Jump to content
March75

Tank Radio?

Recommended Posts

Howdy Tankers,

Its my 40th birthday coming up (how the beep did that happen?!) anyway I've persuaded my missus to sign off on a tank kit so there's a full option Pershing on the way soon:).

I've been looking around for a suitable (ie cheapish) radio and have drawn a blank so far - I understand that:

4 channel minimum?

digital trims are a no-no?

self centering sticks are needed?

2.4ghz would be nice...

Any recommendations welcomed!

Cheers,

Simon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Err correct me if I am wrong,

But don't the full option tanks come with radio gear?

I know my leopard kit did

Mine came with the futaba 2.4ghz 4 channel radio 4ywd.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ahh just did a quick search, you can buy the full option tanks without radio. :wacko:

There is 2 versions of my leopard kit, 1 with radio and 1 without

I believe carson do a 6 channel radio that is suitable for tanks, modelsport have them listed on the website

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Simon. I have a Tiger tank, and I use an old AM Futaba 4 channel radio. The computerized functions of these tanks require specific radios to control all of them, like for the usage of the cannon and such. I understand that just as it happens with the Tamiya 4x4 high-lift truck's MFU, not just any 4chan radio will do with newer tanks. What radio gear you've been thinking on for your tank?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks both, I've looked at the Carson and decided it's butt ugly! The Futaba 4YWD looks like the winner so far except for the availability, it just can't be had without ording it from the Far East and it's expensive for what it is. 4 ch air radios with mechanical trims seem cheap and plentiful but FM - I doubt it will see much out door action so a short 2.4ghz aerial would be nice. I've looked at so many radios today I've lout track!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks both, I've looked at the Carson and decided it's butt ugly! The Futaba 4YWD looks like the winner so far except for the availability, it just can't be had without ording it from the Far East and it's expensive for what it is. 4 ch air radios with mechanical trims seem cheap and plentiful but FM - I doubt it will see much out door action so a short 2.4ghz aerial would be nice. I've looked at so many radios today I've lout track!

Well, as I said, I have a mid 80's Futaba AM radio and I can control the new Tiger with it and no problems.

Anyway, something tells me that unless you're joining some specific club to use your tank, the thing will not see much action. Tamiya tanks are top-notch models, and work fantastic with the sound effects and all, but the excitement of running them wears quickly. There isn't much things that you can do with a tank, and they're not as popular as other vehicles so it's harder to find friends to actually go out and run the tank. I know I would not part with mine --these things are wonderful indeed-- but sadly I don't get to use it much. :mellow:

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Get the 4YWD, unless you want the radio for multiple models to run at once then that is the radio you want. I have the older AM 4VWD's and you dont want an unsightly antenna sticking out the back of your tank or range issues or interference.

Tamiya do a clone of the futaba (as with all Tamiya radio's) but it is more expensive again. The 4YWD can be had for sub $100 plus shipping.

Here is one from one of our sponsors:

http://www.stellamodels.com.hk/futaba-4ywd-24ghz-attack-txrx-p-7604.html

Edit: Ukfox, you bought a Japanese Only Full operational kit. All Japanese Full sets come with radio gear and a cheap 1300mah custom pack and wall charger, the non Japanese kits are sans radio/battery/charger.

  • Like 3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The draw of getting a tank is mainly the build and paint rather than the running, I've always been a scale modeler. Years ago I was in the right place at the right time and bought a half finished Flakpanzer Gepard from a guy for £50 :) I loved painting it and have always regretted selling it, though it did go for £350 and funded my first helicopter :) It was pretty basic in its operation, just a 2 ch system but it came out in 1979 or there abouts so cutting edge for its day I expect.

I agree that the Futaba is probably the smart choice though the price seems excessive for what it is - apart from the 2.4 ghz bit, its pretty ancient technology. If I order from Stella then its works out to about £100 shipped, I've got to factor in another 20% if customs spot it which brings it up to £120. For that price you can have a pretty decent 6 ch 2.4 ghz computer radio with multi model memories and all the bells an whistles! except of course it probably wont work with the DMD!!

I've also spotted this:

http://www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk/detail.php?JPNO=7710200&activepage=1&Navmain=R/C%20equipment&subcatname=Planet%20RC

and this:

http://www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk/detail.php?JPNO=7710299&activepage=1&Navmain=R/C%20equipment&subcatname=Planet%20RC

looks to do everything needed and all for about £60 delivered - anyone got one?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Digital, 4 channel, manual trims, cheap but well made...?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=131299487801

I have the 6 channel version which is very good but needs a PC to set up. This version is all on the controller, don't think it has EPA well not that I can find via Internet. The only downside on my 6ch set is the left stick doesn't have a sprung return to neutral so it stays where you put it (which is a pain when used with a standard car ESC) but may not be an issue for tank running. I need to open it up and check if I can add a spring return sometime

I use to have the full option Tiger 1 and you're right about the manual trims. My TX had digital trims and was a real PITA to find the point to make the machine gun or main gun fire. Great to build and run though 😜

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Blimey! At that price I could buy two and nick the parts from one to spring load the other!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Digital, 4 channel, manual trims, cheap but well made...?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=131299487801

I have the 6 channel version which is very good but needs a PC to set up. This version is all on the controller, don't think it has EPA well not that I can find via Internet. The only downside on my 6ch set is the left stick doesn't have a sprung return to neutral so it stays where you put it (which is a pain when used with a standard car ESC) but may not be an issue for tank running. I need to open it up and check if I can add a spring return sometime

I use to have the full option Tiger 1 and you're right about the manual trims. My TX had digital trims and was a real PITA to find the point to make the machine gun or main gun fire. Great to build and run though

I have the 4 channel that was set up with the left stick not in the middle. A ten min job to swap the centraliser part from the right to the left and another 5 to make the left stick only move horizontally with the glue gun.

I am sure half an hour to replicate the part in flat plastic would have sorted it properly. I have photos of the guts if you would like to see inside

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Get this one, like berman said:

Futaba 4YWD 2.4 ghz.

It's built specifically for Tamiya Tanks, Semis and 3 speeds.

Buy cheap, buy twice if you look lower priced.

Trust me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Blimey! At that price I could buy two and nick the parts from one to spring load the other!!

And you would still be left with a cheap radio. I have 4 4YWD's, sure they don't look like much but they work perfectly with the Multi Function and DMD Units and have Futaba's reknowned reliability and performance.

You can buy a dx6 if you want to play with dual rates (needs to be setup properly for the special functions) and multiple model memory for other rc's... Sometimes you can lose one or two functions like engine start up or similar though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Blatant plug here, but I have an almost brand new (taken out the box and setup, thats it) boxed with manual etc Spektrum DX6i with Spektrum 6 channel micro receiver for sale in the sales section if interested? I am open to offers and UK based :)

James

:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I may live to regret it but after having a read around the tank forums I've ordered a Planet T5 ex display from Modelsport at a good price - there seems to be a fair few people using them with no problems with the DMC. I've also ordered the stick centering parts and found a guide to modding it to use a couple of fire buttons for the guns :)

I also plan on painting and weathering it to practice my technique before I get busy with the tank so less of a loss if it goes wrong.

Berman and backtomyroots -

I get what you're saying about ending up with a cheap radio, I've had top of the line JR sets when I was flying helis and wouldn't have scrimped there at all - I think the Pershing will spend most of its life sat on a shelf looking cool, its not like its 1000's dropping out of the sky if the radio packs up.

Anyway, it should be here today so I will be having a play - no tank until the 17th though :(

thanks for everyone's input.

Simon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Blatant plug here, but I have an almost brand new (taken out the box and setup, thats it) boxed with manual etc Spektrum DX6i with Spektrum 6 channel micro receiver for sale in the sales section if interested? I am open to offers and UK based :)

James

:)

So tempting but not this time thanks - I'd be forced to get another T Rex then and I would get skinned alive!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I may live to regret it but after having a read around the tank forums I've ordered a Planet T5 ex display from Modelsport at a good price - there seems to be a fair few people using them with no problems with the DMC. I've also ordered the stick centering parts and found a guide to modding it to use a couple of fire buttons for the guns :)

I also plan on painting and weathering it to practice my technique before I get busy with the tank so less of a loss if it goes wrong.

Berman and backtomyroots -

I get what you're saying about ending up with a cheap radio, I've had top of the line JR sets when I was flying helis and wouldn't have scrimped there at all - I think the Pershing will spend most of its life sat on a shelf looking cool, its not like its 1000's dropping out of the sky if the radio packs up.

Anyway, it should be here today so I will be having a play - no tank until the 17th though :(

thanks for everyone's input.

Simon

I've heard good things about the T5 too . Let us know how you get on with the modificatings please

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sounds a piece of urine to do . thinking of converting my Heng Longs over to 2.4 Gig

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sounds a piece of urine to do . thinking of converting my Heng Longs over to 2.4 Gig

Are the Heng Longs any good? From what I have seen, they do more than the Tamiya's for a fraction of the cost - If I get the tank bug then I don't think they'll be many full options coming my way...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Are the Heng Longs any good? From what I have seen, they do more than the Tamiya's for a fraction of the cost - If I get the tank bug then I don't think they'll be many full options coming my way...

Their not the same quality as the Tamiya's obviously but for the price their great value for money . If you get one go for the pro version with metal tracks and gearbox's as their so much better than the basic ones . Improvements worth doing are fitting the proportional smoke units ( hard to find ) as they last a lot longer and are more realistic and fitting the Taigen speaker as it vastly increase's the quality and volume of the sound unit .

http://www.welshdragonmodels.co.uk/taigen-improved-speaker-for-heng-long-tanks-1776-p.asp

i dont like the tacky recoil on the Heng Longs but that's a easy fix using these units .

http://rctanksaustralia.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18

Overall i'd say that with some simple and fairly cheap mods that they can be almost as good as Tamiya but for a heck of a lot less money .

EDIT if you want to convert to 2.4 gig it's now easy with the Heng Long's

http://rctanksaustralia.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_9_62&products_id=225

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks! that's good to know. I like to model them up to the max with sandbags and camo net etc so most of the tank will be hidden anyway.

Planet T5 sat by my desk now btw - will be testing it this evening :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So my Pershing kit turned up today and I've had a quick go with the T5 and the DMD/MF-03 - all seems to work nicely :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...