The RH818 represents the pinnacle of modular 1/8 scale electric touring car design. Engineered for relentless adjustability and track dominance, assembling this platform demands precision – a process that transforms raw components into a symphony of speed. Let’s dissect the core engineering stages.
1. Foundation: Chassis & Drivetrain Integration
Carbon Fiber Core: Begin with the asymmetric 4mm chassis main assembly. Note the left-side protrusion for optimal weight distribution. Upper deck (2nd floor plate) alignment is critical – rear facing you, protrusion left.
Differential Mastery: The heart of handling. Assemble front/rear diffs and center differential using professional techniques:
Sealing: Install O-rings meticulously at each stage for oil containment.
Gear Meshing: Insert ring gear (main gear) and pinion gear (small gear), aligning precisely with the drive cup’s flat spot. Secure with C-clips (Circlips).
Spider Gears & Shimming: Install differential spider gears with shims (two per side) to achieve near-zero backlash. Apply specified differential oil viscosity (higher for center diff).
Bearing & Shim Stacks: Precision matters. Configure diff cup bearings with specific shim stacks (e.g., 4 shims + bearing on drive shaft side, 1 shim + bearing on output side). Secure cases with 2x10mm self-tapping screws using a 2.0mm hex driver.
2. Suspension & Steering: Precision Dynamics
Suspension Arms & Pivot Balls: Mount front/rear suspension arms, observing orientation arrows (typically pointing forward). Install pivot balls (ball studs) into carrier holes. Utilize suspension arm braces for critical rigidity.
Steering Linkage: The key to responsive handling.
Tie Rod Setup: Assemble steering links, tightening while maintaining specified approximate center distances (e.g., 1.3cm, 3.7cm). Observe curvature.
Ball Stud Connection: Insert link ends onto ball studs near the shorter end and longer end of arms, ensuring consistent orientation on both sides.
Steering Column & Ackermann: Install the steering servo, servo arm (25T/23T), and link plate (Ackermann plate). Connect right and left bellcranks using the specified holes (e.g., first hole for sensitivity). Incorporate the return spring using a spring tool. Press 5x10mm flanged bearings into bellcranks.
3. Power & Drive: Electrification & Transmission
Motor & Gear Mesh: Install the pinion gear onto the motor shaft, aligning its flat spot. Secure with a set screw using a 2.5mm hex driver, applying threadlocker (e.g., Loctite 242). Achieve optimal spur gear mesh clearance (0.2-0.3mm). Mount the motor with three screws (star pattern).
ESC & Electronics: Mount the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) flush with the chassis edge for cooling. Connect the power switch. Route wiring cleanly.
Receiver Setup: Plug the servo wire into Ch1 (Steering) and the ESC wire into Ch2 (Throttle) of the receiver, matching wire colors (signal=white/yellow). Route wires through the waterproof receiver box (Rx box).
Cooling: Attach the ESC cooling fan/shroud.
4. Rolling Chassis & Final Assembly
CVD Driveshafts & Hubs: Insert front/rear CVD drive shafts (universal joints) into diff outdrives. Align pivot balls with hub carrier holes. Install wheel hex adapters, washers, and secure with wheel nuts. Check suspension articulation.
Shock Towers & Dampers: Mount front/rear shock towers (4mm carbon fiber) using a 2.5mm hex driver for shock absorber upper mounts and 2.0mm hex driver for lowers. Note screw insertion direction to avoid binding.
Aerodynamics & Body: Assemble the rear wing using button head screws (2.0mm hex), aligning with indicator holes for aerodynamic balance. Trim body posts, mount the painted body shell, and secure with standard body clips. Install the front bumper.