First RC tank - Heng Long Option Tiger

[Soane]

First of all a quick hello to the forum, I’ve had radio controlled models for donkeys years but this is my first tank. I’ve always hankered after a Tamiya tank but they’ve just been out of my financial reach so I decided to buy the Heng Long Tiger with the option pack - metal tracks, wheels and gearbox. After reading several different posts, it also appears as if the Tamiya battery plug has been replaced on this latest edition (7) with a XT60.

Very first issue was the battery, followed the included instructions but only got a flashing red light, a quick Googlenistics search led me to this forum and ultimately to the YouTube video of the NiMh hack to wake up LiIon batteries, now it’s charging off the USB lead OK. Now I’m used to charging large 3s lipos for my helicopter so am I right in thinking I can use my digital charger on this little battery? Using the main power lead and balance lead? It would probably be a lot quicker.

[Rubicon99]

First of all a quick hello to the forum, I’ve had radio controlled models for donkeys years but this is my first tank. I’ve always hankered after a Tamiya tank but they’ve just been out of my financial reach so I decided to buy the Heng Long Tiger with the option pack - metal tracks, wheels and gearbox.

Very first issue was the battery, followed the included instructions but only got a flashing red light, a quick Googlenistics search led me to this forum and ultimately to the YouTube video of the NiMh hack to wake up LiIon batteries, now it’s charging off the USB lead OK. Now I’m used to charging large 3s lipos for my helicopter so am I right in thinking I can use my digital charger on this little battery? Using the main power lead and balance lead? It would probably be a lot quicker.

Yes you are right. Also consider buying a higher capacity battery because the supplied battery is hopelessly too small and power will drain rather quickly.

[SoCalBobS]

Interesting to see the XT60 plugs - much better than the Tamiyas. I do use the XT30's since the stock HL tanks don't pull anywhere near 30 amps, and their smaller size works well in those battery compartments.