Open Panzer
Open Panzer Help & Info => Open Panzer Help => Topic started by: Tom on January 06, 2026, 01:43:57 PM
-
Everything was working last year and this recently when I fired up the tank. The tracks are not moving..I see an error light red light on the sabertooth. Not sure what the issue is? Everything seems connected fine. My other tank runs fine after sitting. My thought is maybe the battery isn't enough voltage so will try and fresh battery soon. But is was strong enough to run smoke unit? Thanks :)
-
Hi Tom, probably a few things to check. First of all, yes, try a good battery, if your other one has been sitting a year it may not be up to snuff anymore, or anyway it might need a charge.
Here is the info from the Sabertooth manual about the LEDs on the Sabertooth:
The green LED marked Status2 is used in lithium mode. It blinks to indicate the number of lithium cells detected. Also, when Status2 and Error are flashing at the same time, and you are experiencing no output from the motors, the unit is displaying low voltage mode. Charge your batteries first, and if that does not work, you will need a larger battery. Keep in mind that when a lot of current is pulled from a battery, the voltage will drop. The more depleted the battery, the worse the voltage drop. The Sabertooth will hold the unit in the error state for longer than the battery voltage drops. This is to stop the unit from stuttering and gives the user enough time to diagnose the flashing LEDs.
The red Error LED illuminates if the Sabertooth has detected a problem. It will light if the driver has shut down due to overheating or overcurrent.
Make sure also that the dipswitches on your Sabertooth are set correctly (there are dipswitches also on the TCB, but here I am talking about the ones on the Sabertooth itself): See this link for a picture (https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:motors:serialmotor#sabertooth_-_serial_controllers), but basically switches 1 and 2 should be off, and 3-6 should be on.
Also the Sabertooth 2x12 also needs its baud rate set by OP Config. This is done with the utility on the Misc tab of OP Config. Read the help file on that section (click the little "?" button) to learn more.
Finally, I assume you having the 2x12 and are controlling it via serial commands from the TCB. If you have the 2x12 "RC" version that is a different story, and you can read more about the correct setup for it at the same link I provided above.
Let us know what you find out,
Luke
-
Hi Luke,
It seems the battery was the issue! Thanks!
Really happen the board is being made again. Just ordered a new one for one tank
that didn't have anything.
Tom
-
I'm glad that's all it was! Happy tanking!
-
I ordered a new TCB and downloaded the the OP on a new PC. I connected to one of my old working tcb's and updated it with flash..but now nothing happens with the old tank and board? It shows all functions and reads the radio but it won't start or respond? Something is not connecting between the old board and radio now..I downloaded a saved file but not working.
I am sure I am doing something wrong just not sure what :)
-
I connected the old tcb it then saved the file..but it was blank? So had an old file which I imported in the new computer..it saved and shows all connections and functions but not actually working on the tank.
-
I got it! Needed to write to device lol. Thank goodness for the amazingly clear information..just needed to get up to speed again :)
-
Ha ha, I love these requests where the user fixes the problem before I get around to replying. ;D Glad it was a simple fix.
-
Hi Luke,
I just set up the open panzer again and luckily had a saved setting that I could download..after hitting "read" lol onto a new board.
I have a Benedini TBS's with a great set of full sounds but... I unfortunately didn't save a TBS file of it.
It works fine on my existing tank with the
TCB. I have new TBS with the new TCB for another tank and want to download sounds from the current TBS onto it. (then maybe change a few sounds later. I down loaded the V 4 flash and connected the old TBS with existing sounds and parameters. The unit shows it's connected but it's blank? I tried downloading a new sound into a slot and it goes in but didn't hit read as I don't want to erase what I have. Shouldn't the TBS show all the current sounds and parameters in slots ect when connected? It works fine when connected to the TCB so there are sounds and parameters that work. I flashed firmware update and to both V1 and V2 and connected to both but it still is blank when connected. It also loaded a TBS. file and parameters I did save but I don't want to use. I guess I could find/ drop all the sounds in fresh but it will take a lot of time :) Again maybe I am just missing something simple here? TY!!
-
Hi,
the TBS Flash V4 can´nt read the Sound-Files from the Board, it show only the downloaded Sound-Files.
The Software can read the Parameter and the Diagnostic/Propsettings and save as a file.
-
Jürgen is right. You need to save your sound files on your PC for backup, you can't read them off the Benedini sound card.
-
So if the TBS is fully loaded with sounds, when connected each slot looks blank? That is what I see ..or don't see lol after it connects.
-
So if the TBS is fully loaded with sounds, when connected each slot looks blank? That is what I see ..or don't see lol after it connects.
Again, the Software can´t read the stored sounds from the TCB.... therefor you see blank slots.
-
Okay let me take it from there. Thanks! Learning curve again lol.
-
Again might be missing something here. But when I connect the fully loaded TBS with sounds it shows nothing in the sound slots and if I save it.. is a blank file. That is normal? So to save the whole thing I need to load all the sounds in fresh along with parameters, then save it? Thanks :)
-
I'm not sure when you say "I have connected the fully loaded TBS with sounds" you mean that you are connecting to your sound card, or if you mean you are loading a .tbs file from your computer.
But as Jürgen says, TBS Flash doesn't know anything about the sounds on the Benedini sound card, it only knows about whatever sounds you give it from your computer. That doesn't mean there might not be sounds on your sound card, as is the case with you. But you can not read those sounds from the sound card. When it comes to sounds and the Benedini, the direction is only one way: from the computer->to->the sound card. You can't go the other direction and so yes, TBS Flash will show blank sounds even after having connected with the special cable to your sound card.
Now in TBS Flash you can save all your sounds to a ".tbs" file on your computer, and then you can load the file later and all the sounds will appear in TBS Flash in their appropriate slots. Then you would write those to the sound card.
But if you never saved a ".tbs" file to your computer, then you just have to start over by loading each individual sound into TBS Flash. Write it all to the sound card, and save a ".tbs" file to your computer as a backup.
-
Perfect. Thanks Luke! Yes sadly my old pc had the latest files so I will just need to reload everything then save it!
-
So far everything set up nicely with Saber TBS and TCB! One small thing is on my other tank the right stick forward/reverse controlled the tracks front to back and moving left to right turning. The proper set up. I wired up the new tank and it is reversed on the stick. Forward /Reverse is left right and turning up and down. Simplest fix ..re-wire saber/Settings on OP or radio (Tanaris)? I guess I would prefer not to via radio as I would use it with the same receiver on both tanks or at least until I get another receiver.
-
I agree, you should not need to change anything on the transmitter itself. The first thing to do is run through Radio Setup in OP Config to make sure that OP Config knows what order your channels are in, and what direction the sticks are moving. If you need to reverse any channels to make the directions displayed in OP Config match what direction your sticks are moving in real life, you do that in OP Config using the Reversed checkboxes.
Once all that looks correct, then write the settings to the TCB. If after that your tank still doesn't move in the correct direction, what you need to do is swap the positive/negative motor wires to your ESCs until it moves in the expected way.
-
The change using TCB did work to switch the controls..but the momentum was now on turning. So the best fix was fixing wires on Saber inputs on motors. But is was driving me crazy..because I soldered the red and black wires backwards + - on one of the new motors and it took a long time to find that mistake! But all good now..thanks Luke!
-
Based on the suggestions on Open Panzer I purchased a FrSKY X4R that works perfectly with my Tanaris radio. I don't see them made anymore, what would be the same type that would plug/work in the same way?
-
FS-A8S seems like will plug in same way?
-
Or better X8R?
-
Seems like with the Tanaris and based on the Wiki suggestions the FrSky X8R is the best option :)
The X4R seems to be discontinued.
-
Hi Tom, yeah, I have been out of the hobby for many years so I'm sure the info in the Wiki on what is available is not very up-to-date. I just did a quick check of the FrSky website and they have four pages of receivers so it seems they have no shortage of alternative options.
The FS-A8S is FlySky so that's a completely different protocol. But the X8R will certainly work, though it is larger in size than the X4R. And any other FrSky receiver compatible with your radio and that has the option for PPM, SBus or iBus output will work, so I'd suggest looking through their offerings and picking what looks best for your needs.
-
Thanks Luke. Yes I haven't touched these tanks in several years but my WW2 history buff friend came by so I decided to fix up one that had no TCB set up. Are you guys still working on getting the Sound Card produced someday? Pretty cool the TCB was finally made after Hobby King stopped making them.
-
The sound card unfortunately is a dead project as the hardware it was based on has been discontinued. User Foxhood has started a thread about an alternate version he is working on, so you might want to follow that one: OPSC Lite (https://openpanzer.org/forum/index.php?topic=340.0)
-
On this tank I have the taigen recoil set up. It works but there is a
delay between gun flash and recoil. Not sure if that can be corrected? The other tank has servo recoil and timed perfect.
On this one I have on Motors: Mechanical Barrel
Trigger with cannon: checked.
Select Type : Mechanical recoil.
Delay between recoil and light/sound: set to 0.
I unchecked Trigger with cannon, but then no recoil (If unchecked, use function trigger) It's okay.. just wondering if any settings to coordinate it better?
Functions: Cannon fire Aux Channel 4- Pos 1 (of 3)
Aux Output -Flash Aux Channel 4- Pos 1 (of 3)
-
Okay..again need to really read over and refresh myself on all of this lol. I just need to add another function and trigger to trigger it! I had cannon, flash but the cannon is sound and not mechanical recoil setting :)Will try this soon.
-
Hi Tom, one usually does want to trigger the mechanical recoil with the Cannon function, so I would leave that checked. It means that you only need to define one function, Cannon Fire, which will take care of the mechanical recoil as well as IR, sound, and the high intensity flash.
It sounds like you're using the Aux Output for your cannon LED, instead of the high intensity flash. That's fine, there is an option you can check on the Lights & IO tab, under the Aux Output heading, to "Auto Flash with Cannon." Check that and then when you call the Cannon Fire function it will take care of flashing the Aux Output at the correct moment. This way you don't need a second function trigger for the Aux Output flash, and using two function triggers might be the reason they're not synched exactly.
-
Thanks Luke! Will try.
Also, I assume delay between recoil and light sound is the delay in recoil movement after sound and light flash?
-
The recoil delay is a delay between the time when the recoil motor is begun, and when the sound and light effects will occur. In some cases the Taigen motor will run a little bit before the recoil action (snap back) actually occurs, so if necessary you can use this delay to more closely synchronize the sound/light with the actual recoil movement.
-
Hi Luke,
Everything is finally set up except barrel elevation not working?
Turret works on Built in driver A. But elevation not on driver B?
The turret motor does work when connected to A but it seems no power coming
out of B. Turret also not working on B. Again maybe I have missed something though
it seems all set up right. Radio controls read okay.
Maybe you see something here? Was thinking if for some reason B not getting a signal or power.
Would it be possible to use the servo output for Servo pan effect on Aux 4 to power the elevation motor?
Thanks!
Tom
-
If as a test you connect the barrel elevation motor to Motor Driver A, does the barrel elevation motor move? If so you could rule out a problem with the barrel elevation motor. And if the motor is fine, then the only thing I can surmise is that Driver B must be defective on your TCB board. I have never heard of this happening before, and the same chip produces the output for Drivers A & B, so it would be rather unusual that A works but B doesn't. Nevertheless that's all I can think of. I see nothing unusual with your OPZ file.
If you are able to control the barrel elevation with a servo, then you certainly can use the Servo Pan Effect on RC 4.
-
Yes the elevation motor works on A just not B. Darn..
So no way to hook up the barrel elevation to the one that would drive a servo motor to the Taigen barrel elevation motor?
-
I do have another board that is driving the recoil and elevation via servo so I can switch the boards. Though I did ask Torro to send a new board as per your point, that for some reason Driver B is not working. If for some crazy reason the other board is not working on B it must be in the settings but it doesn't seem to be the case?
-
I just thought on my other board I am using B with servo setting to control servo pan effect. So I assume on this board B won't control a servo either?
So I can use Pan servo on RC 4 bypassing B and also run the Taigen elevation motor on the same RC 4?
Trying to see if I can use the other board for this non servo elevation and the defective board to control the elevation servo?
-
Sorry Tom, but your posts are not entirely clear.
But trying to read between the lines, yes, if you have a second TCB it would certainly be a good idea to see if the barrel elevation motor driver is working on that second TCB.
The servo outputs are completely different things than the turret/barrel motor driver. Servo outputs are just that, RC signals. The motor drivers actually create voltages to drive a motor. If your motor driver is toast for whatever reason, that doesn't mean your RC outputs will not work. But all of this you can test for yourself! Then you will know what works and doesn't.
-
Sorry, I guess the short question was if there was another way to drive the non servo elevation motor without B working to supply voltage. Thanks!
-
So I am thinking on this defective board I can use servo output 4 to drive the servo barrel elevation on my other tank and use the other fully working board to drive the taigen barrel elevation on serial motor output B on this tank.
-
So I am thinking on this defective board I can use servo output 4 to drive the servo barrel elevation on my other tank and use the other fully working board to drive the taigen barrel elevation on serial motor output B on this tank.
Yes, I think you should try that.
-
Hey Luke,
Fixed it and wanted to share what the issue was.
I swapped TCB boards and the same thing was happening. As you pointed out it would be odd for a TCB board to work on A but not B as it is the same chip.
So it was impossible both boards to have the same issue.
After trying everything over and over... for the heck of if... I attached a spare light for barrel flash to the B port and the barrel elevation stick on the radio
lit the bulb dim to bright so there was some power coming out of that terminal, but it seems not enough to drive the motor. I had a voltage meter on the terminals
but not set to read that low.
So. The radio was working along with the turret motor. Battery was charged. So my only thought it had to be some setting.
Finally it hit me that when I transferred my OPZ file from the first tank using Servos, the maximum elevation was set to 50%
That was it! All I had to do was bump it up to 100% and now it works :)
Thanks,
Tom
-
Good news. That outcome makes a lot more sense than that the motor driver chip would have been bad, but it took some troubleshooting on your part to figure it out. Glad to hear it's all working now.
-
Thanks! One small and not important one; On first cannon trigger the sound and flash trigger but no recoil. Upon the second time and after that the recoil activates and syncs with the sound and flash?
-
Hi Tom, I believe you're using a Taigen mechanical recoil unit. Did you modify it according to the Wiki instructions (https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:mechrecoil#taigen_asiatam_recoil_units)?
-
Yes re-wired and it works. Just odd that on the first toggle the flash and sound happen but no recoil. On the second toggle and after that, all operates properly.
It's just on start-up, for the first one it doesn't recoil. Not really a big deal just curious why that may happen :)
-
What you describe is certainly unusual and I will continue to ponder it, but so far I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't recoil correctly from the first try, or why if it doesn't on the first try it should then fix itself on the subsequent tries. In the order of operation in the code, voltage to the mechanical recoil motor is the step that occurs right before the flash and sound, so if the flash and sound occur by definition the motor should be moving. So I really can't think of why it is not working in your case, unless the mechanism itself is bound up to such an extent that the motor can't overcome the friction. But if that were the case one would think it would fail more frequently than just the first time.
So anyway I am stumped to explain what you're seeing, and it may be a quirk that you just have to live with.
-
True seems odd! I'll just for fun try the new board and see if it happens
-
Hey Luke,
The OPZ saved setting today wouldn't open it said "Smart App Control blocked an App that may be unsafe"
Wanted to see if this happens on your end too? Worked for me up until a few days ago. Should I turn this off on my computer? Can it be signed/verified? Just want to know the right next step to get it working again + bring it to your attention.
Thanks!
Tom
-
Hi Tom, there's no practical way to get Open Panzer verified by Microsoft. If Windows is preventing you from running the program, then your only option is to turn off Smart App Control.
-
Okay thanks! Did that and it works. Wondering with the transmission and how it engages upon engine start up. Is it possible to have it "not engaged" on start up?
It seems to make more sense.. as one wouldn't want the transmission engaged when starting then when ready .. engage to run. Totally small point, just curious. Also testing the recoil on a new board just to see if it triggers on first attempt.
-
The auto engage of the transmission with engine start is useful for those people who don't want to mess with it, or who have limited channels available on their radio for unnecessary functions.
If you want to control it manually, just assign a switch to the Transmission Turn On / Turn Off functions, and then it will be whatever your switch tells it to be.
-
Perfect. Ty!
-
Again not a big issue. But on another TCB it does the same thing..no recoil on first try then fine!
-
Hi Tom, that does not surprise me. We know there is nothing wrong with the TCB hardware, since it can perform the recoil every time after the first. That leaves firmware or something mechanical with the recoil unit itself. Your second TCB has the same firwmare, and you are testing on the same recoil unit, so the result is the same.
There is nothing I can think of that would account for the behavior you describe, but I have nevertheless taken a stab in the dark at some modification of firmware that may or may not have anything to do with it. At any rate you can test it. Connect your TCB to your computer, read the settings into OP Config, flash the attached hex file from the Firmware tab selecting "Use your own Hex," then when that is done, re-write your settings back to the TCB.
Then you can try and see what happens.
-
Just an idea and not sure if hard to program. Often any engine on start-up emits more smoke. A cool idea would be a "start up"
tab to allow full fan speed for an adjustable amount of seconds . One could also add a rough start up sound to work with the extra smoke until it reduces smoke output at warmed up idle.
-
Hi Tom, that is not a bad suggestion, however I do not have time for further development on this project, only ongoing support and bug fixes if any are found.
Several years ago when Torro decided to produce the TCB they asked me to create an effect where the smoker "sputters" on startup, and this was implemented (and is still active). It occupies about the first 2 seconds after startup, and the basic idea is something similar to what you propose, but the way it works is that the smoker speed is alternated between max and off for brief intervals, to create "sputtering" or "puffing." It is not terribly effective, because most of the available hobby smoker designs are not reactive enough to make short, abrupt changes in speed very evident.
At any rate, there are no doubt all kinds of various smoker embellishments that could be experimented with, but I am going to leave those for others to work on if they have the desire and ability.
-
Thanks Luke! Yes maybe somebody can implement that idea :)
I also agree that the fan on off quickly wouldn't look great. But a higher idle for a preset amount of seconds would give the extra smoke and I feel,
mimic a cold/choked engine. This could be combined with a rough start up sound before settling into the repeat idle.
I appreciate you still looking and maintaining the site! I had a very old PC and when it broke stopped messing with the TCB. I got a new PC to handle a 3D scanner for my sculptures but decided to jump back into the TCB for fun and then found Torro making the board so got one for the tank I had without. Weather is nasty, so it is a fun indoor
thing to mess with again :)
-
It's been a while but I did bind two X4R's to my taranis Q7 radio. Probably 4 years ago.
I got a X8R ACCST and having some issues binding.
Plugged TBC wire into SBUS pins on X8R and powered up with FS button held on when trying to bind..red and green lights on receiver. But not binding.
On the radio tried various things and can't get it to bind? Again, probably missing something :)
As I scroll down after creating a new model these are the options..
External RF
Mode Options: SBUS/DSM2/R9M/R9MAccess/XJT/PPM
Ch Range Ch1-16
Internal RF
Mode: ACCST D16
Ch Range ch1-16
Rx 04 (model number) [Bnd] [Rng]
Receiver 1 Bnd
2 Bnd
3 Bnd
Looked at a few videos but not showing exactly what I am seeing on mine..
Any sequence that is correct.. if this is familiar would be appreciated:)
-
FrSky changed the Firmware for the Transmitter and Reciever, because saftey issues.
I think your Transmitter use the old V1-Firmware and the X8R have the newer V2-Firmware...
Either update the transmitter to the V2 firmware and all your receivers as well, or downgrade the X8R to the old V1 firmware.
-
Thanks Luke. Any other receivers that would work with the old firmware radio? I can return this and get another. Hard time finding an xr4 anymore.
If nothing out there will have to do as you suggest :)
-
You mean thanks "Jürgen"!
Here are a couple threads I found on RCGroups about the same issue that Jürgen has mentioned:
Taranis QX7 / X8R wont bind. Help! (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4689841-Taranis-QX7-X8R-wont-bind-Help%21)
Qx7 & X8R not binding - both international version (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3928547-Qx7-X8R-not-binding-both-international-version)
I have not kept up with all the developments in radios and receivers the last many years, so I don't have any recommendations to give you. I'm sure there are many options, but as usual, Google is your friend.
Things have certainly got a lot more complicated from the old days when you just had to have a matching crystal. For model tanks all this extra complexity is overkill, but I guess it's the only option nowadays.
-
Thanks Jurgen! I may try to grab a x4r at some point if I can find one. If anybody knows of a receiver that will pair with this older firmware Taranis Q7 let me know:)
-
All compatible receivers will have v2 firmware....
Simply download the old v1 firmware for the receiver from Frsky, flash it, and you'll have a compatible one.
Anyone who is able to configure a TCB should also be able to flash a receiver. ;)
There is no other way.
-
Thanks. Seems like I need a few types of connector cables for the receiver but that seems easy enough.
The downloads to the proper one for x8R for taranis Q7 1.0 firmware. Is there a best link to the best/proper one? I didn't find it on the frysky
site..again maybe missing something lol. I did see other sites though. It isn't a rush just curious and thank you for the help/advice!
-
https://www.frsky-rc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Firmware/Beta-X8R%26X6R/X8R%20X6R%20FW20180322.zip
-
I noticed the track recoil triggers exactly with sound and flash but before the barrel itself recoils which looks a bit odd as if the tank did kick
back a bit it would be when the barrel recoils back into the turret. An adjustable delay would be cool to allow the barrel to recoil back.. then the tracks would
trigger. Also, the new effect when hit with IR would be more realistic as the round would have a delay before it hit another tank at range. Just a thought :)
-
Thank you!!
-
Have a few Benedini Mini's that work. They don't make them now my old DasMikro used to connect to use but not anymore. I think they used the older
versions of for Flashing/connection which won't connect now. Do the current DasMikro work with Flash V4?
-
Hi Tom,
If you have any trouble getting your X8R downgraded to the v1 firmware, please feel free to reach out to me.
I work for FrSky in the US office, you can find me on Facebook also under "FrSky Ben", or feel free to message me directly here.
As others have mentioned, your radio is likely on older v1 firmware, and any receivers you buy new will be shipping on V2 firmware.
Be sure to flash your X8R with the "FCC" version since you are in USA you are likely on FCC version radio also.
And yes, X4R have been discontinued for a long time, so pretty much only way to find them would be second-hand market.
Lastly, if you buy any of the newer 'ARCHER Plus' receivers, they -will- work with your radio, but they only support v2 firmware, so you'd have to update your radio to v2 as well as all your older\existing receivers that you have (and rebind them)
Just let me know if you need any extra help with it.
-
Thank you!!!
-
Hi Tom, if the track recoil/sound/and flash do not occur when the barrel recoils, then you can synchronize them using the option dedicated for that purpose in OP Config: "Delay between recoil and light/sound" on the Motors tab, under the Mechanical Barrel heading.
This will not change the track recoil when receiving an IR hit, which will continue to occur the moment the hit is received. I am not inclined to add a delay to that one.
-
Hi Tom, I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that question, as I have not personally used the DasMikro boards. I can only suggest that you will have to try one to see.
-
Flash, recoil, sound and track kick back all sync. Just thought a slight delay option on track kick back could allow it to happen when the barrel slams back to the turret.
Just seems it might add a bit of realism.
But just a thought:)
-
Will do and let you know. I hate though the clones killed the tbs for Thomas. I would buy his if he was still able to make them..
-
There are some Types of DasMicro availaible.
TBS Micro Clones not useable with Flash V4.
There are Clones of the TBS Mini V2, they are compatible with Flash V4.
-
The duration for recoil is small so a delay 0-400 ms to kickback type of adjustment.
-
Tom, the setting for what I understand you to be proposing is the same as the one I have already mentioned: Delay between recoil and light/sound.
If you want this to be 400mS, just set it to 400.
-
I'm traveling and can't view settings on my phone. But what I am suggesting is not a barrel recoil delay as barrel recoil, light sound should all trigger at the same time. Which mine do.
I think track/kickback should be delayed maybe 180-250 ms to occur after barrel recoil. As that is when the impact from firing the cannon would affect the tank body. Unless I'm missing something to adjust that:)
Ty!
-
Ordered latest Dasmicro mini will let you know how it works. Seems will work fine on fastest flash 4 version.
-
The delay option that is present in OP Config does not delay the barrel recoil - the barrel recoil occurs immediately, if you have a delay set, then that is the delay between the time when the barrel recoil occurs (immediately), and when the light/sound/track recoil will occur.
So that will do what you are proposing, except it sounds like you want the light/sound to occur immediately, and then the track recoil to occur after the delay. If that is the ask, then I'm afraid I don't think the effort is worth the trouble.
-
Yes flash, sound and start of barrel recoil should all happen at the same time.
Then a delay in track kick back of 200 ms or so when the tank would actually jolt backwards after the barrel is fully retracted. Like an artillery piece does if the barrel has a recoil mechanism.
No problem though if hard to do. Just a point :)
-
To the other current adjustment..probably 10 ms would occur after the cartridge fired in the breech to when the round, blast exited the muzzle. But a lot of these things are for effect to make it ..as you have pointed out look "feel" authentic!
-
Personally I just set flash, sound and barrel recoil to occur simultaneously and would delay track kickback 200 ms or so.
Obviously minor suggestion:)
-
So essentially the idea is ..the ability to slow track recoil for the time it takes for the barrel to recoil back:) 200ms or so.
Though if a pain to program, I get it!
Thanks,
Tom
-
"Latest" flash
-
Thanks! Will try when back home
-
So you figure adding a kick back track delay not worth it?
-
So you figure adding a kick back track delay not worth it?
not for one person...
I don´t need that.
Track kickback is the most useless thing.
no real tank show this behavior.
-
As I said above, it is not worth it.
-
Figured since kickback setting was already there. But true.. a heavy tank wouldn't roll or kick noticeably.
-
Going to convert stock Taigen Leopard to TCB. Curious if anything different to look for or attend to? Turret is pretty low wondering if servo recoil unit will fit ..if not will keep stock unit. Already have sound set ready for tbs mini.
-
In pictures wires and cables look so bundled and neat ..ashame to have to rip them apart lol
-
Seems new taigens have a servo recoil, and I think traditional motor elevation? I assume the TCB will work/connect without much trouble?
Though I will see how it works when it arrives, may just replace with metal, servo/recoil unit I used before.
-
Do you think it's important to set end points on recoil or elevation servo?
They should be factory set to move 50% in each direction or is that not always the case?
-
Hi Tom, the ability to set the endpoints is there so you can make sure the servo does not try to move beyond its physical limits, which might damage the servo or the recoil/elevation mechanism. So yes, I would think it's important to adjust the endpoints to your particular setup.
-
Tom, it seems like these are questions that you will be able to answer yourself better than anyone else, once you have the model in hand.
-
Thank you.
-
I have an older TBS mini from Thomas and it works fine. It connects to Flash 4.0.00 TBS- Mini not the TBS-Mini V2.
Sadly, as we know they are no longer produced. So I bought a dasmikro mini that will not connect to the mini or V2.
(I know the older Flash V1.0.14 is not supported but it won't connect to that either.)
Could it be a V3- Mini? Is there a flash available that it would connect to? Thomas was great with support and questions,
but don't about this unit and just curious if anybody had some advice or link if there is one.
Thank you,
Thomas
-
I had wired a cable using my old Benedini cable which did work on an older version of the Dasmikro mini I had. Thinking maybe a newer version of the cable might do it? So order on and will see if that works. But any other ideas appreciated :) Thanks
-
Hi Tom, I've not used the DasMikro devices before, so I can't speak from experience.
But I do know that the Mini firmware needs to match the version of Flash you're using. So if you're using Flash V4 then the firmware on your DasMikro Mini needs to be whatever version Thomas has that will work with Flash v4. Maybe DasMikro ship them with old firmware. When (if) you can connect to the device with Flash, the Mini's firmware version will be shown on the Diagnostic tab. Under the Modul drop-down menu at top there is also an option to update the Mini firmware, but I don't know if this works anymore, since I assume Flash goes out to the internet to Benedini's website to get the firmware.
If it is a firmware issue, and you can't update the firmware on the Mini, then I'd try looking for a place to download somewhere the older V3 version of Flash, and maybe that will work.
I really think DasMikro shouldn't be selling hardware that they can't also provide the firmware and software for, because without those the board itself is not of much use.
Finally, there are not many people here reading these posts. There is a very long thread on the DasMikro boards over on RCTankWarfare, I'd recommend trying to ask your questions over there where more people might see it: Dasmikro (TBS Benedini clone) (https://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24339)
-
Thanks Luke. So frustrating as there is nothing that comes with these and no support. It looks like a v2 but won't connect and my older ones did but don't now. The only one that still works is the original benedini. Too bad he was..the designer..forced to quit.
-
Again Luke, thank you for your help.
It is tricky being busy with so many other things so after several years coming back to this and trying to remember everything! I now recall the visual for the older sound units parameter setting was flash V3. I think if I download that will allow them to connect.
Funny though I loaded a new set of sounds for this Leo project into my working original Mini. Put everything in the sound slots, made sure it worked setting wise with TCB. Set parameters and everything was way off..turret triggering cannon sound and other crazy suff. Only thing correct was engine and machine gun. It was driving me nuts..checking everything over and over until I realized I also needed to set PROP settings!!..then all was fine:)
This new V2 I think just needs a new proper cable hook up perhaps not the one I wired out of the old benedini cable to run the original and older Dasmikro unit.
Now to wire up new Leo for TCB and eventually add barrel smoke per your video instructions.
Thanks
Thomas
-
Just a quick double check..if I use the RC version of the sabertooth ..I can just plug the CH 1 and CH 2 in the TCB just as they are correct? No need to eliminate a wire per the warning about esc.
-
Hi Tom, in fact yes you do still need to remove the positive terminal from the servo cables if you are using the RC version of the Sabertooth. The RC connections on the RC Sabertooth provide +5 volt power, they are thinking you would normally connect those to an RC receiver and that way the Sabertooth could provide power to your receiver. But since you are connecting to the TCB, and the TCB already has its own 5 volt supply, the two would be fighting each other if you connected them, and you risk burning something up.
So you can still use it, but just remove the positive wire from the connections (leaving only ground and signal).
-
Thanks! Glad I double checked :)
-
Just checking as it's been a while since using it. When you load a new set of sounds on the TBS mini, does it erase the parameters and prop setting or just sounds?
-
Just sounds.
-
Hi Luke,
I have no idea what I might be missing/wrong here. I have some old, programed TBS units that work all fine but I don't or can't see what the parameters or prop settings were...but they work fine per the TCB and Sounds.
I tried to reconfigure an old TBS to update it with Leo engine sounds and re-do the parameters and prop setting, but some odd things are going on. The engine starts and runs. Cannon fires and machine gun works. But the sound for transmission is silent. The Turret sound works but at the end of the travel fires the cannon? I don't hear any track squeeks or breaking sounds. I do have at the moment the turret sound as user sound 3 (slot 11)
Sounds after engine
1 Empty
2 Elevation
3 Cannon
4 Mig
5 Mig dyn out
9 Transmission sound
10 Braking sound
11 Turret
12 Squeek
13 Squeek
14 Squeek
-
Using TBS mini not V2 with flash V4
-
Hey Luke,
Sorry for long request. Figured it out finally:)
Thomas
-
Glad you worked it out.
-
Set up 5 volt aux for fan and it works.
Is there a way to boost fan voltage?
I tried a voltage booster I used to increase 7.4 volts to heater on another tank. But it didn't register any voltage output on the 5volt aux
-
There is not an a simple way to boost the voltage of the aux output, no.
The aux output can do a max of 5 volts, but it also does less than that if you are varying the speed of your fan, so it is not a fixed voltage. The way it modifies the voltage is through high speed switching, which I suspect your voltage booster does not like. Secondly, even if your booster worked, that extra voltage has to come from somewhere - and it comes through an increase in current. You could find yourself exceeding the limits of the Aux mosfet, or of the TCB regulator.
It's not impossible to boost the voltage, but you'd need a 7.4 volt source, and then feed the Aux output into another mosfet circuit, which would use the Aux as a signal only, to control the higher voltage. But that requires you to make another circuit.
If you don't need variable speed control, just on/off, then you could use one of the General Purpose I/O ports to control a relay, which would then switch your 7.4 volt source.
-
Thanks Luke. A 3 volt fan would work but seems they are only 5v. I'll work around it.
I was using a relay switch but going to try the barrel smoke using those outputs.
-
Seems there is a tiny 3 volt fan but it's $25!
-
Found one for $ 10 will see how it works:)
-
I ordered this small amp and want to check where the single pin signal lead from the TBS should hook up to?
Power input seems to be on two outer pins. The inner pins for signal input. What pin or pins would the TBS attach to?
-
I think you will have to refer to the Benedini manual for that, or ask over on RCTankWarfare where there seem to be more people who use the Benedini.
-
Thanks Luke
-
Haven't received this particular unit yet but a similar mono output 5w amp. I found the single top lead from the TBS works when that alone goes into the negative audio input pin.
-
Hi Luke,
I have used squeek settings and were working before. For some reason they are not triggering now.
I have the sounds in 12 13 14 slots on the TBS. And checked squeek enabled.
Not sure why?
-
Working. I had another board that had been working with squeak sounds and downloaded that setting that onto this TCB and it works but I still don't see why the other setting..the one I sent.. wasn't triggering in those sounds:) The TBS mini is the same and squeak settings set to on. Odd to me, but at least it works:)
-
Well you could try comparing the two TCB settings in OP Config to see if there is anything different between them...
-
Didn't seem to be any difference in anything that would affect that but it was "something" so glad they both activate the squeeks now
-
Though I do notice that often the effect stops after 30 seconds or so then when the tank stops and movement starts , the sounds activates again
-
There are several reasons why you might not always hear the squeaks. First of all, in your OPZ file, the minimum speed before squeaks start is 50%, so if you are driving at less than half speed they will stop, and it will take several seconds before they resume when your speed once again exceeds that level.
Additionally, the Benedini can only play one sound at a time from the "1st Coder" bank. If the turret is being moved, or the machine gun being fired, etc..., then those will prevent the squeaks from occuring.
-
Thanks Luke,
Let me play around with it more. I used to have it at 10 but when looking at it recently the % sign is hardly visible, so I was thinking MS instead.
-
It was no seeing the% sign and thinking it was ml seconds lol. So 90% was guaranteed not to trigger squeaks.
-
Sounds like you found the issue!
-
Sound 2 not triggering. Not super important as just using it for braking effect but tried it on brake and assigned to a switch that is currently triggering sound 3 fine.
Not sure what if anything I am missing here? Loaded as Brake sound file 10 after Transmission sound 1 which works fine. Rest of user sounds also trigger fine.
-
TCB Settings
-
The "Brakes Applied" trigger really only works if you are operating with a very high level of deceleration (momentum). I see you have Deceleration Level assigned to a variable channel, which is fine, but you need to turn that knob up until your tank coasts for a good length of time. "Braking" occurs when, while coasting, you move the throttle stick in reverse, but not so much as to stop the tank completely, rather only enough to increase the rate of deceleration (ie, cause it to slow down faster than it would if lelft to coast).
Since our models don't actually coast unless we artificially create this effect, and even then it doesn't last long, the fake braking effect, which is trying to undo our already fake coasting effect, is of even a shorter duration, and it can be tricky to get it to occur. The best chance is to set momentum to the max level, and then get your tank going as fast as possible, before trying to brake gently.
-
Yes prior I did set momentum to high and brake sound would occur.
Now no brake sound and the odd thing is I have brake sound as 2nd user sound after transmission sound and before a track sound and then 3 squeaks and all those sounds trigger. But when as a test I tried to set sound 2 to trigger in place of another sound that triggers, sound 2 isn't played? It is loaded properly with the right settings into the TBS but sound 2 doesn't seem to trigger? Can't figure it out. For instance, tried to replace the transmission sound with sound 2 on the same switch but nothing?
-
To solve these kinds of problems you will have to do some troubleshooting, which requires experimentation with a view to narrowing down the possibilities - an experiment can prove that one part of the chain of events does work, which you can then cross off the list of potential issues; or the experiment can be designed to prove that one piece does not work, and then you know where to focus.
You know your other sounds work when triggered by something other than braking, but that doesn't tell you whether A) Sound 2 actually works, or B) whether braking actually works as a trigger. These are the two things you need to experiment with.
You tried to trigger Sound 2 with the Transmission switch, because you know the Transmission switch works. Sound 2 still didn't play. That would imply to me that the problem is with Sound 2.
What if you tried to trigger your Transmission sound with the braking trigger instead of the switch? We know the Transmission sound works, so in this test you are focused on whether the brake trigger works. Or you could set up a light to come on with the brake trigger, and if that works, then it would be further evidence pointing to a problem with Sound 2. There are lots of things you can try, but only you can try them.
-
Thanks Luke,
Yes more process of elimination lol.
I think it may be something in parameter settings.
-
Solved:) It was one wrong number on prop setting on the TBS. 153 should have been 157!
-
Thanks for reporting the resolution.
-
https://www.silabs.com/software-and-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads
Finally found a driver that will connect Dasmikro mini.
-
Hi Luke,
I am trying an overlay track sounds when vehicle speed increases/decreases. I also have random squeeks set but seems both won't play at the same time?
If I remove the track sound trigger, the squeeks work. Just curious if not possible to have both sounds running at once?
-
Only one sound can play at a time from the 1st Coder column in TBS Flash. You can set a user sound to be triggered by vehicle speed, but since both the user sound and the squeak sounds are in the 1st Coder list, only one of them can play at a time. We can't predict in advance which one it will be, since the squeaks are random and the vehicle speed is constantly changing. It appears that most frequently in your case the squeak sounds predominate.
-
I have all my sounds and settings to my liking. For fun I added a small music section added to a trigger that pluses the barrel smoke on the lower position not being used for that. I also tried in on another switch. What is happening is that after the sound is played and stops. If I fire the cannon, the machine gun then goes off and the sound track is played again? They are not tied into each other as far as I can tell? I attached the OPZ. Sound 2 is the one I am referring to.
-
Tried on yet another switch/trigger and after sound track stops and cannon fires, machine gun sound then sound track plays again? Thanks for any ideas
-
Also any other sound trigger will stop the music track and nothing else happens. Tranmission sound, machine gun etc. Only cannon fire after its done playing, triggers machine gun then sound track? :)
-
Maybe prop setting?
-
Oh even if I remove the trigger for user sound 2 when the cannon fires it triggers machine gun then user sound 2 (sound 10)
Thinking it may be prop settings? Tried all the sounds on a TBS mini (Not version 2 and same issue)
These are prop settings numbers for both. Though maybe something is off but I can't tell.
-
These are parameters. Sorry for all the posts. Just trying to figure it out and a bit stumped:)
-
Okay loaded another Panther sound set and all works fine except this file has no sounds in 1 or 2 where the turret and barrel sounds were on the other. So it seems somehow that is doing something to trigger the machine gun and other sounds after cannon fire. Very confusing and sorry for all the posts. Just trying to narrow it down.
-
Okay not that I get it lol but narrowed it down to..if I erase sound 2 turret slot sound then all works fine? Music triggers on user sound 2 and cannon fires normally.
-
I'll keep trying to sort it out and let you know the final outcome:)
-
Seems to be sorted out. It looks like something in prop settings. Though not exactly sure which number.
-
Finally sorted out. Odd as I did not mess with prop or parameters but reloaded and tested and all works. Strange but fixed.
Sorry for the long post. But maybe if some one has odd stuff reload check those prop and parameters on mini and mini v2:)
-
Hi Luke,
Would it be possible to add smaller increments to vehicle % speed decrease below trigger? Instead of 1% to 10% have 5% ?
Thanks,
T
-
The reason is with a short 1 sec track overlay 1% allows the clip to play a bit too long on stop 10% doesn't allow too slow of speed to cut out 5% or around there might be perfect. Just a thought but not sure how hard that would be to change.
-
Hi Tom, no, I'm sorry, I'm not inclined to make this change.
-
Ok. Thanks.
-
I get a message device needs to be updated to latest version. Trying to get the latest update from .93.78 to .94.0
I Connect the TCB via comp 4 in this case, but when I hit latest release then Flash it keeps disconnecting?
-
Perhaps you have the wrong COM port, it sounds like maybe you haven't attached that board to a computer in a long time, and it could have changed. The other thing you can try is to re-install the FTDI driver.
-
It connects and I can work with it and make any changes on com 4. So reinstall drivers might still help? Ty
-
Did you try to update Open Panzer Config ? After updating the tcb today I was prompt to update the configuration tool.
-
I have installed drivers recently on a new computer and have a new TCB with latest version. The older board won't update. Not critical just wondering why flash fails.
Not sure about configuration tool update. Not seeing anything for that?
-
Think configuration has to do with the radio
-
Hey Luke,
You sent me a custom hex. to try and correct the firing of the cannon movement (non servo) the first time with no sound. Finally had a chance to try it.
I recently downloaded drivers on a new computer and all the tcb boards connect on various com ports. But when connected and after downloading
the custom hex. and try flash it.. the tcb disconnects with "flash operation failed. Make sure you select correct port" On this board the only option is com 1 and 4 and 4 is the one it connects to but on trying to update with latest version or the custom hex. it disconnects? Would another version of the drivers perhaps
fix this? Again, any changes can be made and downloaded after it connects, it's just the flash update.
Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
T
-
You sent me a custom hex. to try and correct the firing of the cannon movement (non servo) the first time with no sound. Finally had a chance to try it.
I recently downloaded drivers on a new computer and all the tcb boards connect on various com ports. But when connected and after downloading
the custom hex. and try flash it.. the tcb disconnects with "flash operation failed. Make sure you select correct port" On this board the only option is com 1 and 4 and 4 is the one it connects to but on trying to update with latest version or the custom hex. it disconnects? Would another version of the drivers perhaps
fix this? Again, any changes can be made and downloaded after it connects, it's just the flash update.
Try uninstalling OP Config, reboot your computer, then re-install OP Config.
-
Tom, you will notice that I have made some changes to the location of your posts.
In the past six months you have created more new threads than any other user on this forum has managed to do in the last 10 years, including myself. You have posted almost daily, which is not a problem in itself, but almost every post has been a question, and that's a lot of questions. It has gotten to the point where the notifications I am getting from the forum on your behalf are coming in at the rate of a never-ending IM chat.
Understand that my time is limited and I can not afford a part time job devoted to one single user.
Here is what I have changed:
I have merged all of your threads since January of this year, into this single thread titled "Tom's Questions"
You had some other threads created way back in 2017, I have left those alone.
From now on please do not start any more new threads. When you have a question, you can post it in this one. Of course you are still free to post comments in other people's threads.
Finally, for my part, I will not be responding to this thread more than once per week.
-
Hey Luke,
Sorry so many questions caused an issue. I didn't realize the amount of posts and again apologize for the volume of questions.
T
-
That's fine, no apology needed. I'll just be a bit slower moving forward.
-
Hi Luke,
I have two frysky x4r receivers bound to two tanks. The x4r is no longer produced so I purchased a x8r. But to use my current radio taranis q7 without downloading any updates, I needed to flash the older version to the x8r. A member who works for frysky was kind enough to send me the proper version. I downloaded it the the x8r and bound it to the receiver. Oddly the only things that trigger on the TCB are the left sticks. So the turret moves along with sound as well as elevation. But nothing else? Not sure if any ideas.
The frysky guy wasn't sure what could be wrong and suggested I update the radio and flash the current receivers. At this point I found a x4r and when it comes hopefully it will work along with the other two. A may have to go that route but curious if any ideas with the current set up.
Thanks,
Tom
-
Ben (member who works for Frysky) thought it may be a setting on the TCB. It's not critical as I can swap the two x4r receivers from the other tanks or buy a used xr4 though they are overpriced on eBay. But it would be interesting to see if the x8r that's bound and hooked up on the SBUS can work.
-
Hi Tom, the X8R has been used by quite a few other users on this forum with success, so we know it is possible. There are however as you have found discrepancies between the different firmware versions that FrSky uses and there are multiple posts of people having issues getting that all straightened out, which I suspect is the case here as well.
The first thing you should do when there are radio problems is to run through Radio Setup once again. It could be that channel orders have been changed under the new firmware, or something like that. But at any rate, Radio Setup will show you visually and immediately which channels are being read by the TCB and which are not. If it's simply a channel order problem, then you can re-arrange them.
If some channels are not appearing at all, then I think the issue is likely between the transmitter and the receiver, or with the setup on your transmitter, and that I can't help you with, but perhaps your contact at FrSky can (who I see is also a member on this forum, so perhaps he will chime in).
-
Thanks Luke. On read radio the only triggers that show working are left stick. So for instance the turret moves and sound triggers. So it sounds like something going on with the transmitter/receiver. It is bound but not fully working all the triggers as the X4R is. I can try to reach out to Ben but I am not sure at this point he knows what the problem could be. Thanks though :)
-
Slight correction, I read the radio again and "Both sticks" trigger just can't test the right stick unless engine is on.
Flipped all the other switches and nothing reads. So, I reached out to Ben to see if he has any other ideas.
-
It was settings on the radio. I little tricky to flash the right(older version) firmware on the x8r but now all works.
I had a feeling it wasn't an issue with the TCB as half the triggers were working.
-
Glad to hear it, thanks for letting us know.