Originally Posted by
atcttge
1) First, extending range. I only have the stock 7.2v 1700mAH battery. Will getting a 7.2v 6800mAH battery extend play time? Also, do I need to do some modifications on the electronics to accommodate the larger battery?
Yes...longer run time...recommend staying with the NiMH or NiCads. No modifications necessary for the larger batteries. Just keep an eye on the temperatures in the tank. If everything gets too hot, it could fry the electronics or shorten your battery's lifespan.
Originally Posted by
atcttge
2) I want a full 360-degree turret turn. How do I modify the turret so it can turn 360 degrees? Also, turret turn seems to be slow. How do I speed it up?
Max-U52 did a video for the 360 turret; do a search for it (don't have the link handy). Basically, you'll need to put a slip ring into the middle of the wiring going into the turret. No way to speed the turret rotation speed without buying a new control system (transmitter, receiver, control board, etc).
Originally Posted by
atcttge
3) I got the metal transmission, metal tracks, metal idlers, and metal sprockets, and installed these already. However, the tank seems to be slow. Any ideas to speed it up so it is more like the real thing (scale-wise)?
I recommend 480 brushed motors with a 14-tooth pinion. But, that will require modifying the gearbox a bit to accommodate a wider pinion. Or, just add the 480 motors. Or, for a little less speed, go with Speed400s.
Originally Posted by
atcttge
4) Is there an airsoft gun recoil system already? I would like to retain the airsoft BB capability because I have no one to play IR battles with. I read before that you can modify the gun to recoil instead of the whole tank recoiling (the latter being unreal), but will have to sacrifice the BB component.
There is no available recoil for the airsoft gun. Taigen is working on something. Everything else is an individual's solution. You can get the Komodo board from RCTA to keep the airsoft but eliminate the track recoil (tank jerk when firing). Or, unplug the 2-wire switch between the gun and the board. It will still fire, but you lose the track recoil and the "boom" when it fires.
Originally Posted by
atcttge
5) How do I make the gun recoil? How do I turn off the whole-tank-recoils feature?
See last question...
Originally Posted by
atcttge
6) What other modifications should I put? I've read of the TK20 Clark board but I still don't understand much about it. I also want to install a bigger speaker to make it sound better, but how much of a penalty is this in terms of weight?
Question is way too open-ended. I suggest focusing on what could be done to a Leopard 2A6 by looking at other builds. Do an internet search for RC Tank Forums and you'll find several with builds on them. Borrow and copy ideas. A lot of these depends on what you want to do, are willing to spend, and feel comfortable doing.
Originally Posted by
atcttge
7) I would like to install metal wheels as well. Do I need tougher springs for the suspension?
Wheels shouldn't require a tougher suspension, but it wouldn't hurt. Generally, the need for stronger springs comes from added weight on the hull or an incorrect road wheel movement when driving.
Originally Posted by
atcttge
8) I would like to waterproof my tank against mud, water, and rain. How do I do that?
Search the forums and check the RC Car forums for ideas. It takes a lot of work and will trap heat in the tank. Keep that in mind when trying to waterproof. Minor puddles and wet pavement shouldn't be an issue as it is. Nor should wet dirt. Deep puddles and watery mud will be a concern if you don't waterproof it.
Welcome to the forum and the hobby.
