CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
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CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Hi, I've been hearing hobbyists upgrade their Heng Long tanks' electric to Clark. May I ask what's the advantage of Clark over stock electric?
H/L Pantiger, H/L Leopard 2A6, Mato Panzer III, Hybrid Tiger 1 and some tank wreckage
Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Clark is just one of the many ones you can upgrade to once you move off the stock Heng Long electronics. The common denominator once you move off the stock electronics is that you will need to get a set of hobby grade radio and receivers. Without going into too much details, you will get better sound, servo recoil options, IR battle options based on the Tamiya system, and generally a much more realistic movement and control of the tank.
I would say most people wants to move off stock electronics when they either want to do IR battle with tank clubs, remove the nasty hull/barrel recoil and/or better sound.
In terms of cost I think this is the order from low to high - Clark, IBU2 or ASP, Elmod. Within that you have variation as well, such as the new Clark Tk-60 which is more than their base product, and IBU2 and IBU2 PRO. I think there is various configuration as well for Elmod.
BY the way all of these will also allow you to fit a independent sound system if you are really into it.
I would say most people wants to move off stock electronics when they either want to do IR battle with tank clubs, remove the nasty hull/barrel recoil and/or better sound.
In terms of cost I think this is the order from low to high - Clark, IBU2 or ASP, Elmod. Within that you have variation as well, such as the new Clark Tk-60 which is more than their base product, and IBU2 and IBU2 PRO. I think there is various configuration as well for Elmod.
BY the way all of these will also allow you to fit a independent sound system if you are really into it.
- 43rdRecceReg
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Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
I went with the Clark TK22 Ti option largely because of the vast improvement in sound effects, with the engine sound itself being modelled on Tiger 131 at Bovington, I believe. The sounds are also proportional, meaning you get an increase in engine speed with an increase in throttle. Also, the Heng Long RX18/2.4 and Taigen 2.4Ghz systems require you to 'start' the tank before it will do anything. The Clark allows to do stuff without the start up'. That upgrade, however, as with most others, also means buying a hobby grade transmitter/receiver
and,for full functionality, performing a wiring mod in the turret to get the elevation right. That particular mod is covered by 'Taigentanks' on Youtube (aka 'Imex-Erik' Edwards of Taigen tanks).Clark, and other boards, give you a potential that's lacking with stock stuff, and the opportunity
to blow lots of cash...
and,for full functionality, performing a wiring mod in the turret to get the elevation right. That particular mod is covered by 'Taigentanks' on Youtube (aka 'Imex-Erik' Edwards of Taigen tanks).Clark, and other boards, give you a potential that's lacking with stock stuff, and the opportunity
to blow lots of cash...
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please"- Mark Twain.
Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Thank you guys for your explanation. Among those which one is better choice regarding their price compared to functionality? And where are they available? I live in Cambodia where there are very few hobbyist, and even fewer tanker hobbyist. Countries where I can reach easily include Vietnam, Thailand and sometime China.
Regarding hobby grade remote controller, the other day I visited a hobby shop, I saw some second-hand remote controllers, most of them marked made-in-Malaysia with 8 channels. They are for aviation models. The hobby shop staff asked for US$280. Expensive? I wonder if aviation controller can be used for tanks?
Regarding hobby grade remote controller, the other day I visited a hobby shop, I saw some second-hand remote controllers, most of them marked made-in-Malaysia with 8 channels. They are for aviation models. The hobby shop staff asked for US$280. Expensive? I wonder if aviation controller can be used for tanks?
H/L Pantiger, H/L Leopard 2A6, Mato Panzer III, Hybrid Tiger 1 and some tank wreckage
Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
FWIW...
I originally wanted a Clark board but reading up on how to set it up was mind boggling for my poor little brain. I ended up selecting IBU2 Pro because it was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay simpler, had great sound judging from the videos, cost wasn't too bad (more expensive than Clark but the easy setup and custom sounds were worth the added cost), and more importantly, excellent support from Tankbear.
As for the remote controls, USD280 for second hand ones seem waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too expensive. You can get a brand new Turnigy 9XR Pro with module and receiver plus TankerEX9 software included and self-centering sticks for less than USD280 (including shipping) from rctanksaustralia. The 9XR Pro can be used for aircraft (I think it was designed for aircraft use).
I originally wanted a Clark board but reading up on how to set it up was mind boggling for my poor little brain. I ended up selecting IBU2 Pro because it was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay simpler, had great sound judging from the videos, cost wasn't too bad (more expensive than Clark but the easy setup and custom sounds were worth the added cost), and more importantly, excellent support from Tankbear.
As for the remote controls, USD280 for second hand ones seem waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too expensive. You can get a brand new Turnigy 9XR Pro with module and receiver plus TankerEX9 software included and self-centering sticks for less than USD280 (including shipping) from rctanksaustralia. The 9XR Pro can be used for aircraft (I think it was designed for aircraft use).
Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Thanks for reply. I know that those 8 channels, 9 channels were designed to work with aircraft, however, can they be used with tanks? Or what remote controller do you suggest using with tanks?
H/L Pantiger, H/L Leopard 2A6, Mato Panzer III, Hybrid Tiger 1 and some tank wreckage
- wibblywobbly
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Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
You can use a standard cheap 4 channel 2.4ghz transmitter with any of the aftermarket boards. FlySky's work well. If you are going to run several tanks and/or use different boards in them, a programmable one that allows you to store separate configurations is a good idea. I use the FlySky 6 channel and it is perfect.
Over the years I have bought and used every board available, so for what it is worth I will give a quick review in order of what I feel are the differences.
Clark TK22 - Cheap, does the job. Programmable board using a tv remote. You need either the IR apple or a DIY sensor plugged in to program it. Easy to do. 95% plug and play with some very minor wiring connections to be made. Servo recoil option. The sounds are a vast improvement over HL. Excellent after sales from Clark, repairs are cheap and so are all of the plugs, connectors etc.
IBU2 - Two versions basic and pro. Mid range boards. Sounds are on SD cards so you can use different tank sounds from a library on the card. Easiest to install as you simply unplug the RX18 and plug in the IBU2. Servo recoil. Excellent after sales.
Elmod Fusion - Two versions. Basic and Pro. Top end boards. Sounds are on an SD card so you can use different tank sounds from a library on the card. All sounds selectable and configurable via on screen options. 99% plug and play, just connect the motor wires to the heavy duty plugs provided. Servo recoil. Excellent after sales. The technology that Elmod has implemented on their boards is beyond anything that the others provide. USB connection to a pc, and around a hundred parameters that can be adjusted on screen using sliders and drop boxes to allow you to get the tank to run exactly how you want it. All firmware updates are updated online so no need to return the board. The sound quality is unmatched anywhere. Electronic gear changes etc. No additional amp required. As an example my Panther drowned out every tank in the hall at our last meet.
The other options are:
Tamiya MFU/DMD. Will take a bit of work to install. Basic RC functionality. Eg Stop, start. fire etc. No programming option. Now looking very dated compared to current offerings.
SLU. A Tamiya clone for a lot less money. Programmable via a tv remote. Excellent sound, super loud and crystal clear. Appeared a few years ago, but Clark stole the show at half the price. Weak point was the limited range on the IR. DKLM tells us that the guy who made them is putting a revamped version back into production with decent IR and better components.
Darkith. A board that is used alongside the RX18 to convert the system to standard IR. Cheap, and either simple DIY solder it yourself board, or RTR. No sound as standard. Can be used with a Benedini board at extra cost though they are not cheap at £100. However I have just discovered identical boards for £20. Going to test sound programming at some point, if it works then they will be a good buy.
Hope that helps. What you go for depends on your budget more than anything. It always pays to look at what you need for a complete installation rather than just the basic board. All of the boards are sold and used globally, so don't worry too much about local support etc.
Cheers
Rob
Over the years I have bought and used every board available, so for what it is worth I will give a quick review in order of what I feel are the differences.
Clark TK22 - Cheap, does the job. Programmable board using a tv remote. You need either the IR apple or a DIY sensor plugged in to program it. Easy to do. 95% plug and play with some very minor wiring connections to be made. Servo recoil option. The sounds are a vast improvement over HL. Excellent after sales from Clark, repairs are cheap and so are all of the plugs, connectors etc.
IBU2 - Two versions basic and pro. Mid range boards. Sounds are on SD cards so you can use different tank sounds from a library on the card. Easiest to install as you simply unplug the RX18 and plug in the IBU2. Servo recoil. Excellent after sales.
Elmod Fusion - Two versions. Basic and Pro. Top end boards. Sounds are on an SD card so you can use different tank sounds from a library on the card. All sounds selectable and configurable via on screen options. 99% plug and play, just connect the motor wires to the heavy duty plugs provided. Servo recoil. Excellent after sales. The technology that Elmod has implemented on their boards is beyond anything that the others provide. USB connection to a pc, and around a hundred parameters that can be adjusted on screen using sliders and drop boxes to allow you to get the tank to run exactly how you want it. All firmware updates are updated online so no need to return the board. The sound quality is unmatched anywhere. Electronic gear changes etc. No additional amp required. As an example my Panther drowned out every tank in the hall at our last meet.
The other options are:
Tamiya MFU/DMD. Will take a bit of work to install. Basic RC functionality. Eg Stop, start. fire etc. No programming option. Now looking very dated compared to current offerings.
SLU. A Tamiya clone for a lot less money. Programmable via a tv remote. Excellent sound, super loud and crystal clear. Appeared a few years ago, but Clark stole the show at half the price. Weak point was the limited range on the IR. DKLM tells us that the guy who made them is putting a revamped version back into production with decent IR and better components.
Darkith. A board that is used alongside the RX18 to convert the system to standard IR. Cheap, and either simple DIY solder it yourself board, or RTR. No sound as standard. Can be used with a Benedini board at extra cost though they are not cheap at £100. However I have just discovered identical boards for £20. Going to test sound programming at some point, if it works then they will be a good buy.
Hope that helps. What you go for depends on your budget more than anything. It always pays to look at what you need for a complete installation rather than just the basic board. All of the boards are sold and used globally, so don't worry too much about local support etc.
Cheers
Rob
Tiger 1 Late
Panther G
King Tiger
M36 B1
Panther G
King Tiger
M36 B1
- jarndice
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Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Hi, Rob, Nice summary,
it will be a little while before I get to fitting my recently purchased "ASP" board but a quick glance shows it to be another "Plug & Play unit and it comes in a bit cheaper than the two more popular boards,
Keeping up with new boards is the challenge with both the TK60 & IBU3, and I have no reason to think that will be the end of improvements in R/C electronics.
shaun.
it will be a little while before I get to fitting my recently purchased "ASP" board but a quick glance shows it to be another "Plug & Play unit and it comes in a bit cheaper than the two more popular boards,
Keeping up with new boards is the challenge with both the TK60 & IBU3, and I have no reason to think that will be the end of improvements in R/C electronics.
shaun.
I think I am about to upset someone
- wibblywobbly
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Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
When I think back to just a few years ago, it was a choice of Tamiya, Elmod or stay standard. The choice that we now have is really good, as there is something to suit everyone's pockets. They are all reliable, they all have their unique features as well. The extra bonus is that they are all in competition with each other, which means that we get better boards and more features.
Tiger 1 Late
Panther G
King Tiger
M36 B1
Panther G
King Tiger
M36 B1
Re: CLARK electric compared to stock Heng Long
Hi Wibbly,
Does this work with Clark electric? I found it on TowerHobbies.com; however, it's a 6 channels 2.4Ghz and it is designed for aircraft. Can we use it for tanks?
Does this work with Clark electric? I found it on TowerHobbies.com; however, it's a 6 channels 2.4Ghz and it is designed for aircraft. Can we use it for tanks?
H/L Pantiger, H/L Leopard 2A6, Mato Panzer III, Hybrid Tiger 1 and some tank wreckage