Saturday, October 1, 2016
Radio Controlled Hobby Stores!
Customer Care
Will the wireless hobby dealer you purchase from supply you a level of customer support that is adequate to you?
Clearly you will not know the answer to that until you actually purchase from them, but a terrific place to start is to read the
testimonials about the business that are left by various other consumers.
Remember, that when reading evaluations, some customers could have had a disappointment for whatever reason and may 'slam'
the store when it could have been something out of the RC hobby shop's control.
For Example, some clients often leave a bad review if a product gets delayed during the shipment process, possibly due to
weather or even a delivery truck accident when driving.
Make sure to read the reviews objectively and make your decision based upon all of the reviews, not simply one of them.
You want to locate a RC hobby retailer that will certainly answer your questions in addition to simply take care of any kind of
troubles if they develop. You could often obtain a good idea of how a remote control hobby store runs based upon the evaluations
that get left by previous customers.
Bonus Tip: When purchasing from a radio control hobby shop online, see if you can find a phone number on their internet site? If
they do not have a number, that is a big warning that they do not intend to speak to you, especially when there is an issue.
Although you will likely never need to call them, it's a significant sign of their degree of customer care.
Stock Parts
Does the RC hobby shop have the replacement parts you will eventually need to purchase?
This may seem like a no-brainer, however consider this, although a store stocks the vehicle that you are wishing to purchase, they
might not sell any sort of components for the vehicle. This seems crazy, however it takes place everyday!
No one wants to buy an RC vehicle just to find out they cannot obtain components for it when they damage it, and if parts are
available, they end up waiting for three or more weeks to receive the parts.
We can practically assure you that you are going to break your vehicle, not because of low quality, but due to the strenuous usage
and misuse that many remote controlled fanatics subject their vehicles to. As the old addage goes, 'The harder you play, the more
you pay!'
It happens really often that a store will offer you a radio controlled vehicle and you learn later on when you have actually broken
it, that they can not get the parts, or you have to look online to get them shipped from China. Or perhaps worse, the manufacture
doesn't even make replacement components for the product whatsoever.
Try to find a radio control hobby dealer that just sells remote control vehicles where replacement parts are available.
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Just How Advanced Have We Become In The Radio Controlled Hobby Sector?
With the development of microchips, the radio controlled hobby market has had some major enhancements. Lets check out some
of them.
Ready To Run
Not too long ago, all radio control vehicles were essentially a box of components that needed to be put together, often taking
upwards of 20 hrs to complete.
With modern technology, many wireless hobby makers offer 'Ready To Run' products, indicating that the remote controlled
vehicles are pre-built and ready to go. This has made it a lot easier for novice hobbyists to get started with a first class RC
vehicle.
An interesting reality is, it's getting more and more of a challenge to find a radio control vehicle in kit form. These kits are often
geared towards the advanced remotely controlled hobbyist and typically include upgraded parts, normally made of light weight
aluminum.
Brushless Motors
Simply put, a brushless motor is a lot more reliable and almost twice as fast as its predecessor brushed electric motors. These
electric motors have brought speeds of around 60 miles per hour to remotely controlled vehicles, and have made it feasible to fly
airplanes with great 3D capacity. They offer enormous power with an extremely lightweight footprint.
LiPo Batteries
LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries along with brushless motors have actually brought the capability to run electric motors in
remotely controlled vehicles where nitro fuel was the best choice in the past. These brand-new batteries are capable of
discharging at a higher rate than the older nickel metal hydride, an ideal fit for the brushless electric motors due to the energy
needs that the brushless electric motors require.
LiPo batteries offer full power through the entire life of the battery pack. The only downside is that you can't run them entirely
dead, and a digital speed controller with a LiPo cut-off is required, so it will stop the motor before destroying your battery.
Additionally, care needs to be taken while charging so all the cells are loaded totally during the charging process. This is fairly
simple, as there are battery chargers that handle this. You just need to make sure that you link both the balance lead together with
the high voltage adapter.
Running electric radio control vehicles offers an advantage over gasoline or nitro fuel in that there is very little tuning called for
with electric motors. Simply mount the battery and go! Both electric powered and gas powered RC vehicles are popular. It is
simply personal choice, as both have pros and cons. As time moves forward, brushless motors seem to be gaining in popularity
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over gas motors in wireless vehicles.
Let's talk about the specific RC vehicles that are readily available.
RC trucks and RC cars
RC trucks and RC cars are without a doubt the best radio control vehicles to learn, specifically an electric powered version. A lot
of remotely controlled trucks are available in both electric or nitro fuel versions, with the nitro versions being a bit more complex
to learn.
Nitro fueled RC cars need constant adjustment to the carburetor to keep the engine running appropriately. If it's run too 'lean'
(indicating not nearly enough gas to air blend), it could overheat the engine and cause severe damage. If it's run too 'rich'
(implying excessive gas to air combination), they do not run well and have less power. Nitro engines also need adjusting based on
the temperature outside. If you pick a nitro fuel remotely controlled car, see to it that you are prepared to take the time to learn the
best ways to tune it. There are wonderful videos on the web to instruct you on how to do it. Nitro gas likewise costs roughly $30
per gallon, depending on where you purchase it and your freight costs.
For beginners, choose electric, either a brushed or a brushless motor. Bear in mind, that brushless motors make the vehicle go
really fast. To avoid crashing and having to pay for replacement parts, it is sometimes a good idea for beginners to purchase a
brushed motor version and update to a brushless motor version when you have learned to control the radio controlled truck.
Both NiMh and LiPo batteries are a fantastic choice for electric trucks, LiPo batteries offer more power. For children, it is ideal to
decide on NiMh as these batteries are a lot more forgiving on exactly how they are handled with charging and discharging.
Higher quality battery chargers are available to keep the charge time to around 1 hr, and enabling the remote control car to be
driven for 25 to 30 minutes. The majority of battery chargers that are included with a ready to run remote controlled truck will
take over three hrs to fully charge the battery.
If you decide to purchase an updated battery charger, consider shopping for a charger that will charge multiple battery types.
Most battery battery chargers offered today can charge NiMh, LiPo, LiFe, and Lead Acid type batteries. They have computer
screens that permit you to pick the battery type and the amperage at which the battery is charged. For this reason, NiMh is a better
choice for youngsters, as a LiPo battery could catch fire during the charging process if they do not pick the proper setting in the
charger. Don't be afraid of LiPo batteries, they merely have to be handled correctly.
The next thing to consider is the body type of your radio controlled car or truck:
Remote Controlled Rock Crawlers
Looking for something slow moving, with a bunch of power and torque, and 4 wheel drive, to climb up over rocks? Consider a
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radio control Rock Crawler for your next adventure. These radio control vehicles are made to do simply that, crawl. They usually
include extreme articulation to allow the vehicle to drive over extreme terrain.
They usually have a brushed motor as speed isn't the objective, however they can be updated in about every way conceivable,
such as, aluminum parts, functioning winches, head lights and scale stickers (sleeping bags, tire jacks, gas canisters, etc).
Competitions are held with radio controlled Rock Crawlers and points are earned for exactly how scale the vehicles are, together
with the ability of the driver over a rough track.
A remotely controlled vehicle or two is an ideal papa and son activity that promotes bonding and also will encourage outdoor
activities.
Radio Controlled Monster Trucks
The Monster Truck is considered the best 'Back-Yard Basher'. The big tires on these RC trucks provide them a bunch of ground
clearance which permit them to drive over good sized stones, tall turf, as well as curbs. Remote Control monster trucks stand
taller and are easy to roll, due to the higher center of gravity, yet this additionally makes them excellent for jumping as they have
a lot more suspension travel for hard landings.
As soon as you have your remotely controlled Monster Truck, there are a massive range of upgrade alternatives, like tires, rims,
more rigid plastic components, clear bodies you can customize to your very own taste and aluminum components. Exactly what
you choose to update to is absolutely up to you and is exactly what makes the radio control hobby so much fun. This is one more
reason you have to ensure that you purchase a radio controlled truck that 3rd party suppliers make components for. Often the
these 3rd party suppliers focus on making upgraded components for remotely controlled trucks.
Wireless Short Course Trucks
Made for racing on sand or dirt tracks. Amongst one of the most preferred body styles. This is a great all around remotely
controlled truck. It's wide stance permits it to perform well in tight corners and it has ample ground clearance, can drive over
larger items like short turf and tiny rocks.
Radio Controlled Buggies
Made for smooth landscapes such as a clay track. Buggies tend to be the choice for RC racers as they are close to the ground and
do not roll over easily. RC buggies have more ground clearance compared to 'On Road Cars'.
Remote Control 'On Road Cars'
Generally utilized while driving on smooth surface areas such as concrete or asphalt roadways. They are low to the ground and
won't drive over much of anything.
Transmitters and Receivers
Just a few years back, remote control transmitters used 72 MHz radio crystals. This was functional, yet it did have some severe
problems. For instance, if one wireless pilot was running a remotely controlled airplane utilizing channel 68, a different person
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could possibly turn on a different transmitter that used the same frequency and take control of or drastically disrupt the other
aviator's control. Normally causing the remotely controlled airplane to wreck.
This oversight was haphazardly overcome by each pilot putting up a tag with their frequency number on a board to signal other
pilots that there was another person at that location with the exact same frequency. This was usually done only at air fields or race
track venues. However, this did not remedy the problem completely, as there were still a lot of human errors that continued to
take place.
Now we have 2.4 GHz transmitters and receivers. These intelligent receivers are programmed to 'listen' only to one certain
transmitter despite other radio signals running over the very same 2.4 GHz frequency. This has practically removed the problem
of some other person taking control of your vehicle. The smart radio systems also include a much shorter antenna with far more
range.
'Model Memory' is among the newest functions of the new electronic radio systems. This function permits one to store the setup
of numerous vehicles in their transmitter. Simply buy another receiver and bind it to the transmitter under a different vehicle in
the stored settings, and you will be able to control another remotely controlled vehicle with the very same transmitter.
Other terrific features include, but are not limited to: sub trim, servo reversing, telemetry, user-configurable switch and stick
assignment and end point adjustments. Some also talk to you telling you when your batteries are running out.
If you are currently making use of an antiquated AM or FM radio system, you should seriously think about upgrading to the new
2.4 GHz versions as there are many functions offered that it deserves the upgrade.
With so many advancements in the hobby industry, it is a great time to get started with the radio control hobby. Simply bear in
mind what to search for in an RC as explained above.
Wireless Boats
If water is your interest, or if you spend a lot of time at the lake, think about a radio control boat. These radio control watercraft
are fast. Some even include a self-righting feature. If it turns upside-down, just wait a few seconds and it will eventually flip itself
over, preventing you from having to swim out obtain it.
Brushless electric motors and also LiPo batteries have the exact same impact on remotely controlled watercraft as they do radio
controlled trucks. They dramatically boost the speed. Consider upgrading to a metal propeller if you pick the brushless motor
version, as the high RPM generally splits the plastic props which generally occurs while you are running it and your radio
controlled watercraft has no way to power itself back to shore, requiring you to swim out to get it.
Remote Control Drones
Most often designed with 4 blades, remotely controlled Drones, likewise known as radio controlled Quadcopters, are extremely
popular. Most radio control drones range in size from 2-1/2 inches wide to 3 feet wide. With the development of digital gyros and
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GPS positioning modules, remotely controlled Drones could fly themselves, hence the name 'Drones'. There are some with no
electronic cameras, they are simply for flying as well as having a good time. There are others with fantastic top quality cameras
that are gimbal controlled for expert video recording. Most high end remote controlled Drones allow you to see in real time just
what the cam is recording, permitting the aviator to position the drone to get the best shot.
LiPo batteries are the battery of choice as there are 4 electric motors to power and LiPo batteries can supply the power the drone
requires within a tiny footprint, enabling approximately 30 min flight times.
Radio Controlled Airplanes
Are you a fan of the 1940's war planes? If so, a remote controlled airplane may be the hobby vehicle of choice. Radio controlled
airplanes are available in practically any sort of version you want. From modern jets to WW2 war planes, to sport biplanes, to
slow J3 Cubs, the options are almost limitless.
It requires some time to figure out how to fly a remote control airplane, so when you are a beginner, make sure that you choose a
high wing aircraft and preferably one with a gyro to prevent aggressive movements while you are practicing and pressing the
control sticks to much. Remember, that gravity is always working and you can't stop the remote control plane mid-flight to
remember exactly what stick to move. Persistence is your friend, so don't give up.
There are computer simulators offered that are extremely reasonable and will considerably help you learn to control radio
controlled airplanes without the cost of purchasing a brand-new plane every time you fly. Just a click of one button and you are
ready to try once more. It's an indispensable tool for beginners and also to help knowledgeable pilots find out 3D controls.
Radio Control Helicopters
By far, the hardest remote control vehicle to pilot!
RC helicopters (also known as wireless helis) will certainly require some time to learn. They range in size from micro sized (6
inches) to one of the most popular, 700 size (4 feet). They are extremely enjoyable to fly and provide the aviator a significant
adrenaline rush.
The reason for the sharp learning curve is the fact that remote control helicopters can fly in every direction: up, down, left, right,
upside-down.
When the heli is facing away from you, the controls in relation to the flight control are what you would expect, yet when the
radio controlled helicopter points toward you, the right and also left controls are backwards, and when it is inverted, the up and
down controls are reversed, making an inverted helicopter facing toward you, be completely backwards on the controller. With
practice, you will certainly learn 'muscle memory' and you will react instinctively, without thinking of it.
Because they have so many moving components, and also fancy gyros, wireless helis require a fair bit of work simply to set them
up, but it could be really fulfilling once you have learned ways to set up and fly. It will certainly give you hours of fun.
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A great simulator is a 'must have' for any kind of remotely controlled heli pilot.
Just like for remote controlled airplanes, the simulator will instruct beginner as well as experienced aviators in better flying
strategies without the hefty cost of crashing the helicopter on every flight.
With the use of training equipment and some of the new RC helicopters that showcase gyro stabilizing equipment for beginners,
you could be up and learning how to fly right away.
Not All Remote Controlled Vehicles Are Created The Same
High quality is crucial and your experience will certainly be a great deal better if you choose a high quality radio control vehicle
from the start. Typically a radio controlled vehicle looks good, however when it boils down to performance, it might be a
completely different story.
Find evaluations on the items and ask questions on remote control discussion forums. There is a wealth of information from other
radio control hobby fanatics on the discussion forums and they are often more than pleased to share their info with you.
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