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up to get it away from the chassis. Also move it away from the
side of the chassis.
Try moving the receiver up to the shock tower and
mount the antenna on the rear bulkhead or shock tower.
Dress the radio wires well away from the power leads
from the motor or battery.
Move the antenna wire away from the servo wires,
which can generate a signal into the antenna wire.
The new, high frequency speed controls now also
generate a low frequency signal which can cause interference
with the receiver. Try to keep them at least two inches apart
if possible.
If you have one of the new Schottky diodes, make
sure that it is soldered on correctly. If soldered on backwards
it will make the motor feel like it is shorted out.
Keep in mind that you can also run into outside
interference at times, and the 75 mhz radio band will tend to
be more susceptable to this problem than the 27 mhz band.
Large metal objects such as chain link fences, light poles cars,
vans, trailers or even florescent lights can occasionally cause
local interference by momentarily blocking or reflecting a
signal.
DIFFERENTIAL MAINTENANCE
. You should re-
build the differential when the action gets somewhat “gritty”
feeling. Usually cleaning and applying new lube per instruc-
tions will bring it back to new condition. The tungsten carbide
diff balls (which are standard parts) should rarely need
changing. Normally, as the parts seat, the diff will get smoother.
If after carefully cleaning and relubing the diff parts the diff still
feels gritty, the drive rings and thrust washers should be
checked and possibly replaced. The parts wear in the follow-
ing order: #6574 5/64" diff thrust balls, #6573 diff thrust
washers, and then the #7666 diff drive ring. Refer to the diff
section correctly reassemble the diff.
CLEANING YOUR TRUCK
. You can clean your
truck with many products Some may also be safe for
cleaning electronics parts. Others may be safe for cleaning
Lexan bodies. Electronics part cleaners will clean your car,
motor and electronics. They are convenient and work very
well, but can be expensive. There are also motor cleaning
sprays which will clean your car and motor but are harmful
to plastics like servo, receiver and speed control cases.
Like the electronic cleaners, this works very well, but can
cost a lot. To keep your maintenance costs down, you can
clean the truck (not the motor) with normal household
cleaners like 409, Fantastic, Simple Green or similar clean-
ers. These cleaners have water in them so they are not
recommmended for use on motors or electronics. Because
of the water, you need to help prevent rust on the steel
parts (axles, dog bones, diff outdrives, etc.). This can be
accomplished by carefully drying the parts or spraying
them with a product like WD40 to seal the surface of the
part from moisture (after they have been cleaned) so they
will not rust. The rust will not affect the performance of the
vehicle only it's appearance.
WARNING! Most of these
cleaners have chemicals in them that will affect the Lexan
body. The best way to clean your truck body is with warm
water and a mild dish soap. Any other products will dry out
the Lexan and make it easier for the body to crack.
page 54
recommended method is to connect the motor to an old
battery pack and, while the motor is running, spray a motor
cleaner directly on the brush commutator area. Run the motor
for approximately 15 seconds and apply the spray several
times for 2 or 3 seconds. Disconnect the motor and spray
again, making sure the run-off is clear and clean. If the run-off
is still dirty, repeat the spraying action until clean. After
completing the cleaning, apply a small amount of lightweight
oil to the bushings or bearings for lubrication.
Never overgear your truck (large pinion and/or small
spur gear). Overgearing can cause excessive heat and can
damage or destroy your motor.
SCHOTTKY DIODE. A new development for motors
and high frequency electronic speed controls is an add-on
device called a Schottky diode. This diode is used by many
speed control and motor manufacturers to improve the life
and performance of both components. The diode is suppose
to keep the braking MOSFETs cooler, impoving their perfor-
mance and making them more consistent. It also helps to
reduce the amount of high voltage spikes from the motor that
could reach your speed control; these spikes can contribute
to premature failure. The reduced spikes also would increase
the motor commutator life. Reedy sells a package of two
replacement diodes, #745.
WARNING! Do not use Schottky
diodes with reverse speed controls! The speed control will be
damaged! Also, the diodes are polarized, so make sure that
you hook positive to positive and negative to negative. If
connected backwards, the truck will act like it has a shorted
motor when the throttle is applied until the diode shorts out.
We also recommend the use of two diodes per motor when
running a high power, low wind motor in a truck. Because of
the high current the trucks can pull coming out of the corners
due to high traction and large tires, it can be enough to
overload a single diode.
A full line of Reedy stock and modified motors are
listed in the truck catalog which should come with your kit. If
you did not receive one in your kit you can call or write us,
asking for the truck catalog, and we will happily send you one
at no charge.
RADIO MAINTENANCE. Radio problems are nor-
mally the more common problems. But keep in mind that radio
problems are caused by many sources to the radio system.
Often it is the result of a combination of several factors which
can include: motor noise, poor electrical connections, bad
wiring layout, reversed or defective crystals, weak transmitter
batteries, and so on. You can also have a very sensitive
receiver. If your radio problems persist, one of the following
tips may help:
Make sure your motor noise capacitors are properly
installed. Most speed control manufacturers now recommend
three .1 uFd capacitors per motor.
Make sure the brushes are free in their brush holders
and that they are not chipped at the contact edges, which
could cause arcing. Replace if necessary.
Try a different motor.
Try a different steering servo.
Try a different radio frequency, (the transmitter and
receiver crystals can be damaged or broken).
Try mounting the receiver on its side with the crystal
