Always secure the steering servo with servo posts (available from most
model shops - those used in the Mardave Hot Rod kits are ideal).
Use tie-wraps or fibreglass reinforced tape to bind the speed control servo
to the metal plate, this will stop as much movement as possible and stop the
servo becoming detatched in a collision.
Cut down the plastic contact disk on the speedcontroller to leave only a
strip where the contacts are fixed. Solder wires directly to the copper
contacts. This allows easier inspection and cleaning and gives more power.
Keep the printed circuit board on the speed controller clean with fine
abrasive paper, use a contact grease to minimise arcing.
Replace the speed controller wires with high quality silicone wire (such as
Orion) and use heat shrink tubing where they join the connectors.
Replace the Mardave battery connectors with higher quality items, Orion,
Powerpole or Corally connectors are good.
Shorten the bent over ends of the track rods where they go through the
steering arms and use extra 'swing keepers' to hold in place.
Hot Rod (V-12) Tips
Always secure the steering servo with servo posts.
Cut down the plastic contact disk on the speedcontroller to leave only a
strip where the contacts are fixed. Solder wires directly to the copper
contacts. This allows easier inspection and cleaning and gives more power.
Keep the printed circuit board on the speed controller clean with fine
abrasive paper, use a contact grease to minimise arcing.
Replace the speed controller wires with high quality silicone wire (such as
Orion) and use heat shrink tubing where they join the connectors.
Replace the Mardave battery connectors with higher quality items, Orion,
Powerpole or Corally connectors are good.
Hints & Tips from visitors...
These hints and tips from Darren Carrod - High
Wycombe Ministox Club
* Solder a short wire between the front and back of the second metal strip
on the speed controller. This acts as a brake, and slows the car down quicker
when you back off the throttle - allows you to go faster into the corners. (Mardave will also supply a resistor kit to do this job, but
this gives less braking effect - Tim)
* Add an extra resistor (connected in parallel) to your second speed
resistor - this will give you a higher second speed. (or
try replacing the resistors with different values. Replace the first speed
resistor for a higher first and second speed, or as Darren suggests just the
second speed resistor for a higher second speed only - Tim)
* Stick a piece of card or tape under the front of the front axle, so that
the axle is leaning backwards slightly when mounted - this gives you king pin
inclination and a more stable front end.
* Before fitting a new motor, connect it to a battery and run it underwater
for about 5 seconds. This will clean the contacts and give you more power - but
a shorter motor life.
Hints & Tips wanted!
If you have any hints or tips about Mardave Ministocks or Hot Rod cars
mail me and I'll include them here (with
full credit given of course).
