Best steering servos and radio options for vintage RC10.

[Bormac]

Here is the-

BMS-661DMG+HS Super Fast Digital Servo (MG) 6.4kg / .08sec / 46.5g

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9442__BMS_661DMG_HS_Super_Fast_Digital_Servo_MG_6_4kg_08sec_46_5g.html?strSearch=661

I have had a lot of success with these in most of my cars. What are your thoughts on the specs guys?

[CAT3K]

I use Futaba S3050 servos in all my runners. They're digital and a great price. I know they are not the fastest servos out there, but they are very accuracte, and speed isn't everything

I did once try one of the cheaper brand servos, but found that the speed compromised its accuracy. It tented to overshoot.

Paul.

[Stumpy]

Just one thing to be aware of with Futaba digital servos..

Taken from the servo manual..
COMMENTS: S9451 Digital Servo Precautions,

When Installing the Servo Please Check Pushrod Linkage To Make
Sure There Is No Binding in Order To Prevent Excessive Power
Consumption and Decrease the Life of the Motor and Battery.

This digital servo cannot be used with the following * AM *
transmitters as the servo neutral signal is: 1310us).
CONQUEST AM, FG Series (T4FG, T5FGK,T6FG, T6FGK, T7FGK), New Terratop,
T3EGX, T3PGE, T2NL, T2LGX, T2FR, T2PK series.

For full performance of digital servos, please use them only with FM,
PCM, and HRS systems. Do not use digital servos with AM systems.
jpg 9/19/07

Manual - http://www.gpdealera.com/cgi-bin/wgainf100p.pgm?I=FUTM0662

The Futaba S9402 analog servo may be a suitable alternative for those not being able to use a digital servo.. Still costs $80 though..
http://www.gpdealera.com/cgi-bin/wgainf100p.pgm?I=FUTM0102

Mark..

[kink]

Thanks guys. I have decided to buy a new Futaba 3GR radio. I will then decide on a Futaba servo to go with it.

I am tempted by a Tekin FXR pro ESC. But I may look at other ESC which will allow the use of both brushed and BL motors.

[Y'ernat Al]

This is a chart I saw a long while ago, and it is cool Futaba still has it up:

http://www.futaba-rc.com/servos/discontinued-servos.html

I run a Savox SH1250MG as a modern analog (pun intended) to the Futabe S132H (25oz-in 13/60) that I had in 1985-86. If you are going to run a servo saver, the bunch of torque provided by modern mg servos is wasted imo. I went fast and light with the Savox. It's not even intended for a 1/10 car but a 1/12 pan car/helicopter actually. All the car servos these days have metal gears to run sans servo saver, and enough torque to turn a clod.

[jwscab]

for me, not a 'racer', the guy behind the steering control is the slowest part of the system, so even the S3004, cheap futaba ball bearing servo is good enough to run around and get the job done.

[Y'ernat Al]

for me, not a 'racer', the guy behind the steering control is the slowest part of the system, so even the S3004, cheap futaba ball bearing servo is good enough to run around and get the job done.

I agree. Let me be clear I am a fake racer. I just needed to help to figure out how to keep the nose out of the oncoming double whoop.

[Coelacanth]

I use Futaba S3050 servos in all my runners. They're digital and a great price. I know they are not the fastest servos out there, but they are very accuracte, and speed isn't everything

I would agree, for me it's more important to have accurate centering. It seems every servo I used back in the day--mostly Futaba S48, S148 and S3003--didn't center accurately. Turn one way and let the controller wheel go neutral, and the wheels don't quite go back to center.

[JK Racing]

I did test the HP high voltage servo in my buggy last night. Plenty strong, no issues centering that I could tell, but (for me personally) it felt a bit slow. I will swap the 2 between the buggy/crawler and see how the other servo (LHS brand) feels. Might be a little before I can get feedback though, I dont get to the track as often as I would like.

[Lonestar]

for me, not a 'racer', the guy behind the steering control is the slowest part of the system, so even the S3004, cheap futaba ball bearing servo is good enough to run around and get the job done.

Joe, believe me - unless you crash every other corner and you can't hold a pistol radio to save your life, a 0.12s/60deg WILL make you a better driver. Tires and steering servo are the most critical upgrade someone can do to their car...

My 6yo daughter has a (supposedly hi-perf) bluebird in her Ansmann Mad Rat, and it certainly doesnt' deliver on its promises.

I've tried towerpro servos and they are total junk

Stay with brand name $50 servos and your car's front end will thank you

Paul

[Lonestar]

I use Futaba S3050 servos in all my runners. They're digital and a great price. I know they are not the fastest servos out there, but they are very accuracte, and speed isn't everything

I would agree, for me it's more important to have accurate centering. It seems every servo I used back in the day--mostly Futaba S48, S148 and S3003--didn't center accurately. Turn one way and let the controller wheel go neutral, and the wheels don't quite go back to center.

to be fair, these servos you are mentionning were the most entry-level servos one could find in that era... not just the centering, but also torque, speed, overshoot, they were entry-level in all these aspects, great products, but every car beneficiated from being upgraded to a better one asap

Guys, don't skimp on steering servos, really... with tires, they are really what "drive" the car, and the difference between a $10 and a $60 servo is shocking (above $60, you reach diminishing returns)

Paul

[jwscab]

Thanks Paul, I'll have to investigate when it comes time to pick up another servo.

[85Edinger]

I almost got the s3050, but at only $15 more, I think the Hitec 7965 is a better value. It's faster, stronger, and coreless. If your budget is $50 I do think the s3050 is a good choice.

[askbob]

Quit being so cheap dammit!!
Just break out a Benjamin and get the good stuff.

[CAT3K]

There's one other consideration i forgot to mention when choosing servos.

Some servos are super power hungry (Savox etc) compared to Futaba, and when you use an ESC with a low rated BEC you can have sudden power loss to the whole system due to the servo drawing too much power from the BEC. Basically the servo deprives the reciever of power and it can shut down for a few seconds (browning out)

Just check the specs of the ESC you eventually buy that the BEC is rated to roughly 3 amps, then you shouldn't have too many problems, unless you buy an LRP SXX...

Paul.