3:1 vs 4:1 gears

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Nerge
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3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Nerge »

Hi all,

I've been mulling over the idea of getting some new gears for my Pershing, I already have metal ones (that came with it) but I've heard good things about the 3:1 gears.

Now on rctank.de they have some low ration 4:1 gearboxers:
http://www.rctank.de/product_info.php?c ... ts_id=1650 (please remove if linking to here is not permitted)
Has anyone had any experience with these over the 3:1 gears?

I was told they're a bit quieter than even the 3:1 versions, not sure about any torque improvements over the others but they come with some 380er motors apparently.

Any ideas?

Is the sound you hear when driving around (when speaker sounds are down or off) primarily the gearbox making all the noise, the motors or both? Just trying to get an idea of any possible reductions in gearbox/motor noise as the real tracks,wheel squeeks etc are great when you can hear them at lower speeds.

Cheers!
Regards,

- Daz
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Tankbear
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Tankbear »

Hi Nerge,

I've a set of those black metal 3:1 gearboxes in my KV-1 which weighs 6.5kg and plenty powerful to drag that across rough terrian. Also a lot quieter than the standard steel gears.

One thing with the pershing tank is the final drive sprocket which drives the tracks is small which in effect will automatically reduce speed and increase torque compared to a bigger drive sprocket (KV1 or Tiger). So if you fit 3:1 yo may find it very slow.

On my pershing I kept the original gearboxes but fitted Graupner 400 speed motors which means it is quick and fast.

Hope that helps.

Ian.
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Nerge
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Nerge »

Thanks for the advice Ian, I didn't notice that there was any real size difference in the Pershing's drive sprocket compared to the others tanks, but I'm still very much new to all this and the mechanics of the tanks. :)

I've got the Pershing with metal tracks on ans the suspension springs may be metal too but not the sprockets or wheels I don't think. it runs fairly quick at the moment but obviously struggles a bit on grass; not too bad going stright but labours a bit on the turns and on static turns but I expected that to be the case.

I think I'm more concerned with torque and a smoother 'tank like' speed and power than top speed, so it depends just how much is 'too slow' with the 3:1 or 4:1 in there - although still not sure what the main difference is with the 4:1 over the 4:1 unless it's even slower and more quiet as a result. :)

I notice they also sell the axel supports for the Pershing, I guess those metal tracks and gears could do with them in the long run, but I take it you might have to do some drilling to get those on in place of the standard Pershing setup, I have the Taigen painted model, which for all intents and purposes is a Heng Long as far as I know with a better factory pain job and metal tracks/gears. :)
Regards,

- Daz
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Tankbear
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Tankbear »

Nerge wrote:
I've got the Pershing with metal tracks on ans the suspension springs may be metal too but not the sprockets or wheels I don't think. it runs fairly quick at the moment but obviously struggles a bit on grass; not too bad going stright but labours a bit on the turns and on static turns but I expected that to be the case.
That's because the standard motors are rubbish, low speed (about 10,00rpm) and not much torque. If you upgrade the motors you get better torque and more speed.
Nerge wrote:I think I'm more concerned with torque and a smoother 'tank like' speed and power than top speed, so it depends just how much is 'too slow' with the 3:1 or 4:1 in there - although still not sure what the main difference is with the 4:1 over the 4:1 unless it's even slower and more quiet as a result. :)
Technically 3:1 is three times slower speed and 4:1 is four times slower and for slower you get more torque. But to be honest I don't think there made like that just labelled as such. I've Mato 4:1 which are faster than Asiatam/Taigen 3:1. Also note that slower doesn't mean quieter the motor still spins at full speed, bit like driving a car in first gear everywhere compared to top gear.
Nerge wrote:
I notice they also sell the axel supports for the Pershing, I guess those metal tracks and gears could do with them in the long run, but I take it you might have to do some drilling to get those on in place of the standard Pershing setup, I have the Taigen painted model, which for all intents and purposes is a Heng Long as far as I know with a better factory pain job and metal tracks/gears. :)
Axle supports I've found to my misfortune are a good idea. If you look at a picture of the gearbox (out of a tank) you notice the shaft is quite a distance from the gearbox wall. All the force from driving is at end of the shaft which amplifies down the shaft to the first bearing/bush in the gearbox wall. Over time these will wear and keep falling out. Even glueing in the brass bearing/bush will eventually wear and cause mis alighnment. Adding axle suppots basically beefs up with this extra support nearer the drive sprocket.

Ian.
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Nerge
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Nerge »

Cheers Ian, that makes a lot of sense.

I suppose I need to have a good play around with some parts to see what the results are and how this all fits together, half the fun after all I guess. :)
Regards,

- Daz
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Dietrich
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Dietrich »

Hi Nerge,
You are right ....its all part of the fun......or the ANGER when things go wrong....... 8O ......The tanks are either called 'You Little Beauty' when it performs well or 'You Little B@..ard' when it goes wrong......just do not reach for the hammer..... :D
Alb.
Never Forget......
   The Propaganda of the Victors....... becomes the History of the Vanquished
Nerge
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Re: 3:1 vs 4:1 gears

Post by Nerge »

Dietrich wrote:Hi Nerge,
You are right ....its all part of the fun......or the ANGER when things go wrong....... 8O ......The tanks are either called 'You Little Beauty' when it performs well or 'You Little B@..ard' when it goes wrong......just do not reach for the hammer..... :D
Alb.
Haha thanks, I'll try to remember that one and make sure the hammer's out of reach. :)
Regards,

- Daz
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