| For a beginner, the sheer amount of brands, varieties | | | | cars use a fuel mixture similar to what runs a real car. |
| and specs of RC vehicles can be overwhelming. | | | | What does RC Stand For? |
| There are literally hundreds of types of RC cars and | | | | If you're new to RC it can often be confusing just |
| trucks, all with different engines, performance levels | | | | what is meant- radio or remote control cars. Though |
| and completely customizable details. This puts hobby | | | | the two are often used interchangeably, this is |
| quality RC cars on a whole different level than toys | | | | incorrect; they are not the same thing at all, since the |
| and replicas, and is what makes them so much more | | | | way they transmit signals is completely different. You |
| interesting and exciting to play with. | | | | can spot a remote control car by the wire connecting |
| While the actual mechanics of how each RC vehicle | | | | the controller to the car itself. Radio control vehicles, on |
| works can vary greatly from one to the next, the | | | | the other hand, use radio frequencies to send |
| basic principles remain the same. Once you understand | | | | messages from the steering controls on the |
| how RC cars work, you'll have a better idea of just | | | | transmitter to the receiver in the car. |
| what's involved, and which one would be right for you. | | | | There are FCC regulations for all consumer electronics |
| There are four main parts to an RC vehicle: | | | | that use radio frequencies, in order to properly allocate |
| - Transmitter: This is the control you hold in your hand, | | | | the frequencies on the band without too much |
| usually powered by a 9-volt battery. Using radio | | | | interference. Usually RC vehicles operate at 27MHz or |
| frequencies, the transmitter relays the steering and | | | | 49MHz frequencies- the same as your walkie talkie or |
| control commands you give it to the receiver. | | | | garage door opener. More advanced RC models like |
| - Receiver: There are two parts to the receiver- an | | | | planes require a higher frequency, and are regulated to |
| antenna and a circuit board inside the car. The radio | | | | 72MHz or 75MHz. Always consult your manual to |
| frequencies sent by the transmitter are picked up by | | | | make sure you're using the correct frequency, and for |
| the receiver and relayed to the various appropriate | | | | instructions on how to change frequency. |
| parts of the vehicle. | | | | As long as you're running your RC by yourself, all you |
| - Motor(s): RC cars and trucks feature a variety of | | | | need to do is follow the manufacturer's instructions on |
| different types of engines, all with varying degrees of | | | | how to choose the correct frequency for your vehicle. |
| difficulty and output. The motor is often said to be the | | | | But when it comes to race time or even just practicing |
| heart of the RC car and is the most intricate part of | | | | with friends, you'll need to make sure every one has |
| building your own RC. | | | | their own frequency or the signals will get crossed. If |
| - Power Source: Of course power is needed for | | | | you're at an official race, the organizers take care of |
| acceleration, steering and overall engine output. Aside | | | | this by providing each racer with a specific frequency |
| from the 9-volt battery in the transmitter, the power | | | | and a flag with which to mark your car. In order to |
| source depends on the type of car: electric cars run | | | | avoid crossed signals, you'll need to make sure when |
| on rechargeable, replaceable battery pack while nitro | | | | practicing that you follow a similar process. |