Kyosho Mini-Z Buggy Brushless MB-010VE 2.0: Increase Brake Performance with ESC Programming (82082)

Okay today we have something not commonly seen on the Internet. I picked up the programming dongle for the Mini-Z Buggy. The brushless MB-010VE 2.0 buggy is programmable, but it requires this unique USB device different from EVO/ASF Mini-Z. That's because Kyosho uses Scorpion electronics on the brushless buggy instead of the usual KO Propo boards. It's pretty annoying this is an extra purchase. That said, unlike MR-03EVO which really needs programming (e.g: steering trim, reverse delay), the buggy is fine without one. But now that I have one, let's see what it can do.
Out of the box, the buggy is a great performer. Still, there are two things I'd like to investigate with ESC programming. First, the brushless ESC is not good with low end throttle control. This is me finding its minimum speed. The second issue is the brake power. It brakes okay, but not as much as its tires and suspension allow. Ideally, there should be so much brake that I can tune it down via the EPA setting on the NB4 transmitter. I'm doing a brake test here. It takes 50-100cm of distance to stop. The tires don't skid on this smooth surface.
Let's see the software setup process. Download the USB driver for part 82082 and the Sproto ICS software. Pro tip: Be sure to download the V3.x SprotoPlatform software. Another Kyosho Mini-Z page links to the V1.x version and that won't work. The instruction manual describes the installation process in a lot of details. I found it very useful.
When using the Scorpion ICS software for the first time, I need to first search and download the MB-010VE 2.0 module. It's safe to assume that Scorpion supports many ESC products with the Mini-Z buggy being one of many configurations. Be sure to also install the USB driver. To verify everything is working when the USB dongle is plugged, check here.
The cable from the dongle plugs into the 5-pin port that's normally used to connect the two buggy boards together. Please be super careful unplugging this connector. I accidentally broke two solder joints of these tiny wires! It was quite stressful to solder them back on.
After nearly having a heart attack with that accident, I'm ready to do the programming finally. In the "Punch" menu, I want to first lower the throttle punch from the default 100% to 1%. Will that improve low end throttle control? In the "Brake" menu, I'm surprised to see a default 10% drag brake setting. I've never noticed it. The default value of the Maximum brake setting is 50%. It's going to 100% now. I'm not sure what Brake frequency does, but let's bump it up to Medium.
The difference between 100% Punch (default) to 1% is huge unsurprisingly. It seems to have the effect of slow channel speed. It takes time to ramp up to the intended throttle level. Unfortunately, even at 1% punch, there's no change to the low end throttle control. The ESC isn't able to drive more slowly. That's too bad. We are so spoiled by the performance of other great modern brushless ESC these days. Since 1% punch doesn't help, and it's far too unresponsive, I eventually dialed up the setting to 90%.
On the other hand, the revised brake setting works wonders! It brakes in half of the distance needed compared to stock. I have to wonder why Kyosho/Scorpion didn't default to 100%.
So in the end, I was able to solve the brake issue but not the low end throttle control issue. Is this worth the $17 and the risk of breaking small solder joints? To be honest, I don't think so. Maybe it'd be useful if I used the buggy for racing. I'm happy to lend this out to anyone in NYC interested in updating the brake setting of their MB-010VE 2.0.
This is Sammy and thanks for watching!
Music: "Instructions for Living a Life", Savfk ( • Instructions for Livin... )

[@yusufnabi8221]

Changing the switch value from 50 to 5 and switch point from 50 to 30 makes the VE2.0 Buggy very easy to control at lower speeds with a smooth linear throttle. 👍

[@sammybaka]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to try it out too

[@spockfpv]

Thanks for this review,. I was wondering if it was worth investing in this little doggle.Good to know it does nothing to help with low end throttle. Which I agree would be really nice to have. By the way I just upgraded my motor, and wow what a huge difference. My braking is so much better. I would highly recommend a motor swap.

[@sammybaka]

Thanks. Which motor did you go to?

[@spockfpv]

@Sammybaka Mini RC I went with the GL HT 8600kv. This motor woke this buggy up! Drops right in, and the torque is so much better. It even improved the braking by at least 30-40%. I can about lock up the brakes, whereas before, the braking was more of a suggestion 😆

[@sammybaka]

That's awesome! Do you need to use any spacer around the GL motor to fit into the buggy?

[@spockfpv]

Yes, the same ones that are on the stock motor. Easy drop in.

[@yusufnabi8221]

Not true you can change the switch value from 50 to 5 and leave the punch at 100. This make low end control very linear.

[@jjjbossjjj]

Thx for the share! I have a buggy and I git monster tyres on it. My problem is that with monster tyres, the braking performance is terrible (due to tyre size). Do you think this would help? Or is the gearing itself the limiting factor.?

[@sammybaka]

Thank you. By default the buggy is using the lowest gearing so for braking that's good. Yes, the default brake setting (brushless model) is too low for bigger wheels. I've tried using the carisma truggy wheels (quite big too) and there's not enough stopping power. Now that I've maxed out my brake power on the ESC, let me try those truggy wheels again and report back here.

[@amjads5457]

I’m using these values by the Punch and it works really good,,, i can drive slowly and go fast to the max speed: 1Ph: 100 2Ph: 80 3Ph: 20 Try it,,, maybe will help

[@sammybaka]

Wow I must try this! Thanks for the tip.

[@amjads5457]

@@sammybakalet me know your feedback

[@sammybaka]

Setting the throttle curve made the control more linear and that's certainly an improvement. I think the start up speed is still the same. I appreciate your recommendations!

[@amjads5457]

With the setting I mentioned by the throttle I got a slower start up speed and can drive easily in the house and with lightly pushing the speed increases

[@kevinruan]

this really made it much more controllable! thanks

[@Austintyler5]

Thank you for the review. What’s next to improve it, new esc?

[@sammybaka]

Swapping out electronics (esc, receiver, servo controller) can be done but it's a large undertaking (i.e: cost and need to cut into the chassis). That would definitely improve the performance of the buggy but for me mb-010ve 2.0 as it is is good enough for me. For now, I think I've taken it as far as I want to.