Getting started in RC tanks... A quick question

[dai phan]

Generally the HL Leopard is a good tank and work really well at first. It has some weaknesses in the way the molded in lower hull suspension stops interact with the suspension arms. Rather quickly the arms can wear or completely brake off the stops because they are to small and weak. This causes an over travel situation and the arms move to far downward. This then cause all sorts of other problems.

Then looks like I will return it back unopened. What do you suggest a good HL for first timers? Dai

[Rubicon99]

The Sherman I returned did not work well with the smoke system. Off and on and then none. I made sure I did not flood the intake. What do you think about the HL Leopard? Dai

Generally the HL Leopard is a good tank and work really well at first. It has some weaknesses in the way the molded in lower hull suspension stops interact with the suspension arms. Rather quickly the arms can wear or completely brake off the stops because they are to small and weak. This causes an over travel situation and the arms move to far downward. This then cause all sorts of other problems.

[dai phan]

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.

The Sherman I returned did not work well with the smoke system. Off and on and then none. I made sure I did not flood the intake. What do you think about the HL Leopard? Dai

[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.

[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.

[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

[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]

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 ...

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[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?

[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

[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!

[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]

Is it necessary to change out the stock HL remote?