OP Config Version History

• This change has no bearing on the TCB - we have added an entry for the Arduino UNO in the drop-down on the Firmware tab, for flashing your own hex files to UNOs. Although the UNO uses a ATmega328p chip, it wants to be written to at 115,200 baud, as opposed to the 57,600 which works for the Nano and boards using an FTDI interface.

• Added various validations that will prevent conflicts occurring from the multiple possible uses of the Aux output. If the Smoker Type is set to "Separate Heat & Fan" the Aux Output is reserved to drive the smoker fan, and consequently the options to "Flicker Lights during Engine Start" and to "Auto Flash the Aux Output with Cannon" will be disabled to prevent them from accessing the Aux output. Otherwise, the "Auto Flash Aux Output with Cannon" will take precedence over the "Flicker Lights." All this also reflects the fact that since the last release the flicker effect no longer applies to the Headlights output (Light 1) but instead now to the Aux output (because we are unable to create a realistic flickering effect on the Headlight output which is not PWM-capable).

• On optional flickering effect can be applied to the headlights and brakelights during engine startup. This option is found on the "Lights & IO" tab under the heading "Light Effects."
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings on the TCB to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Change descriptions of external outputs A & B functions from "Turn On" and "Turn Off" to "High" and "Low."

• The user can now specify a pulse time for the General Purpose I/O Ports.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Add selections for the Heclo Shield - the ability to download its firmware, and extra onboard motor driver options.
• For more information on the Heclo Shield, please read this thread. Resources are also available on the Open Panzer Downloads page.

• Add a pop-up help message if the user appears to be having issues connecting to the TCB.

• Slight update to the track recoil user options.

• Add flashing options for generic devices.

• Increased precision of "Auto Stop Engine when idle for" time setting on the Driving tab to 1/10th of second from 1/2 second.
• Hide some unused sound options when the TBS Micro sound card is selected to avoid confusion.

• Minor bug fix that prevented Aux output functions from appearing under certain smoker selections.

• The last release attempted to increase the number of switch positions for digital RC channels to 12, this turns out to be unworkable at present and the number has been reduced to 9 (still up from 6 previously).
• Added functions to enable/disable/toggle the smoker preheat delay on the fly.
• Added a generic ATmega328 device selection on the Firmware tab for experimenters and others who want to use OP Config as a convenient firmware flashing tool for Arduino compatibles.

• Add the ability to read up to 12-position RC switches (previous maximum was 6 positions)
• Added functionality to skip the smoker pre-heat engine start delay with a hot-start setting. If the engine is being re-started within the specified hot-start time since the last engine shutdown, the pre-heat will be skipped. The idea here is that the heating element would have retained enough heat within this short time that no pre-heat is necessary. HOWEVER, the user setting is not presently enabled in OP Config as in testing we find that heating elements cool off very quickly and therefore this feature is not likely to be useful. The functionality now exists but it is not enabled.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Added expanded smoker functionality including the option to control the fan and heating element separately with individual levels for each and the option to pre-heat the heating element automatically prior to engine start and even a pre-heat sound option. See the Motors tab of OP Config and the Smoker installation pages in the Wiki for more information.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Minor bug fixes.

• Add a function to manually toggle the smoker output (in addition to on and off which were already present).
• Add a function to stop all currently-playing User Sounds (only with Benedini Mini and Open Panzer sound cards).

• Add three functions to Enable, Disable, or Toggle IR functionality.

• Add "DIY" version of TCB firmware, for those wishing to build homemade versions of the TCB using off-the-shelf Arduino Mega boards. Relocates the machine gun LED to Arduino pin 20 and the Recoil/Airsoft switch to Arduino pin 21. You can download and flash this firmware to your Mega from the Firmware tab of OP Config.

• Add six new function triggers based on vehicle movement - start moving forward, start moving reverse, vehicle arrived at stop, start right turn, start left turn, and turn ceased. Only active when engine running.
• Add blink functions for general purpose outputs A and B. User can define blink frequency in OP Config.
• Add three speed reduction functions (Reduce to 75%, 50% or 25%) and one "Restore Speed" function.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• OP Config will now remember the last location you saved/read OPZ files to/from, and will also remember your preference for showing/hiding the header.

• Add special functions for control of the Open Panzer Sound Card sound banks - two collections of up to 20 sounds each that can be manipulated like a standard playlist; eg play next, play previous, play random.
• Add ad-hoc triggers for engine start and engine stop. Superfluous because the user could instead just assign the same trigger used to start/stop the engine, but this can be more intuitive.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Permit the user to define the maximum current limit for the Scout ESC, found on the Misc tab. The Scout already has the ability to read such a setting and the user may wish to use a limit other than the default of 12 amps. Limit can be set from 1 to 30 amps, but 12 amps is the maximum continuous the Scout can handle without additional cooling.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Added IR protocols for the newer Taigen V2/V3 motherboards.

• Added TCB special menu to adjust steering servo end-points when used with halftracks or cars. Enter menu by setting Dipswitch 3 to ON and 4 to OFF, then press the INPUT button for 2 seconds. End point adjustment is done in the same manner as for the turret elevation servo, see this page for a video tutorial.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Increased number of positions possible for "digital" aux channels, from 3 to 6.
• Increased number of user sounds from 6 to 12 (presently can only use the full amount with the Open Panzer Sound Card)
• Various other updates that will work with the Open Panzer Sound Card such as a Light 2 sound option.
• User now has the option to enable/disable the Apple cannon-reloaded notification blink (on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config)
• Add digital functions for control of the Motor A & B outputs. When not used for turret/motor control this allows the user to repurpose them as high current (2 amp) switches, like built-in relays that provide switched VBatt.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Add a "no damage" option. Useful for those battling against stock Heng-Long/Taigen tanks that register hits but do not apply speed reductions.
• Added a "cannon reloaded" trigger.

• Add Toggle Dim Level function - when assigned to a digital trigger, will toggle the Aux output state between the preset dim level and off.
• Add steering, turret rotation, and barrel elevation channels as variable triggers. In addition to the throttle command trigger already added in 0.92.18, this allows us to remap or copy any of the stick channels to other (variable) outputs.
• We now permit halftracks with independent tread control to use RC outputs for the independent drive, but in such cases the steering servo will need to be moved from its usual location till now at RC Output 2, to RC Output 4. In this case the ability to use an RC output for barrel elevation will be overridden. When halftracks are used without RC control (such as serial motor controllers) then the steering servo is kept at RC Output 2 and the barrel elevation output is unaffected.

• Added three new analog (variable) trigger sources: throttle command, engine speed, and vehicle speed. These can be used to modify some analog function. See the Trigger List page in the Wiki for more information.
• Requires v0.92.18 of TCB firmware or later.

• Added support for Tamiya DMD units (T-01, T-03, T-08). These units integrate dual brushed speed controllers and an electronic mixer, they are operated by standard RC signals. When this type is selected the TCB will off-load all mixing to the DMD (this means the TCB's turn modes will not work).
• IMPORTANT NOTE: When attaching your DMD to the TCB, be sure to remove the positive (center) wire from your servo leads! Otherwise the BEC on the DMD will fight with the BEC on the TCB. Instructions for this are shown in the Wiki.

• Added minimal support for the Benedini Micro and clones (DasMikro/Orlandoo/etc). See the Wiki for details.
• Added manual transmission functionality for those without self-centering throttle sticks. Assign a 3 position switch to the three Manual Transmission functions (Forward, Reverse, Neutral) and select the gear manually, the throttle stick now controls speed only (not direction). Beware, there is no brake when using a manual transmission! You can force a brake to occur by changing gear. Also, the engine will refuse to start unless you are in neutral gear. For those with self-centering sticks, simply ignore the manual transmission functions and the TCB will default to auto.

• OP Config can now be used to update firmware on the Scout ESC and Open Panzer Sound Card, in addition to the TCB. See the options on the Firmware tab and read the in-program instructions for details.

• Added track recoil functionality, see the Driving tab.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Add track overlay enable/disable functions (only available with the Open Panzer sound card).
• Add relative volume adjustments for three categories of sound: engine, effects, and track overlay (only available with the Open Panzer sound card).
• Change default mechanical barrel selection to "Mechanical Recoil" instead of "Airsoft." When airsoft is selected an airsoft must actually be plugged into the TCB otherwise flash, servo recoil and sound will fail to occur on cannon fire. For those not using airsoft they are unlikely to bother looking at this setting and will instead leave it at the default, which would cause problems. Setting the default to mechanical recoil avoids that. Of course Airsoft can still be selected with a mouse click for those actually using it.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Version 0.92.09 skipped.

• Rollback serial port changes implemented in v0.92.06. These did not improve the situation they were intended to address and may have created problems connecting in other cases.
• Added second machine gun functions to the function list, as well as a new setting on the Lights & IO tab for second machine gun blink interval, independent of the primary machine gun blink interval. Previously it was possible to create a second machine gun using the Flash feature of the Aux output and several function triggers (this is still possible), but with these new dedicated functions the procedure is simplified. If implemented the second machine gun LED will be plugged into the L2 (Light 2) port, leaving the Aux output free for other uses.
• Coding change to permit arbitrary sorting of the functions in the function list, this lets us keep like items grouped together regardless of the historical order in which they were created.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• Version 0.92.07 skipped.

• Added ability to select Pan Servo for turret rotation. Most users will not want this but it can be useful for turret-less tanks (eg Jagdpanther) with a limited traverse barrel.
• The serial port is now left open in the background temporarily afetr a failed connection attempt, this is to incresae the chances of a successful second connection attempt for certain users.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes in this release will cause all EEPROM settings to be reverted to default after the firmware is flashed. It is advised to save an OPZ file of your settings before updating the firmware.

• External outputs A & B now have default pin status options (high or low) as well as new Pulse function to briefly set the pin to the non-default state - this can be used to emulate a button press for an external device.
• The Aux Output was also given an Inverse Flash function (in addition to the existing Flash function), this allows it to also be used a button press, use the Inverse Flash if your external device expects a button press as "input held to ground."
• Two new ad-hoc function triggers added: "Cannon Hit" and "Vehicle Destroyed."

• Enable the ability to connect directly from Snoop mode. May help work-around certain Windows issues for those who can create a Snoop connection but are unable to actually "connect."

• Add a new option to enable a special feature of the Scout ESC that can "drag" the inner (slower) track during turns to assist in turning and steering for heavy models using freewheeling gearboxes such as the Taigen V2 that tend to keep spinning rather than slowing down when power is reduced. See the Scout documentation, or the OP Config help file accessed from the driving tab.
• Add extra user sound functions for a total of 6 (depending on the selected sound card). Clean up the Sounds tab, including hiding settings that will not be used for specific sound card selections (rather than just disabling them as before).

• Added additional trigger sources - speed-based (vehicle goes above or falls below some user defined speed percentage) and ad-hoc triggers (presently the only one is "brakes applied" but we can add up to 16 in the future). These triggers departs from the traditional "input" and represent instead "events" from which the user may want other events to be triggered.
• As a convenience to the user, OP Config will now routinely poll the COM ports list; as new devices are plugged in or removed the list is now automatically updated. Only poll while not connected. At this point we could get rid of the COM ports refresh button but we'll leave it since it doesn't hurt.
• We can now display TCB firmware release notes in the console window on the Firmware tab when the latest version is downloaded, if they are included in the version.txt file. We can choose to include them or not, the rest of the process will work as usual either way so long as the first two lines continue to possess the version number and date.

• Added manual smoker output on/off functions. Most people will want to actually use a smoker and have the TCB control it automatically, but for special applications this allows you to use the smoker output as a high-current digital switch (3 amps max) that can be controlled from the transmitter.

• Adjustment to the Benedini TBS sound option including the addition of two new functions (increase and decrease volume), to take advantage of new features available in Benedini TBS Flash v3.x

• Added Auto Flash with Cannon option to the Aux light output. Check the box and the Aux output will flash automatically whenever the cannon is fired, no function triggers needed. Useful for those using a regular LED for the muzzle flash instead of a high-intensity flash unit (which has its own dedicated connector).
• Set tab order for all controls in OP Config.

• In addition to having version numbers for both TCB firmware and OP Config software, each now also has the minimum version number it expects in order to function propery with the other. On connection with the TCB, OP Config first asks it for its firmware version. If this version is less than the active version of OP Config requires, it will prompt the user to flash new firmware to the TCB. Secondly, OP Config then asks the TCB what version of OP Config the TCB expects. If this version is greater than the active version of OP Config, OP Config prompts the user to update itself.
• To avoid confusion, a new Vehicle Type has been added specifically for tanks using clutch-style gearboxes, the most well-known example of which is the DKLM RC Propulsion Dynamics Steel Gearbox (PDSGB). The TCB was compatible with these types already but the user has to select Car as the vehicle type which was counter-intuitive.
• NOTE: This version requires TCB firmware 0.91.00

• Added the ability to select two new sound cards: Taigen standalone cards and the Open Panzer card. The latter is still under development but for testing the option to select it is now enabled.
• Added extra servo passthrough functions for RC outputs 6, 7, and 8. These may now be freed for general use depending on what sound card is selected. The Benedini required all three, but other sounds cards will not.
• NOTE: This version requires TCB firmware 0.90.24

• This version number was skipped due to issues with the 9.23 TCB firmware.

• Small updates to improve radio streaming.
• Addition of variables and functionality in preparation for a future sound card.

• TCB firmware download will now show firmware date as well as version number.

• Two distinct driving profiles created for inertia and momentum settings, can be switched on the fly.
• User defined smoker speed for tank destroyed state.
• Added support for Open Panzer Scout serial motor controller.
• Immediate direction changes are allowed if Change Direction Delay set to 0 and acceleration and deceleration constraints disabled.
• Added Pololu Qik configuration buttons on Misc tab.
• Servo recoil defaults now match Taigen Tiger 1 recoil unit. Servo recoil reversing can now be set from OP Config as well as directly from TCB.
• Forward and reverse speed limits can now be specified.
• Turret rotation and barrel elevation motor speed limits can now be specified.
• Added functions to to enable/disable the airsoft (or mechanical recoil unit, whichever is selected).
• Updated help files to reflect compatiblity with iBus.
• Increased length of time OP Config will attempt to connect with TCB.
• OP Config can now open .opz files from the command-line, or by double-clicking them.
• AVRDUDE flash verify has been disabled (-V option), cutting flash time in half.
• Added OP Scout ESC compatibility
• Added Sabertooth Baud Rate tool
• setDataTerminalReady(true) means DTR High, not low
• Add functions to manually enable/disable smoker
• Ability to detach the turret stick from control of the turret motors, which most users will not need to do but which can be useful in special applications.
• Various bug fixes.

• Initial Release