New Grand Hauler

[NickelPlate]

Hi folks,

Newbie here. Been dreaming for years of getting one of these big rigs and finally dropped the cash. I have a Grand Hauler build going on now with the MFC-01 and the Tamiya flatbed trailer.

I have a question about the MFC. It appears to power the receiver. I'm taking that as I don't need a separate receiver pack. Can anyone confirm that?

I'm using an 8 channel JR radio that I've had for a long time and planned on using some of the aux channels for additional lights like roof strobes etc. Can the MFC supply that much power or should I plug in a receiver pack?

Thanks,

NP

[mavrick0]

The MFC does power the receiver just like a normal ESC would so no need for an separate receiver pack.

As for the power for the extra lights I would run that straight off the main battery and not put the extra stress on the MFC BEC.

[tamiya fan]

I'm going through the same situation with a new 8 channel and was wondering the same thing. (haven't gotten that far yet) That being said, Don't hook up a battery pack with MFC-01, it will damage it (warning in the manual) The MFC-01 will work as bec for 4 channels, but not sure if it will do more.

But read manual to find warning about extra battery pack. It's on page 4, LH corner. maybe some one else has more info. Just wanted let you know about the warning. Also look into a "Pico Switch" It is a switch which plugs in to the receiver for say lights. Search the forum and internet for it. Good Luck!

Sorry so long.

[NickelPlate]

Thanks for confirming folks. I'll check into the Pico switch. The other thing I was wondering was I've read in another thread on this forum that you have to remove rear fenders to use the motorized support legs. But I've seen several videos on youtube of people running the grand hauler with motorized support trailers just fine. Below is a link to one of them. Doesn't seem to be an issue?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD2deSzAW5g

[Prodrvr2006]

Get some build pics up man!

[mavrick0]

I'm not sure as I haven't done it and don't run my motorized legs with the Tamiya setup but I've read that there's a screw or two you need to replace with flathead screws so it doesn't rub on the fenders.

If you can I'd suggest going with something like SS-Tronix. You still get the motorized legs and lighting but without the ugly setup Tamiya uses and that huge wire hanging out the front of the trailer.

[NickelPlate]

Originally Posted by Prodrvr2006

Get some build pics up man!

Here's the state of things after week 1: MFC is setup and begun construction of the frame assembly. I've got a ways to go

[Prodrvr2006]

Look at that pile of spaghetti!! That's my nightmare right there.

[ricm]

Originally Posted by NickelPlate

I'm using an 8 channel JR radio that I've had for a long time and planned on using some of the aux channels for additional lights like roof strobes etc. Can the MFC supply that much power or should I plug in a receiver pack?

NP

MFC is quite capable of powering an 8ch Rx. I've got a Scania with MFC using all 8 channels (4 channels through the MFC, 4 channels direct from Rx. No problems!

[ricm]

Originally Posted by mavrick0

I'm not sure as I haven't done it and don't run my motorized legs with the Tamiya setup but I've read that there's a screw or two you need to replace with flathead screws so it doesn't rub on the fenders.

If you can I'd suggest going with something like SS-Tronix. You still get the motorized legs and lighting but without the ugly setup Tamiya uses and that huge wire hanging out the front of the trailer.

I use SS-Tronix on all my trailers, it's a really great set-up. It allows for the use of a single channel on the trailer, which is used if you go with SS-Tronix support legs control option. This allows you to get rid of the bulky switch unit around the trailer king pin, but means that you can't have any other servo based functions on the trailer. I decided to keep the standard Tamiya motorised legs set-up so I could use the channel for other things....motor control on my tipper, coupler control at the back of my A-trailer for my B-double....

[ricm]

Originally Posted by tamiya fan

I'm going through the same situation with a new 8 channel and was wondering the same thing. (haven't gotten that far yet) That being said, Don't hook up a battery pack with MFC-01, it will damage it (warning in the manual) The MFC-01 will work as bec for 4 channels, but not sure if it will do more.

But read manual to find warning about extra battery pack. It's on page 4, LH corner. maybe some one else has more info. Just wanted let you know about the warning. Also look into a "Pico Switch" It is a switch which plugs in to the receiver for say lights. Search the forum and internet for it. Good Luck!

Sorry so long.

Thought it might help to explain some basic RC tech...the servo cables have 3 wires....red for power supply +ve, black or brown for -ve, and white or orange for the signal. Inside the receiver, all the +ve pins are connected together and all the -ve pins are connected together so all the servos (and the receiver itself) get the same voltage. MFC has an internal voltage regulator, like many (but not all) ESC, which takes the 7.2v supply from the battery pack and provides stable 6v to the +ve (red) cables which plug into the receiver. That's how the receiver gets it's power with the MFC (same if you use ESC with 'battery eliminator circuit' or BEC, which refers to the fact that you 'eliminate' the need for the receiver battery pack). If you then also plug a battery pack into the receiver, you effectively plug directly into the MFC (because all the +ve pins are connected together in the Rx) which then competes with the MFC voltage regulator....something's gotta give, MFC pops! So do not use additional battery pack for receiver when you have MFC (or ESC with BEC)

[NickelPlate]

The state of things after Week 2: Today I'll start working on the 3 speed trans!

[NickelPlate]

Well not too bad. Two weeks and I have a driveable chassis with sound. I still have a lot to do but I'm getting pretty stoked:

[Prodrvr2006]

Cool!

[bigford]

your getting there

[Izzy]

Well progress?

[NickelPlate]

Originally Posted by Izzy

Well progress?

Much progress actually! Although I still have a lot to do and need to build my trailer.

[spudd]

Lookin good

[Prodrvr2006]

Nice!

[NickelPlate]

Thanks folks. How's your build going Prodrvr2006?