HL Merkava MK IV conversion to TK7.1

[cmdrcody]

I am converting my HL Merkava MK IV over to using the TK7.1 electronics to install the RC Tank Electronics servos for the barrel recoil and elevation. Also installing a barrel flash w/smoke system, the DGS Promotions HL IR Upgrade kit and the Heng Xin gearbox w/red motors.

RC Tank Electronics servo kit install



Barrel flash and smoke unit. IR receiver plug on far left in center.

DGS Promotions HL IR emitter

View through turret bottom cover

DGS Promotions HL IR receiver

Heng Xin gearbox w/red motors

[keilau]

One of the most disappionting features of the Heng Long 3958-1 Merkava IV is its OEM barrel recoil. It uses the trigger motor for the barrel recoil. The recoil is well damped but the return is instant. It would be very nice if the barrel speed is reversed.

I have add barrel recoil to 3 of my RC tanks using HL generic metal recoil unit. They all show fast recoil and undamped return. Compared to servo recoil, the recoil is ok but the return is unrealistically too fast. Never saw it like on the HL 3958-1 Merkava.

Despite that, the HL 3958-1 is the best HL non-metal RTR tank bar none.

[cmdrcody]

My Merkava MK IV that I got from the Toucan US warehouse was an all metal version except for the road wheels. But I know what you are talking about the barrel return after recoil. I'll find out soon enough how it is with this servo. Right now I have a issue with the TK7.1 mainboard I got from Toucan. The K1 momentary switch is defective and stuck in a ON position. The K1 aluminum push button is free in the case, but you don't hear or feel a click when depressed. K2 works as designed.
Toucan is giving me a hard time about warranting this brand new defective mainboard.

[cmdrcody]

Got good news from Toucan today. They will ship a new TK7.1 mainboard with the recent order I placed for the 7.1 transmitter/radio last Friday from their US warehouse. Will send the defective TK7.1 mainboard back to the address provided by Toucan Hobby.

[Kendusan28]

Great build so far!

[cmdrcody]

I received the replacement for the defective HL TK7.1 motherboard last Friday from Toucan's US warehouse with the TK7.1 transmitter/radio I ordered 12/21/2023.
Got everything rewired in the tank wiring harness to connect to the new HL TK7.1 motherboard and reassembled the Merkava MK IV.
Also, thanks to Rich Johnson for printing me the "Cope Cage" to complete a near exact replica of the Merkava MK IV on the battlefield in their latest ongoing conflict in Israel.

I really like the servo functions on both the elevation and recoil of the barrel. I've got 100% of movement range on barrel elevation and good control of movement. And the barrel now has slowed movement on the recoil, normal movement upon firing and the barrel moves through a reloading elevation change that returns to the barrels last elevation position. Really more realistic.
Added the wired 50cal machine gun to the barrel plate for light flashing when shooting. And the HL IR Upgrade kit from DGS Military Hobby (Dean Godin) for battles.

[RichJohnson]

That came out really good.

[tank_me]

Makes me wish I bought a Merkava....one day...one day.

[MGTbrOdiE]

That cope cage is sweet, nice way of mounting with the tubing, did you magnetize the connection mount to tank at base? Or is that a permanent install, looks sweet either way found the 3d print file for it just been trying to find someone to 3d print it, I contacted some local places waiting to hear back. I bet it helps as a sun shade for the ir receiver! I’m currently extending the chain and ball feature up to the front.