How loud are your tanks?

michael didonato · Post by **michael didonato** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 1:19 am

I was wondering if anybody added a bigger amplifier to their Benedini sound module. I have installed everything and put the speaker in an enclosed speaker box. It sounds great but its not as loud as I would like it to be. I did turn up the volume, but if you turn it up too loud it cuts off and distorts. I was thinking if there was a way to hook up a car audio amplifier and to put voltage regualtor to drop the 24volts down to 12V..I would be able to place two speakers without being afraid to turn up the volume? Anyone do this type of installation yet?

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 7:10 am

Hi Michael
I think you will find that is the set up Mark has in the new King Tiger.
I understand it will be an upgrade option next year.

Derek

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:36 pm

I've recently been having some fun trying out amplifier kits and speakers for my Sherman. I've also fabricated a somewhat more "industrial" enclosure for the speaker...

I've found that there adding quite a simple amplifier to a Benedini module really boosts the sound, to the extent that the speakers power handling becomes the limiting factor. The kit I'm using is this one:

http://www.quasarelectronics.com/3088.htm

though I've modified it slightly so that it is running as a mono 20W bridged amp.

The main problem I'm currently chewing over is that I'm not happy with the bass frequency response. I have tried adding a simple PC sub-woofer to the sound module and it sounded superb, but there just isn't room in the tank for it

Next step is to install a bass boosting circuit between the Benedini and the amp.

Hopefully when I get round to the Tiger there'll be plenty of room for a decent hi-fi

On a related point, I was really surprised at Tankfest this year at just how quiet the Tiger was when up close. Compared to the banshee wails of some of the more recent vehicles it was quite a restrained hum.

Adrian.

Paul Butler · Post by **Paul Butler** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:15 pm

Having heard marks King tiger at the open day makes my 4 inch home made boxed speakers seem a bit lacking! So has anyone put 6.5 inch full range drive units into the rear of the tiger using the tank as the enclosure?
I'm using the tamiya sound system as a sound source until Marks upgrade appears.
I also know that power isn't everything but speaker size is . 15" sound great but dragging it behind is impractical
Comments please

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:51 pm

I've messed around with amplifying sound systems for tanks. First I used the Benedini amplifier to amplify the Stuart tank. Then I used a set of active computer speakers to amplify my Tiger. The Tiger uses the Tamiya sound system but the theory is the same what ever system you are using. The most important things to get right are the input as too high an input level can cause distortions and the speakers (size and impedence). I think that it is important to mount the speaker in a box that reflects the sound rather than mount a "naked" speaker. Also go for the largest speaker possible for quality and base. You also need the right impedence for your amplifier and if you put two speakers in parrallel this reduces the impedence (ie 1/R1 + 1/R2). The Tiger with its enclosed hull really does cut down the sound level so a bit of amplification is good. I'm using some 5 watt computer speakers which have good volume.

Paul Butler · Post by **Paul Butler** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:50 pm

Thank you for the reply Allan, useful Information.