Piranha

Piranha, originally called HammerHead 4 is RCTA's primary IR Battle Unit. Because Piranha features the latest SMD technology IR receivers it is not only one of the smallest battle units available but also possibly the best for IR performance.

Piranha features 4 X IR receiver modules each with built-in IR noise filters capable of receiving IR signals over a 45 metre (147 ft) distance , 4 x high intensity red side mount LEDs and a high power, narrow angle IR emitter. The Piranha assembly comprises two interconnecting PCBs, a base unit and receiver/emitter unit. The standard base unit for Piranha is a 5+2 pin base for connection to RCTA & Tamiya units. An optional 5 pin base is available for direct connection to the new El Mod Fusion series. Direct connection to Heng Long and Taigen MFUs is possible using an aRUBA adapter but it is not recommended as these MFUs do not provide for LED indication if IR hits. If using a Heng Long or Taigen MFU then a MAKO is recommended as the MAKO will not only provide for LED indication but also a compatible pin output.

Piranha is supplied with 300mm 5 way and 300mm 2way JST-PH cables for 5+2 pin bases or a single 300mm 5 way for the 5 pin base.

Pin Outs

5+2 Pin Arrangement
This is the standard arrangement of Piranha. It is also used by Tamiya systems. The most important thing to note with this arrangement is that the IR is usually powered by the battery voltage and NOT 5V+. Hence a Piranha can also be directly connected any RCTA IR board or to a Tamiya MFU. (see below)
5 Pin

 LED+ (5V+)
 LED-
 V0
 IR signal input
 5V+

2 Pin

 IR+ (Battery V+)
 IR-

EL Mod 5 Pin Arrangement
Because EL Mod uses only 5V+ to power the IR emitter the number of cables can be reduced to 5. To allow Piranha to be directly connected to an El Mod Fusion board an El Mod compatible base for Piranha is available.

 5V+
 IR-
 V0
 IR signal input
 LED-

Heng Long/Taigen 5 Pin Arrangement
NOTE: The Heng Long and Taigen systems only use 5 cables because they DO NOT OFFER any LED indicator functions. Connecting a Piranha directly to a Heng Long or Taigen MFU is possible with an aRUBA adapter but not recommended since there is no control for the indicator LEDs. A MAKO2 or MAKO TE should be placed between the Heng Long/Taigen MFU and Piranha

 Battery V+
 IR-
 V0
 IR signal input
 5V+

Connection Examples

Asp

MAKO2

MAKO TE

El Mod Fusion

NOTE: To connect to the EL Mod Fusion boards, Piranha should be purchased with a 5pin base assembly or one may be ordered separately.

Additional Photos

The small size of Piranha makes for a less obtrusive battle unit that does not detract from the tank model.

Downloads

[Piranha Cover 3D Print [1]]

Videos

No videos as yet

Where to Buy

[2] RCTA Webstore (Australia)

Forum Discussion

[3] RCTA Forum Topic