Hello!
So if you choose to keep the HL transmitter you'd keep the original sound or do they have a HL specific sound module?
It's quite simple. You can use all ThinkTank modules with either the original electronics (the smoke and sound capabilities remains) or remove ALL the HL-stuff and use an proportional RC-set like Graupner, Futaba, Robbe, Compra and so on. The modules remain the same. In first case, you can hear the original HL sound. In the second case, You will have to wait 1-2 months until our sound module is finished.
OK.... let me explain the function of the modules.
-ThinkTank Booster. That is the central unit. It controlls the chain motors and provides power and control signals for other modules. The unique feature is the implemented "physics engine". It makes the tank acts nearly like the 40t original. The acceleration and braking are inert, the curve radius depends on speed. There are three brake degrees: releasing the stick for soft motor brake. Put the stick half way in opposite direction for a full brake or put the stick full in the opposite direction for emergency brake (the furniture will thank you
). The electronics can handle motors up to 5Amps and are overload protected. There are two types of the booster. Booster K for tanks with plastic gearboxes AND plastic chains and booster M for metal gearboxes OR metal chains. There is only slight difference in the software because of the higher friction of the metal parts. You can always make a K type of a M type and vice versa only by exchange of the CPU (it costs about 4 Euro).
-ThinkTank TLS controlls the turret. It is not requied, it's optional. If absent, the turret works with the HL electronics. It provides:
-in scale turret speed: approx. 10sec/90deg for tiger and approx. 4sek/90deg for pershing.
-splitted gun movement. You can move the gun up OR down
-soft air function remains
-you can control up to 2 ligh groups. ex. front and rear light and switch them on and off as you like. The light don't flicker anymore when using MG.
-optional connector for muzzle flash
The extra controll is provided by moving the stick in a diagonal direction: up-right for shooting, down-left and down-right for light 1 and light 2.
-ThinkTank Prop it's a wire set for a common radio control unit in case you don't want the original HL radio. In this case all HL PCBs are not needed anymore. The proportional receiver gets the power supply from the booster. No further battery is needed. The advantages are better controll because of higher resolution (approx. 100 speed steps per direction instead of 10 with HL), and proportional turret rotation speed. The gun movements remains digital (up, off, down). On our website is a plan how to build this wire set, so You don't have to buy it
-ThinkTank Drive. That is another unique feature of our modules. It is a motor speed stabilizator for booster. It's useful when driving with a heavy tank on rough ground. When the tank has difficulties to drive tight curves, then drive is a must have. About 70% of our customers bought it and wan't miss it anymore
These are two sensors that measure the motor torque and send the informations to the booster. The booster compensates the speed according to the input.
-ThinkTank T-34 Wireset and T-34 Prop Wireset. These are wiresets for the WSN T-34. The one for the original electronics, the second for proportional.
-ThinkTank update. From time to time I implement new features. You can update your modules with new CPU for a small fee. Up to now every module we sold works with every version of the firmware and I'll try to preserve it.
For installation you only need a screwdriver, cutter pliers and a knife. No soldering is needed.
Our last work is a sound module "ThinkTank Blaster" that will be released end of january/february. The main features are:
-up to 5 channels simultaneous
-using standard wave-files (22kHz, 8-bit, mono)
-using a standard SD-Card as sorage. So the content can be modified by everyone on any windows personal computer
-simplest installation: plug the EMNet-cable (EMNet is the bus system connecting every ThinkTank Module. Its a ribbon cable), plug the speaker and volume control -> DONE!
-up to four user defined sounds. You can define your own extra sounds like the commandant shouting, playing the simpsons theme at will and so on..
and many many more.....
That's for the first! I hope, this posting could clear some questions!
Sorry for my crappy english
Greetz,
Th.