View Full Version : Mr03ve
machgo5go
2012.12.04, 09:02 PM
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh123/machgo5go/th_MR03VE.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh123/machgo5go/th_MR03VEAudiR8LMS.jpg
Japan Domestic release date is Dec 15th.
So when is our turn in stepping it up??!!!:D
arch2b
2012.12.05, 06:21 AM
unless you own the images, please always cite sources. just looking out for you ;) moved to this area to go with all the other mr-03ve discussions.
Sinister_Y
2012.12.05, 07:43 AM
The pics are from the Kyosho developer website that alot of people, like me, go to:
http://ameblo.jp/kyoshoblog/
Also note that Kyosho America has indiciated targeted arrival date of this kit (MR03VE) to the Americas (North/South) is Jan 20th.
arch2b
2012.12.05, 09:15 AM
info from that site gets reported to many other sites as well, where it should always be credited as well. that doesn't always happen but i expect those of us here to do so.
it's a shame they pulled the plug on the english version of the site. google translations are not always fruitful.
danjoyy25
2012.12.21, 01:17 AM
banzai hobbies is now taking pre orders $208.00:D ETA next week. 27 Dec 2012. Not a bad price at all:D
Sinister_Y
2012.12.21, 06:35 AM
that price is impossible. dealer cost is higher than that. maybe that is the deposit required. street price is probably around the 330 mark.
danjoyy25
2012.12.21, 06:47 AM
http://banzaihobby.com/kyosho-32760-mini-z-mr03-v2
That is the price:D
herman
2012.12.31, 02:21 AM
incidentally i was in singapore for a couple of days… and was lucky enough to experience the mr03ve… hope to do a review based on my experience soon...
all i can say for the moment is that it is really smooth and quite responsive (almost to a fault) either that or my driving is really rusty… and it does pack a lot of power / torque... really fun to drive :D
probably another surprising thing for everybody is its price (if I remember it right) 250-260 singapore $ (approx 205-212 us$)
more soon…
machgo5go
2012.12.31, 05:45 AM
incidentally i was in singapore for a couple of days… and was lucky enough to experience the mr03ve… hope to do a review based on my experience soon...
all i can say for the moment is that it is really smooth and quite responsive (almost to a fault) either that or my driving is really rusty… and it does pack a lot of power / torque... really fun to drive :D
probably another surprising thing for everybody is its price (if I remember it right) 250-260 singapore $ (approx 205-212 us$)
more soon…Throw a PN Double A-Arm in the front of it & let use know the real potential!;)
hilldebrandt
2012.12.31, 08:41 AM
Sold out at Banzai hobby now....imagine that! :D
arch2b
2012.12.31, 09:26 AM
...probably another surprising thing for everybody is its price (if I remember it right) 250-260 singapore $ (approx 205-212 us$)
more soon…
translated to u.s. market, i'm sure it's going to be anywhere from $20-70 higher. we know it won't be the same simply because kyo usa has shipping costs and so will the retailers. for the VE, i'm sure your going to see a lot of people buying over sea's as shipping from over sea's will still liekly be cheaper than purchasing from u.s. market. NO WARRANTY on kits bought over sea's though unless you send it all the way back. just want to remind everyone. kyo usa will only warranty those bought in the n.american market.
ChiMiniRc
2012.12.31, 09:59 AM
translated to u.s. market, i'm sure it's going to be anywhere from $20-70 higher. we know it won't be the same simply because kyo usa has shipping costs and so will the retailers. for the VE, i'm sure your going to see a lot of people buying over sea's as shipping from over sea's will still liekly be cheaper than purchasing from u.s. market. NO WARRANTY on kits bought over sea's though unless you send it all the way back. just want to remind everyone. kyo usa will only warranty those bought in the n.american market.
Just my thoughts. If it's all coming from Japan in the first place and Kyosho America is a Kyosho company, then what would be the difference? I'm seeing some anomalies in dealer pricing (website different then salesperson) that I'm waiting to hear back on. If the the lower price is accurate then this will all make sense and we'll be in for a happy surprise. If not, then it's almost as if Kyosho America is buying at Japanese retail and then having to mark it up for a profit.
arch2b
2012.12.31, 10:22 AM
simple cost to do business. it cost's kyo usa more to get good here than it does kyo jpn to get good to their region. kyo usa isn't going to eat that but pass it along to north american market retailers.
i would love for this to be cheaper than anticipated. hoping this is the case but not expecting it to be.
ChiMiniRc
2012.12.31, 10:34 AM
simple cost to do business. it cost's kyo usa more to get good here than it does kyo jpn to get good to their region. kyo usa isn't going to eat that but pass it along to north american market retailers.
i would love for this to be cheaper than anticipated. hoping this is the case but not expecting it to be.
I understand that much. But if a Japanese RETAILER can get me the item (shipped EMS express BTW) for less than a U.S.A. WHOLESALER can to a Kyosho dealer, there is a problem.
Kyosho USA's "cost" should be (Japanese wholesale price + Yen to dollar conversion anomalies) + cost of shipping container.
arch2b
2012.12.31, 10:43 AM
it would be interesting to learn how their pricing scales work but i doubt they would divulge that information. if you saw their MSPR listings you would laugh. it is comical what they suggest is an appropriate retail price for most items.
lets not forget that kyosho has always had a very tenuous relationship with u.s. retailers to begin with, going back to the GP days. it's not surprising that many shops simply do not want to carry kyosho much less mini-z. especially when they sell directly and at times undercut the retailers. that tends to ruffle feathers and leave bad feelings.
ChiMiniRc
2012.12.31, 11:39 AM
it would be interesting to learn how their pricing scales work but i doubt they would divulge that information. if you saw their MSPR listings you would laugh. it is comical what they suggest is an appropriate retail price for most items.
lets not forget that kyosho has always had a very tenuous relationship with u.s. retailers to begin with, going back to the GP days. it's not surprising that many shops simply do not want to carry kyosho much less mini-z. especially when they sell directly and at times undercut the retailers. that tends to ruffle feathers and leave bad feelings.
That MSRP thing has been around for all the brands for quite some time. MSRP that never existed and the actual "street price". Traxxas, Associated, and others have all done that.
I know they had a big problem with GP back in the day but in business, all parties have to do what is right for their business. I will say the direct sales and undercut is something I don't find happens very often. Usually the Kyoshoamerica site is regular street with better deals easily found with ALL the other sellers.
arch2b
2012.12.31, 11:51 AM
everyone has an msrp, kyosho's is often simply absurd.
kyo usa has worked very hard to repair the damage previously done. they should be commend for the effort but it's an uphill struggle with the retailers domestically.
back to VE, does anyone make similar size brushless motors or are these a new format? just wondering how long it might be before we get drilled can options of various ratings.
can someone please explain briefly the ratings used for brushless motors? there are many like myself that are new to brushless and all the vernacular that comes with it. :p
ChiMiniRc
2012.12.31, 12:42 PM
everyone has an msrp, kyosho's is often simply absurd.
kyo usa has worked very hard to repair the damage previously done. they should be commend for the effort but it's an uphill struggle with the retailers domestically.
back to VE, does anyone make similar size brushless motors or are these a new format? just wondering how long it might be before we get drilled can options of various ratings.
can someone please explain briefly the ratings used for brushless motors? there are many like myself that are new to brushless and all the vernacular that comes with it. :p
Well normally you have KV ratings which is how many RPM per volt. So if you have a 5,000 KV rating then you would get 20,000 rpm at 4.0 volts. I'm not sure they are released KV ratings on the Mr-03ve motor.
I'm actually interested in how they are going to work these adjustments in the software. Usually a sensored system is needed for such things as adjusting timing and essentially knowing how fast the motor is turning. So I'll venture some guesses.
Motor time constant - If this was a sensored system I'd assume it would be timing advance. Perhaps it's just a way to place the midrange in a controllable preference. Normally a sensorless sytem feels like 10% power, then 50%, then 100%. Not as much control in the middle. I almost feel like this will behave like a 50% throttle max with some people preffing 40% of the usable RPM vs 60%. This may be the biggest setting to help make this thing feel less like a sensorless system.
Curve control - Same theory as above but introducing a type of expo control depending on where your trigger finger will be in the midrange.
F Punch - Punch control is common in brushless systems. Usually acts as a type of current limiter (or transmission saver in really powerful systems). The torque you can bring out of a brushless motor is insane. This will be adjusted mostly to keep wheel spin controllable at various traction levels. (without loosing the diff and melting it).
TH Max - MAX RPM. but how, not sure.
This is all speculation and I'm eager to see how it comes stock and how much variance there is with the different settings.
hilldebrandt
2012.12.31, 01:25 PM
I had read somewhere that the motors were being made by Orion. I'm assuming that they're similar to the motors in the Team Losi systems for the SCT and Rally cars, which would put them between 8000 and 10000 plus Kv's....
TheSteve
2012.12.31, 05:25 PM
I really get the feeling the brushless system will be great for large sweeping tracks but a brushed setup will be better for tight technical tracks.
As others have said sensorless brushless sytems don't always feel that smooth, especially if the software isn't really well written. The manual for the ve even says to expect some lag off the start(again common with sensorless systems)
Nothing like hammering the throttle at the start of a race and having a slight stuttering to the motor while the brushed car fly past you or into the back of your car.
ChiMiniRc
2012.12.31, 05:39 PM
I really get the feeling the brushless system will be great for large sweeping tracks but a brushed setup will be better for tight technical tracks.
As others have said sensorless brushless sytems don't always feel that smooth, especially if the software isn't really well written. The manual for the ve even says to expect some lag off the start(again common with sensorless systems)
Nothing like hammering the throttle at the start of a race and having a slight stuttering to the motor while the brushed car fly past you or into the back of your car.
Yeah I saw that too. I'm curious just how bad that cogging could be. Especially for someone that hits the rails a lot. Another thing I just thought of is how that "Reverse delay" is going to feel in this new system. I see they still have timing adjustments but do hope it doesn't feel like a crapshoot like it does to so many beginners.
TheSteve
2012.12.31, 09:09 PM
Yeah I saw that too. I'm curious just how bad that cogging could be. Especially for someone that hits the rails a lot. Another thing I just thought of is how that "Reverse delay" is going to feel in this new system. I see they still have timing adjustments but do hope it doesn't feel like a crapshoot like it does to so many beginners.
I would expect it to be similar to 18th scale brushless. Off the line a brushed car will easily get a foot or two of advantage compared to a sensorless brushless car.
I love brushless stuff, looking forward to the efficiency and run time it will bring. Been using it since the Aveox and Schulze days in my larger cars, but suspect my MiniZ collection will stay brushed, just like its stayed nimh while everything else I own has been LiPo for more then 10 years now.
d1nzfe
2012.12.31, 11:32 PM
Yeah I saw that too. I'm curious just how bad that cogging could be. Especially for someone that hits the rails a lot. Another thing I just thought of is how that "Reverse delay" is going to feel in this new system. I see they still have timing adjustments but do hope it doesn't feel like a crapshoot like it does to so many beginners.
My experience on VE is the clogging isnt that bad as you imagine once you move off from standstill. And when you hit the rails, the car bounce back really fast enough and there is no need for you to reverse. ;)
danjoyy25
2013.01.01, 11:08 PM
Just did a few minutes with my newly acquired VE. Motor is quicker than a PN 50Turn for sure and still have loads more torque. It might even be closer to a 40turn . Not really a beginners car. First mod will be 64 pitch spur and pinion. Stock gears are just sounds nasty. ;)
TheSteve
2013.01.02, 03:06 PM
Any comments on efficiency and/or motor temperature after a run?
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.02, 11:00 PM
Any comments on efficiency and/or motor temperature after a run?
Just ran mine today. Kept the 6t pinion and yes, feels even faster then a 50t. Ran for what HAD to be over an hour. Got home and my cells that get 850mah at a 500mah discharge still had 175mah in them. So 50t speeds with 1+ hr run time. Motor temp was just warm. NOTHING like the heat you would get with an AWD setup.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.02, 11:11 PM
I'll be putting up pics and video. Right off the bat, from a throttle perspective, the control was very smooth. Much better then I had expected given it was sensorless. The first 10-20% of your throttle band is GONE though. No crawling up to the start line in this thing. I didn't feel like there was a delay from a stand still. We tested a few times pulling the trigger ever so slightly and only once did the car do a little blip backwards and immediately launch forwards.
As far as handling. The stock chassis can't keep up with this thing's power. We were hopping and jumping the rear end all over the place to the point where the car would just spin out everywhere. Setup was the Audi r8 body on r246 alloy wheels (2.5mm front, 3.0mm rear). 20 degree radials in back and 30 degree slicks up front. The strong r246 tape was used all around. No tire truing. Rear end hop was way too much. First tried switching to a #3 pn carbon t-plate. That helped quite a bit. Then installed a yellow Kyosho oil shock and that really calmed it down. After that we were getting too much push (due to speed really, at brushed stock speeds it would have held). I switched to 15 degree PN x-patterns up front. Then we were getting huge traction rolls (in the Audi body folks).
Now... could this all be achieved by just using a 50t style motor? Perhaps. As we all know speed isn't what most PN layouts need. But if you had a larger track I have a feeling this brushless could smoke a 50t. If the torque remains with the 7,8, and 9t pinions (as I expect it will) then this motor system should crush anything providing you have the space. In about a week I'll be at a carpet track with lots of room to see what this thing can do.
Also, I need to hook this up to the ICS software. Just curious what kind of speed differences there are in the different MAX RPM settings. A 9t pinion would seem to make this thing a rocket. Add MAX RPM settings and LIFE batteries and I can't imagine what it can do.
unearthed name
2013.01.02, 11:18 PM
Hmmmm, makes me want to have one.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 12:11 AM
I also have to say, out the box the brakes are very weak. I figured they would be insane lockup like most brushless motors. They almost seem weaker then the brushed motors. Will need to tinker with ICS.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 12:19 AM
I also have to say, out the box the brakes are very weak. I figured they would be insane lockup like most brushless motors. They almost seem weaker then the brushed motors. Will need to tinker with ICS.
Wierd, "Neutral Brake" says "Adjusts the amount of drag brake, which is applied when throttle is neutral. The greater the value, the stronger the drag brake is applied". - Yet, I change the settings and they don't seem to make much difference. From 1 to 5 the car glides in neutral. Brakes when applied, are a little stronger. When you hold the car up in the air the brakes are instant but on the ground, not so much.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 12:55 AM
Here is some video on RCP track. 6t pinion with nothing special AAA nimh batteries. Stock ICS settings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuKl3bf_LDo
Right before she hit the track :)
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/th_ReadyforherMaiden_zpsca87f164.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/ReadyforherMaiden_zpsca87f164.jpg.html)
TheSteve
2013.01.03, 01:08 AM
Hmm, I want the electronics and motor for my AWD car, it should be a blast.
imxlr8ed
2013.01.03, 01:27 AM
Very fast, will more than likely attract some speed demons to the scale. Will definitely have them shopping for alloy parts very soon. Tuning will be a nightmare for newbies with all that power. Time will tell. That vid certainly sells the speed of it though!
Guess I should get started on my Audi Bumper design!
TheRinger
2013.01.03, 02:06 AM
All I got to say is WOW!:eek: But I'm curious, what is the other car running? For comparasion.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 07:21 AM
All I got to say is WOW!:eek: But I'm curious, what is the other car running? For comparasion.
The other car is a well modified mr-03 with a pn 70t.
AFMiniz
2013.01.03, 07:37 AM
Can we just change a 64 pitches spur gear into the original ball diff?
Just did a few minutes with my newly acquired VE. Motor is quicker than a PN 50Turn for sure and still have loads more torque. It might even be closer to a 40turn . Not really a beginners car. First mod will be 64 pitch spur and pinion. Stock gears are just sounds nasty. ;)
Traveler
2013.01.03, 07:54 AM
Can we just change a 64 pitches spur gear into the original ball diff?
You will need to sand down the inner hub. See tutorial HERE (http://www.kenonhobby.com/PN-Racing-64-Pitch-Delrin-Spur-Gear-Pinion-Kit_p_42257.html)
d1nzfe
2013.01.03, 08:33 AM
Any of you guys connect it thru ICS with success? I cannot get it to connect to my PC after many ways.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 08:33 AM
Can we just change a 64 pitches spur gear into the original ball diff?
Remember, the Brushless motor doesn't have screw holes so you'll need a motor pod that doesn't require them. That or be limited on which gear ratios you can run using the regular motor pod spacers.
One comment that a fellow racer brought up. He has multiple cars with multiple motor pods and drivetrains. Even his 64p car with the stock MM plastic pod is a little noisy. The theory is the plastic motor pods acts like a bit of an amplifier for any noise generated. Where an aluminum pods won't resonate so it ends up running quieter.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 08:38 AM
Any of you guys connect it thru ICS with success? I cannot get it to connect to my PC after many ways.
Yes I have. Remember to set the right com port. The application does not make it clear as I had no clue it was a drop down box in the middle of the laptop screen that is located at the top middle of the application screen.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 09:23 AM
ICS settings played with so far.
MAX RPM - Tried TH Max Resolution at LOW which yielded 22kmph on a tamiya dyno with a 6t pinion. NORMAL which yielded 28kmph on the dyno. And "Over" which did not increase the speed over 28kmph one bit. Perhaps it's able to actually count RPM and when RPM is maxed out, the NIMH top out at 28kmph. Perhaps I'll see a difference between NORMAL and OVER with LI-FE batteries.
Back Timing - Pretty much like an Mr-03. Setting it to 1 gave nearly instant reverse. I will say with the brushless motor though that when you hit the rails, the car bounces back pretty far fairly regularly given the free spinning drivetrain. So you end up far enough from the rail that you don't need reverse to get out of the mistake.
Neutral Brake - As mentioned before. No matter the setting, the car seems to roll effortlessly. Seeing minor differences in brake strength when applied but overall feels weaker then a brushed motor which is weird. One thing I need to test is brake/reverse endpoint. I wonder if some how I'm overshooting it and it's reverting to some sort of "no brake". When holding the car in the air the wheels instantly stop at all ICS setting levels but under load, it isn't stopping very fast.
Motor Time Constant - Only adjusted to see if it made a top speed change when TH MAX REVOLUTION was set to OVER. It didn't help make it go faster (still trying to figure out why). I will be playing with this on a larger track.
Curve control - Haven't played with it yet
F Punch - Haven't played with it yet.
d1nzfe
2013.01.03, 10:04 AM
Yes I have. Remember to set the right com port. The application does not make it clear as I had no clue it was a drop down box in the middle of the laptop screen that is located at the top middle of the application screen.
We have tried everything. The PC can detect a normal 03 but cannot connect to VE. Care to share what windows version and drivers you using?
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 10:09 AM
We have tried everything. The PC can detect a normal 03 but cannot connect to VE. Care to share what windows version and drivers you using?
Windows 7, 32bit machine. I'm not on the laptop now so not sure what driver version. I'll have to check on that tonight
NoBrainer
2013.01.03, 11:18 AM
If you can connect a MR-03 but not a MR-03VE, there's got to be something wrong with your software (I.C.S.) or your MR-03VE.
Maybe your ICS software is not the newest?
Racer-HH
2013.01.03, 11:51 AM
Please note there is a special ICS tool for the VE. It can be downloaded at the Kyosho MiniZ support page (manual as well).
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.03, 12:07 PM
Please note there is a special ICS tool for the VE. It can be downloaded at the Kyosho MiniZ support page (manual as well).
It should look like this when you load it. It will look this way before you even connect the car to the computer.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/th_mr-03ve_zps82af5d64.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03ve_zps82af5d64.jpg.html)
d1nzfe
2013.01.04, 01:22 AM
It should look like this when you load it. It will look this way before you even connect the car to the computer.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/th_mr-03ve_zps82af5d64.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03ve_zps82af5d64.jpg.html)
Yes, we got everything right. It just wont connect. We tried with 2 VE already.:(
pepeuch
2013.01.04, 07:55 AM
hi, hummmmmm my new MR03!!! :D
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cVcI1FPQbyU/UObbsXk0hJI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/EVDw7j5kjmc/s1158/DSC01684.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-umFT03w5iSY/UObbtNMGuLI/AAAAAAAAJQU/vvSvtbXUVd8/s1157/platineMR03VEdessous.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a4bS0l5sIA8/UObb0hWggwI/AAAAAAAAJQg/-rHTPpMrxio/s1157/platineMR03VEdessus.jpg
now i testing with my NEU motors ;-)
TheSteve
2013.01.04, 11:35 AM
Excellent pictures - thank you!
I am amazed they are sticking with the PIC for a brushless controller.
Felix2010
2013.01.04, 11:41 AM
PIC no good? (I am not knowledgable about brushless)
TheSteve
2013.01.04, 11:45 AM
PIC no good? (I am not knowledgable about brushless)
If it works then it works, but most other companies are using Atmel or Silabs processors because they offer a lot more processing power for the same size/cost.
Felix2010
2013.01.04, 11:52 AM
I never really think about microprocessor power of these little RC's... But it does kinda suck if we are getting a 2003 Pentium Single-Core if a 2012 Core i5 Quad is available for modest cost...
The main thing I guess is like you said, "If it works then it works"... But tuning these machines is half the fun really IMO..
Pepeuch - Let us know how the NEU motor testing goes!!!! And Thank You for the PCB close-ups:D
Felix2010
2013.01.04, 12:08 PM
I don't know if this is old news, but I just looked up those Rohm Sh8m14 FETs:
9A N-ch/7A P-ch
I have heard that brushless motors whether sensored or sensorless have much greater efficiency. Does a brushless motor need more powerful FETs as a rule, or no?
If brushless motors draw similar Amps to their brushless Mini-Z motor counterparts, then these SH8M14 Fets are not bad for stock...
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.04, 12:20 PM
I don't know if this is old news, but I just looked up those Rohm Sh8m14 FETs:
9A N-ch/7A P-ch
I have heard that brushless motors whether sensored or sensorless have much greater efficiency. Does a brushless motor need more powerful FETs as a rule, or no?
If brushless motors draw similar Amps to their brushless Mini-Z motor counterparts, then these SH8M14 Fets are not bad for stock...
Brushless motors are more efficient. Right now I'm getting 50t or greater speeds on a 6t pinion with over 1 hour of run time.
However, even if they are more efficient, they can also draw far more current. Much like a larger scale car, I can install a larger pinion and instead of bogging down, the brushless system will deliver the extra speed by drawing far more current. With the limit being heat on the motor (or heat of the speed control on cheaper units). So I'm hoping better fets will help in a scenario of 9t pinion on a LI-FE battery pack.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.04, 12:26 PM
Some more basic unboxing pics.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0604_zps44775ecd.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0604_zps44775ecd.jpg.html) http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0607_zpsf9200aa1.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0607_zpsf9200aa1.jpg.html) http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0606_zps7e8fa5c0.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0606_zps7e8fa5c0.jpg.html)http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0605_zps41a7c9af.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0605_zps41a7c9af.jpg.html) http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0608_zps19e466dc.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0608_zps19e466dc.jpg.html) http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0609_zpse335a415.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0609_zpse335a415.jpg.html) http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0614_zpsf6f7ee94.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0614_zpsf6f7ee94.jpg.html)http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/th_IMAG0610_zps7c6e9ede.jpg (http://s280.beta.photobucket.com/user/Greg_Zielinski/media/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0610_zps7c6e9ede.jpg.html)
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.04, 05:07 PM
Didn't have time to edit so I just threw it up on Youtube unedited.
Just a close up of the chassis. A bit of a "walk around".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k9VlZHIZBM
lfisminiz
2013.01.04, 08:11 PM
Nice pics etc...:)
chad508
2013.01.04, 08:30 PM
I'm surprised you dont have one yet Larry. I haven't even seen you with the new bodies come out yet. Your slacking. Lol
lfisminiz
2013.01.04, 10:00 PM
I'm surprised you dont have one yet Larry. I haven't even seen you with the new bodies come out yet. Your slacking. Lol
Hey Chad...on this, I figured I would get it here in the U.S. Body wise..mostly get white bodies for racing and/or Kyosho race painted bodies for shelf.;)
arch2b
2013.01.05, 08:34 AM
it's worth the wait to get the VE domestically. i would not want to have to ship it back to asia if something was wrong or broke.
machgo5go
2013.01.05, 09:25 AM
it's worth the wait to get the VE domestically. i would not want to have to ship it back to asia if something was wrong or broke.
As I work for a Major Japanese Manufacturer Company under Service Dept, I also hate to dealt with Gray Market product which was bought oversea because our company policy also will not grant you any warranty claim in USA unless bought domestically. Eitherway, I will pick up one for sure from Kyosho America once finally gets here anytime soon and may buy second one when I travel oversea as a beater.
arch2b
2013.01.05, 09:54 AM
as these kits get increasingly expensive and complex technically, warranty status means a whole lot more and is worth a whole lot more. i always recommend buying chassis sets, readysets, transmitters, etc. domestically.
very surprised domestic shops are not pre-ordering yet. some of the asian shops have dropped prices below $200 now.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.05, 10:07 AM
as these kits get increasingly expensive and complex technically, warranty status means a whole lot more and is worth a whole lot more. i always recommend buying chassis sets, readysets, transmitters, etc. domestically.
very surprised domestic shops are not pre-ordering yet. some of the asian shops have dropped prices below $200 now.
Not sure what you mean about domestic shops not pre-ordering. Did you mean you are NOT surprised because domestic shop's cost is higher then what retail shops are selling these for overseas?
hilldebrandt
2013.01.05, 10:58 AM
The only place that I see that has it online is egrmart at $259...Kyosho America has it listed at $413 when they come out on the 20th...ouch!
arch2b
2013.01.05, 11:07 AM
of the major domestic retailers being; tinyrc, rckenon, reflex racing, atomic mods. none of these even have pre-orders up yet. for the moto and buggy we saw pre-orders open ahead of delivery. kyosho usa has had these available to retailers for pre-order as of 11/30/2012.
i don't expect a lot of these to be sold due to estimated high domestic retail cost but still surprised no pre-orders yet.
there are many asian shops that have them listed. as reported earlier, banzai has sold out their pre-orders and has since lowered the price to $199.32+/-. their retail price is listed at $249.15+/- which is close to ergmart. really waiting to see what the north american market markup will be.
Sinister_Y
2013.01.05, 06:32 PM
Brushless is listed on tinyrc and my shop. My estimated preorder retail is set at 329.99, whereas tinyrc is set at 299.99 last time I checked. I will adjust pricing once the first batch comes in as i will know final costs then. My shop/ track has a huge following for li-fe already. Add brushless and it is a winning combo. Most people's hesitation is definately the no holes thing, however weve been sourcing alternatives and are waiting for the real thing first in order to assess all our options for offering later.
TheSteve
2013.01.05, 07:03 PM
Brushless is listed on tinyrc and my shop. My estimated preorder retail is set at 329.99, whereas tinyrc is set at 299.99 last time I checked. I will adjust pricing once the first batch comes in as i will know final costs then. From my understanding i will stock the most out of any north american major miniz shop based on my preorder. My shop/ track has a huge following for li-fe already. Add brushless and it is a winning combo. Most people's hesitation is definately the no holes thing, however weve been sourcing alternatives and are waiting for the real thing first in order to assess all our options for offering later.
Nice to see someone in Canada will stock it!
chad508
2013.01.05, 07:04 PM
I believe the major hold up on preorders are unknown price, I know the over 400 kyosho America price will not be the price but the unknown is killing it. I'm in need of another chassis but kinda holding off to see what these will come in at before I buy anything. May even hold off to see if just the board is going to be sold
arch2b
2013.01.05, 07:19 PM
yep, tinyrc (http://shop.tinyrc.com/product.php?productid=22195) has them up, saw them in the latest items. price is $320. glad your confident in stocking many of them. as suspected, most u.s. retailers won't stock many but sell through pre-orders. that's a lot of money to sit on a shelf tying up capitol and they don't want a repeat of the buggy.
Sinister_Y
2013.01.05, 08:27 PM
Regarding dealer cost, it was clarified, so i know raw cost but not imported cost to the shop's doors. We'll be similar if not maybe $ 5-10 more than a US shop but shipping costs are nil if picked up locally or cheaper if shipped within Canada for most customers. Lets just say the street price will probably be in line with the newer MR03 kits that include a body. Personally, i love the concept of brushless, that a beginner can tune it down via ICS or a pro can tune it up. The motors last forever and like I said almost all of the crowd at the shop have been running li-fe for a while and those cells last a while (life of cell not particularly run time). We found running 40turn atomic,35 turn PN or r246 life motors, run times are around 12 min. Thats why our mains are always 10 mins instead of 15 or 12 min as some clubs run.
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.06, 12:19 PM
I believe the major hold up on preorders are unknown price, I know the over 400 kyosho America price will not be the price but the unknown is killing it. I'm in need of another chassis but kinda holding off to see what these will come in at before I buy anything. May even hold off to see if just the board is going to be sold
The dealer price for U.S. shops has been confirmed multiple times by Kyosho America sales staff. In fact, for a period of time the dealer login at kyoshoamerica.com reflected a cost that seemed more in line due to $199 retail overseas. However, upon pointing that out, the price was adjusted to the original cost quoted when pre-orders were opened. That original dealer cost and reconfirmed dealer cost puts the street of the mr-03ve in the $299-$329 territory. Anyone selling it in the U.S. for less than $299 is doing you a favor by making far less margin on it then previous mr-03ve kits.
machgo5go
2013.01.06, 12:35 PM
Either way, it will cost you to play so save up.
Back to the product, no one here yet attempt to hack up the front & put on a PN Double A-Arm to try making this chassis to keep up with the brushless?
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.06, 12:36 PM
as these kits get increasingly expensive and complex technically, warranty status means a whole lot more and is worth a whole lot more. i always recommend buying chassis sets, readysets, transmitters, etc. domestically.
very surprised domestic shops are not pre-ordering yet. some of the asian shops have dropped prices below $200 now.
This may be precisely why pre-orders aren't happening. You can by these for retail overseas for less than U.S. dealer's cost.
Ultimately you'll have to decide what that warranty means to you.
Long discussions were had this Saturday (our last race). We had a turnout of about 15 people plus we race in the store and had lots of people seeing it for the first time (Non R/C racers). We also had a LOT of those "on the fence" folks (R/C racers that hesitate on the mini-z platform) that the brushless seemed to be released for. Overall the price is viewed as insane. I explained what I was racing would require a $299 chassis purchase, $59 body (soon to be $69 with newer bodies), $20 in tires, $100 radio. So $500 in equipment to START racing a brushless mini-z. So then i'm handed a $149 brushless Losi Rally. That losi INCLUDES a 2.4ghz transmitter, has 4 wheel drive instead of 2wd, includes bearings as well. BOTH the losi and Mr-03ve are made in China. I've never felt like more of an idiot in my life and consider myself a HUGE mini-z fan.
I USE to be able to explain "made in japan" has a premium but I no longer have that in my corner as well. $500 vs $150 and the cheaper car is 4wd, has ball bearings, and both are plastic cars made in China. The only variable left is a plastic, finished, licensed body but that won't justify more than a $50 price difference at retail (since that is what you can buy the body for on it's own).
machgo5go
2013.01.08, 05:40 AM
http://youtu.be/iGazsOCIOQk
Friend's track in Atsugi JP near Kyosho's R246 Garage held a MR03 VE race in this past week. Looks like lots of potential!:D
Felix2010
2013.01.08, 06:44 AM
http://youtu.be/iGazsOCIOQk
Friend's track in Atsugi JP near Kyosho's R246 Garage held a MR03 VE race in this past week. Looks like lots of potential!:D
1st - Thank you for posting the vid. Nice!:D
These brushless cars look to very fast capably-tuned with the I.C.S. software. For a ARR chassis kit for us Mini-Z freaks who spend G's every year on this 1.28th tech it looks like a solid buy $199.99-$299.99 (No USA warranty vs. USA warrantee). Take your pick. Go fast, go slow, performance is there. IF you don't already have an MR03 or two...
BUT... Put a regular Modified/Brushed MR-03 running one of my TSM brushed motors and the Yellow fast Ferrari would get smoked (both with the same driver), 4xNIMH... IMHO...:D
imxlr8ed
2013.01.08, 08:15 AM
Long discussions were had this Saturday (our last race). We had a turnout of about 15 people plus we race in the store and had lots of people seeing it for the first time (Non R/C racers). We also had a LOT of those "on the fence" folks (R/C racers that hesitate on the mini-z platform) that the brushless seemed to be released for. Overall the price is viewed as insane. I explained what I was racing would require a $299 chassis purchase, $59 body (soon to be $69 with newer bodies), $20 in tires, $100 radio. So $500 in equipment to START racing a brushless mini-z. So then i'm handed a $149 brushless Losi Rally. That losi INCLUDES a 2.4ghz transmitter, has 4 wheel drive instead of 2wd, includes bearings as well. BOTH the losi and Mr-03ve are made in China. I've never felt like more of an idiot in my life and consider myself a HUGE mini-z fan.
I USE to be able to explain "made in japan" has a premium but I no longer have that in my corner as well. $500 vs $150 and the cheaper car is 4wd, has ball bearings, and both are plastic cars made in China. The only variable left is a plastic, finished, licensed body but that won't justify more than a $50 price difference at retail (since that is what you can buy the body for on it's own).
I've been there a bunch of times even without the brushless prices. Trying to convince racers from other scales is tough when you're up against those kind of deals. I love the idea of a super-high-tech brushless little RC car, I always have... but to spend more than $300 on a stock RC car? It's just not gonna happen for me.
And then I have stuff like this to deal with:
Larry 78 10:05.54 RMZR F1 PN70T
Quinn 77 10:03.90 RMZR F1 PN70T
If you saw their pit spaces and their F1s when they were here, you would think one of them would be 10 laps down! I could say it's skill, experience, raw talent... I think it's all of those, but it's also the fact that both these guys are driven to give the best race they can, regardless of the variables.
The prices need to come down... the fact that a KT18 isn't a $15 radio still makes me sick! I had boxes of old AM Mini-Z radios within a few months of starting with this scale. I used to buy ReadySets because I'd get a new body with the replacement parts I needed, and it was a more affordable path at one time. Those days are long gone!
briankstan
2013.01.08, 09:37 AM
Fun for fun, trying to sell someone on a $500 mini-z is not going to happen. For the same price you could get into a 10th scale Touring Car or a lot of other established classes. If there is a place to race the larger scale cars you'll never get someone to invest in the Z when they can get the larger scales for the same price. Andy trying to get someone that has the larger scales to invest in the Z is a hard sell as well.
With the price of the 2.4 cars and bodies the Mini-z was getting to be price prohibitive. I Love racing mini-z, but I just don't see the brushless mini-z adding anything to the hobby. Separate classes are going to have to be introduced as running them in any established class isn’t going to work as the speed difference between it and a brushed motor setup just isn’t realistic.
I’m kind of with Greg on this one, I just don’t see most people paying to run the brushless car. I don’t see anyone in our club investing that kind of money to get one, especially when you can’t run them fairly against a brushed car. I don’t get the whole maintenance thing either, I have little to no maintenance on my motor and they run for a very long time and are cheap to replace. What’s the replacement on that small brushless motor going to be?
I guess time will tell what is going to happen.
NoBrainer
2013.01.08, 05:58 PM
I think the "only" selling argument can be training for 1:10....
But I don't like the price of the MR-03VE and not the speed of it.
It seems a lot faster than a 70T which I personally think is a great start for beginners.
Mini-Z is not inexpensive for a beginner, since he/she don't have anything.
The savings don't come before the second car or after you have everything you need.
I gets a lot cheaper than 1:10 touring when it comes to tires and battries.
I don't change body's as often on my Mini-Z as I do on my touring car.
But there will cost something to do this hobby...
But since the MR-03VE is faster than my "Stock" 70T and slower than my GT Mod, I don't think I "need" this chassi right away. Maybe the prices will drop a bit, so when I need a new chassi....
I don't like the way the brushless motor i set in the motor pod. So no need to get one before motor pods designed for brushless is availible.
But I do like that Kyosho finaly is going brushless in Mini-Z.
J-Milz
2013.01.08, 11:53 PM
No drag brake??? C'mon!
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.09, 08:29 AM
No drag brake??? C'mon!
If there is, it isn't working like I expect. I hope to test more but just testing around the house, non of the settings produce a drag brake effect that would help the car enter turns.
herman
2013.01.09, 10:07 PM
here's my mr03ve review (http://mini-zracer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=440481#post440481)... and pics too...
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.09, 11:51 PM
Bumped it up to the 9t pinion and had some space to wind it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhPdRyqPbIo
Felix2010
2013.01.12, 03:52 AM
I USE to be able to explain "made in japan" has a premium but I no longer have that in my corner as well. $500 vs $150 and the cheaper car is 4wd, has ball bearings, and both are plastic cars made in China. The only variable left is a plastic, finished, licensed body but that won't justify more than a $50 price difference at retail (since that is what you can buy the body for on it's own).
Mini-Z no longer made in Japan?
ChiMiniRc
2013.01.12, 10:52 AM
Mini-Z no longer made in Japan?
Not the mr-03ve (See bottom right of VE box just to the left of the Kyosho logo).
Same with the Mini-z Moto, mr-02ex, and Mini-z buggy. The one exception with the buggy is that it says "Made In China" and then "Assembled In Japan".
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/Greg_Zielinski/mr-03%20shared%20unboxing/IMAG0606_zps7e8fa5c0.jpg
machgo5go
2013.01.12, 11:01 AM
Mini-Z no longer made in Japan?
Design/Quality Control in Japan and assembled in China so far! Labor in China gone sky high so beside them and even business I am in start to break ground in making factory in another Asian country now.
hilldebrandt
2013.01.28, 04:17 PM
So what is up with these kits? I see they're sold out everywhere, including K USA. Did the shop here ever get a shipment in ?
Sinister_Y
2013.01.28, 05:30 PM
Shipment from Japan to USA did not arrive yet; supposed to be at Kyosho America this week.
cowboysir
2013.02.04, 09:46 PM
Kyosho America has a listed price...$413.99.
I'm pretty discouraged by that price, honestly...looks like ill get a bit more into modding much cheaper Losi gear into a mini z shell.
NoBrainer
2013.02.05, 02:49 AM
Kyosho America has a listed price...$413.99.
I'm pretty discouraged by that price, honestly...looks like ill get a bit more into modding much cheaper Losi gear into a mini z shell.
It's expensive yes, but it's a bit cheaper at Tiny
http://shop.tinyrc.com/product.php?productid=22195&cat=362&page=1
arch2b
2013.02.05, 06:44 AM
Kyosho America has a listed price...$413.99.
I'm pretty discouraged by that price, honestly...looks like ill get a bit more into modding much cheaper Losi gear into a mini z shell.
simply their off the wall msrp. it's like this for nearly all their products really. the suggested retail price would have put them out of business a decade ago. if anyone recalls the early days when the mr-01 was hard to find domestically, there were sites selling them for full msrp which was insane. retail price is almost always cheaper.
that being said, we are still seeing a significant mark up from asian sites which sold out pre-orders at $208 in some places. it's unfortunate that our region is not a priority to kyo (plenty of threads on this fact) and we get higher per unit costs. i would jump on brusheless at $200+. not so much at $300+.
FYI, kyo usa has them in stock now.
imxlr8ed
2013.02.05, 08:17 AM
simply their off the wall msrp. it's like this for nearly all their products really. the suggested retail price would have put them out of business a decade ago. if anyone recalls the early days when the mr-01 was hard to find domestically, there were sites selling them for full msrp which was insane. retail price is almost always cheaper.
that being said, we are still seeing a significant mark up from asian sites which sold out pre-orders at $208 in some places. it's unfortunate that our region is not a priority to kyo (plenty of threads on this fact) and we get higher per unit costs. i would jump on brusheless at $200+. not so much at $300+.
FYI, kyo usa has them in stock now.
The ones bought in the US are $100 dollars better! You can take turns around 30% faster, pass somewhere around 30% easier and you're guaranteed to win just about 30% more A-Mains! :rolleyes:
With those non-facts said... if I had the extra cash, I'd probably do it right now. After seeing the vids online of this little power monster on the track, it's starting to show a bit more of it's value to me. I still wouldn't race one though unless it was an all brushless race.
Maybe they took up too much space on the boat ride over from the land of RC manufacturers?
Deytookerjobs!!! :D
arch2b
2013.02.05, 08:32 AM
love your sense of humor :p can't wait to race with you guys again. :cool:
yasuji
2013.02.05, 08:54 AM
i had a chance to race the brushless a few weeks ago imo brushless is good...it is fast.... but not fast enough.... i attempted to race my ve @ ilr... i was able to qualify 2nd... ( was on tq pace but choked on the last rhythm coming on to the straight on the last lap) i opted out of racing it in the main due to the lack of punch compared to my 33t
at this point... brushless has no advantage over brushed.... but i think capible of being raced together:D
TheSteve
2013.02.08, 10:32 PM
Received my mr03ve today, looks good so far. The electronics will be transplanted into my AWD in a few days. I recall reading some people had problems with the ICS interface. I gave it a try and it worked great for me with my home made USB interface.
machgo5go
2013.02.08, 10:54 PM
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/404855_10151303845038845_1755526416_n.jpg
Smooth fast to top end like a 43T in 52/11 gearing for now in Nihm 900 peaks
for now. Will try out LiFE next but one annoying thing to get use to is,
NO drag brake at all. Well, more test continues.:D
City Cobra
2013.02.20, 06:18 AM
I dont like that Motor Mount from R246, because the Top Holder with the Damper Post is loosely and shakey.
Here my opinion, i like the R246-1351 Motorhalter MML 98mm
Together with Marcus Elicker's "DDS9498" Rear on Damper Post is it geat working.
http://mini-zracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33537&stc=1&d=1361362246
yasuji
2013.02.20, 08:45 AM
heres my 03ve.... just waiting on a PN MOTOR!:D
herman
2013.02.20, 05:40 PM
grant, that looks like a pretty tight set up… how did you drill holes on the motor? was it difficult? still experiencing overheating problems?
arch2b
2013.02.20, 08:58 PM
I dont like that Motor Mount from R246, because the Top Holder with the Damper Post is loosely and shakey.
Here my opinion, i like the R246-1351 Motorhalter MML 98mm
Together with Marcus Elicker's "DDS9498" Rear on Damper Post is it geat working.
http://mini-zracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33537&stc=1&d=1361362246
is it possible there is another gi joe fan that also races mini-z?:confused::cool:
lfisminiz
2013.02.20, 09:04 PM
CITY COBRA and Grant...both look great! Good work. I ruined my first motor trying to fit it with screws....try harder on my next motor.:p:o
City Cobra
2013.02.22, 06:53 PM
Update:
http://mini-zracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33551&stc=1&d=1361579162
http://mini-zracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33552&stc=1&d=1361579290
Use now modified original pastic battery holder for LiFe, because the aluminum holder sucks, with plastic it will works fine.
Driving with Brushless and LiFe will be very cool, i love it.
Samsung would say, everyone who tested it, will want to buy it.
Apple would say, it's so amazing and the all time best that has been produced by kyosho.
ICS LiFe Mode work very fine. If LiFe empty, the car will be slow and jerky.
After loading, the charger will show 365mA.
BR, Micha
Cherub1m
2013.02.23, 10:23 AM
heres my 03ve.... just waiting on a PN MOTOR!:D
Thanks for sharing the pics guys. Grant, that is one clean set up all wires well tucked away very nice. do these multiple wire create any resistance or hinder motor pod movement?
machgo5go
2013.02.23, 09:10 PM
Thanks for sharing the pics guys. Grant, that is one clean set up all wires well tucked away very nice. do these multiple wire create any resistance or hinder motor pod movement?
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh123/machgo5go/VE2_zps82945fd7.jpg
Phillip,
These multiple wires are so cheaply quality, it broke few times already from motor to connectors which I already did many soldering fixa job.
Kyosho JP admitted is just low cost quality which maybe improve in future.
I always have pay attention in body installation so it will move more freely which make this VE much more need it attentions.:mad:
TheSteve
2013.03.05, 11:58 AM
This has likely been posted before but its a bit of a shame Kyosho didn't make the motor like this one, light gauge aluminum should keep the weight down and the chances of overheating would be very minimal.
Check out ebay # 261168015806 - its a brushless motor with fins where the Kyosho uses the black plastic "spacer"
gctkaz
2013.03.05, 02:43 PM
Check out ebay # 261168015806 - its a brushless motor with fins where the Kyosho uses the black plastic "spacer"
I've never seen that motor before but these last few weeks I have been shopping and ended up with mostly 1230 and 2030 size motors. If that motor you listed is an exact drop-in fit for 130 brushed motors and it has a 2.0mm shaft, I'd love to grab at least two or three of them. Would make Mini-Z AWD conversions easier too.
After just a quick search, I have not been able to find that kind of motor anywhere else. Do you know of another source?
TheSteve
2013.03.05, 03:12 PM
I've never seen that motor before but these last few weeks I have been shopping and ended up with mostly 1230 and 2030 size motors. If that motor you listed is an exact drop-in fit for 130 brushed motors and it has a 2.0mm shaft, I'd love to grab at least two or three of them. Would make Mini-Z AWD conversions easier too.
After just a quick search, I have not been able to find that kind of motor anywhere else. Do you know of another source?
Just came across the motor, I have no info on it other then its 6900kv. I really like how they did the heatsink. The Kyosho brushless does fit with no issues into the AWD, shame Kyosho doesn't list the factory motors kv.
NoBrainer
2013.03.05, 04:14 PM
http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V219349
TheSteve
2013.03.05, 04:23 PM
http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V219349
I suspect we will want higher kv motors then any they have listed.
NoBrainer
2013.03.05, 04:45 PM
Of course.
But there is a difference between "not finding" and "not finding good enough".
I also don't think these boards will handle 10A that good. I guess the A will be even higher when suddenly stopping.
But I might be wrong.
gctkaz
2013.03.05, 06:18 PM
Right, I'd be happy with the Kyosho VE motor, if they would make it for sale separately. I have mini/micro brushless ESCs sitting around waiting to go, but can't get the right motor for my applications. It's either the shaft isn't the right diameter, or the can is too wide, or too long, or something else. I can hardly wait until some Mini-Z-specific aftermarket motors become available.
gctkaz
2013.03.11, 07:58 PM
I just noticed that EGR Mart now has the XSpeed VE brushless motor in stock for $46.10.
Kind of pricey for just the motor. But with the board and top cover in stock at Kenon, I think it's possible to make a complete conversion.
I have decided to pass on conversion for now since there is no way to fit the motor into my 90mm MM pod, and I don't want that much power in my RM narrow car. I may consider it again if aftermarket drilled options become available.
arch2b
2013.03.11, 08:15 PM
you can convert any mr-03 to brushless for $154+/- except for the motor? How on earth are they reaching $320 retail for the VE chassis kit? Even with a ball diff at $33 that still tops out at $184. Are they really trying to say the motor is worth $136
TheSteve
2013.03.11, 10:59 PM
Its good to see the motor is out in the wild, I was wondering if lack of motors was holding up another production run. Its been a good month and a half since any mr03ve's were released in Japan.
kunming
2013.05.14, 12:33 AM
I'd like to ask ve user, which motor mount suitable with the chassis without any modification. I am running mm 98mm with ferrari 599xx body. And any sugestion for damper set to go with the motor mount? Thank you
arch2b
2013.05.14, 06:29 AM
route 246 makes the kyosho aluminum mid mount motor mount that will accommodate the VE brushless motor. i've seen this used on several VE cars.
R246-1201 (blue)
R246-1201G (gold)
bascially, anyone that makes an aluminum stock style motor mount. MC3 also offers a service to drill and tap the VE brushless motors for use with existing non-stock motor mounts.
TheSteve
2013.07.02, 03:14 PM
My 50th anniversary MR03VE arrived today. So far it looks great and I can report a big improvement with the wiring to the motor.
arch2b
2013.07.02, 03:20 PM
can you share close up pictures of the improvements made?
TheSteve
2013.07.02, 03:31 PM
Its tough to capture the biggest improvement with a picture, more then anything its the material the motor wires are made out of, they actually flex now and don't snap off when you give them a dirty look.
http://thesteve.ca/50thve.jpg
lfisminiz
2013.07.02, 06:36 PM
Nice! Looks good.
herman
2013.07.03, 01:40 AM
apart from the wires, are there any other things that are "different"?
how does the motor compare to the first release? or is it just the same motor?
hmm... just saw this... from mr03 limited edition 50th anniv edition - kyosho's official page (http://www.kyosho.com/eng/products/rc/detail.html?product_id=109711)
Kyosho 50th Anniversary Limited Edition chassis appearance!
(Limited Edition of Red anodized) full bearing, ball differential, gold-plated battery terminal equipment.
The next evolution of the MINI-Z Racer now incorporates the latest brushless motor technology into its performance. Never used before on a MINI-Z, this model includes the same-sized ‘Team Orion XSPEED VE’ brushless motor with its characteristic high durability, power, RPM and a flat torque feel. The MINI-Z takes full advantage of the brushless motor’s efficient low friction; non-contact properties that minimize wear and reduce electrical noise to deliver outstanding linear response and smooth acceleration for a sensorless brushless motor that is approved for use in the MINI-Z Cup and other official races. A limit applied to maximum RPM keeps the playing field level for all drivers. In addition, a newly designed circuit board with ICS function connects to a PC (adapter sold separately) for precision setting adjustments. Just download the ‘ICS VE Manager’ software from the Kyosho website to manage the brushless motor settings and remove the RPM limit to extract the full potential from your machine. The newly designed upper cover also allows simple mounting of the optional gyro on top and the chassis is equipped with the MR-03 ball diff that was previously optional. Now the MR-03’s dynamic performance is turbo-charged with brushless motor power to mark a new stage in the evolution of MINI-Z performance and technology.
first release mr03 ve - kyosho's official site (http://www.kyosho.com/eng/products/rc/detail.html?product_id=109398)
comparing the 50th anniversary to the first release, the only thing that looks different is that the 50th anniv edition has a red diff (compared to the blue diff on the first release) it has stronger motor wires as the steve mentions... and the anniv chassis has bearings & wheel nuts, while the first version release had none...
even the write up on kyosho's official site reads the same...
i also remember there being an issue re: adjusting the settings after connecting the car to the computer and using the ics software...
so i was wondering if this issue has been resolved in both versions... :D
and lastly what the current prices are on these things?... thanks for any response... :D
herman
2013.07.03, 02:12 AM
hmm... saw prices of chassis sets on flea bay...
mr03 170$
mr03vr 270$ :eek:
mr03vr se 50th anniv 330$ :eek::eek:
TheSteve
2013.07.03, 02:43 AM
Only differences are gold battery contacts, red ball diff parts, ball bearings and improved motor wiring. Both versions include plastic wheel nuts.
I haven't found any software differences and have never had any problems using ICS with any of my VE boards or my friends(6 or 7 boards total).
herman
2013.07.03, 04:41 AM
hmm... that means the motors (apart from the improved wiring) are still the same?
in the write up, it mentions that you can "manage the brushless motor settings and remove the RPM limit to extract the full potential from your machine"...
were you able to accomplish removing the rpm limit in both versions? thanks again for any response... :D
arch2b
2013.07.03, 06:31 AM
the price is insane in my opinion. the cost for the VE is insane, adding $20 for bearings and $40 for wiring that should have been used to begin with and gold terminals on the chassis? the red ball diff isn't so limited as it was recently used on the red anniv. chassis set. i have the red, yellow, blue and black ball diffs already. on an anniv. chassis no less, why no oil shock?
anyone interested in upgrading to VE and has an 03 already, build it from parts and save yourself some money. you can sell the board and chassis to recoup a nice portion of the expenses as well.
TheSteve
2013.07.03, 12:20 PM
What makes it even harder to swallow the pricing is that the new cars are all made in china. I have found the quality of the VE cars to be below past Kyosho standards so far. The diff plates are very rough, the battery contacts don't shine at all, wires fall off, parts fitment isn't as good as in the past. I find the new cars require a lot of rework/hand fitting to feel smooth.
The VE box has spelling mistakes, translation errors, the extra sheet included for the SP VE has errors in it.
Heck the ball diff shaft on my new SP edition mr03ve is rusty.
NoBrainer
2013.07.03, 01:43 PM
The VE box has spelling mistakes, translation errors, the extra sheet included for the SP VE has errors in it.
Heck the ball diff shaft on my new SP edition mr03ve is rusty.
hihi
You got the "special" edition....
:D
TheSteve
2013.07.03, 02:07 PM
hihi
You got the "special" edition....
:D
Hah! does that make it worth more?
herman
2013.07.03, 07:00 PM
hmm... that means the motors (apart from the improved wiring) are still the same?
in the write up, it mentions that you can "manage the brushless motor settings and remove the RPM limit to extract the full potential from your machine"...
were you able to accomplish removing the rpm limit in both versions? thanks again for any response... :D
wondering if anybody was able to do this? also wondering how does it compare? motor w/ rpm limit vs. motor w/o rpm limit - like is there any significant difference? thanks for any info... :D
HammondCheese
2013.07.03, 11:42 PM
Hah! does that make it worth more?
You bet. That rust doesn't come cheap and the new matte coating on the terminals cost a bucket in r&d......
TheSteve
2013.07.12, 03:49 PM
wondering if anybody was able to do this? also wondering how does it compare? motor w/ rpm limit vs. motor w/o rpm limit - like is there any significant difference? thanks for any info... :D
I have disabled the RPM limit before without seeing any difference, but that was with nimh cells, maybe it would make a difference with Life cells. I will try it again one of these days now that I have a few brushless cars to experiment with.
herman
2013.07.12, 09:53 PM
thanks for the reply, would find it kinda weird if there wouldn't be any difference... looking forward to the results of your experiment. :D
Racer-HH
2013.07.22, 09:57 AM
Did anyone find out, what the following ICS settings are good for and what they are changing?
Neutral Brake
Motor Time Constant
F Punch
Th Max Resolution
tudor_47
2013.09.17, 01:29 AM
Anybody know the physical dimensions of the MR03VE circuit board?
tudor_47
2013.10.17, 09:01 AM
anyone know if the Mr03VE board is LiPo safe?
(has a LiPo cutoff)
TheSteve
2013.10.17, 11:39 AM
It has no cutoff or Life safe cutoff. Neither of which is correct for LiPo.
mister-e
2013.10.18, 02:24 AM
Hi guys,
I'm about to upgrade the rear end of the car, MR03VE.
Interested in getting the tri damper system, a long with an aluminum motor mount.
Do you know which motor mount will work with which tri damper system, without having to drill holes in the brushless motor?
Many thanks in advance for your insight!
dameetz
2014.02.25, 11:43 PM
If i want to upgrade the motor to a faster one say one of the 12000kv out there, do i need to upgrade the FET? Whats the hottest brushless motor can I bolt without upgrading the FET?
Thanks in advance.
JesseT
2014.03.16, 11:36 AM
I just bought my first VE after multiple MR03s. The first thing I noticed was that it has a LOT of more play in the steering compared to my previous Mini-z cars. Most of it seem to come from between the 4th gear and servo saver. The servo saver upper link especially has much more play than previous production batches.
Am I just the only one noticing this?
Also, notice that with the standard servo settings, the car is pretty much undriveable. Change the servo to strong and speed to fast and punch to 5 to get started.
I have seen the same on my latest VE chassis.
The first one from what I guess are the first batch had very little play in the servosaver assembly.
Bought two more, and one of these had a servo with lots of slop. The other one was better but still more play than usual.
Regarding ICS settings, steering to "strong" and speed to "fast" was needed to get it to my likening.
TheSteve
2014.03.17, 05:25 PM
To me it seems to just be the case with all of the new products now assembled in china instead of Japan.
dameetz
2014.04.10, 08:49 AM
Anybody knows what size of the motor wires that comes with the 50th Anniversary MR03 VE?
arch2b
2014.04.10, 12:34 PM
if it's the same gauge as the normal VE, 24awg is my guess. I have the PN 22awg wire and stock wire is smaller diameter than that. or it may be that the silicone jacket is ticker on the PN wire? i have Turnigy 24awg wire that should arrive by Friday for comparison. the PN wire is nice, the jacket doesn't melt or shrink when you bump it with an iron tip.
TheSteve
2014.04.10, 01:09 PM
I'd say 22 or 24 gauge as arch said, most likely 24 but with a much nicer black silicone insulation then the original motors included.
herman
2014.04.10, 07:22 PM
steering slop?!?!… boo, any fixes to this? or is this an isolated case? er cases? anybody else experience steering slop?
dameetz
2014.04.11, 01:46 AM
if it's the same gauge as the normal VE, 24awg is my guess. I have the PN 22awg wire and stock wire is smaller diameter than that. or it may be that the silicone jacket is ticker on the PN wire? i have Turnigy 24awg wire that should arrive by Friday for comparison. the PN wire is nice, the jacket doesn't melt or shrink when you bump it with an iron tip.
I m thinking of getting the Turnigy 24AWG wires as well that is why I ask the wire size here, please give any feedback on the Turnigy wires if its good or not.
Thanks
arch2b
2014.04.11, 06:17 AM
just got my shipping notice but no updates yet on tracking... not sure how this is possible when selecting items from the usa warehouse option on hobby kings website :confused:
the PN wire is nice but at 22awg, it's still a bit fat, despite being very flexible. it looks like very fat fingers in comparison. the stock VE wiring has to be 24awg or smaller diameter, it just looks like junk when working with quality wire and the stock wire jacket melts off easily. i bought the 24awg mostly to replace stock motor wiring for brushed motors as stock tends to be not very flexible which results in broken connections very frequently at the track. i'll make a bunch of pre-tinned replacements to keep handy for when this happens for quick repairs track side. i know you can purchase the pre-assembled motor leads but when you know the cost of the materials, it's so much cheaper to just make them yourself.
the
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