Radio Controlled Toys Have Evolved

Today's radio controlled toys, which includes everything from cars, trucks, planes trains, boats, helicopters, hovercraft, tanks, buggies etc. are very different from traditional RC toys. Traditional models are not as fun and thrilling because the models tend to be smaller. Also, the technology is not as advanced. Most are battery operated and when it comes to speed and maneuvering, there is not much to shout about.

Today, the RC toys scene is totally different. There are a wide variety of toys that you can play with. There are electric, as well as gas and nitro powered toys. The best part is, you can choose from a wide range of shapes and sizes! If you don't like racing cars, you can try out trucks and buggies, boats, planes, helicopters, tanks and so on. With RC cars for example, you can choose between on-road and off-road models.

With better technology and bigger sizes, one would expect the prices to be sky high as well. However, due to intense competition from the Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese manufacturers, prices are kept surprisingly low.

For those who are not satisfied with the original model, just spend a little money and you can customize your RC toy to your own liking. You can buy new wheels for your car, or any body parts that you'd like to replace. The accessories and parts that you purchase can be used to enhance the appearance and performance of your RC model.

Many RC car enthusiasts are opting for the more exciting off-road 4WD cars. Just look around your neighborhood. Chances are, you can find remote control car communities that are very active. It's never fun to play with an RC car on your own. So you want to find an active group so that you can participate in races.

The benefits of belonging to an active community are endless. By being around people who share the same interest as you do, you can start interesting conversations about RC models. More experienced hobbyists can share tips and advice with you. Learn from them and see if you can improve the speed of your car.

Usually, such communities hang out in a few man-made racing "circuits". A racing circuit can be a dirt track that is setup for races and practice sessions. There may be bumps, obstacles and deadly turns on the circuit. You can use the same tracks to practice controlling your car. Speed is nothing if you can't control it. You want your model to be able to complete races.

Once you are more confident in the handling of your chosen model, you can start participating in races. However, note that the fine tuning process is always an on-going one. As your skill improves, you may find that you need to make improvements to your model. Also, you may need to tweak your model for maximum performance in different environments.

But bear in mind that tweaking is not for everyone. Mostly, it's for more advanced RC hobbyists. If you prefer some simple entertainment where RC cars are concerned for example, then choose a 2-speed 4WD that doesn't need much adjustments. The goal here is not to have a fast car. Rather, you just want to enjoy watching the monster car go over some really challenging obstacles. What fun!

 

RC Cars are quite popular as a gift today. Learn more about RC Cars and Trucks. And remote control cars will be one of the favourite hobbies in your family.

 

 

 

Getting Started In RC Models.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOY RC CARS AND HOBBY RC CARS

The RC cars and trucks that you see on TV and in toy stores offer a great way for young people to get involved in a rewarding hobby; however, there are few similarities between these toy-grade vehicles and tproper radio controlled cars. For example, with hobby-grade R/C vehicles spares are available and you'll be able to make repairs yourself without having to send it back to the manufacturer. Also, hobby-grade R/C vehicles are generally made of better materials than toygrade vehicles, so they can withstand the severe punishment of a backyard obstacle course or a high-speed cartwheel at the local parking lot. Hobby kits are designed to provide long life and superior performance.

SPEED CONTROL BASICS

Our electric-powered models come with electronic speed controls. They're devices that allows the car to move forward at different speeds instead of just one speed like with a toy radio controlled car, as well as a reverse function to allow you to back your car out of trouble. Mechanical speed controls perform well enough, but ours come with advanced electronic speed controls (ESC). You'll find that an ESC allows much more precise throttle control, requires no maintenance, operates more efficiently, and saves both weight and space on your car's chassis.

WHERE TO RACE

Most hobbyists run their vehicles in informal settings. Backyards, vacant lots and unused, paved areas are where you'll probably find people driving and enjoying R/C vehicles. If you have a competitive nature, however, there are hundreds of R/C racing clubs and tracks throughout the country.

OFF-ROAD VS ON-ROAD

The most popular type of R/C car is the Off-Road Buggy. Big tires with "knobby" spikes, full-travel suspension parts and a high ground clearance allow the off-roader to go almost anywhere. On-Road cars usually have lower ground clearances, slicks tires, aerodynamic bodies, and are capable of a bit higher speeds.

Radio controlled hobbies can be pretty costly. Toy grade models might be good for kids, but someone who is pursuing a radio controlled model hobby should invest in a hobby grade model.

The most common and preferred RC model is the car. But let this not limit your search and options. The concept and principle of the RC model is virtually the same, and all hobby grade models are simple and robust in design. Most require some practice to master the control. A car is a good place to start, and later you can invest in an airplane or other more advanced model. A person who has access to a free open ground (even a big football field is fine!) can safely invest in assembling a hobby grade RC airborne device since in the beginning stages, one requires lots of space to practice the control of the model.

There are dedicated hobby grade RC model makers who have hundreds of different models, and they will almost surely have one that suits your wallet and preference.

The only limit to the amount that you can invest is solely based on your own capability. If you wish, you can invest in a low end model or you can go for the latest high end models with sophisticated circuits and controls. This is especially true with respect to the airborne models. But, wise investment is required and investment is NOT recommended if you are not a real radio controlled device enthusiast, since these hobby grade RC toys are costlier than the toy grade models available in retail shops. If you are questioning whether you can find time to play with the RC model, then the hobby grade toy is probably not for you.

In earlier times when internet was non-existent, face to face meeting was the only way the enthusiasts could contact each other. Even phone or snail mail was too clumsy to interact effectively. But the enthusiasts have always traveled long distances for the sake of their hobby just to meet one another. This is the indulgence in the hobby. But, the advent of internet has virtually reduced the world, your “arm’s length away” being just “a-click-of-your-mouse-away”. Real life meeting is not at all required, but still one can connect to another remote control hobby enthusiast from another end of the world. Real life groups are still the most effective means to get to pursue the hobby more effectively. Online groups can be of help to connect and to organize more extensive events, and to know about the various hobby related activities taking place.

Time is the most important factor when considering any hobby. A hobby is an activity that has grown more than just a “wish to try” activity, and you yearn to do it day in and day out. One might not always find the time, but the passion for the activity is what makes it worthwhile. If the thought of playing with remote controlled toys piques your interest, then it means you possibly have a flair for RC controlled models and you should  give a try.

 

 

Purchasing RC Car – Useful Tips For Beginners

Nowadays, kids and grownups alike have similar hobbies. Radio controlled cars are the latest buzz and everyone is rushing to the toy stores to purchase them. People find them enormously thrilling and a great way of spending free time.

There are two components to a radio-controlled car- the car itself and its radio controller. Some cars run on rechargeable batteries while some have batteries powered by gas engines. The ones powered by gas engines are costlier than the electric powered ones.

The different types of RC cars are the on-road and off-road vehicles, racing cars and touring vehicles, buggies and trucks. Also, there are a range of types, colors and size to choose from. The types of cars include Lamborghini, Porsche and Ferrari. You also have a choice between a truck or car type and an electric or powered engine.

There are 4 main parts to a radio-controlled vehicle – the motor(s), the power source, the transmitter and the receiver.

The transmitter, also the radio controller, is held in the hand and it is usually battery powered. Steering, and other commands that you make, are relayed by the transmitter to the receiver via radio frequency. The receiver in turn has two components – the antenna and the circuit board located within the car. It is responsible for receiving the frequencies from the transmitter and relaying them to the concerned part of the car.

There are different types of engines featured in radio-controlled vehicles. The motor is the most complex when it comes to assembling an RC car.

There are two versions to the radio controlled nitro powered motors- the 4-stroke version or the more common 2-stroke version. The 2-stroke motor which produces an amazing output of 2.5 hp, is the most popular. The high speed and breathtaking acceleration of this motor is loved by all RC racers.

The 2-stroked motor has a displacement engine of 23cc and it needs fuel oil mixture. It produces higher rpm’s and hence is more suited for car racing. The 4-stroke motor runs on straight fuel and contains an oil reservoir. It has better torque and power and is suitable for off-road purposes. It is applied in trucks that run on rough tracks and dirt.

If you want to run your car in your neighborhood then you will want to go for the quiet running electric car. Whereas if you want to make your presence on the racetrack you might want to choose the nitro-powered motors. When it comes to pickup, though electric motors have immense speed, the nitro-powered motors steal the show.

Though the initial cost of an electric RC car is much less than the expensive nitro powered vehicles, there are additional costs like battery charger, battery packs and other accessories. These costs, however, depend on the type of car and the kind of battery pack required. But it is advisable to purchase quality battery packs and charger if you want to cut down on repeated replacement of cheaper batteries.

The advantage of electric motors over nitro powered ones is that not much tuning of the engine is required and maintenance is low. It is also more suited for beginners as all they have to do is condition it and store the battery packs properly. This done, the car can run smoothly for years.