MAXIMIZING Your RC Rock Crawler's Potential: Decoding John Roberts' Motto - Volt Up, Gear Down

🏞️ Join us in this exhilarating video as we delve into the wisdom behind John Roberts' legendary motto, "Volt Up, Gear Down." 🚙⚡
🔌 Volt Up for Power: Discover the electrifying secrets to unlocking your rock crawler's maximum power potential. We break down the science behind increasing voltage and explore how it translates to more torque and crawling capability.
⚙️ Gear Down for Precision: Precision and control are paramount in rock crawling. We unravel the art of gear reduction and how John Roberts' "Gear Down" approach enhances your crawler's ability to tackle tricky terrains with finesse.
🗣️ Insights from the Expert: Dive deep into the philosophy of John Robert himself as we share insights from his interviews and writings. Learn how his motto became a cornerstone for enthusiasts aiming to conquer challenging obstacles.
🔧 Practical Applications: It's not just about theory - we provide practical demonstrations of voltage adjustments and gear selection. Witness firsthand how these adjustments can elevate your crawler's performance on the trail.
🏁 Taking Your Journey Forward: Armed with John Roberts' mantra, you'll be ready to take your rock crawling adventures to the next level. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this video is your gateway to mastering the trails.
📣 Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of John Roberts' "Volt Up, Gear Down" motto. Hit that like button, subscribe, and ring the notification bell to stay tuned for more exhilarating RC content! 🎮🤖
#RCRockCrawler #JohnRoberts #VoltUpGearDown #RCAdventure #RockCrawlingMotto

[@CustomRcCanada]

Put portals on that riff its gonna gear it down 😄

[@ollep9142]

Interesting to get the historical background! Since I first heard the expression twelve years ago I've interpreted it more as "volt up to get more wheel speed, and also gear down to avoid overheating (as a result of the higher voltage)"

[@HolmesHobbies]

That is also acceptable 👌

[@helmydewa]

Dual speed is my solution so RC doesn't go too slow when i trailing in the wood but when i need low speed control to through an obstacle i can do that with dual speed in low, TRX4 so far the best for me, high gear is about 25:1 and the low gear is about 60:1 if I'm not mistaken

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Excellant explanation. Like button energized.

[@CharlieFultonSC]

Good stuff sir

[@HolmesHobbies]

Much appreciated

[@jerrywatson1958]

Hi John, thanks for this. I just ordered the RC4WD Belt Drive for the TRX4. I have seen videos of Axial users, using it to quiet down their tranny noise. It seemed to give smooth driving w/o the spur gear noise. But some say it puts more stress on the motor. They mentioned the front bearing as a weak point in most motors. I know you use larger sized bearings in your motors as they take punishment in crawlers. Can you do a video on Belt Drives in your Crawler Traxxas and Axial. If there are set ups for other trucks it would be nice to know that too. Could a Belt Drive benefit comp crawlers too in some way? Thanks for all your hard work making these videos. Gotta say I love your RC products. I get a lot of enjoyment out of running your motors and servos.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Except, belt drives are illegal in comps. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@aaronscott2278]

Great video and the opening mouth thumbnail is epic !!!

[@HolmesHobbies]

Thanks 😁

[@cardboardcrawlersrc8805]

So informative. Thanks for providing us with so much useful information

[@HolmesHobbies]

My pleasure

[@macharleys72]

So in my Capra I’ve installed a Fusion SE 1800 kv, and changed the pinion to the smallest I could run with the stock case, (10t) it definitely is slower, and much better than stock overall, but seems to have a lot of slop overall in the drivetrain, everything’s snug like it should be, I guess its Just the nature of it….Love it regardless! Still crawls good.

[@RJcrawl]

Wish I could get a 13t 550 crawlmaster. Still love gearing it down. That was a great set up and I like that brushed motor for the price better than anything for twice the price. Took your advice years ago young man 👍

[@HolmesHobbies]

Why can't you get one?

[@RCJesus420]

I need to get RTFM (Read the f@ck!n manual) tattooed across my forehead. lol

[@HolmesHobbies]

me too

[@RCJesus420]

@HolmesHobbies you need it tattooed on your hand so you'll remember to do it. 🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@Organized-_-Chaos]

I am looking for some advice on how to improve a temper gen 2 with trx4 portal axles I still have the 2 in 1 receiver esc and stock motor that comes in it, and I'm looking to upgrade the motor and esc and/or possibly the spur and pinion. Was looking at the holmes 380 but I don't know much when it comes to the electronic

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Hope we do you guys proud with the 2023 poor boys RC speed run challenge. Looking forward to seeing how fast we can go with that stubby puller pro

[@HolmesHobbies]

awe yeah!!!

[@eligolovach2382]

Best pinion for a TRX4 sport with a hobbywing axe esc and 2800 kv motor? Also whats the best Holms esc and motor setup for my VP phoenix? I really like the FOC low speed control you get with the axe along with the wheel speed but i wanna something different for the phoenix

[@DTW-bx2vy]

So how do you gear down 1/18 & 1/24 scale rigs, when they do not even have the option to change pinion or spur gears?

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Makes as much sense now, as it always has! 👍 Btw, any videos on that Ryft, looks killer?!

[@HolmesHobbies]

Here's one where I broke it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnzVeYZmfZqciqs Here's one where I fix it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWS9ZYOMjbOLq7s

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@HolmesHobbies Thanks, John! Definitely want one for mud bogs! 👍

[@ottotarnowske987]

Ryft options? What are best options for the kit version with 2 speed?

[@RTmadnesstoo]

What would happen if you put something like a 14-pole Outrunner motor in a Rift? Would that help with the low speed control?

[@gwpattrick]

I have a trx 4, I like too crawl what motor and esc and gear would be good. Just a little too complicated for me. I don't really experiment with any of my trucks. I keep them as is. But for my trx 4 I like to get a better crawl out of it.

[@HolmesHobbies]

Crawlmaster sport 550 13t would be just a hair slower but much better low speed control

[@kinetic40]

I have an Axial Capra 1.9 4WS with a Castle Mamba X ESC, your stubby Puller Pro 2200kV motor and 3S Lipos. My gearing is still stock. What size gears would you recommend for the transmission and portals? Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@daledavis8093]

Put "Volt up, Gear down" on shirts and hats

[@sebrc]

Wanna see that tattoo on the forehead next upload... You said it 😉 what would you recommended for those who still use nimh? I have 3s but sometimes only want to run a crawler for a short run and dont want the hassle involved with store charging the lipo again. Stuck a trailmaster 540 55t in my ftx fury (stock is 20turn) and it was wayyyy too slow to have any wheel speed when needed.. would it be worth changing the pinion, spur, both? (Stock is 14 pinion, 87 spur?) Im not very good with pinion / spur ratios etc 🤦‍♂️ Thanks in advance

[@progressive_rc]

What were the rigs that came out with wrong gearing over the years? Interesting to know your opinion about it.

[@HolmesHobbies]

No comment 😬

[@progressive_rc]

@@HolmesHobbies 🤣🤣🤣 For my comp crawlers (2.2 Pro, shafty and so on), I try to keep them around 50:1 final ratio at the wheels. And a margin up and down to be adjusted by the pinion.

[@FlyingPigmyHippo]

Would you recommend a different KV motor for a portal rig versus a straight-axle version of the same vehicle? Or would the same motor recommendation apply if the final gear ratio is same in both scenarios?

[@HolmesHobbies]

Final ratio the same, same motor. But extreme ratio portal, 2700kv becomes useful

[@casey1441]

That actually helps a lot on my ryft. I’ve been struggling to try and make it crawl or at least have enough torque to not roll down a hill as soon as you let off the throttle. Does anybody know of solutions to that problem for the ryft?

[@anotheryoutuber_]

smaller tires can help but everything is a trade off. there are some gearing options but by the time you add all the new gears, servos, and accompanying stuff you start to crawl towards the cost of a basic rtr crawler, just depends on how deep you wanna go. its a cool rig and if you wanna mod it, go for it!

[@rcgoodtimes6657]

You need an ESC that offers a drag brake setting if you want your rig to hold steady on hills

[@casey1441]

I have a castle copperhead 10 in it and was running a castle 550 can 2400 kv Sensored motor. Geared as low as I could. It was rolling with that so I put a 550 can 45 turn crawl master brushed motor in it hoping the brushed motor would be more smooth and have a little more resistance. But to no avail

[@HolmesHobbies]

Put a 3 gear tranny in it

[@casey1441]

@@HolmesHobbies That’s pretty much what I was thinking. I was just curious if anyone else had a different idea. Thanks!

[@rodcognito002]

😂 Never their fault. Crappy electronics they outsourced.

[@TheCleaner6969]

All china junk these days

[@HolmesHobbies]

right