Don't have any tanks as of yet but thought I would get my feet wet.

I am looking at two right now and wanted a little feedback.

Not really sure who makes this one...
[link=http://www.raidentech.com/gisc1scrarec.html]http://www.raidentech.com/gisc1scrarec.html[/link]


And then there this one...
[link=http://www.raidentech.com/gisc1scrarec.html]http://www.raidentech.com/gisc1scrarec.html[/link]

My tanking will be basically riding it around the yard, driveway and plinking at cans and the like. Don't think I'll be going to any battles around here...don't think there are too many clubs where I live.

Okay...let's try that second one again...
[link=http://www.raidentech.com/maoemrarerca1.html]http://www.raidentech.com/maoemrarerca1.html[/link]

Don't know about either of those that you note but I do have the Tiger 1 from Heng Long. I like it a lot.

that second one looks less toy like

Your Pershing driver looks pretty cool.

I think that both of those tanks are supposed to be pretty decent (all RC tanks seem to have their problems), but for me, the controller is the best indicator.

If it looks like a child's toy, it is probably just that. [:-] You don't want anything with a wire antennae (unless you plan to upgrade it).
If it has buttons rather than sticks, the controls will not be proportional at all and the tank likely will not be as fun to drive........just pushing buttons. []
If the transmitter looks like an aircraft controller, the tank will be more fun to drive and probably more reliable. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Just DO NOT BUY A HEN LONG SMOKE AND SOUND tank. They are known to be unreliable, and I have firsthand experience with them.

................just my opinion.

Good Luck!
Jason

The second tank you have listed is a Heng Long tank. Beware of those, 50% are junk out of the box.

So would I be correct in assuming this is Junk??

[link=http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Remote-Contol-RC-Tank-GIANT-1-12-BIGGER-and-Better_W0QQitemZ6024368815QQcategoryZ44026QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem]http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Remote-Contol-RC-Tank-GIANT-1-12-BIGGER-and-Better_W0QQitemZ6024368815QQcategoryZ44026QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem[/link]

Lots of people have bought that tank to repaint and make it like the M1 Abrams.

I guess it has quality issues also, but I have heard less bad things about that 1/12th scale tank than the Heng Long junk machines.

..actually, I find this one to be better on some fronts than the Heng Long (I own both). Only downside for this 1/12 monster are the tracks, haven't found replacement tracks yet and no upgraded ones.

SFC

could you vchange the radio to a futaba 6 channel plane radio? i really would like to know, if posible. THANKS!!

I think that you could, but you shouldn't. Using an aircraft frequency for a ground application could cause some poor pilot to lose control of their plane and crash. []

Hey guys...

Futaba makes a 6 channel on 75 band FM. Tower carries it, called the 6YG, but you can also find the older 6VF on eBay sometimes. And getting caught using an out-of-approved-band radio can get your gear pinched, you fined, or depending on how much of a hardcase the guy is, arrested and jailed.

Most of the respectable clubs politely say " Its ok ~this~ time, but next time, make sure you have a legal unit. "

I'm upgrading all my stuff to FM, but one thing I did try with my older AM radios was swapping 72 and 75 band crystals. It dinna seem to notice the difference (note: these were Futaba Magnum-series 2ch. and Conquest-series 4ch. units) It makes 'em 'legal' under the letter of the law, but it ain't 100% kosher.

WhiteWolf

WWM, your saying that all you had to do was switch the crystals from 72 to 75 and the transmitter/receiver worked just fine?!! [X(] I was told that it would not work! It makes sense that all you need is the same channel in the transmitter and the receiver, but at least three 'plane' guys told me that it wouldn't work....that there was some fundamental difference between ground and air equipment. []

That's great news! [sm=thumbup.gif]

Gentlemen ... I believe that there is a difference and this should not be done... it is not just the channels but also the difference BTW
75 Mhz and 72 Mhz operating parameters....It is relatively inexpensive to send a radio in to the Manufacturers Service centers for conversion to proper Mhz and also Channel Frequency! I know of someone doing so for approx $27 For a JR radio...I believe the same would be true for a Futaba, Hitec, or an Airtronics...
Please do not just plug in a frequency crystal and feel it is ok....if someone in an area gets shot down or crashed due to ones own negligence it would reflect bad on our segment of our hobby... Just food for thought... Spend a little to be legal and in the right or be try to save a few bucks and be "in the gray zone" and not be Kosher....and may hurt someone elses equipment...my clear conscious is worth at least $30...

I certainly agree with you, Nemesis....I would not want to cause anyone to crash. I don't doubt what you are saying, but I need to understand this. [sm=drowning.gif] If an airplane is flying on one of the 72 frequencies and WWM's transmitter/receiver is operating on a 75 frequency (due to changed crystals, only), why would it interfere with the plane? [sm=frown.gif] The different frequencies are at least as different as two channels of the same frequency (for example: 75.810 and 75.910 can be used together).

There must be some reason, if a person can have their radio equipment converted, but I just don't know enough to understand it.

Thanks!
Jason

I had seen/read the rationale elsewhere online...I too am without the sufficient electronic/radio background to understand the true science behind it...but there is a real reason...I just dont like to flirt with disasters nor do I encourage others to go ahead and Bend the rules..it takes only one person to ruin it for everyone...[]
I strongly urge "one" to just send radio in for a few $$$$$$ and have it calibrated/changed to the appropriate Mhz and channel #..If it didn't matter there wouldn't be such strong rules in the AMA and those channels/MhZ would not be so widely classified for use by the FCC..
THese rules/regulations keep the radio operation of surface use vehicles and aircraft as safe from interference as possible..

Here is a brief description from FUTABA-RC website:
Information on changing bands from 72 to 75, and others.
IF YOUR RADIO IS MODULAR, such as an 8U, 9C, or 9Z, then your system will work fine on ground by simply purchasing the ground module, TJ, on a ground frequency (FUTL18** with the last 2 digits being your desired ground channel) and then use it with a ground receiver.

If your radio is NOT MODULAR (uses a simple crystal to set its frequency and not a plug in frequency module in the back of the radio), then, alternatively we offer a flat rate service to change certain 72MHz air radios to ground to provide you, the modeler, more flexibility for your ground vehicle.

For a flat fee of plus $7.99 shipping:

Complete computer radio systems: $35*
Complete non-computer radio systems: $25*
Computer transmitter or module only: $20
Non-computer transmitter only: $15
7-9 Receiver only: $20*
2-6 Channel receiver only: $15
*NOTE: If your receiver is an R127DF or an R138DP the cost to convert to 75MHz is the figure shown above PLUS $44.95 to cover the cost of parts changes required in these receivers to make it function on the other band. For example, a 6X radio system sent for conversion would be $35 plus $44.95, or $79.95, to convert to ground. A R138DP alone would cost $64.95. For these 2 receivers, it is likely more logical and cost effective to purchase a new receiver on the proper band and sell the receiver you have or use it for a different purpose.

Please be sure to follow our service center instructions when sending your radio for service. Please note if you are purchasing a brand new radio, your dealer can special order this change to be done in advance prior to shipment to you.

Please also note that 50MHz, commonly known as "HAM BAND" or "6 meters" is legal for both air and ground use. If you have a HAM users license you can safely and legally utilize 50MHz frequency radios for both aircraft and ground models without requiring any changes. Only 72/75 MHZ MODULAR transmitters (ie. 8U, 9C, 9Z, NOT 4VF, 6X, etc) equipment can be converted to 50MHz and vice versa. Receivers and crystal-based (non-modular) transmitters CANNOT be changed.


Back to main FAQ/Contact Info page

Here is the List of frequencies....note how the only difference on some is the watts at which the frequency travels ie 72.590 vs 75.590 there is a great possibility of INTERFERENCE..WE are not talking about the radio WORKING..I think MOST OF "US" have missed the point...THe Point is not does the radio WORK BUT DOES IT CAUSE INTERFERENCE TO OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is the POINT THAT is IMPORTANT....we are NOT to CAUSE INTERFERENCE!!! I hope everyone realizes this is why "WE" MUST be Vigilant and stay on our assigned Bands....
27 MHZ
Ch Freq
A1 26.995
A2 27.045
A3 27.095
A4 27.145
A5 27.195
A6 27.255
50 MHZ
Ch Freq
00 50.800
01 50.820
02 50.840
03 50.860
04 50.880
05 50.900
06 50.920
07 50.940
08 50.960
09 50.980
72 MHZ
Ch Freq
11 72.010
12 72.030
13 72.050
14 72.070
15 72.090
16 72.110
17 72.130
18 72.150
19 72.170
20 72.190
21 72.210
22 72.230
23 72.250
24 72.270
25 72.290
26 72.310
27 72.330
28 72.350
29 72.370
30 72.390
31 72.410
32 72.430
33 72.450
34 72.470
35 72.490
36 72.510
37 72.530
38 72.550
39 72.570
40 72.590
41 72.610
42 72.630
43 72.650
44 72.670
45 72.690
46 72.710
47 72.730
48 72.750
49 72.770
50 72.790
51 72.810
52 72.830
53 72.850
54 72.870
55 72.890
56 72.910
57 72.930
58 72.950
59 72.970
60 72.990
75 MHZ
Ch Freq
61 75.410
62 75.430
63 75.450
64 75.470
65 75.490
66 75.510
67 75.530
68 75.550
69 75.570
70 75.590
71 75.610
72 75.630
73 75.650
74 75.670
75 75.690
76 75.710
77 75.730
78 75.750
79 75.770
80 75.790
81 75.810
82 75.830
83 75.850
84 75.870
85 75.890
86 75.910
87 75.930
88 75.950
89 75.970
90 75.990


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Okay, okay! I GOT it!

Crime in Italy, Tomas! I WON'T use AIRCRAFT transmitters for GROUND applications........EVER!

You hear that, you guys?!! NO aircraft TRANSMITTERS!!! Dagnabbit, you bunch of ne're-do-wells...............get the right equipment, for Pete's sake! [sm=thumbup.gif]


Jason

I am glad we had this chat[8D][8D]
Good info for everyone[sm=bananahead.gif][sm=idea.gif]

Rocketman If you want a good, durable, reliable rc tank that won't empty your wallet I recommend a VS Tank. I bought one, it exceeded my expectations, in fact I found it to be better than the more expensive Tokyo Marui. I liked it so much I bought another.

Let me add one other thing. Replacement parts, you probably won't need them for a long time, but if you do they are available from several sources. I understand that people have difficulty finding replacement parts on the tanks that you mention here.

With VS tank you can even email the company with question and get a prompt reply back from a real person!

I don't work for, nor am I affiliated in anyway with VS tank. I'm just a very satisfied customer.

Back to the origonal question. I have the Type 90 from HL and it works well except the firing mechanism, tends to misfire or jam often. Other than that for the price, it is a good introductory RC tank to start with.

I also have the Academy Leopard 2A5 and it is slightly worse than the HL despite its supurb modeling. The best of the three 24th scale tanks is the Radio Shack M1A1 believe it or not! It is the most reliable and runs over almost anything - it was 40 bucks - a deal as well for the entry RC tank hobby.

One comment on radios, the 72 band radios are tuned to optimally be used with a 72MHz crystal and the 75MHz radio is tuned optimally for the 75MHz crystals. While interchanging crystals with different tunning of radios may work, you can bet the range and channel interference discrimination will be comprimised.

Eric Scott

HEY!

I said it works for the older units... I ~never~ recommended it.

Heck, if I were an officer in a club and someone showed up with an 'illegal' radio (aka aircraft radio in a surface model, or vice versa) I'd ask him (or her) to put it aside, and ask one of the others modellers if they could let that modeller run one of theirs, or barring that, at least borrow a legit Tx & Rx setup.

I just wish eBay (and hobby stores) would openly note when selling a radio that certain frequencies are surface or air use only, and using a radio for the vehicle is 'illegal' and can result in serious consequences to other modellers, and possibly to the user as well (if caught by regulatory officials)

Then again, with the price of units dropping, and new units moving toward crystal-less operation, this band separation issue may disappear.

- hoping to shell out for a few GWS units this month...