Re: C6C Cant Wait Any Longer [TANKS]

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

Milenko wrote:
> OK, I guess it's not as big a deal as I figured it would be.  I assumed 
> that if I just ran wires into the turrent from the hull that the wires 
> would get all twisted up as the turret spun around.

Yes, the wires do eventually get all twisted up ... after about 20+ full 
revolutions!!

It's not the twisting the bothers some people, it's the fact that they 
have to remember to disconnect the wires when they remove the turret. 
The way my tank is designed (with a flip up top), I don't have to 
disconnect the wires that often, so it's not been a problem.  Sure, I've 
pulled it off once or twice without remembering, but that's why I use 
sturdy connectors :-)

> Next dumb question:  has anyone taken apart a wireless gamepad reciever 
> and tried to attach an antenna of some kind?  I wonder if having a R/C 
> reciever-style antenna would extend the range of the gamepad?  At least 
> getting the reciever out of the hull and allowing for line of sight with 
> the gamepad might increase distance as well.

With 2.4Ghz signals, the antenna can very small (an inch or so) and is 
therefore built into the receiver housing for short range applications. 
    In theory, it's possible to replace that by another antenna, but 
we're talking about some finely tuned designs.  Change the resistive 
properties or effective antenna length improperly and the reception will 
decrease very quickly.

Also, the 2.4Ghz signal goes in both directions (the gamepad and 
"receiver" are both "transceivers") so you'd have to make the 
modification on both ends to increase the range.

Finally, since gamepads are targeted for the inexpensive mass market, 
you can be sure they only generate enough power to do the job inside the 
average gaming environment.  So, bigger antennas may not get you much 
more distance anyway.

For now, the 50 foot radius has proven sufficient in actual battlefield 
situations.  Battlers rarely try to operate their vehicles from further 
away because aiming is difficult enough when you're right behind the thing.

        Frank P.