Bit Char-Q: IR PCB swap
 

For folks that haven't heard, Tapsrping is a company that makes a PCB board for Bit Char-g/Microsizers. What makes these boards different is that they run off InfraRed (IR) instead of Radio Frequency (RF).

Here's the website: TapSpring
- The instructions on doing the swap are also on that site.

Okay, now that you know what the product is, let's go through all the details.

- The PCB Board itself costs $19.95
- You need a Digi-Q 'Digi Propo' controller (~$25) or preferrably the 'Digi Propo Special' controller (~$50)
- The board can be set to any Digi-Q ID (from ID-1 to ID-4)
- Using this board gives you proportional speed
- Instead of a 'ratty' antenna tail for RF, you have a small 'bubble' IR receiver

The Setup
Tiny soldering skills are a MUST here, you've got to be able to work with hair thin wires and tiny solder points. I'm not going to go much into detail about setup, they already have that over at the TapSpring site (linked above)

The Performance
I have both the regular Propo and Propo-Special controllers (I also collect and race Digi-Q cars). I set the board to ID-3 and for some odd reason the Propo Special controller triggers the front steering (right turn) when pushing forward or reverse, this doesn't happen with the regular controller.

I'll get more detailed, technical info (like power output) but my initial impression is that the IR PCB puts out a significant amount of current. Using a 2.6 motor the car was zipping along quite nicely, and even though the Propo-Special controller wasn't working right...When I had the speed setting to maximum the thing was FLYING!

The Bottom Line
Once I have more technical data, I'll give my final thoughts...But as it is now, this is a pricey mod (especially if you don't already have the Digi Propo controller) and you really only gain propo speed (though my initial thought is it's a BIG boost in current output as well) and no rat tail antenna.

Still, I'm a tinkerer and doing this Mod was fun and now I've got a unique item (being a Bit Char-Q).

Thanks for the info... That's next on my to do list... Can't wait for the output info...


silla

excellent summary, any pics on the way?

i think i'd consider doing it after i got my hands on a digi and had the set-up...

have you tried it with dual cells? it wouldn't blow out the pcb would it?

How bad is the IR delay?

Pics coming soon, when I'm able to upload again (still some remnant issues since TinyRC Server crash).

Haven't tried the Dual-Cell, yet. I'd imagine the speed/power from a dual-cell will make for a pretty sick setup.

Good point about the IR Delay, and just like with the Digi-Q it's present here with these boards as well. But just like the DigiQ, you learn to adjust for it.

have you figured out the issue of when using the special controller the right turn gets triggered in eithe rdirection? im kinda willing to save up and dump 70 bucks on a little project like this

I suspect it has something to do with using ID3. I've got no definitive reason for that suspicion, but when I get a chance I'm going to switch it to ID1 (since my DigiQ cars are on either ID2 or ID4) and hopefully have better results.

sweet. i never really found info about the tapspring board so this info you're giving us is GREAT!! keep us posted!