Saturday, January 5, 2008

Jot Down Your RC Car's Numbers


Think of the most important tool you need for your RC car both on and off track. If you answered the motor, tires or battery then you didn’t get it right. Perhaps, the mentioned objects have their own designated purpose and task for a remote controlled car but for the hobbyist itself, a pen and paper are two of the greatest tools ever.

Really, the pen and paper are the useful when dealing with RC cars. There is no joke here since listing down the numbers of your RC car is the subject; nothing else can do it better. Have you ever thought of experimenting before? If you have, surely you have also thought of writing down everything you discover, right? This is actually the same point why securing a written record of your RC car and its performance is very important.

Regardless RC cars, trucks, planes and buggies are customized or not; they all have individual standard measurement. Along the way, you will need to change some parts of your RC car to make it run faster and perform better. It can be the tires, the distance from the main body, the height and others. Elements such as the batteries, caster, running temperatures and many others are also important in the performance of your RC car.

If you still can’t see why writing down these things are extremely important in having RC cars as a hobby; try to imagine a time you test-drive your RC car down a rough path you are not familiar with (granting you haven’t written down the numbers of your RC car and performance for that particular time of the day), when a huge rock came rolling down the hill and missed your RC car by centimeters. Pretend the rear part has been altered from its original state. How do you solve this problem?

The point is, anything that can significantly affect your RC car’s performance is important in improving it. So, for the scenario given above (although we’re not saying that it will likely happen), if you have put your entire RC car’s numbers in to writing, it wouldn’t be such a big problem. All you have to do is turn to your record, and replace everything damaged according to what you have taken note of.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.

Cleaning RC Cars After the Rain


The rainy days can either be fun or not. When you have your RC car, truck or plane out in the pavement, track or field, the last thing that you need is for the heavens to pour its water over you. But don't blame the heavens if it rain. For all you know, rain can be a good thing for other people. The point in racing RC cars is that keeping it in good condition at all times, no matter the weather, is a top responsibility by the owner.

Keeping a good performing RC car is not very hard to do. Though it can take most of your time for doing it, if you look at your work in the end, you won't regret it in any way. There are several things which you need to check on, and this concerns the wheels because it is in contact to the wet ground. The front spindles should be checked first and if there is any slop on the wheels, clean it out. Checking also the tightness of the wheels after it got wet is important. Check the wheels, shake it and if you think its loose, go ahead and pad or shim it then replace if necessary.

As for cleanliness, check the ball stud or also called the ball cup for any excess dirt. This is the part of your RC car that keeps a lot of unnecessary dirt and when it rains, it doesn't make your cleaning job any easier. Since dust, heat and rain wears this part of your RC car, you might want to check this area regularly and see if its needed for replacement.

Since there are parts of your car that are made out of plastic and metal, be concerned with the plastic made parts more. They are prone to easy wear, tear and cracks. Replace any part that are in this condition. The metal parts are not an exception, do check them as well.

When you check all these, you wouldn't be worried much of your next race or run outside – even if it rains.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.

What Is The Best Radio Controlled Car Model?

There are a lot of radio controlled cars (RCs) and a lot of RC aficionados out there. Across the United States, there are hundreds of RC competitions of all kinds, attracting both young and adults. The RC industry is one that does not look to be out of business in a while.

As such, RC manufacturers are trying to outdo one another by trying to come up with innovations relating to their products. This translates into totally new RC models that are said to be faster, sturdier, and more powerful in general. To the RC competitor, that is music to his ears. However, the question remains, what exactly are the best RC models out there?

There really isn't a perfect model that would fit all of the details that an RC owner would want. If you are a competitor and want speed, then the model for you would be one powered by fuel instead of the electric-powered ones. The top speeds reached by gas-powered RCs would be far higher than one powered by an electric motor.

However, the disadvantage that a gas-powered RC would bring up is its high maintenance. Gas RCs produce internal dirt that requires constant cleaning, also to maintain high performance and to lessen breakdowns.

Also, due to the high speeds that are brought about by gas-powered RCs, crashes are likely to happen, and we know that high speed crashes result in disaster.

Maintenance is the advantage of an electric-powered RC model. They don't require as much maintenance as gas-powered RCs, since they don't have an internal combustion system.

Even though not much maintenance is required, they tend to last longer than gas-powered models, since they don't experience as much wear and tear with a lightweight vehicle, a motor, and electric batteries.

If you're after speed, then the big truck models are not for you, as they are more suited for rough terrain racing. What would be best is to get a gas-powered lightweight vehicle in order to achieve a lot of straight line speed.

Likewise, a lightweight vehicle is not fit to go on the rough terrain since it normally has small wheels and a lower body that would only be damaged should you attempt to use it.

The best RC models are the ones that are suited to the type of racing you desire to participate in. If you're simply going to buy one for a hobby, try to get an all-terrain RC with speed, like a Cyclone, which is like an all-purpose vehicle.

Friday, January 4, 2008

How to Select Rc Toys

If you’re new to the world of RC toys, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. There are thousands of different selections you can make, and it is truly annoying to purchase an RC toy and to have it not be what you are looking for. Here is a guide to help you choose the type of RC toys that will make you, or anyone that you are buying for, extremely happy with your choices!
Choosing RC Airplanes/Helicopters
The first question most people as is, "Do RC airplanes and helicopters really fly?" If they’re good RC airplanes or RC helicopters, they absolutely do! There are remote control planes and helicopters available to purchase at all different prices, so figure out who you’re buying for. If you’re buying for a young child, make sure you purchase a helicopter or airplane that has an easy-to-use controller. You may want to stick to the helicopters for young children, as they are generally easier to control than airplanes are. If you’re buying for someone who knows what they’re doing, you may have to spend a bit more, or find something that is different than they have. Look for really small specimens, really large ones, or, if they have a large collection, ones that remind you of the collection they currently have.
RC Tanks
All little boys love to play with tanks, and big boys do as well! RC tanks are a huge hit with just about anyone. RC tanks can range in price, so try shopping around your budget. Some tanks have turrets that move and are actually able to fire small shells. Others, usually on the more expensive end, actually smoke very realistically. RC tanks are usually a slam dunk for any RC toy lover!
RC Cars
And now for the meat and potatoes of the RC toy world! RC cars are great toys for anyone, man, woman, or child, that loves to play around with toys. RC cars range from racing style cars, to realistic style cars, to completely fantastical cars! When it comes to choosing an RC car, think about who you’re buying the car for. If you are buying for someone young, you may not want to spend a fortune, as they will probably be fairly hard on the car. Also, you might want to look for cars that run as well outside as they do inside. For the older crowd, look for RC cars that suit their style. If they love racing and Nascar, grab a racing car. If they like high-end vehicles, look for a realistic style RC car.
With a little time, and a little thought, you can choose RC toys for everyone in your family, from the youngest to the oldest, and you may even choose to pick out a new toy for yourself! Visit HobbyMega.com for the best it RC toy selection.
Author: David Done

Electric Rc Cars

Initially, for beginners, there are two types of RC cars or models to choose from. Mainly, the engine has two classifications and it’s the electric versus nitro powered cars. The difference between the two is evident in the performance of the cars, but; the benefit depends on the preference of the person owning it. There can be certain advantages to a person if he opt for the nitro powered ones but there can also be obvious benefits to the other person who chose the electric powered models. Either way, if you’re confused about the advantages and disadvantages of the two; be sure you have thought about what you really want to get before settling for a choice.
What about electric RC cars? Generally, cars running electrically are great for people who have just started RC cars as a hobby. In terms of location where to use electrical RC cars, there is a great advantage because it’s not as noisy as the ones running on nitro. Speed is generally fast as well though not as fast as the nitro RC cars.
In terms of power, electric RC cars require batteries. It’s best to use rechargeable ones and make sure you have a spare. Running time lasts for about 10 minutes; while the other battery is being used on the car, you can charge the spare one since charging time takes about 20-30 minutes. The rechargeable batteries can be charged from a 12-volt car battery or directly from the wall socket.
Another reason why electric cars are easy to handle especially for the beginners is that the maintenance of the car is easier compared on nitro cars. With electric RC cars, you only need to make sure you have a good set of quality rechargeable batteries and battery charger. Although initially, buying these requirements is going to cost you much or almost the same as the cost of a nitro car, you’ll be able to save in the long run as long as you take care of the batteries and charger. Cleaning is also a breeze with these models so it’s even less the hassle but still maintains great power at the same time.

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.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Tips On How To Maintain Your Radio-Controlled 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.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Tips In Repairing Radio Controlled Cars

When a person buys a car from a dealer, the only way to make the vehicle last for 5 years or longer is through proper care. This can be done visually or brought to the shop after reaching a certain mileage for preventive maintenance.

The same thing but in a smaller scale is done for radio controlled cars. This should be done after each run that will usually take 30 minutes to an hour.

Here are a few tips on repairing radio controlled cars.

1. First, a visual inspection should be made over the entire vehicle. This will make it easy for the person to identify any cracks, leaks or broken parts that have to be glued or replaced.

2. Radio controlled cars using batteries should be disconnected and recharged. Those that use oil should be drained to prevent condensation to build up inside that could damage the engine.

3. The suspension of most radio controlled cars endures a lot of beating after engaging in hair pin turns, long jumps and various terrains. A person can make sure this is still in good condition by pressing on that section of the vehicle and by adding oil to the shocks.

4. The jumps and spins may also cause some screws to come loose over time. The individual should have a screw driver nearby to tighten them. Those that appear secure should be given a coat of thread locking compound to make sure they stay in place.

5. Radio controlled cars use rubber tires. After a few spins, they will develop some cuts and gashes which occur due to the quality of the road. If these are no longer able to maintain a good grip on the road, the individual should have them replaced at once with new ones from the hobby store.

6. If some paint has chipped off or holes have developed around the radio controlled car, the hobbyist can fix them using some paint and a pack of glue.

Once all of these are done, it is time to end the maintenance check using some paper towels and a toothbrush. These will be used to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated in the undercarriage or in those hard to reach places of the radio controlled car.

The radio controlled car is a not just a toy but a machine that requires a lot of maintenance. A person must learn how to take care of it to be able to enjoy playing with it every time it is taken to the race track.