Armortek

Hi everyone

My name is Vince and I live on the island of Malta. After 40 years in the airline industry I have finally decided to retire (famous last words!!) and decided to make one of my dreams come true. I have been a great fan of Armortek kits but don't own one. When Armortek came out with their latest kit (Tiger 1 late variant) I could not resist anymore and pre-ordered one. After all, the Tiger has been a my favourite since childhood.

I am not completely new to metal models and I have a decent workshop with which I scratch build them. If you want to have a look, my YouTube channel where some of them are displayed, is:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQaaRt ... uyw3uwDnFw

Having said that, I already anticipate that the Tiger will give me new challenges and problems to solve especially as I suspect that there are no other Armortek owners on the island which brings me to my first question.

What batteries are used in these kits. I know that two 12 volt batteries are used, but what capacity? Most probably this information is in the kit literature somewhere but as I am still waiting for my own, I don't have manual. I am asking now so that I can start my treasure hunt and see what is available locally.

My other question is regarding radio control equipment. I never owned any R/C equipment and it feels like I am out of my depth in this area. In a recent thread on this forum I deduced that Spektrum equipment is quite popular. How many channels do I need? I suspect 8 or 9 channels should be sufficient. Which model transmitter and receiver is compatible with the Armortek electronics? It seems not all are compatible. Also, as most probably I will have to get these from the UK, could somebody point me to a reputable dealer?

Best regards
Vince

Hi Vince,

I am sure others will chime in, but in the factory on our test rig we use 2 x Yuasa REC22-12 batteries and a Spektrum DX6e transmitter with an AR610 receiver.

Kian

Hi Vince, may I add to Kian and Monique’s welcome? We’ve had some wonderful holidays in Malta, with its proud history.

Can I guide you towards the Knowledge Base on the Forum? It’s intended to provide the sort of answers you need. Start with the section on “How to find what you’re looking for” here:

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... =35&t=5824

And then browse through the various topics. They are divided into Basic - for those building out of the box - and Advanced - for those wishing to customise their models. There are specific topics on batteries and on radio selection and setting up.

Sounds as though you’ve got a head start with your previous modelling experience. I can’t say too strongly that this is onne of the most friendly and helpful Forums around. The Armortek worldwide community is always generous with sharing experience and knowledge. Don’t be slow to ask. No question is too simple.

Finally, the Forum readers are always interested in seeing builds, which are a good way to share experience and answer questions.

All the best

Stephen


,

Thanks Kian for the reply.

I googled the Yuasa battery you mentioned and now I know what capacity and physical dimensions I should be looking out for. Also thanks for telling me what R/C setup you are using which is a good starting point for me. I guess 6 channel is the bare minimum for the Tiger. I need a channel I guess for these items:
1) Left track
2) Right track
3) Turret rotation
4) Gun elevation
5) Recoil
6) Light

Is this correct? Do I need a channel also for the sound module and the smoker?

Vince

Thanks Stephen for the welcome and that link which helped me in finding a topic where is says that from 2016, the Armortek modules are compatible with all R/C systems.

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... =34&t=6139

Vince

Vince, when you come to set up your radio system, you’ll have a choice whether to control the tank motion with one or two sticks. The radio will actually support a number of different configurations but the two most common are:

Single stick: left stick controls turret (left/right = traverse, up/down controls elevation of the gun); right stick controls motion (fwd/back controls speed, left/right controls steering)

Two stick: (left stick fwd/back controls left track speed, left/right controls turret traverse); right stick fwd/back controls right track, left/right controls gun elevation). Some builders actually dispense with elevation.

There is no right or wrong, it’s entirely a matter of personal preference (and previous RC experience). The two stick option is said to be closer to real tank controls. The single stick option is said to simplify the coordination of steering and speed by putting it on one stick. The two stick option requires the coordination of two controls to achieve one outcome. You’ll quickly adapt to whichever you choose.

All the best.

Stephen

> Do I need a channel also for the sound module and the smoker?

The recoil is controlled by the Audio Module, so number 5 on your list should become the sound control channel.

The Smoker power is supplied by the Motion Control Module but is not switchable from the transmitter.

You would need to add an RC switch model to be able to do that. Something like a Dimension Engineering Battle Switch.

Adrian.

Welcome to this Forum Vince!
When I see your videos from your engines - I believe you have no problem to build a very good armortek model.
I prefer to have at the stick left side fwd/back for speed fwd/back. And the right stick left/right to steering the model left/right. Therefore you need a mixer function in your transmitter. But all new transmitter have this function.
For me is it much more easier to operate my model with two hands.
Kind regards
Frank

Hi Vince,

If you decide to use Spektrum radio gear then I would suggest that you go for the DX7 rather than the DX6 as the DX7 has more usable functions and has failsafe on all channels. I have been using Spektrum gear for about 5 years with Armortek models and have not had any problems. You will need an extra channel for the sound system and if you go for the DX7 or DX9 (as they don't make the DX8 any longer) there is a pot that you can replace with the Benidini encoder switch (which makes sound selections a lot easier) plus you can convert the left stick to spring return to center without having to purchase any extra bits. Using a 24 volt relay you can switch the smoker on/off from the transmitter using one of the functions in the tank control module. Welcome to the Forum. Any more info then get in touch.

Dennis.

I thought it was the DX7 they had dropped ?

It's no longer shown on the front page of the Spektrum website:

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Air/Radios.aspx

Adrian.

My apologies it looks as though the Dx7 is finished but they still make the DX8.

Dennis.

Thank you guys for the suggestions and comments.

Vince

I have just ordered a Spektrum DX8 transmitter and a Spektrum AR8010T receiver for the Tiger 1.

Silly question, but will the receiver take it's power supply from the motion module or will it need a separate power supply?

Best regards

Vince

hi Vince,

The Armortek module will supply the receiver power and if it's one of the new modules then you don't need an extra cable for power as the power is supplied through one of the speed control cables.

Dennis.

Thanks Dennis

Vince