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RC Toy FAQ
Radio/Remote Controlled Hobby/Toy FAQ
This information for radio controlled models will be helpful to any newcomers/beginners to the world of R/C toys, irrespective whether their interest is in RC Cars, RC Boats, RC Planes, RC Tanks or RC Helicopters.
If you are just starting out with R/C (radio controlled) flying, RC racing, or just thinking about it, be sure to read this page, which will be useful to you in your hobby. This RC FAQ contains answers to some of the common questions that you might have with regards to your radio control product.
If you're curious about radio controlled toys/toyz or have a RC related question which is not covered in this page, please fill the form in the Contact Us page with the relevant details and submit your query. A member of our team will be in touch with you to assist you.
We have tried to address general questions a beginner might have but please remember, no amount of FAQ reading can substitute for an instructor!
Please note that this RC FAQ/Tips does not replace the user guide that you get with your product.
Please click a topic below
General battery information and charging guide
More batteries are damaged by bad charging methods than all other causes combined.
NiMH battery (Nickel-Metal Hydride battery):
The average charging time for the NiMH battery is about 1.5 - 2 hours. When you are charging always pay attention and make sure not to overcharge the battery. Proper charging of NiMH batteries is important to optimize performance in any product. For a fully discharged NiMH battery, an approximate charge time can be calculated using the following formula:
Battery mAh capacity X 120% ÷ mA charge rate = hours of charge.
The battery capacity can be found on the battery label. The charge rate of the charger can be found on the product datasheet.
Li-ion battery (Lithium-ion battery):
There is only one way to charge lithium-based batteries. The so-called 'miracle chargers', which claim to restore and prolong batteries, do not exist for lithium chemistries. Neither does super-fast charging apply. Manufacturers of lithium-ion cells have very strict guidelines in charge procedures and the pack should be charged as per the manufacturers "typical" charge technique.
Lithium-ion is a very clean system and does not need priming as nickel-based batteries do. The 1st charge is no different to the 5th or the 50th charge. Stickers instructing to charge the battery for 8 hours or more for the first time may be a leftover from the nickel battery days.
Most cells are charged to 4.20 volts with a tolerance of +/?0.05V/cell. Charging only to 4.10V reduced the capacity by 10% but provides a longer service life. Newer cell are capable of delivering a good cycle count with a charge to 4.20 volts per cell.
LiPo, Li-Poly battery (Lithium-ion polymer battery):
Lithium Polymer or Lithium Ion cells offer many advantages for the model flier. Their small size and light weight makes them ideal for use in electric models, and they are an ideal companion for brushless motors. Because they are small, they will fit in models that would previously take a low voltage and small amperage NiCad. The lighter weight means lower wing loading on the wings, improving low speed handling, the aerobatic performance and higher top speeds. So a training model will be easier to take off and land, and will fly better and a performance model will be better in all respects, with easier manoeuvres. The model will also have less kinetic energy to dissipate in the event of a mishap, so it is likely to be less severely damaged.
However, these batteries do present some dangers, and care must be taken with them, more care than NiCads. Some investment is required to buy a suitable charger, a wattmeter and balancing unit, and the cost of the battery itself is normally higher, although the costs are coming down as the technology improves.
The dangers are minimal if suitable precautions are taken as outlined in this page, and the benefits are considerable.
Safety Tips - LiPo batteries
Charging
• Be absolutely sure that the Lithium Polymer charger settings are correct for the battery pack being charged – both voltage and current settings
• Care should be taken to charge on a fireproof surface, such as brick.
• Do not charge batteries near flammable items or liquids
• Keep a dry fire extinguisher nearby - or a large bucket of dry sand, which is a cheap and effective extinguisher.
• Do not charge inside an automobile, especially while driving
• Batteries should NEVER be left unattended while charging
The charge voltage of a lithium cell goes down with temperature. At room temperature the charge voltage is 4.2V, at near freezing it is about 4.1V. If you charge at room temperature fully and then take the pack on a winter’s day to the flying field (or store it) and its temperature gets down to 10deg C or less it will may "puff" because it will be overcharged at this temperature! Better to charge to 80% (4.1v/cell) or run the battery down a bit on a cold day or putting in storage.
Handling Caution - LiPo batteries
New cells may have a high initial charge, and care must always be taken to insure that loose cells are not short circuited. Please:
• Do not put the loose cells in a pocket, bag, or drawer where they could short-circuit against other items, or the battery tabs could be pressed against each other.
• Do not place the loose cells on any conductive surface, such as a metal-topped table.
• Keep loose cells and battery packs WELL out of reach of children!
• Buy pre-assembled packs from an authorized dealer, rather than assembling packs from loose cells. You need specialist solders to connect onto the cell ends anyway
• Take care that the cells are not punctured, especially by metallic objects like hobby knives.
• If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and water. If in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention for this, or for burns.
• Although environmentally friendly, lithium polymer cells must be FULLY discharged before disposal. Use a resistor setup (light bulbs, for example) to accomplish this, to avoid the possibility of a short-induced fire after disposal.
• A punctured pack may be left OUTDOORS in salt water for 2 days to discharge.
General Do's and Don’ts for rechargeable batteries
Do's
DO follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully for battery storage and care, and don’t overcharge batteries.
DO charge on a surface that cannot catch fire
DO charge your battery at room temperature (68°F to 72°F) to extend battery life. Batteries get warm during charging and use—this is normal. As a precaution, most batteries and chargers are designed to protect against overheating.
DO remember to recharge your battery a few hours before you want to use it. Rechargeable batteries lose a percentage of their charge each day when left off the charger.
DO keep battery contact surfaces clean by gently rubbing with a clean pencil eraser, cloth or rubbing alcohol. Dirty contact points are a primary source of charging challenges.
DO use only chargers designed for your type of batteries. If unsure about compatibility, contact the product manufacturer.
Don'ts
DON’T charge on carpets, paper or any other surfaces that can catch fire
DON’T leave your rechargeable batteries discharged or unused for extended periods of time. To extend battery life, charge them at least every 6-9 months.
DON’T recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked “rechargeable.” Attempting to recharge a primary (non-rechargeable) battery could result in leakage or rupture.
DON’T use rechargeable batteries in chargers that are not designed for the specific battery type.
RTF / ARR / ARF / Ready-to-Run / Ready-to-Fly / Preassembled
In the world of radio controlled vehicles, RTR usually stands for ready-to-run/race. It means there is little or no assembly required to operate the RC product. An RTR vehicle may only require installing batteries in the controller and charging the battery pack. For hobby-grade RC models there may be a few more steps involved - such as attaching the body - but the vehicle doesn't require major assembly.
The meaning is essentially the same, but RTR can also stand for ready-to-ride and ready-to-race. Similarly, RTF for ready-to-fly would apply to airplanes and helicopters. For vehicles that might require a small amount of assembly or the purchase of additional parts but don't have to be built from the ground up, the terms ARR (almost-ready-to-run/race) or ARF (almost-ready-to-fly) might be used.
RC Vehicle terminology from A-Z
Abbreviations used by Radio Control (RC) enthusiasts. Terms used in Radio Controlled Vehicles:
#Numbers:
2.4GHz
RC frequency without interference
27MHz
Radio frequency used in RC vehicles
49MHz
Toy RC frequency
50MHz
Frequency for ham radio operators with RCs...
72MHz
RC aircraft frequency
75MHz
Frequency for some RC vehicles
A:
Actual Speed
How fast an RC goes...
Actuator
A little hinge for lightweight control...
Adverse Yaw
Drag on the ailerons of aircraft create adverse yaw that can make an airplane go against the turn...
After-Burn Oil
Used after burning nitro gas to lubricate the piston...
Aileron
Ailerons are both a part on an airplane and a term describing specific control or movements of RC aircraft...
Airboat
Boat above the water...
Anodized
A process that increases the thickness of the surface of metal parts on an RC.
Antenna
Transmits and receives radio signals...
Antenna Cap
Goes on the end of the antenna tube...
Antenna Tube
Protects the receiver antenna...
Armature
Rotating magnet in the can...
B:
Bait Boat
RC for the fisherman...
Ballooned
Battery blow-up?
Banked Turn
A sloped turn...
Bashing
Racing without rules...
Battery Pack
A group of rechargeable battery cells...
Berm
Backside of a banked turn...
Big Block
A big engine...
Body Mounting Post
Hold the body to the chassis...
Break-in
Getting the engine ready to run all out...
Brushed Motor
Electric motors with little brushes inside...
Brushless Motor
Motor with magnets no brushes...
Bulkhead
Mounting bracket for the suspension...
Bump Start
Bump the flywheel to start the nitro engine...
C:
Centre of Gravity
How low your RC goes...
CG
How low your RC goes...
Channel
In the RC hobby, channel has two meanings, both somewhat related to the transmitter.
Chassis
Frame of an RC...
Collective
The collective controls the pitch of the main rotor blades collectively and moves the helicopter up and down...
Control Line Flying
Flying model airplanes without a radio...
Control Surfaces
Control surfaces are parts RC aircraft that affect flying and movement.
Controller
Device that sends radio signals to the radio receiver...
Corner Marshal
Helps keep RCs on the track...
Cotter Pin
Tiny clips for RC bodies...
Crosstalk
Scrambling of radio signals...
Crystal
Part of hobby-grade vehicles set with a specific frequency...
Cyclic Controls
Changes to the tilt of the main rotors on a helicopter are cyclic controls...
Cyclic Pitch
Cyclic pitch makes the helicopter dive or climb...
Cyclic Roll
Cyclic roll makes a helicopter bank or roll to the left or right...
D:
Deep-Vee
V-shaped monohull...
Differential
Helps an RC around a turn...
Displacement
A measure of engine size...
Drifting
Powersliding again and again...
Drivers' Stand
Where RC drivers stand during a race...
Drivetrain
Gives the RC car motion when power is applied...
Dynamic Diving System
One way a sub goes underwater...
E:
E-Clip
Fasteners for cylinders...
Electric
RC that runs off a battery pack...
Electric Start
Use an electric motor to start a nitro engine...
Electronic Speed Controller
Regulates power to the motor...
Elevator
Going up? Use the elevator. On RC aircraft the elevator controls make the vehicle climb or dive...
Elevons
Elevons help with turns, ascents, and descents on Delta-wing RC airplanes...
Engine
Electric, Gas or nitro-fueled power...
ESC
Regulates power to the motor...
F:
Fail Safe
A way to avoid the problems associated with frequency interference...
Flat-Bottom
The shape of the hull on airboats...
Foam Inserts
Go inside tires on an RC...
Frequency
Specific radio signal sent from the transmitter to the receiver...
G:
Glitch
An oopsie...
Glow Engine
Engines with a glow plug...
Glow Plug Warmer
Used to heat the glow plug...
Glow Plug
Similar to a spark plug...
Glow Starter
Used to heat the glow plug...
H:
Hairpin
A sharp turn...
HO Scale
Not just for model trains...
Hobby-Grade
Upgradeable, customizable, more expensive than toy RCs...
Hop-up
Upgrade or improve appearance or performance...
Hydroplane
Hull design for fast boats...
Hygroscopic
It attracts water...
I:
IFMAR
Association promoting professional championship RC racing...
Infrared
Controlled by beams of light...
Inner Foams
Foam inside the tires...
Inrunner
A type of electric motor...
Interference
Scrambling of radio signals...
J:
Jump
A way to go airborne with an RC car or truck...
K:
-
L:
Lexan
Trademark for a type of plastic used for RC bodies...
Linkage
What links the servo to the part it controls...
M:
Megahertz
Measurement used to describe radio frequencies...
MHz
An abbreviation for megahertz...
Mods
Customized reconstruction...
Moguls
Little bumps in the road...
Monohull
One hull, generally v-shaped...
Monster Truck
Style of RC truck with oversized tires, heavy-duty suspension...
Motor
How electric RCs run...
N:
Nitro
Fuel that contains the fuel additive nitromethane...
O:
Off-road
RC vehicles such as 4x4s, dune-buggies, and monster trucks...
Off-Road Tire
A tire that likes the dirt...
P:
Pan Chassis
A frying pan on wheels?
Peak Charger
Battery charger that detects drop in voltage and adjusts...
Pinion Gear
Little gear on the motor...
Preassembled
RC that is completely put together and requires no assembly...
Proportional Control
A little or a lot of control depending on whether you move the stick or know a little or a lot...
Pull Prop
This prop helps to pull the plane through the air...
Pull Start
Much like the pull start mechanism on a lawnmower...
Push Prop
A push prop helps to push the plane through the air...
Q:
-
R:
Radio Control
Wireless communication over the airwaves...
Radio Controlled Vehicles
Scale model cars, trucks, and other vehicles that are controlled by a hand-held controller that sends radio signals...
RC
Radio controlled but can also mean remote controlled...
RCMV
RC for the Army?
RCV
A little used term...
Ready-to-Run
Little or no assembly required...
Receiver
Unit inside the RC vehicle that receives the signal from the transmitter...
Receiver Antenna
Receives radio signals from the transmitter...
Recoil Starter
Pull a cord and let it recoil to start the engine...
Remote Control
Controlling with radio signals, wires, or beams of light...
Rhythm Section
Jump after jump after jump...
Rim
What the tire goes on...
ROAR
US/Canadian non-profit corporation that supports the sport of radio controlled car racing...
RTR
Ready-to-run...
Rudder
The rudder turns the boat, plane, or helicopter...
S:
Scale
Size of an RC as compared to the real, full-size version...
Scale Model
Authentic details on a smaller scale...
Scale Speed
How fast it goes (sort of)...
Servo
Device that controls things like steering and speed...
Shaft Starter
Use a shaft and electric motor to turn the engine...
Slipper Clutch
Power regulator between the motor or engine and the drivetrain...
Slot Cars
Cars with controllers on a special track...
Spur Gear
Big gear that makes the RC go...
Stadium Truck
A monster buggy, perhaps?
Starter Box
Used to bump start a nitro engine...
Static Diving System
One way that RC subs dive...
Step-Up Jump
A couple of jumps...
Straightaway
A stretch of track with no curves...
Straights
A straight stretch of track...
Suspension
Shocks and springs...
Sweep
A gentle curve...
T:
Tabletop
A flat topped hill for jumping...
Tail
The tail wags the helicopter. Acting like the rudder on a plane or boat, the tail helps the helicopter stay on course...
Thread Lock
Used to stop vibration from loosening screws...
Throttle
When you 'give it the gas' you're applying more throttle...
Tire
Where the rubber meets the road...
Tire Bead
Where you glue the tires...
Tire Insert
Inside the tire...
Tire Wall
The side of the tire...
Toe Angle
Wheel tilt...
Toe-In
Pidgeon-toed RC...
Toe-Out
Duck feet on an RC...
Torque
A rotational force...
Torque Reaction
The equal and opposite reaction in Newton's Third Law of Motion as found in RC helicopters and airplanes...
Toy-Grade
Mass-market, electric RCs suitable for children and beginners...
Transmitter
Device that sends radio signals to the radio receiver...
Transmitter Antenna
Sends radio signals to the RC vehicle...
Truggy
A cross between a stadium truck and a buggy...
Turn Marshal
Helps keep RCs on the track...
Turnbuckle
Rod connected to wheels...
U:
Upgrade
To step up or improve either the performance or parts...
Unassembled
Has to be built from the ground up...
V:
-
W:
Washboard
Lots of little bumps...
Wheel
What the tire goes on...
Wheelie
Back tires on the ground, front tires off the ground...
Wheelie Bar
Provides stablity when popping a wheelie...
Whoop-de-do
Lots of little bumps...
Whoops
Lots of little bumps...
X:
-
Y:
Yaw
Yaw is unwanted movement around the vertical axis...
Z:
-
Beginner's Guide to RC Electric / Nitro Cars
Radio controlled cars come in three main categories:
• Electric radio controlled cars
• Nitro radio controlled cars
• Petrol radio controlled cars
Determining factor when selecting a radio controlled car, is where you're going to drive/race it. On-road and touring cars are suitable for smooth surfaces like asphalt, paved and carpeted roads. These cars are built for speed and have a very low clearance making them struggle on uneven surfaces. On-road cars look fantastic, styled upon actual life cars and there is a huge selection of cars to choose from. On-road RC cars consist of the fairly new category of RC Drifting.
RC Electric Drift Car Video Tutorial
Off-Road cars have taller suspension, a lot more ground clearance, and as a result the capability to go exactly where on-road cars cannot. Off-road cars consist of vehicles like Buggies, Short-Course Vehicles, Rock Crawlers, Monster Vehicles/Trucks and Truggies. These cars are created to race about on tough terrain, and provide a entire new element for the hobby of rc racing.
Regardless of whether you're likely to acquire a nitro or an electrical RC vehicle is an additional query that you should ask yourself. Electrical powered cars are a lot easier and need much less upkeep than the nitro RC cars. You should merely charge the batteries and race the vehicle. Only minor adjustments are necessary. Suggested for many beginners and customers who just wish to get the model out of the box and begin racing immediately. With electrical rc models there may be brushed and brushless motors. Electrical radio controlled cars are simpler to use. The brand new brushless RC cars are as fast the nitro powered rc cars.
RC Electric Car Video Tutorial
Nitro rc car is another kind of radio controlled RC vehicle, but it is operated by nitro fuel. These generally used to be custom made rc cars. You will require to assemble it and put it together but these days, you are able to purchase ready to run or race nitro powered cars (RTR - but some models do require some checking over). A lot of the time RTR nitro vehicles are in pre tuned and are great for racing without a lot of adjustments. Nitro engines permit model cars to reach extremely remarkable speeds, withhigher speeds than electric cars.
Nitro RC Cars and buggies are named because of the special kind of fuel that provides them fantastic power. If got a need for speed and power from your RC vehicle then you should purchase a nitro powered rc car. The fantastic status of nitro powered rc cars and trucks is due not just to their speed, but can also be simply because with the realism they provide like smoke, sound and scent from the exhaust (just like the actual thing!). Since of late the quality of nitro rc cars have significantly improved.
You will find four primary characteristics of a nitro powered rc vehicle:
• Special nitro fuel
• High horsepower
• Exhaust pipe
• Realistic and replaceable air filter.
There are 2 different power sources which are required for the nitro RC car, starting with battery packs for the transmitter and receiver. The car itself, as the name suggests, really does use gasoline as its fuel (oil and gasoline mixture), which is much like a real car. There are 2 kinds of nitro engines: the 2 stroke and the 4 stroke engine. The more popular 2 stroke engine is similar to the kind of engine found inside motor cycles. This type of engine has no separate oil reservoirs, so the oil that lubricates it is included in the fuel mixture. On the other hand, the less popular 4 stroke engine does have an oil reservoir and therefore depends less on a fuel/oil mixture for lubrication.
You’ll need a starter for the engine, of which there are two types:
• A pull-start nitro engine
• Or a non-pull nitro engine
The pull start nitro engines cost a little more, but you don't have to buy a starter box and it's less you have to carry around to run your vehicle. Just take it out, pull on the starter, and you're ready to go! Be sure to check your instructions to choose a starter that’s right for your car.
To keep your nitro RC running at its best, constant maintenance is necessary. This includes keeping the engine clean and well-tuned, setting it up correctly and using good clean fuel. As well, if you’re running your RC off-road (buggy, truck or truggy), you’ll need to make certain it is properly cleaned after you run it, otherwise dirt and grit can slow down or even ruin your engine. Any special procedures particular to your car will be outlined in your owner’s manual. Remember that your engine will only run as well as you treat it, so take great care of it, and you’ll never have trouble on the race track.
RC Nitro Car Video Tutorial
Radio controlled model planes have been a dream that previously required a lot of dedication and a large wallet. This have however changed in recent years, due to technological advances making it possible to produce advanced electronics, kits and simulators at an affordable price. Many products are designed in a such way that you can use them in narrow spaces like backyards and school gyms.
Types of models. Perhaps the most difficult part of the hobby is choosing which airplane to buy. So many planes are available today that it's easy to get confused. Backyard-flyer models fall into three basic groups: builder's kits, where the airplane has to be built; almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) kits that require only a little assembly; and ready-to-fly (RTF) kits that require almost no assembly. A benefit of RTFs is that they are often available as a package deal that includes all the required hardware and radio gear.
The basic builder's kits are less expensive than ARF or RTF kits but require the additional purchases of model glue, basic tools, covering material and the power system and radio gear. If you enjoy building things and are looking for a project that will last a few weeks, then this is for you. You should be comfortable reading a plan and following instructions. You'll need a designated small work area with a table or workbench; cutting and gluing the pieces that make up an RC model can be a little messy, so it shouldn't be done on the kitchen table.
If you have never done any RC Airplane stuff we recommend you start out with one of our cheap and inexpensive RC planes just to get a feel for things. This also better for your wallet. Just think of this first RC plane as an investment in learning. Once you have gotten your feet wet and have leant a few things you can start to expand your hobby and upgrade to something a little more serious.
Flight Simulators
A very good learning tool for any RC pilot is an RC flight simulator computer program. Advances in personal computers and microprocessors have enabled simulators (sims) to evolve to a very high degree of realism. Although not a total replacement for real-world flight training, virtual training in the comfort of home does help teach the student pilot's thumbs and eyes to work together. Because of his practice at home, when the student goes to the flying field and has a radio in his hands, he will react more quickly. Less “think time” means more time to correct for piloting errors. Another advantage of flight sims is that they extend the flying season for those who live in cooler climates. You can “fly” all winter long and never leave the house.
RC Plane Video Tutorials
Beginner's Guide to RC Helicopters
1 Channel = Up/Down only
2 Channels = Up/Down and Left/Right
3 Channels = Up/Down, Left/Right and Forward/Backward
4 Channels = Up/Down, Left/Right, Forward/Backward and Tilt Left/Right
6 Channels = Same as 4 Channel but with added giro and invert functionality
Electric RC Helicopters
Electric rc helicopters are becoming cheaper and more accessible to everyone because of Li-po batteries and brushless motors. The new ranges of medium-sized electric helicopters are perfect for beginners and people new to the hobby; a great introduction and also being capable of more advanced manoeuvres as you learn. Morden electric rc helicopter models are now proving a match for the nitro helicopters that once dominated the hobby.
Small RC Helicopters
Our range of small rc electric helicopters are perfect for indoor use (most models can be flown outdoors in calm conditions!) The 3 CH Syma S026 Chinook is the perfect beginner’s helicopter, with stable flight it provides a great introduction to flying helicopters. Its co-axial twin rotor blades provide excellent stability, allowing you to learn the basics whilst enjoying the experience.
Easy to Fly RC Helicopters
With rc helicopters becoming more accessible and easier to fly; we have a large range of easy to fly helicopters. Easy to fly helicopters range from the less expensive indoor models such as the 3 CH Syma S026 Chinook, all the way to our more expensive models. So if you are a beginner looking for an easy to fly helicopter - look no further!
Kit RC Helicopters
Kit RC helicopters require assembly, this means you should expect to spend a few hours building and setting the electronics up. The helicopter kit is for the flyers who want uncompromised performance and quality to take the hobby to the highest level.
RC Helicopter Video Tutorials
RC Helicopter Video Tutorial - Part 1
RC Helicopter Video Tutorial - Part 2
RC Helicopter Video Tutorial - Part 3
Driving RC remote / radio controlled tanks is a hobby activity that is becoming more popular as these grown up toys become more affordable and simple to use. This article will give you some ideas about how a remote controlled tank is operated.
Choose a tank. Realistic scale models of many different tanks are available, from the old Tigers and Shermans of World War II, to the most modern mobile armor in the world today. They range in price from cheap to several hundred, depending on the features and quality of your selection.
Find a suitable location for your outing. Firm clean ground with some contours and plenty of open space is your best choice for learning the ropes of this sport. Grass and weeds can jam the tracks of your vehicle, and soft, sandy soil will cause trouble with the gears that drive them.
Charge your batteries. This step doesn't apply to fuel operated RC vehicles, and this topic focuses on electrically operated models. For vehicles with Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries, make sure the first charge is complete before disconnecting the charger. Note that some RC vehicles operate on alkaline batteries, typically AA size, but because they use a lot of power, buying rechargeable batteries in the appropriate size is recommended for these, also.
Install the battery in the remote controller. These are usually 9 volt transistor batteries, and because the power drain on the controller is relatively small, using a quality, disposable battery for this purpose is not cost prohibitive.
Set your tank in a level, open area. This will allow you to get the feel for the controls. Most tank controllers have two small joysticks for steering, and they may take a little getting used to.
Push the steering/drive controls forward slowly at the same time. The tank should begin to roll along. Operate in a straight line for a little while to get the hang of straight travel and to develop a sense of the vehicle's speed. Many of these travel at deceptively fast speeds.
Turn the tank by pulling the joystick on the side you are turning toward back, doing so slowly to begin with. This should cause the track on turning side to travel at a slower speed than the opposite track, causing the tank to begin to turn. Pulling the stick back beyond the neutral point on the control will cause that track to counter-rotate, spinning the tank in a realistic motion. Pulling both sticks backward at the same time will cause the tank to reverse its direction of travel.
Become familiar with the other functions of your tank. Most have a rotating turret, and may have separate joysticks for turning it, or two buttons, one for clockwise, the other, counter clockwise rotation.
Check other operations your tank can perform. Some fire laser beams for playing high-tech laser tag with other RC machines, some fire plastic shells or soft air bullets. Setting targets for these guns makes the process more interesting, and increases the skill you will acquire for your hobby.
Practice climbing and circumventing obstacles with your tank. Depending on the power of the drive motors, you may be able to climb steep grades, cross very rough terrain, or sprint quickly across open areas.
Clean the tank's tracks and gears when you are finished. Make sure all power switches are in the off position, and remove batteries so they can be recharged for the next outing.
Leave your battleground clean when you are finished. It is always preferable to leave it cleaner than you found it!
RC Tank Video Tutorial
This article was provided by wikiHow, a wiki building the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on how to drive an rc tank. Content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons License.
*How hard is it to operate a RC boat?
Operating an RC boat is relatively simple. Much like a rc car, there are only 2 channels to operate, the speed and the direction. Furthermore, there are fewer obstacles in the water making navigation much simpler, especially for beginners.
*Where can I use a RC boat?
Open spaces usually make the best environment for boating. However, RC boats can be used in pools, ponds and other water-filled locations.
*My RC boat does not always turn on
Many of our boats comes with a built-in safety feature, in which the motors do not operate unless the boat is in water. If you need to test the RC boat outside of water, simply touch the two motor rods with your fingers or something conductive.
*Can 2 or more boats operate at the same time?
You can use multiple boats at the same time as long as they are on different frequencies. Most boats come in 2 frequencies, although some come in 3-4.
RC Boat Video Demonstration/Tutorial
