For most people, the idea of drag racing implies exhilaration and excitement. It also connotes danger. It's a good thing that RC 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 RC 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
RC car 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
For RC drag race, 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.
Also, check out my other guide on RC Car Upgrading and Buy RC Car
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Taking Care of Radio Control Car Parts
The RC Car. It is one thing to know how to drive the RC car; it is another to maintain it so that it will be in good condition at all times. Here are a few tips for those who want to know more about taking care of the RC and its parts.
1. Most radio controlled cars have bushings made either of plastic or bronze. These are designed to take on the negative effects of friction when driving on the racetrack. It is advisable to replace these with balls bearings instead since these have proven to be more durable that the latter.
People who do this don't have to change them very often and will notice that the RC car is able to maintain its speed on or off the track.
2. In most RC car races, the two most important things in the machine are the engine and the tires. Those who compete should not rely on hard tires but get those made of rubber. This will allow the person to make those sharp turns and while maintaining control on the road.
The RC car should be examined from time to time so that the individual will know when to replace the old tires with new ones.
3. Racers need good engines when competing. A majority of radio controlled cars come with mechanical speed controls that are either rotary or wiper typed. If the racer wants to get the best performance from the machine, it would be a good idea to change these to electronic speed controls. These are maintenance free and are much smaller making the vehicle lighter and smoother to drive. So the RC car will move faster.
4. RC cars also need something to absorb the impact of the track called fluid damped shocks. Since these bog down due to wear and tear, the user should replace these after a few runs so that there won't be any damage to the vehicle.
5. RC machines run on batteries. It is advisable to get those that are rechargeable so that the owner does not have to buy new ones when these are no longer as effective as they used to be.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to make sure the RC car is in good condition at all times.
Also, check out my other guide on Classic Model and RC Business
1. Most radio controlled cars have bushings made either of plastic or bronze. These are designed to take on the negative effects of friction when driving on the racetrack. It is advisable to replace these with balls bearings instead since these have proven to be more durable that the latter.
People who do this don't have to change them very often and will notice that the RC car is able to maintain its speed on or off the track.
2. In most RC car races, the two most important things in the machine are the engine and the tires. Those who compete should not rely on hard tires but get those made of rubber. This will allow the person to make those sharp turns and while maintaining control on the road.
The RC car should be examined from time to time so that the individual will know when to replace the old tires with new ones.
3. Racers need good engines when competing. A majority of radio controlled cars come with mechanical speed controls that are either rotary or wiper typed. If the racer wants to get the best performance from the machine, it would be a good idea to change these to electronic speed controls. These are maintenance free and are much smaller making the vehicle lighter and smoother to drive. So the RC car will move faster.
4. RC cars also need something to absorb the impact of the track called fluid damped shocks. Since these bog down due to wear and tear, the user should replace these after a few runs so that there won't be any damage to the vehicle.
5. RC machines run on batteries. It is advisable to get those that are rechargeable so that the owner does not have to buy new ones when these are no longer as effective as they used to be.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to make sure the RC car is in good condition at all times.
Also, check out my other guide on Classic Model and RC Business
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Radio Controlled (RC) Cars As Toys
Roger was fascinated about automobiles. Since this teenager neither had the money nor the experience needed to compete in NASCAR or in the Indy 500, the parents decided to give him the next best thing - which is a RC car. This will allow the boy to race just like the experts without the risk of getting hurt should the vehicle get bumped or fly out of the control.
An RC car is made up of a remote and the model vehicle. By turning or pushing the joystick up or down and left or right, the person is able to let it go in any direction.
There are many models out there in the marketplace. The basic ones can only travel a few feet. Those that want to experience the real deal should purchase the model that has to be assembled and modified.
RC cars are categorized either as electric or nitro powered. The nice thing about those that use electric motors is that the battery is rechargeable. Those that use fuel have to be refueled and oiled after some time, which is very similar to regular vehicles.
These toys are used by people of all ages. The specialty store has models similar to those used in NASCAR and monster trucks that are often seen in the demolition derby. This just shows that people can enjoy remote controlled vehicles both on and off the road.
Do these toys require a lot of maintenance? Yes they do. The owner should check the battery, the shock absorbers and the tires regularly. This will ensure that the car is able to maintain its speed and efficiency every time it is taken to the race track.
The hobbyist must be aware that not all of the parts can be repaired. This is because toy manufacturers have designed these to function until the parts simply fail. Those that want to enjoy the toy will either have to replace the parts which are sometimes hard to find or buy a new unit.
RC toys don't only apply to cars. There are also planes, ships and helicopters available in the toy store.
Parents and children alike who are curious and have never done this before should probably stick to the basic model(s) then upgrade later if the individual is really serious about it and wants to participate in racing competitions.
Also, check out my other guide on Build RC Car and Classic Model
An RC car is made up of a remote and the model vehicle. By turning or pushing the joystick up or down and left or right, the person is able to let it go in any direction.
There are many models out there in the marketplace. The basic ones can only travel a few feet. Those that want to experience the real deal should purchase the model that has to be assembled and modified.
RC cars are categorized either as electric or nitro powered. The nice thing about those that use electric motors is that the battery is rechargeable. Those that use fuel have to be refueled and oiled after some time, which is very similar to regular vehicles.
These toys are used by people of all ages. The specialty store has models similar to those used in NASCAR and monster trucks that are often seen in the demolition derby. This just shows that people can enjoy remote controlled vehicles both on and off the road.
Do these toys require a lot of maintenance? Yes they do. The owner should check the battery, the shock absorbers and the tires regularly. This will ensure that the car is able to maintain its speed and efficiency every time it is taken to the race track.
The hobbyist must be aware that not all of the parts can be repaired. This is because toy manufacturers have designed these to function until the parts simply fail. Those that want to enjoy the toy will either have to replace the parts which are sometimes hard to find or buy a new unit.
RC toys don't only apply to cars. There are also planes, ships and helicopters available in the toy store.
Parents and children alike who are curious and have never done this before should probably stick to the basic model(s) then upgrade later if the individual is really serious about it and wants to participate in racing competitions.
Also, check out my other guide on Build RC Car and Classic Model
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