Choosing your Axial Capra Electronics - Cheap and Best Options

Choosing your electronics can be a tricky subject especially for an all new kit. This time we go over several choices for your Axial Capra to give you budget friendly options as well as top of the line choices!
Motors:
Brushed - Holmes Crawlmaster Sealed Can 16t (35t equivalent): bit.ly/3273INa
Brushless Option 1 - Holmes Puller Pro 540 2700KV: bit.ly/2Eyyyo6
Brushless Option 2 - Holmes Puller Pro 540 Stubby 2700KV: bit.ly/323Um4T
ESC
Brushed Option 1 - Hobbywing 1080: bit.ly/2OK9tN9
Brushed Option 2 - Tekin BXR: bit.ly/2MwzNrd
Brushless Option 1 - Tekin RX4: bit.ly/2MsrgFx
Brushless Option 2 - Castle Mamba X: bit.ly/2HDVncb
Steering Servos
Option 1 - EcoPower 120T: bit.ly/2WKoM9A
Option 2 - Spektrum S6390: bit.ly/2ISdGdV
Option 3 - Futaba S9177SV: bit.ly/2pWwyl3
Micro Servo (Dig)
Option 1 - Spektrum SX107: bit.ly/2Ozl6WX
Servo Extension: bit.ly/2IEHzxZ
Optional Servo Horn Parts for other servos: bit.ly/2VsuvBb
BEC & Accessories
External BEC: bit.ly/2pbNjs1
BEC Bypass Adapter: bit.ly/2AUHQJ1
Radio Gear
Futaba 4PM: bit.ly/311QRdJ
Futaba R2106GF RX: bit.ly/2VsuPjn
Batteries:
Dynamite 2s Hardcase: bit.ly/2AZRytC
Gens Ace 3s LiHV: bit.ly/2MpLpfw
Build Breakdown: www.HarleyDesigns.com/harleys-garage
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[@reefsrc]

Our 99Micro & Micro Aluminum Horn fits right in, operates up to 8.4V : ) No servo extension needed.

[@remingtonstetson905]

I know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@gordoncullen7176]

@Remington Stetson Instablaster =)

[@remingtonstetson905]

@Gordon Cullen Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@remingtonstetson905]

@Gordon Cullen It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D

[@gordoncullen7176]

@Remington Stetson you are welcome :)

[@nathanjohnson3564]

I have all the ultimate stuff. Your bench looks like mine for this build. That's awesome. I havent even got around to it yet because I had surgery but I like what you have been doing.

[@robertmartin4135]

Vey informative as usual, thank you! I'm getting ready to jump to the higher end radios soon, so thanks for the info on that. And I'm still on deans. Switching isn't high on my priority list with all of my other tasks to complete.

[@bilymac2321]

Thanks for the video Josh. I always have a tough time choosing electronics. XT60 have been working well on my trucks and my aircraft.

[@LeftyRC]

appreciate you taking the time for this and all of your very informative videos!

[@joshrawlinson565]

Would be great to see your 'finished' build with electronics installed and comments/opinions on performance. Great channel and advice!

[@bugman72]

As a point of reference, if you get the Axial parts tree AX31009, it also has the bottom section of the servo saver in the various spline counts. I am using the Savox SH-0256 as my dig servo and it is a direct fit when accompanied by the correct splined piece from AX31009.

[@georgebudnick1992]

I used dean's for years but have switched to XT60. I had a dean's get so hot after doing donuts for a couple minutes straight that I almost couldn't get it apart. I like the XT60 design with the contacts being shielded, I added a little silicone grease to mine to help them slip together and mainly come apart easier.

[@gheorgheoltean4467]

A lot of useful information! Thanks! Love you videos! Great work!

[@Legoman585]

I have been using XT60's for more than 4 years now. I used to get laughed at by the Deans boys, now they all use xt60's as well.

[@norcallump4857]

The protek lihv 3s 4100 fits well too. I’ve had great luck with the 1800 4s lihv as well

[@johnroberts1.6rc82]

1-2-3 blocks are awesome, really helpful in builds!

[@DrBleck35]

I am a scientist of little renown and you just taught me that there was a thing called a "BEC" bypass adaptor. I knew there had to be a way to run a steering servo at higher voltage than the other servos on a rig. Thank you.

[@crazyskullcrusha]

XT60 on EVERYTHING. Switched to them about 4 years ago when they got popular with the drones. One of the best changes I ever made.

[@robbiebobster9672]

Thank you, heaps of very useful information, this is my first electric rc build.

[@gfire11flowers24]

Great video this helped me out a lot with my kit I am working on now

[@chopko6083]

Thanks man helpful info for upgrading my rtr

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Tamiya still on my SCX10. Got two kids to put through school. Fun watching your "holy crap that got expensive" build though.

[@vlozity]

i jumpted to XT60's more than 2 years ago, used the deans for brushed motor connectors to utilize the old ones.

[@kylethatcher5828]

I put a Revolver 540 v2 with a sidewinder 4 in my Capra and I love it. the low end torque and smooth startup is better than anything I could have hoped for. it's an awesome kit!

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Keeps it light too. Curious....why not a Micro-X? I was always under the assumption the Micro is the 4 without the case.

[@kylethatcher5828]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108I just bought it as a combo from Holmes, and that's what they basically recommend on the website. John Holmes also did a video testing the revolver with the sidewinder 4 and was really please with the performance of the package. i don't know much about the micro. i guess it would be nice to have the 4 in a smaller form factor.

[@EvaderKMP]

I've been using XT60's for a couple years since they are simple, and chubby finger friendly. I do know a few people still rockin the tamiya style plug. Also $200 is not my idea of an "affordable" radio system. Looking forward to the running videos man!

[@drtmi8789]

I switched to XT60's when Hobby King first came out with them. I have recently switched to the XT30 plugs on our crawlers.

[@1993Jacc]

Love all your vids keep up the great work

[@RC_Obsession]

I really like the spektrum dx5c transmitter. It’s not to expensive as well. I want to do a build according to this guide!

[@monchitoscalecrawling5035]

Good info. Can you do a video about suspension tunning on the Capra? Thanks

[@KTMcaptain]

I’m running the mamba x and PP 2700kv standard. You don’t need the fan on the mamba with 11t pinion. I use the aux setup in the max power setting so I can adjust my throttle mapping and power output on the fly.

[@CORINKERSTEN]

I'm on xt60 3s mamba x, tekin motor, and Hitec servo Great video mate this was a good topic for people!!!!!! i was interested to hear what you have to say and luckily its what i was thinking anyways!!!

[@michaelgravlund9194]

Execellent video 😄👍... just what I needed

[@mralexjbishop]

Xt90 and 10ga everywhere! It may seem a little overkill, but it'll never lack flow. And I bought hundreds of pairs, its all I have now

[@moosejawrc]

Changing/converting plugs will be on my winter time to do list. Still deans for now. DIG unit seem next big thing and maybe work on the Axial UMG6x6???

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I'm just glad you found a 3S Battery solution!! I was a NiMH guy right up until a year and a half ago! Now I want 3S in everything!! (Even though I've only got 3 Rigs...) 😒 Great info Josh. Also I've made a promise that I'm keeping - to STOP being a full time Grumpy Old Fart! I've lost too many friends... Maybe someone will get me a Capra... It's the most exciting thing to come from Axial since the Wraith! Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@skydrive2177]

I love that you have a random 123 block laying around to hold the motors up!

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

123 blocks are so handy! I always have them around!

[@brianbeck7468]

I typically still use Deans plugs, however, I bought a pack of XT60 plugs with the intention to switch everything over in the near future. I did go ahead and put an XT90 on my Kraton 4s. That thing draws a lot of current.

[@tugmchord]

Fly-Sky FS-GT5 transmitter with FS-BS6 receiver. By far the best full featured budget radio setup. Additional receivers are around $16. I have all XT60 connectors with the exception of my tamiya euro diesel. Class rules state only Dean's other than tamiya connector. The hobbywing 1080 is my brushed esc of choice as well. I have had good luck with power hd 23kg servos on the steering. Someone has already posted 3D printed mount files for the dig servo to thingaverse to adapt an hs-82 servo so most micro servos are that particular form factor. I have also been using the 16T 5 com reedy motors with good results. Alot of the shorty batts are backordered. Reedy Wolfpack 3000mah 3S is another option.

[@JCH979]

fairly similar components to what i'll be running in my own capra and i will be using xt60

[@hondofourfivetwo9347]

I’ve switched to XT?? for my higher voltage applications XT60’s for 3s & 4s XT90 for anything higher voltage or just higher draw. On 2s I’m mostly using banana plugs (typically competitive race Applications like my 17.5 touring car or buggy ) everything else is either Deans or Sermo’s. I still like the LEGO stack ability and general versatility the Sermo’s/Powerpole plugs offered they were just bulky and the housings can become brittle when exposed to chemicals like motor spray, these were my first non Tamiya connectors when I started in RC more than 25yrs ago if you go into my older cars on the shelf you’ll find them in all of them I’ve even used them in 1:1 Automotive applications.

[@tomandrews5392]

Battery connector is XT60 , Mamba x Slate 2850 , JX CLS HV7346 , Futaba 4pls and 2106gs ...I used the 4pls because it has a true 3 position switch for the dig ....The Mamba X is running 7.4 volt bec the Spectrum 107 is working so far...

[@JDMJDK]

I would really like to see how you set your Mamba X up. 🤙🏼

[@KTMcaptain]

I’m using the 4s pack that crawler innovation recommended on RcCrawler. It’s a value hobby 4s 1300mah 100c pack for $20. Easily get over an hour with it.

[@sleepyhatch06]

Im really liking the Spektrum IC3 smart connector for my batteries.

[@Cliffolaus]

I'm with you on that! I really like the idea and technology behind the Spektrum Smart Batteries and the chargers. I am kind of disappointed that they don't have a Shorty Pack with 3S though. So I'm going to start with the 2S and hope they eventually come out with a 3S. Are you listening SPEKTRUM?!

[@mojaveadv7135]

I just put an 1800kv fax machine in a project car. Interesting motor for sure.

[@sgtlt]

very informative as usual

[@rcs_rc_az961]

Man am i glad to see someone else using the bill on their hat to hold their sunglasses up high when not in use! LOL Where is adam!? XT60 is my go-to now after having a deans terminal failure from a nmhi system! Do you have any unboxing, item feature videos on your Futaba radio? thanks again for another great video! BTW, what are those 3 statues up on the top shelf behind you!?

[@stompindakka3222]

Using mainly xt60 connection. Have alot of older batteries with the older trx connectors

[@RTmadnesstoo]

Years ago I bought a hundred Anderson Power Pole modular plugs and have used them for everything. I'm thinking of changing to XT60 but there are so many to change ....

[@glennhobbs59]

Could go with the castle Micro crawler esc it’s very good but would need to run a BEC to keep temps down

[@savagelife977]

Traxxas plugs 🔌 lol on everything and it’s only because my first model was a 4x4 slash and i thought it would be Easier as my collection has grown 30plus and putting my Capra together now and as far as electronics in it 4PLS,hobbywing axe system 1200kv to start with 107 mini servo and a power hd steering servo 25kg nice 👍🏻 👍🏻 video

[@JESchnake]

Spektrum transmitter, hitec servos, tekin esc, tekin motor and venom batteries with ec3 plugs

[@ridgerc5976]

Just picked up a kit today and went with the Mamba X combo with a 1900kv. For the battery i chose the Gens Ace Adventure 4300 mah 3 cell.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

The 4300 is a very tight fit but will work.

[@johnsdad092009]

I found an absolute beast of a servo in the Bluebird BLS-H50 737 oz torque 7.4v

[@johnsdad092009]

I love it.

[@RCConceptsx]

Great video. If I go with the Holmes 540 16T and a Hobbywing 1080 what receiver should I get for a 4WS Capra? Thank you

[@aussiegrimrc]

Great video mate. I love that you give a wide range of choices, I have just purchased said Holmes hobbies motor. What are the blocks that you are displaying the motors on called? Running Deans.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Those are called 1-2-3 blocks for machinists.

[@aussiegrimrc]

@@HarleyDesignsInc Cheers

[@billderas3420]

Josh. Great timing as usual. Just started building my Capra last night and have not purchased any electronics yet. Many thanks for all your research efforts. How about the Reefs #99 Micro Servo which does run at 7.4V; and, does not require a BEC? Has a 25T spline output shaft. Believe it is $55; but, then there is no separate BEC to buy.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

I’m positive there are other servo options for that area but I haven’t tested any so I don’t like to throw them out there without experience

[@stevesrandomadventures9066]

Switch from Dean's plugs to XT60 got tired of the springing metal on my Dean's wearing out

[@speedfreak8200]

IC3

[@NVTaz1975]

I went brushed for now running a hobbywing 1080, HH crawlmaster sport 13t 5slot, HH HV500 servo, SX107 dig servo for now and all controlled by a 4pls.

[@rey3468]

How do you like the crawlmaster with 1080? I'm thinking of the same setup for my 10-3

[@NVTaz1975]

Reymon Nolan it works good, but I would go with the 16t instead of the 13t.

[@rey3468]

@@NVTaz1975 why is that? Is the 13t too fast/not enough torque?

[@NVTaz1975]

With the Capra trans being so high geared compared to axial 3 gear trans. A slower motor will give better low speed control, but still have wheel speed.

[@grandpabill3286]

Traxxxas plug! Lol I run TRAXXAS in a of my cars. my bomber has a RX4 with a roc 412hd motor and a savox monster high voltage SB-2290 I love that’s set up it’s super smooth but has enough for to do standing backflips! And have has my bomber since last year and still have not striped one gear idk how great video Harley keep it up cheers! O and btw I had a mamba x in my bomber before and I had nothing but problems idk why and it all ended when the bullets came un soldered so I went to rx4 I know you have run a mamba x for a long time with no problems I guess I just go to hard on my stuff lol

[@moistavocado2350]

I run Traxxas on all my stuff too. They work good!

[@jond4882]

So a little backwards but run esc bec for steering and use the ext bec to drop the voltage for the dig servo.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

The external BEC has more amperage so it would be better suited for the servo and makes wiring easier.

[@jond4882]

@@HarleyDesignsInc yeah definitely the way to go, but could have been a way to show off the power of the internal bec. Dig the vids, can't wait to see it running

[@MsHigheagle]

Always used xt plugs lol basically went from taymia plugs to xt 30 then 60 for the big stuff

[@zachcooper2759]

9:07 shorter heat sink killed me 😂😂

[@forrestcrabbe]

I'm tryna decide between the rx4 and the mamba monster x for smt10 mega truck build. I'm leaning toward tekin on account of it's quiter (maybe?) and it'll run brushed and sensored/sensorless brushless motors. Any recommendations?

[@donald2818]

What battery is going to fit is a better question.

[@seanhanley947]

Still have a ton deans plugs. Not sure if I’ll switch anytime soon.

[@RCPropaganda]

Xt90's for me. Just swapped all my rigs to those. Xt60 would be better for crawlers though.

[@zaxpage9003]

As light weight as it is. Would a mini mamba x be a more cost effective choice? Does the regular momba have other features that are needed?

[@austinwhitt9318]

I still use a tamaya connector and a trx connector

[@vipxj1]

Changing to XT60 from Deans.

[@toddbertram6556]

Why would the digg servo need a servo saver? I don't really understand where a massive amount of torque could come from to destroy or strip the digg servo. I'm guessing I'm just not understanding something. I always viewed servo savers as something that came in due to unexpected situations like landing on your front wheel at a 45ﾟ angle etc I'm trying to understand when a dig servo would be accidentally shifted into a position where the transmission is still under enough load to cause damage. I'm definitely missing something. I definitely look forward to see some of your running videos I have been fairly impressed with what I have seen online so far.

[@beleg1437]

Ya, but you could take advantage of the esc's bec by using it for the steering servo and the external bec for the 6V to the 107 couldn't you?

[@UnconventionalMillin]

i run XT90 on high power brushless 1/10 and 1/8. xt60 and xt30 for multirotor. i will be running xt60 on my capra.

[@jarbo7818]

How can I hookup the bec to make sure the steering servo gets the higher voltage and the dig servo gets the lower voltage?! Thx!

[@adamghiglia8668]

I run xt90 on everything. Some of my bash rigs are high voltage and it was most convenient to convert everything.

[@kablahj]

Same here!!

[@laserbeam1620]

Same.

[@michaelnewenham8092]

I’m curious what brand XT60’s you run? Do you prefer ones with shrink tubing or the new ones that have the plastic snap cover? I just recently bought a bad batch and am looking for the high quality ones. You can hear and feel the difference.

[@redneckfab4775]

Hey in the future can you build a trail finder two

[@The_RC_Guru]

Battery connector wasn’t even an issue for me my whole fleet I use the same ones on. My Capra I got a Holmes 500 sv2 servo, castle slate 2280kv, and a mamba x esc running off a 3s protek 4100mah. Thanks for making these videos.

[@sik05civic]

Mike S out of curiosity, how fast is it with the 2280? I was thinking about going with the hobbywing axe 2300

[@tomandrews5392]

@@sik05civic Whats nice about Castle Slate 2280 and Holmes Hobbies stubby 2700 they both will work with the Mamba Micro X but you may need a BEC for high power servo..I have a 2280 in a Axial UMG 10ii works well..

[@jesseweed2144]

i bought a savox1230sg for my rtr no bec needed im running tatu 3s 1300 mah....and sadly i still have my dx5 rugged i need to get back to futaba

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Tekin BXR or HW 1080? Will be in a new build, with 3s , CC BEC, and 16t 5slot motor...and still deciding on which servo.

[@A60363]

Do you have a follow up on performance with the brushless setup?

[@gigawattrc]

Nailed it!

[@sugarfree850]

I run a mix of deans and traxxas, and then bullets on my race cars.

[@indybama80]

I run traxxas in my go fast rigs n deans in my crawlers

[@jhawk1985]

4100 mah graphene protek 3s fits the best in the capra and its a dsmn good battery

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

How about a CC MICRO X ESC?

[@discoveryrc]

Great video. Xt90

[@sjakjoosten5499]

Whats your opinion on the hobbywing axe combo. I just love it. Just curious whats your opinion is.

[@HM024]

Oof, the internal BEC in the BXR esc is only capable of 5 volts.. Probably not a good idea

[@GrimJerr]

What do you think od using this in the Capra. The Hobbywing XR10 Pro G2 2S Sensored Brushless ESC/V10 G3R Combo includes the XeRun V10 G3R Competition Stock Spec Brushless Motor

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

That’s more for 2WD cars rather than off road trucks like this.

[@tomhol8559]

Xt60 all the way now day....back in the day was deans...🐉👍

[@traxrc]

Would you be able to use a basic 3 channel radio, such as a tactic, while also using the dig unit, or does it have to be programmable to have adjustable endpoints?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

I believe the tactic may have the ability to be programmed but I haven’t tried before

[@savagelife977]

When are you guys at Vanquish products going to be taking orders on the Ripper

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

They will not be produced again. That product will not return.

[@mikej8832]

Nails parts numbers every time but can't say shi, sha, sh, sink (nailed it) 😂

[@brookerobinson85]

What do you think about a 4 wheel steer set up on this rig & is it possible

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

It’s possible and has been done already. It takes some cage modification for clearance.

[@matthealy563]

always AMASS XT60

[@cocoairsoft749]

Mamba X!!

[@emc702]

Can a slate motor from castle will fit the capra , and what kv is ideal thanks in advance

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Yes it can. For this truck I’d say 2000-2200kv Range is good.

[@solomonlangheld8461]

Great information. I am have heat issues with my Ecopower 120T steering servo. I am running the Mamba X to power everything. Do I need an ext BEC?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

No the BEC won’t help the heat issues. It’s likely just working too hard. You’ll either need to step up in servo or be easier on it.

[@solomonlangheld8461]

@@HarleyDesignsInc I appreciate the reply. I will try different terrain and see if I have the same problem. Great videos! I learn a lot. Newbie Crawler and my first kit. Thank you.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Make sure there is no binding in your steering to make the servo work harder.

[@tombaker1516]

Show us a completed running video.

[@courtneyfarmer8425]

Xt 30’s for me👍

[@xd_gangster693]

i run deans connectors

[@tombaker1516]

Josh I know don't know me from Adam, but could you email me a simple wiring diagram on splitting the 6.0 and 7.4 volt set up? Thanks

[@jarbo7818]

That's what I just asked also, wondering how to get the high voltage for steering and keep the dig at 6v. Let me know if you figure it out plz! I'll do the same

[@rcmike09]

Thought I was touching the screen on my phone and making it rewind!!