Some clarification needed : MFU #56511

[Gomjaba]

I haven't started building yet as my truck etc. is still on its way and in addition to that we have a local postal strike.

Maybe I would understand it better once I received everything :) But I'd like to know already as I have a mod in mind where I also have to order parts for. And to be able to plan ahead - I need to know how the MFU actually works.

I understand that you require a 4 channel transmitter, where two channels are being used by the MFU.

I have problems to understand how you control all those 24 sound effects and 20 leds.

I understand you use one stick (sorry, r/c n00b, so don't kill me if I use the wrong terms) for steering the truck, one for the transmission.

Then you've got two trimmer on each side, using the Futaba 4yF as example.

So how do you control all those effects ? Are they automatically, so for example to turn left and the indicator switching on automatically etc. ?

I just cannot imagine controlling 24 sound effects and 9 light functions with that few buttons :P

:sorry: that I am such a n00b :help:

But I promise, I will post pictures of my project :) (two semi projects are to come)

Is there somewhere the manual around for the MFU ?

[McFig]

No reason to say sorry for being a noob. We were all noobs at some point.

The way the MFU works is through a series of movements on the remote. For example: if you your left stick is used to steering you could quickly push down and then up to the left. The will turn the wheels left and turn the left turn signal on. In the instruction manual that comes with the MFU, it will tell you how to do all the "commands" to do the different things. Each command is a different series of movements on the remote to then cause a different action in the MFU. Turn on lights, honk the horn, etc.

Hope this helps. :Tamiya1:

[Gomjaba]

Thanks a lot for the info - it does indeed help :)

At least it makes now sense to me :) :)

I must say though, the informations on the Tamiya website are really vague .. it took me a lot of registrations on different forums just to find out what transmitter I can use ... If you don't have a clue (like I did) about analog / digital trim etc., you might end up buying a complete wrong transmitter (if you want to use the MFU that is).

[shodog]

Your best bet is to download the manual. It will show you what sequence to move the trims and sticks for all the extra functions.

Generally your left stick is for throttle and gear shift and your right is for turning and horn activation. both sticks in addition to the movement of trims allows you to turn the emergency flasshers on, turn the truck on an off and work the motorized legs

As for the blinkers. on the older MFU, the blinkers will work simply by moving the stick over. The new truck MFU is where you have to do the stick trick to make them work.

[Gomjaba]

Thats pretty much the only manual I couldn't find - the MFU one :)

[bobtail74]

Good info... I just acquired a MFU already installed in a truck and the DING DONG I got it from couldn't find the manual for the unit.

[Gomjaba]

Good info... I just acquired a MFU already installed in a truck and the DING DONG I got it from couldn't find the manual for the unit.

You lost me there ...

A function you found wasn't in the manual or a function in the manual didn't work :What:

[Mouton]

Your best bet is to download the manual.Do you, or anybody else have a link to that manual? I have tried Tamiyausa.com and Tamiyaclub without success.

Another question, if I get the MFCU will I still need the Motorized Support Legs (as that set includes a servo operated coupler hook) to be able to operate the trailer hook? The image on Tamiyausa.com shows some coupler parts but no servo linkage They appear not the be the same as those included in the Motorised Support Legs set, am I correct?

[Gomjaba]

Do you, or anybody else have a link to that manual? I have tried Tamiyausa.com and Tamiyaclub without success.

Another question, if I get the MFCU will I still need the Motorized Support Legs to be able to operate the trailer hook? The image on Tamiyausa.com shows some coupler parts but no servo linkade They appear not the be the same as those included in the Motorised Support Legs set, am I correct?

Hiya - yea I'd love to see the manual before I buy it too ..

And in regards to the copler / 5th wheel, I don't quite understand the question .. I mean you don't NEED the motorized legs if you get the MFU - therefore you get the copler with each set - the truck, the MFU and the legs ...

[Mouton]

Sorry if I was unclear. :sorry:

What I meant was if I need the Motorised Support Set because it also includes as servo operated coupler hook? The question addressed the coupler included in the MSS not the legs. Is that necessary of does the MFCU include all hardware needed to remotely operate the coupler?

[monsterbeetleguy]

I think he meant that the person that he bought the manual from did not include the manual when he purchased the rig with the MFU.

As for the legs. You do not need the motorized leg kit as you can manage to make the 5th wheel a remote couple buy just attaching a servo to a rod to the coupler. But to truly enjoy the feature of remote coupling/uncoupling you need the leg kit. The only drawback is if you have the factory light kit in the trailer you still have to plug/unplug it. Otherwise coupling would be touchfree. Now if we could just get Tamiya to come up with some sort of infrared kit. One is offered in Germany but is rather expensive. Almost the cost of another trailer. Not worth it to me.

[Gomjaba]

I think he meant that the person that he bought the manual from did not include the manual when he purchased the rig with the MFU.

As for the legs. You do not need the motorized leg kit as you can manage to make the 5th wheel a remote couple buy just attaching a servo to a rod to the coupler. But to truly enjoy the feature of remote coupling/uncoupling you need the leg kit. The only drawback is if you have the factory light kit in the trailer you still have to plug/unplug it. Otherwise coupling would be touchfree. Now if we could just get Tamiya to come up with some sort of infrared kit. One is offered in Germany but is rather expensive. Almost the cost of another trailer. Not worth it to me.

I thought about this for a long time as I hated the thick cable.

I thought about three solutions :

1. Instead of the ugly thick cable, use smaller ones ...

One black, red and a green thin cable with a jack at the end (and the opposite on the truck obviously).

This way it looks at least natural .. (Airbrake being yellow, control air red, anti-lock and other black)
Although I am not sure if the color scheme is rather European or world wide.

2. Using a seperate akku pack and additional remote control.

Since I use a 4 channel radion only I was looking for a solution how to control other stuff I intend to use, remotely .. I found a 12v wirless system on ebay -- it is very small and comes with a small remote like a car remote .. I take this one apart and use small switches to build into my current radio - tried that on an old one and works perfectly

3. The most complicated part ..

SOMETHING else :P

[Gomjaba]

SOmething else could be a a magentic connector as you can find on MacBooks, just static :)
http://www.instructables.com/id/ThinkSafe%3a-A-Magnetic-Power-Connector-for-Thinkpad/ for example :P

[tazz1975]

what would yall think about a cattle trailer or a grain trailer? but i do whant to ask my mfu on my trk 1st and 2nd gear doesnt have enough power 2 pull its self any where. take the trler off and it runs like a champ

[calm n sedated]

Tazz, without the trailer the truck runs fine in all gears? It has enough power to pull if you hold it back with your hand? If it does, the tranny, motor and electronics are working. The mfu actually has a circuit that turns on when the with button you installled on the fifth wheel is contacted by the trailer king pin. You hear a connection sound out of the speaker and then the circuit turns on. The actually regulates some voltage to your motor thus, giving the impression that the truck is hauling a heavy load. This could be the problem with your power loss. Check the connection, if connected check the voltage to the motor both with and without pressing the button on the fifth wheel. They do have cattle trailers.