What is the best resourse for learning RC?

[Jnewboy]

I love armor and modeling but I know next to nothing about the electronics inside of 1/16 RC tanks. I want to learn but most forums or build threads show diagrams and name parts but assume the audiance know what they are looking at. I understand most of you do, but for those of us that dont what is the best place to get the info? is there a video or forum for RC Tanks 101?

Thanks!

[tomhugill]

Lots of how to's on here.

[jtracks]

I love armor and modeling but I know next to nothing about the electronics inside of 1/16 RC tanks. I want to learn but most forums or build threads show diagrams and name parts but assume the audiance know what they are looking at. I understand most of you do, but for those of us that dont what is the best place to get the info? is there a video or forum for RC Tanks 101?

Thanks!

Hello Jnewboy, I get a lot of info from here and youtube. Erik from Taigen/IMEX tanks has a lot of how to videos on Taigen tanks there. There are a couple of introductory vids from him there too. The Taigen and Heng Long tanks have very similar electronics. Taigen uses the 2.4GHZ system in their tanks. Heng Long has released a T-34/85 with the 2.4GHZ radio system. You'll find both 2.4GHZ and the older crystal type radio systems in 1/16 scale tanks. There are many after market control boards that are also available on the market that require use of a hobby grade radio system. Some of them are the Clark board, IBU, just to name a couple. Tamiya tanks have their own system and IR battle systems. Many of the after market boards allow you to become Tamiya battle system compatible but require 6-9 channel radios and receivers. Most of these after market systems also have much better tank sounds(engine sound, gun, machine gun, loading and unloading of cannon shells etc.) Examples of these can also be found on you tube and from the guys here. Look in the vendors section here, you'll find vendors that carry these after market systems.

Where are you in Ca.? I am in Roseville, Ca.

Joe

[AlwynTurner]

Hi Jnewboy, I like you started with no knowledge of rc electronics and have tried to pick it up as I went along (as anyone who has followed my threads can confirm ). There is lots of help on this site - use the search facility, and the guys on this site or really great, friendly, and very helpful. The best way to learn is start with something simple and not too expensive - I bought a £35 spares or repair Tiger 1 and tried to fix it, lots of people helped me and I learned a lot, and wound up with a working tank for £50!

My latest dumb venture was to buy a spares and repair Hobby Engine M1A1, rip out all the electronics and transplant Heng Long electronics into it to create a really neat working tank. I referenced quite a few threads using search, and when I ran out of ideas the guys helped me again. I still managed to burn out an RX18 multi function board but it wasn't a disaster, just a slight financial embarrassment. Best way is jump in and give it a go but do it with bargain buys to start with, only start on the expensive stuff once you have gained confidence in the basics.

This hobby is interesting, educational, and absorbing (and very addictive!) and on here you'll be practising it in great company.



Happy tanking
Alwyn