Vintage Kyosho Rocky - NiCad to NiMH conversion

[Makers]

The punch setting on the speed control is more of a soft start so if you nail the throttle it feeds it in more gradually stopping shock loading the transmission and reducing wheel spin .

Got it. Thanks.

[Makers]

Thanks, @Coelacanth . Do the speed controllers you're referring to incorporate variable gearing? I think the only way you can reduce torque (without also reducing speed) is by changing the gearing. Let me know!

No, not gearing, just "computer magic". The ESC can be programmed to deliver power in a non-linear fashion.

I pilfered this chart from the interweb. It was made for a different purpose, but will work as an example. The red line is linear throttle input with no signal shaping from the ESC. Moving the throttle trigger any amount from 0-100% results in 0-100% of battery power being applied to the motor. The blue line is "softer", meaning the ESC doesn't apply power as quickly as you move the trigger. Full throttle is still full throttle, but less power is delivered initially to avoid spinning or damaging the transmission. Conversely, the green line has a more aggressive curve, giving you power even faster than you move the trigger, to launch you out of a turn.

The blue line is good for loose surfaces and also reduces driveline stress. In your case, this is what you want.

The green line is better suited for 2WD on a high bite surface or a 4WD buggy.

Understood. Some smarts are built to prevent you from tearing up the gear train if you slam on the accelerator from a standing start.

[HS-YZ250]

So far my Rocky has held up to brushless power with the Le Mans 19.5 running on driveways and tennis courts with dirt oval tires. The gears are 32 pitch so pretty tough. It's the metal beveled diff gears with the outdrive splines I'm most concerned about. Those seem to be pewter or some other soft metal. But they're holding so far. I'd wager making sure you have the right outdrive springs to keep them from backing out. so you always have full spline engagement is important.

[Makers]

Thanks! More than I bargained for, but thanks!