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.
Oct 27, 2008
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!
(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!
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!
(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.
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
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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.
(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!
(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!
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