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Old 05-03-2017 | 04:22 AM
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From: State College, PA
Default Control Board?

Hello all:

Once again a whole lot of newbie questions. I am learning (I know it doesn't seem like it) from all of the help, feedback and PM's that I have received since joining. I'm not a lost cause; just an old slow learner so days.

I am getting near the point that I want to put a new control board in my Taigen PzIV: it will be set up for IR combat. I have read a lot of articles about both the Clark and the IBU boards. It appears that the Clark board is smaller and will fit better in the PzIV. Unfortunately I do not know the actual facts on both boards. There are a lot of negative and positive reviews out there for both boards, but I am not sure how accurate they are.

I have a few concerns regarding a new board:

1. I have a Clark in my Tiger 1 and I still can not elevate/depress the barrel without the gun firing. I have tried trimming the transmitter with no luck. I purchase a cable and downloaded Digital Radio but for some reason it won't connect to my transmitter. I received a Y cable but I have not idea how to hook it up. It also makes continuous banging (turret rotation sounds?) when it is running. Will I have this problems with the PzIV as well? Will a "better" transmitter help to tune this issue out?

2. I really do not want to try to program a new board: is there a vendor that sells one all ready to go (plug and play)?

3. If I have to program a board which one is more user friendly?

4. I need a reputable vendor in the States that has good customer service in case of issues (I have read a lot of articles about people receiving bad boards no matter which company they are from).

5. How difficult is the conversion from stock Taigen board to one of the others?

6. Where can I get the small enclosures that you put the board in to protect it?

7. Which board is compatible with the Tamiya IR kit?

8. Need ideas on good/reliable transmitter/receiver sets. I prefer ones that can use rechargeable battery packs. The one I have uses 8 AA batteries and lasted about a day.

Any additional information on anything I am missing or not understanding would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Skip
Old 05-03-2017 | 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by skip2a
Hello all....

I have a few concerns regarding a new board:

1. I have a Clark in my Tiger 1 and I still can not elevate/depress the barrel without the gun firing. I have tried trimming the transmitter with no luck. I purchase a cable and downloaded Digital Radio but for some reason it won't connect to my transmitter. I received a Y cable but I have not idea how to hook it up. It also makes continuous banging (turret rotation sounds?) when it is running. Will I have this problems with the PzIV as well? Will a "better" transmitter help to tune this issue out?
Did you download the Silicon Labs cable drivers and are you connected on the correct COM port?

Originally Posted by skip2a
2. I really do not want to try to program a new board: is there a vendor that sells one all ready to go (plug and play)?
I am sure the manufacturer (Clark and/or IBU) will or any of their distributor. But, I strongly suggest you learn and become somewhat familiar with it. Also, where are you> - any RC Tank clubs in your area?

Originally Posted by skip2a
3. If I have to program a board which one is more user friendly?
I think they are about even - my opinion anyway....

Originally Posted by skip2a
4. I need a reputable vendor in the States that has good customer service in case of issues (I have read a lot of articles about people receiving bad boards no matter which company they are from).
The IBU is sold thru RC Tank Electronics out of the UK, so I guess you are looking for a US, Clark distributor then......

Originally Posted by skip2a
5. How difficult is the conversion from stock Taigen board to one of the others?
I believe your stock, taigen board is a Clark KT22, on a 4 or 6 channel controller. Maybe you should investigate upgrading to using a Clark KT60 on an 8 channel controller? You may like that setup and feature better? Of course, the IBU3 on as many channels is nice too. Or, if your not in a hurry, you could investigate OpenPanzer (maybe not if you don't like fooling around with the electronics...) I must confess that the control method I like the best is still TAMIYA's - if they sold a DMD/MF combo that you could download and assign sounds to....well, this discussion would be over....for A LOT of folks!

Originally Posted by skip2a
6. Where can I get the small enclosures that you put the board in to protect it?
Sorry, can't help you on this, when needed - I just make one....

Originally Posted by skip2a
7. Which board is compatible with the Tamiya IR kit?
BOTH, Clark and IBU are compatible with the Tamiya Battle Unit

Originally Posted by skip2a
8. Need ideas on good/reliable transmitter/receiver sets. I prefer ones that can use rechargeable battery packs. The one I have uses 8 AA batteries and lasted about a day.

Well, as for batteries, just convert to a LiPo pack..... As for Tx/Rx sets...I would say look at the Radiolink AT9S 2.4GHz 9 Channel Transmitter Radio With R9DS Receiver - a little more expensive - around $100.00, but it will work with the Clark, IBU, and even OpenPanzer control systems.



Originally Posted by skip2a
Any additional information on anything I am missing or not understanding would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Skip
- YES!, good luck and happy tanking.... Springman
Old 05-03-2017 | 07:33 AM
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From: Hemel Hempstead,Hertfordshire, UNITED KINGDOM
Default

Hi, if you have a CLARK TK20 board then it fits inside the TAIGEN/HENG LONG Control Board holder they are identical in outside diameter dimensions.,
People think the TAIGEN/HENG LONG Boards cannot be taken out of their holders,
THEY CAN.
Shaun.
Old 05-03-2017 | 08:15 AM
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From: State College, PA
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Originally Posted by Springman65
Did you download the Silicon Labs cable drivers and are you connected on the correct COM port? - I did not use Silicon Labs drivers. I used the ones linked in the help page of Digital Radio: I downloaded all of the drivers and uninstalled them at least three times each. None will work on my computer. My transmitter is listed on the list of ones it should work with. Yes I plugged the cable in and turned on the trans as per the instructions. It says "connecting" but never connects.


I am sure the manufacturer (Clark and/or IBU) will or any of their distributor. But, I strongly suggest you learn and become somewhat familiar with it. Also, where are you> - any RC Tank clubs in your area? Nearest club is in MD or VA I think. Nothing within a two and a half hour drive for me.


I think they are about even - my opinion anyway....


The IBU is sold thru RC Tank Electronics out of the UK, so I guess you are looking for a US, Clark distributor then...... Ok; if Clark is the US source; which distributor should I use?


I believe your stock, taigen board is a Clark KT22, on a 4 or 6 channel controller. Maybe you should investigate upgrading to using a Clark KT60 on an 8 channel controller? You may like that setup and feature better? Of course, the IBU3 on as many channels is nice too. Or, if your not in a hurry, you could investigate OpenPanzer (maybe not if you don't like fooling around with the electronics...) I must confess that the control method I like the best is still TAMIYA's - if they sold a DMD/MF combo that you could download and assign sounds to....well, this discussion would be over....for A LOT of folks! I would have the Tamiya if they were available.
Thank you for the information/feedback!
Old 05-03-2017 | 08:22 AM
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From: State College, PA
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Originally Posted by jarndice
Hi, if you have a CLARK TK20 board then it fits inside the TAIGEN/HENG LONG Control Board holder they are identical in outside diameter dimensions.,
People think the TAIGEN/HENG LONG Boards cannot be taken out of their holders,
THEY CAN.
Shaun.
Thanks Shaun: unfortunately mine did not come with a holder for the board. I'll have to try to find one.

Skip
Old 05-03-2017 | 08:53 AM
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From: oklahoma city, OK
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Hello Skip2a I am actually the Clark board vendor here in the United States you can view my website at RC TANKS OF OKC - Home - oklahoma city, OK Clark Models has just recently asked me to help him out with new instructions on the Clark boards and there products I felt the simpliest way to help is to start making videos of the installation of the products and posting my support number for customers to call which is on my website and has been since day one contrary to other tank builders claiming to be the only one with a phone number listed on there site "Bob", my number is 405-476-2244. Feel free to contact me and if I do not answer just leave a message and I will contact you as I so have a day job. For any others out there keep a lookout for my face book page "rctanksofokc" for the videos. Thanks and happy Tanking

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