February 5th LA Tank Battle day

[DavidN]

The Tamiya BTU is quite expensive. Is there anyway we can use the IR receiver from Lego DEI (DAKRC) to install on a Tamiya system tank?

[Rubicon99]

I like that you all base your standards in practical functionality tests. So, detection bulbs facing direct front sides and back for legodei units. And low profile mounting is ok. Nice, makes it much less obtrusive.
Thanks for your response.

The Legos can have off set bulbs as long as they are using just the basic 360 shade NOT the 45 degree hit shades. The 45 degree hit shade is the problem not the receiver. To make it simpler and no chance of a mistake its recommend that one of the four bulbs be facing forward. If so then the 45 works as intended just like the Tamiya IR receivers.

[oldwolf]

Thank you, I had forgotten that 45 degree shade is available.

[LegoDEI]

DavidN The receivers labeled DAKRC on the bottom will work with both clark and tamiya systems. Keep in mind that these are not interchangeable with the HengLong variant, however.

[Rubicon99]

The Tamiya BTU is quite expensive. Is there anyway we can use the IR receiver from Lego DEI (DAKRC) to install on a Tamiya system tank?

Yes and No. If the Tamiya system is an older two piece DMD/MFU which are used in ALL the WW2 tanks then generally NO. It might work intermittently but not consistently.

The Lego receiver will read hits but the DMD/MFU will not register them as damage and will go into “test” mode. The systems do this if they detect a fault. “Test” mode will register hits and light up, but NEVER DIE or take DAMAGE. The fault the systems is detecting is the higher output LEDs used in the Lego receivers.

If the Tamiya system is a newer DMD 10 or 11 as used in the Abrams, Type10, Sheridan or Centurion then YES the Lego receivers interface perfectly and there are no issues.

Also if you are using the Tamiya mount and wires then the Lego receivers will be “off set” with the IR bulbs facing at 45 degrees to the front of the turret. Not an issue IF you are using the 360 sun shade BUT a huge issue IF you are using the 45 degree sun shade as these make frontal turret hit extremely difficult and unfair to other players using the accepted method of IR hit protocols.

[DavidN]

Got it! So when my centurion arrives, I can use the DAKRC IR on it.no need to spend over $100 on the Tamiya BTU. Thank you!

[Rubicon99]

Got it! So when my centurion arrives, I can use the DAKRC IR on it.no need to spend over $100 on the Tamiya BTU. Thank you!

Yes that is correct. You will need the Tamiya wiring kit and base which AAF carries.

Just make sure to use the 360 sun shade not the 45 unless you also turn the Tamiya base to a position that has one of the four IR bulbs facing forward.

[DavidN]

I understand now. Thank you!

[RichJohnson]

Thanks everyone for helping me and my daughter out with our first Battle. Thank you all and glad to finally meet a lot of you that I know from this forum. We didn't light the world on fire and I don't think I even killed another tank today, but why would we as we are rookies. Thanks Jeff and Eric for helping to diagnose our little Panzer's power drain issue with the smoker and thanks Amy for the combat coaching. We will be back to fight another day.

That was me that was helping you diagnose the smoker drawing too much current for the battle system to work properly.
smoke can be fun, but very few will turn it on during IR battles because it draws so much current for the smoke heater that it often negatively impacts the battle system operation.
It was good to finally put a face to a name and meet you out there.
You should get your daughter a tank if your going to bring her. My son Jerome uses my first Tamiya Sherman build now and at almost 8 years old he’s getting better with it.

[quitcherbitchen]

Sorry for the confusion Rich. Thank you very much. I think getting another tank is a good idea. Easier to hide then airplanes. LOL

[DavidN]

I will take my Tamiya Sherman to the battle next month.