The stock radio has no trim adjustment so unfortunately you are stuck if it doesn't turn or go straight. This is a video I did of my Firefly with the IBU board, and it will give you an idea of the sound, proportional turret, as well as super spin that is possible with the IBU board:
Questions about HL tanks in general
Forum rules
If your question is electronics related please post it in one of the relevant boards here: viewforum.php?f=31
If your question is electronics related please post it in one of the relevant boards here: viewforum.php?f=31
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
Thanks, for the reply. Some great knowledge in this forum.
After playing around with the tank a little bit, I already made an upgrade list. I think upgrading the control board/radio is a must and will be the first thing that I do.
I had a look and I am torn between either a Clark or IBU2. I did a bit of reading and can't really tell which is better. The Clark seems to be slightly cheaper but more difficult to setup, also seem to have more flexibility if you get the TV remote with it. I have no problem with soldering and playing around so I am leaning towards the Clark at the moment mainly because of the cheaper price. However, my main concern is how good the proportional control is in comparison. Any more I should know about before making the decision?
After that, I think I need a lower ratio gearbox as I would like to drive the tank in rougher terrain. I am a bit confused by the gearbox options. I am looking at the Taigen next generation gearboxes from welshdragonmodels/forgebear which seems to be the same. Do they fit the HL hull? The options on forgebear's ebay shop says it will only fit the Taigen metal hull but the welshdragonmodels ones seems to suggest they will fit the HL hull? Also, what is the best gear ratio / motor combination? I am not too fuss about p
I think I will see how the control board and radio upgrade goes before getting a new gearbox though.
After playing around with the tank a little bit, I already made an upgrade list. I think upgrading the control board/radio is a must and will be the first thing that I do.
I had a look and I am torn between either a Clark or IBU2. I did a bit of reading and can't really tell which is better. The Clark seems to be slightly cheaper but more difficult to setup, also seem to have more flexibility if you get the TV remote with it. I have no problem with soldering and playing around so I am leaning towards the Clark at the moment mainly because of the cheaper price. However, my main concern is how good the proportional control is in comparison. Any more I should know about before making the decision?
After that, I think I need a lower ratio gearbox as I would like to drive the tank in rougher terrain. I am a bit confused by the gearbox options. I am looking at the Taigen next generation gearboxes from welshdragonmodels/forgebear which seems to be the same. Do they fit the HL hull? The options on forgebear's ebay shop says it will only fit the Taigen metal hull but the welshdragonmodels ones seems to suggest they will fit the HL hull? Also, what is the best gear ratio / motor combination? I am not too fuss about p
I think I will see how the control board and radio upgrade goes before getting a new gearbox though.
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
cpl, I owned about 20 Clark boards and now 3 IBUs and if proportional control is what you are after, I would not go with Clark and would consider IBU instead. I would recommend Clark for general purpose and also for battling, but if I want a tank to run realistically, IBU would be my choice. Clark board is more flexible in that because of the remote you can change settings on the fly on battle day for example, but if I am just playing around at home IBU is much more realistic.
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
There is not much in it for cost so I think I will go for the IBU2 base.
Had bother play today in the garden seeing the weather is better. Actually, the control is not too bad now that I have got used to it. However, managed to get a bit of gravel in between the tracks and wheels which unscrewed the idler and manged to lost the washer in the process. The idler is made of plastic so ordered a set of metal ones to replace them. The plastic hull is not strong at all. I think if I keep driving it like today, I will eventually need a new hull. I also think I could do with a bit more torque so a new gearbox will probably come before the control unit now.
Had bother play today in the garden seeing the weather is better. Actually, the control is not too bad now that I have got used to it. However, managed to get a bit of gravel in between the tracks and wheels which unscrewed the idler and manged to lost the washer in the process. The idler is made of plastic so ordered a set of metal ones to replace them. The plastic hull is not strong at all. I think if I keep driving it like today, I will eventually need a new hull. I also think I could do with a bit more torque so a new gearbox will probably come before the control unit now.
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
I think it's Ian (Tankbear) on here to talk about IBU's & electricky type stuff.
Plastic hulls are fairly cheap, metal ones much more durable...... Sounds like a major upgrade coming!
Plastic hulls are fairly cheap, metal ones much more durable...... Sounds like a major upgrade coming!
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jarndice
- Colonel
- Posts: 8403
- Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:27 am
- Location: the mountains of hertfordshire
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
For the IBU2 and the IBU2 PRO Go To-------
http://www.rctankelectronics.com
It is worth knowing that Ian is a member of this Forum (TANKBEAR)
Shaun,
http://www.rctankelectronics.com
It is worth knowing that Ian is a member of this Forum (TANKBEAR)
Shaun,
I think I am about to upset someone 
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
I have now gone off the idea of the Taigen metal hull because it is a different colour from the Heng Long. I know if I start painting the tank, I wouldn't have as much fun because I will drive it very carefully worrying about damaging the paint. I have also taken apart my tank and the plastic seems to be good quality and should last a while. I think it will be a case of "replace when it breaks".
I also managed to find the idler washer in the garden. Drilled a hole on the idler that constantly comes off so that I can put some torque on it with a proper screwdriver. The idler now stops coming off but I think now that I have run-in the tracks, they just keep coming off constantly. After reading up on here, seems like the only proper solution is to get a Henntec tensioner. That's now on order as well and should come at the same time as the idler. I think I will have fun fitting that as it seems like I need to modify the hull. It seems like it is well designed and will add strength to the whole tank but will take me a while to fit and setup.
Seems like the best way of deciding which bit of the tank needs modifying is to spend time driving around with it. I think it's a case of finding the next weakness when I continually fix the worst ones.
My next plan is a reduction gearbox (need more torque) and then the IBU2, but I think I need to iron out all the other weak points before I go ahead. Otherwise, my spending will become crazy.
I also managed to find the idler washer in the garden. Drilled a hole on the idler that constantly comes off so that I can put some torque on it with a proper screwdriver. The idler now stops coming off but I think now that I have run-in the tracks, they just keep coming off constantly. After reading up on here, seems like the only proper solution is to get a Henntec tensioner. That's now on order as well and should come at the same time as the idler. I think I will have fun fitting that as it seems like I need to modify the hull. It seems like it is well designed and will add strength to the whole tank but will take me a while to fit and setup.
Seems like the best way of deciding which bit of the tank needs modifying is to spend time driving around with it. I think it's a case of finding the next weakness when I continually fix the worst ones.
My next plan is a reduction gearbox (need more torque) and then the IBU2, but I think I need to iron out all the other weak points before I go ahead. Otherwise, my spending will become crazy.
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
Have a look at the Bristol meeting too - think they're your side of the city. Loads of advice there (some may even be useful/!) 
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greengiant
- Warrant Officer 2nd Class
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:15 am
Re: Questions about HL tanks in general
You have to remember that you will face the same problems real ones had ( like stuff on the tracks between road wheels and track stretching and needing to be replaced) and adjust where you drive through to avoid the problem areas just like the real ones did.
