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