I'm a complete newb, please help

tbreen

Member
Messages
6
Hi there,

Last year we gave our son a ECX amp buggy for his birthday, he's only 7, so he runs it pretty hard. Just recently, the steering stopped working. I've searched the forum and I see posts that are similar, but I'm trying to connect all of the dots and could use some help. From what I've read, I think I need a few things to get his buggy working again:

1.) a new steering servo, was thinking this is a good option: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-HD-1...ard-Servo-SAVOX-JR-HITECH-FUTABA/323860001704
--- possibly adding this as well in order to remove the wobble in reverse: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RPM-R-C-Pr...iminator-Bellcrank-Black-ECX-2wd/263869417073

2.) a new ESC, I think this might work, but I'm not sure: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbywing-HWI30120201-Quicrun-1060-Brushed/dp/B01LZHBJ85

3.) possibly this too: https://www.horizonhobby.com/TACL0325

My first question is, are these all of the right parts? My second question is, how do I install all of them? I didn't take the buggy apart completely, but the steering servo swap looks pretty straightforward. Replacing the ESC looks a little more difficult, is the unit glued the the main chassis?

My apologies in advance for starting a new thread and asking basic questions. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim
 
The esc is attached by double sided adhesive sometimes it can be tricky to get off. It might be easiest to twist the esc to break the tape. The esc you picked (hobbywing 1060) should work just fine but it has a Tamiya plug and will need an adaptor or solder a new plug.

In terms of the radio system I think you need to buy a new remote and receiver combo. Different radio brands aren’t cross compatible.
 
The esc is attached by double sided adhesive sometimes it can be tricky to get off. It might be easiest to twist the esc to break the tape. The esc you picked (hobbywing 1060) should work just fine but it has a Tamiya plug and will need an adaptor or solder a new plug.

In terms of the radio system I think you need to buy a new remote and receiver combo. Different radio brands aren’t cross compatible.
Thanks Kyle, maybe I'll just get the OEM ESC to avoid the adapter and/or soldering.
 
Hi there,

Last year we gave our son a ECX amp buggy for his birthday, he's only 7, so he runs it pretty hard. Just recently, the steering stopped working. I've searched the forum and I see posts that are similar, but I'm trying to connect all of the dots and could use some help. From what I've read, I think I need a few things to get his buggy working again:

1.) a new steering servo, was thinking this is a good option: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-HD-1...ard-Servo-SAVOX-JR-HITECH-FUTABA/323860001704
--- possibly adding this as well in order to remove the wobble in reverse: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RPM-R-C-Pr...iminator-Bellcrank-Black-ECX-2wd/263869417073

2.) a new ESC, I think this might work, but I'm not sure: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbywing-HWI30120201-Quicrun-1060-Brushed/dp/B01LZHBJ85

3.) possibly this too: https://www.horizonhobby.com/TACL0325

My first question is, are these all of the right parts? My second question is, how do I install all of them? I didn't take the buggy apart completely, but the steering servo swap looks pretty straightforward. Replacing the ESC looks a little more difficult, is the unit glued the the main chassis?

My apologies in advance for starting a new thread and asking basic questions. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

If you don't want to use a different motor, are happy with the stock speed and motor you don't have to get another esc and receiver. If the motor still works and runs and just the servo is bad you can just replace the servo.

The servo you picked will work with the stock 2 in 1 esc/rx. If you want more speed and want to move to lipo batteries then get another esc.
 
Ya play around with it a little till you can get a little experience. Once you get past the initial learning curve the hobby can be really fun. Once you get fairly experienced and learn how to make these cars run their lives out and keep on going...things can get ridiculously hilarious with friends around.

Side note: soldering sounds like a daunting task at first, it was for me it takes time and practice some prefer a solder gun some like the solder iron. It isn’t all that bad after a while.
 
I think you need to take the car apart and figure out what is wrong, before you go and spend a bunch of money. It could be something simple like the servo saver or bellcrank or something like that.

Don't fix something until you know what's broken.
 
I have to agree with @RazorRC, pinpoint the issue first, is it something wrong with the mechanical steering, or something wrong with the steering servo. Right now from reading your post it doesn't sound like you truly know what the issue is.

Take the car and set it on a block or a box, so the wheels are off the ground.
Plug in a freshly charged battery, and turn the car and Transmitter on.
Does the steering work then?
Does the throttle work? Wheels spin?
If the steering does not turn the wheels, can you hear the steering servo whine like it is moving? Could be a stripped servo horn.
Could be a rock wedged in the bellcrank, I've actually had this happen.
Pinpoint exactly whats wrong, unless of course you, want, to buy all new stuff for it.
 
The ECX has great manuals on how to put together the whole car: part-by-part.
Download the manual and stat to become familiar with all the parts and how they fit together.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone! I don't know what is exactly wrong, you are right about that. The rear wheels have power , but the steering does not respond at all. I don't think the steering servo is reacting , but I will test it as you suggested tonight.
 
Did you check to make sure that the servo plug to the receiver is in tight. Its not a common fix, but would cause the issue that you're having. Sometimes its hard to troubleshoot these things without a second car to compare to. It sounds like the servo isn't getting power. If you turn the steering trim on your transmitter, does the servo trim? My guess is its servo wiring, which pretty much means new servo.
 

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