RE: Building BreakOut Board - Please Help
After the box assembly today, I'll go ahead and rewire the KT I'm working on. I'm designing a small BO Board for the upper hull where the turret motor, headlights, machine gun led and misc. power will be directly wired to. With heavy gauge servo plugs and gold soldered leads, I'm hoping I won't have current loss. The other side of the hull BO Board will be for the wiring to the turret. I want to plug all turret wiring into this BO Board so I can pull it without pulling all the wiring out. The motors, power switch, smoker, etc will be directly wired from the main box with servo connectors and/or Dean's connectors. It's alot of work, but if all goes well - it will be a modular system and every tank will then be rewired to accomodate the "brain box". I can have a small run of the main BO Board as a true circuit board which will make building the box really simple. I don't have a Benedini amp, but I will leave enough room to allow for one (now I have to buy one...). And this ALL STARTED last year when my son got me into the DAK tank club and I decided there was no way in hell I was going to shell out $700 plus for a Tamiya tank. So - now it's a mission to build a better tank (I know..) with better detail, electronics, motors, etc. and only spend THREE TIMES the amount that I would have spent just buying a Tamiya. Although it's the journey that's been a blast. To be able to spend the afternoon with my son picking out different sizes of Styrene in the model store and hanging out with each other is the real gift. He just bought a new HL Pershing. Yes-it's going to be a Super Pershing......
Posted on: 9/16/2012 8:58 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230005

RE: Building BreakOut Board - Please Help
That's the ....blinking... picture that got me going on this godforsaken project! I had a flash of misdirection that it would be so easy to take that board and slide it into a styrene box with new connectors and a fan. It would look cool and work great. That was 10 hours ago..... ugh.... But, once started - can't quit. thanks tjs
Posted on: 9/15/2012 4:23 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229599

Building BreakOut Board - Please Help
I have been building a board that will allow the RX18 board, the TBS Benedini, the DBC3 and the Receiver to plug all the different wires in to the board and allow a plug and play arrangement where using a newly built wiring harness, I can plug into the board the different components that I want to hook up and or change around. All the electronics will sit in a styrene box with an open section to plug in the wiring harness in different combinations. The styrene "box" will allow the boards and their wires to slide in and out easily and will also have a fan to cool the electronics. The board has been very difficult to solder as the pins are small and I just started learning how to solder (one burned out DBC2*). I'm finished with board and due to the complexities of the wiring schematic, I decided to take the time and lay it out with a schematic CAD program. Glad I did as I tested all the leads to make certain there were no shorts - I found 2! I'm hoping that someone with some electronics knowledge (I have none[&o]), can look at the schematic and see if I drafted it correctly. I'm most interested in how the RX18 8 Pin connector is rewired and that all the power, negative and other wiring is correct. I'm hoping to have it completed this weekend. Part of my effort is to build a professional looking electronics box that I can easily move from one tank to another. As the electronics are so expensive, It will allow me more tanks to buy[:D]. Thanks for everyone's help!
Posted on: 9/15/2012 2:39 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229529

RE: $99 Pershing and Free Shipping
I'll have my boy post this weekend. Time he learns how. He wants to build a Super Pershing. Thank goodness he has great support here for his first build! Tjs
Posted on: 9/14/2012 6:10 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228804

RE: $99 Pershing and Free Shipping
The Perhing (Snow Leapoard) HL showed up for my son' s birthday. On time and nothing bent or broken. Excellent service and price. Cheap Heng Long tanks are still here. Of Course, the cost is just starting. At least he still has some birthday money left. First thing is the recoil and gun from rctankwars and off to install an extra DBC I have around here somewhere... And where are those Clarke Boards? This time, my kid is building it all. Time he learns how to toast an RX18! tjs
Posted on: 9/14/2012 5:57 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228794

RE: Clark electronics TK20
I'd like to hear more about the TK-20 mated to a Benedini and how it would be configured. That would take care of having to upgrade and what tank sound is being offered. I'm assuming (hate the first three letters) that all the sounds could be captured by the Benedini?? If so, the price point would be great and would provide the ability to move the modules from tank to tank - saving more money (I hope). tjs
Posted on: 9/14/2012 12:07 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228530

RE: Clark electronics TK20
I have to say how much I appreciate Dan's comments and his careful analysis of his position with respect to selling the DBC3/Benedini units. I ordered one from him and I'm in the process of building a breakout board that can be used to plug the RX18, DBC3, Benedini and provide several additional power ports and servo plugs. My goal is to plug all the boards into the breakout board, build a clean styrene kit box with a fan and be able to plug all tank systems into the top of the kit box. I'll post when done. I absolutely hate a mass of wires and naked boards floating around. My point is that I am spending precious time trying to tame the mess of all the boards and systems that must be cojoined to make the system work. I would love nothing more than one board to control everything. However, as all the functions need to provide the desired outcome (the HL elevation system on the RX18/DBC sucks../not Dan's fault), it's only as good as where you bought it from. If the Clarke board doesn't provide good directions and even more importantly, great service - it's like buying a Heng Long tank all over again. Maybe it will work and maybe it won't. Perhaps Dan can marry the Benedini and the Clarke board to provide a turn key solutions at a cost effective basis (and getting rid of the RX18!) while providing excellent sound control and management while providing exceptional service(?). Just a hope. I hate buying overseas and waiting, and hoping, and wondering.... tjs
Posted on: 9/14/2012 7:56 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228298

RE: Clark electronics TK20
That's really exciting! I'm stilling trying to build a breakout board for the RX18, the DB3, the Benedini and the Spectrum receiver so I can house everything in a plastic box and plug in all the HL functions. What about the Elevation and cannon fire? That is my pet hatred with the current setup. Thanksn Dan,
Posted on: 9/12/2012 9:04 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226850

RE: The Tanker's Lounge
Any update on the 3d Printer? I've been looking at them for the last year with the thought of printing a IS7 turret and hull components.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 10:06 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223357

RE: The Tanker's Lounge
I sure miss the Northwest. Lived there for the first 44 years. Graduated from PSU and then to GU Law. We use to fish the steelhead runs and fly fish all the way into Montana. Ended up moving to Scottsdale. Average temps in August was 112. Sometimes I think I'm nuts, but there's always the DAK team to keep me looking forward.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 10:00 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223351

DBC3/TBS Mini Recoil Setup
I am just installing a DBC3/TBS Mini in my modified King Tiger. I was using a PICO switch on a DBC2 running from the Recoil output on the DBC2 to a modified HL recoil system and microswitch. It worked very well. However, the DBC3 uses the Recoil output for the TBS Mini. Any suggestions on how to setup the recoil system and still use the PICO switch and HL Recoil motor? While I'm at it: I want to change the elevation from the HL elevation motor to a servo powered system. Has anyone used the additional servo lead from the DBC2/3 for this purpose? Thanks for you help! tjs
Posted on: 9/9/2012 1:37 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222953

$99 Pershing and Free Shipping
Okay - it's my kid's thirteenth birthday and we're both DAK tankers. He's been dying for a new HL Pershing that he can "modify" while terrorizing the DAK field in his KV. With a tight budget (his birthday money), I let him spend his money on an ebay seller called "Shop R Shop". They have a 99.3% positive feedback. Total cost is $99.00 INCLUDING SHIPPING. It does come with smoke and sound so I'm hoping it's an R18 board. I have a spare DB2 and Apple. Has anyone bought any HL Tanks from Shop R Shop? I know it's always a gamble on HL, but at least I now know how to rebuild them.... Any feedback would be great. PS: HL tanks from $83 to $139 and all with free shipping. The cheaper ones don't have smoke/sound.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 5:07 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11220059

RE: Have no Fear... DAK IS BACK!
Excellent! Desperately needing those fantastic how to build and paint tutorials to finish my KT or I will have to show up for our first battle in the HL KT factory colors (oh no). Tjs
Posted on: 8/16/2012 9:36 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196469

RE: SFX7.0 OR Benedini TBS Mini?
Thanks Dan! I ordered the package deal last night from you! Vendor support is so important and to have such fast and great response sells itself. Thanks, and I look forward to the DBC3/Benedini. Take care, tjs
Posted on: 8/7/2012 6:00 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184047

RE: SFX7.0 OR Benedini TBS Mini?
That's my question. I don't know the vendors (beginning my second year and learning fast) and I have never used either sound board. Any recommendations on user experience would be very helpful to me[:D] tjs
Posted on: 8/6/2012 8:20 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183686

SFX7.0 OR Benedini TBS Mini?
I'm just about ready to start my HL KT reconstruction. 480 motors with Mato 3.1 gearing, DB2, etc. But, I'm stuck on what sound module to use. I can go with the SFX7.0 Sound Module which looks great (on paper) except for the price of $199 AND you cannot record and load your own sounds (secondary battery requried*). Or, the Benedini TBS Mini except that I'll need to buy the board for $139C, the Cable at $38C and the DB3 sound chip for $35C for a total of $212C. Looking for advice! Thanks, tjs
Posted on: 8/6/2012 7:58 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183656

RE: Torro metal hull for HL and Mato 3/1 gearboxes
Thanks Pete! Tjs
Posted on: 7/29/2012 5:07 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11173798

Torro metal hull for HL and Mato 3/1 gearboxes
Has anyone bought and installed the Torro HL King Tiger hull and if so, what did you think? Plus, do you know if the Mato 3.1 gearbox with a Promax 480 will work as a direct drop in? My HL KT with DBC is such a slug, I'm upgrading to the above referenced gearbox and motors but I may want to upgrade later to the Torro hull. Appreciate your thoughts. Tjs
Posted on: 7/29/2012 12:53 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11173487

RE: Coming soon to this forum (not for the rivit counters)
Are the pinfire shells shotgun primers? I've looked at that also. A key question is would such a tank, so equipped, be allowed on the field of battle? Down here in the desert, I would hope we are not as rigid as other locations - but then again, it's a pretty interesting place and politics. Tjs
Posted on: 7/23/2012 8:20 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11166788

RE: Coming soon to this forum (not for the rivit counters)
This is an interesting thread and truly shows how far down the security road we have been forced to travel in the last dozen years. I would guess that most of us have had these "urges" to build such systems and it's natural to want input and understanding on what we are designing and building. Right or wrong on this forum, I would like to ask this forum (and I have a great appreciation of the wisdom of all the participants) what their collective thoughts on a system based on the following: That Tank firing similation system is based on using 22 Blanks firing through a mechanized revolver system. Upon recieving the fire command, a servo would activate the firing pin discharging the 22 blank which would emit only the accompanying flash and smoke. Thereafter, the servo would revolve the cylinder to the next chamber. The IR emitter would be wither attached under the barrel or within the mantlet and would fire at the same time as the blank. No physical object could be emitted from the barrel and the revolving cylinder would be machined that only blanks could be inserted into the system. The revolving mechanism should be able to carry 12 to 18 blanks. There would be a full recoil system built into the system. Please let me know what the collective thought to this type of firing system. Thanks tjs
Posted on: 7/23/2012 8:14 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165699

RE: Firing Wax Bullets - Anyone Ever Try?
Probably a good idea to let die. But, has anyone used to 6mm paintball rounds with dust and a green gas cartridge? I read the threads with creepingdeath...... tjs
Posted on: 6/2/2012 6:45 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11103637

Firing Wax Bullets - Anyone Ever Try?
I have a friend that uses .38 caliber wax bullets for target shooting. They use a 209 shotgun primer for propellant, fly straight for about 21' before starting to drop. You can lower the speed by using a smaller primer which is supposed to be good for about 8' straight prior to drop. Has anyone tried or thought about using a .25 caliber with a 6mm paintball propelled by a primer? You would finally achieve the "Flash", "Bank" and "Splash" on your enemy tank. By using a revolver style, servo operated turnstile to feed and fire the rounds, you might be able to load about a dozen rounds for a battle. By using "dust" in the paintball round rather than "paint", you wouldn't ruin paint jobs. Might need new rules of engagement and insurance! Go to www.waxbullet.com for further information. Anyone game? tjs
Posted on: 6/1/2012 8:58 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102490

RE: Inexpensive HL IR upgrade
I'm looking forward to reading it! I started with just the DBC-RC2HL for $55 and the DBU for $15 and it worked, but couldn't stand the recoil. So then it was the recoil conversion which in turn led me to the $25 PICCO switch solution. At that point, I was unhappy with the DBU and bought the IMPACT Apple. Now, I can't stand the sound and will be ordering the Benedini sound card and upgraded chip. Except I already bought the two sound cards for $30. Now I have a functioning tank, except the motors are too weak and the gearing wrong. Time to upgrade........ Where does it end...... But-we are having fun! tjs
Posted on: 6/1/2012 5:46 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102256

RE: Inexpensive HL IR upgrade
I've been down this path for the last 6 months and here's my wisdom (or lack of): 1. I like to build. If you don't like to build/tinker/get frustrated/mad/and have a great time, DON'T go down this path! However; the cheapest and most effective method of taking a HL tank and making it battle ready against Tamiya IR tanks is the following (at least for me), a) Buy ONLY a IR HL Tank (cost more to purchase the BB Version), b) Buy the DBC RC2HL board and two sound cards from Darkith, ($55 plus $15 per sound card), c) Buy an IMPACT Apple with wiring (about $80 +- with shipping), d) Buy a PICO mini switch (about $25 for the recoil system), Total cost minus the HL Tank = $190 Add a IR HL Tank = $120 +- Total(?) = $310 AND: a) Carefully build the DBC RC2HL board (assuming you have a radio to use) and test it BEFORE hooking up the IMPACT Apple or soundcards, b) Modify the recoil system and use a microswitch and the PICO servo switch to fire it (tutorials in RC Universe or email me and I'll send you the wiring diagram, etc) c) Install the DBC, sound cards and recoil system in the HL Tank and go kill a Tamiya Tank. NOTE: you can save $65 by purchasing the DBU and when building it, run longer LED wires to the actual LED's which you would hide in the tank's periscopes or somewhere and run the 3 wires to the existing HL Apple. Remove one of the DBU sensors and replace the existing HL sensor in the HL Apple. BE VERY CAREFUL doing this work - or you will end up replacing the DBC board. Install the actual DBU board in the turret and snap on the HL Sensor! The HL sensor is smaller (harder to hit) and looks professional. The only real downside is if you burn out the DBC board (been there!) and if you are hit and it's in broad daylight, the LED lights in the Periscopes are hard to see. I have both systems and recommend the IMPACT Apple! Worth the money! Now, you have spent $310 (plus, plus, plus), burned out a thing or two, become very frustrated and generally wondering why the hell did you do this when you could have bought a Tamiya Sherman for almost the same amount of money! 6 months to figure this out for myself (slow learner...). Should I have bought the T. Sherman instead? Hell NO! Now, I know how to wire, solder, not touch sensors, build recoil systems and generally have a GREAT TIME with my 12 year old boy. However, I am a glutton for punishment. There were times when I wanted to quit and toss the stuff in the garbage. Now, it's time to buy a T. Sherman and build it with my son. We'll have a great time, laugh together and quickly and easily build the tank. All the while we are planning on our next real build... a JS7 (cause now I know how). Did I mention that we are purchasing a Benedini sound board with the new DB3. I figure we can use the throttle stick to run the gun elevation and rewire the gun switch. I hate the HL elevation, fire and machine gun system. You see, I can't leave it alone. That's why the HL way was the right way for me to start out. Now to return all our loose change for that last $100 to buy the Tamiya (plus, it's always fun to kill a Tamiya with a HL!) Cheers tjs
Posted on: 5/31/2012 4:27 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11101701

RE: Tamiya or HL??
Thanks for your responses. That's exactly the point I'm at, to create a hybrid that will cost more and will it be better? Or, buy Tamiya and try to not scratch my modification funny bone.....
Posted on: 5/17/2012 6:41 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11084241

RE: Tamiya or HL??
I almost hate to step into this thread, but I can't seem to find an answer to this question: What is the difference between a HL Tiger and a Tamiya Tiger? Let me be more precise: If I spend lots of money on my HL Tiger such as full metal hull, tires, treads, upgraded engine and transmission including the the new and correct top hull and metal turret with all the bells and whistles including shipping, I'm guessing somewhere around $600. It would be an awesome tank (I already have the Impact Apple and electronics). Versus..... $600 on a Tamiya Tiger that is stock. What would be better in terms of performance and durability and accuracy. Appreciate everyone's thoughts as I am at a crossroads. I like the thought of a complete custom with all the metal parts and pieces to build. But, having never owned a Tamiya, is the "whole" better than all the custom pieces that can be bought for the HL (until the only thing left is the RX18 board....). Thanks! tjs
Posted on: 5/16/2012 9:40 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11083938

RE: DBC-RC2 recoil issue
That's a great post on changing the recoil system. I used it on my HL recoil. I did run into a problem with the DBC-RC2HL Recoil servo in that it did not provide enough "juice" to trigger the recoil forward past the gears where the spring would pull it back and into it's cycle. That's why I had to use a PICO switch from the servo lead to provide more power. tjs
Posted on: 4/24/2012 3:28 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11055273

RE: DBC-RC2 recoil issue
I'm working on a complete tutorial for taking a HL and using a DBC-RC2HL with a hobby radio and pico switch. Minus some wire and misc. material, you can change any IR HL tank into a Tamiya killer for about $110. This includes the IR apple (modified HL apple). As part of the process, you use a PICO switch that is fed from the RECOIL servo wire off of the DBC-RC2HL and power it from a 7.2V takeoff from the main battery. By modifying the HL recoil (cleaning the interior slides and moving the spring so that it pulls BACK the slide/HL's are normally reversed), you get a hard recoil and as the slide engages a mini-switch, it feeds power from the power takeoff to return the slide to the front. You can use a resistor to slow it down. Looks very realistic (LED fires, barrel slams back and then slowly recovers). Using the PICO switch was the only way I could find to make it work the way I wanted it to (ie: lots of better ways - just the method I found to work). I'll try to post some pictures tonight of the switch and wiring diagram. tjs
Posted on: 4/24/2012 7:06 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11054797

RE: What is Best Motor(s) and Gearbox for HL Kingtiger?
I should have clarified that it is a DBCRC2. I'm wondering if it is the DBCRC2 programming issue and if anyone has a work around? tjs
Posted on: 4/21/2012 8:13 AM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11050979

What is Best Motor(s) and Gearbox for HL Kingtiger?
I have a HL Kingtiger from MatoMart with plastic treads and steel gears. I'm running a DBC unit. It's very slow and after the first hit, it tends to turn into a pillbox. What set of gears and motors would you recommend? I've been looking at the 3.1 with Promax 480 motors and the mounting plate that is required? It adds up fast $$$$ Any other recommendations? I'm wondering how much of the "Pillbox" effect would be fixed with the Promax motors? Thanks! tjs
Posted on: 4/20/2012 9:03 PM by Author "tsull" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11050612