channels needed for tank controller
 

from what I've gleened a 4 channel controller is what's needed for a tank.

can someone let me know what a channel controls.

to me there's at least 6.

2 for the tracks
2 for the turret
1 for the machine gun
1 for main gun.

i want to upgrade my remote for my panzer 3 and want to make sure i get it right.

thanks

I wrote a tutorial on how to set up a 4-channel controller with the Clark TK-22 control board:

http://www.clark-model.com/eng/prod_rx20_tu/index.html

The right stick is for directional control of the tank but you'll see in the tutorial that the left stick is actually split into different functions, depending on where you position it. So only a 4-channel transmitter is needed.

Tanks are similar to airplanes when it comes to channels. Hobby grade transmitters (Tx) are offered in two modes, 1 and 2. Mode 1 is generally what is used in North America, Mode 2 elsewhere. The difference is the throttle position, Mode 1 is on the left stick, mode 2 the right.
The typical Mode 1 set up for AC is left stick controls throttle (up and down) and rudder (right and left). The right stick controls elevator (up and down) and ailerons (right and left).

Tamiya set their tanks up like Mode 1 AC, throttle (same) and turret rotation (rudder) on left, direction (aileron) and gun elevation (elevator) on right. The extremes up and down on the elevation activate the main gun and MG firing respectively.

HL set their Txs to throttle and direction on one stick, turret and elevation on the other.

You can set yours however you like depending on what receiver (Rx) channel you plug into. I prefer the Tamiya way since I also fly so it's more natural to me to have the throttle and steering separate.

The extra channels aren't necessary in anything really, they just add extra functions, usually either mixed to perform with the 4 main channels or separately activated by a switch. Think flaps, landing gear, lights, etc. In tanks, there really isn't much unless you want to separately move a MG or animate a figure. My Tiger I MG has a servo to rake it when I hit the gear switch. It's mixed to 125% of up elevator (extreme down stick) so a flip of the switch will both fire and move the gun.

Bottom line, 4 is all you need. Keep in mind, the stock HL electronics won't take a Tx/Rx upgrade without adding another board like the DBC or Clark since they don't use a traditional Rx.