New Vintage Electrics - Use 'em, Lose 'em, or Save 'em ?

[MikeyD]

Ok, i found these today while digging through some more boxes...

NIP Vintage Futaba PCM1024 w/ R113iP rcvr and 2 S132 servos .





NIP Vintage Tekin ESC600PXT speed controller .






I was about to buy a new ESC for one of my runners, then i found the Tekin. It's the exact same one i been using in my RC10 graphite since '89, and it's been great.

But i'm uncertain if i should use it, or just go ahead and buy something like this - http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAXU1&P=ML
or this - http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAXU0&P=ML

for the runner i'm building.

Dont really need the radio gear, but the servos might be useful in a pan car. If i remember correctly, the S132 servos were fairly fast..

Anywaze, what do you guys think about using such stuff in runners?
Would you?

Any suggestions or rants appreciated!

Thanks
Mike

[scr8p]

i'd put that tekin esc in something special, and never turn it on. but, that's just me.

[teshreve]

The radio will be fine to use. PCM is sweet for avoiding glitches and someone getting on your channel. If it is like my old JR 756 PCM radio, it will have a failsafe mode.

I'd use a newer ESC, however. Not necessarily a new ESC, but gen 1 stuff is fairly poor in regards to efficiency and motor wear. I think you would actually notice a difference in run time as well as smoothness. ...and maybe even "punch". And there is the issue of being able to repair it.

[carloco8]

Keep that tekin minty in the pack. I can't input advice on the controller, I don't know much about futabas anymore since I started using airtronics equipment as soon as the 3P Caliber controller came out in '91. If brand name isn't an issue, then I say go for that duratrax speedo.

[JR]

Ide hold onto it for a nice resto or shelf queen project, or send it to me to hold on to.

I tried a LRP 7.1 for my XXX-4 GP and I really liked it. Before I was using all Novak's. Ive had more than a few problems with dead ESC's from them so I went with the LRP. I only own one, but it worked great. Ide look into the LRP pro for just a little bit more cash, but Ide say its better than the duratrax esc.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRE98&P=7

[MikeyD]

Good Points all - Thanks for your input.

I just tested the radio, and it works perfectly - I use the exact same radio for my 3 runners ( each has it's own 113iP rcvr). the rcvrs are still available, but the controller isnt even "repairable" according to Futaba's website. so i think the thing to do is keep the controller as a spare in case my main one ever craps out. It's been a really good and Reliable controller - you're correct Ron, i've Never had any glitching or other issues when using it, even after all these years.

As for the tekin ... i have NOTHING so special as to deserve a $130 esc that will never be turned on! So it'll probably go on the Bay - maybe it will fetch enough to buy a decent New one. I read a review somewhere on that Duratrax, and it seems a pretty good buy for the money.

Thanks Again Guys for your suggestions!