Two unrelated questions

[Jimigood]

First I would like to say thanks for all the help I've gotten. I am completely new to modelling and tanks this size. I'm wadding through the muck of being a newbie at this and sure I will have lots more questions. I tend to try and find answers in the boards before asking but sometimes the search can get daunting.
Now to my newbie questions.

#1. Are all smoke units really loud, or is it just the crappy stock heng long ones?

#2. What purpose does the high intensity flash units serve.

[jtracks]

#1 No, the Tarr smokers are fan driven and quiet. I use the Tarr MK1 smokers. They are sold by rctankelectronics and more. I used to see them on Ebay also.

#2 The high intensity flash units are used in IR tanks and replicate the muzzle flash when the cannon is fired.

[Jimigood]

#1 No, the Tarr smokers are fan driven and quiet. I use the Tarr MK1 smokers. They are sold by rctankelectronics and more. I used to see them on Ebay also.

#2 The high intensity flash units are used in IR tanks and replicate the muzzle flash when the cannon is fired.

Thank you sir. I don't turn my smoke unit on often due to it being so loud. I will for sure look into a new one.
I won't be setting up my tank for ir battle seeing as far as I know no one here in the USA does it. Hmm. But would it add to the wow factor of the tank when fired?

[ausf]

There are plenty of clubs that battle in the States, depending on where you are located. The largest indoor RC battlefield is in Danville and there are active groups on both coasts and in the middle.

The HI flash is brighter and faster than a LED, so if you want a flash when firing the main gun, it's nicer. But the HL unit isn't the best, so if you're thinking about adding it or replacing it, it's probably not worth it.

HI flashes use a good amount of energy, a large capacitor than stores it until the trigger sets off a Xenon bulb. Even Tamiya units will fail due to wear and tear over time.

The brighter flash is easier to see in sunlight, so when IR battling in a competitive venture, it's required so opponents can tell when you've fired. Not all tanks have recoil and battles get loud, so sound isn't accurate and knowing when your opponent is reloading is key.

[Jimigood]

There are plenty of clubs that battle in the States, depending on where you are located. The largest indoor RC battlefield is in Danville and there are active groups on both coasts and in the middle.

The HI flash is brighter and faster than a LED, so if you want a flash when firing the main gun, it's nicer. But the HL unit isn't the best, so if you're thinking about adding it or replacing it, it's probably not worth it.

HI flashes use a good amount of energy, a large capacitor than stores it until the trigger sets off a Xenon bulb. Even Tamiya units will fail due to wear and tear over time.
The brighter flash is easier to see in sunlight, so when IR battling in a competitive venture, it's required so opponents can tell when you've fired. Not all tanks have recoil and battles get loud, so sound isn't accurate and knowing when your opponent is reloading is key.

I live on the Texas gulf coast. Everyone here seems more interested in drones and RC cars from what I can tell.
I'm going to replace the HL board and such. Just haven't decided on what to go with yet.