Picking An RC Hobby Store!
Stock Parts
Does the radio control hobby retailer offer the replacement parts you'll
eventually have to purchase?
This may seem like a no-brainer, however consider this, even though an
establishment offers the vehicle that you are wanting to buy, they may
not offer any type of parts for the vehicle. This seems crazy, yet it
takes place everyday!
No one likes to purchase a wireless vehicle just to find out they can't
get parts for it when they break it, and if components are available,
they end up waiting for three or more weeks to receive the parts.
We can virtually ensure you that you will damage your vehicle, not due to
low quality, but due to the laborious use and misuse that a lot of radio
control enthusiasts subject their vehicles to. As the old addage goes,
'The harder you drive it, the more fun you have!'
It happens very frequently that a retailer will sell you a radio control
vehicle and you discover later when you have broken it, that they cannot
order the components, or you need to look online to get them delivered
from China. Or perhaps worse, the manufacture does not even sell
replacement parts for the product at all.
Look for a radio controlled hobby retailer that just sells wireless
vehicles where replacement components are available.
Customer Support
Will the wireless hobby dealer you buy from provide you a level of client
service that is satisfactory to you?
Certainly you will not know the answer to that till you in fact buy from
them, but a great place to begin is to find the testimonials about the
business that are left by other consumers.
Remember, that when reading testimonials, some clients could have had a
disappointment for whatever reason and do 'slam' the store when it could
have been something out of the remotely controlled hobby retailer's
control.
For instance, some reviewers often leave a bad testimonial if a package
gets held up throughout the delivery process, perhaps due to weather
conditions or also a delivery vehicle mishap when driving.
The point is, read the evaluations responsibly and make your choice based
upon all of the testimonials, not just one of them.
You are wanting to find a radio control hobby retailer that will address
your questions as well as just look after any troubles if they develop.
You could often obtain a good idea of how a radio control hobby retailer
runs based upon the evaluations that get left by previous clients.
Bonus Tip: When purchasing from a remotely controlled hobby retailer
online, see if you can find a phone number on their web site? If they
don't have a number, that is a significant red flag that they do not
intend to speak to you, especially when there is an issue. Even though
you will likely never ever need to call them, it's a big sign of their
level of client service.
How Far Have We Come In The Remote Controlled Hobby Market?
With the invention of silicon chips, the radio controlled hobby market
has had some significant advancements. Lets explore a few of them.
Ready To Run
Not too long ago, all remote controlled vehicles were generally a box of
parts that had to be set up, usually taking upwards of 20 hours to
finish.
With modern-day technology, several RC hobby suppliers supply 'Ready To
Run' products, meaning that the radio controlled vehicles are pre-built
and ready to go. This has made it much easier for new hobbyists to get
started with a high quality wireless vehicle.
An interesting reality is, it's getting more difficult to get a radio
control vehicle in kit form. These kits are generally geared toward the
advanced radio controlled hobbyist and typically include updated
components, generally made of aluminum.
Brushless Motors
Basically, a brushless electric motor is more efficient and virtually two
times as fast as its predecessor brushed electric motors. These motors
have brought speeds of as much as 60 miles per hour to RC vehicles, and
have actually made it feasible to fly aircraft with excellent 3D
capacity. They offer substantial power with a quite lightweight
footprint.
LiPo Batteries
LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries along with brushless electric motors
have brought the capability to run electric motors in radio controlled
vehicles where nitro gas was the best option in the past. These brand-new
batteries are capable of discharging at a quicker rate compared to the
older nickel metal hydride, a great fit for the brushless motors due to
the energy demands that the brushless electric motors require.
LiPo batteries give complete power through-out the entire life of the
battery pack. The tiny disadvantage is that you can not run them entirely
dead, and a digital speed controller with a LiPo cut-off is needed, so it
will stop the motor before ruining your battery. Additionally, care must
be taken while charging so every one of the cells are filled entirely
throughout the charging process. This is fairly easy, as there are
battery chargers that manage this. You just have to make sure that you
attach both the balance lead along with the high voltage adapter.
Running electric remotely controlled vehicles creates an advantage over
gasoline or nitro fuel because there is not much tuning required with
electric motors. Simply mount the battery and go! Both electric powered
and gas powered remotely controlled vehicles are popular. It is merely
personal preference, as both have benefits and drawbacks. As time goes
on, brushless motors appear to be gaining in popularity over gas motors
in remotely controlled vehicles.
Transmitters and Receivers
Just a few years back, radio control transmitters made use of 72 MHz
radio crystals. This was useful, yet it did have some significant issues.
For example, if one radio control aviator was running a radio controlled
airplane using channel 68, a different person could possibly activate
another transmitter that had the same frequency and take control of or
seriously interfere with the other aviator's control. Normally resulting
in the RC airplane to wreck.
This issue was haphazardly overcome by each aviator hanging a tag with
their frequency number on a board to signal other aviators that there was
another aviator in the area with the same frequency. This was usually
done only at air fields or race track venues. However, this did not
correct the issue completely, as there were still a bunch of human errors
that continued to happen.
These days we use 2.4 GHz transmitters and receivers. These brand new
receivers are set to 'listen' only to (1) particular transmitter despite
other radio signals running over the same 2.4 GHz frequency. This has
practically removed the issue of another person taking control of your
vehicle. The new age radio systems also have a much shorter antenna with
a lot more range.
'Model Memory' is amongst the newest attributes of the brand-new
electronic radio systems. This function enables one to save the setup of
numerous vehicles in their transmitter. Just purchase an additional
receiver and bind it to the transmitter under a new vehicle in the stored
setups, and you can control another radio control vehicle with the same
transmitter.
Various other fantastic attributes include, but are not limited to: end
point adjustments, sub trim, servo reversing, telemetry and userconfigurable switch and stick assignment. Some also talk to you telling
you when your batteries are running down.
If you are currently using an antiquated AM or FM radio system, you ought
to seriously think about upgrading to the new 2.4 GHz versions as there
are many functions readily available that it deserves the upgrade.
With a lot of improvements in the hobby industry, it is a great time to
get started with the wireless hobby. Just remember what to seek in a
radio controlled as explained above.
Let's discuss the specific wireless vehicles that are available.
Radio control trucks and radio control cars
Radio control trucks and radio control cars are by far the simplest
remote control vehicles to learn, specifically an electric version. Most
remote control trucks come in both electric or nitro gas versions, with
the nitro versions being a bit more complex to learn.
Nitro fueled radio control trucks call for constant adjustment to the
carburetor to keep the engine running appropriately. If it's run too
'lean' (suggesting inadequate gas to air mixture), it could overheat the
engine and cause damage. If it's run too 'rich' (implying excessive gas
to air mixture), they don't run well and have much less power. Nitro
engines typically need adjusting based upon the temperature outside. If
you choose a nitro gas remote controlled truck, make sure that you are
prepared to put in the time to learn how to tune it. There are great
video clips on the internet to educate you on how to do it. Nitro gas
also costs about $30 a gallon, depending on where you buy it and your
shipping costs.
For novices, choose electric, either a brushed or a brushless motor. Bear
in mind, that brushless electric motors make the vehicle go quite fast.
To avoid crashing and having to purchase replacement parts, it is often a
good idea for novices to buy a brushed motor version and upgrade to a
brushless motor version as soon as you have learned how to control the
radio control truck.
Both NiMh and LiPo batteries are a wonderful option for electric trucks,
LiPo batteries provide even more power. For young children, it is ideal
to choose NiMh as these batteries are much more forgiving on just how
they are handled with charging and discharging.
Higher grade battery chargers are offered to keep the charging 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 radio controlled car are going to take over three hours to
replenish the battery.
If you choose to buy an upgraded battery charger, consider purchasing a
battery charger that will charge multiple battery types. Many battery
battery chargers available today can charge NiMh, LiPo, LiFe, and Lead
Acid type batteries. They have computer screens that enable you to choose
the battery type and the amperage at which the battery is charged.
Therefore, NiMh is a much better option for children, as a LiPo battery
could ignite throughout the charging process if they don't pick the right
setting in the battery charger. Do not be afraid of LiPo batteries, they
merely need to be dealt with appropriately.
The next thing to consider is the body type of your remote control car or
truck:
Radio Control Buggies
Developed for smooth surface such as a clay track. Buggies have the
tendency to be the choice for RC racers as they are low to the ground and
do not roll over easily. remotely controlled buggies have a lot more
ground clearance compared to 'On Road Cars'.
RC Short Course Trucks
Made for competing on sand or earthen tracks. Amongst one of the most
preferred body styles. This is a terrific all around RC truck. It's broad
stance permits it to perform well in tight corners and it has good ground
clearance, can drive over larger things like short grass and small rocks.
Remote Controlled Rock Crawlers
Trying to find something slow moving, with a bunch of power and torque,
and also 4 wheel drive, to climb up over obstacles? Take into
consideration a remotely controlled Rock Crawler for your next adventure.
These RC vehicles are created to do just that, crawl. They generally
feature radical articulation to permit the vehicle to climb over the most
extreme landscapes.
They typically have a brushed electric motor as speed isn't really the
goal, however they could be updated in about every method imaginable,
such as, light weight aluminum parts, functioning winches, head lights as
well as scale decals (sleeping bags, tire jacks, gas canisters, etc).
Competitions are held with RC Rock Crawlers and points are awarded for
just how scale the vehicles are, along with the ability of the driver
over a rough track.
A radio controlled vehicle or (2) is a good daddy and son activity that
promotes bonding and will encourage outdoor activities.
Radio Control 'On Road Cars'
Typically utilized for driving on smooth surface areas such as concrete
or asphalt roads. They are close to the ground and will not drive over
rough surfaces.
Wireless Monster Trucks
The Monster Truck is considered the utmost 'Backyard Basher'. The big
tires on these remotely controlled trucks provide them a great deal of
ground clearance which allow them to drive over good sized rocks, tall
grass, or even curbs. Remote Controlled monster trucks stand taller and
are easy to roll, because of the higher center of gravity, however this
also makes them superb for jumping as they have much more suspension
travel for tough landings.
As soon as you have your radio control Monster Truck, there are a
substantial range of upgrade choices, like tires, rims, more rigid
plastic components, clear bodies you can tailor to your personal
preference and aluminum components. Exactly what you choose to update to
is absolutely up to you and is exactly what makes the remote control
hobby so much fun. This is one more reason you should make sure that you
purchase a remote control truck that 3rd party manufacturers make
components for. Generally the these 3rd party suppliers focus on making
updated parts for wireless trucks.
Remote Control Airplanes
Are you a fan of the 1940's war planes? Then a remote controlled
could be the hobby vehicle of choice. Radio controlled airplanes
available in just about any sort of design you like. From modern
WWII war planes, to sport biplanes, to slow J3 Cubs, the choices
virtually unlimited.
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It takes a while to learn how to fly a wireless airplane, so when you are
a newbie, make certain that you select a high wing aircraft and ideally
one with a gyro to avoid aggressive movements while you are learning and
pressing the control sticks to far. Keep in mind, that gravity is always
working and you can't stop the radio control airplane mid-flight to
remember exactly what stick to move. Perseverance is your friend, so
don't give up.
There are computer based simulators readily available that are extremely
reasonable and will substantially help you learn how to control RC
airplanes without the cost of buying a new plane every time you fly.
Merely a click of one button and you are ready to try again. It's an
important tool for beginners and to aid seasoned aviators learn 3D
controls.
Wireless Helicopters
Without a doubt, the hardest remote controlled vehicle to pilot!
radio controlled helicopters (also known as remote control helis) will
certainly take some time to master. They range in size from micro sized
(6 inches) to one of the most popular, 700 size (4 feet). They can be
extremely fun to fly and give the aviator a huge adrenaline rush.
The reason for the steep learning curve is the fact that radio control
helicopters can fly in every direction: up, down, left, right, upsidedown.
When the helicopter is facing away from you, the controls in relation to
the flight control are exactly what you would expect, but when the
wireless heli faces you, the right and also left controls are backwards,
when it is inverted, the up and down controls are reversed, making an
inverted heli aimed toward you, be entirely turned around on the
controller. With practice, you will certainly learn 'muscle memory' and
you will respond immediately, without thinking about it.
Considering that they have many moving parts, and also fancy gyros,
remotely controlled helicopters call for a fair bit of work just to set
them up, but it can be extremely rewarding once you have discovered ways
to set up and fly. It will supply you hrs of enjoyment.
An excellent simulator is a 'must have' for any sort of radio control
helicopter pilot.
Just like for remote controlled planes, the simulator will educate novice
and knowledgeable pilots in good flying techniques without the heavy cost
of crashing the helicopter on every flight.
With the use of training gear and several of the brand-new radio control
helis that showcase gyro stabilizing equipment for novices, you can be up
and learning to fly right away.
Radio Controlled Boats
If water is your forte, or if you spend a lot of time at the lake,
consider a radio control boat. These radio control watercraft are pretty
responsive. Some even include a self-righting feature. If it turns upside
down, simply wait a few seconds and it will turn itself over, preventing
you from needing to swim out retrieve it.
Brushless motors as well as LiPo batteries have the exact same result on
remote controlled boats as they do radio control trucks. They
dramatically enhance the speed. Think about upgrading to a steel
propeller if you pick the brushless motor version, as the high RPM
normally splits the plastic propellers which often takes place while you
are running it and your radio control watercraft has no chance to power
itself back to shore, requiring you to swim out to get it.
Remote Controlled Drones
Most often developed with 4 blades, radio control Drones, additionally
referred to as radio control Quadcopters, are very popular. Most radio
control drones range in size from 2-1/2 inches wide to 3 feet wide. With
the introduction of electronic gyros as well as GPS positioning
components, RC Drones could fly themselves, thus the name 'Drones'. There
are some without cams, they are just for flying as well as having a good
time. There are others with great quality cameras that are gimbal
controlled for professional video recording. Many higher end remotely
controlled Drones allow you to see in real-time just what the electronic
camera is recording, enabling the aviator to line up the drone to get the
perfect shot.
LiPo batteries are the battery of choice as there are 4 motors to power
and LiPo batteries can offer the power the drone needs within a little
footprint, allowing as much as 30 minute flight times.
Not All Remote Control Vehicles Are Created The Same
Quality is key and your experience will certainly be a whole lot better
if you decide on a quality remotely controlled vehicle from the
beginning. Typically a remote controlled vehicle looks wonderful, however
when it comes down to efficiency, it may be a completely different story.
Read reviews on the products and ask questions on remotely controlled
forums. There is a wealth of info from other radio control hobby fanatics
on the online forums and they are typically delighted to discuss their
details with you.
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