Why Mato Conceals the IR Emitter Inside the Barrel—and Why an External Option Is Coming
Infrared battle systems add an exciting interactive element to RC tanks. They allow multiple vehicles to engage in simulated combat using infrared signals rather than physical projectiles.
However, integrating an infrared system into a highly detailed scale model involves an important design decision:
Should the infrared emitter be exposed for maximum performance, or concealed to preserve the authentic appearance of the tank?
At Mato, visual accuracy has always been an important part of our design philosophy. For this reason, we normally conceal the infrared emitter inside the main gun barrel rather than placing it visibly outside the tank.
This approach maintains a more realistic appearance, but on certain tank models, it can also affect infrared transmission.
Why Barrel Size Matters
The infrared emitter must send its signal through the inside of the gun barrel.
On tanks with a relatively large barrel opening, the infrared signal has a clearer path and can be transmitted more effectively.
However, some historical tanks were equipped with relatively narrow main guns. At 1:16 scale, the internal barrel opening becomes even smaller.
Models such as certain versions of the Panzer III and StuG III therefore have much less internal space available for the infrared emitter and its signal.
A narrow barrel opening can:
- Restrict the infrared signal
- Reduce effective transmission range
- Make alignment more sensitive
- Affect performance when the tank and target are not positioned directly toward each other
This does not mean that the infrared system is defective. It is a limitation created by placing the emitter inside a scale-accurate barrel with very limited internal space.
Why Not Simply Expose the Infrared Emitter?
From a purely functional perspective, placing the infrared emitter directly outside the barrel would improve signal transmission.
The emitter would have a clearer field of view, making the infrared signal stronger and more consistent.
However, an exposed infrared LED at the end of the barrel would immediately change the appearance of the tank.
The same issue applies to an externally mounted infrared unit. Although it can provide better performance, it also adds a visible component that does not belong on the original vehicle.
For Mato, this creates a genuine conflict between two priorities:
- Preserving the historically accurate appearance of the tank
- Maximizing infrared battle performance
Our original decision was to prioritize the appearance of the model by concealing the emitter inside the barrel.
A Mato tank should still look like a scale tank—not like a model with a visible electronic light attached to its gun.
Scale Accuracy Has Practical Consequences
Scale accuracy is not only about surface details, paint schemes or accessories.
It also affects the internal space available for mechanical and electronic systems.
A larger fictional barrel opening could make infrared transmission easier, but it would no longer represent the original tank accurately.
Similarly, positioning the infrared emitter outside the barrel would improve performance, but it would introduce a visible feature that was never present on the real vehicle.
Our approach has therefore been to preserve the correct barrel proportions whenever possible, even when doing so creates greater technical challenges.
For collectors who value appearance and historical accuracy, this is an important part of the Mato design philosophy.
Different Owners Have Different Priorities
Not every Mato owner uses their tank in the same way.
Some owners primarily display their tanks and place the greatest importance on historical appearance.
Others operate their tanks casually and use the infrared system occasionally.
Some owners participate in frequent infrared battles, where signal range and consistency may be more important than maintaining a completely scale appearance.
There is no single solution that is perfect for every owner.
A concealed emitter provides the cleanest and most authentic appearance. An exposed emitter can provide better infrared performance.
The best choice depends on how the owner intends to use the tank.
An Optional External Infrared Emitter Is Coming
To provide owners with greater flexibility, Mato is developing an optional external infrared emitter.
This accessory is intended for customers who want improved infrared transmission, particularly on models with narrow gun barrels such as the Panzer III and StuG III.
The external emitter will provide a clearer path for the infrared signal and can improve range and consistency during IR battles.
It is important to understand that this accessory represents a compromise.
The external unit may be visible and therefore slightly reduce the historically accurate appearance of the tank. However, it will offer a practical solution for owners who place greater importance on infrared battle performance.
Customers who prefer the most authentic appearance can continue using the concealed barrel-mounted emitter.
Customers who want stronger infrared performance will have the option of installing the external unit.
A Choice Between Two Priorities
Our goal is not to claim that one solution is always better than the other.
Each approach offers a different advantage:
Concealed Barrel-Mounted Emitter
- Preserves the tank’s authentic appearance
- Keeps electronic components hidden
- Maintains the original barrel profile
- Best suited to owners who prioritize scale accuracy
Optional External Emitter
- Provides a clearer infrared signal path
- Can improve range and consistency
- Better suited to frequent IR battles
- Introduces a visible external component
By offering both options, owners can choose the balance that best fits their own priorities.
Our Design Philosophy
Mato has always taken the external appearance of its tanks seriously.
We do not want to improve one function by casually adding components that make the model look less authentic. At the same time, we listen carefully when owners tell us that they need stronger and more reliable infrared performance.
The upcoming external infrared emitter is our response to these different needs.
It does not replace the concealed system. Instead, it provides an additional option for owners who are willing to accept a small visual compromise in exchange for improved IR battle performance.
Historical appearance and electronic performance do not always lead to the same design decision.
Our responsibility is to explain the difference honestly—and allow each Mato owner to choose the solution that is right for them.