DIY Network

RC On-Road Racers: Motor and Battery Upgrades From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-302

Chris Chianelli performs some engine and battery-power hop-ups on the TC3® racer by Team Associated®.

In this segment of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli continues the modifications on the TC3® racer with motor and battery hop-ups.

Materials used in this episode:

Pliers
Solder
Solder gun
Hex driver
Allen wrench
9/16" wrench

Important: This demonstration shows provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular radio-control model racer. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours -- whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can typically be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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Figure A

Electric-Motor Upgrade

Chris installs a Reedy Spec® high-powered motor (figure A) on our project car. The upgrade motor is a 19-spec motor -- signifying 19 turns around each armature pole -- just like the stock motor in the TC3. The difference is that the stock motor has two magnets while the hotter Reedy Spec has 4 magnets eliminating the need for an upgrade to the speed controller. Here are the steps for installing the higher performance motor.

• Solder the capacitor on (figure B).

  Soldering Tip: A good solder connection will appear shiny when completed.

• Loosen the grub screw on the pinion gear (figure C).

• Loosen and remove the end bell screw.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Separate the motor-shaft from the pinion gear and lift the old motor out.

• Set in the new motor in place (figure D) taking care to ensure the proper angle for installation of the shaft into the pinion.

• Once the motor is in place, retighten the grub screw on the pinion gear (figure E).

• Install the end-bell screw.

• Snap the heat sink onto the motor.

Figure D

Figure E

Installing New Batteries

When racing electric on-road racers, the types of batteries used can be very important. Chris installs a Reedy® matched battery pack (figure F) -- batteries that have been measured for precise charged and matched using a computer. This makes for a more efficient power source for the motor than standard batteries. The matched pack costs more than ordinary batteries, but is a worthwhile upgrade for serious racers.

The battery pack snaps in easily. Chris installed this battery upgrade along with an anodized aluminum battery strap for a sportier appearances (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

In the segment that follows, Chris takes a trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on their Community Day -- where spectators get to see the track, cars and drivers up close.

Model specs:

Electrics TC3®
by Team Associated

Length......14.4 inches
Width 7.5 inches
Engine...... Electric
Assembly......Ready to run.
Street Price .... $350 to $500

In the segment that follows, Chris takes a trip to the world-famous Indianapolis Speedway where some RC racing is taking place in addition to the larger scale variety.

RESOURCES :

TC-3 Road Racer from TEAM ASSOCIATED®
Associated Electrics Inc.
Website: www.teamassociated.com

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.net