Digi Q info

[Mykroe]

Could everyone post what they know about these little cars. I think they have 2 motors and use infared signals, but I want to learn more. From the little I have read it seems like they have 2 motors, one for each side and the CPU on it determine how fast to run each one in order to drive and steer....

[Hardtrukr]

correctamundo! 2 motors, smaller than the bit char-g, faster, and more controllable from what i have heard. dont got one but know a bit about em'! :cool:

[Mykroe]

Cool, they are more expensive. And another thing is I think they have a range of something like 30 or 50 foot radius...

[zoomzoom]

I just picked up my digiQ, and it is FAST and I SAAAYYYY FAST compared to the bit charG!!!

The range on it is pretty good and best of all, I got a deal on it!!!

YeaHHHHH!!
:D

[323iT]

fast compare to which bit char-g motor? i have a 2.2 I really want to get a digi q cuz of the proportional steering. does that help with the handling? where did you get the good deal?:D

[tinyrc]

If there is an interest, we can get some Digi Qs in. They are rather more expensive than the Bit, and less popular, so we weren't sure how much of a demand there would be.

[ylexot]

I've got a Nikko iRacer (DigiQ rip-off) and I like my Bits better. However, if you can get some of the Combat DigiQs (tanks), I'd be interested. From what I've heard, the tanks shoot IR beams and each hit slowly disables the tank. Could be fun.

[tinyrc]

Cool, do you have a link to a page on the manufacturer's web site where I can check these tanks out?

[ylexot]

Nope, sorry. I read it somewhere (just rumors), but I forget where. There are some pictures here. (http://www.stomper4x4.com/minirc/)

[gertman]

I have a Digi Q and I just got the special controller. It allows the user to set different parameters: acceleration, speed, braking, stability. It really makes the Digi Q alot more controlable.

As far as speed, a Digi Q KILLS a Bit Char G with any motor 2.2b or anything else. I have one with I think the aqua gears and a 2.2b motor (the endbell is red) and my Digi Q is ALOT faster. It's like night and day!!

If anyone has any questions or wants to see pictures of the controller or anything please let me know.

[tinyrc]

gertman, please post pics! Sounds really cool! Has anyone tried using a PocketPC or Palm to control one of these?

[gertman]

Here is a pic of the "Special" controller:

[gertman]

here is a pic o my Digi Q and a Bit Char G for size comparison:

[Yahiko]

umm.....
can the DIGI Q run normally on marble and parquet floor ???

[323iT]

looks like Konami makes those IR tanks.. it said Konami on the controller

[ylexot]

Takara is a subsidiary of Konami.

[gertman]

Um no,

Takara and Konami are two independent Japanese Toy companies. For the Digi Q line of toys, including tanks and submarnies, they have a joint venture. Konomi is supplying the IR technology.

I read this in a press release and will find it and post a link shortly.

[gertman]

Here is a copy of part of the official press release:

Page 1

Press Information January 28, 2002

Introduction of Konami and Takara's business collaboration in 2002 Expanding the MICRO IR series and entering the capsule toy businessKonami Corporation Takara Co., Ltd. Takara Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Keita Satoh, hereinafter referred to as Takara) and Konami Corporation (President: Kagemasa Kozuki) have been working in collaboration since their strategic capital tie-up, which took place in June 2000. The main jointly developed project until last year is the MICRO IR series. In order to further enhance partnership and synergy, we are to extend the MICRO IR series and also enter the capsule toy business. The MICRO IR toys are equipped with KONAMI's newly developed remote-control system using infrared rays. They carry a high-spec micro CPU (central processing unit) that makes the new concept of high-end micro miniature toys possible. Takara released the first of the series, MICRO IR Digi-Q, developed in the motif of Takara's original miniature toy car Choro-Q. We will be strengthening and expanding collaboration for the MICRO IR series in 2002. This spring, Konami will be releasing the MICRO IR Digi-Q Train as the second project of the series. Following, Takara will launch the MICRO IR Digi-Q DIVER GEAR, a remote control submarine, and then the tank designed MICRO IR COMBAT Digi-Q from Konami. It is quite rare in the toy industry that two or more companies cooperate in developing products for one common series. We intend to reinforce name value and expand share in the toy market by selling MICRO IR products from both companies. One more important tie-up project is the capsule toy business. We will be casting the new type vending machine, DRAGON CUBE into the market. Reds Incorporated (President: Akitoshi Ashida, hereinafter referred to as Reds), which has an established reputation with figures, will be joining in as another partner. The three companies will enter the business together making use of their contents, product development, and brands in having various selections of capsule toys that both children and adults can enjoy. Pricing range for capsule toys have been ¥100 to ¥200 in the past but we have

[Yahiko]

hello....
please don't ignore me.....
please reply......
can a digi q run normally on parquet and marble floor ??????????

[gertman]

Sure,

I don't see why not. The Digi Q has very sticky rubber tires in back and plastic ones up front. Remember the rear wheel provide the thrust in ALL directions and steering.

[Yahiko]

hey!,
thanks a lot....
anyway......
which do you think is more fun and enjoyable ????
a bit char-g or a digi q ????
i want to know bcoz i want to buy either one by this Monday......
so i need some advice on r/c's coz this would be my VERY VERY FIRST R/C.....
and so I want it to be FUN ; FUN ; FUN!!!!!!!
I will appreceate ur advice
so please reply A.S.A.P. !!!!!!!!!!
it's only 3 days away!!!!!!!
(in Malaysia it is Friday now...)

[gertman]

In Baltimore it's Friday TOO!!!

Anyway, let me lay it out for you:

Bit Char-G (Pros)
--------------------
-cheap
-easily controllable
-very customizable (motors, gears, tires, bodies, sway bar)
-only need 2AA
-charges up very quickly (30sec)
-antenna spools up for easy "clean up"

Bit Char-G (Cons)
--------------------
-not proportional
-not very fast (even with fastest gearing and motor)
-does not seem to work as well with faster motors (maybe just my 2)
-short range
-fixed MgHz (only availble in a few channels)
-does not run very long on a charge
-charges up on the side of the remote

Digi Q (Pros)
--------------------
-FASTER (alot faster than a Bit Char-G)
-proportional
-can be tuned digitally (with Special controller)
-smaller
-good range (even without the IR Booster)
-runs about 7min on a charge
-charges up and can be stored on the back of the remote

Digi Q (Cons)
--------------------
-more expensive
-It's harder to control at full speed
-has a delay that makes it tuff to drive (you have to be smooth on the throttle)
-takes longer to get good at driving one
-can't customize anythything (performance wise) without buying another controller
-Uses 4AA in the remote
-takes 10 min to charge
-can only run with 3 other cars (4 running at once)

Hope this helps!! :D

How big of an area are you going to drive it on? Are you just driving it yourself or with friends? Are you going to make a track? Please expand on what you want it for.

[Yahiko]

um.....
as a hobby
not racing..... just to past time......
making a track........ maybe.....
but with what ???:confused:

[Yahiko]

sorry...
I forgot about the area......
but how big must the area be to play this small-thing ????
and
can the digi q be controlled even if blocked by someone or something ???
Please reply A.S.A.P.
coz I'm buying it today....
YES TODAY.......

[gertman]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner,

Did you already buy it?

Again, because it is proportional, you have full control over regulating the speed. Because of this, you can drive it in small and larger areas.

[Yahiko]

nevermind....
anyway, the digi q is cool !!!
i had no regrets buying that small thing......
hey,
can you help me translate or tell me how to maintain my digi q ???
(I'm new and I hope you will give me guidence..)(actually, DIGI Q was my 1st R/C )
and is the IR booster good ???
can you send me a pic of it equipped onto the digi propo ????
and
can i put greese on the gears to make it smoother ???
and
can i get any sort of lubricant to treat the rear tyres ????
(to make it stay sticky )
I hope you will help me in my R/C hobby......
i am a total newbie and hope to learn more.....
Please be my 'Guru' or 'si-fu'
guru - teacher in Malaysian language
si-fu - master teacher in Mandrin ( language of China )
Please............

[gertman]

Let's see......

Some SIMPLE answers
---------------------------------
1- I would NOT recommend putting anything on the rear tires.

2- The gears do NOT need any additional grease (unless for some reason you have removed the original grease)

3-I have the IR booster BUT I really don't think it was worth the extra 20 bucks. I would put that money towards the Special controller.

When / Why should you do maintenance?
------------------------
Do you have a cat or dog? An animal that lives with you that sheds ALOT of hair? Do you every run your Digi Q on carpet?

STRINGS, synthetic or organic (hair) is really the only problem that may cause you to have to clean your digi q.

If you do NOT have a pet or run on carpet, cleaning should be done but not nearly as often!!!

(Remember the screw that holds your hole car together is metal threaded into plastic; so are the screws that hold your wheels on!!!----- they won't last forever!!! So don't take your car apart anymore than you have too.)

Maintenance -- Stuff You should Do
------------------------------------------
1- Clean hair out of axils

2- Clean hair out that may be on the gear shafts

Cleaning hair OUT OF AXILES
---------------------------------
1- get the proper size allen head wrench and take off all four wheels. (I don't remember the size of the allen wrench off hand)

2- take a hobby knife or tweezers and remove all hair that my be on the back side of the wheels, on the axils, or on the screws.

(Please note, when removing the screw of the rear wheels, two gears will become loose and will fall out of the car. Don't worry, during re-assembly put them back in their little pocket before attaching the rear wheels.)

Cleaning hair OUT OF THE GEAR SHAFTS
--------------------------------------------------
3- Remove the Phillips (plus) head screw on the underside of the Digi Q.

4- The body should pull off (Watch the notches in the rear)

5- Inspect all gears and shafts for hair.

6- If hair is found, remove the gear first, even the one on the motor before removing the hair.

7- carefully re-assemble

[Hardtrukr]

10 MINUTES!!!!! cheeze, life is short, might as well use the time wisely. hehe :rolleyes:

[Yahiko]

thanks man !!!
that jolly well answers some questions.....
say.....
is the ir shooter enhanced with the special controller ???
meaning the reception is better ???
and
could you send me a few more pic's on the special controller...
thank you. :D

[akura2]

http://www.konami.co.jp/cp/micro_ir/toy/digiq/image/combat_image.gif

[akura2]

Combat DigiQ

55mm
Infrared battle system
Available end of summer

[323iT]

i have 2 bit char-g
i like them cuz they are customizable. and they're not that fast so you can run them on the table. with 1.0 motor. lots of torque and not too fast to run on a crowded desk.
for speed i have another car with 3.0 with boost. that thing is so fast that it can't really turn cuz the front wheels doesn't have enough grip and you HAVE TO run the car on the floor cuz there's no way in heck you're gonna be able to steer the car fast enough.
i think bit char-g will be cheaper and easier to drive since you can just swap the motor and get different speeds.:cool:

[gertman]

323iT,

If you use some throttle control, aka not floor it all the time, you would not have so much trouble controlling your Digi Q. Try running it as slow as your Bit Char-G runs, WOW, you have BETTER control over it because it's proportional!!!!!

[Yahiko]

umm.....
some info on the digi propo special controller

[gertman]

OK, here are the details of the Digi Q Special Controller:

It's only available in blue, has a flat bottom (like a normal RC controller), and takes 4 AA batteries. It has the jack and clip on top for the IR booster. On this controller the speed is adjusted electronically. The light for charge and low battery have been moved to the rear.

There is an LCD display on the back with 3 little black buttons underneath. They are labeled (in English thank G-D) select, up and down. With the controller on, the display reads: speed, accele, S.T.B, and brake. These are categories to adjust. On the bottom right of the screen is a 4 digit code. The numbers correspond to the 4 categories on the screen.

Each category can be adjusted from 1 to 8 with speed going to 9. All the categories are pretty self explanatory with the exception of S.T.B which means stability. This will make the car more or less responsive to inputs a.k.a. it will turn slower. Braking will determine, after the trigger is put back to the neutral position) how long the car will take to slow down.

I already posted a picture in this thread. There are lots of them for sale on ebay.....selling for less than 40 bucks!!!!

I WOULD PICK ONE UP!!!!

This new controller does making driving your Digi Q a more pleasure full, AND more controllable experience.

[LanternRouge]

i got a propo special last week and it is a must have! with the custom settings, i can control the digi-q much, much better on my kitchen floor. plus, you can drift with it, much better than with the bits.

also, there are a TON of more bodies available for the digi than the bit, since you can convert choro-q bodies to fit. from what i hear, in japan the digi-q is much more popular because of this.

overall, i like the digis for just plain driving around and stuff, but the bits are better if you are into modeling the bodies. i think the digi is much more expandable than the bits.

[Bad_Ash]

Noticed several people here from Maryland. Was interested in purchasing a DigiQ or a Bit Char-G and was wondering if anyone knew of a local shop who carried them, or similar items.

Thanks!

[tungstenpower]

Besides ebay, I find that this website is a good place to buy Digi Q and Bit Char G www.cosmogames.com ....btw...not affiliated with this shop

[ylexot]

Personally, I've used eBay, toyeast (http://www.toyeast.com), and HLJ (http://www.hlj.com).

"good...bad...I'm the one with the gun" :D

[tinyrc]

I find that this website is a good place to buy Digi Q and Bit Char G www.cosmogames.com

Prices are a little high compared to http://tinyrc.com/shop !

[tungstenpower]

I wished you carried Takara Digi Q products. If you can get a good deal on these cars, I will be happy to order from you guys.

[tinyrc]

We can/will get them! :D Any specific model you're interested in?

[tungstenpower]

1. DigiQ IR PENNZOIL SKYLINE GT-R
2. Skyline GT-R (R-34) Digi Q - Black (DQ-01)
3. Digi Propo Special (LCD Screen) 2 controllers
4. Digi Q Circuit: Course No. 7 Chicane Mania

What kind of pricing can you get for these items?

[gertman]

What are you going to charge for the Digi Q Propo special controller? I MAY be interested in another!!

[tinyrc]

gertman, not sure yet, but email us the best price you can find in the US and we'll do our best to beat it.

[Tachyon]

A Digi Q vs. 3.0 Bit Char-G

Drag race

Which one is quicker? Who has both and has done this?

Thanks :)

[gertman]

Funny you should ask,

I just conducted the ULTIMATE test:

http://www.**********s.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=7&t=75&st=15&#entry540

Digi Q's areMUCH faster!!!
Did you really think it would be close?

[Tachyon]

Originally posted by gertman
Funny you should ask,

I just conducted the ULTIMATE test:

http://www.**********s.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=7&t=75&st=15&#entry540

Digi Q's areMUCH faster!!!
Did you really think it would be close?

I didn't say i thought it would be close. I just wanted to decide which one to buy! :D

[Tachyon]

given that human reflex time is ~0.1s, and it takes TWO clicks of the stopwatch to time a run (start + stop), your data is has an uncertainty of AT LEAST +/- 0.2

with such a big uncertainty of +/- 0.2, the data is not very useful. Your calculations are all correct, but unless it done with a photogate, i wouldn't call it the ULTIMATE test :D

[gertman]

Tachyon,

Point taken. It was the best I could do being as I was running the stop watch and driving the car!!!! Also, remember this was a SCOOPED-UP Bit Char-G. If it was a stock Bit :p it's not even worth comparing!!!

[Tachyon]

i just played with my friend's new digiQ today and i have to say, the steering is quite tricky and impercise. That whole "proportional steering" crap is just a gimmick think. It NEEDS proportional steering because the front wheels cant pivot like the bit char-G, so proportional steering is the ONLY way it can turn.

i find when i try to reverse the digiQ, it spins out very easily~

maybe im just not used to it
i want to try a bit char-G now and compare the steering

oh yea, DigiQ on "normal" IS freakin fast! hahaha :D

[gertman]

Controlling a Digi Q is ALL about throttle control!!! If you run your Digi Q AS SLOW ass a Bit Char-G you can control it FAR better!!!

If you SOOP-UP your Bit Char-G it's hard to control and spins out too!!!! The Bit Char-G has NO proportional controls AT ALL!!! Maybe after you drive that one, you'll take back THAT proportional comment you made about the Digi Q!!!;)

Also, if you buy the Digi Q Special Controller, you will have more tuning ability as far as controlling spin outs!!!!

[Tachyon]

maybe!~ :)

hey gertman, have you ever build a track or driven on somebody else's track? my friend is building a track for his digiQ and im helping him. we are trying to figure out the dimensions of the thing, as in the lane width to suit the digiQ

gots any experiecne on tracks?

[gertman]

Why yes,

I have a track in my basement for Mini-Z's, ABC hobbies, and Epoch 1/43's. It is a little large for the epoch's. You can almost go full speed around the entire track!!! With mod motors in my ABC and Mini-Z, the track is a little small, but FUN.

I have lanes that have widths varying from 17" to 23". The total track dimensions are 12' x 19'1/2" with a 17' straight away. I will post some pics later on.

As far as a track for the Digi Q's, I would figure about 15" wide lanes. How fast to you want to go? Do you want to be able to get up to full speed? How many cars are going to be running at once? Do you want to have to make any sharp turns, slow down, aka spin out. So, you need to make some turning radius measurements.

I bought the Digi Q "Official" track !!! It is nothing more than an erector set!! :mad: Anyway it's lanes are too small and the whole track is not big enough to run your Digi Q at any sort of speed. The dimensions on it are about 67" x 68". I DO NOT run on it and need to find a surface. I have not messed with it much. (Projects on indefinite hold)

Hope this helps.

Post the dimensions you DO decide on. :)

[Tachyon]

wow~ 15" wide tracks for the digiQ? i don't know if my friend will have enouge space/materials to make the track

what are your tracks made out of? like the lanes and the railings.

[gertman]

The railing is folded duck tape that is duck tapped to a concrete floor. The surface is disposable shop towels. The shop towels provide too much friction for the Digi Q!

I am only guessing about 15” wide lanes. Again, how fast do you want to go. How many cars on the track? A Digi Q is vastly more controllable at lower speeds but of course NOT as fun. What to do, what to do?

You need to:
-figure out what surface you want to use.
-measure the turning radius you can make on THIS new surface repeat ably without spinning out

That should give you a good place to start.

What are you using to build it? Maybe I'll build one along side you guys :p .........

[Tachyon]

we haven't started building it yet, we are in the planning stages right now. my friend's got access to lots of inexpensive plywood, so we are THINKING of making that as the base. but what we REALLY want are vinyl mats, vinyl is the BEST thing for rubber tires, believe me. i have experience from other RC cars. but vinyl mats are made in japan, they are expensive and rare so i think for our First track, we are just using plywood base and maybe styrofoam or cardboard railings.

i think we wnat mixs of turns and long straighaways, able to reach top speed AND twisty turny section.

[was ist los?]

for the person who wanted more traction, you could use 1/10th touring car traction additive.

[razrez75]

I just bought a digi q (my first micro....) and I love it. I just have one quick question. Does anyone know if there are any upgrades available for these cars? I just ordered the special controller, but I'd like to tinker with the car some. I'm having a bit of trouble locating upgrades......Thanks

[was ist los?]

mod it with choro q tires and bodies. you can also cut out the bottom for a lower cg and better handling.

[super_micro]

so let me get all this straight.


Digi-Q : porportional,all power and turning comes from the back wheels (like a tank), faster than bit char-g, not very many hop-ups, uses infrared to control

Bit-Char-g : not porportional, turns with front wheels, very customizable compared to Digi-Q, uses radio waves to control




Please correct me on any of theses things and add any info thats not here

[was ist los?]

you've got it, but you can mod choro q bodies to fit digi qs

[Namuna]

I have the following items being shipped to me:

Controllers:
1- Digi Propo Special (for me)
1- Digi Propo regular (for girlfriend)

Cars:
1- Red Beetle
1- Silver Beetle
1- Yellow Pennzoil Skyline
1- Blue TT Coupe

I just registered my domain and am looking for a Web Host, by the time my DigiQ stuff comes in my site will be up and running! So with my kickass digital camera and camcorder, I'll be posting PLENTY of pics and vids!

So keep my website in mind! (http://www.LincolnsWorld.com) It's not online yet, but will be up and running within the next couple of days!

[tinyrc]

Namuna, email us and we can help you find a great web host!

[Namuna]

Originally posted by tinyrc
Namuna, email us and we can help you find a great web host!

DARN! Oh well, already signed up...But just under $12 (US) for 500mb store and 20gig pr/month (with static IP) ain't too bad I think!

Thanks for the offer of help though Tiny! Much appreciated.

[tinyrc]

Namuna, sounds like a fair deal, let us know when the site is up! :)

[Namuna]

Stop on by at: Lincolns World (http://www.lincolnsworld.com)
Then go to the Toys N Games page for my Micro RC World section

So far I only have the 'Latest & Greatest' and 'Links' pages up, there's PLENTY more to come soon...But check out the 'Latest & Greatest' out, I think you all will find the info I put up to be VERY INTERESTING!