Opinions for setup of a Futaba 14MZ for Tiger I

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:06 am

I invite opinions on how best to configure a Futaba 14MZHP system to control my Tiger. This 14MZHP has Futaba's FASST 2.4 GHz, PCM G3 2048 resolution, and interestingly the Receiver has two antennas to improve reception. This Transmitter is presently configured for a helicopter with the left stick controlling throttle. To read about the 14MZ, try www.futaba-rc.com and www.14mz.com. Given my inexperience in this area, all the electronics and modular switches appear daunting!

I have not yet run the Tiger, but the basic controls as I reason them out could be:

1. Tank Movement â€“ Left Track
2. Tank Movement â€“ Right Track (or would one stick for both tracks be preferred?)
3. Turret Rotation
4. 88mm Gun Elevation
5. Safety - power on/off to the firing circuit
6. 88mm Gun Firing Mechanism - Shoot
7. Hull Mounted Machine Gun â€“ Fire (do not have this but would be nice to plan just in case)
8. Turn Commander (animatronic) On-Off
9. Turn Driver (animatronic) On-Off (or both fellows on 1 switch?)
10. Headlight - On-Off
11. Convoy Light - On-Off
12. Sound System â€“ On-Off
13. Exhaust Smoke System - On-Off (sync'd to the speed of the motor)

And while I'm at this, I need to replace the Receiver Battery that was a Futaba NR4F 4.8V 1500mAh NiCd. I am considering a larger capacity battery; maybe a 4.8vdc 2400 mah Sanyo Nicad or 4.8vdc 3600 mah, or Sanyo Ni-Mh. Any advice about this too is invited.

I neeeeed advice from experienced fellows otherwise I may resort to my tried and true solution: gathering myself near a warm fireplace leisurely administering doses of Macallan 25 (or Springbank 1966) while tinkering with the 14MZ until I get it right!

Kirk Wiggins · Post by **Kirk Wiggins** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:30 pm

Hi Martin,
I'm afraid the first part of your message is beyond me. However, I would be happy to help you with the single malt.
Regards,

Kirk

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:40 pm

Martin,

With al those channels your spoilt for choice. Just a couple of things though. I prefer one stick for fwd/reverse with one stick left and right using 100% mixing. I find it is easier to drive and leaves one hand free to work other channles like turret turn. The other thing you may find is that some channels on the heli radio are linked and have to be de-linked.

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:24 am

Thank you Allan. I was wondering about if it might make sense to operate Forward/Reverse and Left/Right on the left stick and then program the right stick for the Turret L/R and Up Down.

And thanks too for the mention about checking the Helicopter linking defaults - I will have to learn about these - I may even have to resort to reading the Instruction Manual! Now to figure out all the other switches.

One aspect that surprises me about the 14MZ is that there are so many sites with info about using the 14MZ with aircraft, and many of these sites host settings that can be downloaded and then loaded into the 14MZ, yet no where have I seen anything about someone using it for any Tank. Hmmm.

Regards

PS: Kirk, if you provide the view in Colorado I will bring the malt.

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:45 am

Also, because I am buying the new Armortek PCB Control Box this will eliminate the need for me to provide and maintain a separate 5 volt battery pack for the receiver