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ECX RC has done a great job with the ECX AMP MT / DB (monster truck / desert buggy) RC's. The ECX AMP RC's are a great fit for someone looking to get into the radio control hobby or looking for a backyard basher. While the ECX AMP is fun right out of the box (or freshly built if you bought the kit version) there are a few things that can be done to further improve the ECX AMP!
4x AA Batteries - For the included transmitter. My recommendation would be to get a pack of Eneloop rechargeable batteries. Either the Panasonic Eneloop or Eneloop Pro (higher capacity, longer run time).
That's it, just a set of AA batteries will allow you to pull the ECX AMP from the box and start using it right away. That said if you're new to the hobby then I would certainly recommend taking a look at our Tools to get started in R/C thread to see what tools are going to be very handy for you.
Batteries - The ECX AMP comes with a 1800mAh NiMH battery which will work fine getting started but if you really want to awaken the ECX AMP add a LiPo battery. Doing so will not only give you longer run times but really add some power to the stock ECX AMP. This is probably the single least expensive and most noticeable upgrade you can do.
Bearings - The bearings in the ECX AMP leave a bit to be desired, such as being sloppy and/or not very reliable. The easiest solution would be to pick up a FastEddyBearings ball bearing kit.
If you're building the kit version of the ECX AMP I would buy these bearings at the same time and save yourself the work of going back and replacing the stock bearings.
Servo - The stock steering servo seems a bit under powered, to remedy simply upgrade the servo to something like the Power HD 1501MG, MG996R, or Hitec HS5645MG.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) - I have never been a fan the of the ESC/Receiver combo units in any RC. Mostly for the sole reason that when you do want to upgrade you can't just upgrade a ESC or receiver, being a combo you have to replace both which ultimatly ends up costing you more. In addition if you have an issue with one part of the combo then the entire unit it useless to you.
If you're looking for an inexpensive upgrade then check out Hobbywing, the Dynamite Tazer ESC / Brushless motor combo also makes a nice upgrade.
Of course going this route means you'll need a new radio setup as well...
These upgrades are a great starting point for any basher or someone getting started into the RC hobby scene, but certainly not a complete list. If you have other suggested upgrades for the ECX AMP please share with us!
Required items for a new ECX AMP
4x AA Batteries - For the included transmitter. My recommendation would be to get a pack of Eneloop rechargeable batteries. Either the Panasonic Eneloop or Eneloop Pro (higher capacity, longer run time).
That's it, just a set of AA batteries will allow you to pull the ECX AMP from the box and start using it right away. That said if you're new to the hobby then I would certainly recommend taking a look at our Tools to get started in R/C thread to see what tools are going to be very handy for you.
Recommended Upgrades for the ECX AMP
Batteries - The ECX AMP comes with a 1800mAh NiMH battery which will work fine getting started but if you really want to awaken the ECX AMP add a LiPo battery. Doing so will not only give you longer run times but really add some power to the stock ECX AMP. This is probably the single least expensive and most noticeable upgrade you can do.
CAUTION: While ECX lists the ECX AMP's as being "LiPo Compatible" the ESC/Receiver combo included in the ECX AMP does NOT include a low voltage cutoff or alarm. If you run a LiPo on the stock electronics you risk frying your battery or causing more serious damage to your AMP or yourself.
If you run LiPo and stock electronics then I'm going to say you MUST buy an LiPo voltage alarm - this will monitor the voltage of the LiPo and scream like heck when it reaches a certain voltage, saving your AMP and LiPo battery from damage.
If you run LiPo and stock electronics then I'm going to say you MUST buy an LiPo voltage alarm - this will monitor the voltage of the LiPo and scream like heck when it reaches a certain voltage, saving your AMP and LiPo battery from damage.
Bearings - The bearings in the ECX AMP leave a bit to be desired, such as being sloppy and/or not very reliable. The easiest solution would be to pick up a FastEddyBearings ball bearing kit.
If you're building the kit version of the ECX AMP I would buy these bearings at the same time and save yourself the work of going back and replacing the stock bearings.
Servo - The stock steering servo seems a bit under powered, to remedy simply upgrade the servo to something like the Power HD 1501MG, MG996R, or Hitec HS5645MG.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) - I have never been a fan the of the ESC/Receiver combo units in any RC. Mostly for the sole reason that when you do want to upgrade you can't just upgrade a ESC or receiver, being a combo you have to replace both which ultimatly ends up costing you more. In addition if you have an issue with one part of the combo then the entire unit it useless to you.
If you're looking for an inexpensive upgrade then check out Hobbywing, the Dynamite Tazer ESC / Brushless motor combo also makes a nice upgrade.
Of course going this route means you'll need a new radio setup as well...
These upgrades are a great starting point for any basher or someone getting started into the RC hobby scene, but certainly not a complete list. If you have other suggested upgrades for the ECX AMP please share with us!