JWerks VIC Pro Micro Brushless System

With 1/20th to 1/16th scale RCs continuing to sell strongly around the world, new performance hop-up options haven't stopped coming to the market. In the segment of power systems LiPo batteries are becoming all the rage, providing tremendous power density for high-amperage brushless motor systems. The BL systems, themselves, are very sophisticated, with programmable speed controllers that are essentially small computer systems. However, not everybody is a pro-level racer requiring infinitesimal control over every possible parameter. Every once in awhile, when a market matures and products reach a high level of sophistication and complexity, somebody comes along and reminds us about the "K.I.S.S." rule, "Keep It Simple, Stupid." Most of us just want to go really fast, without all the fluff. JWerks Racing Concepts is company that's answering the call this time, with their VIC Pro micro brushless system. For this test, I got my hands on their mid-range 6.6 (6600kV) motor + speed controller combo..

Initial Impressions

The presentation of the system is classy and it doesn't take long to start noticing the nice design features JWerks has included. The motor has built-in heat sink fins right on the can. At the back, the wires are uncharacteristically flexible, covered with braided synthetic sleeves. At the front, there are three different sets of mounting holes for different applications. I only fitted mine to an RC18T and a Mini-T, but I'm told it will work on the Duratrax Vendetta as well as the Kyosho Half-8 (Mini Inferno) series.

The entire top surface of the speed controller is also a heat sink plate. There are screw-down holes at two corners for secure mounting, but I recommend just using double-sided tape on the ample flat undersurface. Here again, the wires are very pliable, though of the traditional silicone-sheathed variety.

Now, if the ESC looks somewhat familiar, you're probably comparing it to the Dynamite Mini Tazer, which came to market long after JWerks started selling their product on eBay. Indeed, the Mini Tazer is the exact same unit from the exact same factory, only with a different color of heat sink. There's also one other difference: Price. More on that later.

Installation & Setup

My test rig was a mostly stock Mini-T and installation was a breeze. Naturally a standard radio system is required (the original RTR integrated electronics box won't cut it), so I used an Airtronics receiver matched to a 94091 servo. The JWerks ESC fits on top of the stock battery hold-down next to the receiver just fine. The set comes with 3.5mm micro bullet connectors, males pre-installed on the motor leads and females ready to install (evidently left off in case you wish to lengthen or shorten your ESC to motor wires). I used a regular-sized Deans plug on the battery end. Routing the wires was easy thanks to their flexibility, and the motor fit without issue. I did notice that the motor shaft is round, so for long-term use, I'd probably want to grind a flat spot on it to keep pinions more secure. It's worth noting, however, that I never had a pinion loosen during my tests.

Controller setup was very straightforward, though very different from other ESC setup routines I've encountered before. There is only one input you need to provide -- the transmitter neutral point. To sum up the procedure, you start with your radio's throttle trim at neutral, switch everything on, then adjust your neutral trim slowly until the speed controller beeps out a "okay I'm happy now" signal. With my Airtronics MX-3 radio system, I ended up having to adjust the trim forward by a significant amount. This actually moved the throttle range up to where my forward endpoint was cut off. The easy way to tell was that I was able to get more speed in reverse than going forward (as made apparent by the difference in sound). All I had to do was adjust my throttle endpoints forward to compensate, and I was all set. The system auto-detects your battery setup when it's powered on and has an automatic (and LiPo-compatible) safety cutoff, so there's no other setup required. Just be sure not to power on with a dangerously depleted battery, as this could throw off the auto-detect logic and make it think you're running a lower-voltage pack than you actually are.

Testing

Other than the electronics, the only non-stock feature on my Mini-T was a set of Trinity Mini Monster wheels & tires. For power, I used my United RC Race 32 pack. Running on carpet initially, my first pull of the throttle caused a wheelie that flipped the whole truck over backwards. No, I'm not exaggerating. Throttle input was linear and instant. I didn't experience any cogging at any speed and I was able to putt around however slowly or quickly I wanted. Outdoors, I had a chance to open up on the throttle. With my initial gearing of 11/60 (which gives overall rollout equivalent to just under 13/60 gearing with stock tires), acceleration was very quick and speed started plateauing within about 3 seconds from a dead stop. Matching tires to your surface is going to be very important with this setup, as the power is immense for such a small vehicle and it's easy to spin out under power.

The motor was staying well within a safe temperature range and I felt there was enough torque on tap to push for higher speeds. I went to a 13T pinion and got more speed, then a hefty 15T, for roll-out close to what would 17/58 gearing with stock tires. Finally with this setup the motor temperature got as high as I was comfortable with, and I started to see diminishing returns on top speed. Acceleration was still plenty enough to spin out at will on asphalt, and I had to be careful up to about 1/3rd throttle before I could really let my trigger finger go crazy.

Even with the older battery (built with 1050mah cells), I achieved a consistent top speed of over 28 mph. In a separate testing session, but with the exact same battery pack with a fresh charge, my Mamba 6800 system topped out at just under 25 mph. Castle Creations' own site lists a top speed for the Mini-T with stock gearing and a more modern battery pack at 27mph. Set up with roll-outs 1 pinion tooth below and above stock, I recorded speeds of 23.8 and 26.2 mph respectively, for an average of 25 mph. With a better battery, I'm sure I'd be very close to the Mamba in speed with the same gearing (as it should be, given the similar kV ratings). Additionally, even with speed gearing, I was able to bash around for a full pack without any overheating.

I also tested the built-in failsafe mentioned at the end of the instruction sheet. I took the truck up to top speed, then simply turned off my transmitter. Steering went dead, naturally, and after about one second, power to the motor cut off and the truck just coasted until it came to a stop.

Conclusions

JWerks set out to market a brushless system for micro-scale land RCs that would give high-end performance with ease of use tailored towards the everyday driver. I'd say they've delivered. To really compare this system fairly against the market-leading Castle Creations Mamba, I'd have to race two vehicles side by side that are otherwise identical. I didn't have a spare car and driver handy, but what I absolutely did see is that the speed of the system is very competitive with the Mamba, and the overall feel of the system in terms of power felt on par with the Mamba set to linear throttle and maximum power settings (high timing, minimum current limiting, etc.).

On the negative side of things, as mentioned in the setup section above, you really absolutely need to run radio with EPA. Frankly, though, if you're using this much power & speed, you want to have a quality radio system anyhow. For racers, it's important to note that there is no option to disable reverse (though there is very functional braking as well as a reverse delay that helps prevent accidental reversing). There's no programmability whatsoever.

Now for the punchline. The 6.6 (6600kV) system tested here costs $74.95. That's motor + controller. I mentioned that the Dynamite Mini Tazer is the same ESC as included in the JWerks set. Well, the Mini Tazer retails for $60. That's just the controller. The Mamba 6800 system is $114 on Tower. The Mamba trounces the VIC Pro on features, but for the price you pay, the JWerks system is an excellent deal. If you're a basher or just a casual racer, you won't be disappointed one bit.

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