not right then i pop open the exploded view and will track down the issue that way often.
tonight i was trying to connect steering blocks, but my axle doesn't seperate for me to add them. was saddened. but i just put what brass i was able to on and threw the rest in a bag for some other project someday lol
the more you wrench the more it makes sense and the easier AND more rewarding it becomes.
tis a good feeling to diagnose the problem, get the parts AND fix the problem. it comes with a nice sense of accomplishment.
you just gotta get dirty lol

i have a bookmark set for each of my trucks. need to work on the ascent? click the ascent bookmark and it opens me right to the exploded view. same with all my trucks. makes everything easier. much less hunting around, find it once and save it
View attachment 228891
i click that, it takes me to this
View attachment 228889

i scroll down to the part thats broken and theres the replacemnt part number, i can click it and go straight to it, makes diagnosing and replacing much faster for me this way.
\much much less searching since its already saved

View attachment 228890

Thanks alot for all the tips and the bookmark idea is a really good idea and I will start to do that like you.

 

[thatcraig]

As others have said, there's a few good points to follow:

1 - Take pics or vids as you disassemble to remind you of the work you did
2 - Try to set parts aside in logical groups. For instance if you're disassembling the entire truck keep your suspension parts separate. Decide to tear down a shock? Keep those parts separate. Whatever logical groupings make sense to keep your head straight.
3 - Practice! No one has their entire truck memorized from Day 1. Take it apart and put it back together. Maybe focus on an assembly or two each time so you can focus on a section of the truck instead of the entire thing
4 - Keep exploded views of your vehicle handy. Always nice to be able tonreference an exploded view if you lose your way or get confused.
5 - Take your time while you learn. A famous saying is, "we never have time to do it right the first time, but we always have time to do it again!". Take your time, learn and do it right the first time.
6 - Participate in forums just like this! There's tons of knowledgeable folks here doing the same crazy stuff you're trying to do Maybe one of them has learned lessons already. Read existing posts, search the forums, and ask when needed!

Thanks for all of the tips. I may take my truck apart and put it back together. I just have so much money in I'm scared to take it apart and not get it back together.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Thanks for all of the tips. I may take my truck apart and put it back together. I just have so much money in I'm scared to take it apart and not get it back together.

Go slow and have fun!!!

 

[RustyUs]

Axial scx10.3 and a slash

Some companies have great step by step manuals for their RTR platforms just as if it were to come in kit form. Other companies will give exploded views with a bunch of crazy lines and numbers everywhere throughout the diagrams . You just have more leg work to do if questioning a size of a part.

Traxxas has done a better job with their explodes views... they include size of each screw.

Traxxas can do a great manual if they put their minds to it. This is how a RTR manual should come in the box... https://traxxas.com/sites/default/files/Slash 58314-4-R00 Assembly Manual - WEB-EN.pdf

The great thing about Axial and their RTRs is that they usually have a kit of the same platform. The kits/manuals are great because they normally have 1:1 diagrams of the hardware for each step... makes matching up the correct size of screw/hardware easy.

Small steps. You can do it.