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).
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