| Any time you work with an radio controlled device, you | | | | essential you clear your frequency before you ever |
| encounter RC frequencies, and the world of RC boats | | | | turn your RC boat on. If you don't, you could cause |
| is no exception. Each country has its own standard | | | | another radio control boat driver to lose control. |
| frequencies, as the various governments around the | | | | I'd like to start a RC boat club. Is there a way we can |
| world are typically the groups who govern which radio | | | | control our frequencies when we meet? |
| frequencies can be used for which types of devices. | | | | Most clubs use a peg board type system. Each |
| The world of RC boats deals primarily with the | | | | member running their RC boat notifies the peg board |
| frequencies that fall into the 27 MHz and 75 MHz | | | | operator as to which frequency he or she will be using |
| bands. The individual frequencies have their own | | | | throughout the day. That helps everyone keep track |
| channels as well. | | | | of everyone else and ensures no tragedies occur |
| My RC boat has two RC channels. How does that fit | | | | while you're all running your RC boats. Many clubs go |
| into the picture? | | | | so far as to make rules about checking the frequency |
| The idea that your RC boat has two different | | | | board before getting started. It helps members |
| channels doesn't mean it's actually working at channel | | | | remember that others are running their RC boats, and |
| number two. The term channel serves two very | | | | it makes RC boat retrieval a less likely prospect. |
| different functions here. In addition to suggesting a | | | | When Tragedy Strikes |
| frequency number, it also discusses how many things | | | | Sooner or later, someone will interfere with your |
| your radio controls. For example, some RC boats | | | | frequency, and you'll be dead in the water. It happens |
| control speed with one and steering with another. | | | | to almost all radio controlled boat enthusiasts at some |
| Really sophisticated RC boats can use many more to | | | | point. You have several options if it happens to you. |
| control a large variety of functions such as pumps, | | | | Before you choose the right one, though, it's essential |
| cranes, winches, and the like. | | | | to remember that you should never swim out to your |
| Can two RC boats use the same frequency? | | | | boat. It's not a good idea for a number of reasons, and |
| Absolutely not. If you're at a local pond with your RC | | | | it may even be illegal depending on where you decide |
| boat and the individual next to you has a RC boat on | | | | to run your RC boat for the day. There are, however, |
| the same frequency, you may find yourself controlling | | | | three good options. First, consider something as simple |
| his boat and vice versa. The waves your transmitter | | | | as a fishing rod. Simply attach a tennis ball and a hook. |
| emits interfere with those his transmitter emits, and the | | | | This method won't work, though, if you can't cast as |
| signals can get crossed. Obviously, havoc may ensue. | | | | far as your boat is. Another option is to bring a small |
| How do I make sure no one else is operating at my | | | | inflatable raft with you. If you plan to do this, though, |
| frequency? | | | | keep in mind that RC boats have many sharp parts |
| The best way to make sure that no one else is using | | | | and pieces, so plan how to get your boat back to |
| the same frequency you're on is with the help of a | | | | shore without sinking your raft. Your final option is to |
| frequency checker. You can puRChase one at almost | | | | puRChase a small RC boat to be your rescue vehicle. |
| any hobby store. Most of the good ones will scan | | | | You can outfit it with a tow line and hooks to help |
| thirty channels, and they typically have an LED display | | | | snare your boat and pull it back to shore once it's in |
| to help you tell which one is in use. While they do vary | | | | tow. |
| by model, some will automatically scan on a regular | | | | Understanding the frequencies involved is an essential |
| basis to let you know if something changes as you're | | | | part of RC boating. While it may mean a bit of extra |
| playing with your RC boat. Keep in mind that it is | | | | study on your part, the results certainly are worthwhile. |