Getting Started In The RC Car Hobby

Getting Started In The RC Car Hobby
The Radio Control car hobby can be great fun. You get the feel of
driving a car or truck like you could never drive your real car.
Beginners usually begin with an electric RC truck or car and they love
being totally in control of a fully functional scale model that is just
waiting for your next command.
To enjoy this hobby, it is important to know the various type of options
available to pursue your hobby. The most popular type of R/C car is
the Off-Road Buggy. Big tires with "knobby" spikes, full-travel
suspension parts and a high ground clearance allow the off-roader to
go almost anywhere. They come with either two-wheel drive (2WD) or
four-wheel-drive (4WD), and reach speeds of 15-30 mph. On-Road
cars usually have lower ground clearances, slicks tires, aerodynamic
bodies, and are capable of a bit higher speeds.
RC Cars use two different kinds of energy sources to make them go .
The source can be either electric or fuel. Cars that run on battery
packs are electric cars. They use a rechargeable NiCad battery pack for
power. They can run up to 10 minutes and can be recharged in about
15 minutes. Nitro cars are actually powered by a small engine that
burns a special glow fuel. Some can reach speeds of over 50 mph.
You can choose to make your own car or to buy one that is ready for
get – set – go. These cars are identified as RTR (ready – to – run)
which come with installed radio system or ATR (Almost – ready – to –
run). ATR models need to have the radio systems etc installed into
them.
If you are new to the hobby, you will probably want to select from
models that are RTR. This helps you enjoy the hobby more than
getting into the technical details. Such pre-built models are also
preferred by “backyard” drivers. Kits that need building up are
suggested for older hands who have been into the hobby for
sometime. The advantage to building a kit yourself is that you will
know how to repair any possible damage. These kits are opted by
racers bent upon winning organized competitions and showing off their
models on the tracks and hitting the tracks hard. Although building a
kit rather than buying prebuilt does require extra time, there are
advantages. You'll gain a expert understanding of how your machine
works, which comes in handy when performing maintenance and
tuning.
A 2-channel Radio system is also required to control your RC Car. If
you chose an electric car, you will also need a battery pack, preferably
NiCad, and a charger. Buying the car, radio, battery and charger
together is preferable as you get all the compatible parts and save
money too.
The speed of the model depends upon the energy source it uses.
Although nitro (gas) cars have more power and speed, electric models
are the best choice for beginners who want to get the "feel" of
operating an RC Car before moving up to the faster gas cars. After
mastering the skills of the hobby you can always upgrade to a faster
electric model or gas model.
Some other requirements to pursue the hobby are to have a well –
equipped tool box with ordinary tools such as screwdrivers, nut
drivers, pliers and the like.