The Pitch
Actively being in the hobby for the past seven years, means I have discovered what is lacking on the market place. To me what was missing on the inexpensive Heng Long tanks was a quality sound system. So I have experimented with different brands focusing on quality and ease of use. What I have settled on though is the BARC and the Benedini TBS. This involved reprogramming the DBCRC2 chip to make use of the TBS. Once this was done the marriage of the two has become a reality. What you end up with is a Tamiya compatible battle system with great sound. The modular design and plug an play capability with the RX 18 means you can have a sound and battle system that is cost effective. Instead of needing a complete system in each tank, you can now simply plug the sound system into any existing RX18 and have the sound you want in the tank you want it in. You don't need extra hobby dollars tied up in battle and sound systems in tanks sitting on the shelf.
The secret is the compatibility with the RX 18. Your heng long wiring needs no modifications at all, and it is because of that this system has a unique advantage. Unplug it from the RX 18 and your tank goes back to stock to sit on the shelf or sell if you desire.
Since I began this project other devices have made it to market, increasing consumer choice. This is all good, as it allows tankers the option and opportunity to purchase something that best fits their needs. To help you in your evaluation I want to focus on the strengths of the overall BARC/Benedini package.
The secret is the compatibility with the RX 18. Your heng long wiring needs no modifications at all, and it is because of that this system has a unique advantage. Unplug it from the RX 18 and your tank goes back to stock to sit on the shelf or sell if you desire.
Since I began this project other devices have made it to market, increasing consumer choice. This is all good, as it allows tankers the option and opportunity to purchase something that best fits their needs. To help you in your evaluation I want to focus on the strengths of the overall BARC/Benedini package.
- It is plug and play with the low cost Heng Long RX 18 meaning the upgrade is very simple
- Programmable sounds allow you to own one unit and move it between tanks ·
- Small modular layout means easy installation in all kinds of tanks ·
- The modular concept of the BARC, Benedini, and the RX18 means you can upgrade as the hobby dollar allows you
- BARC programmable chip means upgrades are possible with only the purchase of a new PIC chip
Many Possibilities
The modular layout of this system allows a lot of flexibility for the consumer. You can package up all the components to make it an easy one piece set up to move around between tanks, but there are other options as well. The BARC on its own will allow to use a hobby grade radio, add momentum get rid of the HL recoil and greatly improve the running operation of the tank. It can still be used like the original DBC for IR game play. You could then add the TBS sound card later to upgrade to the great Benedini sound effects. It allows you to expand the system as you can afford it.
Or how about BARC in every tank to give you basic IR, and then a couple of sound cards to add Benedini punch to your favorite or newest addition.
I have a history of trying to find low cost alternatives in this hobby. From Modding HL recoil units to making muzzle breaks out of wooden decorative items. I am always looking to be cost effective to stretch the hobby dollar. I tried to find an inexpensive alternative to the sound cards on the market, but came to the realization that there was no really cheap alternative. So I then focused on putting together what was available into a package that offered flexibility to drive down the total hobby dollars spent by making it flexible and easy to move around. By doing this your hobby dollar goes farther. I believe this combination does exactly that.
RTR was important because I know many of you do not like the electronic complexity that these systems can present. I set out to put together something that was easy to add to your tank. I believe this combination does exactly that.
For those that want to save money and aren't afraid to try a DIY kit, you can buy the DBC2 as kit either from David(Darkith) or myself. That option is there for you.
Or how about BARC in every tank to give you basic IR, and then a couple of sound cards to add Benedini punch to your favorite or newest addition.
I have a history of trying to find low cost alternatives in this hobby. From Modding HL recoil units to making muzzle breaks out of wooden decorative items. I am always looking to be cost effective to stretch the hobby dollar. I tried to find an inexpensive alternative to the sound cards on the market, but came to the realization that there was no really cheap alternative. So I then focused on putting together what was available into a package that offered flexibility to drive down the total hobby dollars spent by making it flexible and easy to move around. By doing this your hobby dollar goes farther. I believe this combination does exactly that.
RTR was important because I know many of you do not like the electronic complexity that these systems can present. I set out to put together something that was easy to add to your tank. I believe this combination does exactly that.
For those that want to save money and aren't afraid to try a DIY kit, you can buy the DBC2 as kit either from David(Darkith) or myself. That option is there for you.
There is now choice in the marketplace, and you now have options like never before. My hope is that the DBC/TBS/HL RX18 is one that measures up against the competition and delivers a system that you are happy with. I hope I have presented these options in a way that really showcases the benefit of this system. I know it is an expensive drain on your hobby dollar to outfit multiple tanks. The flexibility of this system however may make it the most cost effective over all.