Radio Controlled Cars: Uses And Types Explained

Radio Controlled Cars: Uses And Types Explained

Radio controlled cars, or R/C cars, are a model car powered through a radio control system or remote control. A transmitter, with either a joystick or a wheel with a trigger, sends inputs to the vehicle's internal receiver. The receiver transmits the signals or instructions to the electronic speed controller, causing the wheels to move or turn. There are simple ones available that just stop and go. And there are advanced models that are specifically built for competitive racing.

There are usually two categories of radio controlled cars: toy cars or hobby cars.

Toy vehicles
Toy models are the pre-assembled vehicles found in the most common discount store or retail store. These are usually the ones referred to as merely a kid's play thing. This is the cheaper type, about $50-$100 cheaper than the hobby models. They're easy to operate and relatively safe. They usually resemble real autos and have specific features that most hobby models don't have, including working lights, sounds, windows, doors and hoods that open and interiors that look like the real thing. Some even have radios and MP3 players included in the coupe.

They do, however, suffer from poor design, construction and performance. Once broken, the spare parts needed are not available to fix it. Motors are usually weak, since it's powered by cheap alkaline or Ni-Cad batteries. This usually gives them a maximum speed of about 10 to 15 mph. Steering only follows three directions, straight, full left and full right, and two speeds, fully stopped and full power. These automobiles are limited to on road use only. There are ones that are being advertised for use off road but usually deliver a minimal performance. The industry is constantly coming out with new types, but honestly for a child this car is the best buy for your money.

Hobby Cars
There are two kinds of hobby automobiles: nitro-powered models and gas-powered. Nitro-powered offers several speeds: maximum power, medium and a slightly slower speed. A nitro-powered engine is powered by fuel and may be refueled and back to action in a matter of seconds. These cars are air cooled and you do not have to worry about having to take a break for the car to cool down. Nitro-powered operates similar to a full-sized fuel vehicle and in turn, with the exhaust containing more unburned oil, coats the chassis, which will need lots of cleaning.

Cleaning is relatively easy, with just an air blower and some alcohol. But to be able to maximize the potential of the hobby radio controlled car, proper maintenance is needed. Mechanical wear is also more likely with nitro-power because it can be driven for a longer period of time. Higher speed collisions are also more likely because of the ability to maximize the vehicle's speeds. But always remember, because of its strong design and components, nitro-powered models are more durable than its electric counterparts.

Gas-powered automobiles run using pre-mixed gasoline and oil. They're more expensive than nitro-powered and electric automobiles, with a retail price ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. They're bigger and needs more space to operate freely. They don't have very fast speeds but they do have high power and uses less fuel to run. The also require less tuning and last longer than the nitro-powered radio controlled automobiles and electric vehicles. While both great buys, beware: you must operate with caution. Always read the manuals provided and supervise children playing with such devices.

Who knew buying a radio-controlled automobile can be so complicated? As with everything you want to buy, you have to know what factors you want to prioritize when choosing what item to buy. Is it durability? Easy maintenance? Price? Design? All these factors have to be considered carefully before you can decide what kind of radio controlled cars you should buy.

By: Andy West

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