I.B.U. Electronics IBU3 User manual

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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r/c tank Multifunctional module
The IBU3 module is a totally new board, based on experiences with IBU2, it offers superior performance combined with
flexibility and ease of use.
The IBU3 module completely replaces the electronics present in the RC Tank, allowing to fight according to the IR Tamiya
standards, customize all the sound effects and use a proportional radio from 4 to 8 channels (AM, FM, or 2.4 GHz) for full
tank control.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Main features
 Plug & Play with Heng Long models, Torro and Taigen
 ESC integrated for Tracks Control
 6 pre-calibrated selectable inertia curves, with the possibility of customization of the curve
 Battery Management Li-Po (2 or 3 cells), Ni-Mh 6 or 8 cells), Lead (12V) with audible and visual warning of low battery
 fully configurable servo support (normal and 360 °) for barrel control, traverse turret, recoil , auxiliary (speed, direction,
ATV, neutral point)
 support for external tracks ESC
 Two outputs (LEDs) MG selectable via remote control with flashing synchronized with the sound effect
 Output for smoke generator proportional to the engine rpm
 Output for smoke generator ON/OFF (relay) for TARR Smoker heaters
 Direct control for Xenon module (Heng Long / Taigen)
 Dedicated outputs for Tamiya Battle System and recoil mechanism
 Direct control of standard HL/Taigen recoil /airsoft
 Control output for Taigen servo recoil
 Visual indicator output (if not using an IR receiver with integrated LED, Tamiya/Impact)
 Output for high-intensity LED (barrel flash simulation)
 Output for rear lights and brake lights (led)
 Power audio output D-Class (10 Watts @ 8 Ohms, 15W @ 4 Ohm)
 Adjustable audio volume control by remote control
 USB port and free downloadable PC application for uploading sounds, configuration, testing, user-installable software
upgrades
 16 Mbytes of Flash memory for sound effects, no limit to the length of the audio tracks (limited to free memory space)
 audio samples in .wav format, 16bit, 22.0050 KHz
 Audio samples .ibu format for free download
 8 engine sounds, customizable dynamic sound management
 4 turret sounds , cannon, MG1, MG2, 5 mechanical noises, 2 hit sounds (random logic), tank destruction, rebirth
 4 optional sounds selectable by remote control
 Audible alerts: Start system, low battery, empty battery, inactivity (transmitter or IBU3 module)
 Intelligent remote control calibration with acquisition and automatic matching of channels-to-function with test page
 Compact size 100 x 60 x 25 mm. (approx.. 4” x 2,5” x 1”)

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
http://www.ibu
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electronics.com
IBU3 module LAYOUT
Caution
In order to avoid faulty operation, follow the instructions described below
Do not connect anything to the expansion connector, it is dedicated to additional modules (when available)
Risk of permanently damaging the IBU3 Module
In case of failure to comply with these instructions no warranty will apply
Radio Channel
inputs
Servo & ESC Outputs
Servos ESC &
Hardware expansion port
Geared motors fuse
Volume
bypass
led CPU
USB
port
USB lED
Left motor
Right motor
Battery
IR range
smoke
generator relay
Led 2nd MG
Speaker
smoke generator
Proportional
Audio volume pot
Tamiya TBU & Led
Taigen recoil control
HL turret
IR connector
Barrel flash LED
Tamiya recoil
Rear lights /
Brake
HL Xenon
led Flasher
Services Resettable fuse

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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IBU3 Module CONNECTIONS
Connect receiver channels receiver as shown in the figure, the polarity of the signal
(orange) is turned towards the outer edge of the module IBU3
(For clarity only the first channel is connected)
Connect the servos as shown in the figure, the polarity of the signal
(orange) is facing the receiver connector
(For clarity only one servo is connected)

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Connect the USB cable (supplied in the package) as
shown in the figure.
If you intend to use the volume pot remove the AB bridge and connect the cable to
related connector.
If using the remote volume control (using one radio channel, see the section in IBU3
Configurator) you can omit the volume control, in this case the AB bridge must be
inserted.
Connect the speaker to the speaker connector, it is recommended, in order to avoid
sound distortion, to use a good quality speaker, not less than 8 watts with an impedance
of 4 or 8 ohms.

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IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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 MG2
The connector allows you to connect a LED to simulate the flash of the 2nd MG barrel (which is selectable by a radio
channel, see the section IBU3 Configurator). The light output is synchronized to the reproduced audio sample.
 Flash connector
The IBU3 module allows you to connect a high-brightness LED flash to simulate the gun muzzle flash.
Connect this output to a high-brightness LEDs.
 Brake connector
The module allows you to connect two leds (in parallel) to be used as taillights and simulating the brake lights (if the
braking simulation function has been activated, see the section in section Configurator IBU3).
 SM R connector
The IBU3 module allow to use a smoke unit such as TARR Smoker or similar who have cables for the separate heating
resistor. Connect this output to these cables. (Maximum relay load = 3 amps)
 SM P connector
Output proportional to motor speed, connect to this output a standard HL/Taigen smoke generators, or the fan of the
TARR unit

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IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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 Tamiya TBU connectors
The IBU3 module allows you to use Tamiya IR unit without changes.
Connect the IR receiver cable to the receiver connector and the LED to LED connector
 IR Port Connector
Connect the IR cable (Heng Long/Taigen) to this connector
 Range jumper
If you have selected (in the Misc Configuration page of the IBU Configurator) the Recovery tank type you must
remove this jumper to reduce the range of the IR beam to about 1 meter.
 Flasher connector
If you are not using an IR receiver with integrated LEDs (Tamiya or Impact) you can connect one or more LEDs (in
series / parallel) to have a visual feedback of the standard battle signals (hit, wagon).
If the Extended Signalling (on the Misc Configuration page of the IBU Configurator) are enabled you will be able to
view additional status messages
  One Flash = inertia and smoke generator on / off
  two flashes = battery warning
  three flashes = overcurrent warning
 Four Flashes = lack of radio signals
 five flashes = overtemperature warning

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IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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 XENON connector
Connect the cable from HL/Taigen Xenon module
 T Recoil connector
The IBU3 module allows you to control the Tamiya recoil unit without changes by connecting the cable to this port
 Heng Long/Taigen turret port
Taigen recoil connector
The IBU3 module allows to drive the new Taigen recoil units for airsoft
tanks without changes.
Connect the power cable (male) to the female connector as shown in
Figure
Connect the signal cable (female) to the connector
male as shown in Figure

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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 ML connector
Connect the Left motor
 BATT connector
Connect power from the battery
 MR connector
Connect the Right motor

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Hardware built in protections
The IBU3 Module is equipped with internal protections.
The 16 Ampere 5x20 Fast Action Fuse (which is the only part serviceable by the user) protects the powertrain
The PTC Resettable fuse (service fuse) protects the all the electronics, in case short circuit or wrong connections this fuse will disconnect
the main supply coming from battery. After a short time this device will reset itself automatically and the electronics will be supplied
again. If the fuse act again disconnect all the cables from the module (except for the battery supply) and check carefully the wirings.
Service Resettable fuse
Geared motors fuse

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Ibu3 configurator
To best use the PC application in combination with the IBU3 module you should follow the instructions below.
 Minimum system requirements, Windows 7 or higher, make sure that you OS is updated to latest version
 Download the PC Configurator software and install it on the PC in use
 During installation you may be asked to install .NET Framework components for Windows, this will be done automatically but
requires active internet connection
 Download the VirtualComPort drivers and install them on the PC in use
 Connect the female USB adapter cable(provided) to IBU3 module
 Connect your PC to IBU3 module using a USB cable Male / Male Type A (not supplied)
CAUTION
despite the USB port of IBU3 module is protected against short circuits is recommended to connect to the PC usb ONLY with IBU3
module switched off
 Power the IBU3 module
 the green LED on the CPU module flashes for a few seconds during the self-test after which it is steady
 The USB yellow LED on (if the module is connected to the PC)
 Run the IBU3 Configurator

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Main page
 settings
Access to the configuration of the IBU3 module
 Test
Access to IBU3 module test program
 Firmware update
Update the module with a new version of software (when
available)
 USB port selection
PC communication port selection
 language selection
Switch between languages
If the IBU3 module is not connected (and powered) to the PC you can not access the above user functions.
Before you access the various functions of the program you must select the
PC communications port
Choose from the dropdown list the communication port (in this case
COM4), more ports appears available use the first proposal and, in case of
failure, the next available.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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RADIO SETUP
After selecting the number of channels of your transmitter press the Start calibration button and follow the instructions on the screen, at
the end of the configuration it will be automatically saved in the memory of IBU3 module.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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rADIO configuration
This screen shows the example of a 8-channel radio, every function is however
assignable to any channel or diagonal stick, for example:
In this case, the selectable options are visible for the 6th channel from the drop
down menu
All channel configurations and stick corners have the same menu options. The
control options via diagonal sticks can not control proportional channels such as
optional or the audio volume sounds, in this case it is always advisable to use a
proportional radio channel coupled to a potentiometer or slider
After configuration save the settings by clicking on the command write

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IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Gearbox setup
In the upper part of the page are always displayed: current firmware version, serial number of IBU3 module and the battery voltage
level. The button "Factory Settings" enables a parameter reset by restoring the default settings
The first configuration page is dedicated to gearboxes , where you can set the parameters related to the maximum current, the rotational
power (SuperSpin), the speed of the motors (right and left), the limitation of reverse speed. You can also set the time, the speed and the
direction of simulated recoil of the tank during cannon firing.
The Motors enable configuration allows to select the control of the motors via the
integrated ESC (up to 20 Ampere for each motor) or, external separate ESC (brushless
or high power for 1/6 tanks).

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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configuration setup
By checking the box inertia simulation will be active when you turn on the system. You
can choose different curves of inertia by clicking on configuration and then choosing one
of the six pre-programmed curves.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Also you can alter the curve selected according to preferences by simply clicking the mouse on the red line of the chart and dragging it to
your liking. After configuration save the inertia settings by clicking the command write.
It’s also possible to reverse the direction of the Track Recoil, Traverse and Barrel
gearboxes by checking the related option box
Enabling the brake simulation while driving will be possible to brake pushing the stick in
the opposite direction (surpassing the neutral position) in this case the tank will brake
and remain stationary until the stick will not be brought back to neutral. Also the rear
lights will be lit simultaneously simulating the stops.
After configuration save the settings by clicking on the command write.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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Miscellaneous setup
From the drop-down menu you can select: type and category of Tank, battery type and number of cells, enabling the extended signalling
(Flasher) through the IR receiver led. Extended signalling include alerts for low battery, reload, low battery level, current threshold
exceeded, excessive module temperature. If these reports are disabled the standard signals are still present.
In case of radio sticks neutral position stability issue is possible via this control to set a
"dead zone" in which any fluctuations of the value is not considered.
In case of problems of stability in the neutral position of the turret rotation is possible
to set, as for the previous option, a percentage offset within which any fluctuations are
not considered.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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You can set the smoke generator ON at power up and the minimum power at idle and maximum power when run
You can set the status of the front and rear lights at power up, also by adjusting the intensity of the rear lights you will be able to have
the effect of brake lights (only if the braking simulation was enabled)
It allows you to set the pulse duration (or activation time) of the mechanical recoil
group. Tamiya recoil unit can be connected to T Recoil port. The standard HL/Taigen
Recoil unit (or airsoft unit) the standard HL turret connector is used.
After configuration save the settings by clicking on the command write.

user manual
IBU3 User Manual rev. 1.0 I.B.U. Electronics
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servo setup
For traverse servo you can set the speed, the type of actuator, normal or 360 ° (also called continuous rotation or robotic servo), the
direction, the maximum travel in both directions (ATV) and the neutral position.
For barrel servo you can set the speed, the type of actuator, normal or 360 ° (also called continuous rotation or robotic servo), the
direction, the maximum travel in both directions (ATV) and the neutral position.
In Tank version the auxiliary servo can be used for an additional function (for example, open a hatch), it is controlled by a radio channel
or by a diagonal (see Radio setup). It has an ON / OFF operation, and can be configured in speed, direction and (ATV)
In the future it will be released the Halftrack functionality and this servo (if selected Halftrack mode) will be dedicated to the steering.
After configuration save the settings by clicking on the command write.