Speedometer for RC devices
 

Hi gents

My son has serveral rc's, supermaxxes, rc18.
I am seeking a speedometer, something very small, which may be installed very easely on those trucks.

Formerly I had a venom, but the installation was not very easy. I prefere something based on a GPS, with a memory, which I can read out with my laptop.

Thank you for your help

cu Gusti

Hmmmmm...

In all honesty (I have been looking at lots of these things lately), I think your best bet would be one of the Garmin handheld units, like the 'Etrek' or something similar used by cyclists or walkers.

Only other real option is an rpm sensor like the venoms have, but it comes as an optional exta with the Eagletree data logger. Trouble with those is they measure motor rpms, so any kind of wheel spin or slippage can result in a very iffy reading. I would suggest the handheld garmins- small and light eough to mount in the truck without musch hassle, and some models can be linked to a PC to download/upload data too.

I just went on Garmins website and it says that the Etrek is discontinued
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6403

Garmin Forerunner 101 gps works perfectly. Its actually a runners GPS, but it works great for RC because it comes with a velcro strap that lets you easly attach it to many places on your vehicle. I have been using one for about a year now and it has taken the abuse with no issues and just keeps going.

They have been replaced with the 201 model now so the 101s are pretty cheap. I think you can get your hands on one for like $75 on ebay.

Why not using speed guns?

Are they not as accurate?

Speed guns require a driver and a gunner. 2 people to measure the speed.

GPS device you can run by yourself.

Or you can steer with your left thumb and use the radar gun right handed. Getting the steering trim down is necessary though!

There are a few little recording gps's on ebay that you can pick up quite cheap, they have no screen but they are smaller because of it and they are blue tooth as well so you can read the data off with some phones.

would these small ones be ANY good as a gps? id like something kinda accurate as a real gps in a forrest 4wding, and less than 100 bucks seems very cheap!! (even with postage)
thanks,
ryan

You can try EagleTree system:

eLogger V3
http://www.eagletreesystems.com/MicroPower/micro.htm

plus

GPS Expander Module
http://www.eagletreesystems.com/UAV/1.htm

jeez, that would end up more expensive than a full size gps! (which is more useful imo) but nice to see that the technology is here!