XRT, added some goodies...

[slw2206]

Added a couple quality of life items to the XRT. GPM has a receiver cover that integrates a mount to fit the G5 ESC. Moves the ESC forward, which not leaves an easy mount spot for the on/off button.

Also added GPMs battery hold downs. I hated the stock battery holder as it was too easy to pinch cables. With this solution, only GPMs very sticky velcro annoys me now At least velcro is a lot easier to swap out.

 

[Lukedavis]

Added a couple quality of life items to the XRT. GPM has a receiver cover that integrates a mount to fit the G5 ESC. Moves the ESC forward, which not leaves an easy mount spot for the on/off button.

Also added GPMs battery hold downs. I hated the stock battery holder as it was too easy to pinch cables. With this solution, only GPMs very sticky velcro annoys me now At least velcro is a lot easier to swap out.

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Next upgrade should be to get rid of those Traxxas batteries

Looks great otherwise!!

 

[slw2206]

Next upgrade should be to get rid of those Traxxas batteries

Looks great otherwise!!

Ha, I bought my son and I XRTs last year as he wanted to learn the hobby. At the time I was just going for ease of use and the Traxxas batteries allow for that.

I looked at a few higher capacity and discharge options , but each required I rewire the connectors. Maybe soon I'll do some more research and find a "drop in" replacement.

 

[Lukedavis]

Ha, I bought my son and I XRTs last year as he wanted to learn the hobby. At the time I was just going for ease of use and the Traxxas batteries allow for that.

I looked at a few higher capacity and discharge options , but each required I rewire the connectors. Maybe soon I'll do some more research and find a "drop in" replacement.

I would check out CNHL lipos, as they are very good for the money. Also, @Greywolf74 has an amazing lipo spread sheet, so I would check that out. I'll try and find a link. It isn't very hard to solder new connectors, or if you don't trust yourself I'm willing to bet that your LHS can solder new connectors on for a small fee. I would personally go XT90s or QS8s for connectors.

 

[slw2206]

Completely comfortable with soldering, in fact I just did thousands of connections adding to our addressable LED Christmas show.

Where I wasn't sure was the balancing leads that LIPOs have and if I needed to separate out a balancing lead from the +/- and also rewire the Traxxas chargers we have to match. It didn't look like it was as simple as positive and negative as we used to do with NIMH cells.

Might be a non-issue, I just haven't had time to look into it.

 

[Lukedavis]

Completely comfortable with soldering, in fact I just did thousands of connections adding to our addressable LED Christmas show.

Where I wasn't sure was the balancing leads that LIPOs have and if I needed to separate out a balancing lead from the +/- and also rewire the Traxxas chargers we have to match. It didn't look like it was as simple as positive and negative as we used to do with NIMH cells.

Might be a non-issue, I just haven't had time to look into it.

I would get rid of all the Traxxas jumk and get a Hota D6 pro charger or the like, as well as different lipos, then all you have to do is solder new connectors onto the esc.

 

[slw2206]

@Lukedavis - That takes a little effort since we have 2 chargers and 8 packs. Significant expense involved.

Question, do you have a link to a video or post showing how to rewire the Traxxas batteries to a QS8 or XT90 connector? Even if I do "get rid of the Traxxas" I wouldn't just trash 8 packs as they're still good for bashing.

 

[Cranberry Juice]

@Lukedavis - That takes a little effort since we have 2 chargers and 8 packs. Significant expense involved.

Question, do you have a link to a video or post showing how to rewire the Traxxas batteries to a QS8 or XT90 connector? Even if I do "get rid of the Traxxas" I wouldn't just trash 8 packs as they're still good for bashing.

Another thing you could do is get some adapters, although they sometimes disconnect on especially hard landings. Just need to plug them back in though, and that eliminates the soldering.

 

[Lukedavis]

Another thing you could do is get some adapters, although they sometimes disconnect on especially hard landings. Just need to plug them back in though, and that eliminates the soldering.

What he said. Adapters if you want to keep Traxxas Batteries for a while. You would also have to use the Traxxas charger for them, or try and find the very hard to find balance lead adapter.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I would strongly recommend against using adapters. In your specific application, the current flowing through the connectors is substantial. Any adapters, quality or otherwise, will create excess resistance and likely melt down. I've seen it happen more than once.

 

[slw2206]

I would strongly recommend against using adapters. In your specific application, the current flowing through the connectors is substantial. Any adapters, quality or otherwise, will create excess resistance and likely melt down. I've seen it happen more than once.

I won't be using adapters. If I pull the trigger on this I'll convert my XRT to QS8 and leave my son on TRX with the packs and chargers we have now. If/When he gets deeper into the hobby and wants to upgrade his motor, THEN we'll abandon the rest of the Traxxas stuff and go completely to QS8.

He's only 14 so I think he's got a couple years of learning before he'll be ready for anything like the setup I'm about to have.

FYI, Charger, plugs, and 4 packs for QS8 is going to run $450. I think I'll stick with the Traxxas stuff for a little while longer. $450 isn't a heck of a lot, but it's not in the budget right now. We'll have to "make due" for a few months

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

The QS8's are a little pricey but they're great connectors. Make sure when your ready to convert, you get the anti-spark version.

 

[Rocketzx1]

There's nothing wrong with using Traxxas branded batteries and chargers. Traxxas batteries are one of 3 brands that tell you TRUE C ratings for Lipos, and they are the only brand that will let you trade in a battery, any condition for a brand new one for 50% off. Not a bad deal, imo.

If it works for you, then stick with it I say.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

 

[Lukedavis]

@Rocketzx1 what's with the throw up on my post? Traxxas batteries and chargers are GARBAGE. It has been proven on multiple occasions. check out @Greywolf74 's threads on lipos, and you will see. Not trying to start an argument, just trying to offer good advice. The Traxxas proprietary batteries and chargers are just a trap to keep you in the Traxxas world, when there are much much much better products out there. Don't get me wrong, I started with traxxas, but they are most definitely not the best at anything. Well maybe sueing companies, but that's about it.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

@Rocketzx1 what's with the throw up on my post? Traxxas batteries and chargers are GARBAGE. It has been proven on multiple occasions. check out @Greywolf74 's threads on lipos, and you will see. Not trying to start an argument, just trying to offer good advice. The Traxxas proprietary batteries and chargers are just a trap to keep you in the Traxxas world, when there are much much much better products out there. Don't get me wrong, I started with traxxas, but they are most definitely not the best at anything. Well maybe sueing companies, but that's about it.

Maybe he works for traxxas... or one of their wonderfull forum members.

 

[Doom!]

Maybe he works for traxxas... or one of their wonderfull forum members.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. They may work just fine for how he uses them.

 

[Rocketzx1]

@Rocketzx1 what's with the throw up on my post? Traxxas batteries and chargers are GARBAGE. It has been proven on multiple occasions. check out @Greywolf74 's threads on lipos, and you will see. Not trying to start an argument, just trying to offer good advice. The Traxxas proprietary batteries and chargers are just a trap to keep you in the Traxxas world, when there are much much much better products out there. Don't get me wrong, I started with traxxas, but they are most definitely not the best at anything. Well maybe sueing companies, but that's about it.

You have the right to your opinion, as do I. For MY use case, Traxxas batteries and chargers have been great. Zero issues with either.

@slw2206 has had zero issues with their Traxxas batteries or chargers, so why tell them to toss away batteries and chargers in working order just to spend MORE money on batteries and chargers? That’s bad advice. And just dumb.

I know some people don’t like the proprietary plugs/chargers of the Traxxas batteries and chargers, and that’s great. Use what you like.

But for you and @Mrgoodwrench35 to use the vomit emoji on my post because neither of you agree with what I said, that’s a jerk move.

You don’t get to cry about me using the vomit emoji.

I treated you both with the same kindness you gave me. Don’t like it? Be better next time. We can disagree and still share our thoughts without being a jerk.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

The first time was an accident and was supposed to be the shock emoji. I got fat fingers and a tiny cell phone. This time was definately intentional. Mainly cause there's no butthurt emoji. Or is there...hmmm

 

[HPIguy]

Let's keep it civil guys. Discussion is fine, calling each other out and starting arguments is not.

And just for the record, we're allowed to use whatever emoji we want. If you don't like it, or that's all it takes to get your panties in a wad, then the real world is gonna be pretty rough for ya.