RC Cars Hobbies

RC Cars Hobbies - How To Get Started

Within each person is a high, a desire to expand one's horizons. While some require a huge physical and monetary challenge, embarking in an RC car hobby is much less demanding and more practical to turn into a reality.

But an RC hobby is no joke to deal with. It could turn nasty if you don't get yourself ready for it. The desire is just the start of passion and a time-consuming journey which can be one of your life's' greatest rewarding activities.

First you need to determine which you would prefer to have: toy RC kits or hobby kits. Hobby kits are higher in quality but require more expertise. A good way to test if the hobby is for you is by purchasing the toy kit first and then stepping up to the more sophisticated hobby kit if you get the feel for the hobby. Toy kits are assembled and even available in toy stores, while hobby RC cars require assembling capabilities and a bit more than basic knowledge.

There are a host of RC car types available for you, and only you can determine which suits your fancy. There are many scale models, which are 1/20 of the original, life-size or even bigger than the original. If you're just getting started the smaller the better and more manageable. They vary in speed depending on size and power source.

There are two types of power source available for a typical RC car: electric and fuel. In terms of speed, RC Car with Engine-powered is more reliable and exciting to use. However, electrically generated ones are much more user-friendly as far as maintenance is concerned. Since you are beginner, always choose the lesser evil and upgrade to a higher challenge only when you are knowledgeable enough to do so.

RC Car with electric-powered motors requires a radio system to keep them going. These include a transmitter, a receiver and servos. Servos are placed in both the vehicle and the receiver. They serve as connecting nodes between commands from the transmitter to the receiver. The battery pack is rechargeable, though it takes much longer to charge. Some tools for the hand are also needed for the routine maintenance checks.

RC Car with engine-powered also require a radio system. But its battery is non-rechargeable by electricity. An igniter is also needed, since it relies on fuel combustion to move it at awesome speeds. Nitro models don't usually operate on gasoline. It requires a different mixture of chemicals for combustion. You will definitely need a bottle for fuel storage; lest you run out in the midst of the action.

See My other Tips: RC Cars, RC Cars Business, Drag Racing

RC Car Remote

How A Radio Control Car Works

With a radio control system (signals from a radio), the model car is empowered go distances. This is basically how a RC car works. A transmitter enables the user to make commands using the joystick, and the command is sent to the car via a receiver attached to the car.

The real features and make of the full-sized counterpart of these said RC cars are reflected in every way; making it one of the most popular hobbies, especially among men.

A radio control system for the RC cars contains the following: transmitter, receiver, motor and power source.

A handheld device, the transmitter makes use of frequencies to convert joystick commands into signals. It is usually powered by a battery. Radio controlled toys such as RC cars are usually wireless and rely solely on the frequencies generated by the transmitter. So it is very important that you have a well-functioning transmitter if you intend to use your RC car.

The receiver receives the converted signals from the transmitter. Usually circuits are tailored to suit the conversions into commands which the RC car will recognize and eventually execute.

The motor is the life of the car's engine, for it makes the implementation of radio signal commands possible. Without a good motor, you can't expect even the best of radio controlled cars to work its wireless magic.

RC cars can either be powered electrically or by nitro. Electrically powered ones are small but strong, and the power source, nickel-cadmium is rechargeable (similar to some cell phone batteries).

Some RC cars even use the same fuel combustion which can be found in real cars, only that they use synthetic oil, methanol and nitromethane for its mixture. Large models which are created even make use of gasoline and oil itself. It is even more suited for rough terrain than the real cars themselves!

Those which are powered electrically are much cleaner, weigh less and are less demanding for the user. Dust will be the only thing you will worry about with this type of radio controlled car. However these some types take longer to charge than usual. You can't maximize it to be at par with the speed of the fuel-generated cars.

It is also likely to overheat because it makes use of permanent magnets which are vital to its operation. Tire selection is also tedious for electrically powered radio controlled cars. Fuel-powered types are much faster and readily available in the market as compared to electrically generated ones.

See other post: Customizing and Repairing

RC Car

Tips On How To Store Radio Controlled Cars

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.

See my other tips: RC Collection and Building RC

RC Car - Tips On How To Maintain RC Cars

First things first, a radio-controlled car is a model car that is driven using a system that is run by radio control from a significant distance. Using transmitters or joysticks to input any direction one wants the car to go; this is then communicated to the vehicle's receiver found onboard the radio-controlled car.

Believe it or not, driving, building and modifying a radio-controlled car is the kind of hobby that is enjoyed by most people and car enthusiasts of varying ages.

The value of proper maintenance

So why should one appropriately care for and maintain their own radio-controlled cars? A radio-controlled car that is maintained regularly helps ensure that it runs smoothly and with no trouble at all.

However, there are also those types of radio-controlled cars that are a lot cheaper and are found in electronic and discount stores. These are cars that are classified as "toy-grade." Usually, these types of cars are unserviceable. But people who are interested in the mechanics of radio controlled cars, the regular maintenance of these types of vehicles is part and parcel of such a hobby.

Due to the radio-controlled cars construction, which is modular in nature, in the event that a part breaks or wears out, these could be individually replaced.

Upgrade your vehicle

Fortunately, the replacement parts for those models that are hobby-grade allows these vehicles to be upgraded extensively. Compare this to those toy-grade vehicles wherein it is quite impossible to find parts. Plus, these toy-grade vehicles are disassembled in a more difficult manner.

Due to their difficult maintenance, Radio Shack was able to release XMODS as well as ZipZap cars. These are toys that are classified within the mid-grade line and which can be modified, tuned, repaired - albeit to a degree quite less when compared to those professional vehicles classified as hobby-grade.

Recently, car models that are ready-to-run are available from major remote-controlled-car manufacturers. This fact has made it possible for hobbyists to be attracted to such vehicles where they would have otherwise purchased a toy car that is pre-assembled.

These types of vehicles do not need much final assembly. The bodies of these remote-controlled-cars are shipped already trimmed, painted and requires no additional work from the vehicle's owner before it is used.

All in all, remote-controlled-cars provide satisfaction to the owner as long as the vehicles are kept well maintained and in good - if not excellent - condition.


You may be interested in reading my other guide: Best RC Car and RC Car Business

RC Cars - Selling Radio Controlled Cars

The fascination for radio-controlled cars always starts when someone gives the person a set to play with at home. As that individual grows older and wants to experience more of the thrill of the action, the allowance is saved up enabling one to modify or buy a brand new unit.

As people grow older, radio controlled cars are given up and replaced with real automobiles. The controls may be different since the individual is in the driver's seat and no longer a few feet away; but the directions are still the same. A step on the pedal or steering the wheel will still make it go forward or back and left or right.

But the hobbyist doesn't have to give up on the toy. Instead of buying and playing with the remote control car, why not do the opposite and make money selling it?

In the years that the person had the radio control, he has learned the dos and don'ts about handling this machine. This includes making repairs and knowing the latest trends, which have revolutionized this hobby ever since it started in the 1960's.

So, what does it take to sell radio controlled cars aside from the knowing how to make repairs? For starters, a supplier that can give the individual a few units to start with which can grow from there. It would also be a good idea to sell some parts and accessories since many hobbyists will have to replace them due to wear and tear.

The next thing the hobbyist will need is a place to sell these items. If the entrepreneur doesn't have enough money to open a store, one can do this by offering the remote controlled cars for sale by renting a stall during a competition or participating in a convention.

Another place where this can be done is from the home. The individual can take a few pictures and create a website or a blog so that people who would like to buy can also examine the specs before placing an order.

The person should make sure that there is a customer hotline to answer any problems that are encountered after purchasing a product. Good service even after the transaction has ended will keep these regular patrons always coming back for more.

Some people think that radio controlled cars are just for kids. It will be surprising to know that there are individuals in the late 20's and 30's who still go to the track and race around it just for fun. Everyone is still a kid at heart and those who don't want to drive can still enjoy this hobby by selling these toys.

Also, check out my other guide on Off Road and Classic RC Car

RC Hobbies - How To Get Started

Within each person is a high, a desire to expand one's horizons. While some require a huge physical and monetary challenge, embarking in an RC car hobby is much less demanding and more practical to turn into a reality.

But an RC hobby is no joke to deal with. It could turn nasty if you don't get yourself ready for it. The desire is just the start of passion and a time-consuming journey which can be one of your life's' greatest rewarding activities.

First you need to determine which you would prefer to have: toy RC kits or hobby kits. Hobby kits are higher in quality but require more expertise. A good way to test if the hobby is for you is by purchasing the toy kit first and then stepping up to the more sophisticated hobby kit if you get the feel for the hobby. Toy kits are assembled and even available in toy stores, while hobby RC cars require assembling capabilities and a bit more than basic knowledge.

There are a host of RC car types available for you, and only you can determine which suits your fancy. There are many scale models, which are 1/20 of the original, life-size or even bigger than the original. If you're just getting started the smaller the better and more manageable. They vary in speed depending on size and power source.

There are two types of power source available for a typical RC car: electric and fuel. In terms of speed, RC Car with Engine-powered is more reliable and exciting to use. However, electrically generated ones are much more user-friendly as far as maintenance is concerned. Since you are beginner, always choose the lesser evil and upgrade to a higher challenge only when you are knowledgeable enough to do so.

RC Car with electric-powered motors requires a radio system to keep them going. These include a transmitter, a receiver and servos. Servos are placed in both the vehicle and the receiver. They serve as connecting nodes between commands from the transmitter to the receiver. The battery pack is rechargeable, though it takes much longer to charge. Some tools for the hand are also needed for the routine maintenance checks.

RC Car with engine-powered also require a radio system. But its battery is non-rechargeable by electricity. An igniter is also needed, since it relies on fuel combustion to move it at awesome speeds. Nitro models don't usually operate on gasoline. It requires a different mixture of chemicals for combustion. You will definitely need a bottle for fuel storage; lest you run out in the midst of the action.

You may be interested in reading my other guide: Customizing RC Car and RC Collection

Customizing Your Radio Controlled Car like A Pro

In the world of the RC car racing, making your cars as unique and as powerful as possible is a must. Racers customize their RC cars without end because it is the
specifications and enhancements to its' features that make it a better race car.

The more sophisticated RC engines have become, the more alterations they have need. Today's cars can now run through any terrain and condition without sacrificing speed.

Modifying your RC car is a difficult task if you are doing it for the first time. To assist in evaluating the well known conversion styles, listed below are some customized RC cars.

1. Monster GT from Team Associated is considered as the toughest RC truck on the market. It has a .21 nitro engine that has 8 oil filled shock absorbers, humongous
universal drive axles, an exclusive dual-starting system, disc brakes, tuned pipes, and a strong aluminum chassis.

Its original dual pick up tank keeps the fuel running even if the truck is upside down. Currently, it has two painted styles available, excluding the limited edition model with a painting of the American flag.

2. X-Factor from XTM has developed a reasonable number of followers since its release in 2003. This monster car has a four link, solid axle suspension that allows it
to move with greater control. Its pioneering engine (XTM 24-7) and electronic mixer (XTM R-Box) give the X-Factor its throttle power and awesome handling in any terrain and condition.

3. The T-Maxx of Traxxas is one of the best selling RC trucks currently. Its award-winning features include automatic shifting and two speed transmission that can go
forward and/or backwards. Its speed of 40 ++ miles per hour is backed up by a strong 2.5 racing engine that gives 60 percent more power that any of it predecessors in the Traxxas line.

Its original WideMaxx Suspension, along with the anodized T6 chassis, gives this racer superior stability when conquering difficult and bumpy terrains.

4. The special, limited edition Mad Force by Kyosho has a solid axle shaft drive, 3mm thick chassis with aluminum plates, and aperture dual disc brakes. This four wheel monster truck has 3 transmissions with double shock mounts and has polished side and lower deck plates.

Customizing your RC is part of the excitement of this sport. So choose those features that you want, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for some serious speed!

Also, check out my other guide on Classic Model