Just like the front arms from RPM, these rears are molded from a blend of engineering grade nylons for unmatched strength and durability. RPM built oversized bosses around both the inner and outer hinge pins to help prevent hard hits from ripping hinge pins out of the A-arm. They also tightened up the tolerances around the hinge pins by over 0.005” (0.13mm) to reduce slop in the suspension system and improve retention of camber and rear toe angle settings.
Click here for more info –
FACTS
Manufacturer: Helion
Distributed By: Firelands
Product: Invictus 10MT Brushless 4×4
Class: 1/10 4WD Monster Truck
Power system: Brushless system
Kit type: RTR
What’s in the box: Assembled truck motor and electronics installed, 2-channel radio, 9.6V NiMh battery, misc tools, charger, painted body and manual.
Needed to complete: 4 AA Batteries
Who it’s for: Entry level and up
Part Number: HLNA0570
Price: $309.99
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
So the Invictus 10MT looks like a cool robust truck. It arrives tightly packed in its box with the suspension zip-tied down to fit in the box and the body is covered in plastic so you get to be the first to scratch it. The truck maintains its high ground clearance chassis design for all-terrain versatility, independent suspension with oil filled shocks and 12mm wheel hexes so you can use optional wheels from other vehicle brands.
When we popped the prepainted body off, instantly saw the new Reaktor 50A ESC and 4 Pole 3000Kv Brushless system. The ESC is 3s LiPo compatible and all weather capable so needless to say we’re amped this electronics package will suit any bashers needs.
According to Helion, the truck has a updated more robust shaft based 4-wheel drive and updated chassis plate for easier spur gear changes and since we did manage to crunch a spur on our first gen Invictus, we’re happy to see maintenance is easier.
The steering system gets a revised servo saver with a waterproof 6kg high torque servo to push the wheels and get this monster turned when you command it to. A high power 1800mAh NiMh 9.6v 8-Cell hump battery with HCT Plugs is included and was a bit of a shocker. You don’t typically see an 8-cell hump pack in a car, but it’s a nice pack to get you going with a power punch for excitement. What type of power punch you ask? Helion claims a class leading top speed, topping 30mph.
WRAP-UP
We liked Helion’s Invictus 10MT before and, well, we still like it now. Just more thanks to several key updates. We’re looking forward to hitting the dirt, mud, grass, rocks and whatever other gnarly terrain we can find with this truck. It’s going to be a fun test session and we’re looking forward to telling you all about our experience in an upcoming issue of RC Driver Magazine.
The Contakt 12TR Truggy features a 2.4 GHz 2-channel radio system small but powerful 390 brushed motor and all-weather 2-in-1 modular ERS unit with separate steering servo. It comes standard with a 2S, 1500mAh LiPo battery pack and charger, fully independent suspension with friction shocks and high grip, long wear tires.
Click here for more info –
If you own a Helion Volition or Criterion, you’ll be happy to know that there is something new for you from RPM. They’ve designed a set of rear axle carriers that bulk up this area of the cars, added some extra plastic to increase durability. In addition, they’ve molded the carriers to accept a 5×11 outer bearing, replacing the 10mm bearing for to help handle the power these trucks produce. These parts retain the same geometry as the stock parts and are a direct replacement.
#73692 Oversized Rear Axle Carriers for the Helion Volition & Criterion – $9.95/pair
Link: www.rpmrcproducts.com
Text and photos by Mark Houlahan
Not everyone can afford to drop $800-$1,000 into a custom rig with unobtanium everything these days. Budgets are tight, yet people still want to get out and enjoy some fun in the dirt or on the track (besides, when that much money is poured into a machine it usually ends up being a shelf queen in our experience!). Budget friendly vehicles are available in just about every genre of R/C. One of the popular budget rigs in R/C short course is the Helion Dominus 10SC. The Helion provides a lot of fun in a sub-200 dollar package, but like any vehicle, no matter the entry price, there’s always room for improvement. A popular upgrade for many off-road R/C vehicles is a stout set of control arms from RPM R/C Products.
RPM’s proprietary nylon injection molded control arms are legendary for their strength and smart design features. Improvements in strength, precision fit (which reduces camber and caster setting changes), mounting boss size, and more mean these are most likely the last control arm upgrade you’ll ever do to your vehicle; and if you should ever have an arm fail RPM’s warranty on molded arm breakage is the best in the business.
Recently released for the Helion Dominus 10SC, Dominus SCv2, and Dominus 10TR, RPM’s direct replacement front and rear control arm kits are a great low-buck upgrade that will reduce down time and breakage when you’re out running your Dominus. The new front control arms, PN 70632, are sold as a set of one upper and one lower control arm per package. Thus, you’ll need to order two of the PN 70632 packages per truck. At the rear, RPM’s PN 70872 control arms get the job done. Since the Dominus uses a lower arm only in the rear with an adjustable camber link one package will suffice to upgrade your rear control arms.
The front control arms are connected to each other via a small parts mold sprue. After separating the arms use a hobby knife to remove any excess mold flash.
Using a chassis stand, boxes, or other means to support the chassis off of your work surface, remove the four wheels from your truck. The wheels are the same front and rear, so no need to worry about keeping them separate.
We’re starting with the rear arms, as it is the easier end to upgrade. Remove the rear hub lower hinge pin screws and swing the hubs and upper camber links out of the way.
There’s no need to completely remove the shock assemblies. Instead, just remove the Phillips head screws securing the shocks to the lower arms, pivot the shocks up out of the way and gently tighten the upper shock mounting screws to hold the shocks up.
With everything up out of the way the stock rear Helion control arms are plainly visible and the last item securing the arms to the chassis are the hinge pins. Using a small pair of needle-nose pliers, carefully push the E-clips off of the inner end of the hinge pins. Don’t lose the E-clips in the chassis.
To be able to remove the hinge pins and thus the stock rear control arms the rear bumper assembly needs to be removed to access the hinge pins. Remove the two Phillips head screws on top and two from the chassis to remove the bumper assembly. The bumper has a locating pin on it, which makes removal a bit of a struggle, but a gentle pull/twist motion will set it free.
Once the rear bumper assembly is on the bench the rear hinge pins can be carefully pulled free of the hinge pin braces and control arms using needle-nose pliers, as shown here. Install the new RPM rear control arms in place of the stockers and reverse the removal procedures to reinstall all removed parts. Don’t forget to loosen the upper shock screws to allow freedom of movement once you’re done too.
To upgrade the front control arms on the Dominus platform we start by removing the front bumper assembly and unbolting the shocks from the lower arms and pivoting them out of the way, just like we did with our rear control arm upgrade.
The front suspension uses a pillow ball setup with the front hubs. Note the screw-in pillow ball adjusters and how many threads are visible in each arm. This will give you a ball-park starting point for reassembly.
Beginning with the upper arms, remove the threaded hinge pins, being cognizant of the upper arm spacers. These go towards the rear of the bulkhead assembly and just slip over the hinge pins. Once the threaded hinge pins are removed there will be enough slack in the suspension to remove the front dog bones as well.
Using a hex driver, unthread the pillow ball adjuster from the upper control arms to remove the control arms. Counting the number of turns for removal and noting said number of turns will help when installing the new RPM upper control arms.
Do the same for the lower pillow ball adjusters and lower control arms as well. Again, counting the number of turns for removal will help with installing the new RPM arms. The front steering hubs, with tie-rod ends still attached, can be swung out of the way to access the front lower control arms.
We thought we’d attempt to slide the hinge pins rearward to remove the lower control arms, and it did work for us. However, you will need to remove the two steering bell crank retaining screws from the bottom of the deck and loosen the four servo mounting screws enough to allow the hinge pins to slide back enough for arm removal. Alternatively, you could remove the E-clips from the rear of the hinge pins just like we did for the rear control arms and slide the hinge pins forward.
Set the new RPM lower arms into place and carefully slide the hinge pins back through the hinge pin braces and lower arm pivot holes to secure the new arms. Reinstall any hinge pin E-clips removed, reinstall the shock lower mounting screws as-well-as the lower pillow ball adjuster (counting the number of turns to match the number of turns to remove them), and the front dog bones.
Install the new RPM upper arms by aligning them with the bulkhead and inserting the threaded hinge pins. Don’t forget the upper arm spacers removed previously. Thread the upper pillow ball adjusters into the new arms the same number of turns as when they were removed.
With everything reinstalled cycle the suspension and ensure there isn’t any binding. It’s OK if the suspension feels a little tighter, as the increased tolerances of the RPM arms takes a lot of the original suspensions slop away.
Our Helion Dominus 10SC is now ready to take on some big-boy jumps without fear of ripping control arms off of the chassis. The beefier mounting points around the hinge pins, shocks, and hubs means these arms will take a beating. Before hitting the dirt we do recommend setting camber and toe using RPM’s Precision Camber Gauge, PN 70992, Toe-In Gauge, PN 70492.These two tools will get your camber and toe settings spot on and are an essential part of any R/C tool box.
Source:
RPM R/C Products, rpmrcproducts.com, 909-393-0366
Available in red or white, the Rivos XS features a tough ABS plastic hull and is powered by a 2S, 360mAh battery pack and 180-sized water-cooled motor. It comes with a USB charger, 2.4GHz radio system protective nose cone (ideal of kids), and 2-in-1 receiver/speed control.
Click here for more info –
This mini monster truck from Helion comes ready to run with a 370-sized motor that enabled the Anumus 18MT to hit 20mph, integrated esc/receiver/servo unit and 1100mAh battery. It comes equipped with 6.5mm oil-filled shocks, gear diffs, big all-terrain tires, 2.4GHz radio and much more. Putting the Animus 18MT over the top is a well detailed body with working LED headlights.
Click here for more info –
This all new 4wd short course truck from Helion features durable metal gears and rugged planetary differentials, long travel suspension arms and adjustable aluminum oil filled shocks, rubber sealed bearings, and a3S LiPo capable 60A all weather esc paired with a 3500kV 4-Pole brushless motor.
Features
100% factory-assembled and ready to run.
New high ground clearance chassis design for all-terrain versatility.
Front and rear anti-roll bars
2s or 3S Li-Po compatible.
Reaktor 60-4T brushless power system.
Shaft based 4×4 drivetrain.
Modular chassis design for easy maintenance.
Planetary metal gear differentials with metal ring ring and pinion.
Four wheel independent suspension.
Rubber sealed ball bearings throughout.
Impact resistant composites are strong, durable, and lightweight.
All-weather electronics.
High traction tires.
Aluminum shock tower and wheel hexes.
Aluminium threaded, adjustable, oil filled, coil-over shock absorbers.
Specifications
Motor: 4-Pole Sensorless Radient Reaktor4T 3500kV Brushless
LiPo Compatibility: 2S-3S (7.4V-11.1V), 45C+
Gearing: 32P (Pinion: 15, Spur: 52)
Wheels: 12mm Hex (24mm OS, TRX and KYO Compatible)
Length: 545mm (21.5in)
Height: 191mm (7.52in)
Width: 296mm (11.65in)
Wheelbase: 326mm (12.83in)
Weight: 2063g (4lb-9oz)
Internal Gear Ratio: 3.47:1
Click here for more info –
The four wheel drive short course game is still strong and there’s a new player hitting the dirt. Helion RC has introduced a new level of vehicle to their line of cars, the Helion Select brand offers premium specs and performance in ready to run form. The first Select vehicle introduced is the FOUR 10SC, a 1/10 electric RTR short course truck. I know what you are thinking, Helion already has the Dominus 10SC V2, which is a truck in the same class, what’s the deal with adding a new truck? The Select brand means that the FOUR 10SC truck is next level in comparison to the Dominus. The new truck has better electronics, better components and better performance for those drivers looking who want to spend a little more cash to get a RTR vehicle with a different attitude. So as you can see, the Helion Select FOUR 10SC has hit the RC Driver reveal workbench (after getting hit hard by the shipping carrier) so we’ll give it the standard unboxing treatment to show you what’s inside.
FACTS
Manufacturer: Helion RC
Distributed By: Firelands
Product: Select FOUR 10SC
Class: 1/10 4WD Electric Short Course Truck
Power system: Electric/ Brushless
Kit type: RTR
What’s in the box: Assembled vehicle with motor and electronics installed, 2-channel 2.4gHz radio, painted body, allen wrenches and manual.
Needed to complete: 4 AA batteries, or 2-3S LiPo and Charger
Who it’s for: Beginner and up
Part Number: HLNS0001
Price: $429.98
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
A few quick notes before we get to the photos.
– The FOUR 10SC has what appears to be a mid-level chassis although Helion calls it a New High-Ground Clearance Chassis. We say mid because its not an LCG chassis and doesn’t appear as high as others on the market. Its seems like a great overall combination of both worlds, good ground clearance but still low for better stability. The plastic is and design of the chassis combine to make a solid platform for the truck.
– Lots of aluminum goodies can be found on the FOUR, like thick shock towers, bulkheads, steering knuckles, 12mm wheel hexes and steering posts. All of these parts are well machined and anodized a bright gold for a classy look.
– The driveline features metal gear planetary diffs and metal ring and pinion to handle the power of the brushless system on the suggested 3S power pack. The truck gets a center diff with a hefty center driveshaft to send power to the front and rear. Sliding composite universal driveshafts are used to drive the wheels.
– Good stuff can be found in the suspension too. Plush aluminum shocks damp firm suspension arms with adjustable upper links and swaybars are also included. Impressive for and RTR machine.
– A new radio system has hit the market along with this truck, the IKONNIK Xenon ET4 radio is 2.4GHz and loaded with features not typically found in RTR cars. It has a beginner mode, ten model memory, has adjustable grips and can be used for both paw types. It has a cool look to it and doesn’t feel like a beginner radio. Helion also stuffs their Radient Reaktor brushless system into the truck which can hit speeds of over 35mph on 3S. The electronics are all weather for those who like to go splashing in the puddles.
WRAP UP
Helions FOUR 10SC has quite a few more features you’ll want to see, but you’ll need to check out our full review in the March 2016 of RC Driver Magazine. Helion RC is a company on the move and if the FOUR 10SC is an indicator of things to come, driver’s will be happy wheeling this machines for bashing with buddies on and off of the track.
Capable of hitting 60mph when running on a 3S LiPo battery pack, the Intrusion XLR Monster Truck comes standard with a Radient 3000mAh 7-cell NiMH battery pack, 3000kV Reaktor4 brushless motor, a 50A all-weather esc and 6kg steering servo.
Other features include rubber sealed bearings, metal geared transmission, adjustable suspension, IKONNIK HRS3.2 2.4GHz radio system with micro receiver and beginner mode.
RPM A-arms for the Helion Invictus MT are molded from a blend of engineering grade nylons for unmatched strength and durability. Crucial design elements include oversized bosses around the hinge pins and the pivot balls to help prevent hard hits from ripping them out of the A-arm. RPM also tightened up the tolerances around the hinge pins by more than 0.005” (0.13mm) to reduce slop in the suspension system and improve camber, caster and toe angle consistency. Sold as a set of one upper and one lower A-arm.
The first segment of RC that comes to my mind when someone refers to a “backyard basher” is the 2WD electric monster truck class. This type of truck is perfect for the backyard. It has the right ground clearance, the right look, the right amount of power, the right handling and can deliver on fun in a true backyard setting. The new truck on the block that delivers all of those qualities is the new Intrusion XLR from Helion RC. Helion has entered this segment hard with an excellent looking truck that is sure to have their competitors trembling. The truck is equipped with a powerful brushless system that when paired with an optional 3S battery can move this truck in speeds over 60mph and speeds of 40 plus right out of the box, no slouching here. We’ve unboxed the new Intrusion XLR and are excited by what we see, check out our impressions and photos of this new 2wd monster powerhouse.
FACTS
Manufacturer: Helion RC
Distributed By: Firelands
Product: Intrusion XLR
Class: 1/10 2WD Electric MonsterTruck
Power system: Electric/ Brushless
Kit type: RTR
What’s in the box: Assembled vehicle with brushless motor and electronics installed, 2-channel 2.4gHz radio, painted body, wall charger and 8.4V NiMh battery.
Needed to complete: 4 AA batteries
Who it’s for: Beginner and up
Part Number: HLNA0684
Price: $299.99
First Impressions
– Cool details! The body on the Intrusion has some wild graphics and just the right amount where the truck isn’t too busy but still eye catching. The front upper bumper gives the truck a mean look and a wheelie bar out back looks great while adding functionality. What really caught our eye were the bolt on side pipes on the chassis. Little details like this turns heads.
– High clearance chassis. The truck has a high clearance chassis so the truck is less likely to get hung up on stuff while out terrorizing the terrain. The lower chassis plates with trusses do a great job of keeping the platform stiff. The narrow chassis incorporates a radio box top up front to keep the receiver protected. Battery access is easy with a flip up plate that is secured with two latches.
– Durable Suspension. A quick twist test on the suspension arms reveled the arms are made up of a durable composite plastic designed to flex in a crash rather than break. The metal turnbuckles are nice and thick and better yet adjustable. Plastic body oil filled shock damp each corner and attach to bulkhead like shock towers up top which appears to be a pretty strong set-up. The big standout are the aluminum front arm brace and the aluminum rear suspension pivot block which proves this truck was built for bashers in box stock form.
– Metal Mesh. The gears inside the transmission are all metal and since this truck can be run on 3S LiPo, we’re happy to see the driveline bulked up from the factory. A dual pad slipper pinches a 48-pitch spur gear, but we were more dazzled by the aluminum motor plate behind the spur with aluminum support brace. Nice features.
-Electronics Package. An Ikonnik HRS3 radio comes with the truck and its loaded with features you would find on many high-end radio systems. The set comes with a 3000mAh NiMh battery and 1A charger both fitted with a high-power T-connector. Although we like that Helion gets you going with an included wall charger, we suggest tossing it right at the Hobbytown and grab yourself a cool charger from the Radient line. Speaking of Radient, the truck comes equipped with a Radient Reaktor50-4 brushless system. Brushless efficiency and power will make this truck a blast and its 3S capable so if you’re speed hungry, this truck can dish it out.
WRAP UP
There are plenty of excellent other features packed into the Helion RC Intrusion XLR. You’ll have to check back for our full review of the truck in the near future. We can’t wait to see how it performs and we’re certainly going to test it in full backyard basher mode, dirt, pavement, grass, even snow. Helion looks to be hitting the car scene hard and we like the direction they are going. Take closer look at the new Intrusion XLR in our photo gallery below.
Ready for some 1:10 Truggy Action with the Select Four 10TR from Helion?
Seasoned Truggy owners have learned what it is that makes the perfect blend of truck and buggy. At Helion, their design engineers have solicited customer input, listened to your wishes, and made it their personal goal to produce an off-road 4WD vehicle that takes excellence to a whole new level. Enter the Select Four 10TR, a truggy that turns your wish list into reality with its size, speed, and strength.
Take a tour of the Four 10TR and immediately you’ll see where their development team has spent its time. The vehicle’s size is the first thing you’ll notice: 1/10 scale it may be, but with stretched suspension arms and aggressive XL wheels and tires, not only does it look more like a 1/8 platform, it drives like one, too. Add the benefit of four-wheel independent suspension, fully adjustable, oil-filled, big-bore, threaded aluminum shocks, and this, you’ll find, is a vehicle that’ll treat terrain with total contempt and surpass your highest expectations of handling.
Who doesn’t like speed? Truggy drivers thrive on it, so when you told us you wanted more, we listened, they engineered, and we gave you a powertrain with the punch to put you firmly in the lead. Supplied with a premium 2850KV 4-pole brushless motor, a massive 120A ESC and up to 4S LiPo compatibility, speed and torque is not something the Four 10TR lacks. Accelerating to a blistering 35+mph, this one threatens to take your breath away. In fact, it’s so quick off the mark, they added a wheelie bar to aid traction and keep you firmly in control.
They delivered size and speed, but you also wanted a truggy with uncompromising strength; the ability to take a bashing and bounce back for more. The answer is in the use of an engineering-grade composite construction that, coupled with anodized aluminum bulkheads, wheel hexes, shock towers and steering hubs, provides incredible strength, delivers outstanding power, and looks a million dollars!
But, as you’ve come to expect from Helion, there’s much more to the 10TR than this. They tweaked and tuned at every stage of development, adding a full complement of rubber-sealed ball bearings, heavy-duty steel drive shafts, 17mm wheel hexes and, to top it all, the new IKONNIK Xenon ET4 radio system. This advanced 4-channel 2.4GHz transmitter has a Beginner Mode, 10-Model Memory with drop-down wheel, adjustable grips, and left- or right-handed operation.
The post 1:10 Truggy Action with the Select Four 10TR from Helion appeared first on RC Driver.
When it comes to choosing an off-road vehicle, it pays to buy a product with a proven track record — a car with a quality and pedigree that can be measured in its bloodline. The Animus 18DT is just such a product and in this, its latest iteration, the popular 1/18th scale off-roader is treated to sturdy Dakar truck styling (in a choice of red or blue) and a top speed in excess of 20 mph.
Dependable all-terrain handling is, of course, an expected attribute of the Animus 4WD series and in this respect the 18DT offers no exception. It’s a crucial feature that goes hand-in-hand with other hereditary characteristics such as an all-weather proportional electronic speed controller, robust 370 brushed motor, high-performance 1100mAh NiMH battery, oil-filled bladder-top shocks, twin ball-raced heavy-duty differentials and, significantly, high-grip, low-wear tyres that keep you hooked to a multitude of surfaces. In short, it’s a convenient, quality, ready-to-run vehicle that you’ll love to own and long to drive, not least for the locked-in feel and dependability of the supplied IKONNIK SR2 rate-equipped 2.4GHz radio.
The post Helion Animus 18DT appeared first on RC Driver.
The Rock Rider comes equipped it with a high-performance 21-turn 550-size brushed motor and 40A all-weather ESC. The Helion 1800mAh 6-cell rechargeable NiMH battery pack and included charger coupled with the IKONNIK SR2+ 2.4GHz 2-channel give it a top-notch electronics package. The Rock Rider chassis features a 6-link rear axle that offers almost limitless tuning options. Heavy-duty front and rear differentials add to the mix, corner-to-corner aluminum threaded shocks provide easy pre-load adjustment, smooth movement, and consistent handling. Topped with an independent front suspension system and high-grip all-weather tires for ultimate off-road traction.
The post Rock Rider All Terrain Trail Blazer from Helion appeared first on RC Driver.
I’m not a monster truck guy. I was ready to hate the Conquest, but I quickly grew to love it, and I was impressed at the value, not to mention the performance. The Helion Conquest 10MT XLR is remarkably stable, even at high speeds, and exhibits understeer when pushed to its limits, rather than rolling over to play dead.
The more I drove it, the more I appreciated the fact that the Conquest’s wide stance and relatively low center of gravity made the truck feel far more nimble than it should be, although the steering servo couldn’t quite seem to keep up with the demands of the gigantic, air-filled tires when travelling at high speed.
The Conquest really is a blast to drive, not that it will keep up with the hardcore racers at your local track, but it won’t embarrass you either. Stable and confident enough to hit the off-road track, and more than enough power to turn your backyard into a 1/10-scale mud bog, the Conquest is more fun than a barrel full of monkeys, not to mention a whole lot easier to clean up.
Enter the Helion Conquest 10MT XLR. With attractive styling, a full set of ball bearings, brushless power, and even a wheelie bar, the Conquest is ready for serious fun. I pondered these things as I drove to my top secret testing facility, thinking of all the monster trucks I have seen traction rolling into the corner and slamming into the wall with all the force of a 30mph brick. Would the Conquest be the same? I was about to find out. By the way, you can purchase the Helion Conquest 10MT XLR at your loca HobbyTown or click below to order online.
Look ma! My monster truck ate a buggy! The inner dust cover not only makes the Conquest look like it swallowed someone’s buggy, but it keeps a great deal of dirt, dust, and moisture from reaching the electronic innards of this beast. But just in case something gets in there anyway, the electronics are weatherproof and individually replaceable. You know, in case your 14 year-old thinks “weatherproof” means “submersible.” It does not, just in case you’re wondering.
The beefy composite chassis holds everything neatly, and all the components are easy to access. A motor cover keeps the gear mesh clean and is easy to remove, giving access to the adjustable slipper clutch. Velcro provides a secure and easy method of holding down the battery.
The Helion 3625 3300kv brushless, unsensored motor is mated to a Helion 50A all-weather ESC and the package delivers wheelie popping performance on high grip surfaces and more than enough power for dirt slinging donut action. Built for the long haul, the Conquest’s electronics are stand alone, meaning that they can be replaced separately, rather than as a single (and usually expensive) unit.
The 2000mAh battery is enough power to pop wheelies and get some serious speed, but the runtime could be better. Luckily, the Helion ESC is capable of running a 3S LiPo, so there is plenty of room for upgrades in the battery department. The wall charger takes some time, so it is worth it to either have a few batteries on hand, or just bite the bullet and get yourself a 2-3S LiPo battery and charger. The Conquest is fast with the stock battery. With a 2S LiPo in there, the Conquest becomes a missile worth dodging, especially if it’s standing on the wheelie bar and coming right for you. The box says it is 3S compatible. As with all things, I think the question here is not if I could, but rather, if I should. I do not own a 3S LiPo. I am O.K. with that.
The steering servo does a passable job at lower speeds, but begins to lose effectiveness when near the top speed of the stock battery. With 2S LiPo speeds, by the time you think you should slow down, it’s already 30 seconds too late. With the straight-line understeer already there at the limit, and the sluggish and underpowered servo taking its time, your first few hot laps might send you right into the side of the shed, where you will quickly learn that a pair of pliers would be a good thing to keep in your pocket.
The steering and camber links are non-adjustable, and seem to be much easier to pop apart than they are to pop back together. My young assistant was unable to pop the links back on, and it wasn’t long before I got tired of pressing so hard with my fingers. Some slip joint pliers now permanently reside in my toolbox due entirely to the Conquest. As of this writing, there are no upgraded turnbuckles listed specifically for the Conquest, but adjustable turnbuckles are essentially universal, and would be an easy and worthwhile upgrade.
The Ikonnik ET3 transmitter and receiver are both three-channel units, leaving room for switched lights or a sound box. A switch on the face of the controller acts as the third channel. No, that’s not your power switch. The power switch is under a plastic cover, along with the throttle and steering trim, servo reversing switches, steering dual rate adjustment, and throttle end point adjustments, which is great for limiting the top speed when you hand the controller to your eight year- old nephew and tell him not to torment the dog. With the throttle limited, little Sparky will actually have a chance to get away from the terror. Run Sparky, run!
The adjustable oil-filled shocks keep the Conquest planted and in control. Large bumps are soaked up with ease and small jolts won’t rattle you off course. The Conquest even appears to be absurdly composed in the air and it takes some serious air to make it bounce on the landings.
This time of year in Connecticut is slushy and raw, with just enough moisture in the air to freeze your nose hairs with every inhale, but there is not much monster-sized fun to be had indoors, so I topped off the battery, grabbed my best grease-stained Carhartt, put on a pot of coffee, and headed out. During some high speed runs on the road in front of my house, I started to see that the Conquest was not a typical MT.
Most of the time, top speed runs turn monster trucks into tumbling bricks by the end of the straight, but with the Conquest, I was pleasantly surprised. Understeer is what you get at the limit, not the Lexan-crunching death roll, and the big truck was eager and nimble in the corners at slower speeds, let down only by the slow response of the servo.
Punching the throttle from a standstill will bring this monster onto its hind legs and the wheelie bar will let you ride it out as long as you can hold onto the throttle. With the handling so predictable, it was only a matter of time before I got comfortable with the Conquest, and my speeds steadily increased.
Not only could I pull a wheelie from a standstill all the way down the straight, but it took the jumps with poise and landed firmly without bouncing. Getting on the throttle on the corner exit steps the back end around in a satisfying bit of oversteer, making even an inexperienced driver feel like Bo Duke on a moonshine run. Just watch those front tires, because the wide stance of the Conquest is sure to have you hooking them around every curb and post in your path.
Having thoroughly tested the Conquest indoors, it was time to see this beast in its natural element. I topped off the stock battery pack, grabbed my grease stained Carhartt, and headed to my back yard. Outside in the slush and cold of a Connecticut winter, the Conquest is right at home, the lower grip making a powerslide just a squeeze of the trigger away, and you can rest easy that the weatherproof electronics are safely tucked away under an entire buggy body all their own.
On the grass and dirt, the stable chassis remains level, the shocks soaking up bumps and chatter with ease. Even though the lower grip of dirt and grass makes it tricky to pop wheelies, the Conquest is so much fun that I doubt you’ll miss it. It wasn’t long before I had a small course burned into my backyard, complete with a death drop off the shed and a smoker-to-tractor double. Mind that gap, Billy, I don’t want any dents in the Cub Cadet.
Unfortunately, the Conquest is not indestructible. I managed to break the rear hub, but to be fair, I may have been slightly abusive. I also may have slammed it exceptionally hard into a very solid post at top speed while flying sideways through the air. Things get a little crazy in Monster Truck Land.
Not to worry, even breaking this thing is fun. A quick trip to the local Hobbytown had me rolling again in no time, and the only limit was just how much bigger I could go. A few sheets of plywood turned my pickup truck into a step-down ramp, a row of 2x4s created a rhythm section, and the Conquest handled them all with a brutish composure. I have never considered myself a monster truck guy. But I sure had tons of fun with the Conquest.
Length: 18.9 inches (480 mm)
Width: 13.0 inches (330 mm)
Wheelbase: 11.1 inches (282 mm)
Weight: 5.2 lbs (2.36 kg)
Body: prepainted polycarbonate outer, prepainted polycarbonate inner dust cover
Wheels: 2.2 chrome plated
Wheel adapter type: 12mm hex
Tires: Soft compound V-tread
Type: 4 wheel independent
Shock positions: 2 upper, 1 lower (f), 2 upper, 2 lower (r)
Camber: Nonadjustable links
Roll: N/A
Wheelbase: 11.1 inches
Ride Height:
Misc: N/A
Type: Dual Bellcrank w/ adjustable servo saver
Toe: Non adjustable
Chassis: Pan style
Material: Composite
Thickness: 0.1 inches
Type: 2WD
Transmission: 3-gear
Differentials: Grease packed 4 gear
Clutch type: Adjustable slipper
Gear ratio: 20T 48P pinion 81T spur
Bearings: full set, sealed
Four “AA” batteries
Plastic wheel wrench
Wall charger
Shock adjustment clips
N/A
2S LiPo battery
Upgraded turnbuckles
Right out of the box, the Conquest XLR is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. User friendly and simple, it is a great beginner vehicle, and with non-integrated electronics and a powerful motor, it can be upgraded as needed. With 25 mph out of the box, and over 40 mph with a 3S LiPo, there is plenty of room to grow with the Conquest, and plenty of fun to be had.
I am not a monster truck guy, which is why I like the Conquest. It surpasses expectations of what a monster truck is, with an attractive price that makes a performance-based MT easy to get into, and hard to put down. With Helion’s record of providing upgrades and support, and the national chain of Hobbytown nearby to everyone, the Conquest is a great option for anyone looking to get into the Monster Truck world. So grab your Conquest XLR, a cold sixpack and a lawn chair. It’s time to sling some mud around in your backyard. It’s monster truckin’ time.
Words: Marc Aubin, Photos: Greg Vogel
The post Is This An RC Monster Truck You Can Afford To Love? appeared first on RC Driver.
The ideal truck for today, tomorrow and beyond!
This article was originally published in the RC Driver’s March 2016 issue.
Photos: Edwin Rodriguez
Sure, people want something that is fast and durable, but more than anything, most people want a great value when purchasing a radio controlled vehicle. This is where Helion comes in. For a while now they have been releasing vehicle after vehicle with plenty of features at a phenomenal price point. Their newest vehicle, the Select Four 10SC, a 1/10-scale short course truck as I am sure you have guessed, continues to follow this trend. But unlike many of their other releases that were aimed more at the entry level market, this ride is for more intermediate users. Loaded with a 4-pole 3500Kv brushless motor, 60A ESC, and more, the Select Four 10SC is worth more than the asking price.
AT A GLANCE
WHO MAKES IT: Helion
WHO IT’S FOR: Entry level to intermediate drivers
PART NUMBER: HLN50001
HOW MUCH: $429.99
BUILD TYPE: RTR
PROS
• Capable of running on 2S and 3S LiPo power
• All-weather electronics package
• Very durable
• Perfect multi-terrain tires
• Very quick
• Efficient, shaft driven 4WD drivetrain
• Smooth suspension setup
• Plenty of ground clearance
CONS
• Steering servo needs a bit more speed and torque
• I’m not a fan of the Velcro battery straps sliding through the bottom of the chassis
REVIEWER’S OPINION
This completely new Select Four 10SC from Helion is a solid truck from bumper to bumper. It has a great drivetrain, durable composite components, a powerful electronics package and more. The new Ikonnik radio system makes it the perfect truck for beginners who are looking for long term use as there is an easy-to-access beginner mode that limits top speed. All in all, this is a solid platform that Helion can be proud of.
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDED
• 4-way wrench
• Various Allen wrenches
ITEMS NEEDED
• 4 “AA” batteries for the transmitter
• 2S or 3S LiPo battery pack
• Compatible charger
FEATURE BREAKDOWN
The backbone of the Helion Select Four 10SC is a rugged composite chassis that features a modular design, making it easy to wrench on. It also has several channels to make it quite rigid. Simply pull a few screws and the front and rear ends can be quickly removed for easy maintenance or repairs if needed. A pair of small chassis braces that attach to the diff cases and reach toward the main segment of the chassis help eliminate any unwanted flex from the front and rear clips. Both sides of the chassis contain nerf bars, a common feature on short course trucks, that help protect the chassis in side collisions and help the body maintain its shape. The battery pack loads into the left-hand side of the chassis and is secured in place by a pair of Velcro straps. Toward the back on the right hand side is the motor followed by the ESC, and steering servo with the receiver mounted on top. To keep dust, dirt and debris out the electronics area Helion included a cool mesh protector that cinches around the main portion of the chassis. A very simple but cool feature indeed!
Aluminum bodied oil-filled shocks found on all four corners of the Select Four 10SC are rather plush right out of the box. Since the bodies are threaded adjusting spring tension is as simple as turning the shock collar in the appropriate direction to add or subtract pre-load. The shock cap that threads into the shock body features a bleeder screw, making building and rebuilding the shocks a fairly painless task. The champagne anodized aluminum shock towers found on both ends of the truck are very tough and have a few shock mounting positions to aid in tuning the Select Four 10SC. Sway bars on both the front and rear end of the truck help smooth out rough terrain, eliminate body roll and make for quick cornering characteristics. Suspension arms are interchangeable from front to rear (but not left to right) to help eliminate the need to carry extra parts and have a multitude of shock mounting positions.
A dual bellcrank steering system is employed by Helion on the Select Four 10SC with an adjustable spring loaded servo saver built into the right side. Speaking of the servo, it features plastic gears, has decent speed and torque and uses a plastic arm to connect to the bellcrank. Reaching from each side of the bellcrank are adjustable turnbuckles that attach to very tough champagne anodized aluminum steering knuckles. The Multi-Terrain tires that Helion equipped the Select Four 10SC with are ideal for bashing and have a compound that will stand up to use on asphalt.
The drivetrain on the Select Four 10SC works as efficiently as any 4WD short course truck on the market. Like most trucks, the pinion gear on the rear mounted motor drives the spur gear and power is then transferred to the front end by way of a long dogbone. The front and rear planetary gear type differentials have all metal gears for extreme durability and slide-shafts with universal joints at either end get power to the black five-spoke wheels.
The electronics package on the Select Four 10SC is top notch. To start, there is a very smooth and proportional all- weather fan cooled 60A ESC that is coupled with a 3500Kv 4-pole brushless motor. This combination helps the truck reach speeds of 35mph when used with a 3S, 11.1v LiPo battery pack. The ESC has a two-wire probe that plugs directly into the motor to monitor the temperature. Should things get too hot everything will shut down to prevent damage. The included Ikonnik 2.4GHz transmitter has a 10-model memory, can be switched over for left handed use if need be, has an adjustable drop down wheel, adjustable wheel tension, digital trims and a beginner mode to limit full speed to 50%. It is paired to a 4-channel Xenon receiver.
So you’ve decided to get a Select Four 10SC, now pick your color! There is cobalt blue like I tested, emerald green and lava red. All have a sharp scheme and come well detailed. Should you need to wrench on your Select Four 10SC for any reason you’ll want to become acquainted with the Helion YouTube channel. Some of the dozen plus videos that Helion has uploaded here include replacing the spur gear, motor replacement, ESC replacement, ESC programming, bumper replacement, pinion replacement and many more.
ON THE TRACK
STEERING
The Select Four 10SC is has an ideal setup for both asphalt and dirt right out of the box. It has just a slight push when on power, making it easy to drive, but off power it can dice around tight corners like a smaller nimble off road buggy. When I tried Select Four 10SC on the off road carpet track at R/C Madness there was plenty of traction to go around and if I was not careful the truck was prone to traction rolling.
ACCELERATION/BRAKING
The Select Four 10SC has good speed when used with a 2S LiPo battery pack but has some serious get-up-and-go when a 3S, 11.1V LiPo pack is employed. With the 3S New Wave pack it would break the tires free on dirt ever so slightly when I pulled the throttle back, as made its way down to the end of the straightaway on the large dirt track at R/C Madness in Enfield, CT in no time. Through the infield it had just the right amount of speed and torque to clear all jumps and obstacles with relative ease. The Reaktor4T 3500Kv brushless motor and 60A ESC have a very linear and predictable feel and braking curve, making the Select Four 10SC easy to drive. I really liked the feel of the brake; it was not too hard and slowed the truck predictably to a complete stop and did not want to spin out of control when stopping.
HANDLING/JUMPING
The oil filled shocks found on all four corners are super plush, feeling like more expensive big bore units, and provide outstanding dampening. The stock oil seems to be the right viscosity and the white springs and preload adjustment have just the right amount of stiffness. On the track the truck handled bumps, ruts and jumps like a champ, enabling the truck to corner quickly. I am perhaps most impressed with the jumping ability of the Select Four 10SC. No matter the type of jump, big or small, the truck nearly always jumped with a level attitude or with the nose pointed slightly toward the sky. This made landing very predictable. The back end seldom bottomed out and I was in turn able to get back on the throttle very quickly.
DURABILITY
I’ve come to know that most anything that has the Helion name on it is going to be tough and the Select Four 10SC is no different. I ran about a half a dozen packs through the truck and in that time there were numerous crashes and tumbles. Still, the truck showed no ill effects and was ready for more. Even after a close inspection, where I can usually find something to nitpick, like a small amout of shock oil leaking, there was nothing worth noting.
SPECS AND TUNING OPTIONS
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH: 21.5 in. (545mm)
WIDTH: 11.65 in. (296mm)
WHEELBASE: 12.83 in. (326mm)
WEIGHT: 4 lbs. 9 oz. (2063g)
BODY, WHEELS AND TIRES
BODY: Pre-painted and cut short course
WHEELS: Black 5-spoke
WHEEL ADAPTER TYPE: Aluminum
12mm hex
TIRES: Pre-mounted multi-terrain
SUSPENSION
TYPE: 4-wheel independent
SHOCK POSITIONS: (F) 3-tower, 3-arm, (R) 3-tower, 3-arm (while the suspension arms offer more holes most are not usable)
CAMBER: Adjustable turnbuckles
ROLL: Adjustable ball heights on the c-hub
WHEELBASE: Fixed
RIDE HEIGHT: Threaded shocks
MISC: Front and rear sway bars
STEERING
TYPE: Dual bellcrank
TOE: Adjustable turnbuckles
CHASSIS
TYPE: Tub style
MATERIAL: Composite
THICKNESS: N/A
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE: 4WD
TRANSMISSION: Direct shaft driven
DIFFERENTIALS: Planetary gear type
BEARINGS: Full set of shielded
CLUTCH TYPE: N/A
GEAR RATIO: Optional pinion gears
RATING TALLY
Opinion: 8
Performance – Acceleration: 8
Performance – Steering: 7.5
Performance – Handling: 8
Performance – Durability: 9
Feature Breakdown: 8.5
Overall Value: 9
WRAP UP
Time and again Helion has shown that a well-equipped, fast, and durable vehicle can be released at a reasonable price point. Sure, the Select Four 10SC is slightly more expensive than some of their earlier offerings but it also has more, and better features than these vehicles. The new Ikonnik radio, and the simplicity of the 50% throttle switch make it ideal for beginners and above who are not looking to upgrade for a long while. Even better, the esc and motor, being 3S capable, let the truck completely rip for the most experienced users. Simply put, this is a truck that will grow with beginners, from 50% throttle on a 2S LiPo pack all the way to full speed on a 3S pack when ready. But one truck and be ready for years of fun!
LINKS
Helion, www.helionrc.com
MaxAmps, www.maxamps.com
New Wave, www.rcmadness.com
The post Helion Select Four 10SC appeared first on RC Driver.
Keep your ride running like new!
Part of owning an RC vehicle is performing maintenance to keep it running at its absolute best. Wrenching on your ride is actually one of the aspects that makes RC so much fun. Not only are you keeping your car operating at its best, but it also gets you familiar with how it works. This will make troubleshooting easier if an issue comes up and you will learn what adjustments are possible and how to make them so that your car or truck will run even better. Here we will show you what to do for RC Drivetrain Maintenance on your car or truck. The drivetrain includes the gearbox where the motor is attached and all the rotating parts that cause the tires to spin.
Gearbox—Once the gearbox is wiped off, open it up and give it a thorough inspection. Take note if dirt has made its way into the gearbox. Does the grease look dirty or does it look as it would when it comes out of the tube? Is there any grease left? If the grease is dirty or there is none at all, you will need to completely take the gearbox apart and remove all the gears and clean them so you can take a closer look. You are searching for any type of wear like grooves forming on any of the parts. Be sure to take note of the condition of the teeth on the gears. Do they show signs of being overly worn; to the point where they are deformed or are even missing? If you find any issues, now is the time to replace those parts. One bad gear will lead to other gears and parts getting damaged.
Driveshafts, axles and drive cups—Take your time and inspect the driveshafts, axles and drive cups for wear. Look at the cross pins and see if they are worn at all and if so you will need to switch out the part for a new one. If your vehicle uses sliders, look and see if there are any signs of them twisting. If there are, the sliders are being hindered in moving freely as the drivetrain spins and the suspension articulates. The other likely area that tends to get thrashed is where the pins come into contact with the drive cups. You will see notches appearing on the drive cups and this can cause the drivetrain to bind and eventually fail. On cars equipped with universal axles, examine the universal unit itself. Does it move freely? Are the pins that hold it together intact and secure? Is the setscrew tight?
If the car is equipped with ball bearings, make sure they are spinning freely and smoothly. Bearings are key to keep power-robbing friction as low as possi- ble in your car. The motor/engine does not have to work as hard and therefore more power is getting put to the ground instead of being wasted by spin- ning a rough operating drivetrain. It does not matter if you run off-road or on-road, you have to check the bearings. If you drive in wet conditions it is like- ly that the bearings have rusted, causing them to either seize or spin roughly. In some cases they will need to be replaced if they are too far gone.
TOOL OF THE TRADE
When I perform drive- train teardowns on my rides, I will give them a good cleaning regardless of whether the bearing seems to spin freely. I have always found that once I am done, the bearings will spin even bet- ter. My go-to tool to thoroughly and easily clean ball bearings is the RPM Bearing Blaster (Buy: http://amzn.to/2oiSMrb). It is an affordable investment which does an awesome job of getting debris removed from inside the bearing. The bearing goes inside of the Bearing Blaster and then you spray motor cleaner through the nozzle that is on one side of the blaster. After they are clean, don’t forget to lube them.
STEP 7—IS IT BINDING?
Reassemble the drivetrain while being sure to lubricate the gears and bearings. Once assembled, remove the pinion gear or on a nitro-powered ride, slide the clutch bell away from the spur gear. Now you can spin the drivetrain to check it for any binding. As you spin the drivetrain, move each of the suspension arms up and down. This will tell you if the axles or dogbones are functioning properly. If any binding is detected, go back and make sure everything is assembled properly and that you did not miss any broken or worn parts.
By Paul Onorato
Links
RPM, rpmrcproducts.com, (909) 393-0366
The post Drivetrain Maintenance appeared first on RC Driver.
Everyone had a first day in RC… EVERYONE! In Episode 002 of our “Get Into RC” video series, we are going to show you the anatomy of your basic radio system. Even though the radio (or transmitter) you may have is basic, it still has a number of parts, functions and trims you should know about before you head out to run your new RC machine. Even if you’ve never touched an RC car before, we’ll have you understanding what the radio is about and how to operate it like a pro within just a few minutes. Take a few minutes to watch the video below and Get To Know Your Radio!
Don’t Miss A Thing! Follow Us:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/RCDriverMagazine
The post Get To Know Your Radio – Get Into RC appeared first on RC Driver.
