What 1st Radio Gear For Pumpkin Virgin?

[28yoKid]

Hi all,

I am awaiting my Midnight P kit to arrive, but I have not yet bought a radio transmitter, batteries or charger. Can you advise me on the best one to get? I don't want to spend loads, but just need something that will make the thing GO!

Also in the future I may want to run other cars using the same controller...!

I am totally out of my depth here, so any advice would be great.

Also, I have been advised to get a 540 sport tuned motor (have just bought rubber sealed bearings)...they seem to have different numbers eg 23T or 16T what should I be going for????

Thanks in advance,

28YOK

[markbt73]

Any basic AM radio will work just fine. You'll need a 2 channel system with 1 servo and a receiver; the Pumpkin comes with an electronic speed control to handle throttle and brake duties. Make sure you use the proper frequency band for cars/boats in your locality, so you don't cause interference with any airplane guys in the area. Transmitter feel and shape is a pretty personal thing, so you might want to find a local hobby shop or RC club and try out a few different options, to see what feels right in your hand.

As for the sport-tuned motor, I personally wouldn't bother. Some folks on here are power-mad and have to upgrade the motor in everything, but I'd suggest you keep the stock 540 motor and get a feel for it first, especially if it's your first car.

[Blacque Jacque]

Acoms 27Mhz is UK legal & is the usual starter kit for many.

Cheap & cheerful, does the job, additional receivers can be had for as little as 10 & servos for around 2.75 each from Ebay for when you need to run more cars.

Additional crystal pairs are between 5 & 8.

Only 1 downside, 27Mhz AM is the most prone to interference (because it's the most common & also is shared with CB radio in the UK), 40Mhz is another low cost alternative, only slightly more expensive. Having said that, I run 27Mhz AM all the time & it's extremely rare that I have any trouble.

Stick with the silvercan motor for now, step up to a Sport Tuned later if you feel the need for more power.

Batteries: I'd say go for for NiMh cells of between 3000mAh & 3700mAh capacity. Vapex seem to be good value at around 12 for a 3300mAh

Charger: Any peak detect charger that will deliver around 3 to 5 amps, try to budget for one that can run from mains and 12v, otherwise you'll find yourself needing a second charger.

You will find the battery will need several charge / discharge cycles before it holds charge properly & gives good run time.

[28yoKid]

Hi Blaque Jaque and Mark,

Thanks both for your knowledge and advice -gold dust to someone like me! I will look into the items you mentioned. Thanks again.

Cheers

[taliesin]

"Pumpkin Virgin?"

[28yoKid]

"Pumpkin Virgin?"

Embarrassingly yes...although I have often thought about just going ahead and doing it...!

[taliesin]

Nike would agree.