TRANSFORMING YOUR EMAXX TRUCK

Introduction

In this tutorial you will learn how to transform your Emaxx truck into a vehicle capable of handling the added payload needed for robotic control. In order for your Emaxx to be capable of supporting extra weight some of the stock parts will need to be replaced.

The four stock parts that need replaced are:

Upgrading The Steering Servo

Because of the oversized high-traction tires, the stock steering servo does not have enough torque to give you good control over your Emaxx. By replacing the stock steering servo with the Hitec HS645MG, you will get 133.31 oz/in torque. The stock steering servo supplies only 80 oz/in of torque.

To upgrade the steering servo:

  1. Unscrew the servo saver bolt from the servo saver/steering rod. Remove the four screws that attach the servo to the chassis
  2. Unplug the servo connector from the receiver and note the channel number and the wire positions
  3. After feeding the replacement servo wire through the mounting hole plug the connector into the same position on the receiver
  4. Screw the new servo onto the chassis

Upgrading The Gear Ratio

To upgrade the gear ratio:

  1. Using an allen wrentch, remove the transmission cover to uncover the spur and pinion gears
  2. Remove the pinion gears by loosening their setscrews.
  3. On the spur gear remove the lock nut, clutch spring, and outer clutch plate.
  4. Loosen the screws that hold the motors to the motor plate to allow you to adjust the gear positions.
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  5. Slide the new spur gear on the axial and tighten the lock nut to the clutch sping and clutch plate .
  6. Attach the new pinion gears. You will need to set the pinion gear so it meshes with the spur gear and tighten the screws that hold the motor when you have the right pinion gear position. Then you can tighten the pinion gear. Do this for both pinion gears.

Replacing The Shocks

The ultimate goal is to transform your Emaxx into a completely robotic vehicle. Therefore, being able to handle added weight will be of importance to you. The springs already installed on your Emaxx do not have the stiffness needed for the electronics that will be added later. To compensate we will swap out these springs and install a stiffer spring that will support the added weight and give your truck the needed control to maximize its performance.

To replace the springs:

  1. Remove each shock by unscrewing the top from the shock tower and the bottom from the suspension arm.

  2. Remove the boot and then the spring.
  3. Insert the new spring, replace the boot, and reattach the shock.

Replacing The Frame

The plastic frame that is on the Emaxx does not have the strenth or the space to attach the communication devices, onboard computers, and sensors needed for a robotic vehicle. Instead, we will replace this plastic frame with a simple flat sheet of aluminum. To attach this peice of aluminum to the truck you can simply mount it to the 4 frame mounts used by the previous frame. Below is a template for your new frame.

Frame Template

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