The Tamiya IR controller from kit 70267 is not compatible with the SMC motors that are included in the Tamiya gearbox kits. The standard Mini4WD motors pull too much current from the controller and cut off the IR signal, I have not yet tested the Mabuchi motors. They will be offering the IR controller separately soon in kit 70268. The low RPM motors from kit 75028 will work and most 6V 130 type motors will also work.
Hello.
We have not used that Tamiya IR remote control and receiver hardware with the Tamiya motor/gearbox kits we sell before, but the problem you described sounds consistent with the power supply being underpowered for the motors. It looks like kit 70267 comes with a 3-cell AAA battery pack, so if you have not already, you might try testing with batteries that you know are fully charged, or replacing that pack with a AA battery pack or another supply that can handle more power. You could also see if just adding a decoupling capacitor near the IR receiver helps.
- Patrick
I have tried a AA setup using Energizer Lithium batteries and I get the same result, it seems the kit motors draw too many Amps from the board which results in a total loss of control. I have tried to email Tamiyausa about the problem but they have yet to respond. As far as adding a capacitor, I am kind of new to this and do not even know how to solder or even where to place the cap. Thanks for your response.
I have now tried using the Tamiya 70168 kit motors in a copy of their crawler example with the gear box set for 115:1 ratio using standard Duracell alkaline AAA batteries and have discovered it will work but you have to adjust the voltage setting about 3 clicks down from maximum voltage. It is all covered in the Tamiya 70268 manual. I can’t beleive Pololu will not be offering this controller, Thanks.
Isn’t Tamiya 70268 no longer available at pololu?
No it’s a new item a two channel IR controller it’s on EBay and several online hobby stores are carrying it
I have also discovered if you use standard alkaline batteries that are somewhat depleted you can use the #168 kit motors at the full voltage setting. You can start out with fresh batteries at the lower level and adjust to the max level after the batteries have been used for a while, Thanks