[Euge]

Hey Brian, I look forward to seeing you at the track. Keep in mind Venture is closed till Nov 15th. At Venture, the most popular tires are Sorex 28's with red HPI inserts with your choice of rims, I like the Yokomos. Some people run CS27 Takeoffs, but I like the Sorex tires better.

Asahi, check out the Hobbytown Oak Park link on www.chicagorc.com I believe the directions on there are pretty good.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by mab_man20
what is the site for the allycat software?

If there is a race on HTOP, you have to start up that computer and test run the software now....beside, you have to buy the software to actually do the full race feature, the TEST MODE software only allow 2 cars to run and almost has no other feature can be use from the trail period.....but you can use the LITE version, that one has more feature.

www.alycat.com

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by Asahi
how can I get to the hobby town race track at oak park if I drive from chicago?

Easy....get up to 290 (west) and exit on Harlam Avenue, turn right....then turn right at LAKE street (then you are in downtown OAK PARK)....HTOP is on your left. (should be less then 20 minutes from downtown Chicago.....Chinatown area)

For HTOP detail....go to www.chicagorc.com and look under TRACK for HTOP.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by chicago rc
I know some of those guys, they sleep with their cars under their pillow at night right? Thanks for the tip, I will get some rubber tires ASAP!

Over the winter I will be training at the track like Rocky did to beat Mr. T, then in Tinley next summer I will woop it up on Howard. Eye of the tiger Rookie :-)

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

Dude....you don't have to wait untill next summer and TRY to hang with my car....I too have ELECT car to run and VENTURE is defintely a much closer place for me to go...however, I am not running elect TC........only running 12th scale pan car, hopefully WALT and I can be there shortly....

I still need to know the 12th scale spec is at VENTURE.....if NEXUS or EUGE happened to be there after 15th and saw there is a 12 scale class....can you guys find out what are their spec (most likely what I want to know is motor spec, battery spec, tires compound....etc)

Thanks guy............

P.S. Brian.......Rocky vs Mr. T...? I am more into Jacky Chan vs Jet Li in Matrix style...... do you still remember NEAL (with the YOKOMO and the fastest at Harper?)..does he still race RC at Venture?

[Walt]

Originally posted by mab_man20
what is the site for the allycat software?

It's www.alycat.com (I bet you were putting in one too many 'l's)...

The name is actually an psydo-acronym... Automatic Lap Counting And Timing, with the 'y' put in there so that it actually makes a word.

After a full year of using Alycat, I'm to the point where I'm pretty well versed in it. If you guys would like, maybe I could come to one of your micro races and demo the software for you to help you decide if you want to purchase it or not. Let me know if you are interested. Heck, I wanted to check out your track anyways.

Actually, I recommend that you let me help you get the software installed and make the initial adjustments to your options. After several months of using Alycat, I erased everything and started over because where you put the different files initially can make running the program later much easier (in my opinion). It can also make upgrading to new releases and versions easier if your directory structure is well thought out. I can meet with you guys to help with the initial setup some day after work or something, or just come to one of your races like I mentioned above.

[chicago rc]

I know Venture is closed for the 1st 2 weeks in Nov. And thanks for the tire info, I will pick up the sorex 28's. I have run those before.

As for Jet-Lo (Rookie), part of the information I will be gathering on each track is their set of rules for each class. This project will take a few weeks since these shops and tracks are really bad abut getting me any info. If ALL of you guys kept telling them everytime you were there that they need to have information on chicagorc.com that would help. I am not charging them any money for this so they have no excuse not to work with me.

And yes Howard, Neil still runs at Venture, and he is still very fast!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by chicago rc
I know Venture is closed for the 1st 2 weeks in Nov. And thanks for the tire info, I will pick up the sorex 28's. I have run those before.

As for Jet-Lo (Rookie), part of the information I will be gathering on each track is their set of rules for each class. This project will take a few weeks since these shops and tracks are really bad abut getting me any info. If ALL of you guys kept telling them everytime you were there that they need to have information on chicagorc.com that would help. I am not charging them any money for this so they have no excuse not to work with me.

And yes Howard, Neil still runs at Venture, and he is still very fast!

Brian
www.chicagorc.com

Jet-Lo...........ok, another name that I need to write down, just in case I ended up a boy...I will name him that way so when on his 5 years old Birthday I can buy him a RTR NTC10, so he can beat you in Nitro touring......(just kidding)....

Yeah, set up a rules(spec) webpage will help......however, like EUGE said, 12th scale is a odd class there, it might have 8 one day, and 1 ppl on the other day.........but at AJ, I heard they have easily 2-3 classes of 12th scale.......that is a garantee.

Brian....I think you should get yourself a used MICRO or when I get the M18, I can sell you one........you MUST try MICRO, it is a lot of fun (please.....no one race E-Maxx or T-maxx anymore, we don't do RADIO SHACK type car racing here in Chicago)

[chicago rc]

Come on Howard, this is America where we have lots of land to race big monster trucks on. No need to play with little toys. If I enjoy the TC3 over the winter I will consider getting a micro. I woud like to actually race any of the 3 vehicles I already own before I start buying Mini-T's or Micro's though!




Brian
www.chicagorc.com

[Euge]

wow, I've never seen a TC3 look that small! heheheheh

Speaking of AJ's, I will probably be going there this sunday to race. I'll let you know what the turnout for 12th scale is like. I hope that there's a good turnout for stock rubber.

[Euge]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
I still need to know the 12th scale spec is at VENTURE.....if NEXUS or EUGE happened to be there after 15th and saw there is a 12 scale class....can you guys find out what are their spec (most likely what I want to know is motor spec, battery spec, tires compound....etc)

I don' t mind asking, but I think the best way is to ask on the Venture messageboard. I know the 12th scale guys are on there.

Venture Raceways thread

That way you can introduce yourselves to them. Also, if they know two more guys are coming, then they will certainly hold a class, as it only takes 3 guys to form a class. If they don't know you're out there, then a class is less likely to form for the day.
Besides, the 15th is a long ways away. If you get your questions answered before then, you'll be ready to go on the 15th if you want. Of the guys on the board, I think the following guys race 12th scale: mattd, Nanook, trueracefan, Justin Zorc. There are a few more racers, but they aren't on the board.

[Walt]

Originally posted by Euge
wow, I've never seen a TC3 look that small! heheheheh

Speaking of AJ's, I will probably be going there this sunday to race. I'll let you know what the turnout for 12th scale is like. I hope that there's a good turnout for stock rubber.

If you could Euge, please also note what rules the 1/12th guys are following (# of cells, type of cells, type of motor, length of races). I want to show up there to race in the coming weeks, and I want to show up with the 'right stuff'.

[Euge]

Originally posted by Walt
If you could Euge, please also note what rules the 1/12th guys are following (# of cells, type of cells, type of motor, length of races). I want to show up there to race in the coming weeks, and I want to show up with the 'right stuff'.

sure, no problem. there's a messageboard for AJ's as well, but I don't think anyone really posts on it. I'll have to see for myself.

[mab_man20]

Thanks walt (stupid l's). I would really appreciate it if you would come down and help set things up. Obviously we'd let you race for free. My intention was to download the software tonight and mess around with it a little tomorrow evening. The lite software seems perfect to run 2 or 3 race days and then pending we like it more than the current software (man i just realized how stupid that sounds, of course we will like it more) we will approach Fred about purchasing it.


Brian: Im busy, but ill get that info to you asap.

[Walt]

Originally posted by mab_man20
Thanks walt (stupid l's). I would really appreciate it if you would come down and help set things up. Obviously we'd let you race for free. My intention was to download the software tonight and mess around with it a little tomorrow evening. The lite software seems perfect to run 2 or 3 race days and then pending we like it more than the current software (man i just realized how stupid that sounds, of course we will like it more) we will approach Fred about purchasing it.

Let me know when you'd like me to come to help out and I'll see if I can make it.

If you download the software, I suggest you set up your directory structure like this:

Put all the Alycat files you download into a directory you make.. I recommend that you call it: C:\program files\Alycat\Alycat8.3

That way, when never versions of Alycat come out you can also have an Alycat\8.3beta directory, and an Alycat\8.4beta directory, etc.

A lot of the Alycat 'user' files (like your data base, race results, options files, etc.) will go under 'documents and settings'. It's going to want to put these under 'C:\documents and setting\'user name'\Alycat. I recommend that you change this to C:\documents and settings\Alycat\Alycat8.3, again, so you can have different directories for future releases of the software. To make this change might require changing a couple of lines in the Alycat.ini file that is generated when you install the software.. I can show you that when I see you. If you're like me, you're also going to want to go into that .ini file to turn off some stuff like loud warning sounds and the automatic joke that comes up every time you exit the software... I don't have time for that.

Play around a little bit with it. First go into 'preferences' and select 'Access' and select 'expert'... this will turn everything on so you can see what's there. Then just start running through the rest of the preferences so you can get an idea of what's adjustable.

To set up a race, hit the 'race' button and put in the relavant info, then click on the 'driver' button and put a few drivers in, and then hit 'start'... teaching by example will be much easier, but this will be enough to get you going.

[wrxdan]

***Not RC related***

Man am I disappointed in the performance of my wireless LAN!! I have a G standard router, and one big mother of a fireplace. The 2 don't mix. I was getting signal through out the house but I never realized how slow I was communicating until I ran some CAT 5. I know G is slower then CAT 5 but still, I was moving really slow. I don't see how wireless is better now, houses have too many obstructions. Running CAT 5 is not that bad to do.

Okay done ranting.

Anyone else running a wireless LAN?

[Walt]

Originally posted by wrxdan
***Not RC related***

Man am I disappointed in the performance of my wireless LAN!! I have a G standard router, and one big mother of a fireplace. The 2 don't mix. I was getting signal through out the house but I never realized how slow I was communicating until I ran some CAT 5. I know G is slower then CAT 5 but still, I was moving really slow. I don't see how wireless is better now, houses have too many obstructions. Running CAT 5 is not that bad to do.

Okay done ranting.

Anyone else running a wireless LAN?

I ran CAT 5 throughout my house while we were building (talk about an inexpensive thing to do... I don't think it cost me more than $30 plus a couple hours of my time). My router is a wired/wireless model by D-Link. I mostly use my router for connecting from one computer to the internet, and rarely between computers, which would be the real test of speed, however, I can often hit the maximum speed allowed by my internet provider via both wired and wireless connections (1.5Mbps). The only annoying 'feature' of the D-Link router is that it stops transmitting (and receiving???) wireless signals if it has not seen any for some unknown amount of time. So if I just fire up the laptop without any desktop going, I sometimes have to turn off and back on the router to get it going again, and that requires a walk down into the basement.

BTW, I am no 'computer guy', so I probably should have just left this post alone and stick to RC questions...

[Walt]

Back to R/C stuff for me.

It has been a long while since I've raced electrics (about 16 years now). Sure, I've messed around with my Micro a little last winter and plan to do it some more this winter, but I really want to spend a few Sundays this winter with my first R/C love: 1/12th electric.

I am in the market for a battery charger, and I am seeking the advice of the electric guys on this forum. I currently own an MRC Super Brain 959 charger (Howard calls it my 'Toys R Us charger') which has worked fine for Micro, but I think I might need something a little better if I'm going to be at all serious about electric, plus, I think I'll need more than one charger come race day.

So, do you guys have any advice for me? I'm not going to put a maximum dollar amount on this purchase, but anyone that knows me knows that I like a good value (which is why I bought that 959 in the first place... not a bad AC/DC peak charger for about $45).

I'm not even sure what features I need. For instance, is it important that I be able to charge 3300 mAh batteries at 6 amp or higher (which my 959 can't do), or is 4.5 amp enough? Should I have a charger that can also discharge and cycle my batteries?

I do have a good, although heavy, DC power supply, so the charger does not NEED to be AC/DC, but I think that's a nice feature. I also would like to be able to charge 1 or 2 cells at a time for my glow starters or my wife's Walkman batteries, but that's not absolutely necessary either.

Some of the chargers I am considering include: Novak Millenium Pro, MRC 969, Reedy Quasar Pro, LRP Pulsar and the Great Planes Triton, but the best charger for me might not be on that list.

All of those chargers seem to have their strenghts and weaknesses... I'm having trouble assigning a priority to the different features so that I can make a decision and figure out the relative 'values'.

So, what do you guys think?

[Euge]

Hey Walt,

Glad to see you do some electric. Perhaps someday we can convince you to try some 1/10th scale electric.

anyway, there are some differences on how you treat Ni-MH batts versus the old Ni-Cd batts. I found this article informative:


http://www.rccaraction.com/rc/articles/NiMHbatcare1.asp

One thing about Ni-MH batts is that they do not like to be trickle charged. I used to have a Duratrax Digital Intellipeak charger, which was a great charger for the money, but you could not turn off the trickle charge feature. I ended up getting a LRP Pulsar, which is supposedly only second to the Turbo35 in terms of features. Here's a review on the Pulsar

http://www.rccaraction.com/rc/articles/lrp_pulsar.asp

However, the Pulsar cannot do single cell charging. I think the only one able to do that is the Turbo35.
Nexus has a Reedy Quasar Pro, which I think he'll say is a good charger as well. The nice thing about the Quasar Pro is that I believe it has an adjustable discharge rate up to 20A. The Pulsar only has a fixed 10A discharge. In electric, they say that ideallly you should discharge batteries at roughly the same rate that they see while in use, which is about 20-30A in a touring car (not sure if it's that high for 12th scale). I have been fine with the Pulsar's 10A discharge though. Basically, the more you run the batteries in the car, the more cycles they will see at the higher current draw. You'll see the batteries will see an improvement in voltage, but runtime will go down. The ultimate charger in my opinion is the Turbo35, but it's also over $400. I will probably get one someday and my Pulsar will be my second charger.

Oh and another nice thing about the Pulsar; there is a motor run-in feature which I use quite often. After you true the comm and install new brushes (or reserrate the old ones), you can break in the motor with the Pulsar. I think 300 seconds at 5V is recommended (the voltage applied is adjustable). It also shows you the current draw. No load current draw is meaningless, but it will definitely show you if something is binding in the motor if it draws huge current and nothing is attached. Oh, and the current is limited to 9A, so the charger won't blow up if you stall the motor. The Reedy Quasar Pro does not have a motor run in feature. Neither does the Novak Millenium.
My vote is for the LRP Pulsar
Oh, and there's a cheaper "sport" version of the Pulsar. To be honest, I'm not sure what the differences are. It might be missing the motor run-in feature.....not sure though.

[Rookie Solara]

Originally posted by wrxdan
***Not RC related***

Man am I disappointed in the performance of my wireless LAN!! I have a G standard router, and one big mother of a fireplace. The 2 don't mix. I was getting signal through out the house but I never realized how slow I was communicating until I ran some CAT 5. I know G is slower then CAT 5 but still, I was moving really slow. I don't see how wireless is better now, houses have too many obstructions. Running CAT 5 is not that bad to do.

Okay done ranting.

Anyone else running a wireless LAN?

If you come to my house...........you will see my entire house is NETWORK and CAT 5 accessible for the entire HOUSE except BATHROOM.....I spend full weeks before I move in to wire the entire house "NET" ready.........it is well worth it.....but believe it or not, I still use 56K dial up now...just refuse to pay $80 for the ComCast Digital cable when I can only pay $26.99 for DSL and 2 times faster then cable....

Just don't ask me how much I spend on the bridges, swtich boards and all those plugs....to have all 20 zones wired...you need to spend some money, and one thing that is a plus....INCREASE house value, when my neighbour saw my setup, he too hired someone to wire the whole house with CAT5.

However, my brother use some wireless network thing on his laptop...and his speed is about 20% slower then the cat5..........I think that is not too bad at all...

[Rookie Solara]

I will second the "Reedy Quasar Pro" by AE.............about $170 (from Albert) and does way more then enough for my battery.....again, just looking at the batteries we use on micro and 1/12th pan car (or never know...may be TC too...?) I think spending $170 for a TOP of the line charger is well worth it.

But I am limited myself to this charger over the PULSE is......I don't like to buy charger that does DC only.....almost all the GOOD and high end charger (like Novak Millanium or Pulse) are DC only...you need power supply to make it work, even at home.

Reedy one is AC/DC use both..............that is the MAIN reason I get that charger.

Beside...there are 2 computer used exhaust fans on top of the charger to vent all the heat away from the charger........and sometimes, they sounds like my small block 12 engine, I love it....

[HauntedMyst]

I would recommend the Integy 16x7 over the Reedy Charger, simply because of the warranty. They are the exact same charge, made by the same people, except the Integy can discharge to 30amps and the fan is on the side. You can get them for $150 to $175 on ebay. I've been using it for a year without a false peak or a failure of any kind.

http://integy.automated-shops.com/cg...09103206722.c0

[Euge]

Originally posted by Rookie Solara
I will second the "Reedy Quasar Pro" by AE.............

wait.....my vote was for the Pulsar :P

I think if you need AC/DC, Quasar is the way to go. Walt said he didn't need the AC, so my vote is for the Pulsar. It's got the motor-run in feature and generally gets better reviews than the Quasar Pro.

The Pulsar is about the same price as the Quasar. You get more features with the Pulsar, but at the sacrifice of no AC.

so if you're okay with DC only, I vote Pulsar.
However, you can't go wrong with either. At the track, I generally only see Turbo35's, Pulsars and Quasars (and a few Milleniums).

[Euge]

Originally posted by HauntedMyst
I would recommend the Integy 16x7 over the Reedy Charger, simply because of the warranty. They are the exact same charge, made by the same people, except the Integy can discharge to 30amps and the fan is on the side.

That's a nice charger too. I see a few of those at the track as well.

[Walt]

OK... this is good... getting some thoughts here on chargers... I knew you guys wouldn't let me down.

Ability to turn off the trickle charge... hadn't thought of that feature. I'll have to go back through my comparison chart I'm making and add that line.

The Pulsar: Euge said it can't do a single cell. Well, my 'comparison chart' has it down as being able to do 1-8 cells... I looked around to see where I got that, and it's the 'Specs' part of the Tower Hobbies listing for the charger. I can't find that info anywhere else, so it's suspect. Are you sure it can not do 1-8 cells as claimed by Tower (I'm guessing you're sure, since you own one)? I also have the MRC969 and the Great Planes Triton down as being single cell compatible, by the way.

The 'motor run in' feature seemed a little silly to me at first. Since this charger is DC only, I'm going to have to lug around my power supply anyways, so what's the difference if I leave the power supply set to 12 volts and use the charger to kick it down to 5 volts verses just setting my power supply to 5 volts? Maybe so I can continue to use the power supply to power a different, 12 volt charger? Maybe it's more for people with a 'fixed' 12 volt power supply or only a 12 volt battery, or maybe I'm missing something.

The Quasar Pro: about the same price as the LRP. I have it down as suitable for 4-8 cells only, but maybe the LRP is the same, not 1-8 like Tower says. The current can't go as high (only 6.5 amp verses 8 amp), but I don't think that the NiMH's we use now can handle that much current anyways. The discharge rate is higher and adjustable. No motor break in feature, but I've got an adjustable power supply anyways... but then again, if I have the Quasar, I don't need to bring along my power supply because this charger is AC/DC.

I'm going to take a closer look at the Quasar and Pulsar, based on your recommendations...

[Walt]

Can the LRP Pulsar be set to automatically cycle a battery pack (charge then discharge then repeat a number of times?) I'm thinking this might be a nice selling feature for me since my packs will be sitting unused all summer long (when nitro flows through my veins), so it might be nice to be able to set the charger to cycle my packs every month or so, and not have to do much other than hook them up.

I'm surprised how difficult it is to get good information on-line about these chargers... Maybe I'm not looking in the right spots, but I'd really like to download the manuals.