= Toy Tank Hacking =

Here are some photos of a toy tank that the local H.E.B. had on sale after Christmas.

http://www.robotgroup.net/paul/Tank/SUC50024.JPG The front of the box with the tank and action figure removed.

http://www.robotgroup.net/paul/Tank/SUC50026.JPG 

http://www.robotgroup.net/paul/Tank/SUC50029.JPG 

= Tank Autopsy =

http://www.robotgroup.net/eric/ToyTank/P1072510.JPG The tank has 4 sections.  The microcontroller is the little board located in the top of the turret.

http://www.robotgroup.net/eric/ToyTank/P1072511.JPG Snipped the wiring to separate the base from the rest of the components. Also had to desolder the wiring going to the motors since they were wired together. The tank would only go forward or reverse originally.  By desoldering the wiring and attaching new wires, we will be able to control each motor individually.

http://www.robotgroup.net/eric/ToyTank/P1072512.JPG Here I have replaced the speaker with a  [http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?CatID=113&SubCatID=146&SubSubCatID=0&ProductID=30 L298 Motor Controller] from [http://www.hvwtech.com HVW Technology].  I also added an on/off toggle switch by drilling a 1/2" hole in the base and running the positive battery terminal lead through it.

http://www.robotgroup.net/eric/ToyTank/P1072513.JPG Here is the base put back together. The cables running out the top are power, ground and the motor control cables that run to the motor controller.  The headlights still work too!