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Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 1:33 pm
by Despotes
Would a Spektrum DX5 Pro for example work for a tank?
My 1/6 scale Jagdpanther is still in progress.

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 1:51 pm
by 43rdRecceReg
The Spektrum DX 6i works fine with armour, as it has two gimbals. One is assigned to the throttle and steering functions, whilst the other controls turret motion (if there is a turret, of course,), elevation of the cannon and firing- whether in IR of BB mode. I'm no expert of RC transmitters, but looks to me that while the Spektrum DX5 Pro can handle cars and trucks, it's short of the gimbal needed for turret functions. I say looks, as I have no experience of this type of control. :|
Maybe it has buttons, and they can be assigned to functions. :think: It does, after all, have five channels. Tanks can get away with a minimum of two channels, but most models use four. Avant garde tankers use many more. :D :thumbup:
https://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Def ... D=SPMR5010

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:07 pm
by jarndice
I am not completely sure but I don't think the DX5/6i have any slider or rotary controls which makes controlling the volume from the sound chip difficult,
As these radios were originally designed for aircraft that was not a problem but land vehicles are a different matter.

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:27 pm
by Tiger6
To answer the question that was asked - no I don't think that radio is suitable.
Everybody I know uses a 2 stick radio, so for example the 'turret' functions (i.e. traverse and elevation of the gun) would be on one stick, and the drive would be on the other. Extra whistles and bells such as sounds and lights need extra channels, but that all depends on your individual set up.

If you only want to drive the vehicle, and do not want to have any other functions, then it would do I guess?

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:29 pm
by Tiger6
jarndice wrote:I am not completely sure but I don't think the DX5/6i have any slider or rotary controls which makes controlling the volume from the sound chip difficult
On the Dx6i you could assign the sound control to one of the on/off switches, and then use the end point adjustment to adjust the volume.

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:50 pm
by Despotes
I have a DX6i (for my 1/16 Jagdpanther) and a few other radios, but want a surface radio since it'll also be used for the Losi Super Rock Rey and a surface radio is a bit more convenient. Throttle, steering, cannon recoil/sound, engine start up and possible smoke are the only functions I need. No traverse or elevation. The DX5 Pro has at least 3 switches. https://www.horizonhobby.com/dx5-pro-ds ... 00-spm5010

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:55 pm
by Tiger6
Well it sound like you already knew the answer to the question then ???

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:58 pm
by Despotes
Tiger6 wrote:Well it sound like you already knew the answer to the question then ???
No. I'm unfamiliar with the mixing abilities of a surface radio or of any limitations that might exist compared to aircraft radios. I don't want to be surprised.

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 3:00 pm
by jarndice
The Turnigy TGY9x and its FLYSKY equivalent came with a Rotary/Potentiometer control that saved all the faffing around with programming switches that could be used for other duties,
When I bought my 9x it was cheaper than the Spectrum 6i which I already had and still have that is solely used with my aircraft.

Re: Surface radio for tank?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 3:49 pm
by Rad_Schuhart
Radio freak here!
A 5ch radio for a 1/6 tanks makes me cry. I do use 32 channels in 1/16 tanks!!!
Also the mixing posibilities of the spectrum are very very limited.

Get a Taranis qx7, it is cheap, and it will cover most of your present and future needs, and you can use either open tx or ersky tx, so mixing options are infinite.