Just bought my first tanks, need advice

[lifeofbrian]

Got a Taigen Panzer IV F2 and a Taigen Panther Ausf A, bought as parts not working but complete and apparently working the last time they tried. The manuals are very poor and don't tell you much, like how to remove the top for example. What good sources are there where I can learn more about these tanks?

And a quick one, they came with no batteries, can I use lipo, if not what NICAD can I use, is a 3000mh ok, or do I need to measure up first?

[c.rainford73]

Hi there I'd use a nimh 3000 is fine. I'd stay away from the nicad very old technology . As far as a lipo I have tanks that have quick release systems and give me easy access to the battery tray.I Have used my lipos for my larger custom control boards amplifiers and large speakers and battle systems. I'd probably stay clear of the lipo for now with stock electronics (probably not needed). I have several 4000mah and 5000mah nimh batteries that work just fine with Heng Long and Taigen electronics. A good source for questions about your models would be here on the forum. Type in your search in the respective area and something should come up. I also think YouTube is a great source for Rc tankers. Even experienced builders utilize the forum and YouTube for reference. I know I do. There are many very helpful people here who have a wealth of knowledge to share so don't be afraid to just ask. I'm still learning every day!

Carl

[SteelBird]

I think Taigen comes with quick release button though I never own one but have seen quite a lot on YouTube. As for battery, I'd recommend the NiMh. As for how big (3000, 4000 or 5000) is depend on your preference. I have two NiMh, and they both very good, very durable. My 4500 last about an hour after a full charge. I use Heng Long's standard charger and it takes about 18 hours to get it full.

[wibblywobbly]

Just to say that any battery over 3000mah will be fine, and Nimh are better than Nicads (not many of those about nowadays). Best advice would be to buy a peak detect charger, decent ones will charge a battery in 30 mins on a 4 amp charge, and will detect a full charge, so that it drops back to a trickle charge. Nimh's don't need to be drained either.

The HL charger is using about 400 millamps to charge, so to charge up a 3000-4500mah battery will take a very long time.

Avoid cheap batteries on Ebay, they claim wild capacities but aren't anything like that, so are dead within 15 minutes. The tank systems cut off at 6v so you need a battery that will slowly drop the charge from 8.4v down to 6v, thus giving you a longer run time.

[jarndice]

Hallo LOB, We have an "Introduce yourself" page which offers you the chance to tell us a little about you such as where in the world you are !
I would like to send you to a dealer who can sell you a Charger and the relevant batteries but I don't know where you are,
So if you are in the UK I would recommend ----
www.componentshop.co.uk/
And if you are further afield -----
www.hobbyking.com/
Both of these dealers will sell you a charger that will save you hours recharging your "NIMH" batteries and sell you more of them if you need them.
Shaun.