Another case of blown servos
Okay, so I’m finding threads in various forums about how the stock MLST/2 servos are pretty fragile and getting the truck to run straight is tough with the sloppy steering. I’m three weeks into owning a new MLST2 myself and, after breaking 7 of 8 brittle chrome wheels due to the poor fit of the nylon wheel hexes, I’ve now blown both steering servos. Who knows when the first one blew but once I lost steering the problem was obvious – same tiny little intermediary gear blown in both servos. Team Losi/Horizon Hobby has a replacement gear set (LOSB0816) coming in May 2008 for $3 but that's three months away.
Currently, it looks like there are only two good choices:
OPTION 1 – JR Radio Products JRPSZ241MG (Metal Gear) micro servos for $40 each. Ouch! The output spindle matches the “JR Universal” connector on the stock Losi part plus the stock MLST/2 servo savers and drag link will carry over. The downside is that the S241MG only uses one large screw to mount each end so you’d have to drill the chassis to accommodate the mount. (BTW: I can’t imagine wasting $28 x 2 on the regular, plastic-geared S241 which probably wouldn’t last any longer than the stock MS20DS servos.)
OPTION 2 – Hitec HS-65MG (Metal Gear) micro servos for $36 each. Unfortunately, the output spindle is smaller than stock and a funny size even for Hitec which limits you to Associated RC18T part number 21049 “Servo Saver for Hitec” which I’ve read is a good little servo saver for under $3 each. One18th.com has a good post with photos explaining the installation process which is NOT drop-in. Also, you could try the HS-65HB “Karbonite” version for only $26 which would still be a big step up from the stock MS20DS servos. But blow those and buy a replacement gear set and you’re close to having spent as much as for a bombproof metal geared set anyway:
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Losi MS20DS Servo Specs
Torque: 16.7 oz/in @ 4.8v
Speed: 0.16 sec/60 degrees @ 4.8v
Dimensions (WxLxH): 0.43" x 0.91" x 1.02"
Connector Type:JR-universal
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JR S241MG Servo Specs
Torque: 17 oz/in @ 4.8v
Speed: 0.18 sec/60 degrees @ 4.8v
Dimensions (WxLxH): 0.45" x 0.87" x 0.85"
Connector Type:JR-universal
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Hitec HS-65MG Servo Specs
Torque: 25 oz/in @ 4.8v
Speed: 0.14 sec/60 degrees @ 4.8v
Dimensions (WxLxH): 0.45" x 0.94" x 0.92"
Anyone done this and have thoughts about which route is easier – JR S241 –OR- Hitec HS-65?
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