Hello dear Friends

I converted Patton Commanders Matto SHERMAN to HL Electronics today.

Just a few notes for you.

IF you convert the SHERMAN you need to take the turret off. Remove the Elevation motor and separate the case halves. You will see a mechanical black plastic stop that must be removed.

The Matto electronics allow the elevation to operate moving the left stick up or down dependent on the direction you wish it to move.

As you know the HL System only allows the elevation to move in one direction, so if the plastic stop remains your motor will not rotate and allow movement.

The Matto Sherman has no Hull mounted 8 pin connector. You need to be sure you get one of those, or use the European style plastic connectors.

Check, recheck and check again all your screws even if you are not the one that removed them. On this SHERMAN I found Rotation motor screws loose, hull screws loose, two turret screw stripped, One speaker screw missing, one turret ring screw missing, wrong screws that hold the gun in. I also found the place that secures the antenna to the RX to be burned, to solve this someone somewhere took the antenna wire to the screw that holds the RX down.

Be advised the HL Receiver is not an exact fit to the area where the Matto RX screws down. Use some care here and do not stress the PCB more than you have to.

If you plug the motors into the wrong place the tracks will let you know real fast. You push forward onthe right stick and the tracks run in reverse.

All in all it was not a really tough job, however before you even look at a screwdriver print the guide for the 8 pin connector and have it handy. Study it carefully.

Also please note: The wires to and from the 8 pin and very fragile, take your time.

Don

Don found the right tool to work on the Mato...

I found that I had to resolder almost every single connection in the Mato Sherman I converted.

Also, when screws holes get stripped, you can inject hot glue into the hole to give the screw something to bite.

LOL, that's correct, if it doesn't fit, you're using too small of a hammer

That 5 poundhammer is WAY too clean!

Don failed to mention that when reinstalling the wires for the 8 pin connector, the sequence is reversed. Having that printed guide is crucial. Here's a couple shots of Don "at work".