New to Nitro, several questions

[PROJEKT]

I think I am going to get a Savege 25 RTR kit.
I am new to r/c nitro's, so I am not sure if I fully understand all the things I need to actually run the truck.
Here's the rundown as I see it. LMK if I missed anything, or if I am just plain wring.

Some AA btteries for the radio transmitter. How many?
A 7.2V flat cell for the roto start system. (plus recharger). How long will this battery typically last until it needs to be recharged?
A flat or hump cell for the receiver and servos on the truck. (plus recharger) How long will this one typically last until it needs to be recharged?
Glow starters and plugs. What's the deal with these items? The motor works like a diesel, right? So the glow plug keeps everything hot enough for repeated ignition, and the starter is only for the initial startup? Are the starters rechargeable? How many uses will I get out of a starter? What about the plug itself? Does it work for multiple outings?

I know it's a lot of questions.
Thanks for the help.
TIM

 

[Alan_UK]

Hi, you'll need 8 AA batteries for the transmitter, I'd recommend getting a set of rechargables and charger as they don't last too long.
The 7.2v stick pack I use in the Rotostart is pretty weak at 1500mah, and lasts for ages but my engine is tuned sweet and only usually needs starting once. I think you can get them up to 2400mah nowadays, probably higher.
I use a 1200mah HPI hump pack and I highly recommend them, they last longer and give so much more power to your servos than normal AA's
My glow starter is a 1700mah rechargeable one and again it lasts ages. I tend to put all my batteries, hump pack, glow charger on to recharge all together every few days.
Yes the engine is more or less the same as a diesel (compression ignition) and the glow plug is only externally heated once, to start the engine. Plugs are easily damaged by poor tuning, but will last a long time if run properly.
One last thing you'll need - fuel! I use Tornado 25% and have had great results, but it is a personal choice. Most people swear by 'their' type of fuel/battery/glowplugs etc.... So just ask around some more and get a few ideas.


:thumbup:

 

[militarymaxx]

Agree with everything Alan_UK said but when it comes to rechargeable batteries, go with Nimh vice Nicd. Nicd's need to be fully discharged after each use and who wants to discharge a hump pack or controller batteries after a few hours of running when you may have only used 20% of the charge. Nimh's don't need to be discharged after use. In fact, it is recommended that they be stored with at least a 50% charge on them. So you can start the day with a full charge, run for a few hours and turn things off. That's it. If you wanted to top off the charge, you could. If you do that to Nicd's, you will eventually ruin them. My hump pack is Nimh and all I ever worry about is keeping it charged. No dishcarging after use. I just ordered some "AA" Nimh's and a charger for my controller. In the long run rechargeables are the way to go.

Here's where I ordered my stuff from. Great website and great prices.
http://www.batteryspace.com/

 

[robriguez]

The only thing I would add here is that I've seen NiMh 6 cell stick packs up to 3300mah. I use 3000mah packs and now that my engine is tuned they usually last for a full day of bashing. In the beginning they only lasted about 9-10 starts because sometimes it would crank forever befor starting. Now I crank it for 2 seconds to prime it then one second to start. Personally always keep a fully charged spare on hand just in case.

As for ignitors, Most people like to use a rechargeable one. My only issue with that it that it takes many hours to charge. So if you forgot to charge it over night or if you have a tough time getting your ride started you may run out of juice and if you dont have a backup your out of business. If you take a look through my gallery you'll thee the huge hobbico battery and ignitor I use. I have been using this 8 months now and its still going strong. Its pretty cheep for how long it lasts. As a backup i usually keep what is called a D-cell ignitor in my pocket **for restarting only**. It takes regular d-cell betteries and so far one d-cell usually lasts me about 2 months. Its small and if the d-cell dies you just stick a fresh one in and your ready to go. No recharging.

I definitly suggest getting some good 2000mah or higher AA rechargables for your radio. You will go through alot of batts and it can get expensive always buying Alkalines. I would suggest 2 sets (16 batts) keep one set freshly charged and bash with the other. Then swap the next time you go out.

Glow Plugs. You will probably kill 1-2 or them during the break in process. Running too rich or too lean until it tuned right can mess up a plug quick. I always use a fresh plug once I get my engine broken in whether I really need one or not. They are only $2-$4 dependng and its better safe than sorry. Again I usually keep a few spare on hand.

There are other things such as a Failsafe, Throttle Return Spring, Voltwatch but they are not "needed". Highly recomended but not needed. If you look around you can get all three for less than $50.

2 x 3000mah 6 cell stick pack

Huge Hobbico Battery

Clip on ignitor for Hobbico Battery

D-Cell Ignitor

AA Rechargeable Batts

Voltwatch

Failsafe

 

[PROJEKT]

Thanks-
Exactly the info I am looking for.
My Savage 25 is on it's way!
TIM