Successfully installed LVC in RX box

[Alectric]

I was told it might not be possible. Last night I pulled the motor out, opened the rx box and installed a Novac 4s lvc with little mod.

For anyone who is interested. I have received alot of great info on this forum and would like to contribute the best I can. Here we go, please bear with me.:)

1. the T-lock control needs to be pulled off the receiver and double side tape also needs to be removed and discarded to make for more room.

2. on the inside of the rx box cover is a small nipple which needs to be ground down to make as much room as possible (I was able to fit it without removing with the dremel, but I recommend removing, it makes for a better fit)

3. fish the lvc power wires (red/black) with out pulling out the rx, which is double sided to the bottom of the box or pull out the rx to make it easier to fish.

4. wire in your LVC and place it on top of the rx first, then the t-lock control on top of the lvc and it should all fit in there like a glove.

5. fold in all wiring and place were room allows, lock down wire harness, put cover back on and you should be ready for dem' lipos.

Hope this helps.

I love the lipos in this thing:wub: . I own the 3906 e-maxx and now the summit. The summit is everything the e-maxx is and a ton more. Going form 6 cell nihm's to lipos was like having a whole new summit. I can't wait to get home today do some serious rock climbing:cool: oh yeh! The LED's at night are a hit with the nieghbors.:D

[ricketkm]

does it run faster post some videos if you can please

[Alectric]

I just got truck! My wife will kill me if I go buy a video camera! Maybe I tell her it a valetine present.

Its faster with more torque and the lights are brighter.

[ricketkm]

i want mines to go faster, i was going to go brushless but im getting negative feed backs

[egnix]

Thanks for the post. I hope to be installing an LVC on Thursday when my Summit arrives.
Any pictures of the install?

[akrimmel]

any pice would be great,, why did you do a 4s?

[SLASHPEDE]

4s is plenty for a all round truck, and still 2, 2s is alot of power :D

[akrimmel]

i run 2 of spc 7.4 5000mah lipos and it has some balls and then some!!!

[Alectric]

any pice would be great,, why did you do a 4s?

The 4s LVC was recommended. I put it in my emaxx and it worked great, so I stuck with it.

Pics coming soon.

[Deiceman]

akrimmel:

What kind of runtime are we talking about here?
I`m just waiting in agony for this piece of art to arrive in Sweden...
Planning to use the same batteries you do.

[akrimmel]

i am getting between 35-40 min.

[Alectric]

With the 8000's I'm getting about 70 min of bashing/crawling, mostly bashing.

[Deiceman]

35-40 minutes sounds great!
70 minutes aswell but now I`m going with the 5000mah.
Little different from the 20 I had on my Maxx...
Thanks guys.

[akrimmel]

30-40 is more accurate,,less if you are in second the whole time ya know!!

[Deiceman]

of course...
Better get a second set of LiPo:s...

[akrimmel]

i plan to go with the 7.4v 8000mah for the summit as it would probably get about 50min or so.

[Alectric]

I ran the truck again last night with the 8000's and once again got 70 min. just strait up bashing. I putin an order yesturday for MA's 6500's. 70 min. is too much.:p

[Mad_Dawg]

These 50 min plus run times are from LiPo's, right? I've used 7 cell 4600 NiMh and get about 25 min run time. The batteries have only been cycled twice, so I am hoping that improves.

[akrimmel]

yes i am refering to lipo's!

[egnix]

Pics coming soon.

Is it "soon" yet?

[akrimmel]

yeah i almost get tired after 40min!

[Alectric]

Is it "soon" yet?

Ya, sorry the wife has the camera and she is away at the moment. She will be home tomorrow.:wub:

[egnix]

Which channel (on the receiver) does the lvc plug into?

[egnix]

Which channel (on the receiver) does the lvc plug into?
Never mind. Channel 2. O: )

[akrimmel]

does it have to be that channel.

[NIL8U]

i am still anxiously awaiting my new toy but in the mean time i was wondering, with the MA 8000 batteries has anyone gotten them wet yet? i know MA says that they are water proof but i was curious if anyone had first hand knowledge yet?

[Alectric]

Sorry guys, I have the pics, I just need to figure out how to post them. Apparently I have to create a website to post them to first. I will get them up by tomorrow.

[akrimmel]

just go to www.photbucket.com and create a account.

[dkur4000]

www.photobucket.com

That's where I post all of my crawler pics. Once posted, you use the img code to post pics to the forums.

[Alectric]

Thanks guys. When I get a chance I will set up an account.

[akrimmel]

well be waiting or?????////???

[Alectric]

someone needs to take away your computer for a little while.

[akrimmel]

once i hit 2000 posts they will.

[Alectric]

OK, here are the photos I promised.

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150153.jpg

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150154.jpg

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150155.jpg

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150157.jpg

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150160.jpg

Some shot of the beast!

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150150.jpg

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/?action=view&current=P2150151.jpg

[hal001]

Nice shots, and good to know. Thanks.

[akrimmel]

tight fit but good to know it can be done.

[Alectric]

It is a tight fit and I was worried the cover might pinch a wire, but it all fit nice and snug. Now I don't know about any other LVC's. If they are smaller it will fit but a bigger one might not.

[akrimmel]

so the 2s one i have should be no roblem then.

[Alectric]

Is it a Novac? If it is then yes. I think the 2s is the same size as my 4s.

[akrimmel]

yeah should have mentioned it was the novac 2s smartstop.

[egnix]

Wow! Your wires are much more tidy than mine! ;)

[akrimmel]

Wow! Your wires are much more tidy than mine! ;)
one good bash session will change that.HAHA!

[SLASHPEDE]

one good bash session will change that.HAHA! no offence dude, but latly youve been posting alot of pointless posts. it kinda gets annoying after a while lookin on here but the info is completly irrevalent or pointless;)

[umc]

Question from the new guy (me)

What is a LVC? I'm assuming that it's the board in the pics and it allows you to use LiPo's?

If that is correct, do you need to add a LVC to all RC vehicles in order to run LiPo's?

Next, where is a good thread to learn about the different type of LiPo batteries? I want to learn what this 2s and 4s stuff all means.

Thanks.

[akrimmel]

low voltage cutoff

most will say yes to protect your lipos frm reaching unsafe low voltages.

each cell in a lipo is 3.7v. so a 2s is a 7.4v lipo and a 4s lipo is 14.8v.

[umc]

low voltage cutoff

most will say yes to protect your lipos frm reaching unsafe low voltages.

each cell in a lipo is 3.7v. so a 2s is a 7.4v lipo and a 4s lipo is 14.8v.


Awesome, thanks for the quick reply.

I did a search for LVC and it turned up nothing.

Thanks again.

[egnix]

Unfortunately, you need at least at least 4 characters in your search term, so "lvc" won't work. Might want to search for "cutoff".
I recommend browsing the E-revo forum, especially the E-revo FAQ. The Summit is based on the E-revo so there is a lot in common.

[akrimmel]

ALECTRIC--where did you install the LED from your lvc? on the summit body or on the chassis?

[Alectric]

I didn't. I did on my 3906 because it was able to reach up into the antena tube hole in which I taped it to the tube rite where the blue LED met the hole.
On the Summit I haven't found a good location yet and I didn't want to jam too many more wires and clips into that small area. I'll give it a try sometime soon and report back, but I have feeling the LED wire is to short to reach up into any visable area.

[akrimmel]

let me know where you decide as this is the hold up for me installing mine. i have plenty of the thin black and red wire to extend mine,,just dont where to put that darn led at.

[oldRCman]

That's a pretty sweet setup. I like how everything worked out. My Lipos will be here Tuesday(Maxamps dual 8000's) and I picked up the same cutoff. Nice to see someone found a way to protect it. Saves me from having to figure something out!!! hahahaha More time for wheeling!
FYI-I picked up a small 5000mah Lipo from Venom for my other lesser used electric and an FMA Direct cutoff to go with it. The FMA cutoff is about the size of your thumbnail, has a programmable cutoff point, and will handle like up to 6s or something like that. It's intended for planes, but I don't see why it couldn't be used for an application like the Summit. With it being sooooo small, much easier to hide away.

[akrimmel]

does it have a led on it as well for a visual indicator?

[oldRCman]

Alas, it does not. But, heck. I only paid $8 less so I guess the Novak ones are the better deal but my lhs doesn't carry them. No led I can deal with on my Tamiya F150.

[Alectric]

oldrcman, thanks. Akrimmel, do what I had mentioned above. Use some electrical tape and tape the bottom of the led on tube rite where the tube meets the hole of the body or a little above the hole.
Ill give it a shot Monday.

[Alectric]

That's a pretty sweet setup. I like how everything worked out. My Lipos will be here Tuesday(Maxamps dual 8000's) and I picked up the same cutoff. Nice to see someone found a way to protect it. Saves me from having to figure something out!!! hahahaha More time for wheeling!
FYI-I picked up a small 5000mah Lipo from Venom for my other lesser used electric and an FMA Direct cutoff to go with it. The FMA cutoff is about the size of your thumbnail, has a programmable cutoff point, and will handle like up to 6s or something like that. It's intended for planes, but I don't see why it couldn't be used for an application like the Summit. With it being sooooo small, much easier to hide away.

Thanks again. Your gonna love them maxamps. I just got in a pair of 2S 6500's. They have a little more pep than the 8000's but not by much.
Last night I ordered some 3S 5250's for my BLER. I was thinking on giving them a shot in the yellow beast but they might do damage.

[oldRCman]

Thanks again. Your gonna love them maxamps. I just got in a pair of 2S 6500's. They have a little more pep than the 8000's but not by much.
Last night I ordered some 3S 5250's for my BLER. I was thinking on giving them a shot in the yellow beast but they might do damage.

Yea. REALLY looking forward to them. Gonna be nice to drive a large truck like the Summit for more than 15 minutes at a time. It's gonna be awesome! Not looking forward to the new lipo breakin though. It's going to take forever with those 8000's. Bu it may be a different story with the new charger.
As for the indicator light for the Smartstop, I'm just gonna drill a hole in the body and stick it through. It'll be a cool looking Starsky and Hutch light.

[akrimmel]

i have a few ideas while dreaminf last night.. will post when complete.

[akrimmel]

heres the mod i did. exteneded it from 5inch stock to 18inch.here sre the pics!

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/NOVAK2S001.jpg

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/NOVAK2S004.jpg

[akrimmel]

so a easy unplu and its all done very easy. used a 5mm bullet connector from old LED set of lights so i can mount it to the summit body. used some silicone to seal it in there.

[Alectric]

Nice! Looks like a nice mod. Let use know how it works out. By the way I have the same carpet in my master bedroom.
Oldrcman, I was going to try the same thing but was worried it wouljust pop out on a crash and just flop around in there, where it could get caught up into something.

[akrimmel]

i thought the same thing it getting caught, just keep it away from the servo area. i will post once i mod it out. i dont have solder to attatch it to the evx2. will get some this week.

[akrimmel]

i just thought of this one, i can get to jack in the box to get thier straws--they are the biggest in diameter compaired to the other chains. that way there is no wire exposed under the summit body to get caught on.

[akrimmel]

hooked everything up lastnight plugged in one battery and tons of smoke evx2 wasn;t even on. completely fried the black wire on the evx2. hooked it up on the BEC side, verified all wires matched in their locations. here is the pics.

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/THEBURN001-1.jpg

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/THEBURN002-1.jpg

[Alectric]

Wow! Sorry to see that. Maybe there were a couple wires shorted out somewhere? The extention of the blue LED maybe?

[Koko]

Alectric,

I have a question regarding the lvc install. When you tied the pos and neg wires into the battery terimals on the bec side of the esc...did you cut and install a new traxxas connector to solder the wires toegether? Or did you do this using the existing connections?

I'm hoping I can sell my near new SPC 6cell nimh packs so I can order up a pair of maxamps 5600 lipos and an LVC.

Thanks!

[Alectric]

I used the existing connectors. Just pop them out with a flat head screw driver and solder to ESC wire. Both wires don't go to the BEC side. Check out my photos on first page to see which wire goes where.

[akrimmel]

i know where i went wrong now, but first it has to go to traxxas for repair. the board is sealed in there so i cant swap out the esc connector.

[Koko]

I used the existing connectors. Just pop them out with a flat head screw driver and solder to ESC wire. Both wires don't go to the BEC side. Check out my photos on first page to see which wire goes where.

Ah I completely missed that in the photos. I went over per your suggestion and searched the E-revo board and found a few diagrams. I thought the one that applied showed both the pos and neg going to the bec side, but I see you chose not to do it that way.

Post #72, shows the diagram I was referring too.
http://monster.traxxas.com/showthread.php?t=430233&page=2

Thanks for your help.

[Alectric]

Where'd ya go wrong?

[Alectric]

I'm not sure but I don't think you can do it any other way.

[akrimmel]

well i went by this from some time ago.

http://monster.traxxas.com/showthread.php?t=439307

you will see what i did!

[Alectric]

I don't see what ya did. Just tell me.

[Koko]

akrimmel, that's the same diagram I'm referring too.

[akrimmel]

i wired the - & + to the BEC side didn't split like you did. + went to the BEC side and the - went to the non BEC side according to your pics correct?

[Alectric]

Ya, thats correct, diagrams didnt come up on the phone.
Is Traxxas taking care of it?

[akrimmel]

i am sending in for repair and proof of purchase for warranty,, so why did that person put both wires to the same plug?

[akrimmel]

here is where i mounted the bevel for the LED for the lvc.

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/bevelmount.jpg


http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/akrimmel75/bevelmount1.jpg

[Alectric]

Very nice! I like the application.

I think they were using a 2S LVC. Your using a 4S correct?

[akrimmel]

2x 2s lipo spc 7.4 8000 mah

[Koko]

2x 2s lipo spc 7.4 8000 mah

And using the two 2s lipos would me you need to run a Novak 4s Smart stop LVC from what I have gathered in my research.

Alectric, you are using 4s LVC correct?

[Alectric]

Yes, I'm using the 4S Smart stop. You can use a 2S LVC, but that would have to be wired just like the diagram, on the BEC side.

[Alectric]

2x 2s lipo spc 7.4 8000 mah

I should have been more specific. Are you using a 4S LVC?

[akrimmel]

i wired like the diagram from the other thread and that why it fried. needs to be one wire to each High Current connector + and - need to go in the correct connector as well.

[Koko]

Now I'm confused.

I see how you wired it and that's why it friend.

But now what you're saying is you need 4 wires?

Looking at how Alectric wired his Smartstop (LVC), he has one postive and one negative wire.

He connected the positive to one side the esc wires that connect to one battery and then connect the negative to the opposite side side.

So one battery connection has an extra positive going to it and the other battery connection has an extra negative going to it.

[Koko]

Good reference threads here.

How to determine BEC Side with an EVX2. Post #11 also describes how should wire for a 4S and I think this is was Alectric did.
http://monster.traxxas.com/showthread.php?t=435171

How to build a "Kraegar Harness" so you can remove the BEC if you want to run Nimh and not lipo
http://monster.traxxas.com/showthread.php?t=437193

[tylerdurden455]

I keep forgetting to post a reply here... so without further delay:

To Alectric, thanks for posting this information, for whatever reason I hadn't even considered mounting the LVC this way. Thanks to your post, my Summit remains water tight and lipo safe. :-)

[FPVRustlerVXL]

I followed Alectric instructions to a T and had no problems what so ever. I chose to use the 2S option on the BEC side and it works flawlessly. Below are the instructions that came with the Novak Smartstop Lipo Battery Cut Off.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/FPVRustlerVXL/Lipocutoffdirections018.jpg

I hope this might answer some questions.

[Alectric]

Nice, glad to have been a help. Like I had said in my original post "I have learned allot on this forum and wanted to give a little back". Thanks again.

[Koko]

Alectric...couple of followup questions. How did you determine the BEC side of the ESC?

I followed the way the e-revo thread said to do it, but no matter which battery I unplugged the ESC shut off.

As well, where did you mount the light from the Smartstop? Where in the receiver box did you run it out of?

[DrSkull]

Well thanks Alectric I got my 4s hooked up ;). I didn't hook up the LED only because I couldn't get the wires run through the rx boxes like I could the other two.

I still would like to know if the LVC running color is red ?? Or is it green ? :)

[Koko]

So what did you do with the LED?

How did you determine the BEC side?

[DrSkull]

I kept the LED to hook up at a later time , I'll just watch for the truck to start acting like the Novak instructions say. As far as the bec , I had to tap into each battery because I'm using the 4s and not the 2s so each lead from the LVC hooks up to one lead from each battery. I went by pics from this post and a post I found from maxamps.

[Alectric]

I didn't intall the LED either, too short and didn't feel like extending it. Lvc works fine without it.
Koko, the red wire from the Lvc goes to the red side of the Bec (which is the side with the sticker wrapped around it) and the black wire from the lvc goes to black wire of the nonBec side. If this doesn't help, check out the photo bucket pic I posted on the first or second page of this thread. Good luck.

[oldRCman]

So what did you do with the LED?

How did you determine the BEC side?

How I did it was similar to what someone else here posted but it worked fine. Plug ONE pack into the connector of your choice. Wait a few seconds(the power caps are pretty big). Turn on esc. If absolutely nothing, non-bec side. If there's a blip of lights and servos, bec side. If you look at the esc straight on with the setup button in front of you, I believe I determined the bec side to contain the black batt lead furthest RIGHT.
I can't recall the lvc hookup as I used the 4s one and fried my servo lead before I determined the bec side. Hope this helps.

[Koko]

Thanks guys. Alectric, your description seems opposite of what you described. Seems you have the black wire on the sticker side?

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/P2150157.jpg

oldRCMan, maybe I was doing it wrong. I had both packs plugged in and turned on the esc, then unplugged one. It shut off. Plugged it back in turned on the esc, unplugged the others side and turned off. You described doing it opposite. Plug one pack in and try to turn it on. I'll try that at lunch.

Maybe another thing I'm missing...or I haven't looked close enough. THe light on the LVC just unplugs or you did you have to cut the wires?

[DrSkull]

LOL so what color is the LED on the LVC while running the car ?? I just wanna make sure mine is working because I didn't hook the blue LED up :) I would hate to ruin my maxamp batteries already :(

The light on the LVC just unplugs :)

[Alectric]

I'm sorry your rite koko. I have it opposite. I'll make the change if I can.

Edit. I can't make the change for some reason. Just follow the photo above and it will work fine.

[Koko]

Alectric, I think you have it wired right and just reversed your statement above. Just checked during lunch. My esc will turn on (then right off) when a battery is plugged into the esc wires wrapped with the sticker (BEC side). According to the directions the black wire from the LVC should wired to the BEC side just as you have it.

This topic should be stickied IMO.

I'll post up pics when I get mine installed with the Kragar Harness. At least I'm comfortable knowing the BEC side now.

[oldRCman]

oldRCMan, maybe I was doing it wrong. I had both packs plugged in and turned on the esc, then unplugged one. It shut off. Plugged it back in turned on the esc, unplugged the others side and turned off. You described doing it opposite. Plug one pack in and try to turn it on. I'll try that at lunch.

Maybe another thing I'm missing...or I haven't looked close enough. THe light on the LVC just unplugs or you did you have to cut the wires?[/QUOTE]

That's how it worked for me. I guess it doesn't matter HOW you figure it out just as long as you figure it out CORRECTLY. I had to replace my esc rx lead because I didn't do it right from the start. Warrently don't bother me.
On my Novak lvc the light is on a short lead that plugs into the lvc unit. I lenthened it a good 10 inches(with a plug-in lead) so I can remove the body and then just unplug my extension. Spent an hour in the snow last month. Worked great until I ran into my wood pile. :eek:

[Koko]

Ok. Worked on it for a few minutes last night. I unplugged the light from the Smartstop and I was trying to fish the pos/neg wire out of the esc tray. I wasn't haven't much luck. I removed the motor, then things got easier. I'll take some pictures to help the next person.

That's about as far as I got. If I have time I'll work on finishing it up tonight.

[Koko]

Overall very easy to do. If you know how to solder (this was my first shot) it would have been even easier.

The steps are below are a blend of Alectric's steps from earlier in this post and the extra steps I had taken to complete this project. I need very detailed instructions since I'm a newbie at this. I'll get some pictures of my harness up hopefully tonight.


How to wire an LVC to a stock Traxxas Summit ESC
1. the T-lock control needs to be pulled off the receiver and double side tape also needs to be removed and discarded to make for more room. -Alectric

2. On the inside of the rx box cover is a small nipple which needs to be ground down to make as much room as possible (I was able to fit it without removing with the dremel, but I recommend removing, it makes for a better fit) -Alectric

3. Remove the motor from the transmission and set it aside. -Koko

4. Remove the smaller rx cover adjacent to the rx box. This is where the wires run out of from the rx box to all the servo's and the ESC. (I found it much easier to fish the wires out the rx box this way. I also had to pull the rx up which is secured in the rx box with servo tape.) -Koko

5. Determine the BEC side of your ESC. This can be done by taking one battery and plugging into one side of the ESC. Try to turn the truck on. If nothing, it's the NON BEC side. Try it on the other side set side of the ESC and it should turn on, then power right down. This is the BEC side. It most likely and should be the side that has the red sticker around the wires. -Koko

6. Wire in your LVC. Easier said then done for people have experience soldering. I wanted the ability to to still run my Nimh batteries so I built a modified "Kraegar Harness" so you can remove the BEC if you want to run Nimh. What I did was buy a pair or Traxxas female plugs, a pair of Traxxas male plugs. I also used 2 pieces of black wire, and 2 pieces red wire about an inch and a half long. I'll post pics when I get home from work. Basically I made two battery extension wire. With this extension I wired in the LVC - Black wire(negative side) to the BEC side and te red wire (positive wire) to the non-bec side just like the picture below. -Koko

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/Alectric_photos/P2150157.jpg

Picture by -Alectric

7. Remove the Channel 2 plug from the RX and plug it into the LVC. Then plug the LVC into Channel 2 on the RX. At this time I also removed the light from the LVC which is easily done because it too plugs into the LVC. -Koko

8. Next before I put it all back into place, I programmed the LVC. Very easy to do. Plug in the batteries and hold down the program button on the LVC. While holding the button turn on the ESC. The light will flash then turn solid red. Squeeze trigger to full throttle until the LED stops flashing green and becomes solid green. Allow the trigger to return to neutral. The green LED will flash and then become red one more time noting it is programmed. -Koko

9. Ensure everything works correctly. Test throttle forward and reverse (remember your motor is not connected to the tranny at this time). -Koko

10. Next place the LVC on top of the rx first, then the t-lock control on top of the lvc and it should all fit in there like a glove. -Alectric

11. Reinstall the the small cover adjactent to the RX box. This is the cover that allows the RX box to be waterproof. Reinstall the motor next. Make sure to double check your gear mesh. -Koko

12. Lastly, fold in all wiring and place were room allows within the RX box, lock down wire harness, put cover back on and you should be ready for dem' lipos. -Alectric

[Alectric]

Thanks Koko! I like the fact that u expanded on my discription of the install.

[Koko]

No problem. I like the fact you answered my endless questions!

[Alectric]

anytime brother! How's the Lvc working for ya?

I forget what color the led on the lvc is. Havnt opened up the rx box in a while, all my time has been spent with the BEER.

[Koko]

I just got it hooked up last night. I need to charge my lipos and get outside. Hopefully today I can see if Lipo's are all they are cracked up to be. LOL :D

I'm only getting about 15min of runtime with SPC 6-cell matched packs. I'll be curious to see what I get with the Maxamps 6500 lipos.

[Alectric]

my MA 6500's give me around 50 minutes of run time. You're gonna love the power from the lipos. It's night and day.

[egoneski]

to solder the lvc on do you have to do anything with the esc, what i mean can you splice into the wires or do you have to open the esc up and solder at a terminal or something like that? In the instructions is states it can be connected to a battery or battery connectors, does that mean you can connect it directly to the traxxas connector?

[Dingman]

I've completed my LVC install (2s version). Installed in the box, wiring cleaned up. I did take a couple of pics that I hadn't seen here yet, if people are interested, here they are.

The silly thing is, I put the dingin' thing all back together and then realized I forgot to program the LVC. Smack!

LVC Install 01 (http://dirttraveler.com/Summit/LVC-Install-01.jpg)
LVC Install 02 (http://dirttraveler.com/Summit/LVC-Install-02.jpg)
LVC Install 03 (http://dirttraveler.com/Summit/LVC-Install-03.jpg)
LVC Install 04 (http://dirttraveler.com/Summit/LVC-Install-04.jpg)

[Brasher]

i prefer the 2s because the bec side batteries won't go below the recomended lvc per cell, the 4s reads all 4 cell voltages and cuts u off when the combined voltage equals said number, the 2s reads the bec side battery and cuts it off at said voltage, problem is on 4s the non bec side will get cut off at an ok voltage, but the bec side will get cut off at a too low voltage, the non bec side powers motor only, the bec side powers motor, leds, servos, and reciever, so inless the 4s cuts off at much higher per cell than is recommended its bad for ur bec side batteries. and why the heck remove the motor? remove the reciever box from the chassis, then u can access the lid that seals where the wires come out of the reciever box. note: the 2s install u go red to red and black to black on the bec side.

[egoneski]

do you have to remove the motor to help with room or spacing or can it be left on? Also where do you have to solder the lvc onto, are there solder points on the esc or do you have to splice into the wires themselves? Also is it easy to make a Kraegar Harness, is there a pic or part list cause i would like to run nimh while my lipo's are charging?
Sorry for so many questions but i am a good mechanic, but when it comes to wires and electric stuff i am two left hands, but with instructions i can do very well with.

[Brasher]

do you have to remove the motor to help with room or spacing or can it be left on? Also where do you have to solder the lvc onto, are there solder points on the esc or do you have to splice into the wires themselves? Also is it easy to make a Kraegar Harness, is there a pic or part list cause i would like to run nimh while my lipo's are charging?
Sorry for so many questions but i am a good mechanic, but when it comes to wires and electric stuff i am two left hands, but with instructions i can do very well with.
motor can be left on, if u remove the reciever box, in my opinion its eazier to remove the reciever box than the motor. a 2s lvc will go red to red black to black on the bec side of the evx 2 male plugs, just use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the metal connector tabs, tin ur lvc wires and iron them to the tabs, and push the tabs back into the male conector, red to the plus, black to the minus. idk about the kraegar harness though, might work differnet if u use that.

[Gage2502]

OK im new to all this Lipo and LVC but is this the right one to use?
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPGM8&P=ML
I would be using these Lipos..
http://www.*********.com/*********/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8578
Thanks for your help.
~Gage~

[Dingman]

Yes, that's the one you want. I personally agree with using the 2S and monitoring the BEC battery.

The best setup would be to install two 2S lvcs, one attached to each battery and the speed circuit run thru both LVC's (tho I'm sure the designer of the LVC didn't intend for two of them in series, I couldn't say it would work without trying it, but it should work).

That way, if for some bizarre reason, the non-BEC battery were to start failing, it wouldn't be toasted (LOL, I bring this up because yesterday because I toasted the non-BEC battery, right after I installed a 2s LVC on the BEC battery).

[Koko]

That one will work. I went with the Novak 4s one that MaxAmps reccomends for the truck though.

[Brasher]

well the best way to do this is the 2s lvc, but u must allways hook up fully charged lipos. say if u did a half run and took ur lipos out and then later put them back in ur bec battery might now be on the non bec side, so now ur non bec side is lower than ur bec side, will the bec side still drain fast enough to catch up and pass the non bec side? so the 2s lvc is safer assuming u use fully charged lipos only

[Dingman]

well the best way to do this is the 2s lvc, but u must allways hook up fully charged lipos. say if u did a half run and took ur lipos out and then later put them back in ur bec battery might now be on the non bec side, so now ur non bec side is lower than ur bec side, will the bec side still drain fast enough to catch up and pass the non bec side? so the 2s lvc is safer assuming u use fully charged lipos only

I agree, both the 2s and the 4s each have drawbacks.
A person could add an extra set of leads and a Minimum-selecting relay (on a chip of course, so it would be small) to the LVC. Then the lowest of the two batteries would trip the cutoff, no matter which battery it is.

[Koko]

I agree, both the 2s and the 4s each have drawbacks.
A person could add an extra set of leads and a Minimum-selecting relay (on a chip of course, so it would be small) to the LVC. Then the lowest of the two batteries would trip the cutoff, no matter which battery it is.


Reading this I agree about both 2s and 4s drawbacks.

[egoneski]

i have a question, instead of a kreager harness whatever that is, could you just get an additional male and female traxxas connector and solder the lvc to the male or female connector like you would do normally and when you want to run nimh's just unplug it and snug it somewhere?

[Koko]

i have a question, instead of a kreager harness whatever that is, could you just get an additional male and female traxxas connector and solder the lvc to the male or female connector like you would do normally and when you want to run nimh's just unplug it and snug it somewhere?

That's exactly what I did. I need to get off my bum and take a picture tonight.

[egoneski]

that would be great to actually see one done the way you have done it. I got everything except my lipo's now waiting till promatch gets their 5000mah 2s 30c packs in.

[nino]

so if i'm getting a pair of 2s 7.4v 5000mah packs, Should i get the 2s novak smart stop or 4s?

[Dingman]

LOL Nino~! Funny stuff...

It's like on a 1:1 board I've frequented for years... There's a thread where people ask "what size tires can I fit on my ZR2?". So, the answer is there, in that thread. About 10 times.

Then along comes someone... and they see the thread title and immediately post the question "what size tires can I fit on my ZR2?".

Ya just gotta laugh.

But usually, someone will be the nice guy and answer the question. Again. :P

[nino]

LOL Nino~! Funny stuff...

It's like on a 1:1 board I've frequented for years... There's a thread where people ask "what size tires can I fit on my ZR2?". So, the answer is there, in that thread. About 10 times.

Then along comes someone... and they see the thread title and immediately post the question "what size tires can I fit on my ZR2?".

Ya just gotta laugh.

But usually, someone will be the nice guy and answer the question. Again. :P

I read the rest of the thread and got the anwser after i posted....
Must be nice being a smart *** on an internet forum. Hope you feel real big:rolleyes:

[Dingman]

No harm done on my end. Mods please prune as necessary.

[egoneski]

koko, do you have a pic of your makeshift harness? want to know if what i am going to do will work?

[egoneski]

where can i get more wire from, the wire i want is the wire that attaches to the traxxas hogh current connectors, i want to make the kraeger harness. Would a LHC carry wire, i need the red and black wire?

[Koko]

Sorry for the delay in pics. Before I post...I have to admit...I am now a LIPO convert. For me, they are everything they were cracked up to be. What can I say the Summit is an entirely different vehicle now. :wub:

Pics of my wiring.

Snaking the wiring.
http://www.fototime.com/157FDC5BB59B90A/standard.jpg

Harness
http://www.fototime.com/0D22E1C8FD8A815/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/18223039539EEF0/standard.jpg

All unplugged. Use a zip tie and move it out of the way when using NiMH
http://www.fototime.com/292FC2E1CFC4916/standard.jpg

[egoneski]

koko, doyou need to have 2 harnesses or can i just make one harness for the bec side? is there an advantage or dis-advantage to doing it the way you did or just one harness for the bec side?
Thanks for the pics!

[Koko]

I think if you run both batteries off one side you will need to make a loop harness on the other side that goes unused. I think what you're referring to is running in a series vs. parallel.

The reason I did mine the way I did is that it replicates the way Alectric wired his right to the ESC, except I wired mine in a removable harness.

No idea on advantages or disadvatages. This was also a 4s Novak Smartstop.

[Dingman]

I think if you run both batteries off one side you will need to make a loop harness on the other side that goes unused. I think what you're referring to is running in a series vs. parallel.

The reason I did mine the way I did is that it replicates the way Alectric wired his right to the ESC, except I wired mine in a removable harness.

No idea on advantages or disadvatages. This was also a 4s Novak Smartstop.

I disagree. There are disadvantages to either setup. Refer to my other posts in this thread for an explanation of the differences between the 2S and the 4S LVC and the aspects of using one or the other.

[Koko]

What do you disagree with? I didn't say there weren't any advantages/disadvatages. I just said I didn't know them directly. If I was running a 2s Smartstop You could still make the harness I made for the bec side only and be good to go. You could still remove it to run Nimh.

I prefer to run 4s simply because it's not right or wrong, just because that's what maxamps recoommends and for the Summit. And I bought my lipos from them.

[Alectric]

I've never had problem with the 4s lvc. Never dropped a cell below 3volts.

[Dingman]

What do you disagree with? I didn't say there weren't any advantages/disadvatages. I just said I didn't know them directly. If I was running a 2s Smartstop You could still make the harness I made for the bec side only and be good to go. You could still remove it to run Nimh.

I prefer to run 4s simply because it's not right or wrong, just because that's what maxamps recoommends and for the Summit. And I bought my lipos from them.

My bad! I mis-read... thought you said "no disadvantages". My apologies.

[Dingman]

I've never had problem with the 4s lvc. Never dropped a cell below 3volts.

Yeah, under normal circumstances, this would work great, and I almost wish I had gone this route.

Unfortunately, I discovered first hand that my 2S setup isn't adequate. I was bashing in the snow, and some snow got into one Lipo. Wouldn't you know it was the non-BEC-LVC side. First symptom of a problem was the truck slowed way down, but no triggering of the LVC.

Took the truck inside, found the wet lipo at about 2.2 volts and the BEC (dry still) lipo at 7.8 vdc. So, in this circumstance, neither the 2S nor the 4S would have saved the battery. The Summit really needs a LVC that can monitor 2 cells individually, as I mentioned in my other post. That would give us 100% LVC coverage.

[egoneski]

Well i finally got my lvc installed and programmed and once my lipo's come in i will be ready i got the promatch 5000mah 30c lipo's and the balance board for them so once i run them i will update on the new performance of the promatch lipo's.
Thanks again koko and everone else for you lvc install help!

[Alectric]

Nice! I'm glad everything worked out for ya. Let us know what u think about dem lipo's.

[egoneski]

here is a pic of my lvc harness the wires are all tucked in the rx box, i also reversed the t-lock sequence so the rear lock first. I also did not have to dremmel the notch that is on the top of the rx box it fit fine without having to do that.
http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq31/emaxx4life/DSC04003.jpg

[wthomps]

Wow man. Thanks. I got the Novak Smart-Stop 4S to fit as you mentioned.
I positioned it with the switch down. Tight fit, I did not remove that plastic in the top of the receiver box.

I had problems with the 2 Lipo's I got tho.. I had to drill some holes for the electric leads to fit into :( (they come in through the top of the battery instead of the ends)
Duratrax 5400mAh 2S Lipos (109$ each) - I wouldn't recommend these batteries unless your willing to drill holes.. An alternative would be a connector that does a 90 degree turn.

============
Red Summit 5610 - stock
Green Hummer Stampede
8 yr old Bandit
Duratrax Evader BX

[tomasito]

I was told it might not be possible. Last night I pulled the motor out, opened the rx box and installed a Novac 4s lvc with little mod.

For anyone who is interested. I have received alot of great info on this forum and would like to contribute the best I can. Here we go, please bear with me.:)

1. the T-lock control needs to be pulled off the receiver and double side tape also needs to be removed and discarded to make for more room.

2. on the inside of the rx box cover is a small nipple which needs to be ground down to make as much room as possible (I was able to fit it without removing with the dremel, but I recommend removing, it makes for a better fit)

3. fish the lvc power wires (red/black) with out pulling out the rx, which is double sided to the bottom of the box or pull out the rx to make it easier to fish.

4. wire in your LVC and place it on top of the rx first, then the t-lock control on top of the lvc and it should all fit in there like a glove.

5. fold in all wiring and place were room allows, lock down wire harness, put cover back on and you should be ready for dem' lipos.

Hope this helps.

I love the lipos in this thing:wub: . I own the 3906 e-maxx and now the summit. The summit is everything the e-maxx is and a ton more. Going form 6 cell nihm's to lipos was like having a whole new summit. I can't wait to get home today do some serious rock climbing:cool: oh yeh! The LED's at night are a hit with the nieghbors.:D



I am interested into upgrading to lipos, you did a good job with this.
Here are my questions:
1. Are you using 2 lipos or a single lipo?
2. If only 1 lipo , did you have to rebalance the summit? Where did you place the single lipo?

[Alectric]

Thanks!
1. I used 2 X 2 cell lipos (one on each side of the truck). I have a different setup now (CC MMM 2200kv).

[tomasito]

Thanks!
1. I used 2 X 2 cell lipos (one on each side of the truck). I have a different setup now (CC MMM 2200kv).


Do you see a big difference in performance?
Are you still using the stock tires?

[88Nightmare]

yes, I second that question.....



And:

How much are a decent set of 2 cell lipos? Or what kind of lipos would you recommend?

How much are decent LVD's?

And the charger my buddy uses for his lipos is about $150 (it balances....etc.. its very safe to use)

So with all the cost factored in, is it worth it? I've had my summit since monday, did some more bashing today, and its enjoyable for sure... just wondered if upgrading to lipos is worth the money.

[Hughes500Bob]

I use Integy 2S 5000 mAh 25C lipos. They were around $85 each. If you are ever considering brushless in your future ..... get good batteries!!
(C / 1000) x mAh = AMPS (25 / 1000) x 5000 = 125 AMPS

You might get away with 15C on the Summit .... but can't use it after upgrades to motor/esc. 20C would be better. 25C or more would be GREAT!

If you have a tank of regular gas and get a dragster you can't use that gas!!!

Your lipos MUST be able to keep up with the demands of your motor or you will have failures!!

Hyperion G3 CX or VX series are great batteries!
MaxAmps is the only manufacturer making waterproof lipos.

For A Summit or E-Revo... Do not buy hardpack Lipos with top exit wires unless you are willing to do some dremeling to get the wires out. Wires out the end fit great.

It takes a charger that can deliver 5 amps to charge a 5000 mAh lipo at 1C charge rate. To charge both 5000 lipos at the same time you need to parallel the power inputs and parallel the balance tap and you can charge at 10 amps in about the same time as one lipo. YOU NEVER parallel charge NiMH!!! Lipos YES!!! You can also series charge lipos .... but depending on your balancer setup may need a custom balance tap harness.

Is it worth it? YES The Summit hauls on Lipos! I use LVAs (Low Voltage Alarms). About $5 each on EBay and they plug into the balance tap ("-" end must be connected and LEDs should be lit when plugged in correctly). Running your lipos to LVC all the time will shorten their life. Learn to time yourself based on your recharging (like to not put back much more than 85% of pack capacity .... ie 4250 for a 5000 pack). I like a resting voltage after running at 3.6 to 3.7 volts per cell.

Long term storage (months) is at 3.8 to 3.85 volts per cell ....NOT fully charged!!!
Short term storage (weeks) is at 4.0 volts per cell
Using them at least once per week .... Fully charged and ready to go!

It is really not that bad! There is a learning curve with lipos .... but well worth the effort. I've been flying lipos for several years.

I am very happy with my Integy packs.

[Alectric]

Do you see a big difference in performance?
Are you still using the stock tires?

For me there was a huge difference in performance between the NIMH batteries I was using and the Lipos (night and day) run time was also significant.

I no longer use the stock tires. I now have Proline Big Joes tires and Maximizer bead lock.

Going from stock motor/esc to MMM brushless set-up was also a huge difference and now I can use 2X3s lipos (I use Maxamps)

[Koko]

I went from high end 6 cell nimh to Maxamp lipos as well and it really is a night and day difference. I don't regret the move one bit.

[88Nightmare]

I honestly don't know anything about lipos. Guess I better start researching!


For the stock Titan motor and ESC, what lipo setup would YOU guys recommend? And with your recommendation, how much more runtime would I see?

Right now I am running Duratrax DTXC2175 batteries. They are 6 cell 7.2V 4600MAh NiMH batteries.

[Hughes500Bob]

If you want to stay completely waterproof .... maxamps is your only choice. You have the NiMHs to use when it is really wet.
********* ********* and *****s are the inexpensive end ... but work well most of the time. My 2 2S 25C 5000 mAh Integys get 25 to 30 minutes of bashing and 45 minutes or more trailing and crawling.

The Summit needs pairs for balance. each cell charged is 4.2 volts x 4 cells is 16.8 volts which is the ESC max.

SPC Racing makes good lipos, Hyperion are top notch. Thunder Power is very good. Thunder Power as well as some others will do warranties and trade ins on damaged packs. Kong Power is another name well known in the RC helis. Nobody pulls more amps from there packs faster than the RC Heli guys!!!

Keep googling and reading the E-Revo threads.

[jtroyer06]

Guys i need some help i just bought two 2c lipos and a smart stop i soldered the red and black wires to the leads coming from the stock novak esc. I have everything connected but when i connect the final connection(ecs input signal 3 pin wire) to the smart stops pc board it starts to smoke from the connection so i pull it apart quick, dont think it fried anything but i don't know what to do????

[GusinCA]

Forget LVC's, I had nothing but problems with them, and even Novak eventually told me he doesn't recommend them with the Summit.

Just get one cheap Low Voltage Alarm and plug it into the BEC side battery, no extra wiring required. Done.