if you're into weighting your SCX24 or Traxxas TRX-4M with brass (everybody doesn't but those who do, you know why), then we've just made a batch of Brass Monkeys.
Basically, it's our DS125CLHV servo but instead of CNC machining the case from a billet of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, we started off from solid brass billets, instead. The point? 41g vs 21g, which puts an extra 20g mounted in the right place . . . low. In short, created to help increase control for pro-level TRX-4M 1/18th scale and Axial SCX24 1/24th scale crawlers.
So why did we make it? Honestly? Mostly for shits and giggles (meaning for the fun of it). Frankly, in a world of me too label-engineered servo, we did it because some of you thrive on being unique, and owning the best there is. And you make no bones or excuses for wanting the best. We totally get it.
So basically, for some of you, this servo is better. A lot better. It's what ProModeler is about. The Brass Monkey is usually for thicc rigs (because it's all about high
alpha performance). The other crazies for the Brass Monkey are the race
boat guys who think nothing of dropping $2000 on a heavy hydro. Anyway,
for them and for comp-class SCX24-class or TRX-4M rigs (ones with almost no actual Axial or Traxxas parts
in them) then there's nothing better than a Brass Monkey.
Look, this servo isn't for run-of-the-mill rigs. Why not? It's because
it's not a label-engineered product (where fast buck operators slap a label on
some Asian servo company's product) in an attempt to copy us and fill that niche in their product line. Honestly, we're
not interested in fulfilling the needs of bottom feeders. Our goal is to
meet the requirements of the savvy. Ones who grok weight and balance,
e,g. are seeking über (monkey-like) agility. Hence . . . Brass Monkey!
Of course, some buy it for looks, too. Nothing wrong with that because
form follows function. Thus, the brutalist nature of the Brass Monkey
has it's own appeal as eye candy and thus, the purposeful look isn't
just for performance. Moreover, if you don't mind losing the laser engraved logo, you may also polish it to a high shine.
This servo will be a revelation in what it brings to the game. For those with no clue what it's for, that's OK, we didn't make the Brass Monkey for everybody. It's special. And heads up, this is a very limited production run for showcasing the art in what we do. Frankly, it's pretty - almost jewel like - and we find nothing wrong with that.
In short, it exists because we can make it. That, and we figure the wannabe label-engineering outfits will be calling their eastern overlords to beg for something like it for them to import. But that will take time so in the meantime, we rejoice in leading, once again. Remember the old saying; lead, follow, or get out of the way!
Click Specs next.
Created for the uncompromising, the brass case has several jobs . . .
- 4-hole mounting tabs
- Reinforced transmission section
- Bronze hard points for gear shafts
- Steel gears
- Environmental protection (seals)
Electronics Section
- Million-cycle potentiometer
- Potting compound on PCB
- Slip-fit brushless motor
To begin, the foundation is the 10-bolt construction CNC-machined from a solid billet of brass with one purpose, to aid in climbing by lowering the CG of the rig.
Gears? Steel. Why? Simple, it's because there's nothing better available for purpose.
This area will contain what you get for this servo.
Note1
These are tiny servos with even tinier gears and operating them
manually via the servo horn may damage them. This damage is not covered
by warranty. Please do not treat these like a standard size servos. If
you fit a servo arm and zing is back and forth to feel the compression
(just kidding) and damage it, it's on you. You've been warned.
Note 2
We're often asked why we say not to use this for the throttle servo
of model airplanes/boats/helicopters/trucks since a carburetor only
needs maybe 10oz-in of torque. The reason has to do with the tiny
component size and withstanding vibration. Even when we protect the PCB
with potting compound, what we can't protect is the potentiometer
because it directly links mechanically to the output gear. So even when
protected with rubber isolation (which we offer as an option but don't
supply as standard equipment since these things mostly go into small
electric models with relatively low vibration levels), an internal
combustion engine (gasoline or nitro, no matter) is feeding vibration
into the pot via the throttle pushrod. This *will* destroy the servo -
and really really quickly. Point being, we have too much experience with
this and thus, while we love you as a customer, we don't love you
enough to be warrantying what we know will break. Thus, we'd rather warn
you off the product thereby risking the sale from the get go, capisci?
What would we suggest instead? Maybe a DS100 is the better alternative
but in truth, we'd really rather guide you to a standard size DS90DLHV
equipped with a PDRS105 servo horn. Review this article to learn more.
. . . and note, while this is aimed at modelers with gasoline
engines, the same holds true for cars and trucks, boats, and helicopters
with high RPM nitro engines which typically also use a very short 1/16"
steel pushrod to make the linkage. Trust us we know what we're talking
about . . . please!