My Panther G - (was Main board & TX upgrade questions)

[outlaw_825th]

I have lots of questions being a noob here, so please bare with me during my ramblings! I have read a LOT of posts here and on other boards, but still dont have all the info I need to proceed, so decided it was time to ask, not just research!

I am wanting to upgrade the main board on my Taigen tanks, but cant decide between IBU2U and Open Panzer.

They both seem to have advantages and dissadvantages. OP is a cheaper initially, and seems like a great idea, but it needs ESC and sound boards, which for good ones bring it up around the same cost or more of the IBU2U. They both seem to add a lot to the tank experience, in particular to the driving side, which really needs changing.

Sounds are another thing, I want better sound, especially when driving. progressive sound to speed sounds great. The ability to use weapons with engine off only seems to be on the IBU2U. If I went OP, then adding a good sound card like the Benelli Mini would add £100 to the cost, is there an alternative? Would the IBU2U card match its performance?

I would like to change my transmitter too, and have seen that the 9X Pro is popular, as is the FlySky16(?) but have already worked out that I cant then control tanks that I dont upgrade the boards on. These are Taigen V1/2 which it seems dont work with better controllers, only the standard Taigen ones.

I am also converting from BB (never used, never will) to IR, but of course the first two IR tanks have Taigen units, which dont seem to be compatable with Tamiya which everyone seems to use! Both OP and IBU can host Tamiya, but will they both work with the Taigen IR until I can afford to convert properly? I've seen both yes and no to this and other questions so far!

What are peoples views on these two boards, and how would you suggest I proceed to set me up so I dont have to make a decision change in a few months/years?

I appreciate that a lot of these answers can only come from experience actually USING these cards, and have currently left myself confused as to which is the better direction to go. Any help, suggestions or advice is welcome.

[maxmekker]

Tom did an exelent write up here

viewtopic.php?f=81&t=25943&p=246913#p246913

[outlaw_825th]

Yep seen that post. It confirmed to me that I am heading in the right direction narrowing it down to the OP or IBU2U, but didnt really give direct info as to which, if either, will suit what I am imagining.

Both websites give a lot of info too, but has anyone used both and got a fave? have a preference of one over the other for upgrading Taigens? I am feeling that the OP is more versatile but has also had issues mainly last year, which have been overcome. IBU2U seems a good all in one, but is the overall better or just equal to the OP + Benelli/other sound card setup.

The transmitter issue is another big question for me. Its one of these things that people who have been in a hobby for some time will take for granted, but for a noob like me is a nightmare to get my head around.

[maxmekker]

Cant help you with those boards . I make sounds for ( and stock and sell) the tk 24-60 boards from Clark , and radio that suits those boards well. But I'm sure plenty of people will skip in and help you out

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[jarndice]

You are mistaken about the Taigen V2 Control Board, it is specifically designed to work with Taigens own Transmitter or by using the provided cables and binding plug it can be used with an aftermarket Transmitter and Receiver.

[Ad Lav]

You’ll find everyone has a preferred board/manufacturer so it’s a bloody minefield.

Will and Jamie came to see me and my tanks this week for a closer look of different boards etc. You are welcome to do the same.

[Ad Lav]

You’ll find everyone has a preferred board/manufacturer so it’s a bloody minefield.

Will and Jamie came to see me and my tanks this week for a closer look of different boards etc. You are welcome to do the same.

[outlaw_825th]

Cant help you with those boards . I make sounds for ( and stock and sell) the tk 24-60 boards from Clark , and radio that suits those boards well. But I'm sure plenty of people will skip in and help you out

I'd had a look at your site, love the sounds! especially the progressive engine. I wont discount the Clark tk60

You are mistaken about the Taigen V2 Control Board, it is specifically designed to work with Taigens own Transmitter or by using the provided cables and binding plug it can be used with an aftermarket Transmitter and Receiver.

Fair point, yes the V2 can go with aftermarket transmitters, I have 2 x V1 and 1 x V2, Roni's KT is a V1.

You’ll find everyone has a preferred board/manufacturer so it’s a bloody minefield.
Will and Jamie came to see me and my tanks this week for a closer look of different boards etc. You are welcome to do the same.

I think thats a good idea, Be better to see stuff working

It does seem to me that as you say, its personal prefference, they are both going to be way better than what I have, and will allow any future models to be bought without any electrics.

[Raminator]

You've done well to narrow the choice down to the IBU2 and the OP TCB; for my money, they're both at the sweet spot of affordability and functionality. I would say the choice between the two comes down to a few fairly simple factors.

If you want something straightforward that's miles better than the stock offering, the IBU is the way to go. It's completely plug-and-play, and doesn't really require anything in the way of re-wiring the tank from the stock electronics. You need to insert an SD card into your computer to modify variables in a text file to change options on the tank. The engine sounds are good but not great, there are noticeable steps between revs and at different speeds.

If you want something powerful, flexible and upgradeable, the TCB is the better option. However, it requires external sound cards and ESCs which necessitate extra wiring and means that space could be an issue in smaller hulls. You plug your tank directly into your computer to modify options using a very clearly-laid-out program that gives you a huge wealth of options to tweak everything to perfection. The Benedini TBS Mini (or the Chinese knockoff of the TBS Micro which can be had for less than £20) gives seamless, simulated engine behaviour.

[outlaw_825th]

You've done well to narrow the choice down to the IBU2 and the OP TCB; for my money, they're both at the sweet spot of affordability and functionality. I would say the choice between the two comes down to a few fairly simple factors.

If you want something straightforward that's miles better than the stock offering, the IBU is the way to go. It's completely plug-and-play, and doesn't really require anything in the way of re-wiring the tank from the stock electronics. You need to insert an SD card into your computer to modify variables in a text file to change options on the tank. The engine sounds are good but not great, there are noticeable steps between revs and at different speeds.

If you want something powerful, flexible and upgradeable, the TCB is the better option. However, it requires external sound cards and ESCs which necessitate extra wiring and means that space could be an issue in smaller hulls. You plug your tank directly into your computer to modify options using a very clearly-laid-out program that gives you a huge wealth of options to tweak everything to perfection. The Benedini TBS Mini (or the Chinese knockoff of the TBS Micro which can be had for less than £20) gives seamless, simulated engine behaviour.

I have been favouring the OP board because of its apparent flexibilty and upgradability, which is something I like, I may be new to this hobby but can see a progression to better stuff and dont want to keep changing every time something better comes along. Been there done that in other areas.

Initially the need to add all the extras concerned me, but when you see reports of the addons being better, (benelli sound card example) It may cost more to start with, but saves later!