Archive for the ‘RC Reviews’ Category

Tips on How to Store Radio Controlled Cars

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
radio control
Caroline Miller asked:

First things first! Why is it important to clean and properly store radio controlled cars? Do you remember the reason your mother always told you to clean yourself up, clean your room, wash the dishes, etc.? That is - to keep you clean as well as up and running.

The same is true with radio controlled cars. The following are effective and necessary tips to store and keep those vehicles in great shape.

Believe it or not, the fuels used in nitro trucks or cars as well as in radio-controlled cars contain lubricants. The lubricants in these cars actually serve to protect the engine. This is due to the fact that not all of it gets burned when the engine runs. This therefore results in a chassis that is coated with a lot of oil which made its exit from the car's pipe.

The way to remove this as easily as possible is by using a cleaner: one example is Simple Green. However, it is best to first remove all and any radio equipment before cleaning; after which, plug the inlets onto the engine. Another option is by removing the engine itself.

The chassis should then be sprayed down lightly. Use a brush that has a firm bristle to knock away any grime. Once the chassis has been cleaned, use a towel to dry it. Then, re-install the removed components.

The majority of radio-controlled cars have an electric starter. The bearings in this starter should always be oiled and cleaned at least every week or two.

The starter should then be removed as carefully as possible. The use of a screwdriver is an effective way to keep the pressure on the mechanism as the starter is pulled off the plate's back.

Spray the bearing with engine spray in order to clean it. Oil the bearing in order to keep it running smoothly. You will discover that once the engine and starter is reassembled, it will work almost as good as new.

Fuel should be stored in a place that is dry and - as much as possible - away from pets, children, or anyone else who could mistake the fuel as washer for the windshield.

All in all, when fuel is stored, it could absorb water vapor over a significant amount of time, especially if the container is not sealed perfectly. It is best to store bottles on a cardboard and not on the carpet directly or on cement.

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Radio Controlled Devices – Their History Revealed

Sunday, March 7th, 2010
radio control
Abhishek Agarwal asked:

Radio controlled devices have gained popularity as hobby items apart from being used for various other purposes. Building, modifying and driving radio controlled vehicles is a favorite pastime of radio control enthusiasts. The sport involves displaying the skills of the person in handling the device, efficiently.

Remote or radio controlled devices are controlled from a remote distance. Jagdish Chandra Bose was perhaps the first to demonstrate remote controlled activity when he set alight gun powder to strike a gong using electromagnetic radiation, from a distance. Tesla was the first to show the use of a transmitter and receiver to remotely control a ship. He showed how mechanical gadgets could be controlled using the wireless principle in the year 1898. He also began the construction of a wireless tower that remained incomplete due to lack of finance. Tesla can be said to have created the basis for the design of radio controlled devices which are in use today. The American inventor Armstrong said, "The world will long have to wait for a mind equal to Tesla's, a mind of such creative possibilities and such wealth of imagination."

Remote controlled devices are also known commonly as RC devices- RC meaning radio controlled. Dr. William and Walter Good, two twin brothers created and flew the first radio controlled airplane in 1937. Dr. William was a radio specialist whereas his brother Walter built aero models. They combined both their skills to create a radio controlled airplane. The principle of radio control has also been used in the World War II. From the 1960s, transistors were available, and this revolutionized the circuits to make them compact and light.

Sometime during the mid or late 1960s, the British company Mardave, began producing the first commercially feasible remote controlled cars. The first gas powered or nitro cars were sold in the early 1970s in Leicester, where the company was based. Radio controlled devices need a control transmitter, a throttle trigger and wheels for turning, while the receiver is located in the body of the toy. These models run on either electricity or fuel. Electrical speed control is used in electrical models, whereas radio control mechanisms are used in fuel control systems to regulate the fuel input.

Toy grade devices are usually assembled models available at retail shops and are much cheaper than hobby grade models. The toy grade models use electric power and run on batteries. Hobby grade radio controlled devices are more serviceable and durable, but are very expensive. They run on fuel like gasoline or nitro and unlike toy models which are ready made, these require assembling of the various components.

RC devices come in the form of cars, airplanes, boats and helicopters. Remote controlled cars are used for racing and this is a very popular sport among car enthusiasts. Small cars and toys are used for indoor games. Radio control technology is combined with robotics to create various devices used in international robotics contests held in Japan.

There are numerous uses for radio control technology and vehicles are only one aspect of it. Radio controlled hobbies can be enjoyed in many ways and combined with robotics, they open up wider possibilities for the hobbyists.

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How Radio Controlled Car Racing Came About

Friday, March 5th, 2010
radio control
Caroline Miller asked:

It was in the 1940s when diminutive, nitro-methane powered engines were first marketed. They had a speed that can reach of up to 113 km/h but can only run in circles from a tether. It was there that it got its nicknames of "spin dizzies" and "tether cars".

During the 1960s, the first miniature cars that could be controlled via radio from a distant transmitter were introduced. These new model cars had the power to steer, accelerate, and brake at the driver's will. These cars are capable of running through racetracks with accurate control, and thus, radio controlled car racing was born.

In 1984, radio controlled car manufacturer Associated Electrics, Inc. introduced a classier and sleeker version of model race car called the RC10. The RC10 was electric powered; unlike the common cars that were nitromethane-driven. It was a deviation from Associated Electrics usual line of RC's. RC10 was made from a more powerful aluminum alloy and it had built in shock absorbers that were adjustable.

Aside from its new electric capacities, the RC10 model had the option to incorporate small ball bearings made of stainless steel into its wheels and transmission. Also, its transmission had steel rings forced down on the ball bearings, a feature enabling full modification for any track situation. Without question, RC10's abilities made it the top choice in electric RC racing.

In 1986, another RC manufacturer, Schumacher Racing Products, launched their Competition All Terrain (CAT) model car. It is a four wheel "buggy" racer that was considered as the greatest of its class. It went on to win the 1987, 1990, 1994, 1995, and 1996 world championship off-road race. This model car was recognized as initiating and popularizing the interest in four wheel car racing.

Team Losi, a popular radio controlled car racing team, released their JRX-2 model buggy and immediately began a rivalry with Team Associated that survives until today. Both teams headline the American radio controlled car racing scene, with Gil Losi, Jr. acting as the formers' founder and leader. Team Losi was the first to produce miniature tires that were all natural, the first four wheel "buggy" that was American-made , and a new set of car types that were 1/18 scale of the Mini-T.

Outside of the American RC racing circuit, other makers like the Kyosho (Japan) and Schumacher (Europe) hold much market share both in innovation and technology. They are the prevalent choice of makers for hobbyists in their respective regions.

Radio controlled car racing is an excitable game that promotes accuracy, discipline, and car engine knowledge. It is no wonder that it's a well liked hobby across the globe.

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The Secret of Buying Xmods Radio Controlled Cars

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
radio control
Caroline Miller asked:

If you are looking for a radio controlled car that provides greater navigational power, fully autonomous rear and front suspensions, operational tail lights and headlights, and elective all-wheel drive, you should opt for XMODS radio controlled cars.

XMODS radio controlled cars are toy-grade radio controlled cars manufactured by Radio Shack. Just like ZipZap radio controlled cars, XMODS can also be modified and customized according to the owner's desire. Parts and accessories can be modified for optimum operations and superior look.

Compared to ZipZap radio controlled cars, XMODS are notably larger at a 1/28 scale. This means that they have bigger chassis and they weigh more.

Most XMODS radio controlled cars feature "130 class motors." This is one of the distinguishable features of XMODS.

XMODS radio controlled cars are available on the market with Generation 1 and 2 models on the priority list. Some examples of Generation 1 models are Nissan 350Z with copper or burnt orange and silver colors, Chevrolet Camaro in red, black and blue colors, Honda Civic, Subaru WRX STi in yellow, white, orange, and blue colors, and a 1965 Ford Mustang in a light blue color.

Generation 2 models include Nissan Titan and Scion Tc.

One of the greatest things about XMODS radio controlled cars is that they can be changed in almost every way. Best of all, upgrades, repairs, and maintenance are fully affordable compared to the hobby-grade radio controlled cars.

To help you choose the best XMODS model, here are some tips:

1. Know your hobby

Before starting a radio controlled car hobby, you must do your homework first. Keep in mind that collecting radio controlled cars especially XMODS is not a joke. The price you have to pay is not a joke. Even if XMODS may be cheaper than most hobby-grade radio controlled cars, they still cost a fortune, especially if you establish a good set of repair and maintenance kits.

To avoid mishaps and further problems when buying XMODS radio controlled cars, you must know everything or at least some of the basic information about XMODS radio controlled cars.

2. Know your specialty

Try to focus on one type of radio controlled cars. By doing this, setting up the budget will be a lot easier because you only have a specific goal in mind.

XMODS radio controlled cars are now considered one of the most popular radio controlled cars available on the market today. Just remember these tips and you will get your first good set of XMODS radio controlled cars without a sweat.

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Tips for Drag Racing With Radio Controlled Cars

Monday, March 1st, 2010
radio control
Caroline Miller asked:

For most people, the idea of drag racing implies exhilaration and excitement. It also connotes danger. It's a good thing that radio-controlled cars can now enable anyone to experience the thrills and excitement of drag racing without being exposed to too much danger.

Drag racing is all about speed. As compared to ordinary radio-controlled car races, the drag racing with RC cars entails much more attention on setting-up the vehicle than having driving skills. The main deal with car racing is to eliminate the forces (aerodynamic) that prevent the car from attaining and maintaining maximum speed. The following things should be given much importance when racing RC cars at maximum speed:

Chassis

Getting and maintaining a good chassis for drag race RC cars is very important. The thing to remember is that there are numerous materials that make up modern RC drag cars today such as graphite and carbon fiber. They differ in how they support the cars and how they "flex" during acceleration. The chassis needs to have flexibility when accelerating is a key to attain the car's maximum speed.

Front end design

Dragsters have distinct front-end designs. They are usually pointed to minimize the drag from the air. The front axles should be set up in a simple way to make them easier to adjust during accidents during race day.

Battery packs

Usually, RC car drag races are determined by the kind of battery pack that the cars are equipped with. Nickel-cadmium batteries are very popular nowadays. The batteries used in cars are usually in 6-cell or 7-cell packs. The two main things that one should look for in battery packs are internal impedance and voltage. These are two main indicators of power and speed. The battery packs used in RC drag racing are perhaps the most powerful in the whole RC racing arena.

Tires

The usual dragsters employ thin front wheels which are most often referred to as "pizza cutters" because they resemble the kitchen apparatus. When it comes to selecting tires, there are two beliefs: smaller is better and the "big wheels rule." As with any other contradicting beliefs, both have advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it's personal taste that really counts in choosing the kinds of tires.

Weight

RC drag race cars have been stripped of their excess weight throughout the years. An optimum weight should be achieved to be able to get maximum acceleration.

RC drag racing is a really fun and exhilarating experience. One should try watching races over the weekend to find out.

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Tips in Repairing Radio Controlled Cars

Saturday, February 27th, 2010
radio control
Caroline Miller asked:

When a person buys a car from a dealer, the only way to make the vehicle last for 5 years or longer is through proper care. This can be done visually or brought to the shop after reaching a certain mileage for preventive maintenance.

The same thing but in a smaller scale is done for radio controlled cars. This should be done after each run that will usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Here are a few tips on repairing radio controlled cars.

1. First, a visual inspection should be made over the entire vehicle. This will make it easy for the person to identify any cracks, leaks or broken parts that have to be glued or replaced.

2. Radio controlled cars using batteries should be disconnected and recharged. Those that use oil should be drained to prevent condensation to build up inside that could damage the engine.

3. The suspension of most radio controlled cars endures a lot of beating after engaging in hair pin turns, long jumps and various terrains. A person can make sure this is still in good condition by pressing on that section of the vehicle and by adding oil to the shocks.

4. The jumps and spins may also cause some screws to come loose over time. The individual should have a screw driver nearby to tighten them. Those that appear secure should be given a coat of thread locking compound to make sure they stay in place.

5. Radio controlled cars use rubber tires. After a few spins, they will develop some cuts and gashes which occur due to the quality of the road. If these are no longer able to maintain a good grip on the road, the individual should have them replaced at once with new ones from the hobby store.

6. If some paint has chipped off or holes have developed around the radio controlled car, the hobbyist can fix them using some paint and a pack of glue.

Once all of these are done, it is time to end the maintenance check using some paper towels and a toothbrush. These will be used to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated in the undercarriage or in those hard to reach places of the radio controlled car.

The radio controlled car is a not just a toy but a machine that requires a lot of maintenance. A person must learn how to take care of it to be able to enjoy playing with it every time it is taken to the race track.

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Radio Controlled Hobbies – Beginner’s Guide In The RC World…

Thursday, February 25th, 2010
radio control
Abhishek Agarwal asked:

There are many forms of remote controlled hobbies. Whatever type of model you may create, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun moving it around and enjoying the fruits of the work you’ve done. The mere mention of putting the parts together to one piece would seem tiring for a few people and fun to others. The best to way to have fun using radio controlled hobbies is to begin a project that suits on how much you would want to work. There are various remote controlled hobbies with various completion stages, right from not a single piece being connected with another. Continue reading to find out how to choose the one which suits you best.

Just-for-time-pass hobbyists or amateurs will choose cars which are the final stages of completion. These types just need a quick and easy fixing of some batteries for it get going. They are really fun to drive/fly around for some time, but they sure aren’t something to choose when trying to get into competitions like exhibitions or races. A few people choose to begin the radio controlled hobby with simple toys like them, as they help you to get familiar with the layout of the chosen vehicle. While getting yourself familiar with the layout, you need not spend too much money as the simple toys are often quite cheaper. But don’t buy some kiddy toy and try to achieve something meant for a hobby level.

The next stage is buying model kits which hold all the parts required to make a model. All the pieces are perfectly cut with measurement, and all the designing has also has been done. The only simple thing you got to do is stick the pieces together and glue them. This has been highly popular as it is quite a lengthy challenge and does not have any chances of getting complicated. The kits are available all over in the market today. They are also found in all average hobby stores. If your searches for the type of car you need are futile in the hobby stores, then try some specialty shops online to check if any of the offers suit your needs.

The last and still the toughest option to choose is building a project on remote control starting from scratch using only raw materials. This option demands vast amount of effort and planning. To achieve this, you’ll 1st need to get plans on what you are planning to build. You would have to find detailed plans with diagrams and make lists on what you need to buy. Next step is to find the stores and get the required items and then get started! Creating a project on remote control right from scratch needs really accurate measurements, hence you need to measure each millimeter before cutting the plastic or wood. Many a times, the very 1st project you take on wouldn’t turn out the expected way, that is, unless you’re really skilled. But with each and every project, your talent also increases.

If you are still not sure and still have 2 minds on whether to get started or not with the radio controlled hobby, hope you’ve thought and kicked out one option by now. It’s a really fun hobby which can be taken by kids as well as old people. As you have noticed, the amount of hard work needed to enjoy the hobby varies widely. Young kids can just drive around a car or fly a small plane which takes very small amount of cash. Unlike to this, people taking the hobby seriously usually spend hours of time and thousands of dollars fusing cars which will be able to beat all its opponents in handling, speed and looks in the competition. Finally, if you feel like giving radio controlled hobby a try, then just choose a good project that fits your commitment.

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Radio Control Hobby Tools – 5 You Cannot Do Without

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
radio control
Abhishek Agarwal asked:

When you are planning on a radio airplane project, there will be a few items you cannot do without on your list of things to buy. We will consider some of the most important ones here, but no doubt you will need more as per the particular design you are using. Some items you can use over and over again on different projects, while some will come in handy just for one project.

1. The body material - Your model plane will be made of balsa wood. So this is the most obvious material you will need to purchase. Some plans may make use of other materials, but most usually it is balsa wood that model planes are made of, since it is light weight. On the other hand if you are planning on a large model, you could use a deiffrent kind of wood or another material.

2. The mechanics - your model air plane will need a motor, and the radio unit to steer and fly it. You could very well buy each part seperately if you are an experienced campaigner at this. But if you are not, we strongly advise that you buy a kit, where everything comes connected so there is no confusion there.

3. A good modellers' knike - The X ACTO is a popular choice with model craft builders. It is a very simple tool, but irreplacabble when you need to cut out the balsa here and there. Such knives are commonly available from local grecers to the hobby stores across the country. They are simple and do not need to be purchased from a specialist supplier. But do make sure you have one.

4. Glue - Whatever your choice of building material, you will need to find a way to hold the fuselage of your craft together. Superglue is a favorite with model air plane makers, as is epoxy. Both are good agents to hold wood together. If you are using material other than wood, find out what works best with that material. When making a boat you need to worry about water proofing so you need to use sealant apart from the glue.

5. An electric Cutter - when you are making a miniature model you really dont need a high power electric saw to cut your stuff. A hand held table model would do fine. But do use a Dremel for the finer edges. It is miniature and hand held.

Everything mentioned in this article is easy to find, and not very highly priced either. As you go along you will no doubt require a few more tools. What we have here is the most basic of tool kits you will want to make your model craft. Finally, the tool of craftsmanship is as important as any hardware. Work with patience and with care.

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Jabo 2 Mini Rc Radio Control Electric Helicopter

Sunday, February 21st, 2010
radio control
Denise Wallard asked:

One last reason is that gas RC Helicopter is the best thing you get before you move to ultralight helicopter. Thus one you have a gas RC Helicopter you don't have to require yourself to upgrade unlike if you have an electric RC Helicopter. There are those who prefer to build model RC Helicopter by themselves to add to their ever-growing collection. Are RC Helicopters much harder than planes? RC Helicopters are more complicated to fly than airplanes however it is possible to learn to fly a RC Helicopter by yourself which is next to impossible for an rc airplane because with a RC Helicopter you can fly a little bit 2 inches off the ground and land safely. RC Planes are nice in that they're much more relaxing to fly than a RC Helicopter but the coordination you learn from flying RC planes is not so useful when flying RC Helicopters that it warrants buying a whole airplane first. For those who have heard this for the first time you should realize that you only require standard parts from an auto parts and hardware store to create a helicopter (that can really fly). RC Helicopter flying has become a better alternative to flying a real helicopter. It costs less and completely safe from crashing. But that is not all. RC Helicopter flying has become a hobby for those who have the passion on helicopters.

Before we start it is traditional for other pilots to share their experiences so get there and ask ask ask and ask. Do not forget to put the frequency crystal back into the tx after you have been using it with the CSM Simulator (since the tx batteries last 10 times longer without the crystal installed) it is a real drag to go to the site and just as you are ready to start-er-up you notice you do not have a crystal in your tx. so you can land your helicopter in the sim now but can you make it land where you want it to precisely? Work on this. See gas helicopter nitro rc.

With a pre-built ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) kit like the Raptor you're only a few hours from ready to hover when you get it in the box!. Practice turning the heli a little bit to the right and left. Get used to the perspective in real life. The sim experience only helps. Practice flying the heli out and back (tail in both ways) Practice a little side to side slow-flying. Flight Sims: Will enable you to get going with FREE flight sims or commercial flight sims and controllers ranging from 19.99 - 129.99 these flight simulators can save you a fortune and some of them must be seen on 48" plasmas!.

if you are careful. Extremely careful. I put the blade holders on upside down but it seems to fly ok with them that way. When I get some extra money I'll buy new wood blades. http://www.rchelicopterguide.info/electric-rc-helicopter/rc-electric-helicopters-arf-hummingbird.php In other words after you have bought and first flown your radio-controlled helicopter you might not be able to fly it again.

Homebuilt RC Helicopters are motorized (although wit less power) and can lift you off from the ground with the same experience you can get from a conventional full-size helicopter.There are a few things that will affect the resonance frequency of your helicopter: 1)Weight and weight placement 2)Size and lengths 3)RPM 4)Shape. So when in doubt change one of those variables and see what happens. If you are planning to fly your RC Helicopter on open spaces then the electric RC Helicopter is your ideal size. On the other hand if you only prefer indoor flying then you can either choose the mini or the micro.

Practice flying around backwards slowly. This is very difficult. Practice flying around backwards while inverted. Yikes. The Real McCoy. I suggest that you should wait to fly the real thing until you can confidently fly around in the simulator and land without crashing. You will be much better off in the event of an emergency and learn quicker too. Also see rc helicopter reviews. If you want to start the hobby you can start on one model and start from there. I think RC Helicopter simulator teaches you coordination very well. It teaches some bad habits maybe.

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Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestlers

Friday, February 19th, 2010
radio control
Find-me-a-gift asked:

The Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestlers Game is a remarkably funny and challenging battle of bellies! Say Konnichiwa to the sturdy and not-so-slim-line Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestlers!

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/radio-control-sumo-battles-rc-battling-sumos-remote-control-fighting-sumos.html

Stay low and try to throw the other Sumo out of the ring! Hai! Solve your stresses of the day by unwinding with a thrash-out!

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/radio-control-sumo-battles-rc-battling-sumos-remote-control-fighting-sumos.html

Sailing in from the land of the Rising Sun, it’s the Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestlers Game! They’re (not) lean, they’re mean and they’re ready for battling action! The Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestlers are the traditional Japanese real thing!

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/radio-control-sumo-battles-rc-battling-sumos-remote-control-fighting-sumos.html

Except, they probably didn’t have awesome radio-controls and a brightly coloured fold-up mat in their day! Sporting authentic Sumo Wrestler belts and hair-ties (we’re not sure if these are authentic but they look pretty snazzy!) the Sumo Wrestlers let it all hang out in this humorous Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestler Game!

Traditionally, even if a strand of the Sumo’s hair touches the ground, the man automatically loses – buy the Radio Controlled Sumo Wrestler Game today and take that feisty attitude ringside!

Battle at home, at your office desk or take the Sumo’s out in the sunshine – however you choose to use them, we guarantee everyone will want a go so you may have to start charging!

For any additional information on the cool radio controlled sumo wrestlers, please email info@findmeagift.com or call 01926 640710

Regards

Katy Young

At Sumo-Battle-Grounds –Find-Me-A-Gift

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