Oct 28, 2008

RC Electric Planes

The Latest RC Electric Planes Information
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RC electric planes

are silent and clean which not only make them a joy to fly but they tend to find greater acceptance from neighbours. And with recent advances in electronics and battery technology, there is now a huge selection of designs to choose from. Merchants like HobbyTron carry enough different electric RC planes to suit anyone's needs.
If you've never flown RC before, and you want to start with an electric plane rather than a pure glider, I recommend RC electric planes gliders for several reasons.

They're simple to build and simple to operate because most use only two controls...rudder and elevator.

They fly naturally and easily because of their large wingspan with plenty of dihedral (the upward angle of the wings from the fuselage).

They cost much less!
When reviewing RC electric planes, you'll have the choice of high wing design and low wing design. In a high wing design, the weight of the electric RC airplane model is suspended below the wing. When the model tilts, it's weight tries to return it to a level position. As a result, high-wing models tend to be more stable, easier to fly and natural choices for trainers.

Gliders are an example of high-wing design electric radio control airplanes. A low-wing model is just the opposite. With its weight above the wing, it tends to be less stable. Many scale RC electric planes are modelled after WWII fighters and they're an excellent choice for advanced fliers who want to perform rolls, loops and other aerobatic maneuvers.

So if you're just starting out, stay away from those sleek, fast, scale jobs ! They look nice and fly hard, and those are the last things you want in your first RC electric planes. Stick to the trainers - they might not look as glamourous, but they will make you a much better pilot. On top of that, trainers usually cost less to buy and to replace in the event of a crash.

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned pilot, then you'll feel like a kid in a candy shop as you browse through the wide array of electric rc airplane models in the online stores!
Kits vs. Prebuilts

Until recently, most RC electric planes came in kits consisting of a box full of parts, a set of plans, an instruction manual and some hardware. These kits remain very popular with modelers who enjoy the challenge of putting them together as much as actually flying them.

Depending on the kit, however, assembly can take weeks or even months to complete, and also requires many specialized tools. Hobbyists are now turning to "prebuilt" RC electric planes models as another way to enjoy R/C flight for several reasons including a shortage of leisure time.

ARF: "Almost Ready-to-Fly" - most can be completed and flight-ready with as little as 16-20 hours of assembly. Major structures such as the wing halves, fuselage, and tail fins all come entirely built and covered.

RTF: "Ready-to-Fly" - these are the ticket if you want a model that's ready to fly in as little as 20 minutes after you open the box. You'll still have to complete a few final assembly steps, but far less than even ARFs require.
This craze of RC electric planes started with the Mabuchi 380 motor just a few years ago. Today, electric power has developed to a stage where the power output of motors like Hacker Brushless, can rival and exceed glow engines. And as battery technology improves, so does the endurance of these electric rc planes.

For instance, with the latest Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) batteries, some RC electric planes models have over 30 minutes of full power aerobatics on one charge...Wow!
Learning to Fly

The single most important aspect of learning to fly electric rc planes is getting an instructor. R/C pilots are friendly, and most will gladly teach you for free. An instructor does not have to be certified to any particular standard but must be a competent experienced RC pilot who is capable of giving instructions on an electric radio control airplane...with patience.
Many people think that flying RC models is easy enough that it can be learned without an instructor and many have succeeded but at great expense. With an instructor, you'll learn to fly rc electric planes faster and with more confidence than if you start out solo.

To find an instructor, check with hobbyist friends, hobby shops and check the phone book for flying clubs.

If you live in the United States, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) in Muncie, Indiana can be very helpful too. Visit their website at Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and ask for the locations of clubs near you.

For those readers in Canada, goto the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) for information.
I hope this information proved helpful in your research and decision making. A lot of the fun in any hobby like, RC electric planes, is looking at what's available and then anticipating the arrival of your product.

I'm confident that the carefully chosen merchants that I link to will provide you with outstanding customer service and pricing...enjoy!

Oct 27, 2008

An RC snowmobile is hot fun

Get an RC snowmobile for winter fun!
An
RC snowmobile

can be a great investment for some serious winter fun! If you live in an area that gets lots of snow during the winter months, you know just how boring you can be cooped up in the house with little to do, just itching for some outside entertainment.If you are already an RC user, then you know just how much fun remote controls are. Trouble is, almost all RC cars and trucks are simply not designed built for winter. The slush and water create a problem for the servos and within minutes you no longer have control. Add to that the problem of not being able to gain any traction because of the tires and using your summer RC vehicles becomes impossible. But when you invest in an RC snowmobile all of those problems become a thing of the past, because these vehicles are designed for winter. So you know what that means? It means you are going to have hours of fun out in the snow. What a great way to help speed winter along.There are a variety of different electric remote control snowmobiles that are on the market, many scaled from the real thing. Take for example the Ski-Doo Fusion 900, which is the mini model, of the real thing. Many of these electric models are very realistic looking with attention to detail. They come with a 9.6V battery pack or 7.2V battery pack. Although the electric models are a lot of fun, performance is minimal and so is the excitement level. They are an excellent starter RC snowmobile but if you really want a rush youll want to invest in a nitro powered version.If you invest in a nitro model get ready to enjoy an aggressively designed snowmobile thats ready to race through the backcountry, or race against your friends. Because of the speed associated with the nitro units its not the best starter option. You should spend some time at slower speeds learning how your snowmobile responds to the remote controls. That way youll save yourself a lot of downtime doing repairs. Actually if you crack up at high speeds you could destroy your snowmobile and your winter fun. The nitro remote control snowmobile are more geared towards adult modeler or a very mature teen modeler. The sound effects of the nitro make it very real, and there is no question that their high performance makes them a great choice for that higher level of excitement. So you see, winter doesnt have to be boring and you dont have to spend your days wishing spring would arrive. Instead, grab your boots and mittens, get off the coach, and get outside to enjoy your RC snowmobile, packed with hours of entertainment and get ready for an adrenalin rush! Youll forget all about those winter blues.

Safety with radio control planes

Radio Control Planes Safety Tips
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An important aspect of flying
radio control planes

is adherence to safety regulations. The AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) has its own safety rules, as do most clubs. Contests may have their own set of specific rules as well.

The following is a brief list of some of the general safety issues each pilot needs to address for the safe and enjoyable participation in this hobby. Remember that safety isnt just about you; its also about all of the fellow pilots and the spectators that expect their experience to be safe and enjoyable as well.

Your responsibility to safety begins with a preflight check of your radio control plane. The things to check for are:
Cracks in the plane components
Repairs that appear to be worn out or in need of more attention
The propellers. If you remove the propellers for transport, it is very important to remount it in the correct orientation. Also, any deformation or gouges in the propeller can affect how the plane responds to its controls. A bad prop is a bad plane. Also, propellers are difficult to fix back to new, so your best bet is to get a brand new one and enjoy the precision control you are looking for.
The engine, battery, servos, and other components. Check to see that these are securely fastened to the plane. Check the tightness of screws and bolts.

In general, make sure everything that is not supposed to move doesnt, and everything that is supposed to move does so in a controlled fashion. For example, make sure propellers spin but that they dont wobble. Also make sure the battery is charged and the connectors are all connected properly.

Once you have finished your preflight check, there are a few more safety tips to consider.
The most important: check the frequencies of other radio control planes or other radio control craft in the area. Most sites designated for the use of radio control craft have a board where frequencies are reported. Check to make sure you arent about to create chaos by launching a craft in a frequency already being used. If there is a pilot with the same frequency, share airtime so that you both can enjoy the day.

Keep spectators at a distance when you are starting your plane. For that matter, keep your plane away from spectators during all times of operation. A low fly by near people may look good in the movies, but it is not very appreciated in the radio control planes world. There are too many opportunities for parts to come loose or the plane to simply reel out of control creating a dangerous situation for someone who just wants to see some good flying. Dont endanger other people.

For your own safety, keep body parts, loose clothing, or anything for that matter away from the propellers of your radio control planes. Make necessary adjustments to the craft from behind the plane.

This may seem like a lot of rules, but the main purpose is to make radio control planes enjoyable for the pilots as well as the spectators. Taking the extra precautions can mean the difference between a wonderful and a painful day of flying. These precautions help keep your plane in tact as well so you can come back for another round.

Electric radio control cars information

Gas Versus Electric Radio Control Cars
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If you're trying to choose from many
electric radio control cars

you wish to buy or build, you're probably curious about the different aspects of gas and electric cars. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and its helpful to know their differences before you embark on your selection journey.

One of the obvious differences between
gas powered radio control cars

and electric radio control cars is the gas power versus the battery power. Electric cars dont have the logistics of fuel to contend with, which can be a messy part of gas powered cars. Gas powered cars, however, can attain higher speeds than their electric counterparts and attract many radio control racers because of this fact.

Another difference between the two is the amount of maintenance necessary to maintain the vehicle. Electric radio control cars require a lot less maintenance than gas powered radio control cars and this draws a lot of people towards the electric models. There are, however, some people for whom the maintenance is half (if not more) of the fun. They love to tinker with the gas powered cars and wouldnt give them up for the simplicity of the electric radio control cars. This is purely an individual thing, and you have to weigh your own feelings about maintenance against the different type of car.

The ability to run indoors and outdoors can be a benefit of electric radio control cars. Due to the exhaust of the gas powered models, they are not practical for use indoors. Electric radio control models are perfectly suited for indoor use, depending on the size of the model compared to the size and openness of your indoor space. Another factor that affects the ability of a gas powered car to run indoors as well as some outdoor areas is the noise. Gas powered cars are definitely noisier than their electric car counterparts, and this is something to take into consideration depending on the location you will be operating your car.

One area that the gas powered cars have a great advantage over electric radio control cars is the running time. Electric cars have limited time on their batteries, often as low as ten minutes on a single charge. After that time you either have to change the battery inside the car, or find a place to park the car while it charges. Batteries arent difficult to change, but its easier to purchase and carry a couple of bottles of nitro fuel than a bag full of rechargeable batteries. Gas powered cars have fair running times on a tank of gas, and can be easily refueled on the sidelines and quickly ready to hit the streets again.

Both gas and electric radio control cars have their pros and cons, and you just have to consider those against what you are looking for in your radio control vehicle. And if you just cant decide which of the types you like best, you can always get one of each to fit your mood!

Electric radio control cars information

Gas Versus Electric Radio Control Cars
(All links open new windows)

If you're trying to choose from many
electric radio control cars

you wish to buy or build, you're probably curious about the different aspects of gas and electric cars. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and its helpful to know their differences before you embark on your selection journey.

One of the obvious differences between
gas powered radio control cars

and electric radio control cars is the gas power versus the battery power. Electric cars dont have the logistics of fuel to contend with, which can be a messy part of gas powered cars. Gas powered cars, however, can attain higher speeds than their electric counterparts and attract many radio control racers because of this fact.

Another difference between the two is the amount of maintenance necessary to maintain the vehicle. Electric radio control cars require a lot less maintenance than gas powered radio control cars and this draws a lot of people towards the electric models. There are, however, some people for whom the maintenance is half (if not more) of the fun. They love to tinker with the gas powered cars and wouldnt give them up for the simplicity of the electric radio control cars. This is purely an individual thing, and you have to weigh your own feelings about maintenance against the different type of car.

The ability to run indoors and outdoors can be a benefit of electric radio control cars. Due to the exhaust of the gas powered models, they are not practical for use indoors. Electric radio control models are perfectly suited for indoor use, depending on the size of the model compared to the size and openness of your indoor space. Another factor that affects the ability of a gas powered car to run indoors as well as some outdoor areas is the noise. Gas powered cars are definitely noisier than their electric car counterparts, and this is something to take into consideration depending on the location you will be operating your car.

One area that the gas powered cars have a great advantage over electric radio control cars is the running time. Electric cars have limited time on their batteries, often as low as ten minutes on a single charge. After that time you either have to change the battery inside the car, or find a place to park the car while it charges. Batteries arent difficult to change, but its easier to purchase and carry a couple of bottles of nitro fuel than a bag full of rechargeable batteries. Gas powered cars have fair running times on a tank of gas, and can be easily refueled on the sidelines and quickly ready to hit the streets again.

Both gas and electric radio control cars have their pros and cons, and you just have to consider those against what you are looking for in your radio control vehicle. And if you just cant decide which of the types you like best, you can always get one of each to fit your mood!

Oct 26, 2008

About the nitro remote control tank

Ready for a nitro remote control tank?
The nitro
remote control tank

heightens the adrenaline rush because of its ability to go off road and climb just about anything. So are you ready for it?Nitro actually stands for nitro methane and Nitro RC is the driving force behind much of the RC industry. Your RC tank is one of those vehicles that are going to have you addicted to the head turning mini roar sounds. Its just so real. The nitro remote control tank is a popular choice because of it's versatility and realistic features. Take the German Panther Tank or the type 90 tank. Just a couple of the tanks that look like the real thing, just a smaller version thanks to the attention to detail.But there is more. Many of these RC tanks have some very innovative technology which may include a laser and thermal guide gun and turret controls. The automatic target tracking makes it a whole lot of fun out in the back country where you and the friends are busy playing military games. There is even a night vision range integrated into the FCS and the night vision thermal image system. These new generation tanks are designed for hours of fun. Its more than just running a tank across the ground; it can be a great strategy game with friends.Now that you are ready to go shopping for your nitro remote control tank there are a few things you should know. If you buy an in the box tank it should include everything you need to get going, although not all kits are complete so be sure to read the package carefully. You might also decide to buy an unassembled tank, which means there are likely some additional pieces youll need to get your tank on the road. To run your nitro remote control tank you will need two servos, radio control receiver, and nitro engine, as well as a way to start the engine. You will also need the right fuel. The first time its always best to buy a nitro kit thats complete with everything. Then you can just replace as needed.The nitro engine is the core of your tank so once you get the engine tuned and running smoothly, its just needs to be maintained regularly. There are many different engine break in methods. Unless youve broken a nitro engine in previously, follow the instructions for breaking in and tuning your engine if they are included.Your nitro engine will require regular maintenance to keep it performing well. You will also need to check the tracks, shocks, and other tank parts.You are going to have hours of fun with your nitro remote control tank. Whether you are playing military games in the back country or just having some fun climbing around the dunes, youll have plenty of adrenaline rushes with your new toy.

Electric radio control airplanes info

Electric Radio Control Airplanes
(All links open new windows)

Whats all the buzz about
electric radio control airplanes?

Arent they huge, heavy, and hard to fly? No, those days are long gone when the size of your battery took up at least half the plane. Just as modern advances in battery cells have taken the automotive industry into practical, affordable gas-electric hybrid vehicles, so have those same advances done wonders for the electric radio control airplanes world.

Today's
lithium batteries

have gotten lighter and more powerful, resistances have lowered resulting in less overheating, and these things together have led a big growth trend in the number of radio control enthusiasts switching to or even getting started in electric radio control airplanes.

Perhaps one obvious benefit is that you dont have to lug around nitro fuel wherever you go. Along with that, you arent always searching for that elusive fine line between rich and lean that keeps some gas-powered plane owners awake at night. Granted, if maintenance is your thing and flying is a fun and necessary by-product, then youll probably want to stick with your gas-powered models. For some plane owners there is nothing like good old-fashioned elbow grease.

If, however, you live to fly and wish your plane would magically maintain its engine while stored away waiting for the next outing, perhaps electric is your way to go. The electric radio control airplanes systems include battery cells, a motor, a control, and wiring. And likely you wont be called on to repair any of it on a regular basis.
The batteries are mostly
NiCd/NiMh cells

with the number of cells determining the level of output of the battery pack. When a battery cell goes, it goes. Buy a new one and carry on. The same with a motor. Maybe all this replacing of parts sounds like a waste to you, but realistically these parts can last forever if taken care of. Run a motor within its limits and it will keep on running. But if you fry it, its pretty much gone.

Some other advantages of electric radio control airplanes come from the fact that these planes are very quiet in comparison to their gas powered cousins. Their low volume output motors allow them to be flown in more areas with less resistance from the community. Their lack of engine noise also makes them seem less intimidating and therefore less dangerous by many who are sharing a park or open space with them.

And perhaps the most practical advantage of electric radio control airplanes is that they can be taken out for a quick flight, packed back up, and theres no worrying about fueling up then draining the fuel for storage.

Whichever is your fancy, electric radio control airplanes or
gas powered RC planes,

youll find that there is a technology out there to fit your needs and to go along with the reasons you are in the hobby to begin with. Radio control airplanes fit into the basic philosophy of life: its all about choices.

Cheap radio control cars info

All About Cheap Radio Control Cars
(All links open new windows)

You can buy
cheap radio control cars

or you can buy very expensive cars and and anything in between. How do you know what you are looking for? Perhaps this guide will be of some help.

READY TO RUN (RTR)
Maybe the best way to enjoy the simplest in radio control is to go for an all inclusive cheap radio control cars package.

You can get these from toy stores, hobby shops, online, or just about any of your discount department stores. This form of RC car generally comes ready to ride straight out of the box. The car comes with its own radio controller with one or more frequencies, rechargeable batteries, and the car itself. These come in various scales, colors, and complexity. You can purchase cheap radio control cars anywhere form the size of a matchbox on up.

Perhaps the best part about these simple cars is that they dont have smaller, loose parts and are therefore great for small children. Many of the top-notch RC enthusiasts cut their teeth on easy to find, cheap radio control cars. You can get into one of these for anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on what bells and whistles you want.

PRE-BUILT KITS
Already grown out of the simple versions of the cheap radio control cars but arent sure youre ready to tackle building one on your own?

Dont worry, there are cars available that come with the ease of being pre-built from the factory, but the versatility of having parts that can be replaced or upgraded. This is like having a best friend do all of the work for you!

Some kits come with the radio components, while some suggest the components you have to purchase separately. Its impossible to list all of the types of cars and manufacturers that fall into this category. Tamiya is one of the manufacturer names that will come up often in searches for pre-built kits. Many of their kits range from $100 - $200 for the simplest versions.

Another way to get into the lower level of hand built cars is to check your local hobby shop. Sometimes you have enthusiasts who love to build a car, then move on and build another one. Your local hobby seller may be able to get you in contact with someone like this who sells his or her finished products.

KITS
Perhaps you are ready to spread your wings and try to build cheap radio control cars on your own. Thats not too much to ask for. Just because you want to do most of it on your own doesnt mean youll have to pay a fortune for a kit to help you do that.

There are various manufacturers out there who sell such kits, and you can get them in all levels of assembly and all levels of price. With kits like this, you can personalize much of the vehicle and really put together the components you want. If you are really interested in building your first radio control car, there are a lot of resources available to you ranging from books to local clubs. Most RC enthusiasts are more than willing to help out a newcomer.

So dont let money be your reason for not diving into this wonderful hobby. As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to join in and start off with cheap radio control cars. If you start with baby steps such as these, you can be well on your way to a fun, lifelong hobby with more enjoyment that frustration!

Steve's RC Hobby Blog

Monster remote control truck info

Monster Remote Control Truck Review
(All links open new windows)

Are you looking to build the biggest and baddest
remote control truck

? Do you not care if you can beat your opponent in a race as long as you can run them over at the finish line?

If you answered YES, then it sounds like you're a prime candidate for the monster remote control truck hobby. These arent your run of the mill pickup trucks, and they arent really designed for the speed demons out there. These are the bone crushing, terrain mastering trucks built for durability and gearhead massiveness!

A fully assembled RC truck can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are as individual as the people who design them. If you're looking for an RC truck and want to spend more time on the road than in the shop, you'll definitely find them at either the RC Discounts store above or with the good folks online at
TrendTimes.com.

Many of these come with a fully equipped chassis with everything buttoned up tight to weather the dirt and grime you will no doubt put your radio control truck through.

And did I mention really big tires? In most of the monster remote control truck models Ive seen, if you can see the details of the truck body then the tires just arent big enough:) Oh yeah, and you may want a truck body to put over the components, although Im convinced this is more to keep dirt out then to actually add to the look of the model. Don't worry, all these parts are available from the same suppliers above.

If you don't yet have a monster RC truck and you're wondering what the appeal is, these vehicles are designed for off road areas, and some even do stunts and tricks such as riding over other vehicles and turning themselves upright after a rollover.

Unlike many of their model car cousins, an RC truck is less about racing and more about maneuverability. They can be fun and challenging for all ages, and many people find them as much fun to build as they are to drive.

As far as radio control vehicles go, a monster remote control truck is really in a class by itself and if you're looking for a challenge beyond an RC truck that goes really fast in a straight line, you may want to check out the excitement of monster trucks!

** Read this excellent article for everything you ever wanted to know about Nitro powered RC cars and trucks!

Electric radio control airplanes info

Electric Radio Control Airplanes
(All links open new windows)

Whats all the buzz about
electric radio control airplanes?

Arent they huge, heavy, and hard to fly? No, those days are long gone when the size of your battery took up at least half the plane. Just as modern advances in battery cells have taken the automotive industry into practical, affordable gas-electric hybrid vehicles, so have those same advances done wonders for the electric radio control airplanes world.

Today's
lithium batteries

have gotten lighter and more powerful, resistances have lowered resulting in less overheating, and these things together have led a big growth trend in the number of radio control enthusiasts switching to or even getting started in electric radio control airplanes.

Perhaps one obvious benefit is that you dont have to lug around nitro fuel wherever you go. Along with that, you arent always searching for that elusive fine line between rich and lean that keeps some gas-powered plane owners awake at night. Granted, if maintenance is your thing and flying is a fun and necessary by-product, then youll probably want to stick with your gas-powered models. For some plane owners there is nothing like good old-fashioned elbow grease.

If, however, you live to fly and wish your plane would magically maintain its engine while stored away waiting for the next outing, perhaps electric is your way to go. The electric radio control airplanes systems include battery cells, a motor, a control, and wiring. And likely you wont be called on to repair any of it on a regular basis.
The batteries are mostly
NiCd/NiMh cells

with the number of cells determining the level of output of the battery pack. When a battery cell goes, it goes. Buy a new one and carry on. The same with a motor. Maybe all this replacing of parts sounds like a waste to you, but realistically these parts can last forever if taken care of. Run a motor within its limits and it will keep on running. But if you fry it, its pretty much gone.

Some other advantages of electric radio control airplanes come from the fact that these planes are very quiet in comparison to their gas powered cousins. Their low volume output motors allow them to be flown in more areas with less resistance from the community. Their lack of engine noise also makes them seem less intimidating and therefore less dangerous by many who are sharing a park or open space with them.

And perhaps the most practical advantage of electric radio control airplanes is that they can be taken out for a quick flight, packed back up, and theres no worrying about fueling up then draining the fuel for storage.

Whichever is your fancy, electric radio control airplanes or
gas powered RC planes,

youll find that there is a technology out there to fit your needs and to go along with the reasons you are in the hobby to begin with. Radio control airplanes fit into the basic philosophy of life: its all about choices.

Cheap radio control cars info

All About Cheap Radio Control Cars
(All links open new windows)

You can buy
cheap radio control cars

or you can buy very expensive cars and and anything in between. How do you know what you are looking for? Perhaps this guide will be of some help.

READY TO RUN (RTR)
Maybe the best way to enjoy the simplest in radio control is to go for an all inclusive cheap radio control cars package.

You can get these from toy stores, hobby shops, online, or just about any of your discount department stores. This form of RC car generally comes ready to ride straight out of the box. The car comes with its own radio controller with one or more frequencies, rechargeable batteries, and the car itself. These come in various scales, colors, and complexity. You can purchase cheap radio control cars anywhere form the size of a matchbox on up.

Perhaps the best part about these simple cars is that they dont have smaller, loose parts and are therefore great for small children. Many of the top-notch RC enthusiasts cut their teeth on easy to find, cheap radio control cars. You can get into one of these for anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on what bells and whistles you want.

PRE-BUILT KITS
Already grown out of the simple versions of the cheap radio control cars but arent sure youre ready to tackle building one on your own?

Dont worry, there are cars available that come with the ease of being pre-built from the factory, but the versatility of having parts that can be replaced or upgraded. This is like having a best friend do all of the work for you!

Some kits come with the radio components, while some suggest the components you have to purchase separately. Its impossible to list all of the types of cars and manufacturers that fall into this category. Tamiya is one of the manufacturer names that will come up often in searches for pre-built kits. Many of their kits range from $100 - $200 for the simplest versions.

Another way to get into the lower level of hand built cars is to check your local hobby shop. Sometimes you have enthusiasts who love to build a car, then move on and build another one. Your local hobby seller may be able to get you in contact with someone like this who sells his or her finished products.

KITS
Perhaps you are ready to spread your wings and try to build cheap radio control cars on your own. Thats not too much to ask for. Just because you want to do most of it on your own doesnt mean youll have to pay a fortune for a kit to help you do that.

There are various manufacturers out there who sell such kits, and you can get them in all levels of assembly and all levels of price. With kits like this, you can personalize much of the vehicle and really put together the components you want. If you are really interested in building your first radio control car, there are a lot of resources available to you ranging from books to local clubs. Most RC enthusiasts are more than willing to help out a newcomer.

So dont let money be your reason for not diving into this wonderful hobby. As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to join in and start off with cheap radio control cars. If you start with baby steps such as these, you can be well on your way to a fun, lifelong hobby with more enjoyment that frustration!

Steve's RC Hobby Blog

Monster remote control truck info

Monster Remote Control Truck Review
(All links open new windows)

Are you looking to build the biggest and baddest
remote control truck

? Do you not care if you can beat your opponent in a race as long as you can run them over at the finish line?

If you answered YES, then it sounds like you're a prime candidate for the monster remote control truck hobby. These arent your run of the mill pickup trucks, and they arent really designed for the speed demons out there. These are the bone crushing, terrain mastering trucks built for durability and gearhead massiveness!

A fully assembled RC truck can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are as individual as the people who design them. If you're looking for an RC truck and want to spend more time on the road than in the shop, you'll definitely find them at either the RC Discounts store above or with the good folks online at
TrendTimes.com.

Many of these come with a fully equipped chassis with everything buttoned up tight to weather the dirt and grime you will no doubt put your radio control truck through.

And did I mention really big tires? In most of the monster remote control truck models Ive seen, if you can see the details of the truck body then the tires just arent big enough:) Oh yeah, and you may want a truck body to put over the components, although Im convinced this is more to keep dirt out then to actually add to the look of the model. Don't worry, all these parts are available from the same suppliers above.

If you don't yet have a monster RC truck and you're wondering what the appeal is, these vehicles are designed for off road areas, and some even do stunts and tricks such as riding over other vehicles and turning themselves upright after a rollover.

Unlike many of their model car cousins, an RC truck is less about racing and more about maneuverability. They can be fun and challenging for all ages, and many people find them as much fun to build as they are to drive.

As far as radio control vehicles go, a monster remote control truck is really in a class by itself and if you're looking for a challenge beyond an RC truck that goes really fast in a straight line, you may want to check out the excitement of monster trucks!

** Read this excellent article for everything you ever wanted to know about Nitro powered RC cars and trucks!

Electric radio control airplanes info

Electric Radio Control Airplanes
(All links open new windows)

Whats all the buzz about
electric radio control airplanes?

Arent they huge, heavy, and hard to fly? No, those days are long gone when the size of your battery took up at least half the plane. Just as modern advances in battery cells have taken the automotive industry into practical, affordable gas-electric hybrid vehicles, so have those same advances done wonders for the electric radio control airplanes world.

Today's
lithium batteries

have gotten lighter and more powerful, resistances have lowered resulting in less overheating, and these things together have led a big growth trend in the number of radio control enthusiasts switching to or even getting started in electric radio control airplanes.

Perhaps one obvious benefit is that you dont have to lug around nitro fuel wherever you go. Along with that, you arent always searching for that elusive fine line between rich and lean that keeps some gas-powered plane owners awake at night. Granted, if maintenance is your thing and flying is a fun and necessary by-product, then youll probably want to stick with your gas-powered models. For some plane owners there is nothing like good old-fashioned elbow grease.

If, however, you live to fly and wish your plane would magically maintain its engine while stored away waiting for the next outing, perhaps electric is your way to go. The electric radio control airplanes systems include battery cells, a motor, a control, and wiring. And likely you wont be called on to repair any of it on a regular basis.
The batteries are mostly
NiCd/NiMh cells

with the number of cells determining the level of output of the battery pack. When a battery cell goes, it goes. Buy a new one and carry on. The same with a motor. Maybe all this replacing of parts sounds like a waste to you, but realistically these parts can last forever if taken care of. Run a motor within its limits and it will keep on running. But if you fry it, its pretty much gone.

Some other advantages of electric radio control airplanes come from the fact that these planes are very quiet in comparison to their gas powered cousins. Their low volume output motors allow them to be flown in more areas with less resistance from the community. Their lack of engine noise also makes them seem less intimidating and therefore less dangerous by many who are sharing a park or open space with them.

And perhaps the most practical advantage of electric radio control airplanes is that they can be taken out for a quick flight, packed back up, and theres no worrying about fueling up then draining the fuel for storage.

Whichever is your fancy, electric radio control airplanes or
gas powered RC planes,

youll find that there is a technology out there to fit your needs and to go along with the reasons you are in the hobby to begin with. Radio control airplanes fit into the basic philosophy of life: its all about choices.

Cheap radio control cars info

All About Cheap Radio Control Cars
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You can buy
cheap radio control cars

or you can buy very expensive cars and and anything in between. How do you know what you are looking for? Perhaps this guide will be of some help.

READY TO RUN (RTR)
Maybe the best way to enjoy the simplest in radio control is to go for an all inclusive cheap radio control cars package.

You can get these from toy stores, hobby shops, online, or just about any of your discount department stores. This form of RC car generally comes ready to ride straight out of the box. The car comes with its own radio controller with one or more frequencies, rechargeable batteries, and the car itself. These come in various scales, colors, and complexity. You can purchase cheap radio control cars anywhere form the size of a matchbox on up.

Perhaps the best part about these simple cars is that they dont have smaller, loose parts and are therefore great for small children. Many of the top-notch RC enthusiasts cut their teeth on easy to find, cheap radio control cars. You can get into one of these for anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on what bells and whistles you want.

PRE-BUILT KITS
Already grown out of the simple versions of the cheap radio control cars but arent sure youre ready to tackle building one on your own?

Dont worry, there are cars available that come with the ease of being pre-built from the factory, but the versatility of having parts that can be replaced or upgraded. This is like having a best friend do all of the work for you!

Some kits come with the radio components, while some suggest the components you have to purchase separately. Its impossible to list all of the types of cars and manufacturers that fall into this category. Tamiya is one of the manufacturer names that will come up often in searches for pre-built kits. Many of their kits range from $100 - $200 for the simplest versions.

Another way to get into the lower level of hand built cars is to check your local hobby shop. Sometimes you have enthusiasts who love to build a car, then move on and build another one. Your local hobby seller may be able to get you in contact with someone like this who sells his or her finished products.

KITS
Perhaps you are ready to spread your wings and try to build cheap radio control cars on your own. Thats not too much to ask for. Just because you want to do most of it on your own doesnt mean youll have to pay a fortune for a kit to help you do that.

There are various manufacturers out there who sell such kits, and you can get them in all levels of assembly and all levels of price. With kits like this, you can personalize much of the vehicle and really put together the components you want. If you are really interested in building your first radio control car, there are a lot of resources available to you ranging from books to local clubs. Most RC enthusiasts are more than willing to help out a newcomer.

So dont let money be your reason for not diving into this wonderful hobby. As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to join in and start off with cheap radio control cars. If you start with baby steps such as these, you can be well on your way to a fun, lifelong hobby with more enjoyment that frustration!

Steve's RC Hobby Blog

Oct 25, 2008

Radio Shack remote control cars info

A Review of Radio Shack Remote Control Cars
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Radio Shack remote control cars

are made for those who want to enjoy an already built model ready to go out of the box. While many radio control enthusiasts get some of their electrical gear from Radio Shack, the store is well known as a source for the RTR (ready-to-run).

Perhaps the most familiar of these are the
Zip Zaps micro R/C cars.

These Radio Shack remote control cars are 1:64 scale, and they come in about 10 different models including Jeep, Mazda, Toyota, Ford, Pontiac, and Chevy. Each has its selection of 6 different 27MHz frequencies, so you can race up to six different micro RC cars at a time. Their controls consist of a forward / reverse trigger and a left / right rotary steering. They have working taillights and headlights, and the car sits on its base until you are ready to take it out for another spin. The ZipZaps SE Micro RC cars are suggested for ages 8 and up.

For the even younger crowd, there are Radio Shack remote control cars geared towards them as well. How about a Mattel Barbie VW Beetle Convertible RC? This remote control vehicle has a controller that looks like a phone. It has simple controls: forward, turn in reverse, and stop. But it is 16 long with working headlights and its intended audience of ages 4 and up will love the look and simplicity.

If Barbie isnt your childs character of choice, there are Radio Shack remote control cars fashioned after the Cat in the Hat as well. The Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat" S.L.O.W. RC Vehicle (Super Luxurious Omnidirectional Whatchamajigger) is sure to rev up any kids imagination. It has parts that spin and move during operation such as flaps, moving gears, and working lights and a horn. It even has dual frequencies, 27 and 49 MHz, so the Cat in the Hat can challenge Barbie in a race around the block!

Ok, maybe you are older and are thinking what is there for me? Dont worry; there are Radio Shack remote control cars for the older enthusiasts as well. How about a Super Street Acura RSX RC Car in 1:10 scale that travels at about 1300 ft / minute? What if it had a spring suspension, precise steering, and three channels so you could hold your own street race with other cars?

Or maybe a Radio Control '58 Impala Low-Rider in 1:12 scale is more your style. These Radio Shack remote control cars do stunts, have a show quality look, and even a front and back that raises and lowers. These bad little cars with their tinted windows come in 27 or 49 MHz so you can have dueling stunts between two of them.

Or if its a classic youd rather have at the other end of that controller, there are Radio Shack remote control cars that will fit that need as well. The 50th Anniversary Chevy Corvette Radio-Controlled Car has the 50th anniversary red exterior, and makes not only a fun ride but also a great showpiece.

So if you think Radio Shack remote control cars are just those little stocking stuffers we used to find on Christmas morning, maybe you should check out their new generation of models and give them a spin.

Radio Control Harley Davidson Motorcycle Info

Radio Control Harley Davidson Motorcycle Review
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An exciting
radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle

is now available and who else but the folks at Harley Davidson would put their nameplate on radio control vehicles as realistic as this?

The authentic styling of the motorcycles makes them appealing to a wide variety of radio control enthusiasts. The most popular version of the motorcycles is the 1:3 scale made by New Bright.

For the collector, this radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle shows off a high level of detail on the 28 long framework and accompanying accessories. It has realistic brake lines, chrome pipes, true rubber tires, and mirrors you can actually see a reflection in. The motorcycle also has steel handlebars and a folding steel kickstand along with a variety of other plated and metal parts.

Another feature the collector will like is the realistic sounds the motorcycle makes including rev, idle, gear changes, and a horn. For a quieter bike, these sounds can be turned off using a volume switch on the gas tank. The motorcycle also comes with its own display stand to show it off with.

For the hobbyist, the front and rear spring suspension help give the radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle a smoother ride making it able to navigate slightly rough surfaces. The control has forward drive, left and right steering, and a brake. The motorcycle is powered by a 9.6 volt NiMH battery cartridge that takes about 4 hours to charge and lasts through 30 minutes of continuous use. The dual joystick controller takes 6 AA batteries for its power and has a range of about 100 feet.

For the racers out there, the radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle comes with an authentic belt drive and a counterweight system that keeps the bike upright. Its been reported to clock up to 30 mph, which is great on a straightaway but can cause your motorcycle to wipe out if you take a turn too fast. The different styles of the bike come in 49 or 27MHz so you can take it head to head with a second one.

For everyone, the radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1:3 scale comes in two models: the Fat Boy and the V-Rod, each one available in a couple of different color schemes. If the large size of the 1:3 scale isnt what you are looking for, New Bright also makes a 1:6 scale radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle that you may find more appealing.

These naturally dont have quite the detail of the 1:3 scale, but they do come with their own mix of realistic features. They have start-up, rev, and horn sounds and the frame sits at about 16 long. The radio control has forward, left, and right steering. The bike is powered by a 6-volt rechargeable battery pack.

Still too big? You may want to check out the mini radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle. This one measures 4 long and comes in the Road King, V-Rod, Fat Boy, Softail Deuce, and Police models. The control has a 10 radius and works in forward, reverse, right, and left. The motorcycle recharges in 45 seconds on a stand, which looks like an old-fashioned gas pump, and the charge lasts about 6 minutes. The bike charger requires 3AA batteries and the controller takes 3AAA.

Small, medium, or large, theres a radio control Harley Davidson motorcycle out there just waiting to be taken for a spin!