I set out to find out what DMD/MF units came with the Tamiya F/O kits, and how many different units there are of both types.

For any others interested inthe specific units that come with the differentTamiya F/O tanks, here is a list I have compiled:

<ul>[*]Tank DMD control unit MF multi-function unit[/list]<ul>[*]Tiger, KT, Panther T-03 MF-01[*]Sherman T-05 MF-02[*]PershingT-06 MF-03[*]Jagdpanther T-03 **MF-04[*]Leopard T-07*NA[*]Panzer IV T-03 MF-05[*]KV-1 T-08MF-06[/list]*no separate MF unit used in this tank, it is combined with the control unit as a single module.

Notice that the Panzer IV uses the same DMD control unit as the Tigers and Panther, but a different MF unit. This seems to be evidence that these units can be mixed in some cases. This also shows that the Tiger, KT, Panther, and Jagdpanther all produce the identical sound effects (including all of them using the same audio samples recorded from the King Tiger's engine in Saumur, France). The other 5 tanks have unique sounds (at least engine wise) to themselves.

There appears to be no MF-04, probably because the Leopard was the 4th full option tank kit and does not use a separate MFunit.I suspect there are T-01 and T-02 control units that were used in earlier non-F/O tank kits that only came with a control unit before Tamiya introduced their first MF unit with the Tiger I kit. If there is a T-04 control unit, I don't know what kit used it? Maybe someone on here does?

**update - Per Jeff, the Jagdpanther uses the MF-04 unit, with the only difference from the MF-01 being that there is no sound effect when the 88mm gun barrel is traversed slightly left to right.

Didn't realize it would be so difficult to make a decent looking table list on this forum, thats why it came out looking so crappy..

RESA, great job on finding this information. I'm sure that this will be useful to tankers whent thier looking for replacement/spare parts for thier tanks. Do you know if thier is a Tamiya publication that explains the difference between the MF/DMD units?

Thanks again for the research,

Jim

Jagdpanther uses an MF-04 instead of the MF-01. Tamiya USA's website has the description incorrect and lists the MF-01 as the unit that comes with the JP. The only difference between the MF-01 and MF-04 is that the MF-04 has a silent turret traverse (i.e. no sound). The reason is that the Jagdpanther in real life had a hand traverse for the cannon.

I believe it was posted in the past that the Pershing MF-03 can be used with the Sherman T-05. Can anyone confirm?

Your welcome Jim,

You asked about the differences between the units. I don't know for sure what the differences are exactly. But this is what I suspect:

1. The MF units obviously contain and produce different sound samples. I suspect that the units may actually be identical to each other, with the exception of the sound samples that are burned into the PROM or EPROMchips. I amassuming that the sounds must bestored in chips inside the units.

2. The DMDcontrol units again, must be very similar with some slight differences in how theycontrol the motor drive gearboxes and the turret mechanism motors.

3. Both are apparently hard wired systems not intended to be "re-programmed" after manufacture. But, they may be able to be "hacked" by someonebrave enough to experiment and tinkerwiththeir ownunits.


Steve

You do the hard work.... I just make it look pretty....

Had the same problem with some other posts. If you want to have absolute control, you will need to post a jpeg of the document.

Thanks for the research.<br type="_moz" />

The second generation Sherman (56005) comes with the DMD T-01. The DMD T-02 is for the 1/35 range and has a smaller footpring but then only supports 280 sized motors. The T-01 only has two receiver connectors (Throttle and Rudder), but it has the hole for a third lead and there are holes below on the PCB. It actually gives you the impression that it only has had a cable removed, which is strange since it is predates the T-03.

While there is no documentation that I can find about a compatible MF-unit for the T-01 it still has the two EXT1 and EXT2 sockets. Is there anyone who have tried using an MF-unit with the DMD T-01? If so, which and with what results?

Something tells me that all DMD control units and MF units for 1/16 models are 100% identical with different firmware. As soon as I'd get one in my hands I'd input more.

The Sherman on lacks a recoil port, also the kv-1 mfu won't run the sherman wiring loom to any brightness.

You mean there is no physical connector? I'm pretty sure there is a place for it. Must be the same PCB and processor with different program.
Unless they use a mask ROM...

I made a quick inspection of 3 MFU's (i.e. without busting the cases open):

The recoil port on the MF-01 (Tiger) becomes the light port on the -02 (Sherman), and the circuit boards appear to be the same.
The -03 (Pershing) has a different circuit board however - its not simply a case of adding the extra light socket, the PCB tracks are different.

I'm not busting open my T34 at this time of Night to check what the KV's mf unit looks like, but I'm pretty sure the connector layout is identical to the -03.

Are the cases glued together or you can pop one open (without hearting anything) to take a picture? They also have different versions (revisions), so those might have different PCB layouts aside of slightly different firmware in them.

I've looked at 3 MF-01's, they all have subtle differences in the track layout but none have the necessary connections to make an MF-03 out of it (i.e. holes to solder the light socket).

Looking at pictures online, the KV unit and the Pershing appear identical, while the Jagdpanther, M51 and Panzer IV look to be the same as the Tiger/Sherman PCB.

Please remember I never had them I my hands yet, however I have some good reverse engineering experience.