tomhugill

I have a Tamiya mfu with a broken flash circuit. To remedy this I'm looking into using and external flash circuit linked to a switch connected to a duplicated channel 4. So using a splitter I will get flash sound and recoil once more.

ausf

I was thinking along the same lines, only using a fifth channel for the recoil and flash, but then the sound wouldn't be in sinc. Although it would look accurate: hit the switch to activate the flash and recoil, then swing the stick for sound would imitate the speed of sound delay vs light.

My Tiger I MFU gave up the flash ghost some time last year and although I could have them fix it free, I never remember to send it in until we're using it, then no one wants the down time. We just had three months where they weren't touched sitting on a shelf.

I bet you could jump off the TBU to trigger the flash, two of those pins activate the IR emitter.

Ronan87

Why not get the MFU fixed?

tomhugill

We dont really have electrical repair shops like that in the UK, and I think the schematic would be required anywho. I sent them back to the tamiya UK distributor who wouldnt repair them and only offered replacement units at twice the price of Jasons store.

Ronan87

Tamiya UK... not the first time i hear issues with them.

I don't want to derail your thread, but i learned with electronics... when ever you 'change' them, it opens all kinds of issues...

Have you thought of contacting the US or Japan branch, explain the issue, and see what can be done.

tomhugill

To be honest for the cost of sending my mfu back to thé states and back I'm hoping I can rig up this strobe arrangement!

Im not trying to add anything to the mfu, this would be a completely separate circut.

thecommander

It is simple and can be triggered but the micro switch on the Tamiya recoil. Or even a momentay switch on the rear of the recoil bracket. Check with a large camera shoppe near you for a supply of disposable film cameras with flash units they discard. They may be free.

Tankhobby

Disposable camera flash would work fine, just be aware of the voltage needed (usually 1.5-3 volts) and also the large voltage it generates for the flash. I bought several from a surplus electronics house a few years ago, about $1.50 each. I made "target" explosions out of them, looks great! There are also cheap kits you can buy, just be sure the bulb is the small type that can fit in the barrel. The inrush current when it charges is also high so any switch you use should have a hefty current rating.

Wire insulation rating should be high also, don't want to fry something else.

Rustytrax

Can you use a Heng long flash and the 5th channel paired to the fire on whatever you have Ie ch3.  

Tankhobby

Not sure Idon't have a HenLong unit with flash so I'm not familiar. There are probably infinite hookups to get it to work, depends upon your knowledge and what you are comfortable with. I use a relay with high current contacts to trigger the flash, Iguess the trick is how to control the relay.