RC Tanks Australia Forum

Yes it is a replacement for the RX18 or any other tank control system. Being 'modular' The IR battle system will still be a MAKO for early versions as there is no point re-inventing the wheel. That is the MAKO will plug into the first Taipan Boards.

Cheers
Kevin G

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rctanksaustralia.com

TAIPAN UPDATE 02

Along with using DIP switches & flashing LEDs part of the core Taipan concept is to improve communication between the control units and you the user. (remember that lovely voice telling you to check weapons systems from last weeks video ) At present a serial OLED dispaly can be connected to one of the MAKO's outputs. To have the MAKO send information to this display press '0' on the remote. Firmware Version, Tank setup along with battle info such as shots fired and hits received is then displayed on the screen.

Eventually this data will be transmitted via wireless from the Taipan unit to an external command station/display. Periodicaly the battle statistics will be updated so users can keep track of remaining magazine capacity, number of hits, number of repairs, as well as providing information on the setup of the tank.


Cheers
Kevin Grannum

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rctanksaustralia.com

Hey Kevin,
Still watching this project closely, but I don't recall any new updates here on the progress of the Taipan in a while now, so I'm guessing the release date will be pushed from early December toooo .... early next year some time?

Anyway, how about a quick update on the current progress .... like is testing going well, maybe new features, some more pics, really ... anything new would be great .... but a new update video (#03) would especially be appreciated

~ Craig ~

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(¯`·._.·´¯`·._ ★ B.A.D.A.S.S. F⊙rce Club F☮under ★ _.·´¯`·._.·´¯)

Hi Craig

First run testing boards will be ready to go to China for manufacture early next week. A number of drive boards are here ready to go so too the sound modules.

I've got a video of the drive board in action to post sometime.

All current R&D funds have gone into a new production run of MAKO, Dragon, RC2HL and Taipan Sound Module programmer boards. So hopefully shop sales will keep on track and there will be funds by early next week for the first Taipan run.

Having said that Taipan testers will have pay for the trial boards, probably around the $60 mark.

Cheers'
KG

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rctanksaustralia.com

How can I get one of the first ones made? I would like to have a few to show off at Danville Va.

Baron

HI Baron

If all goes well the first prototype PCBs will start manufacture next week. I stress these will be prototype units which need to go out to as many different tank setups as possible. These first boards are for refining the drive system, acceleration, momentum and what not. This will give time for testers to try out the boards over the Xmas break and get back with comments.

I have no idea when Danville will be on but I'm not sure prototype units should be used for display. Still there are a number of other boards that if you can guarantee a showing for we caould have a chat about.

Cheers
KG

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rctanksaustralia.com

what do you think would do well?

Beron

HI Baron,
I think that the new Remora system for the MAKO/Taipan could be good as it is something quite new that no one else offers. Remora btw is the name for the wireless connection from your battle tank to a display giving you your tank's battle stats.

The demo video of the prototype is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppy6fLwSuQ8&feature=plcp

Cheers
KG

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rctanksaustralia.com

MAKO UPDATE - SPEED CONTROL

Hey All

Ok been a few weeks since an update so here is a video showing the motor control board in action. The motor control board can supply 50A max to the motors with optimal running around the 20A mark. For those of you with very heavy tanks efficiency can be improved by adding either a heat sink to the FETs on the board or installing a cooling fan. However, for the vast majority of 1/16 R/C tanks this will not be necessary.

One of the goals of Taipan is to provide smooth motor control with minimal motor noise. So far I am pretty happy with the results. Here is the video:



Cheers
Kevin G

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rctanksaustralia.com

I love the smell of Taipan in the morning!