https://openpanzer.org/wiki/ 2026-04-13T13:47:58+00:00 https://openpanzer.org/wiki/ https://openpanzer.org/wiki/lib/tpl/openpanzer/images/favicon.ico text/html 2024-07-30T20:19:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:accessories&rev=1722370752&do=diff Accessory Boards These are additional DIY designs that can be used with the TCB. Tamiya Plug-and-Play Adapters The TCB is pin-compatible with many Tamiya tank accessories, but not plug-compatible. Tamiya uses a miniature plug called the Micro-Latch, made by Molex. Although it works well, it is difficult to source and even more difficult for hobbyists and tinkerers to assemble their own cables. The TCB instead uses JST XH-series plugs for the smoker, mechanical recoil, apple, and IR LED conne… text/html 2017-10-19T01:06:20+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:airsoft&rev=1508375180&do=diff Airsoft The TCB is compatible with Taigen/Heng-Long airsoft units (versions with a switch on the back only), but they must be re-wired. This requires some very simple soldering. You can still use the same plug that comes with the stock Airsoft unit, so no extra parts are required. After the modification is done, the unit will plug into the RECOIL port on the TCB. text/html 2023-06-14T20:23:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:barrelsmoke&rev=1686774194&do=diff Barrel Smoke In recent years the addition of a smoke effect from the cannon barrel has gained in popularity. There are multiple ways this could be accomplished depending on which materials you use. On this page we will describe one method that is relatively inexpensive, but other approaches are possible. text/html 2019-01-20T18:52:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:bluetooth&rev=1548010338&do=diff Bluetooth Installation ---------- EDIT 2018 The instructions below assume the use of Adafruit's extremely clever and useful Bluetooth adapter, but they have since discontinued it and tell me they don't plan to offer a replacement (although their product page implies otherwise). Bluetooth connectivity with the TCB is still possible but the process is no longer simple and should be attempted by advanced users who are able to do their own online research. The typical approach is to use the cheap… text/html 2024-08-04T16:48:30+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:boardlayout&rev=1722790110&do=diff Board Layout [Board Layout] Left Side Motor Serial Also known as Serial Port 2, this is reserved for communicating with serial dual motor controllers such as the Dimension Engineering Sabertooth series or the Pololu Qik controllers, or the Open Panzer Scout controller. The plug is a 3-pin JST-PH, though only two pins are needed ( text/html 2017-02-08T02:11:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:hiflash&rev=1486519860&do=diff High Intensity Flash The TCB is compatible with Taigen/Asiatam high-intensity flash units (TAG120620), but the plug must be changed from 5-pin to 3-pin. The operation is very simple and requires no soldering, but you will need to obtain a 3-pin JST-XH plug (JST Part No. text/html 2025-06-24T16:41:42+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:io_ports_ab&rev=1750783302&do=diff Input/Output Ports A and B There are two general purpose, logic-level input/output ports available on the TCB. We use the term logic-level here to indicate than when used as outputs these ports can only send very-low current signals to other logic devices (such as another Arduino), but they should text/html 2019-04-23T23:02:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:ir&rev=1556060567&do=diff Infra-Red (IR) There are two IR ports on the TCB - one for receiving IR signals, and the other for sending IR signals. IR Receiver - aka, the "Apple" The TCB has a 5-pin port named APPLE with the same pin order as the Tamiya 5-pin apple. However, it does not use the same physical plug as the Tamiya since those are harder to source and more difficult for hobbyists to make their own cables with. The Tamiya uses Molex Micro-Latch connectors, but the TCB uses the much more common JST-XH connecto… text/html 2023-05-26T17:16:29+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:lights&rev=1685121389&do=diff Lights The TCB has five dedicated light outputs: * Aux General purpose light with advanced features, see Aux Output page. * L1 (Light 1 / headlights) * L2 (Light 2 / second machine gun) * BRK (Brake/running lights) * MG (Machine Gun light) Because the Aux Output has many other special features besides just the ability to turn a light on and off, it is text/html 2017-01-09T21:36:43+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:mechrecoil&rev=1483997803&do=diff Mechanical Recoil The TCB is compatible with Tamiya and Taigen/Asiatam type mechanical recoil units. However some wiring changes may be necessary. Tamiya Recoil Units Tamiya recoil units are plug-and-play, except you need an adapter because Tamiya uses a non-standard plug. See the text/html 2017-12-04T23:58:53+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:motors&rev=1512431933&do=diff Motor Control Options The TCB has multiple options for controlling the main drive motors, turret rotation, and barrel elevation motors. Using the OP Config program, you can select which type you want to use for each motor. Options include the two onboard brushed motor drivers (typically used for barrel and turret motors), RC output (for all RC hobby brushed or brushless speed controllers, Tamiya DMD units, or continuous rotation servos), or serial output for serial-enabled dual motor controller… text/html 2017-05-13T16:44:42+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:power&rev=1494693882&do=diff Powering the TCB The TCB accepts any DC voltage from 7-15 volts. That means common 6,7 & 8 cell NiCad/NiMH batteries, 2S or 3S LiPo batteries, and even 12v lead acid batteries will all work. Note that whatever voltage you supply, will be the same voltage fed to the Onboard Motor Drivers A & B outputs, the Smoker output, the mechanical recoil/airsoft output, text/html 2019-10-20T19:32:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:rx&rev=1571599970&do=diff Receiver Options The TCB is compatible with several types of hobby receivers - those that can output PPM (sometimes called CPPM or PPM-sum) and those that can output digital serial data. Of the latter type SBus and iBus are presently supported. You can find a PPM or serial receiver for literally every brand of radio available today, see our text/html 2016-03-26T04:27:40+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:servobarrel&rev=1458966460&do=diff Barrel Elevation Servo You have several options for controlling the barrel elevation movement. If you are using a stock Tamiya, Heng-Long or Taigen kit, you probably want to use the onboard Motor B output to drive the mechanical elevation unit directly. But if you are building a custom model, you also have the choice to use any servo or ESC by selecting text/html 2016-04-27T04:46:53+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:servorecoil&rev=1461732413&do=diff Servo Recoil RC Ouput #5 on the TCB is reserved for servo recoil. You can choose to have the servo recoil automatically whenever the Cannon Fire function is triggered, or you can trigger it manually with the Servo Recoil function. You can also set the speed of the recoil movement text/html 2017-07-18T21:28:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:servorotation&rev=1500413298&do=diff Turret Rotation (or Barrel Traverse) Servo Most users will not use a servo for turret rotation since a motor drive will work better. However for certain models without a turret (eg Jagdpanther), that have a limited traverse barrel, a servo may in fact be a good choice. In these cases it is recommended you set the Turret Rotation motor type to text/html 2019-09-04T02:38:53+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:smoker&rev=1567564733&do=diff Smoker Taigen/Heng-Long smokers are direct plug-and-play into the SMOKER port on the TCB. Polarity is marked for custom projects, but doesn't matter for the Heng-Long and Taigen units. You do not need the special Heng-Long “proportional” smoker since the TCB takes care of the proportional movement, however the proportional unit can still be used. text/html 2018-07-23T21:31:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound&rev=1532381478&do=diff Sounds The TCB can not play sounds directly - if you want sound in your model, you will need to purchase a separate sound card. The TCB is compatible with the Benedini Mini, a well known and highly capable device already in wide use by RC tankers. Other options include the small Taigen standalone boards announced in 2017, and the Open Panzer Sound Card (still in beta testing at this time). text/html 2022-02-10T21:02:16+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_benedini_micro&rev=1644526936&do=diff Benedini Micro The Benedini Micro is a smaller version of the Benedini Mini with many of the same features. Without authorization from Mr. Benedini clones of the Micro have been sold by Chinese sellers under various other brand names (Das Mikro, Orlandoo, etc). The Open Panzer project is grateful for Benedini's contributions to the RC tank hobby and have no desire to support unethical practices that undermine his legitimate business. For this reason we will not write firmware to take full advan… text/html 2017-04-16T22:27:20+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_benedini_v1&rev=1492381640&do=diff Benedini TBS Mini (Flash V1) The Benedini TBS Mini is a high quality sound board sold by Thomas Benedini from Germany. Please see his website for more information on his products: Benedini RC Model Electronics Connecting to the TCB The TCB has three RC outputs dedicated to the TBS Mini. They are labeled Prop1, Prop2, and Prop3 which are the same labels used on the TBS Mini. text/html 2022-02-10T21:02:57+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_benedini_v3&rev=1644526977&do=diff Benedini Mini The Benedini Mini is a high quality sound board sold by Thomas Benedini from Germany. Please visit the Benedini website for more information on his products: Benedini RC Model Electronics Connecting to the TCB The TCB has three RC outputs dedicated to the Mini. They are labeled Prop1, Prop2, and Prop3 which are the same labels used on the Mini. text/html 2020-01-08T14:02:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_benedini_v3_at&rev=1578492156&do=diff Benedini Mini The Benedini Mini is a high quality sound board sold by Thomas Benedini from Germany. Please visit the Benedini website for more information on his products: Benedini RC Model Electronics NOTE! The instructions on this page apply only to use of the Benedini Mini in combination with the text/html 2019-09-03T23:01:38+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_op&rev=1567551698&do=diff Open Panzer Sound Card with TCB The Open Panzer project is working on their own version of a sound card. The sound card is in beta-testing and is NOT available for purchase yet. NOTE! The instructions on this page apply to use of the sound card in combination with the TCB (Tank Control Board). text/html 2017-10-18T17:22:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_taigen_v1&rev=1508347330&do=diff Taigen Sound Cards Taigen announced in 2017 plans to release a new version of their MFU with standalone sound boards. To use these with the TCB select Taigen Sound Cards from the drop-down list on the Sounds tab of OP Config. You will also need to make a simple adapter cable. On the TCB side you need a standard 3-pin servo plug and on the Taigen side you need a 4-pin JST PH plug. Connect this cable to the Prop 1 output on the TCB. The +5v signal from the TCB (middle pin on the servo connector) … text/html 2017-07-24T02:28:16+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:special_aux_output&rev=1500863296&do=diff Aux Output The Aux Output is similar to the other four light outputs: it uses a 2-pin JST-PH connector and can drive an LED with the same caveats that apply to the light ports. As with the L1 and L2 ports, there are functions to turn the Aux Output on, off, or toggle; but you can also do more including flash, blink, or vary the brightness of a light. text/html 2022-02-10T21:40:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:start&rev=1644529236&do=diff TCB Installation This section will describe how to install the TCB and hook up all the various accessories. Topics In addition to the TCB, at a minimum you will also need a speed controller for the drive motors, and a PPM, SBus, or iBus capable receiver. Please read through all the hardware installation topics in the menu at left.