Introduction to Electric Radio Control Cars
Radio controlled cars is a fun and exciting hobby for many enthusiasts. With the growing changes in technology Radio controlled cars have become ever more complex but also simpler, safer and more durable.
The advantage of purchasing a higher end radio control car is the availability of spare parts to replace something if it is damaged. Also, the performance of these cars is incredible! Technology developments have made most kits very competitive but also fun and easy to work on. Many kits can be upgraded later with performance options as well.
What do I need to get started?
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Ready to Run Kits (RTR)
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Individual Kit and Components
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A Ready to Run Kit comes with everything you need to get started, the kit is already built and all you need to do is charge the supplied battery and have fun.
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Individual kits do not come assembled, so you will need to take your time and assemble the kit, this can take a few days, but is often a very fun experience as you understand how the car works.
You can also choose the exact individual components to make your car exactly how you want.
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Pro: Low Cost, fastest way to get a kit going. |
Pro: Building your own kit can be very fun! And rewarding
You can choose exact components you want
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Con: Less understand of how the car works |
Con: Cost is greater, requires more time to assemble
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Costs: $300-400
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Costs: $400-$1000 |
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The following are some of the basic requirements for an electric kit:
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CAR MODEL KIT
The Basic Car Kits usually do not come with electronics.
The kit consists of the chassis, transmission, shock absorbers and wheels. Some kits require tires purchased separately.
Basic kits must be assembled. Many find this a very fun part of the hobby as the car becomes very familiar especially when maintaining the car in future.
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TRANSMITTER
The transmitter is for controlling the car and can be used for multiple models. The radios can use AA batteries or battery packs included with the radio.
The latest technology now uses 2.4Ghz such as cordless telephones is now available for R/C. This makes channel conflicts a thing of the past.
The transmitter comes with a receiver which is placed in your model. The receiver takes the commands sent from the transmitter to control the car.
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ESC AND MOTOR
ESC – Electric Speed Control and Motor. This is what controls the cars motor much like an accelerator in an automobile. This controls acceleration and brakes of the RC Car. Various motors are available for different speeds.
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BATTERY
Batteries are used to power the R/C Car. Battery technology has changed dramatically over the years. They last much longer than ever. Run time can now be up to 20 minutes in the past, 5 minute run time was normal for these high performance cars.
Lithium Polymer technology such as are in cellphones/cameras are now used for RC and are becoming more popular.
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BATTERY CHARGER
A Special Battery charger is also used for charging R/C battery packs. Again, technology improvements have resulted in very high quality reliable chargers, with low cost.
For Lithium Polymer batteries a special charger is required so be sure to check before you buy.
Most Chargers also require a power supply so they can be used through an at home outlet. Chargers can also be powered from your automobiles 12V battery.
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TIRES
Choosing the right tires for competing at a local race track is probably the most important part of the setup of your car. Without the proper tires for the track surface your car may not handle as well. Most racers have a wide selection of tires but often you can determine what the popular tire is ahead of time. For at home recreation, any tire will do! |
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