RC Tanks Australia Forum

Hi Kevin

Yeah I realised afterwards that the extra voltage (probably even worse due to the fresh recharge!) didn't help the electronics Good news is the RC2HL adaptor is still working great after many hours at the higher voltage.

If you PM me how you want me to pay I go for the new chip and test it out.

Cheers

Ian.

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HL/Asiatam Metal Tiger 1
HL/Asiatam Metal KV-1 (1941)
WSM T-34
SU100
HE Abrams
HL Leopard 2A6
HL Jagdpanther

Hi Ian

Yep the RC2HL has an onboard Voltage regulator so it would of been quite happy. The next generation of MAKO boards will also have voltage regulators onboard so that the MAKO will be more compatible with other makes of tank.

Cheer
KG

PS. AS for the new chip and cable go to the shop and buy a Turnigy 9X self centring lever ($5 with free post) and then I'l have your shipping details and all will be sweet

_________________

rctanksaustralia.com

_________________
HL/Asiatam Metal Tiger 1
HL/Asiatam Metal KV-1 (1941)
WSM T-34
SU100
HE Abrams
HL Leopard 2A6
HL Jagdpanther

Hi guys,

Well I received my V3 MAKO chip earlier this week but has been too cold to do much tank work through the week (-5C ), so had a go yesterday. Fitted the new MAKO chip and still same as before so decided I take it all out for now and will have a closer look another time.

So back to the T34.

First was add a charge port. I know a lot of people cut out the battery box in favour of the usual 7.2v battery, but I find it too slow as the motors are rated for 9.6v not 7.2v so I'm keeping the battery box, but removing 8 AA batteries to recharge is a pain so I decided a charge port is the easiest solution.

Now mine had a mini-tamiya connector in the battery box for a recharge battery pack


I simply cut off the connector, added a deans socket and moved the positive to the other side of the switch. (this means will only charge in the off position)


Little hole in the hull


Deans socket pushed in and glued




Next job is change the volume control to a better quality one


Just a little sticking out the bottom to twist.


Ian.

_________________
HL/Asiatam Metal Tiger 1
HL/Asiatam Metal KV-1 (1941)
WSM T-34
SU100
HE Abrams
HL Leopard 2A6
HL Jagdpanther

Hi Ian

Keeps the T-34 post coming. Just a few comments presented only to provide info on some alternatives for those wanting to follow in your footstep and up the ole T-34. Again just my 2 cents nothing more....

Volume Pot:
Changing the volume pot to a 'better quality' one will not do anything for the sound and only decrease your bank balance unfortunately. Pots and audio are a subject all to themselves. The most important factor with pots for audio is not so much 'quality' but the rate at which the resistance changes with the turning of the dial. So it is HOW the volume changes as you turn the dial rather than the 'quality' of the sound that deterimines a 'good' pot for audio. As such 'good' audio pots are needed in situations like studios where you need precise control over volume - not so much in situations where the volume is pretty much set and forget.

Still the sound can only be as good as the weakest link in the chain and that is the RX18.

I created the Pothead/Viper specifically for situations like yours. Where moving the volume control from underneath the tank was important. Especially if you want to run through the odd puddle of water.

Remove the old pot fill in the hole so water can't get in and plug in a PotHead/Viper - job's right and done in a minute or two. With the added bonus of never having to bend down to adjust the volume of your tank.

Battery:
Your battery situation - another option for anyone else following in your footsteps would be to investigate use of a 3 cell LiFe battery. LiFe batteries are a form of LiPo that outputs 3.2/3.3 volts per cell and hence provide very close to the 9.6 volts of the AA battery pack. In the long run the LiFe will be more economical. The same LiFe battry that could be used in this situation can also be used to power the Turnigy 9X. This is the battery I use and it is available in the HK UK warehouse:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... _Pack.html

As for the charging - that is exactly how I wire my tanks as well. (but if you were to use the LiFe battery you would need some extra bits)

Now as from an earlier post - I am concerned that you are sending 9+ volts into the RX18 and thus onto the MAKO. This will not be an issue for next gen MAKOs but will be an issue for the MAKO you have. I would get the tank all up and hold off on plugging in the MAKO for the time being. Also I would not connect the usual Heng Long IR electrics to the battle port either as you will be sending 9+v to the IR emitter.

Phil (my video producer) & I have scored the iPad for today so expect a video of the next gen MAKO very soon.

Cheers
KG

_________________

rctanksaustralia.com

Hi Kevin,

With the volume I found the original T34 wasn't that good a simple knock causing the sound to stop. Good point about the LiFe battery I hadn't thought about that route.

Regarding the MAKO I tried the new chip with it all wired up to a 7.2v battery but still hadn't changed. But like I said I've put to one side for know to figure it out another time. Looking forward to the new MAKO boards and videos.

Ian.

_________________
HL/Asiatam Metal Tiger 1
HL/Asiatam Metal KV-1 (1941)
WSM T-34
SU100
HE Abrams
HL Leopard 2A6
HL Jagdpanther

Been a bit quiet with Christmas duties etc. Anyway cracked on with a few further mods to the T34.

First was replace the main gun LED again as it had blown, bit of a pain in the butt as needed to split the main barrel again.

Next was to revisit the IR emitter and tube, as it was a bit too long and difficult to hit targets more than a 5m away.

So made new tube from some rolled up drinks tin and glued in place with some hot glue.



Also opened the hole in the mantlet again as I think this was blocking some of the IR rays.



Now got the perfect 9mm length tube.

Ian.

_________________
HL/Asiatam Metal Tiger 1
HL/Asiatam Metal KV-1 (1941)
WSM T-34
SU100
HE Abrams
HL Leopard 2A6
HL Jagdpanther