Getting started in RC tanks... A quick question

[dai phan]

Greetings,

For 40 years I have been a plastic aircraft modeler and R/C scale plane guy ( and still am). I have always thought R/C boat is boring and for the elderly but a few years ago, seeing a scale R/C ship is quite a sight. So I started getting into it and now getting hooked in scale R/C ships. I also got in briefly of R/C car racing but it never caught on. Last week I bought a HL 1/16 Sherman to go along with my 1/16 LCM3 Landing Craft and never thought of it anything more than a just display piece for my landing craft. But last night I ended up riding that thing for over an hour and I learned that R/C tank is living the history behind the machines. To be honest although playing with myself I found R/C tank is way more enjoyable than I thought. And the more I learn about tanks, design and warfare the more I am into this and feel like I could be hooked like I did with warships. Unfortunately I had to return because the smoke system was not working properly and the main turret binds in the up and down motion. I ordered and returned the modified HL Sherman (metal tracks/gear/360 turret turns and 3800 maH battery) and I would like to know if the plastic version is more appropriate for this newbie for now? Dai

[dai phan]

I think I will settle for the HL for now as it is within the budget I would like to spend. Please comment on these potential choices... I welcome any suggestions you have in mind as a good first tank . Dai

https://www.amazon.com/Modified-Cont...ZVDZWNTCPRRD3C

https://www.amazon.com/Modified-Cont...ustomerReviews

[Rubicon99]

I think I will settle for the HL for now as it is within the budget I would like to spend. Please comment on these potential choices... I welcome any suggestions you have in mind as a good first tank . Dai

https://www.amazon.com/Modified-Cont...ZVDZWNTCPRRD3C

https://www.amazon.com/Modified-Cont...ustomerReviews

Both are good. Take a look at Toucan Hobbies on EBay. They have the same tanks but you will most like save some $$$$ with Toucan. LOTS of folks here have purchased from Toucan. They are the next cheapest priced since MotionRC is out of stock.

[Hellcat 7]

Is it necessary to change out the stock HL remote?

[Rubicon99]

Is it necessary to change out the stock HL remote?

No. The basic 6.0 system is actually pretty good and gets even better with the 6.0S and 6.1S versions.

In fact many feel it is one of the best stock handling systems on the market. It is not perfect and has area that need improvements, but those are in the area of organized IR tank battling. It lacks damage speed reduction and the ability to set weight classification.

[Hellcat 7]

No. The basic 6.0 system is actually pretty good and gets even better with the 6.0S and 6.1S versions.

In fact many feel it is one of the best stock handling systems on the market. It is not perfect and has area that need improvements, but those are in the area of organized IR tank battling. It lacks damage speed reduction and the ability to set weight classification.

Tango Mike!

[dai phan]

Just bought the Leopard (modified version) and it will arrive tomorrow. That is a big tank. 12 inches longer than the Sherman. Dai

[windmill]

No. The basic 6.0 system is actually pretty good and gets even better with the 6.0S and 6.1S versions.

In fact many feel it is one of the best stock handling systems on the market. It is not perfect and has area that need improvements, but those are in the area of organized IR tank battling. It lacks damage speed reduction and the ability to set weight classification.

Information about the 6.0, and 6.1 is readily available, and covered in the manual, but my T-72 is labeled as a 6.0s. What's the difference between it, and the other 2?

[Rubicon99]

Information about the 6.0, and 6.1 is readily available, and covered in the manual, but my T-72 is labeled as a 6.0s. What's the difference between it, and the other 2?

6.0S has improved power to the smoke generator then the standard model.

The 6.1S has more features for use with servos and has higher amp draw limits for motors. It can also run a cross drive transmission that is available in the aftermarket parts world.

[dai phan]

6.0S has improved power to the smoke generator then the standard model.

The 6.1S has more features for use with servos and has higher amp draw limits for motors. It can also run a cross drive transmission that is available in the aftermarket parts world.

The 6.0S or higher requires you to open the tank and install another board right? Dai

[Rubicon99]

The 6.0S or higher requires you to open the tank and install another board right? Dai

If you want to upgrade then yes. Super easy as they are completely new MFU boxes. Just plug and play. Note: There are a good number of plugs not just one or two. They are all numbered so you just follow the schematics in your tanks manual. Most manuals now have both the 6.0/S and 6.1/S schematics.

[dai phan]

If you want to upgrade then yes. Super easy as they are completely new MFU boxes. Just plug and play. Note: There are a good number of plugs not just one or two. They are all numbered so you just follow the schematics in your tanks manual. Most manuals now have both the 6.0/S and 6.1/S schematics.

I am getting my feet slightly wet so I appreciate your guidance. Am I stuck with each radio each tank or there is a surface radio that runs several tanks like A/C or boat? Dai

[Rubicon99]

I am getting my feet slightly wet so I appreciate your guidance. Am I stuck with each radio each tank or there is a surface radio that runs several tanks like A/C or boat? Dai

The 6.0/1 system can bind to one radio. You can have countless tanks on one radio.

The binding process is super simple. Turn on TX and hold the start button down while turning the tank power on. When tank starts you are Done!

The tank(s) will now only work with that TX until bound to another TX.

[dai phan]

The 6.0/1 system can bind to one radio. You can have countless tanks on one radio.

The binding process is super simple. Turn on TX and hold the start button down while turning the tank power on. When tank starts you are Done!

The tank(s) will now only work with that TX until bound to another TX.

Is there a radio that is tailored to tanks? I am not aware of any. Dai

[Rubicon99]

Is there a radio that is tailored to tanks? I am not aware of any. Dai

Not for HL 6.0 systems, you have to use the factory supplied TX. They are crap but until the next generation of TX become more available it is all we have for the HL tanks.

The next generation are more hobby grade and not as toy like as the ones we have now. There are places that sell them but I have not heard about anyone buying one as a replacement. HAYA includes the next generation of 6.1S systems and TX (rebranded with their name) with their 1/16 Chieftain (expensive tank with major suspension/road wheel design flaws IMO and others).

[dai phan]

Not for HL 6.0 systems, you have to use the factory supplied TX. They are crap but until the next generation of TX become more available it is all we have for the HL tanks.

The next generation are more hobby grade and not as toy like as the ones we have now. There are places that sell them but I have not heard about anyone buying one as a replacement. HAYA includes the next generation of 6.1S systems and TX (rebranded with their name) with their 1/16 Chieftain (expensive tank with major suspension/road wheel design flaws IMO and others).

I am surprised with all the technologies with tanks that no radio is designed for them as of yet. When TX become available, the board will be replaced with receivers like on planes, cars ...

[dai phan]

If you want to upgrade then yes. Super easy as they are completely new MFU boxes. Just plug and play. Note: There are a good number of plugs not just one or two. They are all numbered so you just follow the schematics in your tanks manual. Most manuals now have both the 6.0/S and 6.1/S schematics.

What does upgrade to 6.0S do for you? Should I do that with the new tank I ordered? ( HL Leopard). Dai

[dai phan]

There is NO R/C tank club in my area. The nearest club is 3 hours away. I am afraid I may get bored with the tank hobby. Dai

[Rubicon99]

I am surprised with all the technologies with tanks that no radio is designed for them as of yet. When TX become available, the board will be replaced with receivers like on planes, cars ...

Tanks use a control system very different from other more popular r/c hobbies like planes, cars and boats. HL does not use a stand alone RX. They use an MFU which stands for Multi Function Unit. This is the general term, HL calls it something similar.

With HL the MFU is basically a RX, speed control and computer all in one.

Brands like Tamiya, IBU and Clark use similar MFU idea, but theirs allow for the use of your own RX and TX. A basic two stick 4ch TX with stick centering is used. I use a Spectrum DX8 (TX/RX) for my Tamiya tanks. The sticks are set up to control the tanks much like the setting HL uses.

With a Tamiya, IBU or Clark MFU you can use your own radio system set up how you like it.

[Rubicon99]

What does upgrade to 6.0S do for you? Should I do that with the new tank I ordered? ( HL Leopard). Dai

It provides more power to the heating elements of the smoke unit. Most of the newer production tanks coming into the US are the 6.0S version now.

It will usually be indicated on one of the bottom stickers or inside the battery box as to which 6.0 you have, I forget which because I don’t pay attention to it. I rip the smoke units out first thing(too toy like to my eye). It is not listed as an option on the box or in the product description. Yes it’s kind of a gamble. Most of the time you get an S now but sometimes you don’t.