Re: electronic markers [TANKS]

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-rctankcombat.com>]

Christopher Clark wrote:
> Can you expound on any instances of unreliability?  Any ideas where it 
> comes from (signal interference, etc.)?

All of our experience has been with the GTVe electronic trigger, which 
was (it's no longer sold) at the low end of the cost range.  We've seen 
mechanical failures (mis-alignment and cracked mountings), as well as 
circuit failures (just stopped working and turned itself off during 
use).  All of those problems could be due to inexpensive parts or that 
particular design.  In either case, only one tank, the KV-1, still uses 
that trigger and he's never had any problems, while about a half dozen 
have failed for various people.

As with anything, more expensive parts usually provide more reliability 
and there are dozens of e-triggers to choose from, so your mileage may 
vary with a different model.

The most important thing to consider when battling is not just 
"reliability", but "repairability".  Yes, you want to prevent breakdowns 
from happening, but eventually things break (especially on the abusive 
battlefield) and you want to be able to repair it quickly and 
effectively.  Stock triggers and door lock actuators are mechanically 
robust (providing good reliability) and because they are inexpensive you 
can stockpile spare parts (providing good repairability).

        Frank P.