RC newbie getting an E-Maxx

[J-Maxx 28]

Guess this is my intro thread. So I'm a total newbie to the RC world, but I've been lurking around here for a bit. Have my mind set on getting a 3903 as my first entry into the hobby. Looks like a good way to get my feet wet and have room to upgrade to LiPos and brushless later after I learn how to handle the truck in stock form. Or I could just bash around with this and it can be a hand me down truck for my son someday.... that'll give me an excuse to add another truck to the stable someday.

So now on to the noob questions. So from what I understand if I order the E-Maxx #3903 it'll come with every thing I need to run except the charger. And from what I can tell I'll need the Traxxas 2933 EZ-Peak Plus 6-Amp LiPo/NiMH Charger. Also if I want to use my iphone all I'll need is the docking base to add to the controller, but I'll also need to buy sensors if I want take full advantage of the app? Think this is correct from what I've been reading but want to make sure.

Hope to learn a lot and also what mods work well and what to stay away from while I'm here. Plan on placing my order this week, can't wait!

[M n M]

Welcome to the addiction!

You got most of it right.

You don't have to use a Traxxas charger, you can get whatever charge that meets your needs and and budget.

I got the AC Thunder 6. It can charge NiMH and up to 6s LiPo and can be picked up for under $60.

I don't know if you've seen these links or not, but they are priceless.

http://robotwars.00server.com/trucklinks.html

http://robotwars.00server.com/tutorials.html

http://robotwars.00server.com/emaxxfaq.html

[Shogun6]

Get a charger that will do 2 batteries at the same time. If you want to future proof things a bit then get a 2 or 4 battery charger that does both nimh and lipo. Trust me a good charger that can do multiple batteries comes in real handy and in the long run not that much more expensive. Hitec makes a good charger in both 2 and 4 battery configurations. I have the x4+ ac, awesome!!!

I went from an emaxx to a brushless revo, to a mini revo. Now all in the family can run at the same time and I only need to charge for about an hour before we go out.

[J-Maxx 28]

Thanks for the heads up on the chargers. And thanks for the links, will be reading through those and bookmarking them for sure.

[pavmentsurfer]

Most multi output chargers require external power supplies and are therefore more complicated and expensive. However, I don't usually recommend this charger due to its limited output capabilities but I am now because its not overly expensive and its simple enough for you to get your feet wet. The Onyx 245 can charge 2 NIMH's or 2 Lipos at the same time. Its about $130 or so and is VERY easy to use. My neighbour just got the same Emaxx your looking at along with 2 extra batteries and the 245 charger and has really been enjoying it. I drove it once and honestly, the thing is awesome. I couldn't believe the power those 2 titan motors put out.

One thing your not correct on is the radio. The brushed Emaxx comes with a traxxas 2.4 LINK radio, not the TQI. The TQI is the only one that can use the iPhone to program things. The 2.4 Link radio is a good radio. But you can't use it with your iPhone and/or sensors. But honestly, you don't need all that Jazz... for the money, the brushed Emaxx is a great buy.

[J-Maxx 28]

One thing your not correct on is the radio. The brushed Emaxx comes with a traxxas 2.4 LINK radio, not the TQI. The TQI is the only one that can use the iPhone to program things. The 2.4 Link radio is a good radio. But you can't use it with your iPhone and/or sensors. But honestly, you don't need all that Jazz... for the money, the brushed Emaxx is a great buy.

http://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/3903emaxx

According to the above link it comes with the TQi. And I know I don't need it, but it just looks like something fun to play around with. Just another one of those things that add to the coolness factor in my book but also drain the wallet quicker...

[Little Smokey]

The 3903 comes with a TQi 2.4GHz radio

[upbasher]

The onyx 245 looks really good!
Stick with nimhs while you are a noob...lipos can be dangerous sometimes. (In the sense of fire and explosion!)

[Shogun6]

The onyx 245 looks really good!
Stick with nimhs while you are a noob...lipos can be dangerous sometimes. (In the sense of fire and explosion!)

Even nimh can get you into trouble with trees.

Take your time and learn to feather the throttle.

[f687s]

get the onyx 245, it charges 2 batt, and can charge lipo

[Emaxx1991]

get the onyx 245, it charges 2 batt, and can charge lipo

Hope urs last longer then mine I used it for 3 days and already had to send it in for repairs

[pavmentsurfer]

My mistake inks teh TQI... I checked tower hobbies website when I read your post and they still list the Emaxx brushed as having a 2.4 link radio so make sure you know what's in stock wherever you order it from.

[PowerToTheMaxx]

I would wait a few weeks til the 3903 comes with TQi, maybe ask traxxas how long...

That will also give you time for the charger to ship (if you buy online).

I have an onyx and a AC6, like em both. I will say that the AC6 can be a little tempremental, but you learn to work with it.

[MooCowliber]

I use an ac 680. I charge and run at home.
It will do what that onyx will do cheaper. (yes you would need two of them)
And I really like mine. The last onyx I had wasn't so great. YMMV.
But my 680 balances really well and it's not that bad to use.

also as far as the TQi goes.
I want one! Do I "need" all the telemetry? Heck NO! Do I "need" RC monster trucks? HECK NO!
But I still want it. If you want one and it comes with the newer kits, I would hold out. But that's just me.
Really like the look of the new RX too! Go ahead and get it and tell me what you think!

[J-Maxx 28]

My mistake inks teh TQI... I checked tower hobbies website when I read your post and they still list the Emaxx brushed as having a 2.4 link radio so make sure you know what's in stock wherever you order it from.

Looks as if you were right because I was just going by traxxas.com saying that it comes with the TQi. I've yet to find it avaliable online.

I would wait a few weeks til the 3903 comes with TQi, maybe ask traxxas how long...

Thanks for the heads up on that, sent an email off asking when it will be avaliable. I'm ready to order right now!

[M n M]

Yeah waiting a bit might be a good idea. I can see it feasible that Traxxas is pushing out the new E-Maxx with the TQi but the vendor that you end up buying it from still has an inventory of E-Maxxs with the older TQ. They are gonna want to sell those off first.

[J-Maxx 28]

Went to my LHS and they didn't have one in stock but found a blue 3903 tonight with the TQi and got it ordered. Can't wait for things to show up and get some charges ran through it.