How does multiple tanks on 2.4 GHz work?
 

So I have one 27 Mhz tank, and one 2.4 GHz tank. They play nicely together.

If I get more 2.4 GHz tanks, will they place nice together? I don't see a crystal or anything to swap out - how does it work?

Thanks,

Steve

Magic.

You could have a hundred lined up and bound with no issues.

I don't know the exact science behind it, but I believe they frequency hop, so once bound, they stay that way until the Rx is rebound to another Tx. I've also bound two Rxs to the same Tx setup so you control two different simultaneously.

Presumably they come bound from the factory.

Can people bind/unbind them themselves?

Can you buy a new tank/transmitter that ends up being bound to one you already own?

Steve

How most 2.4GHz system work is upon powering them, most have a bind button or similar to hold/press. Sometimes you must initiate a bind procedure on the transmitter too, but not always. Binding procedures will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most will look for a TX and identify that and assign it a variable. Then the frequency hops on the 2.4GHz band so as to not keep one frequency. Doing this allows many models to run on the same frequency since they aren't using the same "channel" like a 27/72 MHz radio but will hop around on between a set frequency from 2.4-2.485 (I think).
However, one must watch out to make sure you dont bind multiple models at once. ALWAYS turn off ALL tanks/electronics/transmitters/receivers when binding except for the model you choose. Most tanks you purchase will be bound already to the tank. If not it is a pretty quick and painless process.

Hi, Steve I see what has been written,
I cannot help thinking that there is a different answer,
If you have a control board such as a CLARK or an ASP or an IBU 2 or PRO then you will be using a 2,4 Transmitter and receiver that is almost certainly programmable which means that every tank with its own independent control board and receiver once it has been programmed into the ONE Transmitter can be controlled just by the one transmitter whereas with one exception you have to use a different transmitter for each Tank if you are using a TAIGEN or HENG LONG Control board (RX18)
The one exception being an extra board from RCTA called an RC5HL-V9 which allows the RX18 to work with a Programmable Transmitter
,.RCTA is contactable -
www.rctanksaustralia.com
I hope I have not added to the confusion.
Shaun.

It's simple alien technology 👽

It uses spread spectrum technology and it works basically as described by Erik.

I understand the frequency hopping just now how the tank and transmitter are slaved together.

Steve

Each radio receiver has a unique ID that once paired will only talk to one transmitter. Some Transmitters have the ability to store many UIDs so you can operate them from one remote.

Awesome. So I'm betting a low-end unit like a Heng Long does not come with provisions to store multiple UIDs. Not that I care - as long as each Heng Long I buy will play nice with other tanks, that's fine with me.

Steve

Steve, Your 2.4 gHz HENG LONG Transmitter will absolutely play safe with other Tanks BUT because the RX18 control board and indeed the whole Tank is built down to a price you cannot hope to achieve the performance of an after market Control board and that is why many of us choose to upgrade to a more efficient and better equipped and capable control board which of course costs more,
If you are happy with your Heng Long Tank then you are in the company of thousands of fellow happy hobbyists,
All I am doing is pointing out that if you wish to improve your Tank the equipment is available, and there are a whole bunch of very able people here willing and able to help you make the changeover.
Shaun.

Yup I got it.

We will almost certainly be playing only with stock tanks. I might install a metal transmission and wheels and tracks, but probably not.

I used to be pretty serious into model building back in the early 1990s. I quit because Fine Scale Modeler kept raising the bar to where I wasn't getting anything done anymore - perfect became the enemy of good. I don't have the time to go down that road in model building again.

Even metal wheels are questionable as it looks like they come in the raw and I'd have to fire up the airbrush and start painting. :)

Steve

You can get away with quite a bit on roadwheels, Rattle can goes a long way. Lay down a piece or cardboard and go to town with a primer then a base color. Just looking to get some color on metal wheels if you ever go down that road.

Any metal anywhere on my Tanks that will be painted I will always first use a METAL PRIMER then a regular Primer then two top coats and finish with a Matte varnish.
shaun.

You say that now but wait till the youngsters get a little older and realize they want better performance and actually want a competitive tank. thats when the real upgrades start too pile on . LOL