1. Radio Control Basics Back to Top

Unlike remote control vehicles that have a physical wire connection between the controller and vehicle, Radio Controlled (RC) Vehicles are controlled with a hand-held transmitter (as explained below) with no wire connection. Various RC vehicles in the market include cars, trucks, buggies, boats, submarines, airplanes, helicopter, blimps etc. Although there are wide variations in their mechanics of operation, the basic principle of operation is the same. All RC vehicles consist of four major components:

A transmitter (usually handheld) that you use to control the vehicle by sending radio waves to a receiver located on the vehicle.
A receiver (in the vehicle) consisting of an antenna and circuit that activates motors in the vehicle according to commands received from the transmitter.
Motors that turn the tires or propellers to control the steering and speed of the vehicle when activated by the receiver.
A power source (usually a rechargeable battery pack or nitro internal combustion engine)

2. Frequencies Back to Top

In a similar principle to radio and television station broadcasts, R/C vehicle transmitters send radio frequency signals to the receiver on a specific radio frequency. Most RC toys operate at either 27 MHz or 49 MHz, the frequency bands allocated for basic consumer items, such as garage door openers, walkie-talkies and RC toys by the FCC (some advanced RC vehicles, such as the more sophisticated RC airplanes, use 72-MHz or 75-MHz frequencies).

If two vehicles of the same frequency are within range (operating in the same area) there will be interference. RC vehicle manufacturers usually make 27 MHz and 49 MHz versions of each model so that you can operate two of the same model simultaneously in the same area (racing or just playing together) without having interference between the two transmitters. Some manufacturers even offer the option to create racing sets of up to six vehicles with each vehicle tuned to a different part of the 27-MHz frequency range. Look for the statement "Removable crystal for competitive racing" on the gift box. These vehicles are sold with only one pair of removable crystals (the pair includes one for the transmitter, one for the vehicle's receiver.

3. Scale Size Back to Top

RC vehicles come in various sizes. The sizes are usually represented by comparing them on a scale with the real vehicles that they are modeled after. For example a 1/16 scale (sometimes written as 1:16 scale) RC vehicle is one-sixteenth the size of the real vehicle. 1/10 scale vehicles are the most popular. 1/8 scale vehicles are also available. Can you imagine the size of a toy one-eight the size of a Ford Escursion? That's a big toy to play with.

4. Electric vs Nitro Power Back to Top

Radio Control Vehicles are either Electric (Rechargeable Battery Pack) or Gas (Nitro fuel) powered. New RC hobbyists usually start out with electric vehicles because they are cheaper, quieter, lighter, cleaner and easy to operate. Experienced and more passionate hobbyists however, prefer nitro vehicles because they are more powerful and can reach speeds that are twice the threshold for electric ones. Electric RC vehicles run up to 20-30 mph on a fully charged battery. We do offer some special Combo Packages that include everything you need to get started (Car, Radio, Battery Pack, and Charger). Internal combustion engines that run on gas power Nitro vehicles. They run at speeds of 35-60 mph and are very rugged. No question why they are the preference of RC enthusiasts.

5. Types of RC Vehicles Back to Top

RC vehicles come as either Kit or RTR (ready-to-run) packages. Kits consist of easy-to-assemble parts accompanied with illustrated instructions. The packaging is arranged in the order of the instructions to mitigate the risk of errors during the assembly process. The required tools and lubricants are usually included in the kit. On the other hand, RTR vehicles are 90-95% pre-assembled and all you have to do is trim and paint the body, install the battery, and you are on the road in a few minutes. Although Ready-to-Run vehicles were designed with entry-level and home based hobbyist in mind, they are still rugged, fast, and capable of competing with kits that have been skillfully assembled and fine tuned by a skilled hobbyist for racing. Kits and RTR have their respective benefits. A great deal of knowledge about the car (that will come handy when making necessary adjustments or repairs) will be acquired while assembling the kit. Additionally, there is the flexibility of choice and customization when dealing with kits. The benefit of a Ready To Run is the very short time it takes to get on the road after taking the vehicle out of the box.

6. Knowing the Parameters Back to Top

The accessories that are included in RC vehicle kits vary with the manufacturer. Some cars (e.g. RTR) come complete with the motor and mechanical speed control. However, most competition car manufacturers provide the basic rolling chassis and require you to purchase everything else (i.e. motor, battery, ESC, body) separately. When choosing which RC car to buy, be sure to understand what is included (and not included) in the car kit. Some vehicle bodies are usually unpainted and untrimmed so you will have to do the trimming, painting and application of stickers before you zoom off.

Whether you are running an electric or a gas car, we strongly suggest that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is particularly important with nitro vehicles as following the instructions will enable you solve common problems associated with starting and tuning the gas burning engines. You should also take advantage of the manufacturer's customer service.

7. Steering Back to Top

Most R/C items have regular steering - one position for right turns, one position for left turns. The turning radius is always the same. Many higher end items have digital proportional steering, which is similar to that of a real car. The steering is very precise and allows for sharp or wide turns. This sensitive steering system is necessary for larger, high-performance vehicles, to keep them from flipping over or losing control. Look for "Digital Proportional Steering" on the gift box.

8. Battery Packs and Chargers Back to Top

There are various shapes, sizes, and capacities of batteries for RC vehicles. Their prices vary with these parameters. Most electric cars use a 7.2 volt, sub-C size, nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery pack consisting of six individual cells. Sub-C batteries supply powers in the 1200-2000 milliampere hours (mAH) range. Higher mAH batteries last longer and are more expensive. Low power batteries such as Trinity Amp Max will be OK for the leisure hobbyist. However, for racing you need very powerful batteries for long lasting speed. Chargers are needed to charge the battery. Peak chargers extend battery life by stopping the charging process at the battery's optimum peak voltage thereby eliminating overcharging which weakens the battery cells and shorten their life span. It is advisable to always fully discharge your battery before recharging for optimum performance.

9. Run Time Back to Top

Run time will vary according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Average run times are as follows:

4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes
6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes
9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes
7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes

10. General Safety Tips Back to Top

Read instructions before using battery pack and charger.
Do not overcharge the battery pack.
Do not charge a damaged battery pack (rusted, torn, dented, with loose wires exposed, etc.)
Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
Use the battery charger indoors only.
Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle - use care when handling.
Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.
Do not mix rechargeable batteries with alkaline batteries; do not mix old batteries with new batteries.
Do not get vehicle wet or run vehicle in water.
Always turn transmitter OFF before handling the vehicle.
Do not use vehicles on the same frequency at the same time.
Do not try to upgrade a vehicle's circuit board or motor - this will cause the circuit board to burn out.
Take note of the age-grading given on the gift box. Children under 8 should have parental supervision while operating R/C toys.

The range of R/C boats is generally greater than that of R/C land vehicles. It is best, however, to operate your boat within 100 feet of your transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water.

R/C boats should only be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water - salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode, unless they are designed for salt water.

After use, allow any water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.

11. Troubleshooting Tips Back to Top

Problem 1: Vehicle does not respond, or responds erratically, to transmitter commands.

Likely causes:
1) Weak transmitter batteries, weak or uncharged vehicle batteries, low-quality battery packs and/or alkaline batteries.
2) Incorrect battery installation.
3) Vehicle is beyond range of transmitter.
4) Radio frequency interference from R/C vehicle on same frequency, CB radio, microwave transmitters, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc.

Solutions:
1) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
2) Ensure that alkaline batteries are installed correctly and make good connection with battery terminals. Ensure that battery packs are plugged in to vehicle.
3) Make sure transmitter antenna is fully extended. Walk toward vehicle with the transmitter to come within range (anywhere from 30 - 100 feet).
4) Turn off transmitter of vehicle on same frequency; move to location with less interference.

Problem 2: Extremely short run time.

Likely causes:
1) Vehicle and or transmitter have been left on when not in use.
2) Weak or old batteries.
3) Battery pack has not been properly charged.

Solutions:
1) Turn transmitter and vehicle OFF when not in use.
2) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
3) Ensure battery pack is always completely drained of power before recharging. Avoid overcharging battery pack. Replace battery pack.