The Build – Part 9
In Step 9, we will be installing the Futaba receiver and Castle Creations Mamba ESC. This step requires a little patience as you’ll see early on, but take your time and it shouldn’t be all that hard.
Build Notes: If you don’t read ANYTHING on this page, read this: Insert the rubber grommet from the INSIDE of the sealed box. Really. I tried installing it from the outside and after about 30 minutes gave up…but then tried it from the inside and it took about 3-4 minutes. Still a long time but WAY easier.
The ESC holder can handle quite a few different ESC’s. Although the HPI Q-Base Flux Brushless ESC fit, it was a tad tall and I ended up having to flex the plastic ‘top’ a bit to get it to work over the top of the installed fan unit.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 137
The first step is to install the rubber grommet into the waterproof box. This was a major pain but, as I described in the Build Notes, installing it from the inside was the only way I could get it to fit. Go ahead and do that now. I’ll wait an hour before we continue…
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 138
Now that you’ve probably thrown the box across the room, go get it and install your receiver. Install the antenna through the rubber grommet as shown and tape the receiver to the box.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 139
Set the receiver box into place and feed the servo and ESC leads into it as shown (don’t forget to plug them in). Leaving as much of the leads outside of the box (for now) will make it easier to deal with.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 140
Flip the receiver box over and screw on the lower grommet holder. This ensures the grommet will not come loose or let any water in.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 141
Flip the box back over and attach to the chassis with the 4 screws.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 142
Attach the upper rubber grommet (between the box and lid) and screw the lid into place.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 143
Attach the ESC mount to the chassis as shown.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 144
Using more of the double-sided tape, install the ESC.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 145
Connect your motor wires to the ESC (however you do it with your setup), and install the ESC holddown lid. Again, the HPI Q-Base Flux ESC was a little tall so that’s why the top looks distorted. I also used slightly longer screws to ensure it would keep the lid in place.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 146
Attach the motor/servo cover with the 2 screws as shown in the manual.
Tony Phalen -
As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
CompetitionX CompetitionX is the most up-to-date source for RC Car News, Reviews and Videos for Radio Control. We also have the most comprehensive Manual Database on the web.
If you don’t read ANYTHING on this page, read this: Insert the rubber grommet from the INSIDE of the sealed box. Really. I tried installing it from the outside and after about 30 minutes gave up…but then tried it from the inside and it took about 3-4 minutes. Still a long time but WAY easier.
