RC Car Basics

How to Get Started in Radio Control Cars

Jul 11, 2009 Beverly Hill

RC cars and trucks is an exciting hobby allowing enthusiasts to pit there skills against each other. Whether its building RC cars or racing them, RC has it all.

RC, short for radio control, cars have come a long way over the decades.. Although beginners can start with a simple battery operated “toy-grade” RC car, there are also hobby-grade RC vehicles that incorporate a wide variety of advancements and features not found in lower end models. RC vehicles aren't limited to just cars; they can be trucks, tanks, boats, submarines, airplanes, and helicopters.

Hobby grade RC allows enthusiasts to completely customize a car from engine to tire. This is where hobbyists really shine.

Radio or Remote Control?

It's not as confusing as it seems. The majority of RC cars are radio controlled. Radio control is a wireless system utilizing an antenna to broadcast a radio signal from a controller to the vehicle. Remote control refers to those vehicles that have a wire connecting them to a handheld controller, usually “toy grade.”

RC Engines and Power Sources

There are two basic types of power for RC cars. Electric RC models operate off of a NiCd rechargeable battery pack, while Nitro/gas powered RC vehicles utilize a special fuel blend, sometimes referred to as “glow,” that allows them to reach amazing speeds, sometimes over 75 mph. Electric RC cars aren't quite as fast as the nitro cars, but they can still hit some pretty fast speeds.

When choosing an electric RC model, invest in two or three spare battery packs. This will allow the car to continue racing while another battery is charging. This is particularly useful when racing against other competitors.

After deciding which type of power system to go with, the next step is to decide on a ready-to-run (RTR) model, RC kit, or build it from scratch. The RTR is good choice for beginners and is available in electric and nitro. More experienced RC enthusiasts may find the kits and scratch builds easier to customize.

RC Racing

One of the best ways to see what an RC car can do is to attend one of the numerous RC car competitions. Enthusiasts compete for prizes in a variety of categories such as RC track and off-road racing, custom builds, and more. Large event competitions are also a great way to see new and emerging designs from the major producers of RC cars.

Other RC vehicles such as boats and airplanes have their own events as well. RC boat racing and RC air shows have their own followings and can be found all over the country. Check with a local hobby shop for information on upcoming events and nearby clubs. Clubs often host regular races and it's a great way to get started.

One of the best things about RC vehicles? While it might be difficult for someone to own their own full scale dream car, it is possible to create it for RC racing. Not only that, but the friends made through RC racing may be the same ones to help build it. Get started in RC today.

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