electric car going slower

[gary]

My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic problem
my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as if
all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
received. Gary.

[ian]

"gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
: My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
: reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
: forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic problem
: my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as if
: all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
: changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
: received. Gary.
:
Make and model of car please

[Richard]

"ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
> : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
> : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic problem
> : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as if
> : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
> : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
> : received. Gary.
> :
> Make and model of car please
>

That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a very
limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the resistor
burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or very
rarely the servo fails.

Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg

If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean the
surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn the
wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on the radio
OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed controller
(ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a replacement MSC
unit depending on brand and features.


Cheers

[TyBreaker]

Richard wrote:
> That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
> that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a very
> limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the resistor
> burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or very
> rarely the servo fails.

That would also explain why reverse runs better than forwards because
reverse probably gets less of a work-out and so is in better condition.

--
______ ___ __
/_ __/_ __/ _ )_______ ___ _/ /_____ ____
/ / / // / _ / __/ -_) _ `/ '_/ -_) __/
/_/ \_, /____/_/ \__/\_,_/_/\_\\__/_/
/___/

There are 10 types of people in this world; those who understand the
binary numbering system and those who don't.

There's no place like 127.0.0.1.

ASCII a silly question, get a silly ANSI.

On a clear disk you can seek forever.

[Richard]

"TyBreaker" <tybreakerNO@SPAMhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4562ae4f$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> Richard wrote:
> > That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
> > that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a
very
> > limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the
resistor
> > burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or
very
> > rarely the servo fails.
>
> That would also explain why reverse runs better than forwards because
> reverse probably gets less of a work-out and so is in better condition.
>

Yep and the reason I suggested turning the motor wires around and reversing
the servo on the controller. Basically turns the reverse controls into
forwards.

Like the old age discussion further up, I use to do this in the days when
there was no such thing as a ESC.

Cheers

[Marcus Redd]

"Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
news:45627f57$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> "ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
>> "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
>> : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
>> : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
>> : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic problem
>> : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as if
>> : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
>> : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
>> : received. Gary.
>> :
>> Make and model of car please
>>
>
> That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
> that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a
> very
> limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the resistor
> burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or
> very
> rarely the servo fails.
>
> Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
> http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
> http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg
>
> If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean the
> surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn the
> wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on the
> radio
> OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed controller
> (ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a replacement MSC
> unit depending on brand and features.

Just to hijack this thread, I've got a new chassis for my Kyosho Lazer Alpha
so it'll be running for a little while longer. Can I change the MSC (woohoo,
I got to use a TLA!) for an electric one, and, if so, could anyone recommend
one that would be suitable? Btw, the controller on my Alpha looks like the
second link above.

Cheers!

[pmpjohn]

If this car is using a really cheap motor, one without replacable brushes, the timing will change as the brushes wear. The timing will retard in the forward direction and advance in reverse so it will run faster in reverse than in forward.

John

[Richard]

"Marcus Redd" <read@it.com> wrote in message
news:4564315d$0$5653$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com...
> "Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
> news:45627f57$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> > "ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> > news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
> >> "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> >> news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> >> : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
> >> : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
> >> : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic
problem
> >> : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as
if
> >> : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
> >> : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
> >> : received. Gary.
> >> :
> >> Make and model of car please
> >>
> >
> > That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
> > that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a
> > very
> > limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the
resistor
> > burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or
> > very
> > rarely the servo fails.
> >
> > Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg
> >
> > If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean the
> > surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn the
> > wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on the
> > radio
> > OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed controller
> > (ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a replacement
MSC
> > unit depending on brand and features.
>
> Just to hijack this thread, I've got a new chassis for my Kyosho Lazer
Alpha
> so it'll be running for a little while longer. Can I change the MSC
(woohoo,
> I got to use a TLA!) for an electric one, and, if so, could anyone
recommend
> one that would be suitable? Btw, the controller on my Alpha looks like the
> second link above.
>
> Cheers!
>

Yep it shouldn't be a problem.

The only thing you want to base your buying on is the type of motor and
battery you will be using.

If your using a 7.2v battery and nothing higher with a stock motor then
almost any cheap ESC will do, the only other discission you have to make is
if you want a forward/brake ESC or one with forward/brake/reverse.

ESC's come in variations depending on the number of cells (or volts) and the
number of turns in the motor. Base your buying on this and you should be
right but personally I usually buy my ESC's for the maximum in all
categories that way I know I will be able to use it in future upgrades.

[Marcus Redd]

"Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
news:45646631$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> "Marcus Redd" <read@it.com> wrote in message
> news:4564315d$0$5653$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com...
>> "Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:45627f57$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
>> > "ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>> > news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
>> >> "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
>> >> : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
>> >> : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
>> >> : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic
> problem
>> >> : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as
> if
>> >> : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
>> >> : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help
>> >> gratefully
>> >> : received. Gary.
>> >> :
>> >> Make and model of car please
>> >>
>> >
>> > That would help but from what has been described already I would
>> > suggest
>> > that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a
>> > very
>> > limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the
> resistor
>> > burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or
>> > very
>> > rarely the servo fails.
>> >
>> > Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
>> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
>> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg
>> >
>> > If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean the
>> > surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn
>> > the
>> > wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on the
>> > radio
>> > OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed
>> > controller
>> > (ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a replacement
> MSC
>> > unit depending on brand and features.
>>
>> Just to hijack this thread, I've got a new chassis for my Kyosho Lazer
> Alpha
>> so it'll be running for a little while longer. Can I change the MSC
> (woohoo,
>> I got to use a TLA!) for an electric one, and, if so, could anyone
> recommend
>> one that would be suitable? Btw, the controller on my Alpha looks like
>> the
>> second link above.
>>
>> Cheers!
>>
>
> Yep it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> The only thing you want to base your buying on is the type of motor and
> battery you will be using.
>
> If your using a 7.2v battery and nothing higher with a stock motor then
> almost any cheap ESC will do, the only other discission you have to make
> is
> if you want a forward/brake ESC or one with forward/brake/reverse.
>
> ESC's come in variations depending on the number of cells (or volts) and
> the
> number of turns in the motor. Base your buying on this and you should be
> right but personally I usually buy my ESC's for the maximum in all
> categories that way I know I will be able to use it in future upgrades.

Thanks Richard - I'll look into this the morra, when I should be working...
;o)

I'll just be using the 7.2v batteries and the standard (was it a 540?) motor
that came with the car.

[Marcus Redd]

"pmpjohn" <pmpjohn.2hoggb@rcgroups.com> wrote in message
news:pmpjohn.2hoggb@rcgroups.com...
>
> If this car is using a really cheap motor, one without replacable
> brushes, the timing will change as the brushes wear. The timing will
> retard in the forward direction and advance in reverse so it will run
> faster in reverse than in forward.

So if he just rotates the motor 180deg he should be fine, right?

;o)

[Richard]

"Marcus Redd" <read@it.com> wrote in message
news:4564b1ba$0$5447$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com...
> "Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
> news:45646631$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> > "Marcus Redd" <read@it.com> wrote in message
> > news:4564315d$0$5653$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com...
> >> "Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
> >> news:45627f57$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> >> > "ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> >> > news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
> >> >> "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> >> >> : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
> >> >> : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
> >> >> : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic
> > problem
> >> >> : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks
as
> > if
> >> >> : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert.
We
> >> >> : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help
> >> >> gratefully
> >> >> : received. Gary.
> >> >> :
> >> >> Make and model of car please
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> > That would help but from what has been described already I would
> >> > suggest
> >> > that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have
a
> >> > very
> >> > limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the
> > resistor
> >> > burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller
or
> >> > very
> >> > rarely the servo fails.
> >> >
> >> > Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
> >> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
> >> > http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg
> >> >
> >> > If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean
the
> >> > surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn
> >> > the
> >> > wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on
the
> >> > radio
> >> > OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed
> >> > controller
> >> > (ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a
replacement
> > MSC
> >> > unit depending on brand and features.
> >>
> >> Just to hijack this thread, I've got a new chassis for my Kyosho Lazer
> > Alpha
> >> so it'll be running for a little while longer. Can I change the MSC
> > (woohoo,
> >> I got to use a TLA!) for an electric one, and, if so, could anyone
> > recommend
> >> one that would be suitable? Btw, the controller on my Alpha looks like
> >> the
> >> second link above.
> >>
> >> Cheers!
> >>
> >
> > Yep it shouldn't be a problem.
> >
> > The only thing you want to base your buying on is the type of motor and
> > battery you will be using.
> >
> > If your using a 7.2v battery and nothing higher with a stock motor then
> > almost any cheap ESC will do, the only other discission you have to make
> > is
> > if you want a forward/brake ESC or one with forward/brake/reverse.
> >
> > ESC's come in variations depending on the number of cells (or volts) and
> > the
> > number of turns in the motor. Base your buying on this and you should
be
> > right but personally I usually buy my ESC's for the maximum in all
> > categories that way I know I will be able to use it in future upgrades.
>
> Thanks Richard - I'll look into this the morra, when I should be
working...
> ;o)
>
> I'll just be using the 7.2v batteries and the standard (was it a 540?)
motor
> that came with the car.
>

BTW - I don't know the similarities between the Lazer Alpha and the ZXR,
but I had many great races with my ZXR. It was a awesome handling buggy and
super fast. I use to run 6, 7 & 8 cell packs and either a 11T triple wind
motor or a 16T double. I even took it onroad racing for a while with foam
tyres and either a Porsche 911 or 65 Mustang body and had just as much fun
but in the end I needed the money and sold it to a friend that destroyed it.


Cheers

[Marcus Redd]

"Richard" <DK@Hotmail.com.au> wrote in message
news:45652475$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> BTW - I don't know the similarities between the Lazer Alpha and the ZXR,
> but I had many great races with my ZXR. It was a awesome handling buggy
> and
> super fast. I use to run 6, 7 & 8 cell packs and either a 11T triple wind
> motor or a 16T double. I even took it onroad racing for a while with foam
> tyres and either a Porsche 911 or 65 Mustang body and had just as much fun
> but in the end I needed the money and sold it to a friend that destroyed
> it.

Ah, shame - but yes, it's a fun car to drive, not that I've anything to
compare it to. It's particularly fun with some foam tyres on a wet (smooth)
road where it drifts quite nicely.

Thanks again for replying - much appreciated!

[gary]

Richard wrote:
> "ian" <r.lincoln@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:Mfr8h.24123$GX2.7745@newsfe7-gui.ntli.net...
> >
> > "gary" <gary_seaman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1164058119.119636.243000@e3g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> > : My sons electric car has lost its performance going forwards. In
> > : reverse it goes ok. In fact it now runs quicker backwards than
> > : forwards. Any ideas as to whats wrong? It could be a very basic problem
> > : my son (10) has taken the model apart several times but it looks as if
> > : all the screws and cogs are in the right place but i'm no expert. We
> > : changed the batteries just in case no difference. Any help gratefully
> > : received. Gary.
> > :
> > Make and model of car please
> >
>
> That would help but from what has been described already I would suggest
> that it probably has a mechanical speed controller (MSC). MSC's have a very
> limited life due to a few things, dirt getting on the pads or the resistor
> burning out or constant reverse to forward action on the controller or very
> rarely the servo fails.
>
> Does the speed controller look anything like these two pictures?
> http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tamc2298.jpg
> http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tram2818.jpg
>
> If so the fix is pretty simple and you have a couple options, clean the
> surface of the electric connections and replace the resistor OR turn the
> wires around on the motor and reverse the throttle servo switch on the radio
> OR throw it in the bin and replace it with a electronic speed controller
> (ESC) which should cost you only a few more dollars than a replacement MSC
> unit depending on brand and features.
>
>
> Cheers

We turned the wires around, they had connectors so I simply unplugged
and swapped them around. The car now goes faster forwards than
backwards and Russell is happy playing with his car again thank you.
PS. I couldnt view the pictures and cant make out what make of
controller we have. It has a heat sink on the top and says things like
digital hi frequency reversible digi pro 200 one touch setup and two
LEDS.
PPS. could Russell have changed the setup by mistake? The model was 2nd
hand so I dont know how to do a "one touch setup"

[gary]

pmpjohn wrote:
> If this car is using a really cheap motor, one without replacable
> brushes, the timing will change as the brushes wear. The timing will
> retard in the forward direction and advance in reverse so it will run
> faster in reverse than in forward.
>
> John
>
>
> --
> pmpjohn
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> pmpjohn's Profile: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=6648
> View this thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=599638

we swapped the wires over and then switch over the controller the motor
now runs quicker forwards than backwards, thanks for your help.