double post...oops!

Hello Folks!

My sons are new to tanks and well, I've gotten caught up into it now too!

We just recently purchased two Henglong tanks:  Challenger and Abrams
We've done a bit of reading, but by no means are we experts!  I found out about your club and site at the HobbyHobby shop in Mississauga.  Glad I found you!

The tanks have recoil (not barrel, but rather the entire tank recoils), barrel elevation, steel gear box and steel tracks.  The shoot bb's and we thought that would be fun ... and it is, but its also a pain tracking them all down!

What has really got our attention is IR battling.  We've love to do that.  From the reading I've done, Tamiya IR is the standard?
I'd love to learn about this and how we can modify our tanks to do this.  What are all the options available to converting these Henglong tanks?   I've done a fair bit of reading, but now have info overload and need a bit of guidance and advice.

What doesn't help is that it seems there aren't any hobby shops in Ontario for Tanking.  Or is there?

Thanks in advance for you help and hope to join you all in a future outing!

Paul

Welcome to the Forum and the addiction!

Ask away! We'll do our best to answer any Q's you have!

Thanks Jarlath!  For some reason my initial post came up blank, but looks like I was able to correct that.  Look forward to the conversation!

Offroaddaddy wrote:

Thanks Jarlath!  For some reason my initial post came up blank, but looks like I was able to correct that.  Look forward to the conversation!

It's not blank. The text came out as black in colour. Which with the dark forum background = nearly invisible.

Offroaddaddy wrote:

Hello Folks!
We just recently purchased two Henglong tanks:  Challenger and Abrams
We've done a bit of reading, but by no means are we experts!  I found out about your club and site at the HobbyHobby shop in Mississauga.  Glad I found you!

That would likely be Hach leaving the fliers at Hobbyhobby! Yay for our Mississauga Battlefield members! (Also seen them at Great Hobbies as well).

Offroaddaddy wrote:

The tanks have recoil (not barrel, but rather the entire tank recoils), barrel elevation, steel gear box and steel tracks.  The shoot bb's and we thought that would be fun ... and it is, but its also a pain tracking them all down!

What has really got our attention is IR battling.  We've love to do that.  From the reading I've done, Tamiya IR is the standard?
I'd love to learn about this and how we can modify our tanks to do this.  What are all the options available to converting these Henglong tanks?   I've done a fair bit of reading, but now have info overload and need a bit of guidance and advice.

What doesn't help is that it seems there aren't any hobby shops in Ontario for Tanking.  Or is there?

Thanks in advance for you help and hope to join you all in a future outing!

Paul

Paul welcome to the world of IR battles... And yes, Tamiya IR damage systems is the norm.

Now you have a conundrum...
How much do you want to spend in upgrading to IR battles? How much extra do you want your tank(s) to do?

• Barrel recoil
  
• 360 degree turret
  
• Cannon HID flash
  
• Better sounds
  
• Realistic movement
  
• IR emitters & mounting
  
• Cheap or good IR receivers
  
• FPV systems
  

The hobby is growing which is great! I had the guys at Greater Hobbies ask me about tanks while I was there a while ago. They notice when several fields for dedicated RC stuff spring up. So right now there are a few places to purchase the items we need for converting to a Tamiya battle system without buying a Tamiya tank
For the most part we use aftermarket control boards to allow us to do everything listed. (Clarck, IBU, etc...)

Appreciate your response and resulting q's ...

I'd like to consider all options, regardless of cost.  My sons are really into this and its something we are enjoying together, so having said that, I don't have an issue spending a few dollars on this since its something we enjoy together.

On the list for potential upgrades, IR is at the top using good IR emitters and receivers, along with 360 degree turret, better sounds and movement.

Having said that, what options should be considered?  What electronics come with these tanks stock?  I should take it apart to check.  Is it the rx18?  I've also read about IBU3 and Clark.  Lots to think about!

Paul, it looks like there will be a meet this Saturday at the K/W field so if you guys can make it out there will be lots of folks there with information, and you can also see some of the tanks and battles first hand.

MikeC.

Thanks Mike, I will definitely check that out

I've been doing a bit more reading and came across ELMOD.  I like what I've read so far.  I've been conversing with them (Joe), and appreciate their level of responsiveness and quality of information.
This is the direction I'll go:  ELMOD Pro, along with their battling system which brings compatibility for my Henglong tanks to IR battle with Tamiya's.
Next up is the radio and receiver.  Reading up on that too.  Definitely want a radio with self centering sticks...

I think they are only one or two Elmod running in the club. The biggest hurdle with Elmod is the price, and given the rarity of it in the club, there isn't much experience with it either.

I use Elmod aside from the price it is an awesome board. I dont have enough money for a Pro yet, but i do plan to buy one and slowly convert my battalion to Elmod

How much is it these days ? We should have some kind of published comparison with all the new boards like Clark Tk-60 and IBU3 which are all getting up there, not Elmod up there but must be getting closer.

Keep in mind there is special pricing for the club from Clark for all models... For example TK-60 would be $146 CANADIAN   I have a TK60 for you to play with Mike...

I am at the stage where as long as it works I am not touching it, and yet a different board is like another hole in my head which I don't need. Unfortunately I have also just acquired a new vehicle with SLU which I am not too thrill about but it will be more work to take it out then leaving it in.

I will stick with my Tk-20s and IBUs and ONE SLU for now and the near future.............

Pulled the trigger on the Elmod pro board. Probably a few weeks before it arrives. I’ll follow back up and share my experiences once I get started. Thanks fellas for the guidance.
Paul