SCX6 Beast 2000 Servo install

[HumboldtEF]

I just wanted to share what I did to get the Reefs Beast 2000 installed. I wouldn't call it a 'stock' replacement, it takes a few mods.

I tried to reuse the stock servo horn on it because it sits a bit lower than the Reefs horn. The stock horn uses a M3 screw to fasten the horn to the servo so I drilled out the horn to accept an M4 screw.
Then I went out in search of a longer screw (which I thought was an M4) to mount the horn and I struck out. I couldn't figure out whether its metric or imperial and I looked all over for a match. Anyway my best guess is that its an M3.5 maybe, threads are fairly fine.
EDIT I forgot to mention the Stock servo horn was a super snug fit on the Beast, I was only able to get it seated halfway and decided against forcing it farther because I didnt want to have to pry it off.

So I gave up on that and decided to use the Reefs horn, even with the stock horn it was gonna end up at a different height.

The Reefs horn does just barely hit the chassis or front brace. I filed off a little bit off the top side.
Since the steering link uses an M4 I drilled and tapped the horn for M4 threads.

I also wanted to beef up how it mounts since the mounting holes on the servo are huge and they use little M3 screws. I designed a little insert that plugs these holes and leaves room for the M3 screws and no wiggle room.

If you want to print one (well two) yourself download the insert HERE: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5131971

The bottom of the servo horn sits 2.9mm higher than stock. I rounded up a thin M4 nut which is 2.85 tall, this nut goes between the steering link and the horn to lower it to the stock height. I think this is the best option compared to just using a spacer, I could see the M4 bolt flexing slightly with a spacer. The nut on the other hand should keep the bolt from being able to bend since its as tight as possible being that its threaded onto the bolt.

I used longer screws (20mm) to mount the servo to the chassis, the stock screws are 10mm even though they should be more like 14mm or 16mm. I stripped one of the stock holes just trying to get it tight, luckily it wasn't the 1/5 scale adapter that I stripped.

The last thing I did was solder up an adapter (JST to XT60) so I can plug in a dedicated 4S battery for the servo. I dont recommend using the supplied balance lead adapters that Reefs supplies, John Holmes has said those are a bad idea as they pull from specific cells not he whole battery leading to an imbalance.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Awesome, thanks for the run down.

1. How do you like the rig?
2. For the price, I wish Axial addressed some of the issues.

 

[HumboldtEF]

Awesome, thanks for the run down.

1. How do you like the rig?
2. For the price, I wish Axial addressed some of the issues.

I really like the way it drives, the weight of it really does change the dynamics of crawling. It feels like slow motion sometimes when lifting a tire or starting to tip backwards. The electronics (aside from the steering servo) are great, the low speed control is buttery smooth. I let my brother drive it, he's pretty picky with crawlers. He had said he doesn't want anything this big and was generally not into the SCX6 but then he drove it and quickly changed his tune. He didnt even drive it anywhere special that would allow him to feel it out it was just in a flat yard with no obstacles. His son who's 3 also got to drive it, he has incredible restraint and actually crawls slowly with it, its impressive. He also said it was awesome over and over lol



Suspension is really nice which is a great change for Axial. The approach and departure angle are really not bad at all with the stock body. The tires aren't super soft but work very well. My experience with heavy rigs has shown me that a harder tire is probably a good thing. I would swap in some dual stage or single stage foams if CI or someone starts making them, there's a bit too much flex to the tire in some situations.



I'm happy with most of the RTR setup though the steering servo is way under spec-ed and the panhard mounts flexing eats up a bit of the steering you do have. That said its fine compared the steering in most RTRs, but I definitely demand more.


I honestly dont want to change much beyond the Steering servo, panhard mounts and foams.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Thank you sir! Making me want one more and more… "thumbsup":ror:

 

[Timmahh]

His son who's 3 also got to drive it, he has incredible restraint and actually crawls slowly with it, its impressive. He also said it was awesome over and over lol

That right there says SOLD all over it. heh.

3 or more 3yr old awesomes make it a must. lolololol

 

[HumboldtEF]

Kiddo and adult approved lol

 

[UZI4U]

Great post! Thank you for the info and pics!

 

[TacoCrawler]

I wasn't interested in ponying up for a $ 400. + 1/5 scale servo.
So instead I got this ---> https://www.ebay.com/itm/403983536423?var=673864822846

^ strong enough to tear you in half ! Well... at least one time ! ;-)

But I agree things should be better for this price ! ie - The flimsy Panhard rod supports and an alloy mount for the servo would hold up better for the stock electronics. And the dual stage foam tire inserts should have been put on by the factory ! I bought all of those things before even running it.
But it's the 2nd thing(s) that killed me. Lol.
$ 900.00 worth of Vitavon alloy parts. (And still growing !) :roll: