Looking for a Tamiya MFU manual online.

[Espeefan]

Hi guys, I've got a question for all you MFU users. Do any of you have a manual you could share with me? Or know of a place online, where I could download and view a manual?

I need to know how the LEDs are wired into the MFU, and more specifically, what the output voltage is, which runs the LEDs. I'm wanting to activate an aux. lighting circuit, using a separate relay, which will be turned on by the MFU's lighting output.

Thanks.

[Espeefan]

http://www.tamiyausa.com/pdf/manuals/56511ml.pdf

Found a manual. I should have known! However, it doesn't tell me what voltage it is using to run the LED lights. Do the LEDs have any resistors in series with them, or do the LEDs just plug direct into a terminal?

[Smokin Joe]

There are no external resistors. At the same time, the currant from the clearance light plug would be higher than the currant required for a single LED.

Test different plugs on the MFU to see what the voltage is. Keep in mind polarity.

Joe

[Espeefan]

Joe, thanks. I don't have an MFU that I can measure and test. This is something I'd like to know before getting an MFU, so I don't needlessly end up spending the money on it, and finding out it won't work the way I want it to.

If the MFU puts out 3 to 5 volts, on the terminals for the light functions, then would be perfect. All I need is a signal in that range, to turn on a separate relay, which will handle the higher current draw of a bunch of extra LEDs.

[Smokin Joe]

I will test mine and let you know.

Joe

[Smokin Joe]

All light ports put out 10.70v. These must be high lumen LEDs. How many milliamps does the relay pull? You could use a resistor in line with the relay if it cannot handle 10v.
I have used relays with a supply voltage above the rated input. Hope I helped. If I can supply anymore help, let me know.

Joe

[Smokin Joe]

Yes, 10.7v from a 9.6v battery.

[fhhhstix]

I believe there is a guy named mrlights on some of the forums that makes a light kit that plugs into the mfu for adding more lights so I know it cab be done.

http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43736

Travis

[Espeefan]

Thank you guys. Joe, I'm kind of curious how you can be getting 10.7 volts from the MFU, if it's powered by a 9.6 volt pack. Must be some sort of DC switching regulator, stepping the voltage up. Interesting.

At worst, the relay I was looking at draws about 30 to 50 mili-amps. I know there are lots of miniature relays available, with coil voltages ranging from 3 to 24 volts. I should be able to find something that will work.

Travis, I'll have to look Mr. Lights up. I've seen him around on other forums.

Thanks again guys.