Battcave Jok3r 1:12 Mini- Pro Build & Setup Tips

Side Band Setup Steering Setup Motor Pod Setup Weight Positioning Ride Height Setup  Tyre Choice  Handling Trouble Shooting  Spring Rates Chart

Released in 2023, the Battcave Jok3r has taken the 1:12 Mini RC racing scene by storm, delivering race-winning performance and becoming a favourite among club racers and top competitors alike. With an innovative design crafted using the latest 3D printing technologies, the Jok3r offers precision, durability, and ease of setup, making it one of the most exciting chassis in its class.

At the heart of its success is the original band-balanced motor pod, a ground breaking feature that revitalizes the iconic 1:12 Mini class, enhancing stability, power delivery, and handling. Whether you're a seasoned racer or new to the category, the Jok3r provides an exceptional driving experience with effortless tuning and customization options.

With major event wins under its belt and an ever-growing following, we’ve been thoroughly enjoying racing this incredible car. Now, we’re excited to share some of our pro build and setup tips to help you get the most out of your Battcave Jok3r on the track! Stay tuned and get ready to experience next-level performance in 1:12 Mini RC racing!

Side Band Setup

Spacing Between Band Bobbins

Ensure the band bobbins do not touch during movement to maintain proper flex characteristics.

Car Characteristics with Side Bands

• Fewer Bands (Softer Setup) – More side bite at the rear but slower to return to center.
• More Bands (Harder Setup) – Less side bite, quicker transitions but can feel edgy.

Steering Setup

Front Mounted Servo Kit is a great upgrade

The upgrade mount is a cheap upgrade that add a lot of value to the car. It offers a lot of benefits over the standard placement. 

https://battcave.co.uk/shop/ols/products/jok3r-front-mounted-servo-kit 

• Optimal Positioning: The front-mounted design ensures the servo is placed in the ideal location for superior steering response.
• Enhanced Space Efficiency: Frees up valuable space for electrical components, allowing for improved weight distribution, overall performance and that all important neat and tidy install.
• Better weight distribution: moving some of the weight slight forward increase the stability of the car

Setting up steering arms correctly

How the steering arms are angled on the chassis can have huge impact on characteristics of the car handling. For optimal handling, we recommend setting the steering arms as neutral as possible:

• Keep them horizontally flat to minimize bump steer.
• Avoid Ackerman adjustments for a more predictable steering response.

Motor Pod Droop Setup

Checking Rear Droop

A simple way to check droop is place you car on a flat and level setup board

• Using a ride height gauge, measure the ride height under the rear pod spring
• Leaving the gauge in place, carefully lift the car until is reaches it's maximum ride height before the wheels leave to setup board
• Now push the gauge under the chassis and measure the ride height
• The difference between the two heights is the amount of droop you have

Recommended Droop Setting

• Medium to high traction: 0.5mm – 1.0mm droop.
• Low traction: 1.0mm – 2.0mm droop.

Effect of Droop Adjustments

• More Droop: Increased turn-in, improved high-speed steering, better on bumpy tracks.
• Less Droop: Smoother corner entry, more predictable handling.

Battery & Weight Positioning

Forward Placement

✅ Increases stability and rear traction.
✅ Reduces steering and weight transfer into corners.

Rearward Placement

✅ Increases corner speed and overall steering.
✅ More rotation off-power, making the car feel more aggressive.

Battery Types and uses

Something that can have a big impact on the cars handling is the type of battery pack you race. LCG pack had a big impact on the car centre of gravity, but this is not always the best pack to use.  

Standard Shorty - The weight and higher centre of gravity make this battery tyre idea for low grip racing
We recommend this battery pack: ABM20002 - ABM LiPo Race Battery - 6000mAh 7.6V 130C 5mm Shorty - BRCA Approved

Low Centre of Gravity Shorty - The lower centre of gravity really helps with handling of high grip tracks
We recommend this battery pack: ABM20012 - ABM 4800 LCG Shorty 7.6v Lipo-HV 140c 5mm connectors

Ride Height Adjustments

How to Check Ride Height

• Push the chassis down once or twice to simulate track bumps.
• Start with even ride height at all corners as a baseline.
• Even 0.2mm difference can have a drastic effect on performance.

Ride Height Tuning Effects

• Front Higher than Rear – More rear traction, better exit stability.
• Front Lower than Rear – More front grip, better turn-in.
• Lower Ride Height – More grip and steering response, ideal for smooth tracks.
• Higher Ride Height – More chassis roll, better for bumpy or asphalt tracks.

Tyre Choice & Sidewall Gluing

The JOK3R generally works best with 47 shore front tyres whatever the grip level. It can also work well with box fresh tyres provide the ride height is set correctly. For bigger events truing to 44.5mm Front and 46mm Rear is advised for faster cornering speeds. 

To prevent chunking and grip roll it's advised to apply a thin layer of glue to the sidewalls of the fronts. It's only advised to use glue on the rear tyre if the grip levels are extreme. 

High grip recommendation

Front: JM47FB - Contact RC - Oval/Mini Front 47Sh, 46mm diam
Sidewall slightly glued

Rear: JM37RN - Contact RC - Oval/Mini Rear 37sh 48mm diam
No sidewall gluing

Low grip recommendation

Front: JM47FB - Contact RC - Oval/Mini Front 47Sh, 46mm diam
Sidewall slightly glued

Rear: Contact RC - Oval/Mini Rear 32Sh, 48mm diam JM32RN
No sidewall gluing

Handling Troubleshooting & Adjustments

Car is Loose & Oversteering

• Add or increase rear wing.
• Soften side bands.
• Stiffen front springs.
• Use thicker oil on front kingpins.
• Use harder front compound tyres.
• Use softer rear compound tyres.
• Apply more superglue on front tyres.
• Move battery to centre of the car.
• Raise front ride height.
• Lower rear ride height.

Car is Locked In & Understeering (Pushing Through Corners)

• Reduce rear wing profile.
• Use harder or more side bands.
• Use softer front compound tyres.
• Use harder rear compound tyres.
• Apply more superglue on rear tyres.
• Move battery towards motor pod.
• Lower front ride height.
• Raise rear ride height.

Car Has Random Handling Issues

• Bent or binding front kingpin – Remove the spring and check for free movement.
• Damaged tyre – Inspect the sidewall for separation from the wheel.
• Bent axle – Spin the tyres and check for wobbling.
• Loose or bound ball joints – Ensure steering links and shocks rotate freely.
• Seized bearings – Check for binding or resistance.
• Bottoming out – Look for scratches on the chassis underside.
• Tyre rub – Check inside the body shell for black marks.
• Electrical issues – Test for a bad servo, weak servo saver spring, or transmitter issues.

BattCave JOK3R Spring Rate Chart

Front Springs

Rear Springs